Hub Interface Circuit for Multi-Camera Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-camera surround view systems in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) face challenges with asynchronous camera operations, leading to increased frame memory requirements and latency in producing a composite bird's eye view image due to the need for independent timing circuitry in each camera.
Innovation Solution
A hub interface circuit connected to serial interface circuits, which transmits and encodes clock and frame sync signals, allowing cameras to synchronize image acquisition and data transfer, eliminating the need for crystal timing references and reducing frame memory in the image processor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If independent timing circuitry is used in each camera, then each camera can operate independently, but frame memory requirements increase and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the timing control function from individual cameras to a central hub interface circuit. The hub generates a single master clock signal that is distributed to all cameras through the serial interface circuits, eliminating the need for independent timing circuitry in each camera and reducing frame memory requirements while maintaining synchronized operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub interface circuit acts as an intermediary between the master clock source and the cameras. It receives the master clock signal and distributes it to all serial interface circuits, which then provide timing control to the cameras. This intermediary structure enables coordinated camera operation without requiring each camera to have its own independent timing circuitry.
2Adaptability or versatility
If independent timing circuitry is used in each camera, then each camera can operate independently, but latency in producing composite image increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all timing control into a single hub-based system with a master clock, the patent eliminates the time delays associated with independent camera timing circuits. The centralized clock distribution ensures all cameras operate on a synchronized timeline, reducing the latency required to produce the composite bird's eye view image.
3Reliability
If crystal timing references are used in each camera, then each camera has stable timing, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the crystal timing reference function from individual cameras and consolidates it into a single master clock source. The master clock signal is then distributed to all cameras through the hub interface circuit, eliminating the need for multiple crystal oscillators and timing references in each camera while maintaining timing stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple crystal timing references into a single centralized master clock system. The hub interface circuit receives the master clock signal and distributes it to all cameras, reducing device complexity by eliminating redundant timing circuitry while preserving reliable synchronized operation.
4Productivity
If frame memory is reduced in image processor, then processing speed increases, but synchronization precision must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through the serial interface circuits that receive timing control signals from the hub and transmit status information back to the hub. This feedback loop ensures that even with reduced frame memory, the system maintains precise synchronization by continuously monitoring and adjusting timing based on actual camera operation status.
Data Source
AI summary
A driver assistance system includes a first camera, a second camera, a first serial interface circuit, a second serial interface circuit, and a hub interface circuit. The first serial interface circuit is coupled to the first camera. The second serial interface circuit is coupled to the second camera. The hub interface circuit is coupled to the first serial interface circuit and the second serial interface circuit. The hub interface circuit is configured to receive transmissions from the first serial interface circuit and the second serial interface circuit, and to transmit control information to the first serial interface circuit and the second serial interface circuit. The hub interface is also configured to encode a clock signal in the control information.