Image Capture Device Clock Synchronization via Calibration Patterns
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Synchronizing visual content captured by multiple image capture devices after capture is difficult and time-consuming due to differences in clock times and capture aspects.
Innovation Solution
Preparatorily synchronizing image capture devices by obtaining capture aspect information, identifying matching patterns between devices, and using these patterns to align clock times, allowing for synchronized image capture based on specific capture durations and clock times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple image capture devices are used to capture visual content at or near the same time, then the quantity of visual content captured is increased, but the difficulty and time required to synchronize the captured content increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing calibration images before actual visual content capture. The system performs a synchronization calibration process where capture aspect information is obtained for each device, matching patterns are identified between devices, and clock time relationships are established in advance. This preliminary calibration creates a foundation that enables straightforward synchronization of subsequently captured content without requiring complex post-processing alignment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If clock times of multiple image capture devices are not aligned, then each device can operate independently, but the ability to synchronize captured content deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses calibration images as an intermediary element to bridge the time synchronization gap between devices with unaligned clock times. By capturing calibration images at known time points and identifying matching patterns between devices, the system establishes a reference framework that allows independent devices to be accurately synchronized during actual content capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the time reference parameter by establishing clock time relationships between devices through the calibration process. Instead of requiring devices to maintain identical clock times, the patent determines the time relationship between different clock times using matching patterns from calibration images, allowing flexible synchronization even when devices operate with different time references.
3Measurement precision
If synchronization calibration is performed before image capture, then time synchronization accuracy is improved, but the duration of the preparation process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by focusing the calibration process on specific capture aspects that are most critical for synchronization, such as position and acceleration patterns. Rather than attempting to calibrate all possible parameters, the system identifies and matches the most salient temporal patterns in the calibration images, achieving effective synchronization with minimal preparation time.
Data Source
AI summary
Before capture of images, capture aspects of image capture devices (e.g., movement of image capture devices, sounds around image capture devices, GPS times of image capture devices) may be used to identify matching clock times of the image capture devices. Start of image capture by the image capture devices may be restricted using the matching clock times to time-synchronize images captured by different image capture devices.