Image Capturing Apparatus Time Code Synchronization via Delay Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capturing systems face challenges in synchronizing time codes across multiple video cameras during simultaneous imaging, leading to time code delays and inconsistencies when using SDI signals for external synchronization.
Innovation Solution
The system includes an image capturing apparatus with an image capturing unit and an output unit that add and synchronize time codes by providing delay information, allowing for accurate time code synchronization between master and slave cameras via SDI terminals, ensuring that time codes match for frames imaged at the same timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SDI signal is used for external synchronization between master and slave video cameras, then external synchronization of frames can be achieved, but time code delay occurs because the time code is delayed by the processing time in the master camera
Solution Approach 1:
The master camera performs preliminary measurement of its own processing delay time between image capture and SDI output. This delay time information is then transmitted to the slave camera in advance, allowing the slave camera to pre-calculate the appropriate time code adjustment needed to synchronize with the master camera's frames without experiencing actual delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the master camera's delay time information is continuously transmitted to the slave camera via the SDI signal. The slave camera uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust its time code generation, ensuring continuous synchronization even when processing conditions change.
2Productivity
If conventional SDI signal transmission is used, then video signal transmission can be achieved, but time code synchronization fails because the slave camera receives delayed time code information that does not match its current frame timing
Solution Approach 1:
The master camera calculates its processing delay time in advance and includes this information in the transmitted signal. The slave camera uses this preliminary information to proactively adjust its time code generation before synchronization errors can occur, rather than reacting to delays after they happen.
Solution Approach 2:
The delay time information acts as an intermediary element between the master and slave cameras. It mediates the time code synchronization by providing the slave camera with the necessary compensation data to align its time codes with the master camera's actual frame capture timing, bridging the gap caused by processing delays.
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus comprises: an image capturing unit configured to acquire a video signal including frames, and an output unit configured to output the video signal, a first time code for a time at which each frame of the video signal is acquired by the image capturing unit and information related to a second time code for a time at which each frame of the video signal is output by the output unit, to an external apparatus.