Image-Pickup Apparatus Bus Synchronization for Circuit Complexity Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image-pickup apparatuses with multiple sections face challenges in efficiently processing and transmitting images using a single processing system and transmission path, often leading to detection errors and increased complexity due to the need for multiple signal lines and concurrent operations.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a bus-based system where each image-pickup unit outputs specific patterns (starting, ending, and initial-setting patterns) to synchronize operations, allowing each unit to conduct sequential image pickup and processing without additional control signal lines, reducing circuit complexity and preventing detection errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple image-pickup sections are provided in one casing to pick up wide perspective images, then the coverage area is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple signal lines and processing systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple image-pickup sections into a single integrated system where all sections share common signal lines and processing circuits. Instead of providing separate signal lines for each image-pickup section, the invention combines them into a shared bus structure, thereby reducing the number of signal lines while maintaining the capability to handle images from multiple sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal processing circuits that can handle images from any of the multiple image-pickup sections. The same processing circuitry is used to process images from different sections sequentially, eliminating the need for dedicated processing systems for each section and thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Device complexity
If images from multiple image-pickup sections are transmitted through a single processing system, then the device complexity is reduced, but detection errors increase due to signal interference and timing conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by sequentially switching between different image-pickup sections in a time-division manner. Each section is activated in turn, and images are processed in sequence rather than simultaneously. This periodic switching eliminates signal interference and timing conflicts that would occur with concurrent operations, thereby maintaining high detection accuracy while using a single processing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring switching circuits and timing control mechanisms that prepare the system for sequential image acquisition. The switching circuit is pre-set to route signals from different image-pickup sections in a predetermined sequence, and timing signals are generated in advance to coordinate the operation of each section, preventing detection errors before they occur.
3Reliability
If sequential image pickup and processing is implemented using pattern detection, then the reliability is improved by preventing detection errors, but the use of energy increases due to continuous pattern monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring of synchronization patterns and timing signals to ensure reliable sequential operation. The system continuously checks for the presence of valid image data patterns and timing signals, enabling real-time detection of operational status. This continuous monitoring ensures high reliability by immediately detecting any deviations or errors in the sequential image acquisition process.
Data Source
AI summary
Image-pickup sections and an image-communicating/processing section 138 are connected by a single bus. Following the output of the image data, an output-controlling section in one of the image-pickup sections outputs an image-data-ending pattern, which indicates the end of outputting the image data, to a bus. An ending-pattern-detecting section in another image-pickup section detects the image-data-ending pattern, and outputs an image-pickup-operation-starting signal. The another image-pickup section starts an image-pickup operation and output of the image data based on the image-pickup-operation-starting signal.