Image Sensor Chain Capability for Multi-Camera Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-camera systems are expensive due to the need for external controllers and processing hardware, which increases their footprint and cost, limiting their efficiency and accuracy in applications like stereo vision and barcode reading.
Innovation Solution
The system configures image sensors to operate independently of external controllers, embedding synchronization data and illumination control, allowing for a master/slave configuration that reduces the need for external digital computation and hardware, such as FPGAs, thereby minimizing system cost and footprint while enhancing synchronization and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external controllers and processing hardware (ASIC, FPGA, CPLD) are used to control image sensors and coordinate data, then system functionality and control capability are improved, but system cost and electronic footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control and processing functions from external controllers and relocates them directly into the image sensor devices themselves. Each image sensor includes an integrated controller that can independently control illumination devices, synchronize with other sensors, and process image data without requiring external ASIC, FPGA, or CPLD components.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensors are designed with multi-functional capabilities, serving both as imaging devices and as control units. The sensors can control illumination devices, synchronize with other sensors, process image data, and communicate with the host system, eliminating the need for separate dedicated control hardware.
2Productivity
If external processors and hardware are included to support image sensors, then system control and data processing capability are improved, but assembly cost and electronic footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the controller, illumination control circuitry, image processing functions, and sensor elements into a single integrated image sensor device. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external processors and support hardware, reducing both assembly complexity and cost.
3Device complexity
If image sensors are configured to operate independently without external controllers, then system cost and footprint are reduced, but synchronization reliability and coordination capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensors incorporate feedback mechanisms where each sensor can detect the operational state of other sensors in the array and adjust its own operation accordingly. This inter-sensor feedback enables automatic synchronization and coordination without external control, maintaining reliability while reducing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-camera system and method may include a first camera including a first lens and a first image sensor, and a second camera including a second lens in a second image sensor. The first image sensor may be communicatively coupled with the second image sensor, where the first image sensor is configured to communicate image data to the second image sensor. A camera controller may be configured to cause the first and second image sensors to capture and generate respective first and second image data. The first image data may be communicated from the first image sensor to the second image sensor, and the second image sensor may be configured to output a data stream inclusive of the first image data and the second image data.