Image Sensor Sharing Signal Line for Frame Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems that connect multiple image sensors to a processing device via a single signal line experience a decrease in frame rate due to the need to transmit data in a time division manner, resulting in reduced image capture efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The imaging device employs a configuration where each image sensor includes an imaging unit, a recognition unit, and an output unit, allowing them to share a single signal line and output detection results in non-overlapping periods within a frame period, thereby maintaining the frame rate without increasing the number of reception interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple image sensors are connected to a processing device via a single signal line using time division multiplexing, then the number of reception interfaces is reduced, but the frame rate of captured images decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The recognition unit performs target object recognition in advance during the imaging period, so that recognition results are ready for output before the sensor's transmission period arrives. This preliminary processing allows the sensor to output recognition results during its allocated time slot without extending the frame period, thereby maintaining frame rate while sharing the signal line.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame period is divided into distinct time slots: an imaging period for capturing images and a recognition result output period for transmitting data. By segmenting the time allocation and having sensors output recognition results only during their designated non-overlapping periods, the system avoids transmission conflicts and maintains the original frame rate.
2Quantity of substance
If image data are transmitted from multiple image sensors to a processing device in a time division manner, then the number of signal lines is reduced, but the transmission time for each sensor increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of transmitting raw image data which requires substantial transmission time, the invention extracts only the essential recognition results (target object information) from the image data. This extracted information is much more compact and can be transmitted quickly during the allocated time slot without causing time loss or extending the frame period.
3Device complexity
If multiple image sensors share one signal line, then the device complexity is reduced, but the data transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameter being transmitted from raw image data to processed recognition results. This parameter transformation reduces the data volume and complexity, allowing efficient transmission over a shared signal line while maintaining high productivity and avoiding the efficiency loss that would result from transmitting full-resolution image data.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device (1) according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of image sensors (sensors 11, 12, 13, and 14) that output detection results to a processing device by sharing one signal line. At least one of the image sensors (sensors 11, 12, 13, and 14) includes an imaging unit (21), a recognition unit (23), and an output unit (25). The imaging unit (21) captures an image to generate image data. The recognition unit (23) recognizes a predetermined target object from the image data. The output unit (25) outputs the recognition result of the recognition unit (23) to the processing device in a period that does not overlap with a period in which the detection result of each of other image sensors is output using the signal line in one frame period in which the imaging unit (21) captures one image.