Image Signal Processing Unit Frame Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image data transmission systems face challenges in maintaining frame synchronization, leading to issues such as frame loss and frame errors, especially when handling large volumes of image data in complex environments like 3D simulation scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A frame synchronization method is implemented using an image processing system with an image collection module and an image signal processing unit, where a control chip initializes and coordinates multiple image collection apparatuses to send frame image data synchronously through MIPI interfaces, utilizing frame synchronization instructions and synchronization registers to ensure timely and accurate data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple image collection apparatuses are used to obtain large volumes of image data, then the quantity of image data is improved, but frame synchronization reliability deteriorates due to frame loss and frame errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume of image dataVSAvoidframe synchronization reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring synchronization registers in each image collection apparatus and pre-establishing the synchronization instruction transmission path through the image signal processing unit before actual image data collection begins. This ensures that all apparatuses are ready to receive and execute synchronization instructions simultaneously, preventing frame loss and synchronization errors during high-volume data acquisition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the image signal processing unit monitors the synchronization status of multiple image collection apparatuses in real-time. When frame synchronization instructions are transmitted, the system tracks their delivery and execution status, allowing for detection and correction of any synchronization deviations that occur during large-volume image data acquisition, thus maintaining frame synchronization reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If frame synchronization instructions are transmitted through an image signal processing unit, then frame synchronization accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe synchronization accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The image signal processing unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it processes image data from multiple collection apparatuses, manages synchronization register configurations, transmits synchronization instructions, and monitors synchronization status. By consolidating these functions in a single multi-functional unit rather than requiring separate dedicated components for each function, the system achieves high frame synchronization accuracy while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If synchronization registers are used to coordinate multiple image collection apparatuses, then frame synchronization precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe synchronization precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a single centralized synchronization control unit that would require complex wiring and control logic, the system uses synchronization registers in each image collection apparatus that are configured with identical or coordinated values. This copying approach allows each apparatus to independently maintain synchronization based on its register settings, achieving high frame synchronization precision while reducing overall system complexity by eliminating the need for complex centralized control infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3528490B1Image data frame synchronization method and terminal
Publication Date: 2021.07.07 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3528490B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3528490B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3528490B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a frame synchronization method for image data, an image signal processing apparatus, and a terminal. The method includes: receiving a frame synchronization instruction sent by a first image collection apparatus of a terminal; then, separately sending the frame synchronization instruction to a second image collection apparatus and a third image collection apparatus of the terminal, so that the second image collection apparatus, the third image collection apparatus, and the first image collection apparatus synchronously output frame image data; and finally, receiving the frame image data synchronously sent by the first image collection apparatus, the second image collection apparatus, and the third image collection apparatus. In the method, cases such as a frame loss and a frame error are effectively avoided in a process of transmitting frame image data, so that an image collection module outputs synchronous frame image data.