Multi-Device Image Synchronization via IMU and Audio Offsets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Achieving accurate frame synchronization across multiple cameras in 3D volumetric capture systems is challenging due to differences in frame rates and trigger delays, making it difficult to perform accurate 3D reconstruction, especially when objects are in motion, and often requires expensive hardware solutions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for synchronizing multi-device image data using multimodal sensor data, such as Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and audio data, to determine matches between image frames and compute offsets, allowing for post-capture synchronization without the need for special-purpose hardware or software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple cameras are triggered using trigger devices or software to simultaneously scan objects, then multi-viewpoint capture is achieved, but frame synchronization accuracy deteriorates due to trigger delays and different frame rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary synchronization signal that is captured by all cameras simultaneously. This intermediary signal serves as a common reference point that allows post-capture alignment of frames from multiple cameras, overcoming the trigger delays and frame rate differences without requiring expensive hardware synchronization systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary capture of synchronization signals and metadata during the imaging process. By capturing the synchronization signal and relevant metadata (such as timestamps and frame rate information) during the actual capture process, the system prepares all necessary data for subsequent synchronization processing, enabling accurate alignment without requiring real-time hardware intervention.
2Measurement precision
If expensive hardware is used to achieve frame accurate synchronization, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical hardware synchronization systems with a software-based processing approach. Instead of using expensive hardware trigger devices and synchronization controllers, the system uses standard cameras with software algorithms to analyze captured synchronization signals and metadata, thereby achieving frame-accurate synchronization through computational methods rather than mechanical hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a software model of the synchronization process that replicates the functionality of expensive hardware systems. By capturing synchronization signals and creating digital representations of timing information, the system can process and align frames using software algorithms, effectively copying the synchronization function without requiring the physical hardware infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cameras capture at different frame rates, then flexibility in capture is improved, but synchronization difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic synchronization processing that adapts to different frame rates. The system analyzes the actual frame rates of each camera and dynamically adjusts the synchronization algorithm parameters accordingly. This allows the system to handle variable frame rates from different cameras while maintaining synchronization accuracy, as the processing dynamically responds to the actual capture conditions rather than requiring fixed-rate operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for synchronization of image data is provided. From a plurality of image-capture devices, image data including a plurality of image sequences is received. Each image sequence corresponds to one of the plurality of image-capture devices. A set of sensor data is further received from the plurality of image-capture devices. Each sensor data comprises at least one of an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) data and audio data. Based on the received set of sensor data, a match is determined between a first set of image frames of a first image sequence and a second set of image frames of a second image sequence. An offset is computed between the first set of image frames and the second set of image frames, based on the match and the first image sequence is synchronized with the second image sequence based on the computed offset.