Master-Slave Camera Module Synchronization Protocol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with a single image sensor can only capture images from a fixed viewing angle, posing challenges for applications requiring images from multiple viewpoints, such as stereoscopic vision and machine vision, where synchronizing frames from multiple image sensors is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A system with multiple camera modules, where one camera module acts as a master and others as slaves, using a uni-directional protocol to synchronize and control image capture, allowing for efficient transfer of algorithm values and event information to ensure synchronized image capture across multiple viewpoints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate image sensors are used to capture images from different viewpoints, then the capability to capture multi-viewpoint images is improved, but the difficulty of synchronizing frames from multiple sensors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a master camera module as an intermediary that coordinates and synchronizes multiple slave camera modules. The master module generates timing signals and transmits synchronization information to slave modules, acting as a central mediator that manages the complexity of multi-sensor coordination while enabling multi-viewpoint capture capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic frame capture and synchronization cycles where the master camera module generates regular timing signals at fixed intervals. Each camera module captures frames at synchronized periodic intervals, with the master module transmitting synchronization information periodically to maintain coordinated operation across all sensors
2Measurement precision
If a master-slave architecture is implemented with protocol-based communication, then the synchronization accuracy between multiple camera modules is improved, but the device complexity and communication overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter-based synchronization where the master camera module transmits specific timing parameters and control values to slave modules through the communication protocol. By changing and adjusting these synchronization parameters dynamically, the system achieves precise frame alignment while managing protocol complexity through structured parameter transmission
3Speed
If real-time event information is transmitted during data transfer, then the responsiveness and coordination between camera modules is improved, but the data transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous data transfer operations between master and slave camera modules while integrating real-time event information transmission. The protocol is designed to continuously exchange both image data and event signals without interrupting the overall communication flow, ensuring both responsiveness and sustained transmission efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
An Electronic device may include a master camera module, a slave camera module, and host subsystems. The master camera module may control some of the operations of the slave camera module. The master camera module may transmit data to the slave camera module. The master camera module may interrupt data transmission to the slave camera module, when a delay-sensitive event occurs, to transmit information corresponding to the delay-sensitive event. The slave camera module may respond to the event information with a predetermined fixed delay relative to the occurrence of the event at the master camera module.