Multi-Camera Mobile Terminal Signal Synchronization

Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile terminals with multiple camera modules struggle to process simultaneous signals from these cameras effectively, leading to inefficiencies in image capture and processing.

Innovation Solution

A mobile terminal design that synchronizes camera operations by designating inactive and active time periods for each camera, using an image processor to receive and process synchronous and data image signals, with End Of Frame (EOF) signals managing the synchronization and signal transmission through shared or separate lines, allowing for simultaneous operation and efficient image data handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple camera modules are installed in a mobile terminal to enable multi-camera functionality, then the versatility and image capture capability are improved, but the signal processing capability is overwhelmed and the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-camera functionalityVSAvoidsignal processing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by dividing the operation of multiple camera modules into alternating active and inactive time periods. Each camera module operates in a periodic cycle where it captures images during its active period and remains inactive during other cameras' active periods. This periodic switching enables multiple cameras to share a single image processor, reducing device complexity while maintaining multi-camera versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the continuous operation of multiple camera modules into discrete time segments. Each camera module is assigned specific time segments (active periods) during which it operates, while other cameras remain inactive. This temporal segmentation allows the system to handle multiple camera inputs without requiring simultaneous processing capability, thus reducing the signal processing burden.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If multiple camera modules operate simultaneously to capture images from different angles or scenes, then the productivity and image capture efficiency are improved, but the signal processing load becomes unmanageable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage capture efficiencyVSAvoidsignal processing load

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by dividing the operation of multiple camera modules into alternating active and inactive time periods. Each camera module operates in a periodic cycle where it captures images during its active period and remains inactive during other cameras' active periods. This periodic switching enables multiple cameras to share a single image processor, reducing device complexity while maintaining multi-camera versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the continuous operation of multiple camera modules into discrete time segments. Each camera module is assigned specific time segments (active periods) during which it operates, while other cameras remain inactive. This temporal segmentation allows the system to handle multiple camera inputs without requiring simultaneous processing capability, thus reducing the signal processing burden.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If camera modules share a common signal line to reduce device complexity, then the device complexity is reduced, but signal interference and data loss may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal line configurationVSAvoidsignal transmission reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by dividing the operation of multiple camera modules into alternating active and inactive time periods. Each camera module operates in a periodic cycle where it captures images during its active period and remains inactive during other cameras' active periods. This periodic switching enables multiple cameras to share a single image processor, reducing device complexity while maintaining multi-camera versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies continuity of useful action by ensuring that while one camera module is inactive, another camera module is actively transmitting signals. This continuous operation across different cameras ensures that the shared signal line is always utilized effectively without interruptions, maintaining signal transmission reliability while using a common signal line for multiple cameras.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS8330821B2Mobile terminal and image processing method

Publication Date: 2012.12.11 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A mobile terminal including a plurality of cameras and a method of processing images acquired in a plurality of cameras is provided. The image processing method includes simultaneously operating a plurality of cameras, outputting a synchronous signal during an inactive time period and a data image signal during an active time period, wherein the active time period during which one camera of the plurality of cameras provides the data image signal occurs during the inactive time period of the other camera or cameras of the plurality of cameras.