Multi-Camera Frame Synchronization with Rate and Phase Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frame synchronization technologies in multi-camera systems face challenges such as asynchronous image acquisition due to uncontrolled exposure start times, high reliance on a master camera that can cause system failure, and lack of personalized control over shooting parameters, hindering integration and optimization with external devices.
Innovation Solution
A frame synchronization controller with frame rate, polarity, and phase modulation functions to synchronize multiple cameras, allowing flexible control and adaptation to various camera models, and optimizing system performance with external devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If master-slave frame synchronization controlling scheme is used, then synchronous triggering of multiple cameras is achieved, but high requirements for master camera selection and reliability are imposed, and system failure occurs when master camera abnormality happens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the camera system into independent camera groups, where each group has its own frame synchronization controller. This segmentation eliminates the single point of failure in master-slave systems, as each camera group operates independently. When one camera group experiences abnormality, it does not affect other camera groups, thereby improving system reliability while reducing control scheme complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a frame synchronization controller as an intermediary device that receives frame synchronization signals from a master camera and distributes them to slave cameras. This intermediary approach allows the system to maintain synchronous triggering without requiring direct master-slave relationships, reducing the complexity of control schemes and improving reliability through centralized signal management.
2Measurement precision
If timestamp comparison method is used, then frame synchronization is attempted, but asynchronous acquisition time due to uncontrolled exposure start time increases difficulty and reduces effect of multi-camera image fusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by controlling the exposure start time of each camera through a frame synchronization controller before image acquisition begins. The controller pre-configures synchronization parameters and ensures all cameras are ready to capture images at precisely controlled moments. This preliminary control eliminates asynchronous acquisition issues and simplifies the overall control process by establishing synchronization upfront rather than attempting post-capture alignment through timestamp comparison.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing master-slave system is used, then frame synchronization is achieved, but personalized control of master camera is not supported, making it difficult to flexibly control start exposure time and shooting parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control by allowing the frame synchronization controller to adjust shooting parameters such as frame rate, polarity, pulse width, and phase in real-time based on different application requirements. The system can dynamically modify exposure start times and synchronization signals without requiring system reconfiguration, providing both adaptability to various camera models and ease of operation through programmable control interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables personalized control by allowing modification of key synchronization parameters including frame rate, polarity, pulse width, and phase. The frame synchronization controller can adjust these parameters individually for different camera groups and applications, providing flexibility in controlling start exposure times while maintaining ease of operation through standardized parameter interfaces that work across various camera models.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a frame synchronization controller, controlling method, multi-camera device, and storage medium. The frame synchronization controller is coupled to a plurality of cameras. The plurality of cameras have a plurality of shooting frame rates, polarities, pulse widths, and/or phases. The frame synchronization controller is configured to implement operations including: obtaining a frame synchronization signal; separately determining a synchronization driving signal, adapted to the shooting frame rate, the polarity, the pulse width, and/or the phase of each camera, according to the frame synchronization signal; and transmitting each synchronization driving signal to a corresponding camera, to drive the plurality of cameras to perform synchronous shooting with a plurality of frame rates, a plurality of polarities, a plurality of pulse widths, and/or a plurality of phases.