Multi-Camera Imaging Timing Control for Synchronized Exposure Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems with multiple cameras face challenges in synchronizing changes in exposure conditions and modes without timing shifts, leading to potential image quality issues and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a control unit that manages a second imaging element at a lower frame rate than the first, determining whether to decimate frames and adjust exposure conditions and modes in sync with a synchronization signal, and incorporating a communication synchronization function to align command reception times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If a second imaging element operates at a lower frame rate than the first imaging element, then power consumption is reduced, but synchronization of exposure conditions and modes becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The second imaging element operates at a lower frame rate by periodically capturing only certain frames (e.g., every other frame or every nth frame) while maintaining synchronization with the first imaging element. This periodic sampling approach reduces power consumption while ensuring that exposure conditions and modes are synchronized at the captured frame instances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-determines which frames should be captured by the second imaging element based on synchronization signals from the first imaging element. By planning the capture schedule in advance and using preliminary synchronization signaling, the system maintains coordinated exposure conditions without requiring continuous high-rate operation of the second element.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imaging devices are used for stereoscopic or multi-angle imaging, then imaging versatility is improved, but synchronization of mode changes and exposure conditions becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple imaging elements are merged under a common control architecture where a single control unit coordinates the operation of all imaging elements. This unified control approach simplifies synchronization by centralizing the management of exposure conditions and modes, allowing versatile multi-angle and stereoscopic imaging without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where synchronization signals are exchanged between imaging elements and the control unit to maintain coordinated operation. By continuously monitoring and adjusting based on feedback from each imaging element's status and timing, the system achieves reliable synchronization across multiple devices despite the increased complexity of coordinating diverse imaging operations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to an imaging device, an imaging method, and a program that enable different imaging elements to align timings at which settings are reflected. The imaging device includes a control unit that controls a second imaging element that captures an image at a lower frame rate than the frame rate of a first imaging element. In a case where a synchronization signal supplied from the first imaging element is received, the control unit determines whether or not the current frame is a frame to be decimated. In a case where the control unit determines that the current frame is not a frame to be decimated, imaging is performed, and in a case where the control unit determines that the current frame is a frame to be decimated, drive for imaging is stopped. The present technology can be applied to an imaging device including a plurality of imaging elements, for example.