Multi-imager Video Camera Frame-by-Frame View Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional video camera systems face limitations in efficiently processing and transmitting multiple views from an array of imagers, particularly in handling varying light conditions and providing synchronized auto-exposure and auto-white-balance across multiple sensors, while also managing frame-by-frame view switching and data processing efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an array of imagers with associated image flow processors and a multi-imager video processor, utilizing sensor arrays, infra-red cut filters, and control buses to capture and process image frames, with frame-by-frame parameter updates and anti-rolloff configuration, enabling efficient image processing and transmission, including auto-exposure and auto-white-balance control, and frame-by-frame view switching without digital stitching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imagers capture and transmit image frames simultaneously, then multiple views are provided, but data processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the processing load by assigning dedicated image flow processors to each imager, segmenting the overall processing task into independent parallel units. Each processor handles only its associated imager's data stream, reducing individual processing complexity while maintaining multiple view capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple image flow processors and their associated imagers into a unified multi-imager video processor that shares common resources such as frame buffers, memory, and output interfaces. This merging reduces redundant components and lowers overall system complexity while preserving the ability to process multiple views simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If frame-by-frame parameter updates are implemented, then view switching flexibility is improved, but processing synchronization becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the multi-imager video processor monitors the processing status of each image flow processor and dynamically adjusts parameter updates accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that frame-by-frame parameter changes are synchronized across all processors, maintaining reliability while enabling flexible view switching.
Solution Approach 2:
Parameter updates are prepared and staged in advance in update queues before being applied to the active frame. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-synchronize parameter changes across all image flow processors, ensuring that view switching occurs uniformly across all imagers without synchronization issues during actual frame processing.
3Manufacturing precision
If synchronized auto-exposure and auto-white-balance are implemented across multiple sensors, then image quality consistency is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal auto-exposure and auto-white-balance control algorithms that are shared across all image flow processors through the common multi-imager video processor. Instead of implementing separate control systems for each imager, a single multi-functional control module serves all sensors, ensuring consistent image quality while reducing overall control complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If infra-red cut filters are added to each imager, then light condition handling is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the infra-red cut filtering function into the shared optical path or uses a single filter wheel mechanism that serves multiple imagers, rather than placing individual filters on each imager. This merging approach maintains the ability to handle varying light conditions across all sensors while significantly reducing the number of filter components and their associated control mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration allows for efficient image processing and transmission, providing high-quality images across varying light conditions, synchronized auto-exposure and auto-white-balance, and frame-by-frame view switching, reducing data processing needs and enabling simultaneous multiple view outputs to users with different priority frames per second.
Implementation Method 1
Each imager includes a sensor array that is configured to capture image frames from light projected by one of said lenses
Implementation Method 2
utilizing sensor arrays, infra-red cut filters, and control buses to capture and process image frames
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment relates to a method of outputting multiple views from a networked camera. Each imager of an array of imagers in the camera captures image frames and transmits the captured image frames to an associated image flow processor. Each image flow processor processes the captured image frames and transmits the processed image frames to a multi-imager video processor. An updating of parameters for said processing by each image flow processor is performed on a frame-by-frame basis. Another embodiment relates to a video camera including a plurality of imagers, a plurality of image flow processors, a multi-imager video processor, and a plurality of update queues. Other embodiments and features are also disclosed.