Multi-Module Imaging Synchronization With Global Shutter Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic license plate recognition systems require substantial computing resources to synchronize images from multiple light-sensing modules, which is not suitable for edge devices with limited capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A multi-module imaging system and image-synchronization method that uses a camera assembly with multiple light-sensing modules, an image signal processor, and a data processor to generate and synchronize composite frames without requiring extensive computing power, by employing a global shutter for synchronized exposure and a vertical encoding procedure to stitch images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional image synchronization methods using timestamp comparison are employed, then image synchronization accuracy is improved, but computing resource consumption increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing synchronized exposure of multiple light-sensing modules before image processing and synchronization operations. The global shutter mechanism captures all images at the exact same moment, establishing temporal synchronization in advance. This eliminates the need for computationally intensive post-capture timestamp comparison and alignment operations, thereby reducing computing resource consumption while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If multiple light-sensing modules are used to capture images under varying light conditions, then license plate recognition accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light-sensing modules (infrared sensor and visible-light sensor) into a unified imaging system with a shared global shutter mechanism. This integration allows simultaneous capture of infrared and visible-light images in a single exposure event, coordinating multiple sensors to work together rather than independently. The merged system reduces operational complexity while maintaining the accuracy benefits of multi-modal imaging for license plate recognition under varying light conditions.
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
Enables efficient image synchronization and recognition of license plates under varying light conditions, reducing computing requirements and enhancing accuracy in license plate recognition.
Implementation Method 1
all pixels in the sensitive area of the light-sensing element are exposed to light synchronously to generate frame images
Implementation Method 2
the infrared sensor is also used to capture an infrared image of the license plate
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-module imaging system and an image-synchronization method are provided. The multi-module imaging system includes a photographic component having multiple photosensitive modules, an image signal processor and a data processor. The different photosensitive modules generate multiple sets of motion images respectively. The image signal processor then retrieves continuous frame images from each of the sets of motion images. The data processor obtains multiple frames generated at the same time from the continuous frame images and generates a composite frame that vertically combines the multiple frames by performing a vertical encoding procedure. Therefore, the multiple sets of motion images are encoded to be continuously-outputted multiple composite frames. Accordingly, the multi-module imaging system can synchronously output the frames that are generated by different photosensitive modules.