Multi-Sensor Image Data Synchronization via Line Interleaving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Combining image data from multiple sensors poses challenges due to synchronization and alignment issues, particularly when sensors provide data at different frequencies or phases, leading to increased system cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that synchronize data from multiple image sensors using a common control signal, allowing for the generation of synchronized data lines by combining data streams from each sensor, which are then processed by a single image signal processor to produce a unified frame for display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data from multiple image sensors are combined and processed, then depth information and 3D representation can be obtained, but synchronization and alignment challenges increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image data processing by separating sync/alignment operations from filtering operations. The combiner circuit performs line-by-line synchronization and alignment of data from multiple sensors, while filtering is applied subsequently. This segmentation allows different processing stages to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining 3D representation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The combiner circuit acts as an intermediary component between multiple image sensors and the filtering stage. It receives data streams from multiple sensors, performs synchronization and alignment, and outputs combined synchronized data. This intermediary approach centralizes the complex synchronization logic in one component, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Manufacturing precision
If filtering of image data from multiple sensors is performed, then image quality improves, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments filtering operations into independent per-sensor processing streams. Each sensor's data is filtered separately through its own filtering circuit, avoiding the need for complex joint filtering of combined multi-sensor data. This segmentation simplifies the filtering stage while maintaining image quality through consistent per-sensor processing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If image data from multiple sensors are interleaved, then data integration is achieved, but processing becomes more complicated when sensors provide data at different frequencies or phases
Solution Approach 1:
The combiner circuit serves as an intermediary that handles the complex interleaving and synchronization of data from multiple sensors operating at different frequencies and phases. It performs line-by-line synchronization and combines the data streams into a unified synchronized output, isolating the complexity of frequency/phase matching to a single component and simplifying downstream processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal parameters of data streams by adjusting timing and synchronization parameters in the combiner circuit. It transforms data from multiple sensors with different frequencies and phases into a unified synchronized stream by modifying timing parameters, enabling seamless integration without requiring fundamental changes to sensor operation.
4Manufacturing precision
If frame synchronization and line synchronization are performed, then data alignment is achieved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges frame synchronization and line synchronization operations into a single combiner circuit that performs both functions simultaneously. The combiner receives data from multiple sensors, performs line-by-line synchronization (aligning corresponding lines from different sensors), and effectively achieves frame-level synchronization through this unified approach. This merging eliminates the need for separate synchronization circuits, reducing system cost while maintaining alignment precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of combining data from multiple sensors is disclosed. The method includes receiving lines of image data at an image processor having an input for a single camera. Each line of the image data includes first line data from a first image captured by a first camera and second line data from a second image captured by a second camera. The method also includes generating an output frame having a first section corresponding to line data of the first image and having a second section corresponding to line data of the second image. The first section and the second section are configured to be used to generate a three-dimensional (3D) image format or a 3D video format.