Multiplexer Packet Data Alternating Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image capturing devices using multiplexers with analogue signals cannot simultaneously transmit image signals from multiple cameras, requiring separate exposure times and high-capacity buffers, leading to bulky and expensive devices.

Innovation Solution

An image capturing device with a multiplexer that alternately arranges packet data from multiple cameras, allowing for simultaneous transmission of image signals without the need for large buffers, using a data combining unit to prepare combined data that includes packet data with predetermined idle times and error detection codes to mitigate noise interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If analogue signals are used in a multiplexer to transmit image signals from multiple cameras, then the device structure is simple, but simultaneous transmission of image signals from multiple cameras is not possible and large high-capacity buffers are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiplexer structureVSAvoidsimultaneous transmission capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional analogue signal transmission system with a digital packet-based transmission system. By converting image signals into digital packets and using packet multiplexing, the system achieves simultaneous transmission from multiple cameras without requiring complex analogue signal switching mechanisms or large buffers, thus resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and simultaneous transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the signal representation parameter from continuous analogue values to discrete digital packets with specific timing characteristics. By controlling packet transmission timing and using idle periods between packets from different cameras, the system enables simultaneous multi-camera transmission while maintaining multiplexer simplicity, avoiding the need for large buffers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If packet data is transmitted at high speed to enable simultaneous image capture, then productivity is improved, but noise interference from periodic low frequency noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission speedVSAvoidnoise interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic idle periods between packet transmissions from different cameras. By introducing regular time intervals (idle periods) in the packet transmission sequence, the system synchronizes transmissions to avoid overlapping with periodic low-frequency noise cycles, thereby maintaining high transmission speeds while mitigating noise interference through rhythmic transmission patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses brief idle periods to skip over noisy time windows. By strategically placing idle periods between packets from different cameras, the system rushes through data transmission during low-noise intervals and pauses during high-noise periods, enabling high-speed simultaneous transmission while avoiding noise contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Data Source

PatentEP3448015B1Image capturing device provided with multiplexer
Publication Date: 2021.11.24 KOWA CO LTD
  • EP3448015B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3448015B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(c)
  • EP3448015B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

[Problem] To make a device compact and inexpensive by omitting a frame buffer. [Solution] First packet data PD1 that is sequentially received from a first camera C1 and second packet data PD2 that is sequentially received from a second camera C2 are alternately and sequentially transmitted to an external device 2 before data for one screen is accumulated. Therefore, a frame buffer for saving the data for one screen is not necessary, and a device can be made correspondingly more compact and less expensive.