Optical Sensor Read-Out Synchronization for Camera Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Synchronizing different camera modules in embedded stereoscopic camera arrangements to reduce power consumption is challenging when an external trigger cannot be used for activating some modules.
Innovation Solution
An automated algorithm learns frame properties of each optical sensor, synchronizes their read-out periods, and determines overlapping processing and blank periods to power off non-active modules during these periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If external trigger is used to synchronize camera modules, then power consumption is reduced, but this method cannot be applied to camera modules that are not capable of operating in response to external trigger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a synchronization module as an intermediary component that receives triggers from the first camera module and generates corresponding triggers for the second camera module. This mediator enables synchronization between camera modules with different triggering capabilities, allowing power consumption reduction while maintaining compatibility with modules that cannot respond directly to external triggers.
2Reliability
If processing is carried out during almost 100% of the system's operating time, then image quality is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic synchronization where the first camera module generates triggers at regular intervals, and the synchronization module uses these periodic triggers to coordinate the operation of the second camera module. This periodic action allows processing to be concentrated in specific time windows rather than continuous operation, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining image quality through regular processing cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary synchronization by predicting the timing of triggers from the first camera module and pre-configuring the second camera module's processing schedule. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare processing in advance during low-power states, then execute efficiently when needed, rather than maintaining constant processing readiness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different camera modules have different frame rates and shutter exposure times, then flexibility in capturing different scenes is improved, but synchronization becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts parameters such as frame rates and shutter exposure times of the second camera module based on the triggers received from the first camera module. The synchronization module modifies these parameters in real-time to ensure proper alignment between modules, allowing the system to maintain flexibility in capturing different scenes while managing synchronization through adaptive parameter changes rather than fixed configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for power saving of an operating an optical arrangement comprising a plurality of optical sensors, is provided. The method comprises determining frame properties for each of the plurality of optical sensors, based on the frames' properties determined synchronizing their read-out period, upon synchronizing the read-out period of the frames, determining a processing period for each of the optical sensors so that the processing periods at least partially overlap each other, and obtaining at least partially overlapping blank period for all of the plurality of optical sensors. During the at least partially overlapping blank period, powering off modules comprised within the optical arrangement that are not in-use during that period.