Photographing Apparatus Timing Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photographing apparatuses face challenges in accurately synchronizing the sensor and display units, leading to delays and destabilization of the display timing due to variations in clock signal generation and temperature changes, which affect the synchronization of photographing and display processes.
Innovation Solution
A photographing apparatus is designed with a timing generator that uses a common oscillator to generate first and second timing signals with a predetermined phase difference, ensuring accurate synchronization between the sensor and display units by controlling the phase difference based on the oscillator's output signal, even in the presence of variations such as temperature changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate clock generation units are used for the sensor and display, then each can operate independently, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates and display timing becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clock generation functions by using a single clock generation unit to provide clock signals to both the sensor and display. This consolidation ensures that both components operate from a common time reference, eliminating synchronization errors that would occur with separate clock sources while maintaining independent operational capability through proper signal distribution and phase control.
2Loss of time
If the display is delayed by exactly ΔT from the sensor, then real-time display is improved, but timing stability deteriorates due to temperature changes and clock variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors the actual timing relationship between sensor and display operations. Based on detected deviations caused by temperature changes or clock variations, the system adjusts the phase difference or delay timing to maintain the intended ΔT relationship. This closed-loop control ensures timing stability despite environmental variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts timing parameters such as phase difference, delay time, or clock frequency ratios based on detected conditions. By changing these parameters in response to temperature variations or operational states, the system maintains accurate synchronization while adapting to changing environmental conditions, thus preserving both real-time display performance and timing stability.
3Measurement precision
If a common oscillator is used for both sensor and display, then synchronization is improved, but the system becomes more sensitive to temperature-induced frequency variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for temperature-induced frequency variations by dynamically adjusting operational parameters such as clock division ratios, phase shift amounts, or timing offsets. When temperature changes cause the common oscillator's frequency to drift, the system modifies these parameters to maintain the correct timing relationship between sensor and display, thereby preserving synchronization accuracy despite environmental sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preemptive measures by designing the timing system with built-in compensation capabilities before temperature variations affect performance. This includes pre-calibrated adjustment ranges, temperature compensation circuits, or algorithms that anticipate and counteract frequency drift before it causes synchronization errors, thus cushioning against the harmful effects of temperature changes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A photographing apparatus includes an oscillator, a first timing signal generator that generates a first timing signal based on an output signal of the oscillator, a second timing signal generator that generates a second timing signal based on the output signal of the oscillator, a phase difference control unit that is controlled so that a phase difference between the first timing signal and the second timing signal is a predetermined phase difference based on the output signal of the oscillator, a sensor that is driven based on the first timing signal, an image processing unit that generates an image to be displayed based on an output of the sensor, and a display unit that is driven based on the second timing signal and displays an image captured on the sensor.