Multi-Sensor Image Data Synchronization via Dynamic Access Period Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with multiple image sensors often fail to synchronize frame and line image data due to differences in operation speeds, exposure times, readout times, resolutions, and operation modes, leading to inconsistent and unsynchronized image acquisition.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a processor that identifies the operation characteristics of each image sensor, adjusts access periods accordingly, and synchronizes data acquisition by inserting blanking intervals or altering exposure and readout times to ensure synchronized row access periods across all sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple image sensors operate simultaneously with different operation speeds, then image acquisition capability is enhanced, but synchronization of frame and line image data deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage acquisition capabilityVSAvoidsynchronization of image data
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of access periods for different image sensors based on their operation characteristics. The processor dynamically modifies the access period of each sensor to achieve synchronization, allowing the system to adapt to varying sensor speeds while maintaining coordinated operation across all sensors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the access period parameter of image sensors to synchronize their operation. By adjusting the access period based on identified operation characteristics, the system aligns the timing of different sensors without requiring hardware modification, resolving the synchronization issue while maintaining enhanced image acquisition capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If access periods of image sensors are adjusted to synchronize operations, then image data consistency is improved, but operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage data consistencyVSAvoidoperation control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processor identifies the operation characteristics of each image sensor and uses this feedback information to determine appropriate access period adjustments. This feedback mechanism enables automatic synchronization without requiring complex manual configuration, reducing operational complexity while maintaining data consistency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-synchronization by automatically identifying sensor characteristics and adjusting access periods without external intervention. The processor autonomously manages the synchronization process, eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms and simplifying operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3395062B1Apparatus and method for synchronizing data of electronic device
Publication Date: 2019.09.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3395062B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3395062B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3395062B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods and apparatuses are provided for synchronizing data by an electronic device. A first operation characteristic of a first image sensor of the electronic device and a second operation characteristic of a second image sensor of the electronic device are identified. At least one of a first access period of a first row of the first image sensor and a second access period of a second row of the second image sensor is changed, based on a difference between the first operation characteristic and the second operation characteristic, to synchronize the first access period and the second access period. The second row corresponds to the first row. Image data corresponding to the first row is acquired through the first image sensor based on the synchronized first access period. Image data corresponding to the second row is acquired through the second image sensor based on the synchronized second access period.