Time-Division Multiplexing for Multi-Sensor Data Bus Collision Avoidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing standards, such as the CSI-2 standard, are not designed to handle connections between a processor and multiple image sensors via a data bus, leading to inefficiencies in image transmission and increased hardware complexity.

Innovation Solution

A processing apparatus and system that utilizes time-division multiplexing to transmit images from multiple image sensors connected to a single data bus, allowing synchronized image capture and staggered output timings to prevent data collisions, with control signals managing the image capture and output processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If multiple image sensors are connected to a single data bus, then hardware complexity is reduced and data bus utilization is improved, but data collisions occur and transmission reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehardware complexityVSAvoidtransmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements time-division multiplexing where image sensors transmit data in periodic time slots. Each sensor is assigned specific time windows for data transmission, creating a periodic action pattern that prevents simultaneous transmissions and eliminates data collisions on the shared data bus, thereby maintaining transmission reliability while reducing hardware complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the data transmission process by dividing it into distinct time slots for different sensors. This segmentation of the transmission timeline allows multiple sensors to share the single data bus without conflict, as each sensor's data is transmitted in its designated time segment rather than simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If multiple image sensors are connected to a single data bus, then the number of data buses is reduced, but data collisions occur during simultaneous image transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of data busesVSAvoiddata collisions
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic time-division multiplexing where sensors transmit in alternating time slots. This periodic action schedule ensures that only one sensor transmits at any given moment, eliminating data collisions while allowing multiple sensors to share a single data bus, thus reducing the quantity of data buses needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-assigning time slots to each sensor before transmission begins. This preliminary scheduling of transmission times prevents data collisions from occurring in the first place, allowing multiple sensors to efficiently share a single data bus without conflict

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3466045B1Processing apparatus, image sensor, and system
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 SONY SEMICON SOLUTIONS CORP
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AI summary

Provided is a processing apparatus including a processing unit that is connectable to a data bus, and performs output control on respective images captured by a plurality of image sensors connected to the data bus during a predetermined period of time. A timing of output of the image performed by each of the plurality of image sensors is changed by the output control.