Terminal Device Clock Synchronization for Camera Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for synchronizing the photographing clock times of multiple cameras during events or travels are not accurate enough, especially in temporary applications, and are influenced by factors like network delays and physical limitations, making it difficult to match desired timing with high precision.

Innovation Solution

A method that synchronizes the clock of a terminal device with a reference clock through a communication network, allowing for precise matching of photographing times by acquiring and using photographing clock time information, and optionally adjusting for delays to ensure accurate timing across multiple devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If cable release or electric signal line is used to simultaneously activate shutters of multiple cameras, then photographing timing can be synchronized, but device complexity increases and adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephotographing timing synchronization accuracyVSAvoidcomplexity of synchronization system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A server acts as an intermediary to distribute photographing timing information to multiple terminal devices via communication network, replacing the need for physical cable releases or electric signal lines. The server sends timing instructions that each device independently follows, achieving synchronization without complex physical connections between cameras.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical synchronization methods (cable releases, physical signal lines) with electronic communication through a network. Timing information is transmitted digitally to terminal devices, which then synchronize their photographing operations based on received instructions, eliminating the need for physical mechanical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If clock correction is performed based on specific visual events, then photographing timing can be adjusted, but measurement precision decreases due to network delays and physical factors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of clock synchronizationVSAvoidphotographing timing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The server performs preliminary clock synchronization with each terminal device before the actual photographing event. By advancing the timing coordination and establishing synchronized clocks in advance, the system eliminates the need for post-event correction based on visual events, thereby improving timing accuracy while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If multiple cameras are synchronized using periodic blinking lighting device, then photographing timing can be matched, but adaptability decreases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephotographing clock time matching accuracyVSAvoidadaptability to different environments

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical synchronization methods (periodic blinking lighting devices) with electronic communication through a network. Timing information is transmitted digitally to terminal devices, which synchronize their clocks and photographing operations based on received instructions, achieving high precision without requiring specific environmental conditions or additional optical equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The server-based synchronization system provides a universal solution that works across different environments and device types. By using standard communication networks and digital timing protocols, the system adapts to various scenarios (travels, events, temporary applications) without requiring environment-specific synchronization equipment like blinking lights.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10602047B2Image photographing method performed with terminal device having camera function

Publication Date: 2020.03.24 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A photographing method in which a terminal device performs photographing is provided. The photographing method includes synchronizing a clock of the terminal device with a reference clock, and acquiring photographing clock time information indicating a photographing clock time which is based on the reference clock through a communication network. The photographing method also includes specifying a photographing delay time until the photographing is performed since photographing start in the terminal device, and photographing a subject at the photographing clock time indicated by the photographing clock time information. The photographing clock time being based on the clock of the terminal device already synchronized with the reference clock.