Variable Frame Rate Video Synchronization via Time Code Sub-Frame Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for recording high-frame rate video signals fail to maintain real-time synchronization when the frame rate changes during recording, leading to deviations in the reproduction or output of moving image data at variable refresh rates.
Innovation Solution
An image capture apparatus and method that generates a time code with a sub-frame value to differentiate between high-frame rate frames, allowing the frame rate to be changed at specific timing points, ensuring real-time reproduction or output by synchronizing the frame rate changes with the sub-frame value becoming zero.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the frame rate is changed during recording of high-frame rate video signal, then the adaptability to different frame rate requirements is improved, but the time code synchronization accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining the timing of frame rate changes in advance based on time code values before actually changing the frame rate. The control unit identifies when the time code indicates an appropriate change point (when sub-frame value is zero) and prepares for the frame rate transition, ensuring that the change occurs at the optimal moment to maintain synchronization. This prevents time code deviation by proactively planning frame rate transitions rather than reacting to them.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the time code values and using this information to control frame rate changes. The control unit reads the time code, determines whether the current timing is appropriate for a frame rate change (by checking if sub-frame value is zero), and only then executes the frame rate transition. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that frame rate changes are synchronized with the time code, maintaining accuracy even as frame rates vary.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the frame rate is changed during recording, then the flexibility in video signal processing is improved, but the reproduction timing accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit determines the appropriate timing for frame rate changes by examining time code values before executing the change. By identifying change points in advance (when sub-frame value equals zero) and preparing for the transition, the system ensures that frame rate changes occur at optimal moments. This preliminary determination prevents timing errors during reproduction while still allowing flexible frame rate adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors time code information and uses this feedback to control when frame rate changes occur. The control unit reads time code values, determines whether current timing is appropriate for frame rate transition, and executes changes only when synchronization conditions are met. This feedback mechanism maintains reproduction timing accuracy despite frame rate flexibility.
3Manufacturing precision
If high-frame rate video signal is recorded with time code, then the resolution and detail of moving image data is improved, but the complexity of time code management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes only the necessary components of time code information (specifically the sub-frame value) to control frame rate changes. By focusing on the relevant time code elements rather than managing the entire time code system, the patent simplifies time code management while maintaining the ability to record high-frame rate video with accurate timing. This selective extraction reduces complexity while preserving quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The time code information serves a dual purpose: it not only identifies individual frames in high-frame rate video but also automatically provides the timing information needed for frame rate changes. The sub-frame value in the time code self-regulates the frame rate transition timing, eliminating the need for separate complex timing management systems. This self-service approach reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high image quality.
Data Source
AI summary
An image capture apparatus capable of reproducing or outputting moving image data at a rate corresponding to the real time even if the frame rate is changed during recording of a time code adapted to a high frame rate. A time code to be added to each frame of moving image data is generated. The time code includes a type for differentiating between frames at a high-frame rate. The time code is added to each frame of the moving image data. An image-capturing frame rate of the moving image data is changed according to a frame rate-changing request from a user. The image-capturing frame rate of the moving image data is changed at a timing at which the value of sub frame of the time code becomes zero.