Vehicle Imager Synchronization Without Buffering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle imager systems face challenges in synchronizing multiple cameras without buffering, leading to latency and reduced performance, especially at higher vehicle speeds where dynamic scene changes increase.
Innovation Solution
The imager system employs a video processor module to synchronize multiple imagers using dedicated synchronization communication connections, power and ground connections, or asynchronous communication backchannels, allowing for synchronization without relying on serial data communication, thereby reducing the need for image buffering and enhancing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If image buffering is used to synchronize multiple imagers, then image synchronization is achieved, but latency increases and performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the synchronization signal transmission from the serial data communication path and implements it through a separate dedicated synchronization connection. This separation allows synchronization to occur independently of data transmission, eliminating the need for buffering and reducing latency while maintaining reliable image synchronization across multiple imagers.
2Device complexity
If serial data communication connection is used for synchronization, then communication is simplified, but synchronization precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication function into two independent paths: a dedicated synchronization connection for timing signals and a serial data communication connection for image data. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific function, with the synchronization connection providing high-precision timing without being constrained by data transmission protocols.
3Reliability
If frame buffering is implemented to align images from multiple imagers, then image alignment is improved, but processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary synchronization by transmitting synchronization signals before image data acquisition begins. These signals pre-coordinate the timing of multiple imagers, ensuring they capture frames simultaneously without requiring post-capture buffering or alignment operations, thereby maintaining high processing speed while achieving precise image alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
An imager system and method thereof are provided, the imager system is configured for use with a vehicle and has a plurality of imagers including a first imager having a first field of view, and a second imager having a second field of view The imager system further includes a video processor module configured to approximately synchronize at least the first and second imagers, and a serial data communication connection communicatively connecting the plurality of imagers and the video processor module, wherein at least the first and second imagers are approximately synchronized by communicating a synchronization signal via a connection other than the serial data communication connection, and the images captured by the first and second imagers are approximately synchronized without buffering the captured images.