Method and apparatus for generating and transmitting synchronized video data

Abstract

Problem. Current systems for generating synchronized video sequences from multiple video sources are too complex, too restrictive, too cumbersome or too imprecise. There are also few practical ways of faithfully transmitting highly synchronized multivideo between video sources and video sinks. Solution. A system and a method for ensuring precise synchronization of high speed stereovision or multivision systems is disclosed. This method involves the use of matched video sources such as cameras or image sensors which are subjected to a common clock as well as identical operating conditions thereby guaranteeing an identical internal state and synchronized output timing behaviour without relying on the provision of a frame reset pulse or a line reset pulse generated by any one of the video sources in order to guarantee synchronization. This avoids the delays associated with the transmission of such pulses and hence allows much higher frames rates to be achieved. In addition, a system and a method for transferring multivideo, and enabled by the use of highly synchronized video produced by the previously mentioned method, are disclosed. This allows the combined and faithful transmission of the synchronized outputs of a plurality of matched video sources over a single digital interface such as Camera-Link®. In the latter embodiment, this method extends, without violating, the provisions for multi-tap video as laid out in the Camera-Link® specification.