Synchronization of a stereoscopic camera

• US 20030052966A1
• Filed: 08/06/2002
• Published: 03/20/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 09/06/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Deutsche Telekom AG
• Original Assignee: Deutsche Telekom AG
• Inventors: Trinkel, Marian, Bersick, Gerhard
• Granted Patent: US 7,411,604 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/47
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/167 Synchronising or controlling image signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/189 Recording image signals; Reproducing recorded image signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/239 using two 2D image sensors having a relative position equal to or related to the interocular distance H04N13/243 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/296 Synchronisation thereof; Control thereof
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/363 using image projection screens volumetric display H04N13/388
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/398 Synchronisation thereof; Control thereof

Abstract

A method for synchronizing the recordings of two video cameras which are operated in parallel for the three-dimensional representation of an image sequence, in particular, of two digitally recording video recorders, a light signal being faded into the image area of the two cameras and simultaneously recorded by both cameras; and the playback of the recordings being synchronized using the recorded signals.

Claims

1. A method for synchronizing the recordings of two video cameras which are operated in parallel for the three-dimensional representation of an image sequence, in particular, of two digitally recording video recorders,

wherein in both cameras (1), a light and/or acoustic signal is/are faded in which is/are simultaneously recorded by both cameras (1);

and the playback of the recordings is synchronized using the recorded signals.

2. The method as recited in claim 1,

wherein one light source (7) is positioned in front of each of the two lenses (2), respectively, the two light sources (7) being switched on simultaneously via one voltage supply.

3. The method as recited in claim 1 or 2,

wherein the releases of both cameras (1) are coupled mechanically or electronically.

4. The method as recited in one of the preceding claims,

wherein the light sources (7) are switched on for a short time upon actuation of the common release (6).

5. The method as recited in one of the preceding claims,

wherein the light sources (7) are switched on in a cyclically repeated manner.

6. A system comprising two video cameras which are mounted on a common mounting for parallel recording of the same image sequence,

characterized by means which make it possible for at least one light source (7) to be positioned at least temporarily in the field of view of both cameras (1).

7. The system as recited in claim 6,

wherein the means feature a hinged holding device with which in each case one light source (1) is simultaneously swung in front of each of the two lenses (2).

8. The system as recited in claim 6 or 7,

characterized by control electronics which allow the two light sources (7) to be switched on simultaneously.

9. The system as recited in one of the claims 6 through 8,

wherein a light source (7) is a light-emitting diode.