Camera module and multi camera system for harsh environments

A multi camera system for imaging in harsh environments, the multi camera system comprising:

• a first camera module;
• a second camera module;
• and
• a platform upon which the first and second camera modules are mounted,
• wherein the first and second camera modules are communicatively coupled via the external data link,
• the first camera module and the second camera module each comprising:
• a casing defining a fluid tight sealed interior space, the casing being arranged to be mounted on a platform;
• a camera arranged to face outwardly from the casing to capture images;
• a data processor;
• an internal data link coupled between the camera and the data processor to transfer image data from the camera to the data processor;
• and
• an external data link coupled to the camera or the data processor and being arranged to communicatively couple the camera module to an external computing device distinct from the camera, wherein the external data link comprises a first external data channel coupled to the data processor and being arranged to couple the data processor to an external data processing device, and a second external data channel coupled to the camera and being arranged to couple the camera to an external camera device, wherein the first external data channel has a relatively high data transfer rate in comparison to the data transfer rate of the second external data channel;
• wherein the camera module includes a synchronisation subsystem coupled to the external data link and arranged to synchronise a system clock of the data processor or the camera to system clocks of one or more further distinct camera modules with an accuracy greater than the inter frame time of the camera or cameras.

A camera module for imaging in harsh environments, the camera module comprising:

• a casing defining a fluid tight sealed interior space, the casing being arranged to be mounted on a platform, wherein the casing comprises a pressure vessel configured such that the module can withstand continuous use in a vacuum and/or beyond two metres underwater;
• a camera arranged to face outwardly from the casing to capture images;
• a data processor;
• an internal data link coupled between the camera and the data processor to transfer image data from the camera to the data processor;
• and
• an external data link coupled to the camera or the data processor and being arranged to communicatively couple the camera module to an external computing device distinct from the camera;
• wherein the camera module includes a synchronisation subsystem coupled to the external data link and arranged to synchronise a system clock of the data processor or the camera to system clocks of one or more further distinct camera modules with an accuracy greater than the inter frame time of the camera or cameras.

A multi camera system for imaging in harsh environments, the multi camera system comprising:

• a first camera module;
• a second camera module;
• and
• a platform upon which the first and second camera modules are mounted,
• wherein the first and second camera modules are communicatively coupled via the external data link,
• the first camera module and the second camera module each comprising:
• a casing defining a fluid tight sealed interior space, the casing being arranged to be mounted on a platform, wherein the casing comprises a pressure vessel configured such that the module can withstand continuous use in a vacuum and/or beyond two metres;
• a camera arranged to face outwardly from the casing to capture images;
• a data processor;
• an internal data link coupled between the camera and the data processor to transfer image data from the camera to the data processor;
• and
• an external data link coupled to the camera or the data processor and being arranged to communicatively couple the camera module to an external computing device distinct from the camera;
• wherein the camera module includes a synchronisation subsystem coupled to the external data link and arranged to synchronise a system clock of the data processor or the camera to system clocks of one or more further distinct camera modules with an accuracy greater than the inter frame time of the camera or cameras.