RTSyncNet - a flexible Real-Time Synchronisation Network for cluster based vision- and graphics-architectures

Cluster-based architectures are very popular in the construction of versatile computer vision and graphics applications. Hereby, computers are connected over a network to perform collaborative processing. Systems which include cameras demand for accurate synchronisation as well as low latencies for short-message data transfers. We present work which combines the requests for low-latency, low-cost synchronisation within a multi-camera-projector system for rapid 3D-scanning of human bodies under motion. Key to the setup is a flexible interface controller connected to each network computer. Data packages as well as trigger stimuli and graphics synchronisation signals are quickly distributed to the addressed client machines. A real-time software framework allows for very low latencies that are needed for high-speed parallel processing.