Portable real-time video signal capturing, transforming and relay system for transmitting high fedelity video imagery by WIFI to portable video imaging devices

Abstract

Disclosed is a method and system for capturing analog video broadcast, converting the analog signal to a digital signal and rebroadcasting of said digital signal so that the video stream can be accessed by wireless hand-held video imaging devices. The methodology and system includes at least one video receiver connected to a signal converter and transmitter for signal demodulation, transfer and conversion of signal for rebroadcast of signal wirelessly via WiFi.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This invention claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 635,802, filed Apr. 19, 2012.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates generally to the field of electronic communications, particularly communication between electronic devices. More specifically, this invention relates to electronic video transmissions and capture and display between wireless devices. Even more specifically, this invention relates to a system for capturing and retransmitting high fidelity video imagery in real-time to hand held WiFi networking video screen devices used by military pilots, law enforcement, fire and search and rescue, commercial entities and individuals.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The following description in this Background section includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any such information is prior art, or relevant, to the presently claimed inventions, or that any...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an article of manufacture that combines electronic technology to address the limitations of prior video systems. It offers real-time video capability in a user-friendly, portable, and widely distributable way. The invention can receive a wide spectrum of remotely transmitted video data streams and convert them into a compatible wireless network format. It avoids a "wired" infrastructure and creates its own wireless network producing streaming data compatible with any WiFi equipped viewing device. The invention also includes a portable battery powered system and a handheld portable housing with components such as an analog and digital video receiver, an analog to digital video converter, an adhoc 802.11n WiFi broadcast networking router, and a rechargeable power source. The invention can also use streaming HD digital video signals and off the shelf components such as a Teradek Cube and a VSR1 video receiver. Overall, the invention offers a novel solution for capturing and displaying video data in a portable and efficient way.

Problems solved by technology

Although there have been many advances in manipulating such camera data for real-time access, use, and data storage, there remains a distinct shortfall in the area of accessing, viewing, and manipulating video in real-time as it is captured and / or broadcast.

Typically, such commonly accessible video equipment is cumbersome, heavy, material dependent, and inflexible in application.

Even current wireless systems are solitary non-interoperable systems that are typically large, heavy, battery limited, and cost prohibitive to the individual user.

Presently, highly complex electronic communication relay systems exist which can disperse valuable information to appropriate personnel.

Although such an intercommunication system is highly valuable, it is limited in the nature of the information provided between communicating personnel.

If a line fireman must avoid an advancing wall of flames, oral communication may not be sufficient for the fireman to recognize where he needs to reposition himself to remain safe.

This is particularly the case where the terrain is rugged and where the fireman is unfamiliar with the topographical peculiarities of the local area.

A failure in communication could result in the fireman heading in a dangerous direction.

Under such conditions the fireman has to mentally visualize what is being described to him via radio and apply it to what he sees, whereas if he cannot see because of such things as smoke or darkness or dense foliage or even building layouts blocking views, his danger level increases markedly.

If the pilot cannot clearly distinguish such specifics about the target, he could misinform ground-based troops or command centers that the target is hostile when in fact there is no presence of weaponry.

In such example, the possibility of mistaken identity is present.

This is particularly a situation that is prevalent due to the nature of the viewing monitors installed into the aircraft itself.

Often, because of the lack of pixel clarity and fuzziness of the monochromatic monitor screen, pilots have trouble making a call as to the hostile disposition of the target.

Lack of clarity results in lost opportunities, higher costs of missions, and can result in the possibility of causing unintended injury via collateral damage.

The short of it is that today's soldiers cannot afford to err when engaging the enemy.

Non-combatant deaths and / or casualties are the leading cause of detriment to accomplishing the mission in war.

There are no internal power ports and loose wires are not allowed in the cockpit.

Thus, there is no possibility of employing existing cross-communications systems in the cockpit.

Further, this device possesses multiple external antennas which are extremely easy to break off in rugged handling and further still, due to its weight, is impossible to use in the aircraft's cockpit as it is too large and heavy and requires connection to a power source sufficient to allow continuous operation over the length of the flight mission.

Further still, due to the weight, size and other ergonomics of equipment such as MXR, such systems will not pass approval for use in tactical strike aircraft.

Such systems are designed for use in retrieving FM generated video signal transmitted by the aircraft's camera system which is fed directly into the MXR computer system and used by ground-based command centers and troops Importantly, the existing systems do not have the contemplation of broadcasting captured images by WiFi networking.

Thus, despite systems which can exploit video transmission, there is still a shortcoming in that in such situation the ground personnel may be able to see what the camera is pointed toward but cannot view such images away from their base camp.

Further, the difficulty in communication with the pilot who cannot see the same image or clarity still remains.

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