A method for automatically aging test of a video decoder board

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of video decoder board automatic aging test methods, by configuring RTSP camera output standard test signal, build decoding display link, using programmable power supply controller unified power supply and simulates power fluctuation, to PC end program realizes power control, data acquisition and analysis.System supports custom test duration and on-off cycle, can be unattended complete long time aging test, real-time acquisition and storage decoding stability, image quality and power consumption data, automatically generate visual chart and multi-format test report, according to preset threshold value automatically determine test result.At the same time have abnormal automatic identification, three alarms and fault power protection function, support breakpoint continue measurement.The method effectively improves the degree of automation and efficiency of aging test, reduces manual intervention, data precision is high, applicable to video decoder batch production quality inspection and research and development performance verification.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of video decoder testing technology, specifically to an automatic aging test method for video decoder boards, which is suitable for long-term stability testing and performance evaluation of batch video decoders. Background Technology

[0002] Existing video decoder aging tests typically rely on manual operation, which presents three major problems: ① Low efficiency: Manual intervention is required for equipment startup and shutdown, and data recording, which cannot meet the needs of batch testing; ② Insufficient accuracy: Subjective errors easily occur when manually judging image anomalies and recording data; ③ Poor continuity: During long-term, high-intensity testing, manual intervention is difficult to avoid test interruptions due to fatigue. Therefore, developing a fully automated, data-accurate aging test method has significant practical value for improving decoder factory quality and testing efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Purpose of the invention The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic aging test method for video decoder boards. By standardizing the configuration of hardware components and automating the software control, the aging test can be performed without human intervention, thereby reducing manual intervention, improving test efficiency, data accuracy and test continuity, and at the same time, clearly defining quantitative judgment criteria to ensure the traceability of test results. Technical solution

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an automatic aging test method for video decoder boards, comprising the following steps: 1. Building the test system: RTSP camera configuration (4 steps) Step 1: Hardware connection: Connect the RTSP camera to the signal input port of the video decoder via HDMI / Ethernet interface, and connect it to the output interface of the power controller via power cord (to ensure stable power supply). Step 2: Network Configuration: If using network signal transmission, connect the camera and PC to the same local area network, set a static IP address for the camera (to avoid IP conflicts), and ensure that the PC can access the camera management interface via IP. Step 3: Output Parameter Settings: Log in to the camera management interface and configure the test signal parameters: Resolution: Supports multiple formats such as 1080P (1920×1080) and 4K (3840×2160), select according to test requirements (default 1080P / 30 frames / second). Encoding format: H.264 / H.265 (mainstream decoding format, covering practical application scenarios); Signal stability: Enable "constant current output mode" to avoid signal fluctuations affecting test results; Step 4: Signal calibration: Send test commands via PC to collect the reference signal output by the camera and compare it with the preset standard signal to ensure that the signal amplitude and frame rate meet the test requirements (error ≤ ±1%). Video decoder configuration (3 steps) Step 1: Interface Connection: Connect the signal input port of the decoder to the output port of the RTSP camera, connect the signal output port to the HD monitor, and connect the power interface to the power controller; Step 2: Initial parameter configuration: Set the decoding mode (matching the camera encoding format), output resolution (adapting to the monitor), and power consumption sampling frequency (default 1 time / minute) through the decoder's built-in control interface or remote login on a PC. Step 3: Communication test: Start the decoder, receive the test signal from the camera, observe whether the monitor displays the image normally, and confirm that the signal link between the decoder, camera, and monitor is unobstructed. Power controller configuration (3 steps) Step 1: Hardware wiring: Connect the input terminal of the power controller to the mains power (220V / 50Hz), and connect the output terminal to the power interface of the RTSP camera, decoder, and monitor respectively. Ensure that the wiring is secure (label the corresponding interface of the device to avoid confusion). Step 2: Communication Interface Configuration: Connect the power controller to the PC via USB cable or network cable, and install the controller's driver program (Windows systems will automatically recognize it, while Linux systems require manual installation of the driver package). Step 3: Remote control authorization: Enable "remote control mode" in the power controller management software, set a control password (to avoid accidental operation), and test the PC's response speed to the controller's power on / off commands (required to be ≤1 second). PC Control Program Configuration (4 Steps) Step 1: Software Installation: Install the control program (developed with Python 3.8+, can run the .exe file directly or compile from source code) on your PC (supports Windows 10 / 11, Linux Ubuntu 20.04 and above). Step 2: Driver Configuration: Install the USB / network communication driver to ensure that the program can recognize the power controller and decoder (there should be no yellow exclamation mark in Device Manager). Step 3: Module Initialization: After starting the program, initialize the power control module, signal acquisition module, and data analysis module in sequence, and check whether each module is operating normally; Step 4: Communication test: Send the "Query Status" command to the power controller and decoder, receive the device feedback information, and confirm that there is no packet loss in the communication link (packet loss rate ≤ 0.1%).

[0005] 2. Automated testing process: Program startup and initialization Operation 1: Double-click the PC control program icon and enter the login password (default admin / 123456, can be customized). Operation 2: Click the "System Initialization" button. The program will automatically detect the connection status of the camera, decoder, power controller, and monitor, and generate an initialization report (showing whether the devices are online and whether the parameters match). Operation 3: If initialization fails (e.g., a device goes offline), the program will pop up a prompt box, displaying the name of the faulty device and troubleshooting suggestions (e.g., check the wiring, restart the device). Test parameter settings Operation 1: On the "Test Parameters" tab of the program interface, set the core parameters: Total test duration: can be set to 12 hours, 24 hours, or 72 hours (custom input is supported, with a maximum of 168 hours); Power on / off cycle: Default 30 minutes / cycle (28 minutes on, 2 minutes off, simulating actual power fluctuations), supports custom cycles (minimum cycle 5 minutes). Data acquisition frequency: Decoding stability data once per second, image quality data once per minute, power consumption data once per minute; Abnormal thresholds: Signal loss lasting more than 3 seconds is considered abnormal; image distortion rate exceeding 5% is considered abnormal; power consumption fluctuation exceeding ±10% is considered abnormal. Pass / Fail Threshold (New): Check "Enable Automatic Judgment" and set the pass / fail criteria (can be customized). Step 2: Click the "Save Parameters" button to save the settings as a test plan (it supports exporting as an .xml file for easy reuse).

[0006] Test plan execution Operation 1: Click the "Start Test" button. The program will automatically send instructions to the power controller to power on and off the camera, decoder, and monitor according to the preset cycle. Operation 2: Real-time monitoring: The program interface displays the status of each device (power on / off, signal strength, decoding progress), real-time collected data (such as current power consumption, image frame rate), and real-time pass / fail status (new feature: display "compliant with standards", "abnormal warning", "unqualified"), and presents them intuitively in line graphs / bar charts; Operation 3: Data storage: The collected data is automatically stored in the local database (SQLite), and a log file (.log format) is generated at the same time to record the time of each power-on and power-off, data collection results, changes in equipment status, and the results of the qualification status judgment. 4. Exception Handling Operations Operation 1: When an anomaly is detected, the program immediately pops up an alarm window (sound + visual cues), and automatically records the time of the anomaly, the type of anomaly (such as signal loss, excessive power consumption), the device involved, and whether the anomaly resulted in non-compliance (new addition); Operation 2: Users can choose "Continue Testing" (only record the anomaly, without interrupting the process) or "Abort Testing" (immediately cut off the power to all devices to protect the equipment); Operation 3: After the anomaly investigation is completed, click the "Resume Test" button, and the program will continue to execute the test plan from the point of interruption. 5. Test Completion and Data Export Operation 1: After the test duration reaches the preset value, the program will automatically send a "stop test" command and cut off the power to all devices; Operation 2: Click the "Export Data" button to export the test data and pass / fail results to Excel or CSV format files. You can choose to export all data or data for a specified time period. Step 3: Click the "Generate Report" button. The program will automatically generate a test report (Word / PDF format), which will clearly indicate the "Pass / Fail" conclusion and the basis for the judgment.

[0007] 3. Test Result Analysis: Record the decoder's operating status throughout the aging test process, including information such as signal loss, image anomalies, and power consumption changes; The collected data is statistically analyzed to generate test reports and evaluate the aging performance of the decoder.

[0008] 4. Exception handling mechanism: Anomaly detection: The program collects device status data in real time and compares it with preset thresholds to automatically identify anomalies such as signal loss, image abnormalities, excessive power consumption, and communication interruptions. Anomaly Log: Automatically records the timestamp of the anomaly, device ID, anomaly parameter value, on-site screenshot (when the image is abnormal), and the impact of the anomaly on the pass / fail determination (new); Alarm methods: sound alarm (buzzer notification), visual alarm (red flashing on the screen), email alarm (supports binding to administrator email address to send anomaly reports and assess impact); Emergency handling: Supports manual / automatic power cut-off of faulty equipment to prevent the fault from escalating; Recovery mechanism: After the anomaly is resolved, the test can continue from the point of interruption without restarting, and the judgment result will be automatically continued to be calculated. Beneficial effects

[0009] The automated aging test method provided by this invention has the following advantages: It achieves full-process automation, reducing manual intervention; Test data recording and analysis are now more accurate and reliable; It supports long-term, high-intensity aging tests, improving testing efficiency; The exception handling mechanism ensures the stability and security of the test. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The accompanying drawings of this invention include the following three: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the automatic aging test system for video decoder boards; Figure 2 is a timing diagram of the entire process of automated aging test for video decoders; Figure 3 is a logic block diagram for the four-dimensional pass / fail determination of video decoder aging test.

[0011] Detailed description of the attached figures Figure 1. Schematic diagram of the automatic aging test system for video decoder board. Core components: RTSP camera, video decoder, high-definition display, programmable power controller, and PC-side control program; Connection structure: RTSP camera → video decoder → HD monitor; PC control program → programmable power controller; programmable power controller → RTSP camera, video decoder, HD monitor; PC control program → video decoder; Core functions: Demonstrates the hardware connection relationships, signal flow, power supply links and control command flow of the test system, and fully presents the hardware and software collaborative architecture of automated aging test.

[0012] Figure 2. Timing diagram of the entire process of automated aging test for video decoder Process phases: System configuration and initialization → Test planning and pre-verification → Automated execution and data collection → Data judgment and report generation; Key steps: hardware connection, network parameter configuration, system initialization, test parameter setting, periodic power on / off control, signal decoding, data acquisition, status determination, and report export; Core Functionality: Clearly presents the fully automated time-series logic from equipment deployment to test completion, demonstrating the working mechanism of unattended operation, long-term cycle, and real-time data collection.

[0013] Figure 3. Logic block diagram for four-dimensional pass / fail judgment of video decoder aging test Judgment dimensions: operational stability, image quality, power consumption stability, and anomaly control; Judgment logic: Each dimension is compared with the preset threshold → single dimension pass / fail judgment → if all four dimensions are pass, the overall result is pass; if any dimension fails, the overall result is fail. Core functions: Clearly define multi-dimensional quantitative judgment rules, display the complete logic of automatic pass / fail judgment, and ensure that test results are objective, standardized, and traceable. Detailed Implementation

[0014] 1. System hardware configuration: RTSP Camera: Model Hikvision DS-2CD3T46WD-I3, supports 1080P / 4K resolution, H.264 / H.265 encoding, HDMI + Ethernet dual output, power supply voltage 12V DC; Video decoder: The test object (such as Huawei VP9650, Hikvision DS-6904UD) supports 4-channel 1080P decoding, with input interfaces HDMI / Ethernet and output interface HDMI; High-definition monitor: 3840×2160 resolution, response time ≤5ms, supports HDMI 2.0 interface; Power controller: Model Delixi CDP6-10, supports 4 independent outputs, USB + Ethernet dual communication interface, control accuracy ±0.1V, on / off response time ≤1 second; PC version: CPU Intel i5-12400, RAM 8GB, hard drive 512GB SSD, operating system Windows 10 Professional.

[0015] Glossary To facilitate understanding, the core components of this invention will first be defined and their functions explained: RTSP camera: A video acquisition device based on the Real Time Streaming Protocol, which can generate standardized and stable video test signals to simulate video input scenarios in real-world applications and serves as the signal source basis for aging tests. Video decoder: The core device under test, used to receive video signals from RTSP cameras and convert compressed video streams into displayable image signals through decoding algorithms. Its aging performance (long-term operational stability and decoding reliability) is the core evaluation object of this test. Power Controller: A programmable remote control switching device that supports receiving control commands via USB or network interface. It is used to uniformly manage the power on / off status of RTSP cameras, video decoders, and monitors. Its core function is to simulate power fluctuations in the actual working environment (such as power failure restart and voltage stability testing) to achieve automated power cycle operation. PC-based control program: Automated test management software running on a computer, integrating three core modules: power control, signal acquisition, and data analysis. It is responsible for test plan formulation, equipment status monitoring, data recording, and report generation, and serves as the "control center" of the entire test system. High-definition display: Used to present the image output by the decoder in real time, assisting manual observation of the test status, and providing a visual basis for image quality data collected on the PC.

[0016] 2. Control program design: Development language: Python 3.9, GUI framework PyQt5 (user-friendly graphical interface, supports drag-and-drop operation); Core modules: Power control module: Based on the Serial library (USB communication) / Socket library (network communication), it sends power on / off commands and receives device status feedback; Signal acquisition module: Acquires display image data through the OpenCV library, acquires decoder power consumption data through the SNMP protocol, and acquires device operating status through log parsing; Data analysis module: uses the Pandas library to process data, the Matplotlib library to generate charts, and the python-docx library to generate test reports; The pass / fail judgment module (new): Based on preset thresholds, it calculates the compliance status of each dimension in real time and outputs a comprehensive judgment result; The user interface is divided into six functional areas: “Device Status”, “Parameter Settings”, “Real-time Monitoring”, “Data Reports”, “Abnormal Alarms”, and “Judgment Results” (new). It supports one-click export of data and reports.

[0017] 3. Aging test procedure: Hardware deployment: Connect all devices as shown in Figure 1, ensuring that the wiring is correct and secure. Software configuration: Start the PC control program, complete system initialization, set the test duration to 24 hours, the power on / off cycle to 30 minutes / time, the sampling frequency to the default setting, and configure the pass / fail threshold (default value). Test Startup: Click "Start Test". The program will automatically control the power controller to periodically turn the power on and off. The camera will generate a 1080P / H.265 test signal, which will be decoded by the decoder and output to the monitor. Real-time monitoring: No manual intervention is required during the process. The program automatically records data, determines the pass / fail status, and alerts users according to preset alarm methods if any abnormality occurs. Test complete: The program will automatically stop testing after 24 hours, generate a test report, and clearly indicate the "pass / fail" conclusion and the basis for the judgment. Results evaluation: Review the section on the criteria for judgment in the report, confirm the compliance status of each dimension, trace the non-compliant items for non-compliant products and optimize them.

[0018] 4. Data Analysis and Reporting: The data analysis module organizes the collected data and generates a test report that includes operational stability, decoding integrity, and anomaly records. Provides intuitive charts to facilitate the evaluation of test results.

[0019] in conclusion The automatic aging test method provided by this invention can realize the full-process automation, data accuracy, and judgment standardization of video decoder aging test, effectively solving the problems of low efficiency, large error, and ambiguous judgment in traditional manual testing. It is suitable for batch production testing and performance verification in the R&D stage of electronic manufacturing enterprises and has broad application prospects.

Claims

1. An automatic aging test method for a video decoder board, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Configure the RTSP camera (complete the hardware connection, network settings, parameter configuration, and signal calibration in 4 steps) to generate a 1080P / 4K standard test signal; Configure the video decoder (complete interface connection, parameter matching, and communication testing in 3 steps) to receive camera signals and decode and output them; Equipped with a high-definition display, it presents the decoder output image in real time, providing a visual basis for data acquisition; Configure a programmable power controller (complete wiring, communication configuration, and remote authorization in 3 steps) to uniformly control the power on and off of all devices and simulate power fluctuations; Configure the PC-side control program (installation, driver adaptation, module initialization, and communication testing are completed in 4 steps), integrating power control, signal acquisition, data analysis, and pass / fail judgment modules; The PC program controls the power controller to periodically turn on and off the power by pre-setting a test plan that includes duration, power-on / off cycle, sampling frequency, and pass threshold. The system collects decoding stability, image quality, and power consumption data at the second / minute level. The pass / fail judgment module determines whether the data is qualified based on multi-dimensional thresholds, automatically analyzes and generates a test report containing the judgment criteria, and judges the aging performance of the decoder.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The PC-side control program includes: Power control module: Sends power on / off commands via USB / network interface, with a response time of ≤1 second; Signal acquisition module: Acquires image and power consumption data using the OpenCV library and SNMP protocol; Data analysis module: Processes data using Pandas / Matplotlib and generates visualization reports; The pass / fail judgment module determines whether each dimension and the overall pass / fail status in real time based on preset thresholds for four dimensions: operational stability, image quality, power consumption stability, and anomaly control.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The criteria for determining whether a product is qualified include: Operational stability thresholds: continuous fault-free time ≥ 95% of total test duration, signal loss rate ≤ 0.5%; Image quality thresholds: Image distortion rate ≤3%, sharpness entropy value ≥5.0; Power consumption stability threshold: power consumption fluctuation range ≤ ±5%, no continuous over-rated power consumption (> 10% of rated value) for ≥ 5 minutes; Anomaly control thresholds: Number of major anomalies ≤ 2, Anomaly recovery time ≤ 3 minutes; Comprehensive judgment logic: If all four dimensions meet the standard, the result is considered qualified; if any one or more dimensions fail to meet the standard, the result is considered unqualified.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The data analysis module supports: Data preprocessing (removing invalid data and correcting outliers); Calculation of core metrics (continuous fault-free time, signal loss rate, image distortion rate, etc.); Export data in Excel / CSV format and a Word / PDF test report containing the judgment criteria.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The PC-side control program connects to the power controller via USB or a network interface, with a communication packet loss rate of ≤0.1%.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The PC-side control program has an exception handling mechanism: Automatically detects anomalies such as signal loss (continuous for ≥3 seconds), image distortion (≥5%), and power consumption fluctuation (±10%). Real-time recording of anomaly timestamps, equipment status, on-site data, and the impact of anomalies on pass / fail determination; It provides alarms via sound, vision, and email, and supports manual / automatic power cut-off of faulty equipment. After troubleshooting, the test can be resumed from where it left off.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The testing system supports long-term aging tests of 12-168 hours, and the test duration, power-on / off cycle (minimum 5 minutes), and pass threshold can all be customized.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The power controller is a 4-channel independent output device that supports remote control with a control accuracy of ±0.1V. It is used to simulate power failure and restart scenarios as well as voltage stability test scenarios.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The display is a high-definition device with a resolution of ≥3840×2160 and a response time of ≤5ms, used for real-time monitoring of decoding output and assisting manual observation.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The RTSP camera supports H.264 / H.265 encoding formats, with an output signal error of ≤±1%, and avoids network conflicts through static IP configuration.

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