Auxiliary Bus Mixer and Keyer for Video Switchers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Video production switchers have a limited number of Mix Effects units, limiting flexibility and requiring costly additions to create multiple program outputs with unique layering or special effects.
Innovation Solution
Adding a mixer and keyers to the Auxiliary Bus of a Video Production Switcher, allowing dynamic allocation of Aux Buses for background mixing and keying, enabling additional keyers and special effects without increasing the control panel size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional Mix Effects units are added to create multiple program outputs with unique layering or special effects, then the flexibility and functionality of the video production system is improved, but the cost and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Auxiliary Bus is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it can route video signals, mix multiple video inputs, apply keying effects, and generate special effects. This multi-functionality allows the Aux Bus to replace the need for separate Mix Effects units for certain tasks, thereby improving flexibility without proportionally increasing device complexity or cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of routing, mixing, keying, and special effects processing into a single Auxiliary Bus structure. By merging these previously separate functions into one integrated component, the system achieves greater versatility without requiring additional discrete Mix Effects units, thus resolving the contradiction between flexibility and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional Mix Effects units are added to create multiple program outputs with unique layering or special effects, then the functionality for multiple programs is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Auxiliary Bus is designed to universally handle multiple video inputs, mixing operations, keying effects, and special effects generation. This universal capability allows a single Aux Bus to perform the work of multiple dedicated Mix Effects units, thereby improving functionality while reducing the quantity of expensive hardware components needed, thus lowering overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of purchasing additional expensive Mix Effects units, the system creates a functional copy of mixing and keying capabilities within the Auxiliary Bus structure. This virtual or software-based implementation of mixing and keying functions provides equivalent functionality at a lower cost, avoiding the need to purchase additional physical hardware units.
3Productivity
If additional Mix Effects units are added, then the ability to create multiple program outputs is improved, but the control panel management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The Auxiliary Bus serves as a universal control point that can generate multiple program outputs while handling mixing, keying, and special effects. By consolidating these functions into a single controllable unit, the control panel manages fewer elements compared to having separate Mix Effects units for each function, thereby improving productivity in generating multiple programs while simplifying control panel management.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and device for video production, including adding a mixer to an Auxiliary Bus of a Video Production Switcher; adding one or more keyers to the Auxiliary Bus of the Video Production Switcher; and adding special effects to the Auxiliary Bus.