Camera Adapter Synchronization and Power Safety Over Long Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal transmission systems for television broadcasting, particularly those using triaxial cables, suffer from signal degradation with increased cable length, and low-cost cameras lack the ability to lock to a master timing reference, leading to motion discontinuities and inadequate safety measures for power transmission.
Innovation Solution
An adapter system incorporating digital coding and multiplexing circuits, optical transmitters and receivers, a timing reference encoding circuit, and a video frame synchronizer, along with safety features like voltage balance trip and overcurrent protection, to ensure co-timed signal output and secure power transmission over optical and copper conductors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If triaxial cables are used to connect camera and remote equipment, then signal transmission is achieved, but signal degradation increases with cable length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical signal transmission through copper triaxial cables with optical signal transmission through fiber optic cables. This substitution eliminates signal degradation issues associated with long electrical cable runs while maintaining reliable signal transmission over extended distances between camera and remote equipment.
2Reliability
If advanced timing reference is provided to low-cost cameras, then co-timed video output is achieved, but camera cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (synchronizer or adapter) that receives the timing reference signal and processes it to generate advanced timing reference signals. This intermediary enables low-cost cameras without native timing reference capabilities to achieve co-timed video output, maintaining camera affordability while ensuring proper synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary timing reference processing before the signal reaches the camera. By pre-processing the timing reference signal through encoding circuits and synchronizers upstream of the camera, the system prepares the timing information in advance, allowing low-cost cameras to simply follow the pre-synchronized signal without requiring expensive internal timing reference hardware.
3Power
If hazardous voltages are used for power transmission, then power delivery efficiency is improved, but safety risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through interlock circuits and monitoring systems that continuously check the status of power transmission connections. These feedback systems detect open or short circuits and automatically control the application of hazardous voltage, ensuring that power is only delivered when safe, thereby maintaining efficient power delivery while minimizing electrocution risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediary safety devices including interlock circuits, isolators, and protective equipment that stand between the hazardous voltage source and the user. These intermediaries control and monitor the hazardous voltage transmission, allowing efficient power delivery through high voltage while providing multiple layers of protection against electrocution.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adapter system provides reliable, co-timed video signals to low-cost cameras without external synchronizers, enhances safety by automatically managing hazardous voltages, and recovers from faults with minimal disruption, supporting both professional and amateur cameras.
Implementation Method 1
a first interface which is connectable by means of video, audio and data cables to a television camera, and which outputs are connected to a digital coding multiplexing and serialising circuit, one or more optical transmitters
Data Source
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AI summary
Adapter (3,5) for processing electrical signals in an installation comprising a video camera equipment (1) and a remote equipment (7). A first aim of the present invention is to provide an adapter system which allows automatically providing an output video signal that is co-timed to the master timing reference of the remote equipment. A second aim of the invention is to provide an adapter system which improves the security of the installation when power for the camera is transmitted by the remote equipment.