Camera Adaptor Optical Transmission for Video Signal Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Less expensive video cameras, capable of providing high-quality video for broadcasting, are not usable for broadcasting due to their inability to receive and process return video signals, and require a special view finder for switching between camera and return video.
Innovation Solution
An optical transmission system that converts electric signals to optical signals and back, allowing a camera adaptor to switch between camera and return video signals using a remote controller, without the need for a special view finder, by separating and routing control signals to enable video switching and maintain recording functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a less expensive video camera is used, then cost is reduced, but the camera cannot receive return video signals and cannot be used for broadcasting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera adaptor as an intermediary device between the less expensive video camera and the broadcasting system. The adaptor receives the camera video signal and return video signal, processes them, and outputs the appropriate signals to enable broadcasting functionality without requiring the camera itself to have expensive broadcasting-capable hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera adaptor is designed to perform multiple functions: it can switch between camera video and return video, process control signals for recording, and interface with both the simple video camera and the broadcasting system. This multi-functionality enables a less expensive camera to be used in broadcasting applications through the adaptor's versatile capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a special view finder is used to switch between camera video and return video, then video switching capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the camera itself complex with built-in view finder switching capabilities, the patent uses a camera adaptor as an intermediary that handles the video switching function. This separates the complexity from the camera body, allowing the camera to remain simple while still achieving video switching capability through the adaptor.
Solution Approach 2:
The video switching functionality is extracted from the camera body and placed in a separate camera adaptor. This extraction allows the camera to maintain its simple, low-cost design while the adaptor provides the necessary switching capabilities between camera video and return video signals.
3Adaptability or versatility
If control signals are routed through the camera adaptor, then video switching is enabled, but recording functions may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control signal processing into distinct functions within the camera adaptor. It separates the return video signal processing from the control signal processing, ensuring that control signals for recording operations are properly routed and processed independently. This segmentation allows the adaptor to enable video switching while preserving recording functionality through proper control signal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera adaptor incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor and manage control signals. It receives control signals from the remote controller, processes them appropriately, and ensures that recording functions are maintained by routing control signals back to the camera when needed. This feedback loop ensures that video switching and recording operations can coexist without interfering with each other.
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
Enables the use of less expensive video cameras for broadcasting by allowing video and control signal switching without a special view finder, while ensuring recording functions are maintained by routing appropriate control signals back to the camera.
Implementation Method 1
a camera adaptor provided to the video camera converts the electric signal into an optical signal
Implementation Method 2
a base station provided to the remotely-located device converts the optical signal into the electric signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an optical transmission system that optically transmits an optical signal between a camera adaptor provided to a video camera and a base station provided at a position remote from the video camera. In the optical transmission system, the camera adaptor includes a control signal input unit that receives a control signal including a return signal component, a video selecting unit that outputs, to the exterior, the camera video signal component of the first electric signal of the return video signal component of the second electric signal based on a state of the return signal component, and a control signal separating unit that outputs the control signal other than the return signal component.