Integrated Camera Encoder Modulator for Long-Range RF Video
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF signal sources face signal degradation and poor reception when cable lengths exceed 3-5 feet, limiting the distance over which video signals can be transmitted effectively to televisions, especially in digital TV systems like ATSC standard A/53.
Innovation Solution
An RF signal source comprising a camera, an encoder, and a modulator integrated within a single enclosure, where the encoder compresses and modulates the camera output into a digital RF signal, enabling transmission over longer distances without significant degradation, using technologies like MPEG encoding and VSB modulation, and potentially including encryption for security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the cable length is increased to transmit video signals over longer distances, then the transmission distance is improved, but the signal quality deteriorates due to signal degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the direct analog video signal transmission mechanism with a digital encoding and modulation system. The camera output is encoded into a compressed digital format and then modulated onto an RF carrier signal, transforming the transmission from a direct electrical signal over cable to a radio frequency signal that can be transmitted over longer distances without degradation. This substitution of transmission mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling long-distance transmission while maintaining signal quality.
2Reliability
If the video signal is transmitted directly without encoding or compression, then the video quality is maintained, but the transmission distance is limited due to signal degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the video signal by converting it from an analog format to a compressed digital format through encoding, and then modulating it onto an RF carrier. This parameter transformation allows the signal to be transmitted over longer distances without degradation, as digital signals are more resistant to noise and interference compared to analog signals. The encoding and modulation processes fundamentally alter the signal characteristics to enable long-distance transmission while maintaining quality.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate components are used for camera, encoder, and modulator, then each component can be optimized independently, but the system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the camera, encoder, and modulator into a single integrated unit housed in one enclosure. This merging of previously separate components into a unified system reduces overall system complexity, simplifies installation and configuration, and decreases space requirements while maintaining the individual optimization of each component. The integrated design allows the components to work together seamlessly as a cohesive system.
Data Source
AI summary
An RF signal source having a camera that provides a camera output, an encoder that encodes the camera output in a compressed digital format, and a modulator that digitally encodes and modulates the compressed camera output and that provides the digitally encoded, modulated, and compressed camera output as an RF output of the RF signal source. The camera, the encoder, and the modulator may be contained in an enclosure. Additionally or alternatively, the encoder, the modulator, and at least part of the camera may be formed on a semiconductor substrate.