Camera Storage via SDI Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital video cameras face limitations in storage capacity and quality due to the constraints of on-board storage and remote data processing systems, particularly with the Serial Digital Interface (SDI) protocol, which restricts resolution and frame rate, and requires separate operation from the camera.
Innovation Solution
A digital video camera system that utilizes its video transmission interface to transmit data to a controlled data storage device, allowing bypass of native video transmission protocol limitations by operating in multiple modes: compressing data for local storage, transcoding for SDI transmission, and transmitting compressed data without resolution or frame rate constraints to an external memory, enabling flexible storage solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If captured data is transmitted via video transmission interface (SDI) to remote data processing system, then storage capacity is increased, but video quality is constrained by protocol limitations on resolution and frame rate
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the video transmission function from the storage function. The video transmission interface (SDI) is used only for data transfer, while the external storage device handles storage independently. This segmentation allows the SDI interface to be used purely as a data conduit without being constrained by its native video protocol limitations, enabling full-resolution video to be stored while using SDI only for its data transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera acts as an intermediary device that receives video data from the image capture system and forwards it to the external storage device via the video transmission interface. The camera's data processing pipeline processes the video data and transmits it through the SDI interface, which serves as an intermediary communication channel. This intermediary approach allows the system to bypass the protocol constraints of SDI by using the camera's processing capabilities to prepare the data before transmission.
2Quantity of substance
If on-board data storage is used to maximise captured data storage, then camera portability is maintained, but storage capacity is limited by physical size and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The storage function is extracted from the camera body and placed in an external storage device. The camera retains only the essential functions of image capture and data processing, while the large-capacity storage is housed externally. This extraction allows the camera to maintain a compact, portable form factor while providing access to large storage capacities through the externally mounted storage device that can be attached via the video transmission interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The video transmission interface is given multi-functionality by using it not only for its native video transmission purpose but also as a data interface for connecting to external storage devices. The camera's data processing pipeline can output video data through this interface, which then serves dual purposes: traditional video transmission and data transfer to external storage. This universal use of the interface eliminates the need for separate dedicated storage interfaces, maintaining camera simplicity while enabling expanded storage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If video data is transmitted according to native video transmission protocol, then compatibility is ensured, but resolution and frame rate are constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the use of the video transmission interface based on the connected device. When an external storage device is detected, the camera switches to using the interface for data transfer with full-resolution video data. The data processing pipeline adjusts its output format and the interface usage accordingly, rather than being locked into a fixed protocol mode. This dynamic behavior allows the system to maintain protocol compatibility when needed while achieving higher video quality when connected to appropriate external devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
A digital video camera (10) is disclosed. The camera (10) includes a data processing pipeline (16) being operable in a plurality of modes including: a first mode in which said video output data is passed to a data storage system for storage on local non-volatile storage; a second mode in which video output data is formatted into a native video data format of the video transmission system and passed to a video transmission system for transmission; and a third mode in which said video output data is processed into a video data format that is not a native video data format of the video transmission system and passed to the video transmission system for transmission to a secondary memory.