Coaxial Cable Software Upgrade via Video Signal Blanking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video surveillance systems face increased production costs and unavailable monitoring functions during software upgrades due to the need for additional cables and switch control modules, which disrupt video signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using existing coaxial cables to transmit software upgrade data by inserting upgrade instructions and packets into the horizontal blanking region of video signals, allowing continuous video signal transmission and eliminating the need for additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional cables and switch control modules are added to enable software upgrade data transmission, then software upgrade capability is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coaxial cable is made multi-functional by enabling it to transmit both video signals and software upgrade data through the same physical medium. The encoder inserts upgrade data into the horizontal blanking region of video signals, allowing the existing cable infrastructure to serve dual purposes without requiring additional cables or switch control modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines software upgrade data transmission with video signal transmission by embedding the upgrade data within the horizontal blanking region of the video signal. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate communication channels and reduces system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system switches to data transmission mode for software upgrade, then software upgrade is enabled, but video signal output is interrupted and monitoring function becomes unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The video signal transmission continues uninterrupted during software upgrade operations. The encoder embeds upgrade data within the horizontal blanking region of the ongoing video signal, ensuring that the video transmission never stops and the monitoring function remains available throughout the upgrade process.
Solution Approach 2:
The software upgrade data is nested within the horizontal blanking region of the video signal. This nested structure allows upgrade data to be transmitted inside the existing video signal framework without disrupting the outer video transmission layer, maintaining continuous monitoring availability.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing coaxial cables are used for both video signal and upgrade data transmission, then production cost is reduced, but signal interference and transmission reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The video signal is segmented into active video regions and horizontal blanking regions. The upgrade data is transmitted exclusively in the horizontal blanking regions, separating the data transmission function from the video display function. This segmentation prevents interference between video signals and upgrade data while using the same physical cable.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Embodiments of the present application provide a method and apparatus for upgrading software. The method is used in a front-end device connectable to a back-end device through a coaxial cable. The method includes: receiving an instruction for software upgrade, which is inserted into a horizontal blanking region of a video signal, from the back-end device through the coaxial cable; receiving, in sequence, data packets inserted into the horizontal blanking region, from the back-end device through the coaxial cable, wherein the data packets comprise data for software upgrade; and upgrading software in the front-end device based on the received data packets. In the present application, the existing coaxial cables in the video surveillance system are used to transmit the data for software upgrade, thus the cost of the production of the video surveillance system is reduced. In addition, during the transmission of the data for software upgrade, as the video signal can be normally transmitted in the coaxial cable, the normal monitoring function of the video surveillance system is enabled.