Encoder Testing via Mobile Video Injection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional encoder resources in cable network environments are prone to encoding errors, requiring complex equipment and manual testing procedures, which can be inefficient and labor-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A mobile communication device and video management device combination is used to inject a test signal into the encoder resource, allowing for remote testing of encoding capabilities, with the mobile device transmitting video information to the video management device, which processes and outputs it in various formats to the encoder, and the encoded data is monitored for integrity, providing feedback on proper operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional testing equipment and procedures are used to test encoder resources, then encoding errors can be detected, but the testing process becomes complex and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveencoding error detectionVSAvoidtesting equipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses software-based virtual test signal generation that creates digital copies of test content, eliminating the need for physical test equipment. The test signals are generated and transmitted through software applications on mobile devices and head-end equipment, replacing complex hardware testing systems while maintaining the ability to detect encoding errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical/physical testing equipment with software-based systems. Instead of using physical test signal generators and specialized hardware, the solution uses software applications to generate, transmit, and analyze test signals digitally, simplifying the testing process while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If conventional manual testing procedures are used, then encoder operation can be verified, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveencoder operation verificationVSAvoidtesting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated testing where the system tests itself without external intervention. Software applications automatically generate test signals, transmit them through the encoder, capture the output, and analyze results for encoding errors. This self-testing capability eliminates manual labor while maintaining verification reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes automated feedback loops where test signal outputs are continuously monitored and compared against expected results. The system automatically detects encoding errors, generates reports, and can trigger alerts, eliminating the need for manual analysis and significantly improving testing productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If technician presence is required for encoder testing, then proper testing can be performed, but remote testing capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting accuracyVSAvoidremote testing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces software applications as intermediaries between the encoder and the testing process. These software agents reside on mobile devices and head-end equipment, automatically performing test signal generation, transmission, and analysis. This intermediary layer maintains testing accuracy while enabling remote operation without requiring technician presence at the encoder location

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If complex test equipment is deployed, then comprehensive encoder testing can be achieved, but the system becomes harder to operate and maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveencoder testing comprehensivenessVSAvoidtesting procedure simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates universal software-based testing solutions that can test multiple encoder types and formats through a single platform. The software applications can generate various test signal formats (SDI, HDMI, analog) and adapt to different encoder configurations, eliminating the need for specialized equipment for each encoder type while maintaining comprehensive testing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10021462B2Content distribution and encoder testing techniques

Publication Date: 2018.07.10 TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLC

AI summary

According to one configuration, to test an encoder resource, a user controls operation of both a mobile communication device and a corresponding video management device. For example, the user inputs a command to a test control application executing on the mobile communication device to test encoding of content by the encoder resource. In response to receiving the input command to test a target encoder resource, the test control application on the mobile communication device transmits video information from the mobile communication device to in the video management device. The video management device processes the video information received from the mobile communication device. Using the video information, the video management device derives and outputs a corresponding coded video stream to the encoder resource under test. As its name suggests, the encoder resource encodes the received video stream and transmits it over an assigned channel in a shared communication link.