Self-Healing Fiber Ring for Video Signal Multiplexing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional surveillance and broadcast video systems lack the ability to combine multiple digitally encoded sources into a single data stream without special equipment, fail to provide self-healing functionality, and exhibit significant latency in camera control, making them inadequate for high-quality, long-distance fiber optic communication and control systems.

Innovation Solution

A system for multiplexing and digital transmission of remote video and audio sources over fiber optic cable, enabling bidirectional communication and control of remote cameras with self-healing functionality, supporting multiple signal formats, and incorporating a video test signal generator for performance validation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional systems use special reclocking or data-rate converter equipment to combine multiple digitally encoded sources, then data rate compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata rate compatibilityVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple digitally encoded video sources with different data rates into a single data stream using a multiplexer that directly handles variable data rates without requiring separate reclocking or data-rate converter equipment for each source, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs a universal interface design that can accept multiple digital video formats and data rates through a single multiplexer unit, eliminating the need for specialized conversion equipment for each source type and achieving both adaptability and simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional systems lack self-healing functionality, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-configures redundant signal paths and monitoring mechanisms that automatically detect fiber cable failures and switch to backup routes before complete system failure occurs, providing self-healing functionality through advance preparation of recovery protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous monitoring of signal integrity and automatic feedback loops that detect transmission errors or fiber breaks and dynamically adjust routing or retransmit data, enabling self-healing through real-time system feedback without requiring complex manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If conventional systems transmit camera control signals, then control functionality is provided, but latency increases making control difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera control responsivenessVSAvoidcontrol latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous, real-time transmission of camera control signals from the user interface to the remote camera without interruption or buffering delays, ensuring that control commands are executed immediately and reflected without latency on the video monitor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The control signal path is segmented into dedicated high-priority channels that are processed separately from video data streams, allowing control commands to be transmitted and executed with minimal delay while video transmission continues independently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Measurement precision

If conventional systems use limited test signal generators, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem testing capabilityVSAvoidtesting equipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a universal test signal generator capable of producing multiple test patterns (such as color bars, resolution charts, and synchronization signals) within a single integrated unit, providing comprehensive system testing capability without requiring separate specialized equipment for each test type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7822344B1System for communication of video, audio, data, control or other signals over fiber in a self-healing ring topology

Publication Date: 2010.10.26 MULTIDYNE ELECTRONICS

AI summary

A system for communication of signals between remote devices and monitoring and control devices via fiber. The system in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes a plurality of remote interface units each coupled to a corresponding one of the remote devices, and a base unit coupled to the one or more monitoring devices and the one or more control devices. The plurality of remote interface units and the base unit are interconnected by fiber optic links to form a ring. Each of the remote interface units supplies a video signal to the base unit for distribution to the one or more monitoring devices, and the base unit supplies control signals from the one or more control devices to the plurality of remote interface units.