Genlock Device Log and Alarm Functions for Signal Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Genlock systems are adversely affected by interruptions or external noise in the reference signal, leading to synchronization issues and the need for a device that can detect and manage these disruptions effectively.

Innovation Solution

A genlock device with capabilities to input external reference signals, generate synchronized master reference clock signals, detect synchronization and burst signal absences, store genlock states, and alert on deviations, utilizing a voltage-controlled oscillator and programmable frequency dividers to maintain synchronization and log operational modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the reference signal is transmitted via coaxial cable, then the genlock system can be implemented, but the reference signal may be interrupted or influenced by external noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereference signal transmission reliabilityVSAvoidexternal noise interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism by introducing a monitor circuit that continuously detects the reference signal quality and feeds this information back to the control unit. The control unit then adjusts the genlock operation accordingly, switching between external reference mode, internal reference mode, or hold mode based on the detected signal quality, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliable signal transmission and protecting against external noise interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by preparing alternative operating modes (internal reference mode and hold mode) in advance. When the reference signal quality degrades due to external noise or interruption, the system can seamlessly switch to these pre-prepared modes, cushioning against the harmful effects of signal interference and maintaining continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the genlock device monitors reference signal quality, then synchronization stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization stabilityVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the monitoring function with the existing control unit by integrating the monitor circuit and control logic into a unified structure. Rather than adding a completely separate monitoring system, the patent combines signal detection, quality assessment, and mode switching control into a single integrated control mechanism, thus improving synchronization stability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the primary controller for genlock operations and as the signal quality monitor. This universal component performs multiple functions including signal detection, quality assessment, mode decision-making, and switching control, thereby achieving stable synchronization monitoring without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables comprehensive monitoring and management of genlock states, ensuring continuous synchronization and alerting on deviations, thereby enhancing the reliability and stability of genlock systems.

Implementation Method 1

a genlock device includes: an external reference signal input means for inputting an external reference signal; a master reference clock signal generating means for generating a master reference clock signal synchronized in phase with the external reference signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase-locked loop synchronization:

Implementation Method 2

The genlock device can further include: a voltage controlled oscillator; a first memory means for storing a first voltage value determined so that the voltage controlled oscillator oscillates a signal having a frequency higher by a predetermined value than a reference frequency of the voltage controlled oscillator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage-controlled oscillation:

Data Source

PatentUS7663698B2Genlock device having log and alarm functions
Publication Date: 2010.02.16 LEADER ELECTRONICS
  • US7663698B2 patent drawing
  • US7663698B2 patent drawing
  • US7663698B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A genlock device comprises: means (31) for inputting an external reference signal; means (32,33,34,36,39,40,41,42,44) for generating a master reference clock signal synchronized in phase with the external reference signal; and means (37) for storing a genlock state. The genlock state includes, for example, absence of a synchronization signal in the external reference signal. The genlock device can further comprise: means (45) for storing a voltage value determined so that a voltage controlled oscillator (40) oscillates a signal having a frequency higher or lower by a predetermined value than a reference frequency of the voltage controlled oscillator; and means (44) for judging whether a voltage value which controls the voltage controlled oscillator is larger or smaller than the voltage value.