PCIe Caption Encoder Card for Low-Latency Multi-Channel SDI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing caption encoding systems require separate rack-mounted appliances for each channel, leading to space constraints and network dependencies that can cause latency and security vulnerabilities, especially in live broadcasts.
Innovation Solution
A caption encoder system integrated into a computer system, utilizing a caption encoder card with components like FPGA, MCU, and PCIe bridge, which processes SDI streams without network communication, reducing space requirements and enhancing redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate rack-mounted caption encoding appliances are used for each channel, then each channel can be independently encoded, but rack space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple caption encoding functions into a single integrated system. The caption encoder receives multiple video inputs and generates closed captions for multiple channels simultaneously through one device, eliminating the need for separate rack-mounted appliances for each channel while maintaining independent encoding capability for each channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The caption encoder is designed as a universal device that can handle multiple video inputs and outputs simultaneously. It performs caption encoding for multiple channels through a single unit, making the system multi-functional and reducing the overall equipment footprint while preserving channel independence.
2Ease of operation
If caption encoding appliances communicate with a network, then remote monitoring and control are enabled, but latency occurs during live broadcasts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the network communication dependency from the real-time caption encoding process. The caption encoder operates as a standalone device that processes video inputs and generates captions locally without requiring network communication, thereby eliminating network-induced latency while still allowing for local monitoring and control.
3Ease of operation
If caption encoding appliances communicate with a network, then remote control is possible, but security vulnerabilities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the network communication function from the caption encoding operation. The encoder functions as an isolated, standalone device that does not require network connectivity to perform its core function, thereby eliminating security vulnerabilities associated with network communication while preserving local control capabilities.
4Reliability
If multiple separate caption encoding appliances are deployed, then each channel is independently processed, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple caption encoding functions into a single integrated appliance. The device accepts multiple video inputs and generates closed captions for multiple channels simultaneously through internal processing, reducing the number of separate appliances from one per channel to a single multi-functional unit while maintaining channel independence.
Data Source
AI summary
A caption encoder system is provided that can include a computer system and a caption encoder card. The caption encoder card can include a caption encoder module having at least one of: an input component, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) bridge, and a plurality of output components. The input component can be configured to receive an input SDI stream. The FPGA can be in communication with the input component and can be configured to compile an output SDI stream with embedded closed captions. The MCU can be in communication with the FPGA. The PCIe bridge can be in communication with the microcontroller unit and a plurality of universal serial bus to serial devices. The plurality of output components can be communication with the field programmable gate array.