PCMCIA Coupling Device for Noise-Free Video Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional videoconferencing systems limit personal computer users to sharing only screen shots of their desktop and introduce noise through scan conversion of digital images to analog signals and back, which degrades image quality, especially when motion is involved.

Innovation Solution

A coupling device with firmware and software that executes an ITU H.261 Annex D-like algorithm for dual stream communication, allowing motion simulation and enabling control signals to manage image transmission between a laptop computer and a videoconferencing system, using a PCMCIA card and cable with a connector to facilitate seamless integration and image control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If scan conversion is used to convert digital image to analog signal and back, then compatibility with videoconferencing system is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to noise introduction

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary device (video interface card with H.261 encoder) that acts as a mediator between the personal computer and videoconferencing system. This encoder card converts digital video signals directly to H.261 format without requiring analog conversion, thereby maintaining image quality while ensuring compatibility with the videoconferencing system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/analog scan conversion process with a digital encoding process. Instead of converting digital signals to analog and back (which introduces noise), the system uses software-based H.261 encoding that operates entirely in the digital domain, substituting the problematic analog conversion mechanism with a digital alternative.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If conventional VGA connection is used, then simple integration is achieved, but functionality is limited to screen shots only

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration simplicityVSAvoidfunctionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal video interface card that handles multiple functions: it supports both still image capture and dynamic video transmission, provides H.261 encoding for videoconferencing, and maintains compatibility with standard VGA connections. This multi-functional device enables the personal computer to serve various purposes within the videoconferencing system beyond just screen shots.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the video interface by implementing software-based H.261 encoding that allows dynamic adjustment of video quality, resolution, and frame rate. This enables the system to adapt between different functionality modes (still images vs. dynamic video) while maintaining simple VGA physical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If digital image is converted to analog signal for transmission, then videoconferencing system compatibility is improved, but transmission quality deteriorates due to re-digitization noise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem compatibilityVSAvoidtransmission quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the analog conversion mechanism with a digital encoding system. The H.261 encoder card processes video signals entirely in the digital domain, encoding them directly to H.261 format without requiring analog conversion and re-digitization, thereby eliminating the source of transmission noise while maintaining system compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The encoder card serves as an intermediary device that bridges the personal computer and videoconferencing system through digital H.261 encoding. This mediator performs the necessary format conversion in the digital domain, ensuring compatibility with the videoconferencing system while preserving transmission quality by avoiding analog signal pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9197852B2System and method for point to point integration of personal computers with videoconferencing systems

Publication Date: 2015.11.24 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

A system and method for integrating a personal computer based presentation with a videoconferencing system. A coupling device includes a card, insertable into a PCMCIA slot of a laptop computer or like machine, which includes a cable coupled to the card at a first end and to a connector coupled at a second end. The card includes firmware for loading into RAM of the computer and software operable to execute code.