SDI Video Data Extension via Packet Segmentation and Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video data transmission systems over optical fibers face challenges in handling various data rates, particularly for SDI video data, and lack the ability to include a full-duplex channel for camera control without using special optical laser components, while also requiring higher clock rates for efficient transmission.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for transmitting an extended video data bitstream over optical fibers, which includes segmenting received video data into packets, adding idle and header information, and transmitting at a higher bit-rate, enabling the inclusion of out-of-band data for equipment control, and supporting multiple video streams by generating alternate data packets for alignment at the receiver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If video data is transmitted over optical fibers using conventional methods, then transmission can be achieved, but special optical laser components are required and full-duplex channel for camera control cannot be included
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple video streams and control data into a single multiplexed optical signal. The transmitter merges SD-SDI, HD-SDI, and RS-422 control channels into one unified stream that can be transmitted over standard optical fiber infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate control channels or special laser components.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical transmission system is designed to handle multiple functions simultaneously: it can transmit different video formats (SD and HD), support full-duplex camera control, and maintain backward compatibility with existing SDI equipment. This multi-functional capability replaces the need for specialized components for each function.
2Productivity
If video data is transmitted at higher clock rates, then transmission efficiency is improved, but data rate handling becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter segments incoming video data streams into standardized packets with embedded synchronization headers. This segmentation allows the system to handle variable input rates (SD at 270 Mbps, HD at 1.485 Gbps) by converting them into uniform packet structures that can be transmitted at optimized higher clock rates without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal parameter of data transmission by converting serial video streams into parallel packet streams, then re-serializing them at higher clock rates. This parameter transformation enables more efficient use of the optical fiber bandwidth while the packetization process simplifies the handling of variable input rates.
3Productivity
If multiple video streams are transmitted simultaneously, then bandwidth utilization is improved, but stream separation and alignment at receiver becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter performs preliminary actions by embedding unique synchronization headers and packet identifiers in each video stream before multiplexing. These pre-inserted markers enable the receiver to automatically identify, separate, and realign the different video streams without complex processing, solving the stream separation problem while maintaining high bandwidth utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The packetization process acts as an intermediary mechanism between multiple video streams. Each stream is encapsulated in separately identifiable packets with synchronization information, allowing the receiver to use these packet structures as mediators to cleanly separate and reconstruct the original streams while they are transmitted efficiently over the shared optical channel.
Data Source
AI summary
A video data extension system includes a transmitter and a receiver for transmitting and receiving encoded serial data. Transmitter is configured to receive one SDI 3G video stream at 2.97 Gb/s, two HD-SDI video streams at 1.485 Gb/s, two SD-SDI at 270 Mb/s, or one HD-SDI at 1.485 Gb/s and one SD-SDI at 270 Mb/s. Received data is segmented into packets to form an extended video stream for transmission at 3.75 Gb/s. To each packet, idle and header are provided. Data such as RS422 data may be included in the extended video stream. Where the received data includes data from two HD streams, received data are segmented into two groups of data packets for arranging into extended video stream in an alternate manner. Upon receiving the extended video stream, receiver uses idles to align data and header information to separate the HD streams.