Video Asset Module for Mixed Format Signal Generation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic test equipment lacks the capability to generate and process a wide range of video signals, particularly non-standard formats required for testing military video systems, which limits its ability to test complex video systems simultaneously and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A Video Asset (AVA) system is introduced, comprising eight major elements: Primary Composite Video, Stroke Generator, Secondary Video Source, Real Time Capture, Serial Data Interface, Distributed Time Base, VXI Interface, and Software Calculation and Control Module, enabling the generation and processing of various video signals, including mixed video formats, with independent operation of modules and programmable features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional video instrumentation is used, then basic video signal generation is supported, but the capability to generate nonstandard video formats and multiple ancillary signals is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The video asset integrates multiple video signal generation capabilities (composite video, stroke video, raster video) and ancillary signal generation into a single instrument, allowing one device to perform functions that previously required multiple separate instruments and ancillary equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the video signal generator, ancillary signal generator, and control functions into a unified video asset module that interfaces with the host computer through VXI bus, merging capabilities that were previously distributed across multiple separate devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate instruments are used to provide full suite of video signals, then complete testing capability is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple separate instruments (video signal generator, ancillary signal generator, capture device) into a single video asset module with integrated functionality, reducing the number of instruments from multiple separate devices to one unified module
Solution Approach 2:
The video asset provides universal testing capability by integrating diverse video format generation (composite, stroke, raster), ancillary signal generation, and video capture functions into a single multi-functional instrument that can test various video devices
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard video formats are supported, then commercial display device compatibility is maintained, but military video application requirements are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The video asset provides universal support for both standard commercial video formats and specialized military video formats (composite, stroke, raster) through integrated generation capabilities, allowing the same instrument to serve multiple application domains
Data Source
AI summary
Video processing arrangement including a host computer, a video asset coupled to the computer for generating video signals, and an interface for connecting the video asset to the computer to enable the display of the video signals on a monitor. The video asset includes primary elements such as a primary composite video module that produces different types of a primary video signal and outputs the primary video signal, and a secondary video source module that produces a secondary composite video signal and outputs the secondary composite video signal. The primary composite video module includes a memory component including a user-programmable sequence of bits representative of a video signal and user-programmable signal generators synchronized to the primary video signal output of the primary composite video module. The memory component includes four user specified pulse memories which each hold a series of arbitrary bit line patterns.