Video Interface Testing with Checksum Error Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing video interfaces, particularly in high definition video systems, rely on operator observation and are prone to errors, failing to detect single bit or random errors effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a video test pattern and checksum calculation, such as CRC techniques, to reliably test video interfaces by sending a test pattern through a video data path, receiving and calculating the checksum of the active video data, and determining if errors have occurred.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If operator observation methods are used to test video interfaces, then the testing process is simple and requires minimal equipment, but the reliability of error detection is poor and operator errors occur frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The video interface testing system performs self-diagnosis by automatically generating test patterns, transmitting them through the video interface, calculating checksums, and detecting errors without requiring operator intervention. The system tests itself to detect hardware problems such as stuck bits, eliminating operator-dependent reliability issues while maintaining manageable complexity through automated procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection method (operator watching video on monitor) with an automated computational approach using checksum calculations. The function calculator computes checksums of transmitted and received video data, and the test circuit automatically compares them to detect errors, substituting human visual inspection with automated digital verification that is both more reliable and less complex.
2Reliability
If automated checksum calculation methods are implemented, then error detection reliability improves significantly, but the device complexity and testing procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining test patterns and checksum calculation procedures before actual testing. The test pattern generator creates standardized patterns in advance, and the function calculator is pre-configured with the appropriate checksum algorithms, so that during testing, the operator simply needs to initiate the automated sequence without configuring complex parameters manually.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the test circuit continuously monitors the checksum calculations and provides immediate feedback on test results. When errors are detected in the video data transmission, the system automatically generates feedback signals to indicate the nature and location of errors, making the testing process transparent and easy to interpret without requiring operator analysis of complex data.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, an apparatus, and logic for testing a video data path. One method includes sending video data corresponding to a video test pattern to an input port of a video data path; receiving video data at an output port of the video data path; and calculating a function of at least the active part of the received video data. The function is selected such that it has a correct value when the at least the active part of the received video data accurately corresponds to the corresponding part of the sent video data. The method further includes ascertaining whether the function of at least the active part of the received video data has the correct value to ascertain whether or not an error has occurred.