Video Top-of-Frame Signal Generation for Multi-Format Clock Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current video image systems face challenges in processing multiple video formats efficiently due to the lack of a single-chip solution for providing video interface and clock signals, necessitating advanced miniaturization and sophisticated multi-format support.

Innovation Solution

A signal generator circuitry that includes gating, counter, and phase-locked loop (PLL) components to produce a video top-of-frame signal by synchronizing input vertical and horizontal reference signals, adjusting frame rates, and generating multiple clock signals with minimal jitter, utilizing an external voltage-controlled oscillator for various video applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple video formats are supported using separate processing circuits, then video format compatibility is improved, but device complexity and chip area increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo format compatibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal video processing architecture where a single chip integrates multiple video interface standards (SDTV, HDTV, EDTV) and processing functions (encoder, decoder, scaler, processor) that can handle various video formats including NTSC, PAL, and SECAM. This multi-functional design allows one device to replace multiple format-specific circuits, achieving format compatibility without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple previously separate video processing functions into a single integrated chip, including video encoding, decoding, scaling, and processing capabilities. By merging these functions into one unified device, the system reduces the number of discrete components needed while maintaining support for multiple video formats, thus improving versatility without linearly increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If video processing functions are integrated on a single chip, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the integrated video processing chip into distinct functional modules or blocks, each handling specific tasks such as video decoding, encoding, scaling, or processing. This segmentation allows for modular design and fabrication, where each module can be optimized and tested independently, reducing the overall manufacturing precision burden while maintaining the benefits of integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If clock signals are generated with high precision for multiple formats, then video signal quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclock signal precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a phase-locked loop (PLL) circuit as an intermediary mechanism to generate precise clock signals for multiple video formats. The PLL acts as a mediator that takes a reference clock input and produces the required output clock frequencies with minimal jitter, ensuring high-quality video synchronization across different formats without requiring separate complex clock generation circuits for each format.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8115871B2Video top-of-frame signal generator for multiple video formats
Publication Date: 2012.02.14 NAT SEMICON CORP
  • US8115871B2 patent drawing
  • US8115871B2 patent drawing
  • US8115871B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A signal generator for use in producing a video top-of-frame signal based upon an input video signal with an input video frame including one or more input video fields and having an input video frame rate for an output video signal with an output video frame having a plurality of output video frame lines, each with a plurality of output video pixels, and an output video frame rate.