Video Signal Data Modulation Using Segmented Scan-Line Encoding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for modulating video signals with data, such as those described in Broughton and Ciardullo, face challenges with slow data transmission rates and unreliable data detection, particularly for portable devices, due to asynchronous decoding and difficulty in determining the start of video fields.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize a slotted hand-held device with an interface card and microcontroller to detect and assemble data packets from video signals modulated by changing pixel intensity on paired scan lines, allowing for faster and more reliable data transmission by splitting each field into multiple segments and using the SDIO protocol for data processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If video signal modulation with data is implemented using existing methods (Broughton, Ciardullo), then data transmission capability is achieved, but data transmission rate remains slow (60 bits per second) and reliability is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoiddata detection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The video field is divided into multiple segments (e.g., 8 segments per field) to increase data transmission capacity. Each segment can carry data bits, allowing parallel data transmission across multiple segments simultaneously, thereby increasing the overall data rate from 60 bits per second to potentially 480 bits per second or higher depending on segmentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic modulation of paired scan lines within each video field to encode data bits. By systematically varying the intensity of paired lines in a periodic pattern across segments, the system achieves both high data rate and reliable detection through the regular, predictable modulation pattern.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Ease of operation

If asynchronous decoding is used in portable devices, then device simplicity is maintained, but data detection becomes unreliable due to inability to determine video field start

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoiddata detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates preliminary synchronization markers or known patterns at the beginning of video fields or segments. These pre-placed markers allow the portable device to automatically synchronize and identify the start of data transmission without complex asynchronous decoding, thereby maintaining device simplicity while improving detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If video signal intensity is modulated to carry data, then data transmission is achieved, but visual quality may be degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidvideo signal quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies modulation only to specific paired scan lines within the video field rather than the entire video signal. By locally modulating only the necessary lines and leaving other lines unchanged, the system maintains high video quality in unmodulated areas while still achieving robust data transmission in the modulated regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables a reliable data rate of 120 bits per second, improving upon previous methods by ensuring synchronized data detection and increased data capacity, making it suitable for providing promotional opportunities and benefits to users through enhanced data processing and transmission.

Implementation Method 1

The novel modulation method alternately raises and lowers the luminance/chrominance of adjacent horizontal scan lines to create a video subcarrier that contains the control data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLuminance modulation:

Implementation Method 2

The control data is then detected with either opto-electronic or radio frequency (RF) detection means that discriminate between the program material and the control data to detect the control data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOpto-electronic detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS7650624B2Method and apparatus for modulating a video signal with data

Publication Date: 2010.01.19 THE CARLISLE CO LLC

AI summary

A system for transmitting auxiliary data within a modulated video signal from a broadcast source to a hand-held device with a slot, the system comprising the broadcast source comprises means for transmitting auxiliary data to the slotted hand-held device via the modulated video signal; an interface device electronically coupled to the hand-held device via the slot and comprises a card microcontroller, a receiver electronically coupled to the card microcontroller for receiving the modulated video signal from the broadcast source, and circuitry electronically coupled to the card microcontroller and the receiver for demodulating the modulated video signal and reproducing the auxiliary data, and transferring the auxiliary data to the hand-held device via an interface protocol, and the hand-held device with the slot comprises a microcontroller for processing the signal auxiliary data received via the interface protocol from the interface device.