WO2000076208A2 - Systeme et procede servant a controler des entrees video - Google Patents

Systeme et procede servant a controler des entrees video Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000076208A2
WO2000076208A2 PCT/US2000/040160 US0040160W WO0076208A2 WO 2000076208 A2 WO2000076208 A2 WO 2000076208A2 US 0040160 W US0040160 W US 0040160W WO 0076208 A2 WO0076208 A2 WO 0076208A2
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Prior art keywords
video
switch
signal
tray
coupled
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Application number
PCT/US2000/040160
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English (en)
Other versions
WO2000076208A3 (fr
Inventor
Aaron L. Myer
Original Assignee
Panja, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Panja, Inc. filed Critical Panja, Inc.
Priority to AU69516/00A priority Critical patent/AU6951600A/en
Publication of WO2000076208A2 publication Critical patent/WO2000076208A2/fr
Publication of WO2000076208A3 publication Critical patent/WO2000076208A3/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N5/00—Details of television systems
    • H04N5/222—Studio circuitry; Studio devices; Studio equipment
    • H04N5/262—Studio circuits, e.g. for mixing, switching-over, change of character of image, other special effects ; Cameras specially adapted for the electronic generation of special effects
    • H04N5/268—Signal distribution or switching
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/18—Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to audiovisual systems and, more particularly, to a system and method for monitoring video inputs.
  • appliances that change various parameters of the environment can be linked to a control area network (CAN) and a computer-based controller.
  • Appliances may include heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, audiovisual, telecommunications, security, surveillance and fire protection systems, for example.
  • HVAC heating, ventilation and air conditioning
  • a user interface such as a touch panel, may be electronically linked to the control area network to accept user input and display current system status.
  • Audiovisual equipment may include centralized video switches with multiple inputs and multiple outputs.
  • Various components may be coupled with the inputs to provide video signals for distribution to the outputs.
  • the number of inputs and outputs associated with each switch is limited. In order to increase capacity beyond certain limits, equipment must be replaced with larger, more expensive units.
  • Components suitable for coupling with video inputs include televisions, VCRs, and cable and satellite signal receivers.
  • Input components typically include a power switch capable of turning the component ON and "OFF.” Given components do not distinguish between different signals to switch between the ON and OFF positions. Rather, a single signal is received by the component requesting a change in power status. Accordingly, a component initially in the OFF position will switch ON and vice versa.
  • a remote controller may also be incorporated which sends an infrared signal to the component in lieu of depressing a local power switch.
  • Such controllers have no way to determine the power status of the component, but merely forward a signal which accomplishes a change in power status.
  • a need has arisen for an improved system and method for monitoring video inputs.
  • the present invention provides a system and method for monitoring video inputs into a video matrix that substantially eliminates or reduces problems associated with the prior video apparatus.
  • a video switching tray having a first number of video input ports may be provided.
  • the tray may include a video switching matrix switch having a first number of inputs and a first number of outputs.
  • a plurality of video circuits coupling the video input ports with the video switching matrix may also be provided.
  • a signal sensor may be coupled with each of one or more of the plurality of video circuits.
  • the signal sensor may comprise an analog circuit.
  • the signal sensor may comprise a microprocessor for digitally detecting a video signal, for example a digital signal processor (DSP).
  • DSP digital signal processor
  • the video switching tray may be incorporated into a video switch.
  • the video switch may also include a hub box.
  • a power outlet coupled with the hub box may provide power to the video switch.
  • the signal sensor of the present invention may detect power status information associated with various video signals.
  • the signal sensor may communicate the power status information with a microprocessor, which may communicate the power status information with a network controller.
  • a video switch with the ability to monitor power status information associated with attached video devices. Power status information may then be relayed to a microprocessor and, ultimately, a network controller.
  • FIGURE 1 is a simplified top-level block diagram of a system and method of coupling one or more control systems to the Internet, constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIGURE 2 is a more detailed block diagram of a system and method of coupling one or more control systems to the Internet, constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIGURE 3 is a perspective view illustrating a video switch according to teachings of the present invention
  • FIGURE 4 is an elevational view of the rear of the video switch
  • FIGURE 5 A is a perspective view of the top of a video tray suitable for use with the video switch of FIGURE 3;
  • FIGURE 5B is an elevational view of the bottom of the video tray of FIGURE 5 A.
  • FIGURE 6A is a schematic diagram of a crosspoint matrix switch according to the teachings of the present invention.
  • FIGURE 6B is a schematic diagram of four crosspoint matrix switches configured to form a 16 input- 16 output video switching matrix according to the teachings of the present invention
  • FIGURE 6C is a schematic diagram of nine crosspoint matrix switches configured to form a 24 input-24 output video switching matrix according to the teachings of the present invention.
  • FIGURE 7 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an instrumentation and wiring configuration according to the teachings of the present invention.
  • FIGURES 1-7 of the drawings in which like numerals refer to like parts.
  • FIGURE 1 is a simplified top-level block diagram of a system and method 10 of Internet control system which couples one or more control systems to the Internet, constructed according to the teachings of the present invention.
  • the implications of employing system and method 10 of the present invention are the ability to communicate with, control, and be controlled by one or more Internet nodes or Internet applications that act as one or more devices in a control system connected by a control area network (CAN).
  • These Internet applications may include web browsers, web server applications of information content providers, and e-mail applications.
  • the geographical and communication protocol boundaries are transparent between a local control area network and the Internet, so that the Internet, web information content providers and web browser applications become devices in the control system.
  • System 10 includes a control network portal 12 coupled between the Internet 22 and one or more control area networks 30 and 31.
  • Control area networks 30 and 31 are local area networks operating under transport protocols such as Ethernet, and AXLink and PhastLink of AMX Corporation (Dallas, Texas) that interconnect a variety of devices, appliances and/or equipment.
  • the underlying network connectivity 34 may be wired, wireless, power line carriers, or any suitable transmission medium.
  • Control area network user interfaces are any device that is capable of receiving user input and displaying or indicating control network status.
  • a touch panel, a computer terminal with a monitor, keyboard and pointing device, and any device with similar functionalities may serve as control area network user interface 35.
  • Internet applications are also capable of functioning as control area network user interface devices without the use of custom and dedicated applications on the user's end.
  • Master controller 36 is generally a CPU-based controller that controls the communications among user interface 35 and Internet appliances 37-39. It is operable to receive user inputs received by user interface devices, such as commands, and instruct the appropriate Internet appliance to act according to the command. Master controller 36 may also poll each device in control area network 30 periodically to monitor its status. The system status and/or the status of each device may be sent to control area network user interface devices for display.
  • Internet appliances 37-39 are devices that can receive commands from master controller 36 and operate or act according to the command.
  • Internet appliances 37-39 may include equipment that affects or monitors the various parameters of the premises.
  • Internet appliances 37-39 may include heating and air conditioning, lighting, video equipment, audio equipment, sprinklers, security cameras, infrared sensors, smoke detectors, etc. in a residential or commercial control area network.
  • Household appliances such as a hot tub, fireplace, microwave oven, coffee maker, etc. may also be Internet appliances coupled to the network.
  • Internet appliances 37-39 may also be capable of providing a current status of its operational state to master controller 36, such as ON/OFF, temperature settings, current ambient temperature, light intensity settings, volume settings, threshold settings, and predetermined alphanumeric strings reflective of operational states.
  • Master controller 36 is also operable to receive user input from nodes of the Internet 22 via control network portal 12.
  • content providers 25 and 26 which may also function as control area network user interface devices.
  • Content providers 25 and 26 are typically web servers that generate and provide static and/or dynamic information and content in the form of web pages.
  • Content provider applications executing on the web server are able to mine data stored in databases.
  • Web browsers 23 and 24 are Also connected to the Internet 22 that may also serve as control area network user interfaces.
  • Web browsers 23 and 24 are application programs that can be used to request web pages from content providers 25 and 25 and decode the web pages.
  • control network portal 12 users may access control area networks 30 and 31 via web browsers 23 and 24 accessing web pages provided by control network portal 12 or value-added web pages provided by content providers 25 and 26.
  • a user who has a control area network deployed in her luxury residence to control various aspects of the home environment may use a web browser application to remotely monitor her home. She may change the temperature setting to decrease energy use, for example, because she will be leaving on a business trip straight from work. She may also use the surveillance cameras to visually ensure security has not been breached. She may even be able to remotely program her VCR to record certain favorite programs that will be broadcast while she is away.
  • value-added web pages provided by content providers is the provision of an interactive version of the television programming web page, www.tvguide.com. A user may request this web page, determine available program choices, and click on a certain program. Options may be provided to enable the user to turn ON the television and tune to a particular channel scheduled to broadcast the selected program or to program the VCR to record the selected program.
  • value-added web pages provided by content providers is the provision of a secured web page that an electric company may access to slightly raise the temperature settings of the air- conditioning systems of its participating customers in anticipation of high demand brown out conditions.
  • Yet another example is a web page that a security company may use to access, monitor and control the security, surveillance and fire protection systems of its customers.
  • FIGURE 2 is a more detailed block diagram of a system and method 10 of coupling one or more control system to the Internet constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Control area network portal 12 may include a web server 13 coupled to the Internet 22.
  • Web server 13 is also coupled to an Internet appliance (IA) server 14, which may also be coupled to a control network server 40.
  • IA Internet appliance
  • Control network server 40 is coupled to control area network 30 that links several appliances and systems, such as fire protection systems 50, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems 51, lighting systems 52, audio and visual systems 53, and security systems 54.
  • Control area network 30 is also coupled to user interface devices 55 and master controller 36.
  • control network portal 12 may be implemented by a single stand-alone system that has sufficient memory and processing power or several separate systems with distinct functions as shown in FIGURE 2.
  • Web server 13 is operable to receive requests of web pages from web browser 23 and to respond by generating and providing the requested web pages. The information content of the web pages may be dynamically obtained by communicating with I A server 14, which is operable to communicate with master controller 36 via control network server 40 to obtain status and other information.
  • Control network server 40 is used only if there is protocol conversion or other control issues needed to operate the control area network. It may be thought of, logically, that IA server 14 is directly coupled to the network and functions as a device on the network. Commands entered at a web browser are sent to web server 13, which relays the commands to master controller 36 via IA server 14 and control network server 40. Master controller 36 then instructs appropriate appliances and/or systems in the control network to act according to the received command.
  • audiovisual systems 53 may include a video switch 60.
  • Video switch 60 may be incorporated into a multi-room home automation system including a plurality of video input devices 64 and video output devices 66.
  • Video input devices 64 suitable for use within the teachings of the present invention include, but are not limited to, security cameras, and television, VCR, cable, and satellite signals.
  • Video output devices 66 may include television and computer monitors, and many other video signal processing systems.
  • Video switch 60 may be configured to switch and distribute video signals, for example, standard 75 ohm base band video signals.
  • Video switch 60 may also detect sync signals on each video input in order to determine the power state of video input devices 64 connected by the sync signal.
  • video switch 60 senses the presence of a video signal at each input, allowing a video signal to act as a trigger event for system programming events. Furthermore, video switch 60 can distribute any input signal to any combination of output signals, with full signal strength level for all destinations. As shown in FIGURES 3-5, video switch 60 may be a generally rectangular box-shaped structure defined by a hub box 62. AC power may be supplied to video switch 60 through a 120-volt power adaptor 68. A plurality of video trays 100, 200 and 300 may be coupled with hub box 62 using mechanical fasteners 104. Hub box 62 can house a combination of multiple video trays, for example 100, 200 and 300 allowing each video switch to function as a multiple input, multiple output matrix video router. Hub box 62 may be rack-mounted or may be used as a free-standing unit.
  • Video trays 100, 200 and 300 of the illustrated embodiment are essentially equivalent both structurally and functionally.
  • video tray 100 will be described in detail below.
  • Relevant components of video trays 200 and 300 will be described as necessary to establish the interaction between video trays 100, 200 and 300, and hub box 62.
  • Data bus 102 is an RJ-45 PhastLink port.
  • PhastLink cables may be used to connect video switch 60 with other PhastLink compatible devices including keypads, dimmers, amplifiers, audio switches, etc.
  • PhastLink connections employ a standard 10 Base-T connection (i.e., category 5 wire and RJ-45 connectors).
  • Phastlink products are available from AMX Corporation of Dallas, Texas. Other suitable substitutes are available and may be incorporated within the teachings of the present invention.
  • auxiliary data bus 103 is provided adjacent to data bus 102.
  • Auxiliary data bus 103 is identical to data bus 102 and the two can be used interchangeably to establish communication connections with components of control area network 30.
  • system components may be "daisy-chained" for intercommunication purposes.
  • a double 120-ohm terminator may be inserted into either data bus 102 or auxiliary data bus 103 of the last, or in some cases the only video tray 100, 102 or 103 of the "daisy- chain,” to complete the circuit established therebetween.
  • Link light 106 is provided upon video tray 100 and includes a green LED indicator light which indicates communication between video tray 100 and other components of audiovisual systems 53.
  • Indicator lights 110 are also provided, to indicate the software object allocation of respective video trays 100, 200, and 300.
  • Identify (ID) button 108 provides a hardware identification mechanism which allows software objects to be properly associated with various hardware objects. When configuring audio visual systems 53, ID button 108 may be depressed to send device ID information to audio visual system 53.
  • Video tray 100 includes eight video input ports 111-118, and eight video output ports 121-128.
  • video input and output ports 111-118, and 121-128, respectively, comprise RCA female video ports.
  • Video input ports 111-1 18 allow a total of eight video input devices 64 to be coupled with video tray 100.
  • video output ports 121-128 allow a total of eight video output devices 66 to be coupled with video tray 100.
  • Each video input device 64 coupled with video tray 100 can be distributed to any combination of video output devices 66 with full signal strength level provided for all destinations.
  • Video switch 60 may function with a single video tray 100 disposed therein.
  • An edge connector 138 associated with video tray 100 may be inserted into and fully seated within a female edge connector located on the interior of hub box 62.
  • video switch 60 will operate as an eight input, eight output video switching matrix.
  • Blank plates (not explicitly shown) may be installed in lieu of video trays 200 and 300 and the eight input/eight output functionality will be maintained.
  • at least one additional video tray 200 and/or 300 may be coupled with hub box 62 to increase capacity and enhance the functionality of video switch 60.
  • the addition of video tray 200 allows video switch 60 to function as a 16 input/ 16 output video switching matrix.
  • providing a third video tray 300 allows video switch 60 to function as a 24 input/24 output video switching matrix.
  • Video signals are introduced into video tray 100 through any one of video input ports 11 1- 1 18.
  • a plurality of crosspoint matrix switches 130, 131 and 132 provide video signal switching capability to video tray 100.
  • Video signals from any one of video input ports 111-118 may be distributed to any one of video output ports 121-128.
  • ribbon cable 150 may be coupled with video switch 60 to provide up to sixteen additional inputs, for distribution among video output ports 121-128.
  • video signals from any one or more of input ports 111-118 may be output through ribbon cable 150 for distribution amongst any one or more of sixteen additional output ports associated with video switch 60.
  • a total of twenty-four inputs and twenty-four outputs are provided for video switch 60.
  • the present invention allows video switch 60 to distribute any input signal to any combination of output signals, with full signal strength level for all destinations. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that fewer, or more additional video input ports and video output ports may be provided within the teachings of the present invention. Any number of video input and output ports may be provided upon each video tray, and any number of video trays may be incorporated into a given video switch. Additional details regarding the signal processing capabilities of video tray 100 will be described in more detail with respect to FIGURES 6A-6C and 7.
  • FIGURES 6A-6C are schematic diagrams of crosspoint matrix switches according to the teachings of the present invention.
  • an eight input ⁇ eight output crosspoint matrix switch 130 is shown.
  • An example of a commercially available crosspoint matrix switch is HA456 manufactured by Harris Corporation of Melbourne, Florida.
  • Cross point matrix switch 130 may be incorporated into video switch 60 to allow for a total of eight video input devices to be coupled to and distributed amongst eight video output devices.
  • a second crosspoint matrix switch 131 the functionality of an eight input ⁇ eight output or alternatively, a sixteen input ⁇ eight output crosspoint matrix switch may be established.
  • FIGURE 6B illustrates a configuration of four crosspoint matrix switches 130, 131, 132, and 230 configured to function as a sixteen inpuf ⁇ sixteen output video switching matrix.
  • FIGURE 6C illustrates a configuration of nine crosspoint matrix switches 130-132, 230-2 and 330-2 having twenty- four input ⁇ twenty-four output video switching matrix functionality.
  • sixteen crosspoint matrix switches may provide thirty two input ⁇ thirty two output video switching matrix functionality and twenty-five crosspoint matrix switches may provide forty input ⁇ forty output video switching matrix functionality.
  • video tray 100 includes crosspoint matrix switches 130-132. In the absence of additional trays within video switch 60, video tray 100 allows video switch 60 to function as a 24 input ⁇ 8 output video switching matrix. Eight of the twenty- four inputs initiate from video input ports 11 1-118. Sixteen additional input nodes associated with video tray 100 may be coupled with up to two additional video trays 200, 300. Video output ports 121-128 associated with video tray 100 may be configured to accept signals input from video input ports 111-118, and/or up to 16 additional video input ports associated with video trays 200 and 300. Referring now to FIGURE 7, an exemplary point-to-point wiring diagram illustrating one configuration for video tray 100 is shown.
  • Video tray 100 includes an input section 134 which comprises video input ports 111-118 and a buffer 136 associated with each video input port 111-1 18.
  • input signals through video input ports 111- 118 are 75 ohm terminated, for example.
  • Input signals are buffered in order to maintain sufficient strength during distribution.
  • Bus selector 140 which ultimately determines how video signal routing is distributed.
  • a "soft" address is assigned to each video tray 100, 200 or 300 in order to properly assign and track input signals through the matrix.
  • Bus selector 140 assigns input signals through video input ports 1 11-1 18 to one of three input busses A, B, or C.
  • the input signals through video input ports 111-118 also route to a signal sensor 142, which monitors the presence of a signal from each input port, to determine whether or not a video signal and/or video device is coupled with any one of video input ports 111-118.
  • Bus selector 140 is monitored and controlled by a microprocessor, which allows configuration and control of video tray 100 remotely, through control area network 30.
  • Each video tray 100, 200 and 300 includes three crosspoint matrix switches 130-132.
  • crosspoint matrix switches 130, 131 and 132 form an expandable video switching matrix 144, which functions as a twenty-four input/eight output video switching matrix.
  • Video switching matrix 144 is also controlled by a microprocessor.
  • a single microprocessor associated with control area network 30 may accomplish the tasks of selecting the appropriate video bus A, B or C to assign signals through video input ports 111-118, monitor the signal sensors to determine the presence or absence of video signals through each video input port 1 11-118, and control the crosspoint video switching matrix.
  • the microprocessor associated with video switching matrix 144 controls bus selector 140 and monitors the signals on video input ports 111-118 and video output ports 121-128.
  • the output section 146 of video tray 100 includes video output ports 121-128, each having a buffer 148 associated therewith to enhance the signal strength and allow long video cables to be driven by video switch 60. Any of video output ports 121-128 associated with video tray 100 can access any one of the twenty-four video input ports associated with video switch 60.
  • video input ports 1 1 1-118 comprise eight of the twenty-four input ports.
  • video trays 200 and 300 each include eight video input ports for a total of twenty-four video input ports.
  • Each video tray 100, 200 and 300 include a ribbon cable which connects to a common video bus.
  • Ribbon cable 150 associated with video tray 100 is illustrated in FIGURES 5A, 5B and 7.
  • Video signals through any of the twenty- four video inputs associated with video switch 60 may travel through ribbon cable 150 for distribution to any one of the twenty-four video output ports.
  • Ribbon cable 150 may be essentially broken up into twenty-four video signals, or three groups of eight.
  • Bus selector 140 assigns and determines the configuration of the video input port signal distribution within ribbon cable 150.
  • ribbon cable 150 connects three video trays together to maintain a twenty- four input/twenty-four output video switch 60.
  • as few as one video tray 100, or many more than three video trays, may be coupled with a ribbon cable to expand the capacity of a given video switch.
  • the twenty- four input/twenty-four output video switch 60 of the present invention allows the user to begin with an eight input/eight output switch at a minimum investment.
  • the capacity of video switch 60 may be increased to sixteen input/sixteen output and ultimately twenty- four input/twenty-four output with minimal costs associated with each upgrade, rather than the wholesale system replacement.
  • Expansion is also user friendly, in that enhancements can be performed by the user, with simple plug in devices.
  • video devices suitable for coupling with video inputs 1 1 1-1 18 include televisions, VCRs, security cameras, and DSS and satellite signal receivers. Such devices may typically be switched between at least two different power states, power ON and power OFF.
  • a power button may be incorporated to switch the video device between the ON and OFF states.
  • This single button-type switch does not allow a user to select between different power states, but instead merely allows a user to request a change in the power status. This is in contrast to a toggle or snap-type switch, which allows a user to distinguish between power states at the switch itself.
  • a device in the OFF position will switch ON, and viceversa.
  • a remote controller may also be incorporated to allow operation of the video device from a remote location.
  • Remote controllers may also have a single power button which causes the remote controller to send a common infrared signal when depressed. Similar to the power button-type switch, the remote controller does not distinguish between ON and OFF positions, but rather requests a change in power status of the video device. The remote controller has no way to distinguish between the ON and OFF position of the video device.
  • the infrared signal is received by the video device, a video device initially in the power OFF state will switch to the power ON state, and viceversa. Accordingly, there is no mechanism by which a component of the video device or the remote control can determine the power status of the video device at any point in time.
  • the user must determine the power status of the video device in order to determine whether the power status should be changed. For example, a user who would like a video device to be in a power ON state must first determine the current state of the video device to decide whether or not to change that status. If she finds the video device in the power ON state, then she is not required to take any action. Alternatively, if she finds the video device in the power OFF state, she must send the video device a signal to change the power status by depressing the power button, or by sending a remote signal.
  • control area network 30 may include one or more remote controllers which may comprise user interface devices 55 and/or master controller 36.
  • a remote controller may be coupled directly with audiovisual systems 53 and/or video switch 60 to function locally, rather than through control area network 34.
  • the teachings of the present invention are intended to encompass any remote control device capable of changing the power status of any video input 64 or video output 66.
  • one or more of the video inputs 64 of the present invention may include button-type power switches, there is no mechanism by which a given video input 64 can communicate its power status to video switch 60 or any other component of control area network 30.
  • the teachings of the present invention provide a video switch 60 which is equipped with the capability to determine the power status (ON or OFF) of any video device coupled with any video input port 111-118. This allows a control device coupled with control area network 30 to determine whether or not to change the power status when a user requests either a power ON or a power OFF command.
  • Each input port 111-118 may be coupled with video switching matrix 144 with a plurality of circuits 171-178. Video signals through each of circuits 171- 178 must travel through signal sensor 142 before reaching video switching matrix 144. Signal sensor 142 detects the presence or absence of a video signal through any of video input ports 11 1-118. Signal sensor 142 then relays a status message for each of circuits 171-178 to microprocessor 254.
  • Microprocessor 143 interprets the presence of a video signal to indicate a power ON status of the respective video device. Similarly, microprocessor 143 interprets the absence of a video signal through the respective circuit 171-178 to indicate a power OFF condition for the given video device.
  • a remote controller for example, user interface device 55 receives a command to power ON a given video device, master controller 36, or any other controller associated with audio visual systems 53 must determine the current power status of the given video device, in order to determine whether or not the power status of the video device needs to be changed.
  • signal sensor 142 determines whether or not a video signal is present through circuits 171-178, or any other circuit coupled with a video input port.
  • a microprocessor such as microprocessor 143
  • the presence or absence of a video signal through circuits 171-178 is used by a microprocessor, such as microprocessor 143, to determine the power status (ON or OFF) of a device coupled with the video input port and, therefore, with circuits 171-178.
  • the presence or absence of a video signal may be referred to as power status or power status information, for the purposes of this application.
  • Power status information may be communicated with microprocessor 143 and/or master controller 136, by relaying a message including power status information therebetween.
  • signal sensor 142 is coupled with, and thereby incorporated into, video tray 100.
  • the teachings of the present invention contemplate a signal sensor 142 to be provided with each video tray 100, 200 and 300. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that one or more signal sensors 142 may be incorporated anywhere within video switch 60, provided they are coupled with each individual input port 11 1-1 18, and any other input ports associated with video trays 200 or 300, in order to determine the absence or presence of a video signal through circuits 171-178, or any circuits associated with video trays 200 or 300.
  • Signal sensor 142 of the present invention includes an analog circuit capable of determining the presence or absence of a video signal through any of circuits 171-178.
  • video signals through circuits 171-178 may be detected digitally, with a microprocessor, or with a digital signal processor (DSP).
  • DSP digital signal processor
  • a digital signal processor includes a microprocessor customized for specialized applications for rapid sampling of analog signals. After processing the analog signal, the DSP may or may not convert the digital signal to an analog signal for output to another device associated with control area network 30.
  • signal sensor 142 is not limited to an analog circuit-type signal detector, but may include various signal detection devices and methods, within the teachings of the present invention.
  • Signal sensor 142 may also detect a sync signal associated with a video signal through any of circuits 171-178.
  • Sync signals represent the top of the screen of a video "frame.”
  • the ability of video switch 60 to accomplish a clean switch between video signals for display on a video output 66 is enhanced.
  • video switch 60 is less likely to destroy a frame by displaying a split frame, including portions of two different video signals to video output 64, when switching from one video signal to another.
  • Audio visual system 53 is configured to operate with software. Upon startup, control area network 30 will recognize video switch 60 as three devices, which correspond to video trays 100, 200 and 300.
  • ID button 108 may be depressed to allow control area network 30 to recognize the location of each respective video tray.
  • the software will assign an address to each of the trays 100, 200 and 300.
  • the software may assign tray 100 the reference letter "A,” tray 200 the reference letter "B,” and tray 300 the reference letter “C.”
  • Commands may be entered through one of various terminal devices associated with audio visual system 53, or remotely through other components of control area network 30.
  • video switch 60 is configured to respond to various commands operable to, for example, switch an individual output channel to an input channel, or switch the entire matrix such that all of the inputs become outputs and all of the outputs become inputs.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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  • Closed-Circuit Television Systems (AREA)
  • Small-Scale Networks (AREA)

Abstract

Système et procédé servant à contrôler des entrées vidéo dans une matrice vidéo et comprenant une matrice de commutation vidéo expansible possédant une premier nombre d'entrées et un premier nombre de sorties. Cette matrice peut comprendre une première matrice à point de convergence possédant un deuxième nombre d'entrées et un deuxième nombre de sorties, ainsi qu'une deuxième matrice à point de convergence possédant un troisième nombre d'entrées et un troisième nombre de sorties. Les commutateurs de ces première et deuxième matrices à point de convergence peuvent être interconnectés, de sorte que le premier nombre d'entrées est égal à la somme du deuxième nombre d'entrées et du troisième nombre d'entrées, et que le premier nombre de sorties peut être égal ou inférieur au deuxième nombre de sorties. Dans un mode de réalisation, une pluralité du deuxième nombre de sorties peut être conçue pour être reliée à des entrées associées à au moins une deuxième matrice de commutation vidéo.
PCT/US2000/040160 1999-06-09 2000-06-08 Systeme et procede servant a controler des entrees video WO2000076208A2 (fr)

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AU69516/00A AU6951600A (en) 1999-06-09 2000-06-08 System and method for monitoring video inputs

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US32892299A 1999-06-09 1999-06-09
US09/328,922 1999-06-09

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WO2000076208A2 true WO2000076208A2 (fr) 2000-12-14
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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2008021480A1 (fr) 2006-08-15 2008-02-21 Sensormatic Electronics Corporation Contrôleur pour système de commutation à matrice pour vidéo
US9063739B2 (en) 2005-09-07 2015-06-23 Open Invention Network, Llc Method and computer program for device configuration
US9923790B2 (en) 2008-04-14 2018-03-20 Evertz Microsystems Ltd. Method and system for monitoring and controlling a video signal network

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US5144548A (en) * 1988-07-15 1992-09-01 Iris Technologies, Inc. Routing switcher
US5754255A (en) * 1994-03-30 1998-05-19 Sony Corporation Digital switcher
US5867484A (en) * 1997-01-31 1999-02-02 Intellect Network Technologies Switchable multi-drop video distribution system

Patent Citations (3)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5144548A (en) * 1988-07-15 1992-09-01 Iris Technologies, Inc. Routing switcher
US5754255A (en) * 1994-03-30 1998-05-19 Sony Corporation Digital switcher
US5867484A (en) * 1997-01-31 1999-02-02 Intellect Network Technologies Switchable multi-drop video distribution system

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9063739B2 (en) 2005-09-07 2015-06-23 Open Invention Network, Llc Method and computer program for device configuration
WO2008021480A1 (fr) 2006-08-15 2008-02-21 Sensormatic Electronics Corporation Contrôleur pour système de commutation à matrice pour vidéo
AU2007284469B2 (en) * 2006-08-15 2011-06-16 Sensormatic Electronics, LLC Controller for a video matrix switching system
US9923790B2 (en) 2008-04-14 2018-03-20 Evertz Microsystems Ltd. Method and system for monitoring and controlling a video signal network

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU6951600A (en) 2000-12-28
WO2000076208A3 (fr) 2001-02-15

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