Abstract:
A method of testing an aircraft video system using a handheld video testing apparatus is described. The aircraft video system includes a video processing system and at least one display. The method includes generating a digital test image utilizing the video testing apparatus, receiving the digital test image at the video processing system, forwarding the digital test image to at least one of the displays through operation of the video processing system, and verifying the digital test image is correctly produced by the displays to which the digital test image was forwarded.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The field of the invention relates generally to testing of video processing systems, and more particularly, to a system and apparatus for testing a video processing system used in an aircraft. 
         [0002]    Video cameras and video processing systems are used in aircraft to provide video images to a user of various areas of the aircraft. These systems are especially useful in large aircraft flown with minimal crews. For example, in a cargo aircraft, video cameras may be positioned such that a crew in the cockpit of the aircraft can monitor the cargo area of the aircraft. In another example, video cameras may be positioned to aid an in-flight refueling process performed by a tanker aircraft. 
         [0003]    Typically, one or more video cameras are coupled to a video processing system, which receives images from the cameras and displays the images on a monitor for viewing. Currently, in order to test the functionality of a video processing system, the aircraft must be “powered-up” to a point where the video equipment generates images on a monitor. If images do not appear, often the video processing system must be removed from its position within the aircraft in order to perform troubleshooting tests to determine the reason that the video processing system is not functioning, or at least verify that it is not the cause of the malfunction. Such tests may require multiple people through out the aircraft and also may require at least some educated guesswork. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    In one aspect, a method of testing an aircraft video system using a handheld video testing apparatus is described. The aircraft video system includes a video processing system and at least one display. The method includes generating a digital test image utilizing the video testing apparatus, receiving the digital test image at the video processing system, forwarding the digital test image to at least one of the displays through operation of the video processing system, and verifying the digital test image is correctly produced by the displays to which the digital test image was forwarded. 
         [0005]    In another aspect, an apparatus for testing a video processing system is provided. The video processing system is coupled to at least one display screen and facilitates display of a test image on the at least one display. The apparatus includes an interface adapter configured to facilitate coupling of the video testing apparatus and the video processing system, and a processor configured to provide a plurality of test images to said interface adapter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  illustrates an aircraft that includes an aircraft video system. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is a front view of an aircraft cockpit display panel that includes at least one display screen. 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram of an exemplary aircraft video system. 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram of an exemplary video testing apparatus for testing of a video processing system (VPS). 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  is one example of an image capable of being produced by the apparatus shown in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating a VPS testing process. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    This invention relates generally to video systems and more particularly, to methods and apparatus for testing a Video Processing System (VPS). One exemplary embodiment that will be used as a familiar, but non-exclusive example, relates to an aircraft that includes a VPS that controls a plurality of cameras as well as provides digital video images from one or more of the cameras to a display. The text will often describe fight deck display systems, however, the system is equally applicable to a variety of vehicles, such as, but not limited to, locomotives, automobiles, maritime and sub-mariner applications, and extra-terrestrial applications. 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary aircraft  10  that includes an aircraft video system  20 . In the exemplary embodiment, aircraft video system  20  includes a camera  24 , a VPS  26 , and a display device  28 . Camera  24 , VPS  26 , and display device  28  are coupled, either wirelessly, or by fiber, wires, and/or cables, to transmit at least one of an image signal and an operational command between camera  24 , VPS  26 , and display device  28 . In the exemplary embodiment, camera  24  is positioned in a cargo storage area of aircraft  10 , however, camera  24  may be positioned anywhere in an interior  32  of aircraft  10  and/or on an exterior  34  of aircraft  10  that enable aircraft video system  20  to function as described herein. Furthermore, camera  24  is configured to be movable, for example using motors (not shown in  FIG. 1 ), at the direction of a user. In the exemplary embodiment, display device  28  is positioned in a cockpit  38  of aircraft  10 , which allows an operator of aircraft  10  to view video captured by camera  24 . However, display device  28  may be positioned anywhere in interior  32  or exterior  34  of aircraft  10  that enables aircraft video system  20  to function as described herein. Furthermore, in various alternative embodiments, aircraft video system  20  may include a plurality of cameras  24 , VPSs  26 , and/or display devices  28 . Display device  28  may be a multifunctional display device not limited to the display of signals received from VPS  26 . Also, display device  28  may have input capabilities allowing a user to control operation of VPS  26 . 
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is a forward perspective view of an exemplary aircraft cockpit display panel  40  that includes at least one display device  28 . Display device  28  may include, for example, but is not limited to including, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), or plasma screen technology, however, any display device capable of displaying an image in response to a digital signal may be used. Display device  28  will be referred to herein as display screen  28 . In the exemplary embodiment, display screen  28  is positioned on aircraft cockpit display panel  40 . In an alternative embodiment, display screen  28  is positioned on an auxiliary panel (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) located in the cockpit or positioned elsewhere within the aircraft. In another alternative embodiment, display screen  28  is part of a mobile device that may be viewed anywhere. During aircraft operation, display screen  28  is available for viewing by an occupant and/or a crew member of the aircraft. 
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram of exemplary aircraft video system  20 . In the exemplary embodiment, aircraft video system  20  includes a video camera  24 , a VPS  26  and a display screen  28 . Camera  24  is communicatively coupled to VPS  26 . VPS  26  provides camera  24  with directional commands that cause camera  24  to move according to user commands. Camera  24  provides VPS  26  with digital video images collected by camera  24 . VPS  26  processes the digital video images collected by camera  24  and provides digital video signals to display screen  28 . Image data processed by VPS  26  may be provided in any format to one or more display devices as appropriate. 
         [0016]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram of an exemplary video testing apparatus  80  for testing VPS  26 . In the exemplary embodiment, video testing apparatus  80  includes a processor  90 , a digital video interface  92 , a serial interface  94 , a diagnostic input port  96 , and at least one input device  98 . In the exemplary embodiment, processor  90 , digital video interface  92 , serial interface  94 , diagnostic input port  96 , and at least one input device  98  are held on and/or within a housing  100 . In the exemplary embodiment, processor  90  is a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), however, processor  90  may be any programmable device that allows video testing apparatus  80  to function as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, video testing apparatus  80  is a handheld device. The handheld sizing eases transport of video testing apparatus  80  to locations where VPS  26  testing is desired. 
         [0017]    Processor  90  is coupled to digital video interface  92 , serial interface  94 , diagnostic input port  96 , and the at least one input device  98 . In the exemplary embodiment, processor  90  generates a plurality of digital images and provides the images to digital video interface  92 . In the exemplary embodiment, the plurality of digital images are a combination of known video test patterns and images that, when displayed, allow a user to determine if VPS  26  is functioning as desired. The digital images may be fixed test patterns, or a plurality of slowly changing test patterns. The digital images are designed to be easily recognized by a user so the user is able to determine if VPS  26  is functioning properly. 
         [0018]    Processor  90  generates the plurality of digital images in a predetermined video format that matches the video format output by camera  24  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). In the exemplary embodiment, digital images are transmitted using a low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) video standard. Digital video interface  92  includes a connector that enables coupling of the video testing apparatus  80  and VPS  26  being tested. In the exemplary embodiment, digital video interface  92  includes a sixty-eight pin ultrawide small computer system interface (SCSI) connector. 
         [0019]    As stated above, serial interface  94  is coupled to processor  90 . In the exemplary embodiment, serial interface  94  provides a camera control interface that emulates camera functions such as camera motion. During normal operation of aircraft video system  20  (shown in  FIG. 3 ), VPS  26  provides motion signals to camera  24 . The motion signals may be pre-programmed to facilitate a predetermined series of camera movements, and/or may be provided by a user through an input to VPS  26  (not shown in  FIG. 3 ). During a test of VPS  26  operation, video testing apparatus  80  receives motion commands from VPS  26  and generates digital video images that allow a user to observe if VPS  26  is properly processing motion commands. In an exemplary embodiment, serial interface  94  uses a Recommended Standard 232 (RS-232) interface. 
         [0020]    Processor  90  is also coupled to at least one input device  98 . The at least one input device  98  may be a touch screen, a rotary dial, a set of switches, a set of push-buttons, or any other input device that enables video testing apparatus  80  to function as described herein. The at least one input device  98  allows a user to, among other things, instruct processor  90  to start a test image sequence, stop a test image sequence, and adjust the location of the test video image on display screen  28  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). The at least one input device  98  also allows a user to select the image generated by processor  90 , and/or select the sequence of test patterns desired. 
         [0021]    Processor  90  is also coupled to diagnostic input port  96 . In the exemplary embodiment, diagnostic input port  96  is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port. A computer (not shown in  FIG. 4 ), for example, may be coupled to processor  90  through diagnostic input port  96 . The computer may re-program processor  90 , or update the software stored in processor  90 . 
         [0022]      FIG. 5  is an exemplary image  120  produced by video testing apparatus  80 . Image  120  is a still image provided to VPS  26  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) as a substitute to an image that might be viewed and produced by camera  24  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). In the exemplary embodiment, image  120  is a known video pattern that corresponds to an image produced by a commercial/military quality video camera. By producing a test image in video testing apparatus  80 , the functionality of VPS  26  can be tested without concern as to the functionality of camera  24 . Furthermore, by producing a test image in video testing apparatus  80 , the functionality of VPS  26  can be tested before being installed in an aircraft. By not requiring an aircraft or camera system to test VPS  26 , video testing apparatus  80  may also be used during software development. 
         [0023]    Although video testing apparatus  80  produces a still image and camera  24  produces a moving video feed, the ability of VPS  26  to handle motion can also be tested using video testing apparatus  80 . In the exemplary embodiment, processor  90  generates a plurality of images, for example image  120 . Another of the plurality of images (not shown in  FIG. 5 ) may be substantially similar to image  120 , but be shifted in at least one direction. Additionally, another of the plurality of images may be shifted yet again. The shifting of the still images by processor  90  simulates motion and allows a user to test the ability of VPS  26  to handle motion. In an alternative embodiment, video testing apparatus  80  simulates motion by panning and/or zooming across a single still image. 
         [0024]    In an exemplary embodiment, video testing apparatus  80  also generates a frame counter  124 . Frame counter  124  changes as a new test image is displayed. In one specific embodiment, frame counter  124  is a twelve bit counter, wherein each change of the frame counter indicates a change in the image displayed. Frame counter  124  provides a numerical description of each image, allowing a user to identify a specific image for future reference. 
         [0025]    In an exemplary embodiment, the image generated by processor  90  is 1024 pixels by 1024 pixels. However, in an exemplary embodiment, display screen  28  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) is sized to display images that are 1024 pixels by 768 pixels. Processor  90  is also configured to display a changing shade of grey in areas  130  and  132 , such that the 1024 pixel by 768 pixel image is properly displayed on display screen  28 . Areas  130  and  132  are the portions of display screen  28  not used to display image  120 . In the exemplary embodiment, a user may select, for example, using inputs  98 , a vertical location of image  120  within display screen  28 . Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the shade of gray displayed in areas  130  and  132  may change when the image displayed is changed. The change in the shade of gray, in addition to frame counter  124 , accentuate the display of a new image. 
         [0026]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method  160  for testing VPS  26  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). Method  160  includes coupling  166  the video testing apparatus to VPS  26  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). More specifically, coupling  166  includes coupling digital video interface  92  and serial interface  94  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) to VPS  26 . 
         [0027]    Method  160  also includes generating  168  a digital test image, for example, digital test image  120  (shown in  FIG. 5 ). The digital test image is a known video pattern that corresponds to an image produced by a commercial/military quality video camera. The digital test image is provided  170  to the VPS  26 . VPS  26  processes the digital test image and provides the image to a display, for example, display screen  28  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). Method  160  also includes observing  172  the image produced by the display. A user of the video testing apparatus analyzes the images produced by the display to determine if VPS  26  is functioning as desired. 
         [0028]    Described herein are exemplary methods and apparatus for testing the functionality of a video processing system. More specifically, the methods and apparatus described herein enable an individual to test a video processing system. Without the video testing apparatus  80  (shown in  FIG. 4 ), such tests may require multiple people to perform. The methods and apparatus allow a user to test a video processing system, within an aircraft or not yet installed within an aircraft, and without the use of a camera system. The video testing apparatus  80  described herein is more compact than a typical camera system and therefore easier to travel with to a testing location. Video testing apparatus  80  also allows a user to isolate a problem in a malfunctioning aircraft video system. More specifically, video testing apparatus allows a user to identify a malfunction within a video processing system by removing the camera, which is another potential area that a malfunction in an aircraft video system may occur. 
         [0029]    The methods and apparatus described herein facilitate efficient and economical testing of a video processing system. Exemplary embodiments of methods and apparatus are described and/or illustrated herein in detail. The methods and apparatus are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of each apparatus, as well as steps of each method, may be utilized independently and separately from other components and steps described herein. Each component, and each method step, can also be used in combination with other components and/or method steps. 
         [0030]    When introducing elements/components/etc. of the methods and apparatus described and/or illustrated herein, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the element(s)/component(s)/etc. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional element(s)/component(s)/etc. other than the listed element(s)/component(s)/etc. 
         [0031]    While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.