TELEVISION SET TOP BOX
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to video and audio communications, and more specifically, the present invention relates to a set top box configuration for use with a television set.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Set top boxes for television sets are widely used for selecting a particular program
from a group of transmitted signals. For example, an encoded MPEG-2 transport stream transmission can be received and decoded by a subscriber-controlled set top box which includes an appropriate MPEG-2 demultiplexer and decoder. In similar fashion, an
asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) segmented transmission can be received and reassembled by a subscriber-controlled set top box which includes conventional ATM network processing
techniques.
In the prior art generally, set top boxes are limited to a specific application, such as
tuning cable channels and more recently, Internet access. However, with rapid advances in
technology and in user applications, there is a need for a multi-purpose set top box with high
versatility.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a television set top box
with a wide range of application capabilities. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a television set top box includes an A0 (UTOPIA) compliant interface, connected in serial or parallel format to dual SAR (Segmentation and Reassembly) controllers. One SAR controller handles network protocol data transfers, while the other SAR controller receives multiple real-time video and other data inputs. A decoder is connected to the output of the latter SAR controller for decoding the video and other data inputs.
The inventive set top box is also designed to incorporate the following built-in features a) a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) modem, such as an Asymmetric Digital
Subscriber Line (ADSL) or a Very High Speed Digital Subscriber Line (VDSL), Network Interface Module (NIM) connected to the A0 interface; b) a plurality of Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, compatible with the
USB peripheral bus standard, for peripheral support expansion capabilities; c) an External Reader for reading input signals from an external security
device, such as an iButton computer chip containing security information for access control
and electronic transactions; d) an internal dedicated infrared (I/R) processor for interpreting
commands from external I/R devices, such that these commands are converted into keyboard commands, e) a Web browser program, within which applications are designed to
trigger video control functions, using techniques such as DSM-CC (Digital Storage Media -
Control Commands) on top of CORBA (Common Object Request Broker Architecture),
f) an IrDA (Infrared Data Association) port, compatible with IrDA infrared based communications protocol and hardware, which enables wireless communication between the set top box and an external device, such as a laptop, palmtop or printer; g) a plurality of karaoke jacks for receiving sound inputs, such as singers, or music, which can be mixed and enhanced with special effects;
h) a Smart Card Reader for reading input signals from an external Smart
Card device, which enables electronic transactions and access control; and i) a CE (Consumer Electronics)-BUS interface for supporting the CE-
BUS industry standard for power communications, which enables the set top box to monitor and/or control household electronics, energy management, electric power meter reading, security sensors and medical device monitoring.
An illustrative embodiment of the present invention is more fully described below in conjunction with the following drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS1 FIG 1 shows a block diagram of a set top box having a decoder and an A0 compliant
interface in accordance with the present invention.
FIG 2 schematically illustrates the inventive set top box, with a DAVIC (Digital Audio
Visual Counsel) A0 interface in accordance with the present invention.
FIG 3 shows a block diagram of the inventive set top box with an internal ADSL modem Network Interface Module (NIM)in accordance with the present invention.
FIG 4 schematically illustrates the inventive set top box schematically, with an internal ADSL modem in accordance with the present invention.
FIG 5 schematically illustrates the inventive set top box schematically, incorporating Universal Serial Buses (USBs)in accordance with the present invention. FIG 6 schematically illustrates the inventive set top box schematically, incorporating an External Reader for reading signals from an external security device in accordance with the present invention.
FIG 7 schematically illustrates the inventive set top box schematically, incorporating an infrared (I/R) dedicated processor.
FIG 8 depicts a common object request broker architecture (CORBA), within the Web browser of the inventive set top box.
FIG 9 depicts the inventive set top box with an IrDA port for supporting the IrDA communications protocol in accordance with the present invention. FIG 10 illustrates the inventive set top box schematically, incorporating karaoke jacks
in accordance with the present invention.
FIG 11 illustrates the inventive set top box schematically, incorporating a Smart Card Reader in accordance with the present invention.
FIG 12 illustrates the inventive set top box schematically, incorporating a CE-BUS
interface in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An illustrative embodiment of the present invention is shown in simplified block
diagram form in FIG 1. A television set top box 100 includes an A0 compliant interface 110 (e.g., a DAVIC A0 Interface) and a video, or other type of, decoder 120.
The DAVIC A0 Interface is comprised of one or more Physical level interfaces (111, 1 12), connected over a cell bus in serial or parallel format to a dual Segmentation and Reassembly (SAR) control configuration. Control SAR 1 13 handles the control of normal
network connections, such as transporting a standard transport protocol, e.g., TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) data, over the ATM, or other protocol which may be needed in the application. Video SAR 114 receives multiple real-time data inputs, such as video data. A more detailed block diagram of the inventive set top box 100 and the DAVIC A0 Interface 110 is shown in FIG 2. Numerous additional features are incorporated into the inventive set top box 100.
They are described below in relation to the configurations of FIGs 1 and 2. However, note that FIGs 2, 4-7 and 10-12 illustrate other conventional modules that are contained in the inventive set top box 100, which are known to one skilled in the art, and, for the sake of brevity, will not be described herein. a) The A0 interface 110 within set top box 100 includes an internal connector
(not shown) and provision for mechanically mounting an ADSL modem Network Interface Module (NIM) 115. This internal NIM configuration precludes the need for an external
modem solution, as is typical in the prior art. FIGs 3 and 4 illustrate the ADSL modem 115 connection within A0 interface 110. b) Traditionally, set top boxes lack expansion slots. Moreover, if expansion slots
were to be introduced into set top boxes, the users would be required to open the box,
creating a situation generally considered to be unacceptable by network operators. However, an expansion capability for set top boxes without the use of expansion slots can be achieved
by means of Universal Serial Buses (USBs). A USB is a peripheral bus standard developed
by PC and telecommunication industry leaders which allows plug and play of computer
peripherals outside the set top box. Thus, the need to install cards into dedicated computer slots and to reconfigure the system is eliminated. Personal computers equipped with USB will
allow computer peripherals to be automatically configured as soon as they are physically
connected, without the need to reboot or run setup. In addition, each USB will also allow multiple devices, up to 127, to run simultaneously on a computer, with peripherals such as monitors and keyboards acting as additional plug-in sites or hubs.
As shown in FIG 5, inventive set top box 100 incorporates a USB interface 130, which can support a variety of peripherals, such as digital cameras, printers, joysticks, wired keyboards, and infrared interfaces. c) Another feature which may be incorporated into a set top box for security purposes is an "External Reader." That is, for access control and electronic transactions, a device is needed to read signals from an external security device to ensure the security of set top box transactions. An External Reader 140, which is attached to set top box 100, is shown in FIG 6.
Illustratively, External Reader 140 is used to read signals from an "iButton" when the iButton is touched to it.
An iButton is a coin-like device which may comprise ROM, RAM or a small CPU. It is a 16mm computer chip housed in a stainless steel can. The iButton can be worn by a person or attached to an object for up-to-date information at the point of use. Preferably, the steel iButton is rugged enough to withstand harsh outdoor environments and is durable enough for
a person to wear every day on a digital accessory, such as a ring, key fob, wallet, watch or
badge. d) The inventive set top box 100 may further include a dedicated infrared (I/R)
processor. This I/R processor is used to interpret commands sent via I/R light from a device, such as a hand-held remote or an I/R keyboard. This approach offloads the primary processor
in the set top box, and allows the primary processor to perform its functions without the additional burden of I/R processing As a result, the I/R process reliability is improved This
dedicated I/R processor front-end can be configured to use flash memory, downloaded from the host. This removes unnecessary overhead from the host, and still allows for fully changeable protocols and remote controls from the front-end. With this programmability, the I/R processor front-end can also take several different devices, including the I/R, and make them appear to the main processor like a keyboard input. These devices include: I/R hand- held remote, I/R Keyboard, iButton Security Device, Front Panel Keys and LED's.
An I/R dedicated processor front-end 150 is shown in FIG 7, connected to the I/R port of set top box 100. e) Another feature of the inventive set top box 100 relates to its software configuration. Within the Web browser of set top box 100, applications are designed to trigger video control functions, using techniques such as DSM-CC on top of CORBA.
CORBA (Common Object Request Broker Architecture) is a specification of an architecture and interface that allows an application to make requests of objects (servers) in a transparent, independent manner. This is regardless of platform, operating system or locale considerations.
The software hierarchy for this process in set top box 100 is depicted in FIG 8. f) In the prior art, set top boxes have not supported IrDA, which is an infrared based communications protocol and hardware that allows two or more devices to communicate without a wired connection. The inventive set top box 100 includes an IrDA
port, as depicted in FIG 9. With this IrDA capability, set top box 100 can be used to receive
e-mail from a laptop or palmtop, by placing the set top box in the proximity of the laptop or palmtop. Moreover, the set top box with IrDA capability could also be used to print out a document/web-page or menu, for example, to a printer 155 without a wire connection. Still
another application area for an IrDA-equipped set top box is that of electronic transactions.
g) The inventive set top box 100 can also be equipped with a plurality of karaoke
jacks, as shown in FIG 10. The karaoke inputs are designated as 160, and are connected to the Sound module within set top box 100. This provides the capability of, for example, mixing two singers or adding special effects to singers, to music, or to a music video. h) Set top box 100 also provides support for a Smart Card Reader 170, as depicted in FIG 11. A Smart Card is a plastic card embedded with a microprocessor that has the potential to perform myriad functions— from storing and transferring cash to holding entire credit and medical histories. A Smart Card Reader-equipped set top box, therefore, can accommodate all types of electronic transactions, as well as access control functions. i) Still another feature of set top box 100 is the incorporation of a CE-BUS interface CE-BUS is an industry standard for communications, using various media,
including the power line. With a CE-BUS interface capability, set top box 100 can be used, for example, for controlling household lights and appliances, for energy management, and for reading an electric power meter, to name a few. FIG 12 shows the CE-BUS 180 interface configuration within set top box 100.
In short, a highly versatile set top box is disclosed, with a diverse feature set, including a DAVIC A0 interface with dual SAR, an internal ADSL modem NLM, an attached External
Reader, a dedicated I/R processor, and support for USB, IrDA, Smart Cards, and CE-BUS
Moreover, the disclosed set top box contains Web browser software which triggers
video control functions using DSM-CC on top of CORBA.
The above described embodiments of the invention are intended to be illustrative only.
Numerous alternative embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the following claims.