WO2000007309A1 - Television set top box - Google Patents

Television set top box Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000007309A1
WO2000007309A1 PCT/US1999/017435 US9917435W WO0007309A1 WO 2000007309 A1 WO2000007309 A1 WO 2000007309A1 US 9917435 W US9917435 W US 9917435W WO 0007309 A1 WO0007309 A1 WO 0007309A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
set top
top box
video receiver
external
video
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1999/017435
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2000007309A9 (en
Inventor
Glenn West
David E. Brumgard
Roger M. Broussard
Mark C. Cromwell
Dennis K. Smith
Original Assignee
Celerity Systems, Incorporated
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 Celerity Systems, Incorporated filed Critical Celerity Systems, Incorporated
Priority to AU53306/99A priority Critical patent/AU5330699A/en
Publication of WO2000007309A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000007309A1/en
Publication of WO2000007309A9 publication Critical patent/WO2000007309A9/en

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/443—OS processes, e.g. booting an STB, implementing a Java virtual machine in an STB or power management in an STB
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/4104—Peripherals receiving signals from specially adapted client devices
    • H04N21/4126—The peripheral being portable, e.g. PDAs or mobile phones
    • H04N21/41265—The peripheral being portable, e.g. PDAs or mobile phones having a remote control device for bidirectional communication between the remote control device and client device
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/4104—Peripherals receiving signals from specially adapted client devices
    • H04N21/4131—Peripherals receiving signals from specially adapted client devices home appliance, e.g. lighting, air conditioning system, metering devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/418—External card to be used in combination with the client device, e.g. for conditional access
    • H04N21/4181—External card to be used in combination with the client device, e.g. for conditional access for conditional access
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/478—Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application
    • H04N21/4782—Web browsing, e.g. WebTV
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H20/00—Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
    • H04H20/65—Arrangements characterised by transmission systems for broadcast
    • H04H20/76—Wired systems
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
    • H04H60/76—Arrangements characterised by transmission systems other than for broadcast, e.g. the Internet
    • H04H60/81—Arrangements characterised by transmission systems other than for broadcast, e.g. the Internet characterised by the transmission system itself
    • H04H60/93—Wired transmission systems

Definitions

  • 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.
  • Set top boxes for television sets are widely used for selecting a particular program
  • 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.
  • a subscriber-controlled set top box which includes an appropriate MPEG-2 demultiplexer and decoder.
  • ATM asynchronous transfer mode
  • a television set top box includes an A0 (UTOPIA) compliant interface, connected in serial or parallel format to dual SAR (Segmentation and Reassembly) controllers.
  • A0 ULPIA
  • SAR Segmentation and Reassembly
  • 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
  • ADSL Subscriber Line
  • VDSL Very High Speed Digital Subscriber Line
  • NIM Network Interface Module
  • USB Universal Serial Bus
  • USB peripheral bus standard for peripheral support expansion capabilities; c) an External Reader for reading input signals from an external security
  • iButton computer chip containing security information for access control
  • I/R infrared
  • DSM-CC Digital Storage Media -
  • 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;
  • a plurality of karaoke jacks for receiving sound inputs, such as singers, or music, which can be mixed and enhanced with special effects;
  • CE Consumer Electronics
  • 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.
  • FIG 1 shows a block diagram of a set top box having a decoder and an A0 compliant
  • FIG 2 schematically illustrates the inventive set top box, with a DAVIC (Digital Audio
  • 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.
  • NIM Network Interface Module
  • 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.
  • USBs Universal Serial Buses
  • FIG 7 schematically illustrates the inventive set top box schematically, incorporating an infrared (I/R) dedicated processor.
  • I/R infrared
  • FIG 8 depicts a common object request broker architecture (CORBA), within the Web browser of the inventive set top box.
  • CORBA common object request broker architecture
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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.
  • A0 compliant interface 110 e.g., a DAVIC A0 Interface
  • decoder 120 e.g., 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the A0 interface 110 within set top box 100 includes an internal connector
  • NIM Network Interface Module
  • FIGs 3 and 4 illustrate the ADSL modem 115 connection within A0 interface 110.
  • set top boxes lack expansion slots.
  • expansion slots Moreover, if expansion slots
  • USB Universal Serial Buses
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • a USB interface 130 can support a variety of peripherals, such as digital cameras, printers, joysticks, wired keyboards, and infrared interfaces.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • the inventive set top box 100 may further include a dedicated infrared (I/R)
  • 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
  • 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.
  • FIG 7 An I/R dedicated processor front-end 150 is shown in FIG 7, connected to the I/R port of set top box 100.
  • FIG 7 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
  • set top box 100 The software hierarchy for this process in set top box 100 is depicted in FIG 8. f)
  • 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
  • set top box 100 can be used to receive
  • 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.
  • the inventive set top box 100 can also be equipped with a plurality of karaoke
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • a highly versatile set top box with a diverse feature set, including a DAVIC A0 interface with dual SAR, an internal ADSL modem NLM, an attached External
  • the disclosed set top box contains Web browser software which triggers

Abstract

A television set top box (100) includes an A0 interface (110), such as DAVIC (Digital Audio Visual Counsel), which is internally coupled to dual Segmentation and Reassembly (SAR) controllers (113). Within the A0 interface (110), the set top box (100) includes an internal connector and internal Network Interface Module (NIM) (111). An External Reader is affixed to the set top box (100) for reading signals from an external security device, such as an iButton. The set top box (100) also supports IrDA (Infrared Data Association), an infrared based communications protocol, as well as CE (Consumer Electronics)-BUS for household electronics control. The set top box (100) further includes a dedicated infrared (I/R) processor to reduce the functions of a primary processor in the set top box (100). In addition, the set top box (100) includes karaoke input jacks for mixing singers with music.

Description

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.

Claims

1. A video receiver apparatus, comprising:
an A0 compliant interface, connected in serial or parallel format to first and second SAR (Segmentation and Reassembly) controllers; and
wherein said first SAR controller handles network protocol data transfers, and wherein said second SAR controller receives multiple real-time video and other data inputs, and a decoder, connected to the output of said second SAR controller, for decoding said video and other data inputs.
2. The video receiver of claim 1, further comprising: an ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line ) modem Network Interface Module (NIM) within said A0 interface, wherein said ADSL modem NIM is mechanically mounted inside of said video
receiver
3. The video receiver of claim 1, further comprising-
a plurality of Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports compatible with the USB peripheral
bus standard, wherein said USB ports are contained within said video receiver.
4. The video receiver of claim 1, further comprising: an External Reader, for reading input signals from an external security device, wherein said External Reader is attached to said video receiver.
5. The external security device of claim 4, wherein said external security device is an iButton housing a computer chip, and wherein said computer chip contains security information for access control
and electronic transactions
6. The video receiver of claim 1, further comprising: an internal dedicated infrared (I/R) processor, for interpreting commands from external
I/R devices, wherein said dedicated I/R processor having the capability to convert said
commands from said external I/R devices into keyboard commands.
7 The video receiver of claim 1, further comprising: a Web browser program, wherein applications within said Web browser program are configured to trigger video control functions using DSM-CC (Digital Storage Media - Control Commands)
on top of CORBA (Common Object Request Broker Architecture).
8. The video receiver of claim 1, further comprising:
an IrDA (Infrared Data Association) port, compatible with IrDA infrared based communications protocol and hardware,
wherein said IrDA port enabling wireless communication between said video receiver and an external device.
9. The external device of claim 8, wherein said external device is a laptop computer.
10 The external device of claim 8, wherein said external device is a palmtop computer.
11 The external device of claim 8, wherein said external device is a printer.
12 The video receiver of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of karaoke jacks, for receiving sound inputs,
wherein said sound inputs can be mixed, and wherein said sound inputs can be enhanced with special effects.
13. The video receiver of claim 1, further comprising: a Smart Card Reader, for reading input signals from an external Smart Card device,
wherein said Smart Card Reader is contained within said video receiver
14. The video receiver of claim 1, further comprising: a CE (Consumer Electronics)-BUS interface, for supporting the CE-BUS industry standard for power communications, and wherein said CE-BUS interface within said video receiver enables the control of household electronics and energy management.
PCT/US1999/017435 1998-07-31 1999-07-30 Television set top box WO2000007309A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU53306/99A AU5330699A (en) 1998-07-31 1999-07-30 Television set top box

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US9482598P 1998-07-31 1998-07-31
US60/094,825 1998-07-31

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000007309A1 true WO2000007309A1 (en) 2000-02-10
WO2000007309A9 WO2000007309A9 (en) 2000-08-03

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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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EP1123828A2 (en) 2000-02-11 2001-08-16 Stant Manufacturing Inc. Weldable mount for fuel system component
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US7181759B2 (en) 2000-05-26 2007-02-20 Bigband Networks, Inc. System and method for providing interactivity for end-users over digital broadcast channels
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WO2013023519A1 (en) * 2011-08-12 2013-02-21 华为终端有限公司 Set top box authentication method and device

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