Electronic content modules and display dock

• US 20020186329A1
• Filed: 06/07/2001
• Published: 12/12/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 06/07/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Ehometv (HK), Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Ehometv [HK] Limited
• Inventors: Siu, Philip K., Tong, Hing S., Chang, Darwin
• Application Number:
  US09/877,352
• Publication Number:
  US 20020186329A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/839
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/64 Constructional details of receivers, e.g. cabinets or dust covers furniture aspects of television cabinets A47B81/06

Abstract

A content-module and display-dock system comprises a cabinet with a video picture tube and loudspeaker. A module dock is provided in back to receive a variety of personality modules. Inside, a processor converts digital or analog video signals as needed. A microcomputer supports the docking module interfacing. The personality modules include Internet access, browsing, e-mail, television, video game, and other services. The modular system is customized by assembling particular modules and display docks together.

Claims

1. A content-module display-dock system, comprising,

a cabinet with an internal power supply for operating electronic devices disposed inside that include a removable plug-in personality module;

a video display screen disposed about a front wall of the cabinet;

an audio output subsystem disposed in the cabinet;

a network of analog switches connected to route a number of audio and video sources for output by the audio output subsystem and the video display screen;

a module docking interface for electrically and mechanically interfacing to said removable plug-in personality module, and including at least one source of audio and video signals connected to the network of analog switches;

an analog processor for converting a digital video signal present at the module docking interface into an analog video signal for forwarding and selection to the network of analog switches; and

a microcomputer connected to control the network of analog switches and in communication with the module docking interface.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the module docking interface includes at least one signal connection that conforms to a public technical standard.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the module docking interface in its entirety conforms to a public technical standard such that a variety of said personality modules from a plurality of manufacturers can be hosted and interchanged.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a television receiver disposed in said personality module for reproducing television programming on the video display screen and audio output subsystem.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

an Internet client disposed in said personality module and including a browser for visiting websites and showing them on the video display screen and audio output subsystem.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

an e-mail client disposed in said personality module and including an application program for showing received e-mail on the video display screen and audio output subsystem.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a mass storage memory subsystem disposed in said personality module for providing for a selective showing of achieved data on the video display screen and audio output subsystem.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a video game subsystem disposed in said personality module for providing for interactive game play with a user on the video display screen and audio output subsystem.

9. A method for increasing component production volumes and improving consumer electronic product profitability, the method comprising:

separating the functionality of a consumer appliance into a display dock and a content module, wherein each are independent;

including a platform for a video display screen and an audio output subsystem in said display dock;

hosting a variety of content application functions in a corresponding plurality of interchangeable content modules; and

combining said display dock and said content module into one consumer product to order just-in-time before shipment.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

building an included interface between said display dock and said content that conforms to a public technical standard.

11. A method for consumer-electronic-product business, the method comprising:

separating the functionality of a consumer appliance into a display dock and a content module, wherein each are independent;

building an included interface between said display dock and said content that conforms to a public technical standard;

including a platform for a video display screen and an audio output subsystem in said display dock;

hosting a variety of content application functions in a corresponding plurality of interchangeable content modules;

combining said display dock and one of said plurality of interchangeable content modules into one consumer product to order just-in-time before shipment; and

licensing a third-party to make, use, or sell at least one of said display dock and said content module.