Method and system for a low cost wireless telephone link for a set top box

• US 20030005460A1
• Filed: 07/01/2001
• Published: 01/02/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 07/01/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Low Environ AG LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Original Assignee: Low Environ AG LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Inventors: Smith, Scott, Bartholomew, David, Stettler, Alan
• Application Number:
  US09/897,813
• Publication Number:
  US 20030005460A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 725/110
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5441 Wireless systems or telephone
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5483 using coupling circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 3/54 Systems for transmission via power distribution lines
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/17309 Transmission or handling of upstream communications

Abstract

A wireless telephone link for set top box communication between the set top box and a central office is provided. This invention makes use of the AC power line to provide the communication channel between the set top box and the central office. An extension unit, connected to the set top box provides the interface, including coupling and modulation, between the set top box and the AC power line. A base unit, connected to the central office provides the interface, including the coupling and modulation of signals between the central office and the AC power line.

Claims

1. A wireless telephone communication system for a set top box, comprising:

(A)a base unit connected to an AC power line for the transmission and receipt of control and data signals;

(B)an extension unit connected to an AC power line for the transmission and receipt of control and data signals to and from said base unit;

(C)a set top box connected to said extension unit; and

(D)a central office device connected to said base unit.

2. A wireless telephone communication system for a set top box, as recited in claim 1, wherein said base unit is adapted to provide only functions specifically required for communicating between said set top box and said central office.

3. A wireless telephone communication system for a set top box, as recited in claim 1, wherein said extension unit is adapted to provide only functions specifically required for communicating between said set top box and said central office.

4. A wireless telephone communication system for a set top box, as recited in claim 1, wherein said extension unit is embedded within said set top box, and wherein said embedded extension unit is controlled by said set top box.

5. A wireless telephone communication system for a set top box, as recited in claim 4, further comprising a modified power supply.

6. A wireless telephone communication system for a set top box, as recited in claim 5, wherein said modified power supply further comprises a coupled connection to a transmitter and a coupled connection to a receiver.