Antenna for wireless home network has UI functionality

• US 20030026270A1
• Filed: 07/31/2001
• Published: 02/06/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 07/31/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. (Koninklijke Philips N.V.)
• Original Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. (Koninklijke Philips N.V.)
• Inventors: Ekkel, Frederik
• Application Number:
  US09/920,245
• Publication Number:
  US 20030026270A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 370/401
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/22 by structural association with other equipment or articles
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2803 Home automation networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2836 Protocol conversion between an external network and a home network controlling appliance services of a home automation network from a device located outside the home and the home network H04L12/2818; protocol conversion H04L69/08; adaptation of digital video signals for transport over a specific home network H04N7/24
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/2841 Wireless
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/43615 Interfacing a Home Network, e.g. for connecting the client to a plurality of peripherals home Audio Video Interoperability [HAVI] data switching networks H04L12/2805
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/43637 involving a wireless protocol, e.g. Bluetooth, RF or wireless LAN [IEEE 802.11] arrangements for wireless networking or broadcasting of information in indoor or near-field type systems H04B10/114
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/08 Access point devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/16 Gateway arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 92/02 Inter-networking arrangements

Abstract

A CE consumer apparatus, e.g., an STB is a gateway between a home network and an external data network The STB has an access point device for the home network. The access point device has a first functionality that enables broadband wireless RF data communication to the home network; and the access point device has a second functionality that serves as a user-interface. Because of the latter, the user will position the device in such as way that RF communication is not hampered by nearby obstacles.

Claims

1. A CE consumer apparatus comprising a gateway for use between a home network and an external data network, wherein:

the apparatus has an access point device for the home network;

the access point device has a first functionality that enables broadband wireless data communication to the home network; and

the access point device has a second functionality that serves as a user-interface.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the access point device is connected to the apparatus via a cable.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the access point device comprises an IR receiver.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the access point device comprises a visual status indicator.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the access point comprises a camera.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the access point comprises a microphone.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the access point comprises a FLASH memory card slot.

8. For use with a CE consumer apparatus that comprises a gateway for being used between a home network and an external data network:

an access point device for the home network, wherein;

the access point device has a first functionality that enables broadband wireless data communication to the home network; and

the access point device has a second functionality that serves as a user-interface.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the access point device is connectable to the apparatus via a cable.

10. The device of claim 8, comprising an IR receiver.

11. The device of claim 8, comprising a visual status indicator.

12. The device of claim 8, comprising a camera.

13. The device of claim 8, comprising a microphone.

14. The device of claim 8, comprising a FLASH memory card slot for digital still images