Outlet with analog signal adapter, a method for use thereof and a network using said outlet

• US 20060098638A1
• Filed: 12/21/2005
• Published: 05/11/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/11/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: MOSAID Technologies Inc. (f/k/a Conversant Intellectual Property Management)
• Original Assignee: SercoNet Limited (Yehuda Binder, MBA)
• Inventors: Binder, Yehuda
• Granted Patent: US 7,453,895 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 370/356
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2201/04 for network, e.g. LAN connectors
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 27/02 for simultaneous co-operation with two or more dissimilar counterparts
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5445 Local network
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/545 Audio/video application, e.g. interphone
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 3/56 Circuits for coupling, blocking, or by-passing of signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/66 Arrangements for connecting between networks having differing types of switching systems, e.g. gateways
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/102 Circuits therefor, e.g. noise reducers, equalisers, amplifiers H04N7/108 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/106 for domestic distribution
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/108 the cable being constituted by a pair of wires

Abstract

An outlet (70, 75, 76, 78, 79) for a Local Area Network (LAN), containing an integrated adapter (21, 25) that converts digital data to and from analog video signal. Such an outlet allows using analog video units in a digital data network (80), eliminating the need for a digital video units or external adapter. The outlet may include a hub (31, 41) that allows connecting both an analog video signal via an adapter, as well as retaining the data network connection, which may be accessed by a network jack (73). The invention may also be applied to a telephone line-based data networking system. In such an environment, the data networking circuitry as well as the analog video adapters are integrated into a telephone outlet, providing for regular telephone service, analog video connectivity, and data networking as well. In such a configuration, the outlet would have a standard telephone jack (71), an analog video jack (72) and at least one data networking jack (73). Outlets according to the invention can be used to retrofit existing LAN and in-building telephone wiring, as well as original equipment in new installation

Claims

1. A device for coupling an analog video unit to a telephone wire pair, the telephone wire pair being connected to concurrently carry an analog telephone signal in an analog telephone frequency band and serial bi-directional packet-based digital data including digitized video data in a digital data frequency band that is distinct from and above the analog telephone frequency band, said device comprising:

a telephone wiring connector adapted to connect said device to the telephone wire pair;

a high pass filter coupled to said telephone wiring connector for substantially passing signals only in the digital data frequency band and for substantially rejecting signals in the analog telephone frequency band;

a telephone wiring modem coupled to said high pass filter for conducting the serial bi-directional packet-based digital data over the telephone wire pair;

an analog video connector connectable for coupling an analog video signal to the analog video unit;

a converter between the analog video signal and digitized video data signal coupled to said analog video connector, said converter comprising at least one of an analog to digital converter and a digital to analog converter;

a multi-port packet sharing means consisting of one of;

a switch;

a router; and

a gateway, coupled between said converter and said telephone wiring modem to pass only the digitized video data therebetween; and

a single enclosure housing said telephone wiring connector, said high pass filter, said telephone wiring modem, said analog video connector, said converter and said multi-port packet sharing means;

wherein said enclosure is attachable to a wall and said device is addressable in a digital data network.

2. The device according to claim 1, further operative for coupling a telephone set to said analog telephone signal, said device further comprising:

a low pass filter coupled to said telephone wiring connector for substantially passing only signals in the analog telephone frequency band; and

a standard telephone connector coupled to said low pass filter and connectable to an analog telephone set for coupling the analog telephone signal to the telephone set.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein said single enclosure is constructed to have at least one of the following:

a form substantially similar to that of a standard outlet;

wall mounting elements substantially similar to those of a standard wall outlet;

a shape allowing direct mounting in an outlet receptacle or opening; and

a form to at least in part substitute for a standard outlet.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein said device is mechanically pluggable into and electrically attachable to a telephone outlet.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein said single enclosure is structured to attach to a mating fixture secured on the wall.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the serial bi-directional packet-based digital data further includes a first digital data signal and the device is further operative for coupling the first digital data signal to a data unit, said device further comprising:

a data interface connector connectable to the data unit; and

a transceiver coupled between said multi-port packet sharing means and said data interface connector for conducting bi-directional serial digital data communication with the data unit,

wherein said multi-port packet sharing means is coupled to pass the first digital data between said telephone wiring modem and said transceiver.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the communication with the data unit conforms to an Ethernet standard or Internet Protocol.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein said telephone wiring modem is operative to perform bi-directional communication with one or more identical telephone wiring modems connected to the telephone wire pair.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein said telephone wiring modem is operative to perform full-duplex point-to-point communication with only a single other telephone wiring modem over the telephone wire pair.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein said converter consists of an analog to digital converter, and the analog video unit is a video source.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein said converter consists of a digital to analog converter, and the analog video unit is a video receiver.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the digitized video data is in a compressed form, and said device further comprises a digital compressor or a digital de-compressor coupled between said converter and said multi-port packet sharing means.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein the compression is MPEG based.

14. A device for coupling an analog video unit to a coaxial cable, the coaxial cable being connected to concurrently carry an analog CATV signal in an analog CATV frequency band and serial bi-directional packet-based digital data including digitized video data in a digital data frequency band that is distinct from the analog CATV frequency band, the device comprising:

a coaxial connector adapted to connect said device to the coaxial cable;

a filter coupled to said coaxial connector for substantially passing signals in the digital data frequency band and for substantially rejecting signals in the analog CATV frequency band;

a coaxial cable modem coupled to said filter for conducting the serial bi-directional packet-based digital data over the coaxial cable;

an analog video connector connectable for coupling an analog video signal to the analog video unit;

a converter between the analog video signal and digitized video data signal coupled to said analog video connector, said converter comprising at least one of an analog to digital converter and a digital to analog converter;

a multi-port packet sharing means consisting of one of;

a switch;

a router; and

a gateway, coupled between said converter and said coaxial cable modem to pass only the digitized video data therebetween; and

a single enclosure housing said coaxial connector, said filter, said coaxial cable modem, said analog video connector, said converter and said multi-port packet sharing means;

wherein said enclosure is attachable to a wall and said device is addressable in a digital data network.

15. The device according to claim 14, further operative for coupling the analog CATV signal to an analog CATV set, said device further comprising:

a CATV filter coupled to said coaxial connector for substantially passing only signals in the analog CATV frequency band; and

a standard CATV connector coupled to said CATV filter and connectable to the analog CATV set for coupling the analog CATV signal to the analog CATV set.

16. The device according to claim 14, wherein said single enclosure is constructed to have at least one of the following:

a form substantially similar to that of a standard outlet;

wall mounting elements substantially similar to those of a standard wall outlet;

a shape allowing direct mounting in an outlet receptacle or opening; and

a form to at least in part substitute for a standard outlet.

17. The device according to claim 14, wherein said device is electrically pluggable into and mechanically attachable to a CATV outlet.

18. The device according to claim 14, wherein said single enclosure is structured to attach to a mating fixture secured on the wall.

19. The device according to claim 14, wherein the serial bi-directional packet-based digital data further includes a first digital data signal and the device is further operative for coupling the first digital data signal to a data unit, said device further comprising:

a data interface connector connectable to the data unit;

a transceiver coupled between said multi-port packet sharing means and said data interface connector for conducting a bi-directional serial digital data communication with the data unit; and

wherein said multi-port packet sharing means is coupled to pass the first digital data between said coaxial cable modem and said transceiver.

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein the communication with said data unit conforms to an Ethernet standard or Internet Protocol.

21. The device according to claim 14, wherein said coaxial cable modem is operative to perform bi-directional communication with one or more identical coaxial cable modems connected to the coaxial cable.

22. The device according to claim 14, wherein said coaxial cable modem is operative to perform full-duplex point-to-point communication with only a single other coaxial cable modem over the coaxial cable.

23. The device according to claim 14, wherein said converter consists of an analog to digital converter, and the analog video unit is a video source.

24. The device according to claim 14, wherein said converter consists of a digital to analog converter, and the analog video unit is a video receiver.

25. The device according to claim 14, wherein the digitized video data is in a compressed form, and said device further comprises a digital compressor or a digital de-compressor coupled between said converter and said multi-port packet sharing means.

26. The device according to claim 25, wherein the compression is MPEG based.

27. A device for coupling an analog video unit to AC power wiring, the AC power wiring being connected for concurrently carrying an AC power signal in an AC power frequency band and serial bi-directional packet-based digital data including digitized video data in a digital data frequency band that is distinct from and higher than the AC power frequency band, said device comprising:

a power line connector operative for connecting said device to the AC power wiring;

a high pass filter coupled to said power line connector for substantially passing only signals in the digital data frequency band and for substantially rejecting signals in the AC power frequency band;

a power line modem coupled to said high pass filter for conducting the serial bi-directional packet-based digital data over the AC power wiring;

an analog video connector connectable connectable for coupling an analog video signal to an analog video unit;

a converter between the analog video signal and digitized video data signal coupled to said analog video connector, said converter comprising at least one of an analog to digital converter and a digital to analog converter;

a multi-port packet sharing means consisting of one of;

a switch;

a router; and

a gateway, coupled to pass only the digitized video data between said converter and said power line modem; and

a single enclosure housing said power line connector, said high pass filter, said power line modem, said analog video connector, said converter and said multi-port packet sharing means,

wherein said enclosure is attachable to a wall and said device is addressable in a digital data network.

28. The device according to claim 27, further operative for coupling the AC power signal to an AC powered appliance, said device further comprising:

a low pass filter coupled to said power line connector for substantially passing only signals in the AC power frequency band; and

a standard AC power connector connectable to the AC powered appliance and coupled to said low pass filter for coupling the AC power signal to the AC powered appliance.

29. The device according to claim 27, wherein said single enclosure is constructed to have at least one of the following:

a form substantially similar to that of a standard outlet;

wall mounting elements substantially similar to those of a standard wall outlet;

a shape allowing direct mounting in an outlet receptacle or opening; and

a form to at least in part substitute for a standard outlet.

30. The device according to claim 27, wherein said device is electrically pluggable into and mechanically attachable to an AC outlet.

31. The device according to claim 27, wherein said single enclosure is structured to attach to a mating fixture secured on the wall.

32. The device according to claim 27, wherein the serial bi-directional packet-based digital data further includes a first digital data signal and said device is further operative for coupling the first digital data signal to a data unit and said device further comprises:

a data interface connector connectable to the data unit; and

a transceiver coupled between said multi-port packet sharing means and said data interface connector for conducting a bi-directional serial digital data communication with the data unit,

wherein said multi-port packet sharing means is coupled to pass the first digital data between said power line modem and said transceiver.

33. The device according to claim 32, wherein the communication with the data unit conforms to Ethernet standard or Internet Protocol.

34. The device according to claim 27, wherein said power line modem is operative to perform bi-directional communication with one or more identical power line modems connected to the AC power wiring.

35. The device according to claim 27, wherein said power line modem is operative to perform full-duplex point-to-point communication with only a single other power line modem over the AC power wiring.

36. The device according to claim 27, wherein said converter consists of an analog to digital converter, and the analog video unit is a video source.

37. The device according to claim 27, wherein said converter consists of a digital to analog converter, and the analog video unit is a video receiver.

38. The device according to claim 27, wherein the digitized video data is in a compressed form, and said device further comprises a digital compressor or a digital de-compressor coupled between said converter and said multi-port packet sharing means.

39. The device according to claim 38, wherein the compression is MPEG based.

40. A video network in a building for carrying a video signal from a video source to a video receiver, said network comprising:

at least two outlets;

pre-existing wiring in at least one wall of the building, said wiring comprising at least two conductors and being connected to said at least two outlets, said at least two conductors comprising one of;

a twisted-wire pair;

a CATV coaxial cable;

a telephone wire pair; and

AC power wiring, and being connected to carry an analog service signal in an analog service signal frequency band, the analog service signal being one of;

a CATV signal;

an analog telephone signal; and

an AC power signal, and being connected to concurrently carry a frequency multiplexed bi-directional serial packet-based digital data signal in a digital data signal frequency band distinct from the analog service signal frequency band, the digital data signal comprising at least one packetized and digitized video data signal; and

a first device connected to said wiring and connectable to an analog video source, said first device being operative to digitize and packetize the analog video signal from the analog video source and to couple the digitized and packetized analog video signal to the wiring; and

a second device connected to said wiring and connectable to an analog video receiver, said second device being operative to convert the digitized and packetized data received from the wiring back into the analog video signal for coupling to the analog video receiver.

41. The network according to claim 40, wherein at least one of said first and second devices is housed in a single enclosure dimensioned to be wall-mountable in a standard outlet receptacle or opening.

42. The network according to claim 40, wherein the single enclosure is constructed to have at least one of the following:

a form substantially similar to that of a standard outlet;

wall mounting elements substantially similar to those of a standard wall outlet;

a shape allowing direct mounting in an outlet opening or cavity; and

a form to at least in part substitute for a standard outlet.

43. The network according to claim 40, wherein the digitized and packetized analog video signal is based on standard Ethernet or Internet Protocol.

44. The network according to claim 40, further comprising a gateway coupled between an IP network external to the building and said wiring, said gateway being operative to couple said network to the Internet.

45. A network for coupling first and second digitized video data carried as part of respective first and second bi-directional serial packet-based digital data streams external to a building to respective ones of first and second analog video units in the building, said network comprising:

first wiring comprising two first conductors at least in part in walls of the building and at least in part external to the building, said first wiring being connected to carry the first and second bi-directional serial digital data streams in time-multiplexed form;

second wiring comprising two conductors at least in part in walls of the building, said second wiring being connected to carry the second bi-directional serial packet-based digital data stream;

a first outlet mounted in a wall opening or outlet opening and connected to said first wiring;

a second outlet mounted in a wall opening or outlet opening and connected to said second wiring;

a first device couplable to a first analog video unit and connected to said first outlet for connecting to said first wiring, said first device being connected to said second wiring and being operative to couple the first digitized video data to the first analog video unit and to pass only the second bi-directional serial digital data streams between said first and second wirings; and

a second device couplable to a second analog video unit and connected to said second outlet for connecting to said second wiring, said second device being operative to couple the second digitized video data to the second analog video unit.

46. The network according to claim 45, wherein said first device is attached to said first outlet.

47. The network according to claim 45, wherein said second device is attached to said second outlet.

48. The network according to claim 45, wherein said first wiring further simultaneously carries a service signal using frequency domain multiplexing.

49. The network according to claim 48, wherein the service signal is an analog telephone signal and said first outlet is a telephone outlet.

50. The network according to claim 49, wherein the time-multiplexed first and second serial packet-based digital data is carried over said first wiring using DSL.

51. The network according to claim 45, wherein said second wiring further simultaneously carrying a service signal using frequency domain multiplexing.

52. The network according to claim 51, wherein the service signal is an analog telephone signal and said second outlet is a telephone outlet.