HARDWARE MODULE FOR ADDING FUNCTIONALITY TO TELEVISION USING MECHANICAL AND WIRELESS LINKS
First Claim
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1. A module for adding functionality to a component to be augmented, the module comprising:
- a module housing for holding components facilitating the functionality; and
at least one high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connector arrangement engaged with the housing and connectable to a complementary rigidly supported connector on the component for establishing a pathway for communication of digital video to the component to be augmented; and
at least one wireless transceiver on the housing and configured for bi-directional communication with a complementary transceiver on the component to augmented to facilitate handshaking communication therebetween.
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Abstract
A set-box (SBB) is advanced into a receptacle on the rear of a TV to add functionality to the TV. Digital video information is conveyed from the SUB to the TV using respective HDMI connectors on the SBB and TV that mechanically engage each other, whereas bi-directional control information is passed wirelessly between the SBB and TV.
29 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A module for adding functionality to a component to be augmented, the module comprising:
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a module housing for holding components facilitating the functionality; and at least one high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connector arrangement engaged with the housing and connectable to a complementary rigidly supported connector on the component for establishing a pathway for communication of digital video to the component to be augmented; and at least one wireless transceiver on the housing and configured for bi-directional communication with a complementary transceiver on the component to augmented to facilitate handshaking communication therebetween. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A system, comprising:
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a TV defining a monitor, a rear opposed to the monitor, and a receptacle formed in the rear of the monitor, the TV having a digital video connector, the TV also including a wireless transceiver; and a module housing for holding components facilitating audio-video functionality and disposable in the receptacle, the module housing including a digital video connector that mechanically engages the connector of the TV when the housing is moved into the receptacle, the module housing also supporting a wireless bidirectional transceiver configured for communicating with the transceiver of the TV. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method, comprising:
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engaging a module with a TV, the module adding functionality to the TV; using a mechanical connection to communicate digital video data from the module to the TV; and using a wireless connection to communicate bidirectional control information between the module and TV. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification