HARDWARE MODULE FOR ADDING FUNCTIONALITY TO TELEVISION USING MECHANICAL AND WIRELESS LINKS

• US 20110050999A1
• Filed: 11/04/2010
• Published: 03/03/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 09/18/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Tohru Doumuki
• Original Assignee: Tohru Doumuki
• Inventors: Doumuki, Tohru
• Granted Patent: US 8,166,514 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/552
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4183 providing its own processing capabilities, e.g. external module for video decoding
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/426 Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof H04N5/44 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/43632 involving a wired protocol, e.g. IEEE 1394 high-speed IEEE 1394 serial bus H04L12/40052
• 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: H04N 5/64 Constructional details of receivers, e.g. cabinets or dust covers furniture aspects of television cabinets A47B81/06

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 SBB 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.

Claims

1-17. -17. (canceled)

18. A method, comprising:

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

wirelessly communicating bidirectional control information between the module and TV.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the mechanical connection is established using respective HDMI connectors on the module and TV.

20. The method of claim 18, comprising advancing the module into a receptacle on the rear of the TV.