Video display ambient lighting synchronization

Abstract

The described video display ambient lighting synchronization device integrates a streaming media playback module, a stripe controller, and a video output. The apparatus allows seamless coordination between video content and LED lighting, where a streaming media playback module facilitates digital media streaming, a video output sends a video signal, and a stripe controller generates an LED stripe control signal synchronized with the displayed video content.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to video display ambient lighting synchronization systems. Background Art

[0002] Video display ambient lighting synchronization refers to a technique or system that coordinates the lighting surrounding a video display, such as a television or monitor, with the content shown on the screen.

[0003] Ambient lighting is typically provided by LED strips or lights placed around the display. Synchronization ensures that the color and brightness of the ambient lighting matches the corresponding elements on the screen in real time. This enhances the viewing experience by extending the visuals of the content beyond the display, reducing eye fatigue and creating a more immersive and dynamic atmosphere.

[0004] The dominant technology in the TV ambient lighting market is to capture the color from the video content appearing on the TV or monitor. Typically, this involves processing HDMI signals or using a camera to obtain color data, which is then sent to the LED lights through a controller. The purpose of this technology is to synchronize the color of the LED lights with the video content in real time, ultimately enhancing the overall viewing experience.

[0005] While the current technology has its advantages, it also has significant disadvantages. The key issue is the separation of streaming media and LED light synchronization, which requires additional transmission components such as HDMI cables, complicating the setup. In terms of compatibility and performance, the technology faces obstacles such as signal interruptions, screen glitches, sound delays, and compatibility issues between streaming playback devices and HDMI video signal capture devices. These challenges significantly reduce the efficiency of the technology and the overall user experience.

[0006] The present invention seeks to provide a method that overcomes or substantially improves at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least provides an alternative.

[0007] It should be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. Summary of the invention

[0008] This article provides a video display environment lighting synchronization device, which consists of a streaming media playback module and a strip controller and a video output connected to the streaming media playback module.

[0009] The video output sends a video signal from the streaming playback module, while the strip controller generates an LED strip control signal based on the received video signal.

[0010] Therefore, the system integrates an internal streaming playback module to smoothly merge video playback with LED lighting control. This integration solves the challenge of using different devices for media streaming and LED synchronization, making the user experience smooth.

[0011] To enhance compatibility, the system features two external HDMI input interfaces and an HDMI switch IC (integrated circuit) that interfaces these external sources with the playback module, which enables users to connect external devices and easily switch between content from the internal streaming playback module or these external sources. The connection between the microcontroller and the HDMI switch IC can be established by using a circuit controlled by IIC / UART communication, further improving compatibility and performance.

[0012] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Although any other forms may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 A video display ambient lighting synchronization apparatus according to an embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Figure 1 A video display ambient lighting synchronization system 100 according to an embodiment is shown. The system 100 comprises a video display ambient lighting synchronization apparatus 101 .

[0016] The device 101 may be provided in a small form factor set-top box type housing. The device 101 may include a DC power input 115 for powering the device 101. The device 101 may include an operation button 116 and an operation indicator 117, such as for turning the device 101 on or off.

[0017] The device 101 includes a streaming media playback module 102. The streaming media playback module 102 is configured to stream digital media from a wide area network (such as the Internet). In an embodiment, the streaming media playback module 102 may take the form of an Android TV. TM The streaming playback module 102 is contained within the housing of the device 101 so that when the streaming playback module 102 is used to stream content, no external video source cable needs to be plugged into the device 101 .

[0018] The device 101 also includes an LED strip controller 103 configured to operably interface with the LED strip 104. The device 101 also has a video output 105 operably interfaced with the streaming media playback module 102 and the digital display 106. In an embodiment, the video output 105 is HDMI compatible.

[0019] from Figure 1 As is apparent in FIG. 1 , LED strips 104 may be placed around the perimeter of the digital display 106 and behind it to provide ambient lighting that is synchronized with the content displayed thereon.

[0020] Thus, in use, the video output 105 outputs a video signal from the streaming playback module 102, and the strip controller 103 outputs an LED strip control signal in accordance with the video signal.

[0021] The apparatus 100 may include a microcontroller 107 operably interfaced with the streaming media playback module 102 .

[0022] The microcontroller 107 can be operatively connected to a wireless interface 108 (such as a Wi-Fi interface). In addition, the microcontroller 107 can also be operatively connected to the streaming media playback module 102 via a serial interface 109 (such as a USB interface).

[0023] In use, content may be streamed to the streaming playback module 102 via the serial bus interface 109 and the wireless interface 108. The microcontroller 107 may be configured with SSID and password credentials to access a Wi-Fi router.

[0024] The microcontroller 107 may also be configured to receive control signals via the wireless interface 108. In this regard, the system 100 may also include an electronic device (such as a mobile communication device) on which the software application is executed. The software application may display a control interface for the device 101 on a digital display of the electronic device and may be in operative communication with the microcontroller 107 via the wireless interface 108.

[0025] The microcontroller 107 may be configured to control the strip controller 103 according to the received control signal. For example, the color, brightness, and operation mode of the strip controller 103 may be wirelessly controlled using electronic means.

[0026] The microcontroller 107 may also be configured to control the streaming media playback module 102 according to the received control signal. The control interface of the electronic device may be configured to allow the user to select a streaming media service and have playback controls (for pausing, playing, skipping, etc.) and audio controls (volume up, volume down, mute, etc.).

[0027] In an embodiment, the device 100 has an infrared interface 110 operably connected to the streaming media playback module 102 to allow the streaming media playback module 102 to be directly controlled using an infrared remote controller provided with the streaming media playback module 102. The device 101 may also include a serial bus interface 111 connected to the streaming media playback module 102. In the embodiment shown, the serial bus interface is a USB interface, and the housing of the device 100 may include a USB type A port for the USB interface.

[0028] In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 further includes a video input 112 and a video switch 113. The video switch 113 is operatively connected to the streaming playback module 102, the video input 112, and the video output 105. As also shown, the streaming playback module 102 may include a video output 114 operatively connected to the video switch 113.

[0029] In an embodiment, the video input 112 may be HDMI compatible. In this regard, the video switch 113 may be an HDMI switch integrated circuit (IC).

[0030] In an embodiment, a pair of video inputs 112A and 112B are provided.

[0031] In addition, the microprocessor 107 may be operable to control input selection to the video switch 113. As shown, the device 100 may include an IIC (Inter-Integrated Circuit) or UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter) control interface 118 operatively interfacing the microprocessor 107 and the video switch 113.

[0032] The microprocessor 107 may be configured to receive control instructions from the aforementioned electronic device to control the video input selection of the video switch 113 .

[0033] Thus, in use, a user can connect an HDMI cable from another set-top device, DVD player, etc. directly to the device 101 and use the electronics to wirelessly control the device 101 to switch between either of the video inputs 112A, 112B or the streaming playback module 102.

[0034] For the purpose of explanation, the foregoing description uses specific terms to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required to practice the present invention. Therefore, for the purpose of illustration and description, the foregoing description of specific embodiments of the present invention is presented. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise form disclosed, as many modifications and variations are obviously possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments are selected and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, so that other persons skilled in the art can best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications suitable for the specific purposes contemplated. The following claims and their equivalents are intended to define the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A video display ambient lighting synchronization device, comprising: Streaming media playback module, and A strip controller and a video output, wherein the strip controller and the video output are operably connected to the streaming media playback module, wherein the video output outputs a video signal from the streaming media playback module, and the strip controller outputs an LED strip control signal according to the video signal.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A microcontroller is operably connected to the streaming media playback module.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The wireless interface is operably connected to the microcontroller, and wherein the serial bus interface is operably connected to the microcontroller and the streaming playback module, and wherein the microcontroller is configured with wireless router access credentials, and content is streamed to the streaming playback module via the serial bus interface and the wireless interface.

4. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The wireless interface is operably coupled to the microcontroller, and wherein the microcontroller is configured to receive a control signal from an electronic device via the wireless interface.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The microcontroller is configured to control the stripe controller according to the control signal.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein: The control signal includes at least one of color, brightness, and operation mode control of the controller.

7. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The microcontroller is configured to control the streaming media playback module according to the control signal.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein: The control signal includes at least one of playback control and audio control of the streaming media playback module.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: An infrared interface, wherein the infrared interface is operable to connect to the streaming media playback module.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The device includes a serial bus interface for the streaming media playback module.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The device also includes a video input and a video switch, wherein the video switch is operably connected to the streaming media playback module, the video input and the video output, and wherein the input selection of the video switch is controllable to output the video from the video input and the streaming media playback module.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein The apparatus includes a pair of video inputs operatively interfaced with the video switch.

13. The apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising: A microcontroller is operably interfaced with the video switch, and wherein the microcontroller is configured to control input selection to the video switch.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein: The wireless interface is operably connected to the microcontroller, and wherein the microcontroller is configured to receive a control signal from an electronic device via the wireless interface to control input selection of the video switch.

15. A system comprising: Digital display; LED Strips ； The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the digital display is operably connected to a video output in an LED strip operably coupled to a controller, wherein the video output performs output of a video signal from the streaming media playback module, and the strip controller outputs an LED strip control signal based on the video signal.

16. A method involving the apparatus according to claim 1, the method comprising: connecting an LED strip to said strip controller of said device; as well as connecting a digital display to the video output; as well as The streaming playback module is operated to stream content, wherein the video output outputs a video signal from the streaming playback module, and the strip controller outputs an LED strip control signal based on the video signal.

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