Multimedia Gateway RF Modulation for Coaxial Video Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing solutions for delivering in-home digital video services require additional hardware and costly upgrades to existing cabling, such as digital television set top boxes and Ethernet CAT-5 cabling, which increases labor and material costs, and often necessitate a technician's visit for installation and troubleshooting.
Innovation Solution
A multimedia gateway device that receives packet-based data streams, extracts digital video streams, and converts them into RF modulated signals for transmission over existing coaxial cables or air, eliminating the need for separate set top boxes and simplifying installation by using existing coaxial wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Ethernet CAT-5 cabling is installed to connect residential gateway to set top boxes, then digital video services can be delivered to multiple televisions, but labor and material costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless bridge as an intermediary device that converts Ethernet signals to wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical CAT-5 cabling between the residential gateway and set top boxes. The wireless bridge receives Ethernet signals from the gateway and transmits them wirelessly to multiple televisions, thus reducing installation costs while maintaining service delivery capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cabling system (CAT-5 Ethernet cables) with a wireless communication system. Instead of running physical cables from the residential gateway to each set top box, the system uses wireless transmission to carry Ethernet signals throughout the home, thereby eliminating the labor and material costs associated with cable installation
2Ease of manufacture
If Ethernet over coax protocol is used to transmit gateway signals, then existing coaxial cabling can be utilized, but higher frequency upgrades and technician visits are still required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a wireless bridge as a simple, easily deployable device that can be quickly installed without requiring complex coaxial cable upgrades. The wireless bridge handles the signal conversion and transmission, providing a cost-effective solution that avoids the need for expensive and complex coaxial infrastructure modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless bridge serves as an intermediary that simplifies the connection between the residential gateway and televisions. It receives Ethernet signals from the gateway and transmits them wirelessly, eliminating the need for technicians to perform complex coaxial cable upgrades while still enabling multi-TV service delivery
3Reliability
If separate set top boxes are installed near each television, then video conversion can be performed locally, but hardware costs and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate set top boxes into a single wireless bridge device. Instead of having individual set top boxes installed near each television, the wireless bridge consolidates the video conversion and signal transmission functions in one location, thereby reducing hardware costs and installation complexity while maintaining the ability to deliver converted signals to multiple televisions
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless bridge performs multiple functions that would traditionally require separate set top boxes: it converts Ethernet signals to wireless signals, transmits them throughout the home, and enables multiple televisions to receive video feeds. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple dedicated set top boxes while maintaining reliable video signal conversion
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables cost-effective and efficient delivery of digital video services to multiple televisions within a customer's building by leveraging existing coaxial cables, reducing installation complexity and eliminating the need for separate set top boxes, while allowing for interactive features like video on demand and web browsing.
Implementation Method 1
an RF modulation module for converting the digital video streams into a plurality of RF modulated channel signals
Data Source
AI summary
A multimedia residential gateway device for providing video services to multiple televisions within a home. The device receives incoming video content from a DSL, DOCSIS, or Ethernet data stream and outputs selected content to individual televisions, with the content for each television being transmitted over an ATSC or NTSC channel associated with each television. This eliminates the need for multiple set top boxes in a high-definition offering. Radio frequency handheld remotes for each television are provided which communicate directly with the gateway device. The device may also be provided as a multi-television set top box, wherein the device receives Ethernet data streams from a customer's existing residential gateway.