Media Interface Device Module Selection for Format Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multimedia devices often require separate intermediate devices and remote controls to access and switch between various content sources using different transmission technologies, leading to complexity and cost for users.
Innovation Solution
A media interface device with multiple modules configured to receive content from various sources and convert it into a common format, allowing a single remote control to manage access to multiple content sources, eliminating the need for separate set-top boxes and remote controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate intermediate devices (set top boxes) are used for each transmission technology, then compatibility with various transmission technologies is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple transmission technology interfaces (cable, satellite, terrestrial, internet protocol) into a single intermediate device (set-top box). This consolidation allows the device to receive and process content from multiple transmission technologies simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate set-top boxes for each technology while maintaining full compatibility across all transmission types.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate device is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple transmission technologies through a single interface. The device incorporates multiple receivers and decoders that can process different signal types (analog/digital cable, satellite, terrestrial, IP-based) and convert them into a common format, making one device sufficient for all transmission technologies rather than requiring technology-specific devices.
2Ease of operation
If separate intermediate devices are used for each multimedia device, then content access is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a single intermediate device to serve multiple multimedia devices (televisions, tablets, mobile phones) by providing content to multiple output interfaces simultaneously. The device receives content from various transmission technologies and distributes it to multiple display devices, eliminating the need for each multimedia device to have its own dedicated set-top box while maintaining full content access capability for all devices.
3Reliability
If recorded content from different sources is stored separately in different DVRs, then content preservation is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple digital video recorder (DVR) functions into a single intermediate device. The device includes multiple recording interfaces that can simultaneously record content from different transmission technologies (cable, satellite, terrestrial) into a unified storage system. This consolidation allows users to access and switch between recorded programs from all sources through a single interface, eliminating the need to physically switch between multiple separate DVR devices while maintaining reliable content preservation from all sources.
4Ease of operation
If multiple remote control devices are used for different intermediate devices, then control functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the need to track multiple remotes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple control functions into a single remote control device. The remote control can interface with the unified intermediate device that handles all transmission technologies and multiple output devices, eliminating the need for separate remote controls for cable, satellite, and other services. The single remote provides comprehensive control functionality for content selection, recording, and device operation across all integrated functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving, at a media interface device, a media selection command from a user device. The media selection command identifies first media content, the media content available from a first content source in a first format. The media interface device is configured to provide the first media content to the user device as second media content in a second format different than the first format. The method includes selecting a particular module of a plurality of modules of the media interface device to process the first media content based on the media selection command. The method includes receiving the first media content at the particular module, where the particular module converts the first media content in the first format to the second media content in the second format. The method also includes sending the second media content from an interface coupled to the particular module to the user device.