Mobile Set Top Box Network Adaptation and Display Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile computing devices and set top boxes have limitations in accessing and displaying content across different networks and display devices, particularly due to bandwidth constraints and compatibility issues, preventing seamless viewing of high-resolution content on larger screens.
Innovation Solution
A mobile set top box that acts as a conduit between disparate data networks and display devices, capable of accessing broadband networks, leveraging mobile communication systems, and performing up-conversions to display content from mobile devices on larger screens, such as HD-TVs, while supporting various protocols and interactive services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional set top box is used to receive and display content, then the content can be viewed on a television screen, but the device is limited to specific networks and cannot be transported between locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a set top box that can function with multiple different cable and satellite networks through software configuration rather than hardware-specific design. The system can be programmed to work with different providers (Comcast, Verizon, DirecTV, etc.) making it universally compatible across networks while maintaining a single physical device design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration capabilities where the set top box can change its operational parameters, supported networks, and display settings based on location and user needs. The system dynamically adapts to different network protocols and can be remotely programmed to work with new providers without hardware changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If content is transmitted over mobile networks with limited bandwidth, then the device can be portable and used anywhere, but the content quality and resolution are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs progressive enhancement where the set top box first acquires content at the highest available quality from the source network, then selectively enhances or degrades the content based on the target display capabilities and network bandwidth. The system performs partial processing to extract key content elements and reconstructs them at appropriate resolutions for different display devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes content parameters including resolution, bitrate, and format based on network conditions and display capabilities. The set top box can transmit content at multiple quality levels simultaneously, allowing high-resolution content over broadband connections and optimized lower-resolution streams over mobile networks, with automatic parameter adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile computing device is used to access content, then the device can be transported between locations, but the content can only be viewed on small mobile screens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a docking station as an intermediary device that connects mobile computing devices to large display systems like HDTVs and projectors. The docking station acts as a bridge, receiving content from the mobile device and retransmitting it to the large display with appropriate format conversion and signal enhancement, enabling portable content access on stationary large screens.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables content to transition from the two-dimensional mobile device screen to the larger two-dimensional television screen, effectively adding a spatial dimension to content display. The docking station facilitates this dimensional transition by adapting the content format and resolution for the larger display area.
4Reliability
If set top boxes are dedicated to specific networks, then the device can be optimized for that network, but the device cannot be used with other networks or providers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a set top box that can function with multiple different cable and satellite networks through software configuration rather than hardware-specific design. The system can be programmed to work with different providers (Comcast, Verizon, DirecTV, etc.) making it universally compatible across networks while maintaining a single physical device design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters including supported networks, protocols, and configuration settings based on the detected or selected service provider. The set top box can be remotely programmed to change its network parameters, allowing it to maintain optimized performance for each network while remaining compatible with multiple providers.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided in which IP or media content residing on or being streamed to a mobile phone is forwarded to a display. The media content supports a native resolution of the mobile phone that is significantly smaller than a native resolution of said display. The system has media content processing circuitry, which up-scales the media content to the display native resolution. The system forwards the up-scaled media content to the display, whereby the display provides the up-scaled media content to a viewer.