Set-Top Box Voice Call Integration via Modem Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing set-top box systems lack integrated functionality for initiating voice calls, limiting communication capabilities and requiring separate telephone devices.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables a set-top box to initiate voice calls between different telephone networks using a remote control for user input, allowing selection of telephone numbers from on-screen displays or directories, and utilizing modem and audio/video generators for dialing and call management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If set-top box is used for entertainment media access only, then device functionality is simplified, but communication capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines television viewing and telephone calling functions into a single set-top box system. The set-top box integrates a modem capable of both receiving cable television signals and initiating outbound telephone calls, allowing users to access entertainment media and make voice calls through one unified device rather than separate equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The set-top box is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a television receiver and a telephone calling device. The modem within the set-top box can process both video signals for entertainment and voice signals for communication, enabling a single device to perform multiple functions across different domains.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate telephone device is used for outbound calling, then call initiation capability is ensured, but hardware requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the telephone calling function into the set-top box by integrating a modem that can initiate outbound calls. This eliminates the need for a separate telephone device, as the same set-top box that provides television service also handles voice calling through its integrated modem capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The set-top box modem is designed to handle multiple communication tasks including receiving television signals and initiating telephone calls. This universal communication interface allows the single device to replace both the television receiver and the telephone, reducing the total hardware quantity required in the home entertainment system.
3Reliability
If multiple devices are used for entertainment and communication, then functional reliability is maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple communication functions (television reception and telephone calling) into a single integrated set-top box with a dual-capability modem. This integration maintains functional reliability by ensuring both services operate from one coordinated system rather than requiring synchronization between separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The set-top box modem is designed with universal communication capabilities that handle both video and voice signals reliably. The single device performs multiple functions with coordinated control, reducing the complexity of managing multiple separate devices while maintaining the reliability of both entertainment and communication functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for initiating a voice call includes a set-top box operable to control a selection of a television channel for display on a television. The set-top box is further operable to initiate a voice call between a first telephone and a second telephone. The first telephone is associated with a first telephone network and the second telephone is associated with a second telephone network. The system includes a remote control in communication with the set-top box. The remote control is operable to receive a first input associated with the selection of the television channel from a user and a second input associated with the voice call. The voice call is initiated by the set-top box in response to the second input being received by the set-top box.