Set-Top Box Optical Sensor Layout for Discreet Thermal Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional set-top boxes require external cameras that are impractical due to the need for placement above the television, suffer from high thermal stress, and increase manufacturing costs, while integrated cameras are visible and costly.
Innovation Solution
A set-top box with an integrated optical sensor housed within the device, protected by an inclined field of vision and openings, minimizing visibility and vulnerability to external environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external camera is placed above the television, then videoconferencing is enabled, but the camera is exposed to high thermal stress and requires additional cables and mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the optical sensor directly into the set-top box housing, merging the camera function with the existing device structure. This eliminates the need for separate external cameras, mounting mechanisms, and additional cables, while protecting the sensor from thermal stress by placing it in the thermally stable set-top box environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an opening in the housing as an intermediary structure that allows the optical sensor to capture images while remaining protected inside the housing. This mediator enables the sensor to function externally-facing while maintaining internal protection from thermal and physical stress.
2Ease of operation
If a camera is fixed on the set-top box, then the camera is less visible and more discrete, but the manufacturing cost increases due to vibration resistance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the camera function with the set-top box housing structure, utilizing the existing housing to provide mechanical support and vibration resistance. This merging eliminates the need for separate vibration-resistant mounting mechanisms, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining camera discreteness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the optical sensor at a specific location within the housing with its field of vision oriented to capture relevant images while remaining discreet. The opening is strategically placed and sized to provide necessary functionality without requiring expensive vibration resistance throughout the entire housing structure.
3Reliability
If the optical sensor is arranged inside the housing, then the sensor is protected from the external environment and less visible, but the field of vision must be optimized through inclination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the housing opening as an intermediary that allows the optical sensor to maintain its protected internal position while capturing external images. The opening's position and orientation serve as the mediator between the sensor's need for protection and its need for adequate field of vision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the optical sensor's field of vision by adjusting its orientation angle relative to the housing opening. This parameter change allows the sensor to capture relevant images (including user face and body) while remaining positioned inside the protected housing environment.
Data Source
AI summary
A set-top box comprising a housing includes a first main face, a second main face, at least one lateral flank connecting the first lateral face to the second lateral face. The set-top box includes at least one optical sensor the field of vision of which is centred around a given line of vision, said line of vision being inclined vis-à-vis a given plane, when the set-top box is placed on a base, the flank being provided with at least one opening passing through the flank so as to lead to a first end outside of the housing and to a second end inside the housing, the optical sensor being arranged in the housing, such that said line of vision passes through the flank via said opening.