Wireless Adapter for TV Signal Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing requirement for a large set-top box for each television to receive media signals is costly and cumbersome, necessitating a more efficient method for distributing media signals to multiple displays without the need for extensive wiring or multiple set-top boxes.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing wireless and powerline adapters that communicate with a set-top box to convert and distribute media signals to multiple displays, where the adapters are small, non-intrusive, and can be powered by the television or through power connections, eliminating the need for multiple set-top boxes and reducing installation complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a set-top box is used for each television to receive media signals, then reliable media signal reception is achieved, but cost and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemedia signal receptionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the media signal reception function (set-top box) with the display function (television) by integrating a receiver into the television itself. This merging eliminates the need for separate set-top boxes at each display location, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable media signal reception through the integrated receiver.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The television is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the display device and the media signal receiver. The integrated receiver enables the television to directly receive media signals without requiring an external set-top box, making the television a universal device that combines reception and display capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a set-top box is provided for each television, then media signal distribution is achieved, but cost increases significantly for users and service providers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemedia signal distributionVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the receiver functionality into the television, the patent eliminates the need to purchase and install separate set-top boxes for each display. This integration significantly reduces the quantity of hardware required and the associated costs for both users and service providers while maintaining full media signal distribution capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the receiver function from the traditional set-top box and integrates it directly into the television. This extraction eliminates the need for separate set-top box hardware, reducing material costs and simplifying the overall system while preserving complete media signal distribution functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If large set-top boxes are installed at each television location, then media signal reception is ensured, but installation time and effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemedia signal receptionVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of the receiver into the television eliminates the need to install separate set-top boxes at each location. Since the reception capability is built into the television itself, installation is simplified to merely connecting the television to the media distribution system, dramatically reducing installation time and effort while ensuring reliable media signal reception.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple set-top boxes are deployed for media distribution, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but finding space for each box and performing installation requires extensive time and effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemedia signal distribution coverageVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the receiver and display functions into a single integrated television unit, the patent eliminates the need to find space for separate set-top boxes and perform complex installation procedures. The television itself serves as the reception point, making installation straightforward and improving ease of operation while maintaining comprehensive media signal distribution coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9106950B2System and method for distribution of a television signal
Publication Date: 2015.08.11 ADEIA MEDIA HOLDINGS INC
  • US9106950B2 patent drawing
  • US9106950B2 patent drawing
  • US9106950B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method for distribution of media signals. Wireless communications are established between a set-top box and a wireless adapter in communication with a television. The wireless adapter is powered by the television. A signal is received from the set-top box at the wireless adapter. The signal is formatted for wireless communication. The signal is converted to a format displayable by the television. The formatted signal is communicated from the wireless adapter to the television.