USB A/V Interface for Portable Device Control and DRM Playback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies fail to seamlessly integrate portable multimedia devices with audio/visual systems for seamless file reproduction and control, especially with DRM-protected content, and lack compatibility with various codecs, requiring separate devices and degrading audio quality.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that allows control and reproduction of digital data recording and/or reproducing devices through an audio/visual system using a universal serial bus (USB) interface, enabling decoding, encryption, and format conversion without additional equipment, and supporting various codecs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If portable devices are connected to A/V system through USB connection unit, then file reproduction is enabled, but control of portable device cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The A/V system's USB connection unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can reproduce files from portable devices and simultaneously control the portable devices. The control unit generates control signals that are transmitted through the USB connection unit to the portable device, enabling the USB interface to serve both data transfer and control purposes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If A/V system uses conventional USB protocol, then compatibility with portable devices is achieved, but DRM-protected content cannot be reproduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the data transmission parameters by transmitting decoded data in specific formats (PCM, BMP, or raw data) through the USB connection unit. The control unit can selectively transmit different types of data streams, and the A/V system can interpret these streams according to DRM requirements, enabling both conventional compatibility and DRM protection.
3Ease of operation
If separate control box is used to control portable device, then control function is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control box functionality is merged into the A/V system itself. The control unit of the A/V system integrates the control signal generation and transmission capabilities, eliminating the need for a separate control box. The USB connection unit handles both file transfer and control signal transmission, consolidating multiple functions into a single integrated system.
4Ease of operation
If analog audio output is used from portable device, then connection to amplifier is achieved, but audio quality is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the analog audio output mechanism with a digital data transmission mechanism. Instead of converting audio to analog signals for transmission, the portable device transmits decoded digital data streams through the USB connection unit. The A/V system then processes and outputs this digital data, maintaining audio quality throughout the transmission chain.
Data Source
AI summary
An interface apparatus and method for transmission and reception of a control signal and a digital stream between an audio/video (A/V) system and a digital data recording and/or reproducing device are provided. The device for recording and/or reproducing digital data includes: a storage unit storing digital data encoded in a predetermined format; a decoder unit decoding digital data stored in the storage unit; an interface unit transmitting the decoded data to an external device; and a control unit controlling the storage unit, the decoder unit, and the interface unit.