Virtual Set-Top Box Using Smart Devices for Low-Cost Multi-TV Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional set-top boxes are expensive and require individual installation for each TV, leading to inequality in media access and a significant economic burden, especially in developing countries, and they are not easily recyclable.
Innovation Solution
A virtual set-top box system utilizing a smart device with an interface converter and receiving sensor to convert media signals for TVs, allowing reuse of unused smart devices and reducing costs through wireless connectivity and interface adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional set-top box is provided for each TV, then media signal reception and conversion capability is ensured, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single set-top box to serve multiple TVs simultaneously through wireless transmission capabilities. The set-top box transmits converted media signals to multiple TVs in a household without requiring separate devices for each TV, thereby reducing the overall cost while maintaining reliable media signal reception and conversion functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs copying by transmitting the converted media signal from one set-top box to multiple TVs via wireless communication. Instead of creating separate physical set-top boxes for each TV, the system creates signal copies that can be received by multiple TVs simultaneously, significantly reducing hardware costs while ensuring consistent media playback quality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a set-top box is provided for each TV in a household, then individual TV functionality is ensured, but the device complexity and quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by consolidating the media signal reception and conversion functions into a single set-top box that serves multiple TVs. Instead of having separate set-top boxes for each TV, the system combines these functions in one device and distributes the output wirelessly to multiple TVs, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining individual TV service capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses wireless transmission as an intermediary mechanism to connect the single set-top box to multiple TVs. This intermediary wireless communication system enables one set-top box to serve multiple TVs without requiring direct physical connections or additional set-top boxes, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining versatility.
3Reliability
If expensive set-top boxes are required for each TV, then media information accessibility is ensured, but accessibility inequality based on income level occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses accessibility equality by making set-top box functionality universal and shareable across multiple TVs through wireless transmission. This reduces the per-household cost burden, making media information accessibility more equitable across different income levels while maintaining reliable media reception and conversion capabilities.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple set-top boxes are deployed, then coverage for multiple TVs is achieved, but environmental waste increases due to discarded unused smart devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies discarding and recovering by repurposing unused or old smart devices as set-top boxes. Instead of discarding these devices, the system recovers their functionality by installing set-top box software, thereby reducing electronic waste while enabling multi-TV coverage through the wireless transmission capability of the repurposed devices.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables low-cost media access with environmental benefits by repurposing unused smart devices, generating additional revenue, and providing flexible media service delivery without the need for separate installations.
Implementation Method 1
a receiving sensor configured to detect a wireless signal transmitted from a remote control
Implementation Method 2
an interface converter configured to convert media information applied through an interface of the smart device according to an interface of a TV and transmit the converted media information to the TV
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual set-top box system includes a smart device in which a service app for a set-top box is installed and driven, a receiving sensor configured to detect a wireless signal transmitted from a remote control, and an interface converter configured to convert media information applied through an interface of the smart device according to an interface of a TV and transmit the converted media information, and convert a signal detected and transmitted by the receiving sensor to a signal of the interface of the smart device and transmit the converted signal to the smart device.