Wireless Audio Distribution in Set Top Boxes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional entertainment systems require extensive wiring for audio and video connections, which is costly and aesthetically undesirable, especially when integrating new systems into existing homes.
Innovation Solution
A wireless audio distribution system using a set top box with a signal receiver, tuner, demodulator, and transmitter, employing different bandwidth capacities and protocols for video and audio signals, allowing for wireless communication between the set top box, display, and audio system, including compliance with IEEE 802.11 standards and ultrawideband formats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wiring is used to connect audio system to entertainment system, then reliable audio signal transmission is achieved, but installation cost and aesthetic clutter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a wireless communication system. The set top box includes a wireless transmitter that transmits audio signals to a wireless receiver in the audio system, eliminating the need for physical audio cables while maintaining reliable signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary between the set top box and audio system. The transmitter and receiver pairs act as intermediaries that transfer audio signals without direct physical connection, solving the contradiction between reliability and installation cost.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extensive wiring is used for audio and video connections, then all components can be connected, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wiring with wireless communication for audio signal transmission. The set top box transmits audio wirelessly to the audio system while maintaining video connections through the display, reducing overall system complexity while preserving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the audio transmission function from the physical wiring system. By implementing wireless audio transmission, the system separates audio connectivity from mechanical connections, reducing wiring complexity while maintaining component connectivity through alternative means.
3Ease of manufacture
If wiring is routed through the room, then installation cost is reduced, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical wiring for audio transmission by implementing wireless communication. This removes the visual clutter of cables routed through the room while maintaining installation accessibility, as wireless components can be positioned flexibly without requiring wall openings or cable management.
4Ease of manufacture
If wireless transmission is used for audio, then installation cost and clutter are reduced, but bandwidth capacity may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different transmission qualities to different signals. Video signals use wired connections to the display for optimal bandwidth, while audio signals use wireless transmission for convenience. The wireless audio transmitter and receiver are designed with sufficient bandwidth to handle audio quality requirements, providing local optimization for each signal type.
Data Source
AI summary
A set top box comprises a signal receiver that includes a front end that receives broadband signals, and a tuner that tunes a channel including audio and video signals. A signal demodulator communicates with the signal receiver and demodulates the audio and video signals. A video processor communicates with the signal demodulator and encodes and transmits the video signals via a first medium. A transmitter communicates with the signal demodulator and transmits the encoded audio signals via a second wireless medium, wherein the first medium and the second wireless medium are different types of media.