Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/ – Input/output data processing – Peripheral adapting
Reexamination Certificate
1998-07-29
2001-11-06
Lee, Thomas (Department: 2182)
Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/
Input/output data processing
Peripheral adapting
C710S069000, C710S070000, C709S208000, C709S250000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06314479
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field Of The Invention
The present invention relates generally to devices with multiple functional modalities and, in particular, to the interconnectivity of various elements of such devices.
2. Description Of The Related Art
With the advent of multi-media devices, the integration of information, entertainment, and communications technologies has become a much sought-after goal. A highly visible example of this trend is the attempt to integrate computer technologies, such as personal computers for example, with consumer/home electronics technologies, such as televisions (TV), video games, telephones, and video/laser discs for example. One of the likely products of this convergence may be a single integrated device capable of providing information, entertainment, and communications functions. Such a device may, at least in part, utilize the available communications bandwidth, mass storage, and graphics handling capabilities of the personal computer (PC) in a variety of applications to provide a highly versatile product to consumers.
In spite of many recent advances in the area of multi-media, several problems persist. One of the more significant difficulties relates to interconnecting a computer with one or more consumer/home electronic devices. In an integrated device of this kind, the interconnection between these various functional elements of the multi-media device should permit a user to control the modes of “functionalities” in a manner that facilitates a seamless transition from one functionality to another. While such controlled interconnectivity may be relatively simple to realize in a multi-media device designed and manufactured by a single manufacturer, it would undoubtedly become an exceedingly complex, if not impossible, task to provide such interconnectivity among different functional elements provided by different manufacturers.
Of the new generation of multi-media products, the one of most interest will likely be the convergence of the TV and PC to create a new category of entertainment products. These products will give the consumer more entertainment options by combining the features of a PC and TV in a truly converged environment that is as easy to use as a standard TV. The computing power of a properly adapted computer, called a PC Theatre system, coupled with a large-screen display make this an excellent living room platform for digital and interactive services that are available now, and new services that will be available in the future.
As this new product category grows, consumer electronics (CE) companies are likely to include monitor functionality in their TVs. At the same time, PC manufacturers are likely to add TV functionality to their computers. This increased functionality in both the TV and PC greatly increases the value to the consumer.
However, as alluded to above, since there are no standards for this new product category, products from different manufacturers will be incompatible. Standard interconnectivity should facilitate consumer confidence in this new product, as well as growth of this new product category. Such standard interconnectivity will allow companies from both industries to develop compatible PC Theatre products so that the consumer will be able to select a display and a PC from different manufacturers and use them together as a system without the need for custom cables and complicated setup procedures. In addition, the PC Theatre standards should be compatible with existing standards so PC Theatre displays and computers may be used with standard products.
The present invention may address one or more of the problems discussed above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Certain aspects commensurate in scope with the originally claimed invention are set forth below. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of certain forms the invention might take and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Indeed, the invention may encompass a variety of aspects that may not be set forth below.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an interconnection between a display and a computer. The interconnection includes an audio/video input adapted to receive audio signals and video signals. An audio/video signal processor is coupled to the audio/video input for processing the audio signals and the video signals. An analog/digital plug and display connector is coupled to the audio/video signal processor and is adapted to be coupled to the display. The analog/digital plug and display connector is adapted to transmit the audio signals and the video signals to the display. A universal serial bus hub is coupled to the analog/digital plug and display connector. A universal serial bus port is coupled to the universal serial bus hub.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an interconnection between a display and a computer. The inter connection includes an audio/video input adapted to receive audio signals and video signals. An audio/video signal processor is coupled to the audio/video input for processing the audio signals and the video signals. An analog or digital plug and display connector is coupled to the audio/video signal processor and is adapted to be coupled to the computer. The analog or digital plug and display connector is adapted to transmit the audio signals and the video signals to the computer. A universal serial bus hub is coupled to the analog or digital plug and display connector. A universal serial bus port is coupled to the universal serial bus hub.
In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a PC Theatre system that includes a video display having a first plug and display connector coupled thereto. A computer has a second plug and display connector coupled thereto. The first plug and display connector is connectable to the second plug and display connector. At least one of the video display and the computer includes an audio/video input adapted to receive audio signals and video signals. At least one of the video display and the computer includes an audio/video signal processor coupled to the audio/video input for processing the audio signals and the video signals. The audio signals and the video signals are transmitted between the video display and the computer via the respective plug and display connectors.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided, in a PC Theatre system that includes a video display and a computer, where at least one of the video display and the computer includes an audio/video input adapted to receive audio signals and video signals, and where at least one of the video display and the computer includes an audio/video signal processor coupled to the audio/video input for processing the audio signals and the video signals, an improvement that includes a first plug and display connector coupled to the video display and a second plug and display connector coupled to the computer. The first plug and display connector is connectable to the second plug and display connector to transmit the audio signals and the video signals between the video display and the computer.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an interconnection between a display and a computer. The interconnection includes an audio/video input device adapted to receive audio signals and video signals from the computer. An audio/video signal processor is coupled to the audio/video input device for processing the audio signals and the video signals. An enhanced video connector is coupled to the audio/video signal processor and is adapted to be coupled to the display. The enhanced video connector is adapted to transmit the audio signals and the video signals to the display. A universal serial bus hub is coupled to the enhanced video connector. A universal serial bus port is coupled to the universal serial bus hub.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5699263 (1997-12-
Frederick John W.
McGraw Montgomery C.
Compaq Computer Corporation
Du Thuan
Lee Thomas
Sharp Comfort & Merrett P.C.
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