WO2008094123A1

WO2008094123A1 - Modular entertainment system

Info

Publication number: WO2008094123A1
Application number: PCT/SG2007/000031
Authority: WO
Inventors: Weng Wah Chng
Original assignee: Ternary Technologies Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2007-01-31
Filing date: 2007-01-31
Publication date: 2008-08-07

Abstract

An entertainment system that receives entertainment modules into a housing that includes an interface controller and a backplane having at least a power bus, a control bus and an audio/video output bus. The housing may also include an audio/video input bus and an auxiliary bus. The system eliminates the jumble of cables associated with multiple entertainment devices.

Description

"MODULAR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM"

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an entertainment system. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention relates to a reconfigurable home entertainment system which incorporates multiple entertainment modules.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Modern homes now include a number of entertainment devices which are linked to provide a home entertainment system. Whilst these devices are electronically linked, the overall system lacks cohesion. For example, each device requires individual power supplies, which inevitably are all connected to a large power board or multiple power double-adaptors.

Moreover, connections between multiple devices create a "spaghetti like" wiring layout. Besides being unsightly, these wiring layouts are difficult to manage and pose a serious safety issue because of the number of exposed wires.

Furthermore, the majority of entertainment devices are accompanied with a remote controller for the device. As entertainment systems expand to include additional devices, the number of remote controllers for a particular system also increases. This can be a source of frustration to users since it is difficult to locate or identify a particular remote controller immediately from an array of remote controls.

In light of the prior art, it is an object of the present invention to ameliorate the disadvantages and shortcomings of the prior art, or at least provide the public with a useful alternative. Further objects will be evident from the following description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one form, although it need not be the only, or indeed the broadest form, the invention resides in an entertainment system comprising: a housing for receiving at least one entertainment module; at least a control bus, a power bus, and an audio/video output bus in the housing; and an interface controller that transmits command data on the control bus, switches power on the power bus and manages audio/video output signals on the audio/video output bus.

Preferably, the entertainment system includes at least one entertainment module coupled to the control bus, the power bus and the audio/video output bus.

The entertainment module may include, but is not limited to a display module, a DVD module, a set-top box module, a digital recorder module, an electronic game module, a laser disc module, a radio tuner module, a video cassette module, an audio cassette module and a turntable module. Preferably, the entertainment system further includes an audio/video input bus and the interface controller manages audio/video input signals on the audio/video input bus.

Preferably, the entertainment system includes an auxiliary bus and the interface controller manages signals on the auxiliary bus. The auxiliary bus may transmit audio/video signals to the at least one entertainment module.

Suitably, the interface controller incorporates an amplifier and a wireless communication unit. Suitably, the interface controller is coupled to a speaker system.

In another form, the invention resides in a method of implementing an entertainment system, the method including the steps of: coupling at least one entertainment module to a power bus; coupling at the least one entertainment module to a control bus; coupling at the least one entertainment module to an audio/video output bus; transmitting command data on the control bus to the at least one entertainment module; switching a power supply on the power bus to the at least one entertainment module; and managing an audio/video signal on the audio/video output bus from the at least one entertainment module.

The method may include the additional step of coupling an audio/video input bus to the at least one entertainment module Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the present invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying illustrations wherein: Figure 1 is a first schematic view of an entertainment system according to one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a second schematic view of the entertainment system according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 is a third schematic view of the entertainment system according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the entertainment system according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 is a rear view of the entertainment system of Figure 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows an entertainment system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The entertainment system 100 comprises a housing 190, a power bus 110, a control bus 120, an audio/video output bus 150, three entertainment modules 130 and an interface controller 140. The housing 190 is based on a circuit board configured to receive three busses and the interface controller 140. Whilst the housing 190 only includes three busses and the interface controller 140, a person skilled in the art can appreciate that the housing can be adapted to have more than three busses and other additional devices. It is convenient for the busses to be incorporated as a backplane. The power bus 110 is coupled to three entertainment modules 130 and the interface controller 140. In conjunction with the interface controller 140, the power bus 110 delivers power to each entertainment module 130. in the entertainment system 100. The power bus 110 allows the interface controller 140 to switch (i.e. activate/ deactivate) each entertainment module 130 in the system 100. In one embodiment, a 230V or a 110V power source (not shown) is delivered into the system 100, the interface controller 140 configures the received power source into a format required by each designated entertainment module 130. The power bus 110 can be configured to deliver power to multiple entertainment modules 130 simultaneously. As it can be appreciated, incorporating the power bus 110 into the entertainment system 100 allows a configuration that only requires one power lead from an external power source.

The control bus 120 is coupled to three entertainment modules 130 and the interface controller 140. The control bus 120 allows transmission of command data between the interface controller 140 and a designated entertainment module 130. For example, a user activates a request for an increased volume for an entertainment module 130 (eg. a DVD module). The interface controller 140 receives the request and transmits an increase in volume command to the entertainment module 130 via the control bus 120. It should be appreciated that the control bus 120 can transmit multiple commands to each entertainment module 130.

The audio/video output bus 150 is coupled to three entertainment modules 130 and the interface controller 140. The audio/video output bus 150 allows audio signals and video signals generated by a particular entertainment module 130 to be transmitted to an external audiovisual device or another entertainment module 130. For example, a DVD module generates audio and video signals based on a DVD disc. These signals are transmitted on the audio/video output bus 150 to a display (eg. TV or projector). Similar to the power bus 110 and the control bus 120, the interface controller 140 manages transmission of audio/video output signals on the audio/video output bus 150.

Each entertainment module 130 is coupled to the power bus 110, the control bus 120 and the audio/video output bus 150. As earlier outlined, the entertainment module 130 can be one of a number of devices that delivers a visual and/or audio entertainment to a user. Although this particular embodiment includes entertainment modules 130 located internal or peripheral to the housing- 190, other embodiments can include entertainment modules 130 located on the housing 190.

The interface controller 140 manages each of the busses in the entertainment system 100. Specifically, the interface controller 140 manages power supply on the power bus 110, transmission of command data on the control bus 120 and transmission of audio/video output signals on the audio/video output bus 150. As earlier outlined, the interface controller 140 can control power supply, command data and audio/video signals for all entertainment modules 130 in the entertainment system 100.

Figure 2 shows an entertainment system 200 according to another embodiment of the invention. The entertainment system 200 comprises a housing 290, a power bus 210, a control bus 220, three entertainment modules 230, an interface controller 240, an audio/video output bus 250 and an audio/video input bus 260. It can be appreciated that the entertainment system 200 only differs from the entertainment system 100 by the inclusion of the audio/video input bus 260.

The audio/video input bus 260 is coupled to three entertainment modules 230 and the interface controller 240. The audio/video input bus 260 allows audio signals and video signals generated by a particular entertainment module 230 to be transmitted to another entertainment module 230 for recording. For example, a set-top box module receives audio and video signals and retransmits the signals to the digital recorder module. Similar to the audio/video output bus 250, the interface controller 240 manages audio and video signals on the audio/video input bus 260.

Figure 3 shows an entertainment system 300 according to another embodiment of the invention. The entertainment system 300 comprises a housing 390, a power bus 310, a control bus 320, three entertainment modules 330, an interface controller 340, an audio/video output bus 350, an audio/video input bus 360 and an auxiliary bus 370.

Similar to the previously described embodiment, the entertainment system 300 only differs from the entertainment system 200 by the inclusion of the auxiliary bus 370. The auxiliary bus 370 is coupled to three entertainment modules 330 and the interface controller 340. The auxiliary bus 370 provides the entertainment system 300 with an additional bus to accommodate additional audio/video or command signals generated within the system 300. For example, a user wishes to watch a program from a set-top box module and activate the game module on a display having a "screen in screen" facility. The audio/video output bus 350 can transmit signals from the set-top box module to one portion of the display and, the auxiliary bus 370 transmits signals from the game module to another portion of the display. As such, a user can simultaneously watch a program from the set-top box and participate in a game without any signal conflicts between the two entertainment modules 330. Other functions of the auxiliary bus 370 can include an additional control bus which specifically caters for remote control signals. Similar to the other busses described, the interface controller 340 manages the signals on the auxiliary bus 370. The entertainment system 300 further includes the interface controller

340 that incorporates an audio amplifier and a wireless communication unit. The amplifier can be configured to facilitate a surround sound effect and the wireless communication unit provides a remote access to the interface controller 340. The interface controller 340 is coupled to a speaker system 380 which facilitates the surround sound effect.

Figure 4 shows an entertainment system 400 according to another embodiment of the invention. The system 400 comprises a housing in the form of a console 410, a display screen 420, six entertainment modules 430 and a cover 440. The console 410 internally houses an interface controller and all busses of the entertainment system 400. The front portion of the console 410 includes the display screen 420. The display screen 420 provides status data of the entertainment screen 400. The display screen 420 can include but is not limited to a LED screen and a LCD screen. The console 410 also includes a cover 440 that rotates from a vertical closed position to a horizontal open position. When in an open position, the cover 440 provides access to the entertainment modules 430 which are incorporated within the console 410. The entertainment modules 430 slide in to the console on rails and couple to the various busses incorporated as a backplane in the console. The modules can also be attached to the console by other means for example by the use of screws and other securing mechanisms. It will be appreciated that each entertainment module generates audio/video output signals that couple to the audio/video output bus. Each entertainment module receives power from the power bus and receives control signals from the interface controller via the control bus.

Although a cover is shown in FIG 4 it is not compulsory. In other , embodiments the entertainment modules are uncovered. The inventor envisages that some form of display, such as an LED, may be on the entertainment module to indicate that it is active or to give other indications.

As seen in FIG 4, it is convenient, though not essential, if each entertainment module 430 has the same dimensions so that the entertainment modules are easily interchangeable in the console 410.

Figure 5 provides a rear view of an entertainment system 400 as shown in Figure 4. The entertainment system 400 comprises a console 410 with a number of sockets that allow external connection to the system 400.

Sockets shown include an optical socket 450 and a coaxial socket 455 for video input. Two pairs of audio-out 465 and audio-in 470 (i.e. left and right) sockets. A SCART 475 and a HDMI 460 standard sockets, and a video-out 480, S-video 485 sockets. The rear panel of the entertainment system also includes an AC socket 490 for receiving power for the system 400 and an

ON/OFF switch 495.

Although the present invention has disclosed SCART and HDMI standard connections, a person skilled in the art can appreciate that the present invention can implement other connection standards used in the art such as RCA, DIN and the like.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word

"comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the specification, the aim has been to describe the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

We claim:

1. An entertainment system comprising: a housing for receiving at least one entertainment module; at least a control bus, a power bus, and an audio/video output bus in the housing; and an interface controller that transmits command data on the control bus, switches power on the power bus and manages audio/video output signals on the audio/video output bus.

2. The entertainment system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the entertainment system includes an audio/video input bus and the interface controller manages audio/video input signals on the audio/video input bus.

3. The entertainment system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the entertainment system includes an auxiliary bus and the interface controller manages signals on the auxiliary bus.

4. The entertainment system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the interface controller incorporates an amplifier that amplifies signals on the audio/video output bus.

5. The entertainment system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the interface controller incorporates a wireless communication unit.

6. The entertainment system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the interface controller incorporates a visual display.

7. The entertainment system as recited in claim 1 further comprising a single external power cable.

8. The entertainment system as recited in claim 1 further comprising audio and video output jacks connected to the audio/video output bus, for connection to external audio and video playing devices.

9. The entertainment system as recited in claim 1 further comprising audio and video input jacks connected to the audio/video input bus.

10. The entertainment system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the entertainment system includes at least one entertainment module coupled to the control bus, the power bus and the audio/video output bus.

11. The entertainment system as recited in claim 10 wherein the at least one entertainment module is mounted on the housing.

12. The entertainment system as recited in claim 10, wherein the at least one entertainment module is selected from a display module, a DVD module, a set-top box module, a digital recorder module, an electronic game module, a laser disc module, a radio tuner module, a video cassette module, an audio cassette module and a turntable module.

13. The entertainment system as recited in claim 10, wherein the interface controller is coupled to a speaker system.

14. The entertainment system as recited in claim 10, wherein the interface controller is configured to control multiple entertainment modules simultaneously.

15. The entertainment system as recited in claim 10, wherein the interface controller further comprises an audio/video input bus and the interface controller manages transmission of audio/video output signals on the audio/video output bus from one entertainment module to audio/video input signals on the audio/video input bus to another entertainment module.

16. An entertainment system comprising: a housing including at least a control bus, a power bus, and an audio/video output bus; at least one entertainment module mounted in the housing and coupled to the control bus, power bus and audio/video output bus; and an interface controller that transmits command data on the control bus to control the at least one entertainment module, switches power on the power bus to supply power to the at least one entertainment module and manages audio/video output signals from the at least one entertainment module on the audio/video output bus.

17. A method of implementing an entertainment system, the method including the steps of: coupling at least one entertainment module to a power bus; coupling at least one entertainment module to a control bus; coupling at least one entertainment module to an audio/video output bus; transmitting command data on the control bus to the at least one entertainment module; switching a power supply on the power bus to the at least one entertainment module; and managing an audio/video signal on the audio/video output bus from the at least one entertainment module.

18. The method of implementing an entertainment system as recited in claim 17, further including the step of coupling the at least one entertainment module to an audio/video input bus.

19. The method of implementing an entertainment system as recited in claim 17, further including the step of coupling the at least one entertainment module to an auxiliary bus.

20. An entertainment module for an entertainment system comprising: connections on the module for receiving power from a power bus of the entertainment system; connections on the module for transmitting audio/video output signals generated by the module to an audio/video output bus of the entertainment system; connections on the module for receiving control signals generated by an interface controller of the entertainment system from a control bus of the entertainment system; and a case adapted to fit in a housing of the entertainment system.