GB2460845A

GB2460845A - Combined USB keyboard and digital multimedia receiver device

Info

Publication number: GB2460845A
Application number: GB0810629A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Calvin Teck Yong Sim; Pei-Shun Chen
Original assignee: Future Waves UK Ltd
Current assignee: Future Waves UK Ltd
Priority date: 2008-06-10
Filing date: 2008-06-10
Publication date: 2009-12-16
Also published as: WO2009150411A1; GB0810629D0

Abstract

A multifunctional device 100 comprises a peripheral device 106, e.g. a USB keyboard, a digital multimedia receiver 110, and a common USB interface 120 for connecting to host device 102. Receiver 100 receives wireless broadcast signals, e.g. radio, television, digital audio broadcast (DAB), digital video broadcast (DVB), and outputs broadcast content for the host device. Multifunctional device 100 may include embedded antenna 112, external antenna (152, fig. 4) or USB hub (208, fig. 5). In another embodiment an internal antenna (2, fig. 1) may comprise a plurality of conducting loops or ribbon wires (10, 12, 14, 16) and ferrite beads (4, 6, 8). The ferrite beads are selected to tune the operating frequency band of the antenna. Ribbon wire (10) provides an anti-reflection portion for antenna (2). In alternative embodiments multifunctional device 100 may comprise a human input device (HID), scanner, printer, mouse, joystick, trackball or game-pad.

Description

Multifunctional device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a multifunctional device for connecting to a host device and comprising a peripheral device incorporating a receiver and a common interface.

More specifically, the receiver is capable of wirelessly receiving digital multimedia broadcast signals and the multifunctional device is capable of providing the host device with receiver and peripheral device functionality.

Background of the Invention

Many different off-air radio-frequency (RF) digital radio and television broadcasting systems for operation with terrestrial or satellite transmitters have been deployed around the world. Additionally, several different standards have been adopted in various parts of the world to define how different parts of such systems should operate to maximise interoperability between the different parts and the successful reception of broadcast content by human users. For example, standards exist which define methods of digital encoding and modulation as well as methods of off-air digital broadcast transmission of audio, television and data payload services, In this document, the different digital broadcast standards are collectively referred to as digital multimedia broadcast (DMB) standards, and include Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB), Digital Video Broadcast (DVB)- Terrestrial (DVB-T), DVB-Handheld (DVB-H), Integrated Services Digital Broadcast-Terrestrial (ISDB-T), and Terrestrial Digital Multimedia Broadcast (T-DMB).

Once transmitted DMB broadcast signals may be received by a cooperating receiver so that the information contained within the broadcast can be extracted and then delivered to an appropriate user. Typically, cooperating receivers perform a number of complementary operations to extract broadcast information, including signal selection, down-conversion, filtering, digital demodulation and decoding. It is known to implement such receiver functions through the integration of a number of key blocks, such as, for example, an RF tuner, an analogue to digital converter (ADC), a digital baseband demodulator, an audio/video decoder and a graphical user interface (GUI). It is also known to integrate such key blocks together to form a receiver design using a variety of different techniques. For example, each key block of a design may feature as a discrete component on a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) or, multiple key blocks may be formed together as a monolithic very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuit or a number of different techniques may be used within a single receiver design.

Prior Art

Personal computers (PCs), including desktop and laptop computers, have rich user interfaces that are capable of decoding and displaying video and data content as well as reproducing audio and receiving user input. By virtue of these intrinsic capabilities PCs are well suited to providing many of the functions of a DMB receiver for receiving DM3 services. Moreover, it is known to enable DMB services on a PC by packaging a DMB receiver comprising a tuner, an ADC and a digital baseband demodulator into a Universal Serial Bus (USB) accessory having a USB connector that plugs into a USB receptacle portonthePC.

USB is an asymmetrical serial bus standard which enables interfacing of a host device having a number of USB ports with multiple peripheral devices each having a cooperating USB plug for engagement into a USB port of the host device. Such USB interfaces are popular and increasingly ubiquitous on PCs and PC-based peripheral accessory devices. Known USB host devices include, for example, PCs, PDAs and video games consoles, while known USB peripheral devices include, for example, human interface devices (HID) such as computer keyboards and mice as well as hubs, scanners, cameras and printers.

For portable PCs such as laptop computers, and to a lesser extent desktop PCs, the number of available USB ports tends to be limited. Therefore, as more peripheral devices make use of the USB interface, a, single host becomes less able to support a sufficiently large number of peripheral devices at the same time without requiring an external USB hub. Accordingly, there is a need to address this problem, to enable more USB devices to be used with a single host.

From another aspect, the type of antenna used in a DMB receiver design heavily influences the quality of a received off-air broadcasted RF signal. The role of the antenna is to transduce received broadcast RF signals into electrical signals and then feed those electrical signals into a cooperating RF tuner. The effectiveness of the antenna in terms of receiver sensitivity is a function of the wavelength of the wanted frequency band. In general, effective reception at lower frequencies requires antennas with longer effective lengths. Unfortunately, a requirement for incorporating antennas having long effective lengths often limits design freedom when designing a DMB receiver as relatively large parts of the design must typically be dedicated to housing the antenna. For example, in the very high frequency (VHF) band, antennas that support this frequency range are generally one of the following types: I. a vertical rod with a supporting base that is tethered to the rest of the receiver by a length of shielded cable; II. an extendable telescopic rod that is directly connected to the rest of the receiver; or, III. a hidden and embedded element within the mechanical chassis of the receiver.

With type I antennas, while the antenna may be easily manoeuvred and positioned for optimum signal quality, the antenna together with the shielded cable that it is tethered by consumes an area that is generally considered to be bulky, messy and un-aesthetic. With type II antennas, the antenna is connected directly to the PCBA without being tethered by any cable. This antenna is thus rigid and has a range of movement that is limited by the connector joint. Consequently, the position of the antenna is restricted to the vicinity of the USB port and thus, may not be optimal for signal quality. Furthermore, the maximum antenna dimensions that are set for aesthetic reasons are typically too small and sub-optimal for the desired frequency range of a DMB receiver. With type III antennas, the antenna is embedded within the chassis of the receiver and so generally this implementation is aesthetically acceptable. However, for optimal reception in the VHF range, the antenna requires a significant surface area that would typically dominate the rest of the receiver design on a PCB substrate. Furthermore, the range of movement for type III designs is even more limited than for type II designs.

In view of the above mentioned problems relating to antennas a further need exists for an antenna solution that is aesthetically pleasing and is suitably proportioned for receiving the desired frequency range of a DMB receiver and at the same time does not dominate the rest of the receiver design.

Summary of the Invention

In view of the above, a first aspect of the present invention provides a multifunctional device for connecting to a host device, the multifunctional device comprising: a. a peripheral device; b. a receiver for wirelessly receiving digital multimedia broadcast signals and outputting broadcast content for the host device; and c. a common interface for providing combined peripheral device and receiver functionality to the host device.

In a preferred embodiment the receiver of the multifunctional device incorporates the common interface and, the receiver and the peripheral device are serially interconnected.

Alternatively, it is preferable that the peripheral device incorporates the common interface and the receiver and the peripheral device are serially interconnected. Preferably the data for the host device from the receiver and the peripheral device are multiplexed together into a serial signal.

Preferably, in an embodiment the common interface of an embodiment of the multifunctional device comprises a hub which connects to the receiver, the peripheral device and the host device.

Preferably, the receiver of an embodiment of the multifunctional device comprises an antenna for receiving the digital multimedia broadcast signals, the antenna having: i. an output terminal; ii. a plurality of conducting loops each having a first and a second end, the first end of at least one of said loops being connected to said output terminal; and iii. a plurality of reactive components arranged between the second ends of the conducting loops and a ground node, wherein the reactive components are selected to tune the operating frequency band of the antenna to the desired frequency band of operation. It is also preferable that the geometry of the antenna loops are such that the area enclosed by each loop is at least 80% of the maximum area when each loop is circular.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a method of providing data from a multifunctional device to a host device, wherein the multifunctional device comprises a peripheral device, a receiver and a common interface, the method comprising: a. wirelessly receiving digital multimedia broadcast signals to the receiver; b. providing broadcast conteht for the host device from the receiver to the common interface; and c. providing combined peripheral device and receiver functionality from the common interface to the host device.

In a preferred embodiment the receiver incorporates the common interface, the receiver and the peripheral device are serially interconnected and, steps b and c are: b. providing broadcast content for the host device from the receiver; and c. providing combined peripheral device and receiver functionality from the receiver to the host device.

Preferably, in an embodiment the peripheral device incorporates the common interface, the receiver and the peripheral device are serially interconnected and, steps b and c are: b. providing broadcast content for the host device from the receiver to the peripheral device; and c. providing combined peripheral device and receiver functionality from the peripheral device to the host device.

Preferably, in an embodiment data for the host device from the receiver and the peripheral device are multiplexed together into a serial signal.

Preferably, in an embodiment the common interface comprises a hub which connects to the receiver, the peripheral device and the host device and, steps b and c are: b. providing broadcast content for the host device from the receiver to the hub; and c. providing combined peripheral device and receiver functionality from the receiver to the host device via the hub.

Preferably, in an embodiment the receiver comprises an antenna having: i. an output terminal; ii. a plurality of conducting loops each having a first and a second end, the first end of at least one of said loops being connected to said output terminal; and iii. a plurality of reactive components arranged between the second ends of the conducting loops and a ground node, wherein the reactive components are selected to tune the operating frequency band of the antenna to the desired frequency band of operation; and wherein step a comprises: a. wirelessly receiving digital multimedia broadcast signals to the receiver via the antenna.

It is also preferable that the geometry of the antenna loops are such that the area enclosed by each ioop is at least 80% of the maximumarea when each loop is circular.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a human-interface device having an outer enclosure of fixed geometry for manual operation by a human, the device comprising: a. componently configured to permit the device to provide a human interface; and b. a receiver for wirelessly receiving and demodulating digital multimedia broadcast signals for output; wherein the receiver is incorporated within the outer enclosure of the human-interface device without changing the geometry thereof In a preferred embodiment the human-interface device further comprises a hub interconnected to the receiver and the componentry and, the hub is capable of relaying communications between the human-interface device, the receiver and the host device.

Preferably, in an embodiment the receiver and the componentry are serially connected together and to the host device and, data for the host device from the receiver and the componentry are multiplexed together into a serial signal.

Preferably, in an embodiment the receiver comprises an antenna for receiving the digital multimedia broadcast signals, the antenna having: i. an output terminal; ii. a plurality of conducting loops each having a first and a second end, the first end of at least one of said loops being connected to said output terminal; and iii. a plurality of reactive cOmponents arranged between the second ends of the conducting loops and a ground node, wherein the reactive components are selected to tune the operating frequency band of the antenna to the desired frequency band of operation. It is also preferable that the geometry of the antenna loops are such that the area enclosed by each loop is at least 80% of the maximum area when each loop is circular.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a method of providing data from a human-interface device having an outer enclosure of fixed geometry for manual operation by a human, the device comprising human interface componentry and a receiver, the method comprising: a. wirelessly receiving digital multimedia broadcast signals to the receiver; b. demodulating the received signals in the receiver; c. outputting the demodulated signals for the host device from the receiver; and d. providing, from the human interface device to the host device, human-interface device functionality via the componentry and receiver functionality via the receiver; wherein the receiver is incorporated within the outer enclosure of the human interface device without changing the geometry thereof.

In a preferred embodiment the human-interface device further comprises a hub connected to the receiver and the componentry and, steps c and d are: c. outputting the demodulated signals for the host device from the receiver to the hub; and d. providing, from the hub to the host device, human-interface device functionality via the componentry and receiver functionality via the receiver.

Preferably, in an embodiment the receiver and the componentry are serially connected together and to the host device and, steps c and d are: c. outputting the demodulated signals for the host device from the receiver to the serial connection; and d. providing, from the serial connection to the host device, human-interface device functionality via the componentry and receiver functionality via the receiver.

It is also preferable that the method further comprises the step of multiplexing into a serial signal data for the host device from the receiver and the componentry.

Preferably, in an embodiment the receiver comprises an antenna for receiving the digital multimedia broadcast signals, the antenna having: i. an output terminal; ii. a plurality of conducting ioops eath having a first and a second end, the first end of at least one of said loops being connected to said output terminal; and iii. a plurality of reactive components arranged between the second ends of the conducting loops and a ground node, wherein the reactive components are selected to tune the operating frequency band of the antenna to the desired frequency band of operation; and wherein step a comprises: a. wirelessly receiving digital muliithedia broadcast signals to the receiver via the antenna.

It is also preferable that the geometry of the antenna loops are such that the area enclosed by each loop is at least 80% of the maximum area when each ioop is circular.

A fifth aspect of the present invention provides an antenna for receiving digital multimedia broadcast signals, the antenna ompnsing: i. an output terminal; ii. a plurality of conducting loops each having a first and a second end, the first end of at least one of said loops being connected to said output terminal; and iii. a plurality of reactive components arranged between the second ends of the conducting loops and a ground node, wherein the reactive components are selected to tune the operating frequency band of the antenna to the desired frequency band df operation.

In a preferred embodiment of the antenna the said loops are arranged to form an energy-transfer portion connected to the output terminal and to an anti-reflecting portion, the loops comprising the energy-transfer portion being arranged to form a continuous length equal to substantially half the wavelength of the centre frequency of the frequency band of operation. It is additionally preferable that the anti-reflecting portion comprises at least one of the said conducting loops.

A sixth aspect of the present invention provides an antenna for receiving digital multimedia broadcast signals, the antenna comprising: i. an output terminal; ii. a plurality of conducting loops each having a first and a second end, the first end of at least one of said loops being connected to said output terminal; wherein the conducting loops are arranged to form an energy-transfer portion connected to the output terminal and to an anti-reflecting portion, the loops comprising the energy-transfer portion being arranged to form a continuous length equal to substantially half the wavelength of the centre frequency of the desired frequency band of operation.

In a preferred embodiment, the anti-reflecting portion comprises at least one of the said conducting loops. It is additionally preferable that the antenna further includes: iii. a plurality of reactive components arranged between the second ends of the conducting loops and a ground node, wherein the reactive components are selected to tune the operating frequency band of the antenna to the desired frequency band of operation.

In.a preferred embodiment the reactive components are ferrite beads. It is also preferable that each ioop geometry is such that the area enclosed by each loop is at least 80% of the maximum area when each ioop is circular. It is additionally preferable that each loop is substantially square shaped and the dimensions of the loop set are H=5.Scm W=5.5cm D0.5cm. Finally, it is preferable that the effective frequency range of the antenna is 174MHz to 240MHz and the Si1 response of the antenna is less than -7dB across the frequency range.

Brief Description of the Drawings:

A description of a number of embodiments of the present invention, presented by way of example only, will now be made, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts, arid wherein:-Figure 1 is a schematic view of an antenna according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a graphical representation of the electric current distribution within the antenna of Figure 1 during operation.

Figure 3 is a schematic view of a multifunctional device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a schematic view of a multifunctional device according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a schematic view of a human-interface device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a schematic view of a human-interface device according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Description of Embodiments

Various embodiments of different aspects of the invention will now be described.

Figure 1 shows an antenna 2 according to an embodiment of one aspect of the present invention that is suitable for the reception of digital multimedia broadcast signals.

References in the text that follows to up', down', left' and right' correspond to positions towards the top, bottom, left and right respectively of page 1 of the figures in a landscape orientation. The antenna 2 comprises three ferrite beads 4, 6 and 8 oriented vertically such that they have a first connection pin, 4a, 6a and 8a respectively, extending upwards and a second connection pin, 4b, 6b and 8b respectively, extending downwards.

Also, the ferrite beads 4, 6 and 8 are arranged in a parallel formation with respect to each other such that the ferrite bead 4 is positioned on the left, the ferrite bead 8 is positioned on the right and the ferrite bead 6 is positioned in the middle of the ferrite beads 4 and 8.

Additionally, four ribbon wires 10, 12, 14 and 16 interconnect the pins of the ferrite beads 4, 6 and 8 so as to form the antenna 2.

More specifically, the ribbon wire 10' provides a connection path between the second connection pins 4b and 6b, as well as between the second connection pins 6b and 8b.

Additionally, the ribbon wire 10 extends from the second connection pin 8b to the first connection pin 4a to enclose a large area by forming a substantially square shaped loop.

The ribbon wire 12 provides a connectionpath between the first connection pin 6a and an output terminal 18 located just to the right of and below but isolated from the second connection pin 8b. Additionally, the ribbon wire 12 forms a large loop having a corresponding size, shape and position to the loop formed by the ribbon wire 10. The ribbon wire 14 provides a connection path from connection pin 6a to a location adjacent to, to the left of and isolated from the' ferrite bead 8. The ribbon wire 14 is also connected to the ribbon wire 16 at this location. The path of ribbon wire 14 between its two points of connection forms a large loop having a corresponding size, shape and position to the loops formed by the ribbon wires 10 and 12. The ribbon wire 16 provides a connection path between its connection with the ribbon wire 14 and the first connection pin 8a.

Additionally, the path of the ribbon wire 16 between its two points of connection forms a large ioop having a corresponding size, shape and position to the loops formed by the ribbon wires 10, 12 and 14. Finally, the second connection pin 8b is further connected to a ground connection 20.

The antenna 2 is suitable for receiving DAB services in VHF Band III which covers signals having a frequency of between 174MHz and 240MHz. Appropriate dimensions for the ioop set of antenna 2 are H=5.5cm, W5.5cm, D=0.5cm. Additionally, from 174MHz to 240MHz the S 11 reflection coefficient response for the antenna 2 is less than -7dB across the band and the.antenna 2 achieves a high fractional bandwidth of 38% around the centre frequency of the wanted band. Furthermore, the antenna 2 provides for a very stable frequency response which is within Â�2dB, even when the antenna 2 is proximate to a human body. The antenna 2 is also stable to within Â�2dB for a wide range of loop geometries provided that the area enclosed by each loop is at least 80% of the maximum area that is enclosed when each loop is circular. Therefore, the loops can enclose any shape of area, provided that this criterion is preferably met.

In operation, the set of wire loops are designed to trap electromagnetic flux within the area they enclose. More specifically, the three ribbon wires 12, 14 and 16 are dimensioned and arranged such that they combine to form a single continuous loop. In order for the antenna 2 to operate for a given frequency range the length of this ioop must be substantially half of the wavelength of the centre frequency. Only when this is the case will optimal energy-transfer in the standing wave occur. As such, the ribbon wires 12, 14 and 16 provide an energy-transfer portion of the antenna 2. Given the abovementioned dimensions of the individual ribbon wires 12, 14 and 16, their combined length is approximately equal to 66cm (5.5cmx4cmx3cm). Additionally, given that the frequency range of operation of the antenna 2 is 174MHz to 240MHz, the centre frequency is 207MHz and thus, the half wavelength value is 72cm. The values 66cm and 72cm are sufficiently close to result in optimal energy transfer in the antenna 2.

To complement the operation of ribbon wires 12, 14 and 16, ribbon wire 10 is arranged to reduce the energy of the reflections at the centre frequency to achieve a better S 11 reflection coefficient response and further improve the performance of the antenna 2. As such the ribbon wire 10 provides an anti-reflection portion of the antenna 2.

The number of ferrite beads required in any given antenna design depends on the desired bandwidth. The values of the ferrite beads 4, 6 and 8 are selected to define a band of signal frequencies for which the antenna 2 is effective, while signals having frequencies outside that band are filtered out by the antenna 2. More specifically, the ferrite beads are selected based on their frequency response and in particular, on their resonant frequency and how wide that resonance is. As mentioned above, antenna 2 is effective over the frequency band 174MHz to 240MHz.

Figure 2 illustrates the electric current distribution within the antenna 2 during operation (input power equals 1W at 207MHz) and will now be described in detail.

As mentioned above, the ribbon wires 12, 14 and 16 combine to form a single and continuous current path having a length substantially half the wavelength of the centre frequency, and ribbon wire 10 reduces the energy of reflections over the frequency band of operation. As such there are two current paths in the antenna 2, a first through the combined lengths of ribbon wires 12, 14 and 16 and a second through only the ribbon wire 10.

The first current path will now be described in further detail. From a starting point at the end of the ribbon wire 16 which is not directly connected to the ribbon wire 14 and moving clockwise from that point along the ribbon wire 16 to the junction with the ribbon wire 14, the current uniformly rises from 4OmA to l2OmA. Then, continuing anti-clockwise along the ribbon wire 14 to the junction with the ribbon wire 12, the current continues to rise at the same rate to a maximum value of 1 5OmA. Then, continuing clockwise along the ribbon wire 12 to the intersection of all the ribbon wires 10, 12, 14 and 16, the current maintains a value of 1 5OmA.

The second current path will now be described in further detail. From a starting point at the end of the ribbon wire 10 from which a clockwise path is traced back to the intersection of all the ribbon wires 10, 12, 14 and 16, the current rises uniformly from 5mA at that starting point to 8OmA at the intersection at the end of the clockwise path.

It is noted that the preferred embodiment of Figure 1 may be modified in numerous ways without departing from the inventive concept claimed in the appended claims. For example, alternative quantities of looped wire ribbons and ferrite beads are suitable.

Also, ferrite beads may be substituted with alternative reactive components such as capacitors connected across the ribbon wires. Additionally, instead of the substantially square-shaped loop geometry depicted in Figure 1, other loop geometries are valid, such as, for example, circular-shaped or rectangular-shaped.

Figure 3 shows a typical environment within which a multifunctional device 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention is intended to operate.

Accordingly, the multifunctional device 100 is depicted with a PC 102 with which it is intended to connect to and operate with. The multifunctional device 100 comprises an external physical enclosure 104 within which is located a USB keyboard functionality 106, a DMB receiver 110 and an embedded antenna 112. It is noted that in the embodiment of Figure 3 the embedded antenna 112 is preferably identical to the antenna 2 of Figure 1 discussed above.

Within the physical enclosure 104 an internal USJ3 connector 114 interconnects the USB receiver 110 and the keyboard functionality 106 to facilitate the exchange of communications between the two elements. Additionally, an internal RF connector 118 interconnects the DMB receiver 110 and the embedded antenna 112 so that RF signals can be exchanged between the receiver I 10 and the antenna 112. Finally, an external USB connector 120 extends externally from the USB receiver 110 a distance from the physical enclosure 104 and terminates in a USB plug 122. The USB plug 122 is suitable for engagement with either one of two cooperating USB receptacles 124, 126 of the PC 102.

When the USB plug 122 is engaged with either one of the USB receptacles 124 or 126 the multifunctional device 100 provides the PC 102 with the functionality of both the DMB receiver 110 and the keyboard functionality 106 via the external USB connector 120. More specifically, the DMB receiver 110 receives input instructions from the PC 102 to control the operation of the receiver 110. In return, the DMB provides the PC 102 with broadcast content corresponding to those input instructions, such as digitally encoded audio and video signals.

For example, the user provides an input to instruct the DMB receiver 110 to tune the antenna 112 to receive a particular DMB service. On receipt of that input, the DMB receiver 110 tunes the antenna 112 to the appropriate service, receives the corresponding broadcast signal from the antenna 112 and digitally decodes the broadcast information, such as audio and video data, contained within the signal. Finally, the DMB receiver 110 delivers the broadcast information to the PC 102 via the USB connector 120.

The precise operation of the DMB receiver 110 involves the cooperation of a number of internal receiver elements, such as, for example, an RF tuner, filters, amplifiers, frequency converters, demodulators and a USB interface. The operation of the DMB receiver 110 to extract broadcast content from a DMB signal is essential to the operation of the multifunctional device 100 however, many different designs are taught by the art of record that are suitable in this application. Accordingly, the precise internal workings required to effect the above mentioned functionality of the DMB receiver 110 is not explained in any further detail as it is assumed that the notional person skilled in the art will already be equipped with the necess4ry understanding. It is further noted that whatever internal architecture is chosen to effect the functionality of the DMB receiver 110 as discussed above, that architecture may be constructed using a variety of different fabrication techniques. For example, the internal elements may be implemented physically as either a composite of distinct semiconductor devices within one or more semiconductor packages or, completely within the same silicon substrate. The latter technique is typically known as a System-on-Chip device.

In addition to providing the PC 102 with the functionality of the DMB receiver 110 and antenna 112, the multifunctional device 100 is capable of providing the PC 102 with the keyboard functionality 106. The keyboard functionality 106 provides a human user of the multifunctional device 100 with a means for providing the PC 102 with an input comprising a multiplicity of keys (not shown). In operation, any one of the keys may be pressed by the user to communicate the selection of that specific key to the PC 102 via the connector 114, the DMB receiver 110 and the connector 120. The internal workings required to perform the above-mentioned operation of the keyboard functionality 106 are well-known in the art and therefore, the precise internal workings of the keyboard functionality 106 are not explained in any further detail as it is assumed that the notional person skilled in the art will already be equipped with the necessary understanding.

In order for the keyboard functionality 106 to communicate with the PC 102 the DMB receiver 110 must relay data from one device to the other. More specifically, the USB connector 114 serially connects the keyboard functionality 106 and the DMB receiver together so that electrical signals which are required for the functioning of the keyboard functionality 106 are conveyed through the DMB receiver 110 to the PC 102.

Furthermore, these electrical signals are multiplexed with broadcast content relating to the DMB receiver 110 before beingconveyed to the PC 102. Accordingly, the DMB receiver 110 is required to provide the functionality of both a USB host controller and a USB device. The DMB receiver 110 achieves this functionality by adopting a USB On-The-Go (OTG) controller function rather than just a USB device controller function.

In Figure 4 a modification is made to the embodiment to Figure 3 to form an alternative embodiment of the present invention indicated in Figure 4 by reference numeral 150. In the modified multifunctional device 150 the embedded antenna 112 and the RF connector 118 of the multifunctional device 100 of Figure 3 have been substituted with an antenna 152. The antenna 152 is connected tb the DMB receiver 110, and extends externally a distance from the physical enclosure 104, being incorporated within the USB connector I 20.

The physical length of an antenna is determinative of its electrical length and, the electrical length of an antenna is one factor which determines the band of signal frequencies that the antenna is effective for. One advantage of the antenna 152 when compared to the antenna 112 is that the physical length of the antenna 152 may be increased more easily than is the case with the antenna 112. Therefore, the electrical length of the antenna 152 may be increased more easily by increasing its physical length to widen the range of signal frequencies that the antenna 152 is effective for.

The embodiments of Figures 3 and 4 have depicted a USB keyboard used in conjunction with a PC however, it is noted that the keyboard is only a vehicle to aid in the explanation of the wider inventive concept claimed in the appended set of claims. As such, other peripheral devices would be equally as suitable, such as, for example, a scanner, a printer, a hub or a mouse. Additionally, other host devices would be equally as suitable, such as, for example, a PDA or a video games console. In any case what is important is that the multifunctional device is designed with a common interface that provides a cooperating host device with access to both peripheral device and DMB receiver functionality. Moreover, it is a primary advantage of this aspect of the invention that more than one device may be simultaneously accessed by a host device via a single USB plug and receptacle combination, thereby enabling more USB devices to be used with a single USB host.

Finally, in both Figures 3 and 4, the keyboard functionality 106 and the DMB receiver are serially-connected such that the DMB receiver 110 relays communications between the keyboard functionality 106 and the PC 102. However, alternative arrangements could also be implemented without departing from the inventive concept of the appended claims. For example, an arrangement wherein the keyboard functionality 106 relays communications between the DMB receiver 110 and the PC 102 would be equally as suitable. Alternatively, instead of having a serial connection, the keyboard could be modified to incorporate a hub within its enclosure that connects to the keyboard functionality 106, the DMB receiver 110 and the PC 102. Then, in operation the hub facilitates communications between the keyboard functionality 106, the DMB receiver 110 and the PC 102 by bridging data between components The operation of a hub to perform these functions is well known in the art and therefore, not discussed in any further detail.

Another embodiment according to a further aspect of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 shows a typical environment within which a human-interface device (HID) 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is intended to operate. In Figure 5 the HID 200 is depicted with the PC 102 to which it is intended to connect and operate with. The HID device 200 takes the form of a USB keyboard for a PC and as such contains USB keyboard functionality 202 housed within an external physical enclosure 204. Additionally, the external physical enclosure 204 houses a DMB receiver 206, an embedded antenna 207 and a USB hub 208. As was also the case in Figure 3, in the embodiment of Figure 5 the embedded antenna 207 is identical to the antenna 2 of Figure 1 discussed above.

Within the physical enclosure 204 an RF connector 209 interconnects the embedded antenna 207 and the DMB receiver 206 to provide antenna functionality to the receiver.

Additionally, a USB connector 210 and a USB connector 211 connect the DMB receiver 206 and the keyboard functionality 202 respectively to the USB hub 208 so that communications are facilitated between these elements. Finally, the USB hub 208 is further connected to a USB connector 214 which extends externally a distance from the physical enclosure 204 and terminates in a USB plug 216. The USB plug 216 is suitable for engagement with either one of the two cooperating USB receptacles 124 or 126 of the PC 102.

When the USB plug 216 is engaged with either one of the USI3 receptacles 124 or 126 the HID 200 provides the PC 102 with access to the functionality of the DMB receiver 206 and the keyboard functionality 202, via the USB hub 208. More specifically, the DMB receiver 206 receives input instructions from the PC 102 via the USB hub 208 to control the operation of the receiver 206. In return, the HID 200 provides the PC 102 with broadcast content corresponding to those input instructions from the DMB receiver 206 and functional data from the keyboard functionality 202. Moreover, the data from both the DMB receiver 206 and the keyboard functionality 202 is provided to the PC 102 viatheUSBhub208.

For example, a human user of the PC 102 provides an input to the PC 102 which in turn generates a corresponding instruction for the DMB receiver 206 to tune the antenna 207 to receive a particular DMB service. The DMB receiver 206, on receipt of that input tunes the antenna 207 to the appropriate service, receives the corresponding broadcast signal from the antenna 207 and demodulates the broadcast information, such as audio and video data, contained within the signal. The DMB receiver then delivers the demodulated broadcast information to the PC 102 via the USB hub 208. Typically, decoding of the audio and video data is performed in the PC 102.

The precise operation of the DM13 receiver 206 involves the cooperation of a number of internal receiver elements, such as, for example, an RF tuner, filters, amplifiers, frequency converters, demodulators and a USB interface. The operation of the DMB receiver 206 to extract broadcast content from a DMB signal is essential to the operation of the HID 200 however, many different designs are taught in the art of record that are suitable in this application. Accordingly, the precise internal workings required to effect the above-mentioned functionality of the DMB receiver 206 are not explained in any further detail as it is assumed that the notional person skilled in the art will already be equipped with the. necessary understanding. It is further noted that whatever internal architecture is chosen to effect the functionality of the DMB receiver 206 as discussed above, that architecture may be constructed using one of a variety of different fabrication techniques. For example, the internal elements may be implemented physically as either a composite of distinct semiconductor devices within one or more semiconductor packages or, completely within the same silicon substrate. The latter technique is typically known as a System-on-Chip device.

In addition to providing the PC 102 with'the functionality of the DMB receiver 206 and antenna 207, the HID 200 is capable of providing the PC 102 with access to the keyboard functionality 202. The keyboard functionality 202 of the HID 200 provides a human user of the HID 200 with a means of providing the host device with an input comprising a multiplicity of keys (not shown). In operation, anyone of the keys maybe pressed by the user to communicate the selection of that specific key to the PC 102 via the connector 211, the USB hub 208 and the connector 214. The internal workings required to perform the above-mentioned operation of a keyboard are well-known in the art and therefore, the precise internal workings of the keyboard functionality 202 are not explained in any further detail as it is assumed that the notional person skilled in the art will already be equipped with the necessary understanding.

The USB hub 208 is required to receive control instructions from the PC 102 and relay them to the DMB receiver 206 and, receive functional data from the 0MB receiver 206 and the keyboard functionality 202 and relay that data to the PC 102. More specifically, the 0MB receiver 206 interfaces with one or more software applications, such as audio and video playback applications, on the connected PC 102 through the USB hub 208.

The USB hub 208 multiplexes and bridges data from the keyboard functionality 202 and the 0MB receiver 206 for delivery to the PC 102. The operation of the USB hub 208 is typical with regard to known USB hubs and therefore, the precise internal workings of the USB hub 208 is not explained in any further detail as it is assumed that the notional person skilled in the art will already be equipped with the necessary understanding.

In Figure 6 a modification is made to the embodiment to Figure 5 to form an alternative embodiment of the present invention indicated in Figure 6 by reference numeral 250. In the modified HID 250 the embedded antenna 207 and the RF connector 209 of the HID 200 of Figure 5 are substituted with an antenna 252. The antenna 252 is connected to the DMB receiver 206, extends externally a distance from the physical enclosure 204 and is incorporated within the USB connector 214.

The physical length of an antenna is determinate of its electrical length and, the electrical length of an antenna is one factor which determines the band of signal frequencies that the antenna receives. One advantage of the antenna 252 when compared to the antenna 207 is that the physical length of the antenna 252 may be increased more easily than is the case with the antenna 207. Accordingly, the electrical length of the antenna 252 may be increased more easily by increasing its physical length to widen the range of signal frequencies that the antenna 252 is effective for.

The embodiments of Figures 5 and 6 depict a USB keyboard HID used in conjunction with a PC however, it is noted that these devices are only vehicles to aid in the explanation of the wider inventive concept claimed in the appended set of claims. As such, other HIDs would be equally as suitable, such as, for example, a mouse, a trackball, a joystick or a game-pad. Additionally, other host devices would be equally as suitable, such as, for example, a PDA or a video games console. In any case what is important is that the 0MB receiver and the antenna are incorporated into the physical enclosure of the HID without changing its volume or geometry.; Indeed, it is a primary advantage of this aspect of the present invention th4t the physical enclosure of the HID remains unchanged so that the ergonomic properties of the HID are preserved. For example, the geometry of a physical enclosure of an HID such as, a mouse or a gamepad is specifically designed so that it cooperates with the hand of a human user. Accordingly, any embodiment of this aspect of the present invention must incorporate DMB receiver functionality into the HID without changing the specifically designed geometry of the HID physical enclosure.

Failure to do this would likely result in a reduction in performance of the HID and therefore, it would be undesirable.

Finally, in both Figures 5 and 6, the keyboard functionality 202 and the DMB receiver 206 are connected to the PC 102 via the USB hub 208. However, alternative arrangements could also be implemented without departing from the inventive concept of the appended claims. For examkle, the keyboard functionality 202 and the DMB receiver 206 could be serially-connected such that the DMB receiver 110 relays communications between the keyboard functionality 106 and the PC 102. Alternatively, the keyboard functionality 106 could relay communications between the DMB receiver 110 and the PC 102 via a serial connection. In such modified embodiments data from both the keyboard functionality 202 and the DMB receiver 206 would be multiplexed into a serial signal within the HID before being provided by the HID to the PC 102.

Claims

Claims 1. A multifunctional device for connecting to a host device, the multifunctional device comprising a. a peripheral device; b. a receiver for wirelessly receiving digital multimedia broadcast signals and outputting broadcast content for the host device; and c. a common interface for providing combined peripheral device and receiver functionality to the host device.
2. The multifunctional device as claimed in claim I wherein, the receiver incorporates the common interface and the receiver and the peripheral device are serially interconnected.
3. The multifunctional device as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the peripheral device incorporates the common interface and the receiver and the peripheral device are serially interconnected.
4. The multifunctional device as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein, data for the host device from the receiver and the peripheral device are multiplexed together into a serial signal.
5. The multifunctional device as claimed in claim I wherein, the common interface comprises a hub which connects to the receiver, the peripheral device and the host device.
6. The multifunctional device as claimed in claim 5 wherein the receiver comprises an antenna for receiving the digital multimedia broadcast signals, the antenna having: i. an output terminal; ii. a plurality of conducting loops each having a first and a second end, the first end of at least one of said loops being connected to said output terminal; and iii. a plurality of reactive components arranged between the second ends of the conducting loops and a ground node, wherein the reactive components are selected to tune the operating frequency band of the antenna to the desired frequency band of operation.
7. The multifunctional device as claimed in claim 6 wherein, the geometry of the antenna loops are such that the area enclosed by each ioop is at least 80% of the maximum area when each loop is circular.
8. A method of providing data from a multifunctional device to a host device, wherein the multifunctional device comprises a peripheral device, a receiver and a common interface, the method comprising: a. wirelessly receiving digital multimedia broadcast signals to the receiver; b. providing broadcast content for the host device from the receiver to the common interface; and c. providing combined peripheral device and receiver functionality from the common interface to the host device.
9. The method as claimed in claim 8 wherein, the receiver incorporates the common interface, the receiver and the peripheral device are serially interconnected and wherein, steps b and c are: b. providing broadcast content for the host device from the receiver; and c. providing combined peripheral device and receiver functionality from the receiver to the host device.
10. The method as claimed in claim 8 wherein, the peripheral device incorporates the common interface, the receiver and the peripheral device are serially interconnected and wherein, steps b and c are: b. providing broadcast content for the host device from the receiver to the peripheral device; and c. providing combined peripheral device and receiver functionality from the peripheral device to the host device.
11. The method as claimed in claim 9 or 10 wherein, data for the host device from the receiver and the peripheral device are multiplexed together into a serial signal.
12. The method as claimed in claim 8 wherein, the common interface comprises a hub which connects to the receiver, the peripheral device and the host device and wherein, steps b and c are: b. providing broadcast content for the host device from the receiver to the hub; and c. providing combined peripheral device and receiver functionality from the receiver to the host device via the hub.
13. The method as claimed in anyone of claims 8 to 12 wherein the receiver comprises an antenna having: i. an output terminal; ii. a plurality of conducting loops each having a first and a second end, the first end of at least one of said loops being connected to said output terminal; and iii. a plurality of reactive components arranged between the second ends of the conducting loops and a ground node, wherein the reactive components are selected to tune the operating frequency band of the antenna to the desired frequency band of operation; and wherein step a comprises: a. wirelessly receiving digital multimedia broadcast signals to the receiver via the antenna.
14. The method as claimed in claim 13 wherein, the geometry of the antenna loops are such that the area enclosed by each loop is at least 80% of the maximum area when each loop is circular.
15. A human-interface device having an outer enclosure of fixed geometry for manual operation bya human, the device comprising: a. componentry configured to permit the device to provide a human interface; and b. a receiver for wirelessly receiving and demodulating digital multimedia broadcast signals for output; wherein the receiver is incorporated within the outer enclosure of the human-interface device without changing the geometry thereof.
16. The human-interface device as claimed in claim 15 further comprising a hub interconnected to the receiver and the componentry wherein, the hub is capable of relaying communications between the human-interface device, the receiver and the host device.
17. The human-interface device as claimed in claim 15 wherein, the receiver and the componentry are serially connected together and to the host device.
18. The human-interface device as claimed in claim 17 wherein, data for the host device from the receiver and the componentry are multiplexed together into a serial signal.
19. The human-interface device as claimed in anyone of claims 15 or 18 wherein, the receiver comprises an antenna for receiving the digital multimedia broadcast signals, the antenna having: i. an output terminal; ii. a plurality of conducting loops each having a first and a second end, the first end of at least one of said loops being connected to said output terminal; and iii. a plurality of reactive components arranged between the second ends of the conducting loops and a ground node, wherein the reactive components are selected to tune the operating frequency band of the antenna to the desired frequency band of operation.
20. The human-interface device as claimed in claim 19 wherein, the geometry of the antenna loops are such that the area enclosed by each loop is at least 80% of the maximum area when each loop is circular.
21. A method of providing data from a human-interface device having an outer enclosure of fixed geometry for manual operation by a human, the device comprising human interface componentry and a receiver, the method comprising: a. wirelessly receiving digital multimedia broadcast signals to the receiver; b. demodulating the received signals in the receiver; c. outputting the demodulated signals for the host device from the receiver; and d. providing, from the human interface device to the host device, human-interface device functionality via the componentry and receiver functionality via the receiver; wherein the receiver is incorporated within the outer enclosure of the human interface device without changing the geometry thereof.
22. A method as claimed in claim 21 wherein, the human-interface device further comprises a hub connected to the receiver and the componentry and, steps c and d are: c. outputting the demodulated sigrials for the host device from the receiver to the hub; and d. providing, from the hub to the host device, human-interface device functionality via the componentry and receiver functionality via the receiver.
23. The method as claimed in claim 21 wherein, the receiver and the componentry are serially connected together and to the host device and, steps c and d are: c. outputting the demodulated signals for the host device from the receiver to the serial connection; and d. providing, from the serial connection to the host device, human-interface device functionality via the componentry and receiver functionality via the receiver.
24. The method as claimed in claim 23 further comprising the step of multiplexing into a serial signal data for the host device from the receiver and the componentry.
25. The method as claimed in anyone of claims 21 to 24 wherein, the receiver comprises an antenna for receiving the digital multimedia broadcast signals, the antenna having: i. an output terminal; ii. a plurality of conducting loops each having a first and a second end, the first end of at least one of said loops being connected to said output terminal; and iii. a plurality of reactive components arranged between the or each other first and second ends of the conducting loops and a ground node, wherein the reactive components are selected to tune the operating frequency band of the antenna to the desired frequency band of operation; and wherein step a comprises: a. wirelessly receiving digital multimedia broadcast signals to the receiver via the antenna.
26. The method as claimed in claim 25 wherein, the geometry of the antenna loops are such that the area enclosed by eac1 loop is at least 80% of the maximum area when each loop is circular.
27. An antenna for receiving digital multimedia broadcast signals, the antenna comprising: i. an output terminal, ii. a plurality of conducting loops each having a first and a second end, the first end of at least one of said loops being connected to said output terminal; and iii. a plurality of reactive components arranged between the second ends of the conducting loops and a ground node, wherein the reactive components are selected to tune the operating frequency band of the antenna to the desired frequency band of operation.
28. The antenna as claimed in claim 27 wherein, the said loops are arranged to form an energy-transfer portion connected to the output terminal and to an anti-reflecting portion, the loops comprising the energy-transfer portion being arranged to form a continuous length equal to substantially half the wavelength of the centre frequency of the frequency band of operation.
29. The antenna as claimed in claim 28 wherein, the anti-reflecting portion comprises at least one of the said loops.
30. An antenna for receiving digital multimedia broadcast signals, the antenna comprising: i. an output terminal; ii. a plurality of conducting loops each having a first and a second end, the first end of at least one of said loops being connected to said output terminal; wherein the conducting loops are arranged to form an energy-transfer portion connected to the output terminal and to an anti-reflecting portion, the loops comprising the energy-transfer portion* being arranged to form a continuous length equal to substantially half the wavelength of the centre frequency of the desired frequency band of operation.
31. The antenna as claimed in clairn3O wherein, the anti-reflecting portion comprises at least one of the said loops.
32. The antenna as claimed in claims 30 or 31 further comprising: iii. a plurality of reactive components arranged between the second ends of the conducting loops and a ground node, wherein the reactive components are selected to tune the operating frequency band of the antenna to the desired frequency band of operation.
33. The antenna as claimed in claims 27 to 29 and 32 wherein, the reactive components are ferrite beads.
34. The antenna as claimed in any of claims 27 to 33 wherein, each loop geometry is such that the area enclosed by each loop is at least 80% of the maximum area when each loop is circular!
35. An antenna as claimed in claim 34 wherein, each loop is substantially square shaped.
36. An antenna as claimed in anyone of claims 27 to 35 wherein, the effective frequency range of the antenna is 174MHz to 240MHz and the S11 response of the antenna is less than -7dB across the frequency range.