KR100592407B1 - Room Bridge Adapter for Digital / Analog Multimedia Support - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a room bridge adapter for digital / analog multimedia support including a storage unit, a display unit and a keypad unit connected to a CPU through an internal data interface bus, the at least one communication being connected to the CPU via an external data interface bus. An interface chip, at least one external communication port connected to the communication interface chip, connected to the CPU via the external data interface bus, and performing IEEE1394 data transmission and reception and conversion of digital video / audio data into a format suitable for an IEEE1394 port. IEEE1394 supporting multimedia interface chip, one end of which is connected to the IEEE1394 supporting multimedia interface chip, a multimedia codec chip which performs compression and decompression processing of video / audio data and the video / decompression processed by the multimedia codec chip Converting the video data into analog video / audio signal and an analog video / audio signal and a video / audio A / D converter to convert the video / audio data.

Home network, backbone network, network, bridge, adapter, multimedia, IEEE1394.

Description

Room Bridge Adapter For Supporting Digital / Analog Multimedia

1 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a conventional room bridge system.

2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a room bridge adapter for digital / analog multimedia support according to the present invention.

3 is a connection diagram of a power supply and a home network backbone of the room bridge adapter of FIG. 1.

4 is a flowchart of a control signal and a data signal between room bridge adapters.

FIG. 5A is an outline view of a first embodiment of a wall plug type room bridge adapter. FIG.

FIG. 5B is an outline view of a second embodiment of a Wall Plug Type room bridge adapter. FIG.

6A is a front view of the set top box-type room bridge adapter.

6B is a rear view of the set top box-type room bridge adapter.

<Short description of the major reference symbols>

1: CPU 2: Main Memory

3: flash memory 4: VFD / LCD control unit

5: KEY / LED control part 6: clock control part

7: power control unit 8: Bluetooth interface chip

9: LAN interface chip 10: MODEM

11: WLAN (Wireless LAN) interface chip 12: X-10 interface chip

13: LonWorks interface chip 14: CAN interface chip

15: IrDA interface chip 16: USB interface chip

17: multimedia codec chip

18: IEEE1394 support multimedia interface chip

19: IEEE1394 digital data converter

20: video / audio analog / digital data converter

21: External communication port 22: Internal data interface bus

23: external data interface bus 100: room bridge adapter

200: home gateway 201: repeater

202: outlet 203: adapter

300: AC power cable (eg AC110V, AC220V)

301: communication line

302: Fiber Optic Cable

303: CAT5 (e) cable

The present invention relates to a room bridge adapter for a home network, and more particularly, to a room bridge adapter supporting digital / analog multimedia.

 In general, a home network requires a data bus and a protocol for organic communication between home appliances, and a specific system for a multimedia environment is required.

  Before the Internet was activated, attempts such as remote meter reading and remote monitoring were partially made by using a telephone network. However, with the activation of the Internet, a home network for integrated management of all home appliances is being developed. Currently, IEEE1394, CEBus, Hardware and software systems for home network management are being developed using bus structures such as X-10, LonWorks, and CAN. Among these, the IEEE1394 bus, which has several advantages, including high speed and support for Plug and Play features, is receiving a lot of attention for home networks, and several vendors (eg TI, Fujitsu, IBM, Lucent Technologies, Philips) Et al.) Developed IEEE1394 interface chips.

  In a conventional home network related system, all home appliances are managed centrally around a set top box for interworking with the Internet. In other words, home appliances in the home can be controlled through an interface such as a web browser on the Internet.

  However, the centralized management of all the home appliances distributed in the home can be managed only from the center, so there is still a space constraint that cannot be controlled outside the central set-top box. In addition, there was a limitation that data communication cannot be performed between systems having different protocols. In order to solve this problem, the present applicant proposes a home network room bridge system for home automation, and receives Patent No. 10-0369318. The configuration of the room bridge system is shown in FIG.

The room bridge system shown in FIG. 1 installs a room bridge that supports multiple home network protocols in each room to enable hierarchical control by separating one home and each room. It is a structure that can access and control all home appliances existing in the home network through a room bridge nearby.

In particular, the control chip unit 411 of the configuration shown in Figure 1 is for controlling communication between heterogeneous network protocols.

The room bridge system controls home appliances in the home through the home network connector 413.

  The Applicant further integrates digital / analog media and construction technology of an actual IEEE1394 based Broadband Home Network Backbone using optical cable or CAT5 (e), which is not provided by the room bridge structure of the patent. I would like to propose a technology to support.

Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to provide a room bridge adapter that enables the construction of a multimedia system in a home by interworking with not only digital media devices but also analog media devices.

A second object of the present invention is to connect a room bridge adapter located in each room using an optical cable or a CAT5 (e) cable so that the user can freely access and control all the devices in the home regardless of which room they are in. It is to provide a backbone network structure.

According to a first aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object, in the room bridge adapter for digital / analog multimedia support including a storage unit, a display unit and a keypad unit connected to the CPU via an internal data interface bus, At least one communication interface chip connected to the CPU via a data interface bus, at least one external communication port connected to the communication interface chip, and connected to the CPU via the external data interface bus, and transmit and receive IEEE1394 data and digital video IEEE1394 capable multimedia interface chip for converting audio / audio data into a format suitable for IEEE1394 port, one end of which is connected to the IEEE1394 capable multimedia interface chip, and a multimedia codec for compressing and decompressing video / audio data. And a video / audio A / D converter for digital / analog data conversion between the multimedia codec chip and an external analog video / audio port in the multimedia codec chip. Can be provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object, comprising a plurality of room bridge adapter of claim 1, a repeater connected via a copper wire to one end of each of the room bridge adapter and a cable connecting the repeaters A backbone network for a home network may be provided.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a room bridge adapter 100 for digital / analog multimedia support according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, the bridge adapter 100 according to the present invention mainly includes an internal data interface bus 22 for internal data processing and an internal data interface bus 23 for internal data processing. )

The internal data interface bus 22 is connected to the main memory 2, the flash memory 3, the VFD (Vacuum Fluorescent Display) / Liquid Display Crystal (LCD) control unit 4, the KEY / LED control unit 5, and the like. Allows data communication to occur in.

The flash memory 3 stores software of the room bridge adapter 100, and the VFD / LCD control unit 4 is in charge of displaying the status and control information of the system to the VFD or LCD screen. The system drive program is transferred from the flash memory 3 to the main memory 2 at the beginning of system operation via the internal data interface bus 22, and the CPU 1 executes the drive program existing on the main memory 2. To control the system.

The KEY / LED control unit 5 is responsible for controlling the KEY and LED data communication so that the user can check and operate.

The external data interface bus 23 enables data communication with an external device (not shown), on which the Bluetooth interface chip 8, the local area network (LAN) interface chip 9, and the wireless LAN (WLAN) Interface chip 11, X-10 interface chip 12, LonWorks interface chip 13, Controller Area Network (CAN) interface chip 14, IrDA interface chip 15, USB interface chip 16, IEEE1394 support The multimedia interface chip 18 and the like are connected. In the present invention, the Bluetooth interface chip 8, the LAN interface chip 9, the WLAN interface chip 11, and the X-10 interface chip 12 are additionally configured in the conventional interface chip.

The Bluetooth interface chip 8 is responsible for data transmission with wireless devices using Bluetooth communication, the LAN interface chip 9 supports wired Internet connection, and uses existing telephone lines through a converter such as a modem 10. To be able. The WLAN interface chip 11 may be mounted in the system or externally mounted to enable wireless Internet communication. The X-10 interface chip 12, the LonWorks interface chip 13, and the CAN interface chip 14 are responsible for controlling home appliances. The IrDA interface chip 15 enables general infrared communication such as a remote controller or an infrared sensor and short-range infrared communication such as a wireless keyboard. The USB interface chip 16 is responsible for communicating with a USB supporting device such as a personal computer (PC) or a digital camera.

In addition to the IEEE1394 data transmission / reception function, the IEEE1394 supporting multimedia interface chip 18 supports data conversion function so that existing digital video / audio data can be used on the IEEE1394 bus through a digital video / audio communication port. The IEEE1394 supporting multimedia interface chip 18 is directly connected to an external IEEE1394 port 21-10 simultaneously with interworking with other internal interface chips to enable high-speed data communication in units of maximum gigabit (Gb), and IEEE1394 digital data converter. By using the CAT5 (e) port or the optical cable port through (19), data communication is possible at a distance of several tens of meters or more. That is, it is suitable for use as an IEEE1394 home network backbone between rooms far away from home.

The multimedia codec chip 17 expands the compressed multimedia data received from the IEEE 1394 supporting multimedia interface chip 18 and transmits the compressed multimedia data to the digital video / audio input / output ports 21-13 or the video / audio A / D converter 20. On the contrary, the received multimedia data is compressed and transmitted to the IEEE1394 supporting multimedia interface chip 18.

The video / audio A / D converter 20 is for enabling not only digital media data but also analog media data in the room bridge adapter 100.

Each interface chip described above is connected to an external communication port 21 to enable communication with an external device. Among them, IEEE1394 port (21-10), CAT5 (e) port (21-11), optical cable port (21-12), etc. related to IEEE1394 communication are the minimum to support the daisy chain type bus structure. Must have at least two external ports

Even in the configuration of the external communication port 21, the Bluetooth port 21-1, the LAN port 21-2, the wireless LAN port 21-4, the CAT5 (e) port 21-11, and the optical fiber in the conventional configuration. The configuration of the cable port 21-12, the digital video / audio input / output port 21-13, and the analog video / audio input / output port 21-14 was added.

In addition, there are essential controllers in the system such as the clock controller 6 and the power controller 7 which are in charge of system clock and power control.

The most difference in the internal structure of the conventional room bridge system is the multimedia codec chip (17), the IEEE1394 capable multimedia interface chip (18), the IEEE1394 digital data converter (19), video / audio related to the expansion of home multimedia functions. A / D converter 20 and associated external communication port 21 portion. In this regard, the overall data flow is as follows.

Video / audio data of an analog media device (e.g., analog TV, VCR, audio, speakers, etc.) is connected to the video / audio A / D through the analog video / audio input / output ports 21-14 included in the external communication port 21. Is passed to the transducer 20. The video / audio A / D converter 20 converts the received analog data into digital data used inside the room bridge adapter 100. Digital data (e.g. ITU-R BT.601, ITU-) switched via the video / audio A / D converter 20 or input via the digital video / audio input / output ports 21-13 of the external communication port 21. R BT.656, SPDIF (Sony Philips Digital Interface) format, etc. are compressed data types (eg, Digital Video (DV), Motion Picture Expert Group (MPEG), Joint Photographic Coding (JPEG) via the multimedia codec chip 17. Expert Group, Wavelet format, etc.). The reduced sized video / audio data through compression allows data communication with any interface chip present on the external data interface bus 23 via the IEEE 1394 capable multimedia interface chip 18. For example, analog video / audio data of a VCR or digital video / audio data of a camcorder may be displayed on a notebook computer through interworking between the IEEE1394 supporting multimedia interface chip 18 and the WLAN interface 11 chip.

Digital media data input through the IEEE 1394 port or other digital data input ports can also be output to analog media data through the reverse process of each of the aforementioned data flows.

Based on the above description, it is possible to build a multimedia environment through hierarchical control of existing equipment in a room bridge and data communication between digital media devices and analog media devices through interfaces with multimedia chips. It becomes easy.

3 is a connection diagram of a power supply and a home network backbone of the room bridge adapter 100 of FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 3, there is one room bridge adapter 100 in each room to control not only the control of various home appliances and media devices present in the room, but also interworking between other home appliances existing outside the room. Make it possible. However, one room bridge adapter 100 does not necessarily need to be provided in each room, and the arrangement number of the room bridge adapters 100 may be changed for convenience.

The home gateway 200 supports the Internet function so that the room bridge adapter 100 can communicate with the outside. In addition, communication between the room bridge adapter 100 enables communication with the external Internet in each room.

The room bridge adapter 100 may be implemented as a wall plug type or a set top box type, and a method of connecting power may vary depending on the shape.

The built-in room bridge adapter 100 can make the power line invisible to the user by directly using the power line through the wall without using the power outlet 202 extending out of the wall, and connect the power line directly to the outlet. It can also be used.

The set-top box type room bridge adapter 100 may be connected to a power line or may receive power using the room bridge adapter 100.

By using the optical cable 302 or the CAT5 (e) cable 303 for the home network backbone for the connection between the room bridge adapters 100, a communication line over a distance of several tens of meters or more is established. Gb) to enable data transmission in units.

When there is an optical cable terminal in the room bridge adapter 100 in relation to the use of the optical cable, direct connection is possible, but in general, when only a copper cable terminal exists, the optical cable is connected to the optical cable using the repeater 201. This is possible.

4 is a flowchart of a control signal and a data signal between room bridge adapters.

As shown in FIG. 4, a digital / analog video / audio signal output from a device such as a VCR or a camcorder in ROOM 1 is a cross between a room bridge adapter 100 in ROOM 1 and a room bridge adapter 100 in ROOM 2. This allows you to watch on a TV or PC in the ROOM2. In addition, by providing a long-range control function using a wireless through the interworking between the infrared communication device or the RF (Radio Frequency) controller and the room bridge adapter 100 used to control existing digital / analog devices such as a remote controller. To control general home appliances including digital / analog media devices. That is, a channel change or environment setting of the TV in ROOM 2 can be controlled by using an existing TV remote control existing in ROOM 1.

FIG. 5A is an outline view of a first embodiment of a wall plug type room bridge adapter. FIG.

The form of FIG. 5A is a general wall-mounted type and there are all input / output terminals and user interface parts such as KEY / LED and VFD / LCD in front of the system.

Specifically, the wall-mounted room bridge adapter according to the first embodiment has a VFD / LCD 104 at the upper left to display the status and control information of the system, and a KEY / LED control unit 105 is located.

In addition, an external port 101 such as a LAN port, a telephone line port, a USB port, and a CAN / LonWorks port is located at the upper right side, and an IEEE1394 port including a copper wire port, an optical cable port, and a CAT5 (e) cable port at the bottom thereof. The unit 102 is located, and the video and audio terminal 103 is located at the bottom thereof.

FIG. 5B is an outline view of a second embodiment of a Wall Plug Type room bridge adapter. FIG.

The type shown in Figure 5b separates the system embedded in the upper and lower parts of the wall (Wall) and the user interface portion and IR (InfraRed), wireless input and output terminals such as WLAN, the upper end 111 of the wall, the general input and output terminals ( Eg, LAN, telephone line, USB, CAN / LonWorks, IEEE1394, video, audio, etc.) (112 to 114) are spaced at the bottom of the wall so that the user does not have to worry about the usual input / output ports. By only operating the room bridge adapter 100 can be controlled.

6A is a front view of the set top box-type room bridge adapter, and FIG. 6B is a rear view of the set top box-type room bridge adapter.

The front part 121 of the set-top box-type room bridge adapter includes a user interface portion including a VFD / LCD part 121-1 and a KEY / LED part 121-3, and a general input / output terminal on the back part 131. (131-1 to 131-9) are present. In relation to the power control of the system, there is a hard power down mode that directly turns off the power by using an external power switch, and a soft power down mode that can be powered off by software. In mode, there is usually no external power switch.

 According to the present invention as described above, it is possible to provide a room bridge adapter to enable the construction of a multimedia system in the home by interworking with not only digital media devices but also analog media devices.

In addition, it is possible to provide a home network backbone network structure by connecting a room bridge adapter located in each room by using an optical cable or a CAT5 (e) cable so that a user can freely control all the devices in the home. have.

In conclusion, such a room bridge adapter may provide an environment capable of media data communication between rooms, upper Internet communication through IPover1394 software, and monitoring and control of all objects in a home at a remote location.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with the above-mentioned preferred embodiments, it is possible to make various modifications or variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the appended claims will cover such modifications and variations as fall within the spirit of the invention.

Claims (8)

A room bridge adapter for digital / analog multimedia support comprising a storage, a display and a keypad connected to a CPU via an internal data interface bus, At least one communication interface chip coupled with the CPU via an external data interface bus; At least one external communication port connected to the communication interface chip; An IEEE1394 supporting multimedia interface chip connected to the CPU via the external data interface bus and performing IEEE1394 data transmission / reception and conversion of digital video / audio data into a format suitable for an IEEE1394 port; A multimedia codec chip having one end connected to the IEEE 1394 supporting multimedia interface chip and performing compression and decompression processing of video / audio data; And And a video / audio A / D converter for converting the video / audio data processed by the multimedia codec chip into an analog video / audio signal and converting the analog video / audio signal into video / audio data. Bridge adapter for analog / analog multimedia support. The method of claim 1, The communication interface chip At least one of a Bluetooth interface chip, a LAN interface chip, a MODEM interface chip connected to the LAN interface chip, a WLAN interface chip, an X-10 interface chip, a LonWorks interface chip, a CAN interface chip, an IrDA interface chip, and a USB interface chip. Room bridge adapter for digital / analog multimedia support, characterized in that. The method of claim 1, The external communication port Digital / analog multimedia support, including at least one of a Bluetooth port, a LAN port, a wireless LAN port, a CAT5 (e) port, an optical cable port, a digital video / audio input / output port, and an analog video / audio input / output port. Room Bridge Adapter for Windows. The method of claim 3, wherein Located between the IEEE1394 supporting multimedia interface chip and the CAT5 (e) port or optical cable port, converts IEEE1394 data into data of a format usable in the CAT5 (e) port or optical cable port or inverse conversion A room bridge adapter for digital / analog multimedia support further comprising an IEEE1394 digital data converter. A plurality of room bridge adapters of claim 1; A repeater connected to one end of each of the room bridge adapters through a communication line; And And a cable connecting the repeaters. The method of claim 5, The cable is a backbone network for a home network, characterized in that one of the optical cable or CAT5 (e) cable. The method of claim 5, A backbone network for a home network, further comprising a plurality of outlets for supplying power to each of the room bridge adapters. The method of claim 7, wherein And an adapter located between the outlet and the room bridge adapter.

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