WO2007060680A2

WO2007060680A2 - Simplified convergence platform

Info

Publication number: WO2007060680A2
Application number: PCT/IN2005/000380
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alok Singh; Ashok Zutshi; Yuvaraj Galada; Vinodkumar Gopinathan; Manjunath Channabasappa; Mukul Chitrao; Padmalakshmi Shankar; Selva Kumaran Rajan; Kumaran Meenatchi Sundaram; Johnson Adaikal Raj; Gowrisankar Radhakrishnan; Shuveb Hussain; Charu Latha Prasanna; Siva Rama Krishna Obul Reddy; Ramaseshu Krishnamurthy; Thalesh Renganathan; Renganathan Muthukrishnan; Rajaraman Krishnan
Original assignee: Alok Singh; Ashok Zutshi; Yuvaraj Galada; Vinodkumar Gopinathan; Manjunath Channabasappa; Mukul Chitrao; Padmalakshmi Shankar; Selva Kumaran Rajan; Kumaran Meenatchi Sundaram; Johnson Adaikal Raj; Gowrisankar Radhakrishnan; Shuveb Hussain; Charu Latha Prasanna; Siva Rama Krishna Obul Reddy; Ramaseshu Krishnamurthy; Thalesh Renganathan; Renganathan Muthukrishnan; Rajaraman Krishnan
Priority date: 2005-11-25
Filing date: 2005-11-25
Publication date: 2007-05-31
Also published as: WO2007060680A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to a convergence platform for triple-play applications (Voice-Video-Data), in particular, a simplified convergence platform adapted to facilitate computing, communication and entertainment based triple-play applications. The system of the invention is basically directed to creation of a common technology platform to cater to different products access devices for computing, communication and entertainment.

Description

SIMPLIFIED CONVERGENCE PLATFORM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a convergence platform for triple-play applications (Voice- Video-Data), in particular, a simplified convergence platform adapted to facilitate computing, communication and entertainment based triple-play applications. The system of the invention is basically directed to creation of a common technology platform to cater to different access devices for computing, communication and entertainment. The system would enable bringing computing to the masses that are not conversant with the usual personal computer applications due to lack of proper technical or practical exposure in using such personal computers or for whom such presently available personal computers are not readily affordable. The simplified convergence platform for integrated access for triple-play applications cf the invention is directed to serve several applications including industrial applications with simplicity of usage, manageability and reliability. The system is flexible to cater to specific user needs by way of providing for selective combination of hardware and embedded customized software to favour different forms of application covering computation, communication and entertainment applications.

BACKGROUND ART

It is well known that technology platforms are available for each of the Computing- Communication-Entertainment, such as mobile platforms for voice application, integrated access device platforms for voice and data applications.

The devices or application presently available in the market are all personal computer based, Video on Demand Set-lop Boxes, Residential Gateways and Integrated Access Devices. Importantly, such presently available platforms such as the video on demand set top boxes are only capable of providing single function. A few mobile service providers provide a very limited computing functionality with an access of their database and facilities like e-mail and web browsing such as some of the GSM service providers who provide for such services.

It would be apparent from the above, that the above devices which are application specific and personal computer based, are complex to use for mass adaptation. Like when personal computers first appeared, there were only highly technical users of the same. This is because users typically needed to remember cryptic commands etc., which were difficult to nontechnical users. Such complexities in use of personal computers could be subsequently avoided and its use was made more user friendly with the introduction of Graphical user Interface (GUI). Although from a usability point of view personal computers have come a long way there are still many things that a user who is not familiar with the use of computers find it difficult to operate. Usually during normal use of computers such problems do not arise, however, the problem starts surfacing when there is need to install extra hardware and software. The existing computers need frequent anti-virus software updates, apart from the necessity of timely maintenance. AU these lead to extra and avoidable consumption of manpower and other resources.

Apart from the above complexities arising from the need to install extra hardware and software, in available personal computers, the manageability of the device is difficult for the end users and it demands technical knowledge from the user. In particular, adding hardware and software to the system can be a daunting task for users. Again configuring the system to adapt to a particular need is also difficult for users. Apart from all the above problems, the personal computers face threats like Trojans and Viruses that need to be taken care of frequently. In a LAN environment where many personal computers are deployed the problems of manageability are amplified. Also, the reliability of the presently available devices is also a problem due to complex subsystems. Complexity is inversely proportional to reliability. Due to the afore discussed reasons the computer systems presently available are complex the same also are not very reliable.

It is apparent from the above that on one hand the presently available personal computers are found to be complex and not user friendly to the desired extent and on the other hand they have limitations of being application specific. From the above discussions it is plainly apparent that we need to have separate devices for various needs in the triple play area. There is no such device that can do more than one of the mentioned functions. There are a few devices presently available in the market which are capable of handling any 2 of the above functions but a device that could provide simplicity in operation and use and yet facilitate triple play application selected from computing, communication and entertainment is not available although highly desirable for the users of such system.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTIONS

It is thus the basic object of the present invention to provide for a simple and single technology platform to host variety of access devices selected from computing, communication and entertainment applications and thereby facilitate multiple functions from common platform.

Another object of the present invention is to provide for a simplified convergence platform for multifunction applications including triple play area of computing, voice and entertainment which can be easily managed favoring deploying operatively simple and user friendly access terminal in hundred or thousands without complexity such as of managing typical personal computers or individual workstations known in the art. Another object of the present invention is directed to a simplified convergence platform adapted to facilitate triple play application /use including computing, communication and entertainment which would be extremely reliable since the complexity of maintenance/use of personal computers could be avoided and therefore, make availability of multi function applications to users at cost effective and yet reliable environment.

Yet another object of the present invention is directed to a simplified convergence platform for triple play area / use including computation, communication and entertainment which would avoid the use of any moving parts such as fans, hard disk etc. and thereby enhance the reliability and reduce complexity of maintenance of such devices for the benefit of the end user.

Yet another object of the present invention is directed to a simplified convergence platform adapted for triply play application including computation, communication and entertainment wherein the human-computer interaction is extremely simplified and which would have the flexibility of simplified human interface for different-devices including menu based GUI from which user can select various options as per the desired output.

Yet another object of the present invention is directed to a simplified convergence platform for triple play application / use including computation, communications and entertainment which would enable making available such triple play options to masses who find it difficult to use presently available personal computers for reasons of affordability, case of usability and lack of technical knowledge.

Yet another object of the present invention is directed to a simplified convergence platform for triple play application /use including computing, communication and entertainment which would enable operation based on customized software thereby imparting the desired flexibility and adaptability for variety of used based and user friendly application with simple manageability and reliability of the system.

Yet further object of the present invention is directed to a simple server centric access devices based system for combining a server or set of servers and a number of client terminals that connect to the servers specifically adapted for providing uniform systems required for large group of people with minimal support to run the triple play applications.

Another object of the present invention is directed to a simplified convergence platform for triple play application /use including computing, communication and entertainment which would not require frequent and regular maintenance thereby reduce cost of owning such system, involve local operating system and not pall for regular upgrading of the system and also enable keeping secure data off public network.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus according to the basic aspect of the present invention there is provided an integrated simplified convergence platform for triple play applications including computing, communication and entertainment applications comprising — a simple & single platform providing (i)means for computational application ;(ii)means for ) entertainment applications; and(iii) means for voice and data applications; plurality of customized user access terminals/devices operatively connected to said common platform for said desired triple play applications.

Advantageously, the above integrated access platform have embedded software for providing computing, entertainment and voice capabilities.

The integrated technology platform rests on the server and provides access to the user for said computing or media applications. Importantly, to facilitate the management of the plurality of the user access devices a device management console is available. The said user access terminals /devices are free of any moving components and/or heat generating units. The system of the invention is so designed as to meet the desired simplicity of use with features based on the application specific requirements. The invention's user friendly access devices have an interface to operate menu based graphical user interface (GUI). The simplified convergence platform of the invention enables connection of the device to a variety of operating systems. Advantageously, the device is controlled by specially developed embedded software adapted to control and provide the above said convergence features. Also the devices are equipped with specially developed software for changing configuration parameters and/or updating the device configuration.

In accordance with an aspect of the integrated access system platform of the invention the same comprises of: plurality of user access terminal/devices in a server centric Computing environment;

a LAN and/or WAN operating connection to server and a device management console.

The server cluster used in the system can be selectively comprised of Content servers and Computing Servers, or the functionality of the cluster could be provided by a single server.

In accordance with a preferred aspect of the present invention there is provided an integrated access system platform comprising any or all of the following depending on the users' application requirement —

• General Purpose Processor having random access memory means ;

• media processor having random access memory means;

• flash storage means for storing software codes; and • system bus for operative connection of various components with the central processing units.

The simplified convergence platform design offers the following hardware blocks ~

• Ethernet MAC connectivity;

• Universal Asynchronous Transmitter and receiver means;

• Serial Peripheral Interface;

• Sport means;

• Peripheral Component Interconnect Bus means; . USB Controller;

• Audio Coder-DeCoder means;

• Video Digital to analog converter and / or VGA Controller;

• Speaker/MIC means;

• Interface to Monitor and / or TV;

• A power source,

. One Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Port

• An optional PCI expansion slot, modem, Ethernet switch, and

• Infra-Red Receiver

It is thus possible by way of the above disclosed convergence platform of the invention to provide for a simplified and user friendly access for triple play application including computing, communication and entertainment by way of providing a common platform which would be adopted with form factor changes to the hardware for each of the three different uses of triple play applications. The platform comprising of the specially designed hardware with embedded customized software to run the system. In particular, the specially developed software runs on the conventional servers like computing servers or content servers. Further, a client management software is also provided for managing multiple simplified user terminals / devices in the system. The software is embedded in the hardware to impart desired operational capability to the hardware of the simplified convergence platform of the invention.

It would be apparent from the above that the convergence platform imparts simplicity and user friendly characteristics to the operation / use of triple play gadgets / components by way^ of providing for the first time very simple appliance like attributes to the access terminal/devices in the system of the invention. Such appliance like attributes of the access terminals / devices would enable deployment of multiple access terminal / devices in hundred or thousands with very simple to manage network set up. Importantly, the system is adapted such that there is no additional burden or complexity of managing typical personal computer for individual work station.

Advantageously, as further apparent from the above disclosed system of the invention the system does not use moving parts or heat generating components which in turn impart the much desired reliability to the system.

The convergence platform of the invention would thus favours extreme simplification of the human-computer interaction so that the user who needs to operate a TV using the system will be able to operate the device with equal ease like conventional TV sets. For different access devices, different human interfaces featuring user friendly characteristics are provided, for example, the video on demand device will have simple to use remote control that is not different from a TV remote control. The device is also adapted to feature simple, menu-based GUI which enables the user to select various options as per the desired application / use. On start up, the access device would connect to an operating system server, and provide the user with access to applications. The user will then view the normal user interface that the connected operating syste m provides. For example, if the device connects to a Microsoft Windows server, he will see a Microsoft

Windows interface. If he connects to a Linux server, he will view the user interface provided by the Linux server distribution.

The software can be updated or modified for changing various configuration parameters and a single management server can take care of multiple access terminal / devices for required network management.

Apart from the system being free of any moving mechanical parts, the embedded software is also free of any code bloat which affects the device reliability and, therefore, the reliability of the system which is based on a simplicity.

The details of the invention, its object and advantages are explained hereunder in greater detail in relation to non-limiting exemplary illustration of the system as per the following accompanying figures: -

BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 : Illustrates multimedia capable server based computing environment provided by the convergence platform as in the present invention;

Figure 2: Illustrates a system block diagram describing the various high level system blocks used in the system of invention.

Reference is first invited to accompanying figure 1 which illustrates the provision of thin client computing environment in accordance with the system providing for the simple and effective operative connection to plurality of access terminal / devices and the triple play application area comprising content server [2], computing server [3] etc.

As clearly illustrated in Figure 1 the simplified convergence platform provides for the much desired server centric computing environment by operative communication with plurality of access terminal / devices (AT) [6] and with the required servers for the triple play applications including the content server (CS) [2] and computing server (CS) [3]. As further illustrated in same figure, the management of the plurality of the access terminal (AT) [6] is achieved by means of the device management console (DMC) [5]. Importantly, such device management console (DMC) [5] is simple and user friendly since the same is required to only manage very simplified access terminal (AT) [6] which do not use any moving parts / components or have any heat generating resources. As also illustrated in said figure, the operative connection of the convergence platform to the operative servers and the management console is attend through LAN / WAN environment.

Reference is now invited to accompanying figure 2 which illustrates the system block diagram describing the various high level system blocks. As apparent from said figure, the system basically comprises of General Purpose Processors (GPP) [7] to communicate over the network, handle tasks and manage the peripheral interfaces and a media processor (MP) [8] which is also a central processing unit adapted to handle media specific part of the platform.

The memory block (RAM) [9] indicates random access memory modules used by one or both the processors [8]. It is required for temporary calculation for running programs.

A flash means (FM) [10] which is basically a persistence storage area for software code that is also used along with optional provision of a smart card reader (SMR) [11] for high security environments. The various high level system blocks used in the convergence platform and its purposes are discussed hereunder in greater detail.

The General Purpose Processor (GPP) [7] is a general purpose CPU (Central Processing Unit). Its main function is to communicate over the network, handle tasks and manage the many peripheral interfaces available to it. It may or may not be present in all configurations of the hardware platform described, In which case the Media Processor [8] takes over the general purpose processing.

The Media Processor (MP) [8] is the CPU that handles the media specific part of the platform and interfaces to output devices like TV, monitor [34], speaker [33], etc. For example, the access devices [6] in the present system, when used in a server centric environment, have full multimedia capability unlike thin clients, allowing the use of the device as a media access client or as Video conferencing equipment. Where the General Purpose Processor [7] is unavailable in certain configurations, it takes over its role as well.

The System Bus (SB) [13] is a set of wires that connects together various components with the CPU.

A Smart Cards Reader means (SCR) [11] is preferably provided to read authentication cards such as Credit Cards, ATM Cards, Identity Cards, Access Cards, etc. In high security environments, where typically a user needs to be identified with much more than a user name and password, this can be used to check if a user is actually producing a valid card. The Smart Card Reader (SCR) [1 1] is basically a hardware device used in the system that is used to read information from Smart Cards [H].

The Simplified Convergence Platform design offers the following hardware blocks - The Ethernet MAC (EMAC) [14] or the EMAC [14] which is the Ethernet controller that is responsible for the hardware connectivity part of the Networking Subsystem,

Universal Asynchronous Transmitter and Receiver (UART) [16] that is used for serial communication.

The Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) [18] is a serial bus used to communicate with other SPI [18] capable devices. Since the media processor [8] has this capability, it is used to communicate between the General Purpose [7] and Media processors [8].

Means identified as (SPORT) [19] comprising a Serial port. In the system, it is used for inter- processor communications.

The Peripheral components Interconnect Bus (PCI) is an industry standard bus that can be used to connect various commercially available expansion slots that add functionality to the system.

The component USB Cn tr [23] is the USB controller that helps communicate between the General Purpose Processor [7] and various USB devices. In the system, the USB controller [23] controls devices such as the Mouse [28] , the Keyboard [27] , the Fingerprint scanner [29] used for user authentication and Web Camera [26] used for Video Conferencing.

The (PCI) expansion slot [24] is an optional block that can be present to accommodate commercially available hardware expansion slots like graphics cards or sound cards.

The Audio CODEC [31] is an Audio Coder-DeCoder that helps with digital audio encoding and decoding. Internally, the system, like all computers deals with digital signals. But any devices like speakers [33] and VGA monitors [34] need analog signals. The Video DAC [32] or Digital Io Analog converter is one such device that converts the digital signals delivered by the Media processor [8] into analog signals that the VGA monitor can display.

The system further includes speakers/mic (SP) [33] which is a normal set of speakers and microphone used commonly in computers. Also a monitor (MN) [34] comprise a regular PC monitor.

The system is powered by a power supply (PS) [35] which is the unit that supplies DC power to the whole system.

It is thus possible by way of the above disclosed system of the invention to bring computing to the masses who find it difficult to use normal PCs for reasons like (a) Affordability, (b) Ease of usability and (c) Lack of technical knowledge. Importantly, in using conventional PC based applications there is a long learning curve about OS installation, software installation, software upgrades or security updates and the present system advantageously is directed to avoid such difficulties and also remove the same completely.

The system of the invention thus addresses the usability, manageability and reliability issues in computing environments which would favour a wide scale and cost-effective application and use of such system for desired triple play applications covering computing, communication and entertainment.

The software is custom developed specifically for the hardware used in the Platform. It is the combination of this hardware and customized software that the system achieves the desired flexibility and user-friendly characteristics. The Platform thus enables integrating hardware devices in to different form factors. The platform is also able to provide the functions of Computation, Entertainment and Voice. The system of the invention thus provides an appliance like ease of us i and reliability with customized management software to make things even simpler.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. An integrated convergence platform for voice, video, and data applications including computing, communication and entertainment applications comprising - a common platform providing (i)means for computational applications ;(ii)means for entertainment applications; and(iii) means for voice and data applications; plurality -of specialized user access terminals/devices operatively connected to said common platform for said desired triple play applications.

2. An integrated convergence platform as claimed in claim 1 comprising said platform having embedded customized software for providing computing, entertainment and voice capabilities.

3. An integrated convergence platform as claimed in anyone of claims 1 or 2 wherein said platform leverages the data and computing ability of the server means for said computing or media applications and operatively connected to the said user access terminal/device.

4. An integrated convergence system platform as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 3 comprising a device management console for managing said plurality of user access terminals/devices.

5. An integrated convergence platform as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 4 wherein said user access terminals /devices are free of any moving components.

6. An integrated convergence platform as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 5 wherein said user access terminals/devices are provided with select features based on the application specific requirements.

7. An integrated convergence platform as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 6 wherein said device operates menu based graphical user interface (GUI).

8. An integrated convergence platform as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 7 wherein the said device connects to an operating system server also^ providing computing applications as one of its features.

9. An integrated convergence platform as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 7 wherein said device comprises embedded software specifically developed to control and provide the said features.

10. An integrated convergence platform as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 8 wherein said devices are equipped with specially developed management software for changing configuration parameters and/or updating the device configuration.

11. An integrated convergence platform as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 10 wherein said devices are application class computer access terminals with multimedia capabilities.

12. An integrated convergence platform as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 11 comprising - plurality of user access terminal/devices in a server centric Computing environment; a LAN and/or WAN operating connection to server means and a device management console.

13. An integrated convergence platform as claimed in claim 12 wherein said server means comprising Content servers and Computing Servers.

14. An integrated convergence platform as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 13 comprising any or all of the following depending on the users' application requirement

General Purpose Processor having random access memory means ; media processor having random access memory means; flash storage means for storing software codes; and system bus for operative connection of various components with the central processing units.

15. A Simplified Convergence Platform as claimed in claim 14 offers embedded software and / or hardware as an interface to smart card reader and /or biometric sensor means to secure access to the computing /content as provided by the platform.

16. The Simplified Convergence Platform design offers the following hardware blocks -

Ethernet MAC connectivity;

Universal Asynchronous Transmitter and receiver means;

Serial Peripheral Interface;

SPORT means;

Peripheral Component Interconnect Bus means;

USB Controller;

Audio Coder-DeCoder means;

Video Digital to analog converter and / or VGA Controller;

Speaker/MIC means;

Interface to Monitor and / or TV;

A power source,

One Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Port

An optional PCI expansion slot, modem, Ethernet switch, and

Infra-Red Receiver

17. An integrated convergence platform for triple play applications including computing, communication and entertainment applications and a method using the same substantially as herein described and illustrated with reference to the accompanying figures.