WO2013189358A2

WO2013189358A2 - Combined set-top box apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2013189358A2
Application number: PCT/CN2013/081735
Authority: WO
Inventors: 习凯; 柴作朋; 周茂林
Original assignee: 中兴通讯股份有限公司
Priority date: 2012-09-29
Filing date: 2013-08-19
Publication date: 2013-12-27
Also published as: CN103716663A; WO2013189358A3

Abstract

A combined set-top box apparatus comprises a panel module and a host module which are independent from each other. The panel module and the host module are respectively disposed with a wireless communication module therein. When mounted separately, the panel module and the host module implement wireless communication linkage through the wireless communication modules, so as to transfer control information and/or state information. By using the separable panel module and host module, the host of the set-top box can be mounted at a position which is most favorable for wiring, so that the panel of the set-top box can be placed at any position, which facilitates the use of the set-top box compared with the conventional technical solution of using an infrared extension cable or a radio-frequency remote control.

Description

Combined set top box device

The present invention relates to the field of set top boxes, and more particularly to a combined set top box device. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION With the advancement of digitization in the broadcasting industry and the development of the IPTV industry, set-top boxes have entered into thousands of households as indispensable terminal devices for digital media on audio-visual equipment. Since the audio-visual equipment such as televisions and projectors in the user's home come from different manufacturers, they usually have various appearances and different installation methods. In this way, in the installation of the set-top box and the audio-visual equipment, problems such as insufficient space, messy wiring, and inconvenient control are often encountered.

In order to solve the problem of the installation of the set-top box and the audio-visual equipment, the methods currently used are: using an infrared extension cable or using an RF remote control. With these two methods, although the set top box can be placed in a place that does not affect the appearance and facilitates wiring, there are still disadvantages that the set top box panel is invisible and inconvenient for the user to operate. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The technical problem to be solved by embodiments of the present invention is how to provide a combined set top box device, which facilitates the installation and use of the set top box. In order to solve the above technical problem, an embodiment of the present invention provides a combined set top box device, including a separate panel module and a host module, wherein the panel module and the host module respectively have a wireless communication module; the panel module and the When the host module is separately installed, the wireless communication module implements a wireless communication link, and transmits control information and/or status information. Preferably, the panel module and the host module respectively have electrical interfaces; When the panel module is assembled in combination with the host module, a wired communication link and a power link are implemented through the electrical interface. Preferably, the panel module has a magnetic strip and a positioning limiting mechanism. When the panel module is assembled with the host module, the panel module is adsorbed by the magnetic strip and the positioning limiting mechanism. On the host module. Preferably, the panel module further includes: a panel control module, configured to: when the panel module and the host module have a wired communication link, close the wireless communication module of the panel module; Otherwise, a wireless communication link is made between the wireless communication module of the panel module and the host module. Preferably, the panel module further includes: a display module, the panel control module is further configured to: drive the display module to display a set character, and control a display state of the display module; The display state is adjusted according to a control instruction of the panel control module, wherein the display state includes brightness, contrast, and/or refresh frequency. Preferably, the panel module further includes: a control input module, configured to detect a key input and a remote control input of the panel module, and send the detection result to the panel control module. Preferably, the panel module further comprises one or more of the following modules:

USB interface power supply module, battery module. Preferably, the panel module further includes: a power management module, wherein the panel control module is further configured to: acquire status information of the power management module, and send a control instruction to the power management module; And for obtaining power from the host module when an electrical interface between the panel module and the host module is turned on; when power cannot be obtained from the host module, switching power supply to the USB Interface power supply module or the battery module. Preferably, the host module further includes: a main control decoding module and a digital television signal input module. And a television signal output module, the digital television signal input module is configured to: after demodulating the received digital television signal, send the signal to the main control decoding module; and the main control decoding module is configured to receive the digital The demodulated digital baseband signal input by the television signal input module is decoded and outputted to the television signal output module; and the television signal output module is configured to output the decoded audio and video signals to the display device. Preferably, the wireless communication between the panel module and the host module is in a 2.4G or 430Mhz mode. In the embodiment of the present invention, the set top box host can be installed at the most favorable position for wiring by using the detachable panel module and the host module, so that the set top box panel can be placed at any position, and the existing infrared extension line or the radio frequency remote control is used. Compared with the technical solution of the device, it is convenient for the user to use. In addition, the magnetic module can be used in the embodiment of the invention, so that the set top box panel can be adsorbed on the steel object, and the installation position can be changed at will.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are set to illustrate,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the connection of a combined set top box device in a split mode according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the connection of a combined set top box device in a combined mode according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is an internal structural diagram of a host module of a combined set top box device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a host installation/operation mode selection process according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a panel installation/operation mode selection process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Preferred embodiment of the invention In order to make the objects, the technical solutions and the advantages of the present invention more clearly, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, in the case of no conflict, the features in the embodiments and the embodiments in the present application may be arbitrarily combined with each other. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the combined set top box device of the embodiment of the present invention is mainly composed of a panel module 100 and a host module 101. The panel module 100 and the host module 101 respectively have a wireless communication module therein; when the panel module 100 and the host module 101 are separately installed, the wireless communication module implements a wireless communication link, and transmits control information and/or status information. In addition, the panel module 100 has an electrical interface connected to the host module 101. The host module 101 has an electrical interface connected to the panel module 100. The electrical interface between the panel module and the host module is communication between the two modules. The power supply channel; when the panel module 100 and the host module 101 are installed in combination, the electrical interface communicates with itself, and the panel module 100 and the host module 101 implement a wired communication link and a power link through the electrical interface. As shown in FIG. 3, the panel module 100 of the embodiment of the present invention is an interface for receiving a user control command and displaying a working state of the set top box, and may also include multiple submodules: a panel control module 100a, a display module 100b, and a wireless communication module 100c, and The host port 埠100d, the USB interface power supply module 100e, the battery module 100f, the power management module 100g, and the control input module 100h. The panel control module 100a is composed of a single chip microcomputer and its peripheral circuits, and is responsible for driving the display module 100b to display the set characters, controlling various states of the display module; receiving the data transmitted by the wireless communication module 100c, and is required to cooperate with the host module 101. The communication data is sent to the wireless communication module 100c; there is a wired communication link between the panel control module 100a and the connection port 100d with the host. When the wired communication link is available, the panel control module 100a will close the wireless communication module 100c. The communication between the two modules is only two-way communication with the host module 101. The panel control module 100a can obtain the status information of the power management module 100g and issue a control command to the power management module 100g. The panel control module 100a can Obtain the data information sent by the control input module 100h. The display module 100b can receive data from the panel control module 100a and display the data; can receive the control command from the panel control module 100a, and adjust according to the control instruction Display status, such as brightness, contrast, refresh rate, etc. The wireless communication module 100c, which is used in conjunction with the wireless communication module 101c, sets up a wireless channel between 100 and 101. The wireless communication can use mature technologies such as 2.4G and 430Mhz. The connection port 埠100d is divided into a power part and a communication part interface. The host module 101 supplies power to the panel module 100 through the power part interface, and establishes a two-way communication link through the communication part interface. After the connection 埠100d to the host and the connection 埠101d to the panel are turned on, the panel control module 100a turns off the wireless communication module 100c.

USB interface power supply module 100e, the interface is a universal USB power supply interface, through which the front panel can be connected to an audio-visual device or other general-purpose USB interface, and the panel module 100 can obtain power from these universal USB interfaces.

The battery module 100f provides an alternate rechargeable DC power supply. When disconnected from the set top box host, the rechargeable battery module provides the panel module with the power required for operation.

The power management module 100g, when the connection port 100d to the host and the port 101d to the panel are not connected, and the USB interface power supply module 100e fails to obtain power from the external universal USB interface, the power management module 100g automatically switches the power supply to The battery module 100f; if the connection 埠100d to the host and the connection 埠101d to the panel, or the USB interface power supply module 100e can obtain power from the external universal USB interface, the power management module 100g automatically switches the power supply to the host The port 100d or the USB interface power supply module 100e is connected, and the battery module 100f is charged according to the discharge condition of the battery module 100f.

The control input module 100h detects the panel key input and the remote control input, and transmits the obtained information to the panel control module 100a.

As shown in FIG. 4, the host module 101 of the embodiment of the present invention completes the reception and decoding of the digital television signal and outputs it to the audiovisual device, and completes the judgment of the panel installation state, and starts the corresponding communication mode. The host module 101 may further comprise a plurality of sub-modules: a master decoding module 101a, a digital television signal input module 101b, a wireless communication module 101c, a connection port 101d, and a television signal output module 101e.

The main control decoding module 101a receives the digital television signal input by the digital television signal input module 101b, and decodes the output to the television signal output module 101e; and completes the submodules of the host module 101. Logic control. The digital television signal input module 101b receives the digital television signal input, demodulates the input signal, and inputs the demodulated digital baseband signal to the master control decoding module 101a. Wireless communication module 101c wireless communication module, this module is used together with the wireless communication module 100c to build a wireless communication channel between the panel module 100 and the host module 101. The wireless communication can use mature technical means such as 2.4G and 430Mhz. The connection port 101d to the panel is divided into a power supply part and a communication part interface. The power supply part interface can provide power to the panel module 100, and the communication part interface can establish a two-way communication link with the panel module 100. The television signal output module 101e is an interface between the host module 101 and a display device such as an audiovisual device, and the host module 101 outputs the decoded audio and video signals to the display device through the interface.

As shown in FIG. 5, the working process of the host module 101 in this embodiment is as follows: Step 11: After the host is powered on, after the host is powered on, the main control decoding module 101a completes the initialization of the operating system, and presets the peripheral module to the corresponding Operating mode. Step 12: Perform panel initialization in a wired manner, and the main control decoding module 101a controls the connection with the panel 埠101d, first connects the power supply portion thereof, and after appropriate delay, interfaces with the communication portion of the interface 埠101d of the panel, and the host The connection 埠100d sends a communication initialization command and waits for a response to the host 埠100d. Step 13: Determine whether the wired link initialization is successful, and determine the link establishment condition according to the response of the connection with the host 埠100d. If the establishment is successful, proceed to step 14; if the link establishment fails, proceed to step 15. Step 14: Enter the combined working mode. In this mode, the communication with the panel is transmitted and received through the connection port 101d with the panel, and the main control decoding module 101a turns off the wireless communication module 101c. The process ends. Step 15: Perform panel initialization in a wireless manner, and the main control decoding module 101a initializes the wireless communication module 101c, and sends a communication initial to the wireless communication module 100c through the wireless communication module 101c. Initialize the command and wait for the response of the wireless communication module 100c. Step 16: Determine whether the wireless link is successfully established, and determine the establishment of the communication link between the wireless communication module 101c and the interface 埠lOld according to the response of the wireless communication module 100c. If the establishment is successful, proceed to step 17; if the link establishment fails, proceed to step 18. Step 17: Enter the split working mode, in which communication with the panel is transmitted and received through the wireless communication module 101c. The process ends. Step 18: The panel works abnormally, and the main control decoding module 101a gives the fault prompt information on the display device through the user interface. The process ends.

As shown in FIG. 6, the working process of the panel module in the embodiment of the present invention is as follows: Step 21: After the panel is powered on, after the panel is powered on, the panel control module 100a will complete initialization, and control the display to display the preset state, and then proceeds to step 22 . Step 22: Determine whether the connection with the host 埠100d and the connection with the panel 埠lOld are connected. First, the wireless communication module 100c determines the connection with the host 埠100d and the connection with the panel by reading the state of the power management module 100g. lThe power interface part of Old is connected. If Unicom goes to step 23, if there is no connection, go to step 26. Step 23: Initialize the connection with the host 埠100d, and initialize the interface of the communication part of the connection 埠100d with the host. Step 24: The wireless communication module 100c module is turned off, and the panel control module 100a controls the wireless communication module 100c to be in a closed state. Step 25: Entering the combined working mode, the panel control module 100a sets all communication with the host through the wired mode, that is, all data is transmitted and received via the connection 埠100d with the host. The process ends. Step 26: Initialize the wireless communication module 100c module, and the panel control module 100a controls the wireless communication module 100c to be in an active state, receives data of the wireless communication module 101c, and responds according to the protocol. Step 27: Entering the split mode, the panel control module 100a sets all communication with the host through the wireless mode, that is, all data transmission and reception is performed via the wireless communication module 100c. The process ends. In addition, the modular panel module 100 has a magnetic strip and a positioning limiting mechanism. When combined with the set top box host, the magnetic strip and the positioning limiting mechanism will closely adhere the combined panel to the set top box main body and make the electrical The interface (connection to the host 埠100d and connection to the panel 埠lOld) is connected. In the split-mount mode, the magnetic strip on the modular panel allows the modular panel to be attached to the steel object and free to move and repeatedly disassemble.

In summary, the embodiment of the present invention provides a set top box device having a combined panel and a set top box host, wherein the panel has a common function of a common set top box, and can be used in combination with a set top box host; the panel has an independent power supply module. And with a set-top box host with a wireless communication module, can be placed indoors away from the set-top box host, and complete the function of the ordinary set-top box front panel, without any cable connection with the host, for the installation of the set-top box And easy to use.

The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in various other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Various changes and modifications may be made to the invention, and such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Obviously, those skilled in the art should understand that the above modules or steps of the present invention can be implemented by a general-purpose computing device, which can be concentrated on a single computing device or distributed over a network composed of multiple computing devices. Alternatively, they may be implemented by program code executable by the computing device, such that they may be stored in the storage device by the computing device and, in some cases, may be different from the order herein. The steps shown or described are performed, or they are separately fabricated into individual integrated circuit modules, or a plurality of modules or steps are fabricated as a single integrated circuit module. Thus, the invention is not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software. Industrial Applicability Compared with related technologies, the combined set top box device provided by the embodiment of the present invention has a common function of a common set top box and can be used in combination with a set top box host; the panel has an independent power supply module, and It has a wireless communication module between the set-top box host and can be placed anywhere away from the set-top box host, and completes the functions of the common set-top box front panel. No cable connection is required between the host and the host, which is the installation and use of the set-top box. Convenient.

Claims

Claim

A combined set top box device, comprising: a separate panel module and a host module, wherein the panel module and the host module respectively have a wireless communication module; when the panel module is separately installed from the host module, The wireless communication module implements a wireless communication link, and transmits control information and/or status information.

2. The set top box device according to claim 1, wherein the panel module and the host module respectively have electrical interfaces; when the panel module is assembled with the host module, wired communication is implemented through the electrical interface. Links and power links.

The set top box device according to claim 2, wherein the panel module has a magnetic strip and a positioning limiting mechanism, and when the panel module is assembled with the host module, the magnetic strip and the The positioning limiting mechanism adsorbs the panel module on the host module.

The set top box device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the panel module further comprises: a panel control module, the panel control module is configured to: when the panel module and the host module have available cable When the communication link is performed, the wireless communication module of the panel module is closed; otherwise, the wireless communication module of the panel module is used to perform a wireless communication link with the host module.

The set top box device according to claim 4, wherein the panel module further comprises: a display module,

The panel control module is further configured to drive the display module to display the set characters, and control the display state of the display module;

The display module is configured to adjust a display state according to a control instruction of the panel control module, where the display state includes brightness, contrast, and/or refresh frequency.

The set top box device according to claim 4, wherein the panel module further comprises: a control input module, The control input module is configured to detect a key input and a remote control input of the panel module, and send the detection result to the panel control module.

The set top box device according to claim 4, wherein the panel module further comprises one or more of the following modules: a USB interface power supply module, and a battery module.

The set-top box device according to claim 7, wherein the panel module further comprises: a power management module, wherein the panel control module is further configured to acquire state information of the power management module, and manage the power to the power supply The module sends a control command; the power management module is configured to: when the electrical interface between the panel module and the host module is turned on, obtain power from the host module; when the power cannot be obtained from the host module And switching the power supply to the USB interface power supply module or the battery module.

The set top box device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the host module further comprises: a main control decoding module, a digital television signal input module and a television signal output module, wherein the digital television signal input module is used After the received digital television signal is demodulated, sent to the main control decoding module; the main control decoding module is configured to receive the demodulated digital baseband signal input by the digital television signal input module, and Decoding output to the television signal output module; the television signal output module, configured to output the decoded audio and video signals to the display device.

The set top box device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the wireless communication between the panel module and the host module is in a 2.4G or 430Mhz mode.