Abstract:
A method and system for distributing a decoded audio/video broadcast programming signal to a monitor includes using a set top box (STB) docked with a docking station, connected to a television. The method and system provides a subscriber of the broadcast programming the distribution of the STB amongst docking stations and associated televisions. The STB may include a video recorder for recording audio/video broadcast programming. The docking station may contain an identifier that the STB can recognize and use to limit or expand the decoded audio/video broadcast programming signal.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates to a set top box (STB) docking station connected between a programming source and a monitor to act as an abstract interface between the programming source and the monitor for a STB removably docked in the docking station.  
           [0003]    2. Background Art  
           [0004]    Cable and satellite broadcast service providers offer subscribers hundreds of channels of analog, digital, and high definition broadcast programming. Subscribers use a set top box (STB), either purchased or leased from the service provider, to access programming channels on a monitor such as a television (TV).  
           [0005]    A STB is a relatively expensive electronic device which acts as a receiver, tuner, and decoder of encoded programming signals provided by the broadcast service provider. A TV requires a decoded programming signal to present the broadcast programming to an audience. The STB is operable to generate a decoded programming signal from an encoded programming signal for the TV. The STB provides service subscribers access to various digital, audio, and interactive television services, including expanded channel counts; digital-quality video and audio; interactive program guides for viewing convenience and control; parental control; and virtual channels for community and local information provided by the broadcast service providers.  
           [0006]    Currently, most subscribers lease a STB from the service provider for each TV in the household. In order for a subscriber to access the broadcast programming on multiple TVs, the subscriber is required to lease an additional STB for each TV. That is, each TV typically has its own STB. The subscriber may circumvent this requirement by moving a STB from TV to TV. Purchasing a STB may not be feasible because the STB platform may need to be upgraded when new formats or programming is introduced. Also, if a subscriber moves to a location with a different broadcast service provider, that subscriber may have a different programming signal format incompatible with the subscriber&#39;s former provider.  
           [0007]    Furthermore, connection and reconnection of a STB to a TV and a programming source connection, such as a wall connection, is timely, inconvenient, and cumbersome. For example, often times moving the STB from one TV to another TV requires the movement of furniture and the TV in order to access the wires and cable connections.  
           [0008]    Thus, there exists a need for a method and system that would allow a subscriber to use one STB amongst a plurality of TVs in a subscriber&#39;s home. Such a method and system would eliminate the need to directly connect a STB between a TV and a programming source. With such a method and system, the connection and disconnection of the STB with the broadcast programming source and the TV would be connected indirectly without the use of direct cable connections from the STB to either of the TV and the programming source. As a result, the connection of the STB between the TV and the programming source would be inexpensive, easy, convenient, and reliable.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0009]    Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a set top box (STB) docking station that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to the limitations and disadvantages of the related prior art.  
           [0010]    In one embodiment, the invention provides an audio/video broadcast programming distribution system. The systems includes a docking station having an audio/video input connection and an audio/video output connection. The audio/video input connection is connected to a broadcast programming source in order to receive an encoded audio/video programming signal. The audio/video output connection is connected to a monitor in order to provide a signal to the monitor. The STB is removably docked to the docking station and receives the encoded audio/video programming signal from the docking station. The STB decodes the encoded audio/video programming signal and provides the decoded audio/video programming signal to the docking station. The docking station provides the decoded audio/video programming signal to the monitor via the audio/video output connection.  
           [0011]    The STB may include a tuner, a receiver, and a decoder operable to receive the encoded audio/video programming signal and to decode and tune the encoded audio/video programming signal. The STB may further include a programmable video recorder for recording the decoded audio/video programming signal. The monitor can be a television or a computer monitor.  
           [0012]    The docking station may have an identifier. When the STB is docked to the docking staton, the STB may receive the identifier from the docking station. The STB may block a portion of the decoded audio/video programming signal from being provided to the docking station based on the identifier of the docking station.  
           [0013]    In another embodiment, a device provides a decoded audio/video programming signal from a STB to a monitor. The STB is operable for generating a decoded audio/video programming signal. The device includes a docking station having an input and an output. The input of the docking station is connectable to a programming source in order to receive an encoded audio/video programming signal. The docking station is dockable with the STB and provides the encoded audio/video programming signal to the STB and receives a decoded audio/video programming signal generated by the STB. The output of the docking station is connectable to the monitor in order to provide the decoded audio/video programming signal to the monitor.  
           [0014]    In yet another embodiment, a method is provided for broadcasting programming on one of at least two monitors using a STB operable for generating a decoded programming signal from an encoded programming signal. The method provides for each of the at least two monitors, an associated docking station having an input and an output. The input of each docking station is connected to a programming source in order for the docking station to receive an encoded programming signal from the programming source. The output of each docking station is connected to the associated one of the at least two monitors. The STB is removably docked to one of the docking stations in order for the STB to receive the encoded programming signal from the input of the docking stations. The STB then provides a decoded programming signal to the docking stations. The docking station provides the decoded programming signal to the monitor associated with the one of the docking stations via the output of the one of the docking stations.  
           [0015]    The method may also provide recording the decoded programming signal using a video recorder in the STB.  
           [0016]    The method may further provide each docking station has a respective identifier. Upon docking the STB to the one of the docking stations, the STB may read the identifier from the one of the docking stations. The STB may block a portion of the decoded programming signal provided to the one of the docking stations based on the identifier of the one of the docking stations.  
           [0017]    The advantages according to the present invention are numerous. For instance, the present invention enables a subscriber to lease only one STB and be able to easily use this one STB amongst different televisions. Further, the present invention may provide a programmable video recorder in this STB such that the subscriber is able to easily use one video recorder amongst different televisions. Also, the present invention may provide an identifier with the docking station such that the STB when docked in the docking station is aware of the identity of the docking station for television channel blocking purposes and the like.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]    [0018]FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an audio/video broadcast programming distribution system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIGS. 2 a  and  2   b  respectively illustrate top and rear views of the docking station of the system shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIGS. 3 a  and  3   b  respectively illustrate bottom and front views of the set top box (STB) of the system shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIGS. 4 a  and  4   b  respectively illustrate top and side views of the docking of the STB into the docking station of the system shown in FIG. 1; and  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 5 illustrates a sketch illustrating the distribution of the STB between multiple docking stations in which each docking station is associated with a respective TV. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0023]    With reference to FIG. 1, an audio/video broadcast programming system  10  in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. System  10  allows a set top box (STB)  12  to be docked to a docking station  14 . The term “docked” is defined herein as being physically and electrically connected to a particular structure.  
         [0024]    In general, STB  12  removably docks within docking station  14  in order to decode encoded programming signal  18  received by the docking station from an audio/video programming source  16 . STB  12  provides the decoded programming signal  24  to a monitor  32 , such as a television (TV) or computer monitor, via docking station  14 . As the programming signals are decoded, TV  32  is able to present the programming contained therein to viewers. STB  12  may then be removed from docking within docking station  14  and docked within a second docking station in order to provide decoded programming signal  24  to a second TV associated with the second docking station.  
         [0025]    Audio/video programming source  16  transmits an encoded audio/video programming signal  18  through a cable connection  20  to a docking station input  22 . Typically, cable connection  20  connects docking station input  22  to audio/video programming source  16  via a wall connector  17 . When STB  12  is docked with docking station  14 , the STB receives the encoded audio/video programming signal  18  from the docking station. STB  12  then tunes and decodes the encoded audio/video programming signal  18  to generate a decoded audio/video programming signal  24 . STB  12  then sends decoded signal  24  to docking station  14 . Docking station  14  then sends the decoded audio/video programming signal  24  through a docking station output  26  to TV input  30  via a cable connection  28 . TV  32  then presents the decoded audio/video programming signal  24  via a cable connection  28  as audio/video broadcast programming to subscribers.  
         [0026]    STB  12 , docking station  14 , and TV  32  may each be controlled by a remote control, such as a radio frequency remote. System  10  may also have the capability to allow the subscriber to surf the Internet along with viewing the digital broadcast programming. Surfing the Internet would require additional input and output connections between docking station  14  and the TV  32 . STB  12  would decode the programming signal to access the Internet, similar to a cable modem, for accessing the Internet on TV  32 .  
         [0027]    With reference to FIGS. 2 a  and  2   b  respectively illustrates top and rear views of docking station  14  of the system shown in FIG. 1. Docking station  14  allows STB  12  to be docked within the docking station. In addition to accommodating STB  12 , docking station  14  allows a number of external devices to be electrically connected to the docking station. The external devices that can be connected to docking station  14  may include, but are not limited to a monitor, a computer, and a sound system.  
         [0028]    Docking station  14  includes a housing  40  having a top lateral surface  41  configured to physically receive and accommodate STB  12 . Lateral surface  41  includes a docking connector  42  that can mate with a compatible docking connector  64  (shown in FIG. 3 a ) on STB  12  located on the bottom of the STB. The type of docking connector  42  on docking station  14  depends on the type of docking connector  64  of the STB  12 . As an example, docking connector  42  of docking station  14  may be a male  240  pin docking connector that can mate with a female docking connector on STB  12 .  
         [0029]    Docking connector  42  on lateral surface  41  of docking station housing  40  is electrically coupled to a number of connectors on a back surface  44  of the docking station housing. Examples of inputs and outputs may include video, s-video, digital television, satellite, data, antenna, and optical. Docking station  14  may also have the capability of allowing an analog signal to pass through the docking station and to send to the connected monitor  32 . The analog signal is often an decoded signal that monitor  32  may present without the need of STB  12 .  
         [0030]    Docking station  14  also has two receiving pegs  46  to receive STB receiving notches  62  (shown in FIG. 3 a ). Pegs  46  are located along a front lateral edge surface  43  of docking station  14 . Docking station  14  also includes two locking and guiding pegs  48  in a rear lateral surface for the purpose of receiving and locking in STB  12  into docking station  14 . Docking station  14  also contains a release lever  50  on both sides of the docking station. When lever  50  is pulled in the direction shown by arrow  52 , the lever unlocks the locking and guiding pegs  48  to release STB  12  and also actuates two push up rods  54  to enable the set top box to be raised and released.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIGS. 3 a  and  3   b  respectively illustrate bottom and front views of the STB shown in FIG. 1. STB bottom surface  60  contains two receiving notches  62  in the front to accommodate a proper fit with receiving pegs  46  of docking station  14 . STB bottom surface  60  also contains docking connector  64  and receiving and placement holes  66  for aligning locking and guiding pegs  48  of docking station  14 .  
         [0032]    The front of STB  68  may contain buttons and displays for various features and functionality of the STB. Buttons and displays may include, but are not limited to: power, menu, exit, info, action, enter, mode, and may integrate a joystick-like cursor selection system.  
         [0033]    STB  12  may also integrate a digital video recorder (DVR) to decode and record audio/video programming. The DVR of STB  12  contains a hard disk or other storage medium to digitally record the decoded audio/video programming signal to be viewed at the subscriber&#39;s convenience. The DVR of STB  12  may also include programming options and other “smart” programming options. STB  12  may also include an Internet or a network connection for monitoring usage and providing programming options for the DVR. “Smart” programming options include programming the DVR to record the same shows or genres of shows matched with the subscriber&#39;s interest. For example, the DVR can be programmed to record all Yankee baseball games or shows with a certain actor or actress. The DVR may also allow the subscriber to view “live” audio/video programming with the functionality of the DVR options such as freezing, replaying, slow motion, or instant replay of “live” audio/video programming. The DVR also allows the subscriber during playback of the recorded programming to view the audio/video programming with options such as pausing, rewinding, advancing or slow motioning. The DVR of STB  12  can also allow a subscriber to go to another location, i.e. a friend&#39;s home or vacation home, with a compatible docking station and access the audio/video programming contents of the hard drive of the DVR for viewing at that location.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIGS. 4 a  and  4   b  respectively illustrate bottom and side views of the docking of STB  12  into docking station  14 . STB  12  has two receiving notches  60  to accommodate the two receiving pegs  46  on docking station  14 . Docking station  14  then receives STB  12 , making connection with STB docking connector  64  with docking station docking connector  42 . Docking station  14  also has locking and guiding pins  48  to accommodate receiving holes  66  in the back of STB  12  in order to lock-in and secure the STB into place with the docking station. STB  12  can be undocked from the docking station by pulling on the release levers  50  for docking station locking and guiding pegs  48 . Pulling on lever  50  also releases the groove of guiding pegs  48  and pushes STB  12  up with two push up rods  54  triggered by the lever. The user can then take STB  12  and move the STB to another docking station, as described in the invention.  
         [0035]    Referring now to FIG. 5, a sketch illustrating the distribution of STB  12  between multiple docking stations  14   a ,  14   b , and  14   c . Each docking station  14   a ,  14   b , and  14   c  is associated and connected to a respective TV  32   a ,  32   b , and  32   c  in a home. STB  12  can be docked within any docking station  14   a ,  14   b , and  14   c . The docking station and the TV of each separate unit is capable of storing the settings for that particular unit with the associated docking station. This diagram shows that only one STB is needed to access digital TV programming in a home with a plurality of TVs with associated docking stations. Thus, the need to purchase or lease additional STBs is eliminated. Also, STB  12  at the time of an upgrade can be exchanged with greater efficiency and those future upgrades may be compatible with the current docking station system, thus making upgradeability of the STB seamless.  
         [0036]    STB  12  may also have the capability to recognize the difference between multiple docking stations  14   a ,  14   b , and  14   c  and their respective connected TVs  32   a ,  32   b , and  32   c . Docking stations  14   a ,  14   b , and  14   c  can each have an individual identifier. STB  12  can recognize the identifier and determine the level of programming allowed based on the identifier associated with that docking station. STB  12  would limit the access to certain channels based on the programming the settings of the particular unit. For example, docking station  14   a  and TV  32   a  in a living room would have certain channels accessible, while a docking station  14   b  and TV  32   b  in a bedroom room could have a completely different set of channels accessible. This feature could be a form of parental control for docking stations and TVs based on their settings.  
         [0037]    STB  12  may also include parental control features. STB  12  can restrict the viewing of any specific program titles and channels. Once a program is restricted, it can only be viewed by entering the parental control code into STB  12 . The parental control feature can be used in conjunction with capability of STB  12  to recognize docking stations  14   a ,  14   b , and  14   c . For example, no parental control codes would be required on TV  32   b  in the bedroom, while parental control codes would have to be entered to view channels on TV  32   a  of the living room. Thus the invention would eliminate the need to constantly change codes and enter codes.  
         [0038]    While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.