Set-top box having media gateway, server and storage units

A set top box is provided that has a low profile modular configuration that enables the control unit and storage unit to function independently from each other or as a combined unit. The set top box includes a control unit, a storage unit, and a connector positioned there between. The storage unit includes a housing and a plurality of storage bays for receiving storage modules having two parallel broad sides. The connector is positioned between the control unit and the storage unit and secures the control and storage units together. The connector has a vertical peripheral cross section substantially the same as a vertical peripheral cross section of the control unit and the storage unit.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a set top box and, in particular, to a set top box configured for media, gateway, and storage functions.

BACKGROUND

A cable or satellite receiver is generally known as a set top box. The common set top box (STB) is an information device that generally connects to a display device and an external source of signal (i.e. cable, broadband) and includes a tuner and circuitry to convert the signal into media content which displayable on the display device.

The digital video recorder (DVR), also referred to as a personal video recorder (PVR), was developed to record video in a digital format to a disk drive, USB flash drive, SD memory card or other local or networked mass storage device. Initially, the DVR was a separate unit with a separate power source. These DVRs are often connected to the set top box and display device through cables. However, the distinction between the set top box and storage devices such as the digital video recorder (DVR) has been blurred by the increasing deployment of set top boxes with hard discs, network or USB interfaces built-in. The STB has become a multimedia interactive tool. The STB converts and delivers media to the television, provides connectivity to the internet, and records and manipulates content delivered.

While the need has developed for a more compact STB, the amount of needed storage space and the number of ports/components has increased. As a result, a low profile set top box that is capable of media, gateway, and storage function is needed.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the invention was devised in light of the problems described above, and an object of the invention, inter alia, is to provide a set top box having a low profile modular configuration that enables the control unit and storage unit function independently from each other or as a combined unit.

The set top box includes a control unit, a storage unit, and a connector positioned therebetween. The storage unit includes a housing and a plurality of storage bays for receiving storage modules having two parallel broad sides. The connector is secured to the control unit and the storage unit together and positioned there between. Also, the connector has a vertical peripheral cross section being substantially the same as a vertical peripheral cross section of the control unit and the storage unit.

In embodiments of the invention, an electronic system is provided that comprises: a set top box or control component; an electronic data storage component, the electronic data storage component having a plurality of slots each designed to receive and hold storage modules or hard drives, the storage modules or hard drives having two parallel broad sides; and a divider physically connected to the set top box component or control component and the electronic data storage, the divider having a vertical peripheral cross section that is substantially the same as vertical peripheral cross sections of the set top box component or control component and the electronic data storage. The electronic data storage component can be configured such that the broad sides of storage modules or hard drives are parallel to one another and have air gaps therebetween. The electronic data storage component can be configured such that cooling air is unidirectionally drawn into the electronic data storage component in a first direction between a broad side of a first storage module or hard drive and a first wall of the electronic data storage component and travels through an entire length of the first storage module or hard drive; wherein the electronic data storage component is further configured to have the air travel unidirectionally in a second direction opposite to the first direction between each adjacent pair of broad sides of the storage modules or hard drives; and wherein the air is finally exhausted from the electronic data storage component in the second direction. The electronic data storage component can have a plurality of vents at a first end, the first end wall being oppose a second end which is adjacent to the divider. The electronic data storage component can comprise a removal door at the first end that has a magnetic locking mechanism comprising: a plurality of elongated magnetic components surrounding a central region, the elongated magnetic components being in a common plane and each generally directed toward the central region; a plurality of shafts in the removal door which contain the elongated magnetic components and permit each magnet component to side therein; a plurality of locking apertures on at least two walls of the electronic data storage component that are each aligned with the shafts in the removal door such that when the elongated magnetic components are in a locked position, a portion of the elongated magnetic components slides into the locking apertures, thereby locking the door; and a centrally mounted rotating door locking handle having a centrally mount magnet assembly having a lock orientation and an unlock orientation, wherein the handle causes the elongated magnetic components to slide into the locking apertures when the handle is rotated to the lock orientation and the handle causes the elongated magnetic components to slide out of the locking apertures when the handle is rotated to the unlock orientation. The magnetic door assembly can be constructed to permit the appropriate cooling air flow. The electronic data storage component can comprise a light pipe for each of the slot, wherein the light pipes are designed and configure to emit light when a storage modules or hard drives is properly inserted therein, thereby signifying that the given storage module or hard drive is ready for use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)

The present disclosure is directed towards a number of inventive concepts for a set top box having a media gateway, a server and storage units, as discussed below and illustrated in the exemplaryFIGS. 1-26.

It should be understood that the drawings are for purposes of illustrating the concepts of the disclosure and is not necessarily the only possible configuration for illustrating the disclosure.

The set top box1according to the invention includes modular components, including a control unit10, a storage unit20, and a connector40connecting the control unit10and storage unit20. As will be discussed in detail below, the storage unit20is configured to hold, operate with, and provide cooling for a plurality of storage modules, which are connectable with the control unit through the connector40. As a result, the exemplary set top box according to the invention has a smaller, low profile and modular configuration that enables the control unit10and storage unit20to function independently from each other or as a combined unit, with a space saving footprint.

With reference toFIGS. 1-11, an assembly of the control unit10, connector,40, and the storage unit20is shown.

The control unit10according to the invention is a media gateway and server unit housing a tuner, a processor and a circuit board for decoding the input signal from a signal source (i.e. ethernet cable, satellite dish, coaxial cable, broadband, or even VHF or UHF antennas), and directing two-way communications over an IP network. As shown inFIG. 3, the control unit10includes a number of communication and data ports12disposed on one side of the control unit and connecting to the computer housed in the control unit10. The number and types of ports are variable, but may include an Ethernet connection, IEEE 1394 interfaces, serial and parallel ports, HDMI, digital visual interfaces, USB, and coaxial connectors to name a few. Additionally, the control unit10includes an AC power assembly, which can include a plug and socket assembly or a direct hard wire connection to an AC plug. The control unit10is configured to work independently from the storage unit20; however, the control unit10can connect to the storage unit20in order to store media and data into large storage modules that are quickly accessible through the storage unit.

As shown inFIGS. 8 and 11, the connector40includes a wall and a connection assembly44. The connector40has a peripheral cross section that is substantially the same as a vertical peripheral cross sections of the control unit10and the storage unit, so that when assembled the modular units (i.e. control unit10, storage unit20, and connector40) resemble an integral monolithic structure.

The connector40connects the control unit10and the storage unit20, supplying power to the storage unit20, and enabling communication between the control unit10and the storage unit20through the connection assembly44. The connection assembly44includes a plug and socket assembly in the embodiment shown, the male plug assembly is positioned on one side of the connection assembly corresponding to a female socket assembly (not shown) in the control unit10, and the socket is positioned on an opposite side with respect to the plug, and corresponds to a connection assembly24(i.e. male plug assembly) in the storage unit20. The male and female plug assemblies in include power and data ports. In other embodiments, the connection assembly44may vary by having additional or different ports. Additionally, the configuration of the connecting plug and socket combinations can vary in kind and positioning between the connector40, the control unit10, and the storage unit20.

In other embodiments, the storage unit20and the control unit10can connect together without the connector40, but rather use the connection assemblies described above positioned respectively on the storage unit20and the control unit10.

In the embodiment shown, the storage unit20includes a redundant array of independent disks (RAID) storage technology that combines multiple drive components into a single logical unit, where the data are distributed across the multiple drives. Therefore, when control unit10and the storage unit20are physically connected through the connector40, a small multi-pin coupler assembly as shown, the control unit10can access any of the storage modules within the storage unit top save or retrieve data.

In the embodiment shown, the connector40includes magnets46(illustrated as squares with shallow apertures therein) on an upper side surface42to facilitate connection between the control unit10and the storage unit20, which include corresponding magnetic coupling systems (see the fastener23inFIG. 12for example). However, other securing mechanisms known in the art may be implemented.

Turning now toFIGS. 12-21, the storage unit20is shown and configured to receive one or multiple storage modules60, such as HDD or SSD drives. The configuration shown is a “hot swap” configuration; however, other known storage devices and configurations may be used and implemented into the storage unit20according to the invention. “Hot swap” can imply connecting and disconnecting without turning off the power.

The associated circuitry70for the storage unit20is housed in a channel27below or adjacent to the storage modules (see, e.g.,FIG. 16). The storage modules60and circuitry70are cooled by a fan34in a venting assembly30, which is situated at one end of this channel27. The venting assembly30is positioned at an end22of the storage unit20and is seated in a recess of the storage unit20housing, since the venting assembly30. The venting assembly30includes a housing36, a fan receiving chamber37positioned between the housing36, a fan34or blower device positioned in the fan receiving chamber37, a perforated venting wall38positioned between the fan and the storage module bays26, and a vented passageway32that leads from the fan receiving chamber37and into the channel27. The perforated venting wall38includes a plurality of apertures that correspond with each of the storage module bays26. The shape and size of the apertures in the perforated venting wall38are variable. In the embodiment shown, the apertures are positioned and sized corresponding to each of the storage module bays26.

FIG. 19shows a perspective view of the ventilated access door assembly150having the ventilated access door positioned at the other end21of the storage unit20. The door provides access to the storage module bays26and storage modules60. As shown inFIG. 19, the access door50includes a plurality of venting apertures52that enable effective airflow through the storage unit20. In the embodiment shown, the access door50is a perforated metal sheet that includes a locking mechanism54(which will be described in more detail below). Positioned below the access door50is an opening to the vented channel27that houses the circuitry70.

As air100is drawn in through the opening of the vented channel27and across the circuitry70by the fan34through the vented passageway32, the air is then directed through the perforated venting wall38and through the storage module bays26and across the storage modules60(see, e.g.,FIGS. 17 and 18). The storage module bays26are spaced apart sufficiently that there is ample room between the storage modules60to facilitate appropriate airflow (see, e.g.,FIG. 20). The entire cooling system is an integral part of the housing, which makes up the enclosure of the storage unit20.

As discussed, the access door50on the storage unit20is perforated or otherwise ventilated. However, the access door50also provides security for the electronic circuitry and the storage modules60. As shown inFIG. 21, each of the storage module60are accessible from their respective storage module bays26, and in the embodiment shown, each storage module60is removable. As shown inFIG. 21, the storage unit20may also contain extruded rails29that separate and hold the storage modules60in the storage module bays26. The storage modules60are connected to the circuitry70, notably through a circuit board at one end of these rails29(seeFIGS. 25 and 26). The storage unit20also includes LED indicators25to signal the status of each individual drive connection between the storage module60and the circuitry70, including the PCB. These LED indicators25would normally be concealed, yet an optical light-pipe is incorporated into each drive rail, transferring the LED illumination to the front or open end of the enclosure to provide a visual indicator near each storage module60.

Now, with reference toFIGS. 22-24, the access door50will be discussed. The venting apertures52have been removed for clarity in the description of the mechanical components of the access door50. The access door50is secured by a rotating latch mechanism56that locks or unlocks the locking mechanism54located in the access door.

The access door50according to the invention includes securing pins58that are disposed in the access door50and protrude from side walls of the access door50when the latch mechanism56is rotated, which activates the locking mechanism54(seeFIGS. 22A through 22D). The locking mechanism54actuates the securing pins58by a series of magnetic components59in the locking mechanism54that attract or repel the securing pins58depending on the rotational position of the latch mechanism56. As shown inFIG. 23, access door40includes a plurality of pin receiving passageways55for receiving the securing pin58. A stop (not shown) can also be included in the pin receiving passageways55to limit the extent to which the securing pins58can extend into or out of the pin receiving passageway55. The storage unit20includes a plurality of locking apertures on at least two walls of the storage unit20that are each aligned with the plurality of pin receiving passageways55in the access door50such that when the elongated magnetic components59move the securing pins58, the securing pins58are received into the locking apertures, thereby securing the access door50with the storage unit20.

Now with reference toFIGS. 24-26, the storage unit20will be discussed as a separate stand-alone unit. The storage unit20according to the invention derives its power from, and is interconnected to the control unit10through the connector40in the embodiment shown. If separated and in stand-alone mode as, for example, as clearly shown inFIG. 24, the storage unit20receives a small end cap as a connector interface80that provides I/O connectivity84and power transformer capabilities82. This connector interface80is coupled to the storage unit20in the same manner as the connector40, so the connection assembly will be omitted for purposes of brevity. Other attachments and ports can be available.

The set top box1according to the invention can have an enclosure or housing made from a textured, semi-translucent material. An OLED status display can be housed within the enclosure in such a way as to completely conceal the display when in standby mode. The background tone of the display is similar to that of the enclosure material. When viewed through the textured enclosure, this screen/housing combo creates the effect of a floating display. Additionally, the set top box1contains capacitive proximity sensors to allow the user to control the functions of the set top box1simply by touching the exterior of the product near indicated areas near the display. The overall effect allows for the enclosure or housing to appear as a blank, monolithic material when in standby, yet with active display and inputs when activated.

It should be understood that the elements shown in the figures can be implemented in various forms of hardware, software or combinations thereof. Preferably, these elements are implemented in a combination of hardware and software on one or more appropriately programmed general-purpose devices, which can include a processor, memory and input/output interfaces.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for informational purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the disclosure and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions.

Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the block diagrams presented herewith represent conceptual views of illustrative circuitry embodying the principles of the disclosure. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, pseudocode, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable media and so executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.

Although embodiments which incorporate the teachings of the present disclosure have been shown and described in detail herein, those skilled in the art can readily devise many other varied embodiments that still incorporate these teachings. Having described preferred embodiments for a set top box1having media gateway, server and storage units (which are intended to be illustrative and not limiting), it is noted that modifications and variations can be made by persons skilled in the art in light of the above teachings.