111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
`US 20040148632Al
`
`(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication
`Park et al.
`
`(54) REMOTE CONTROLLER AND SET-TOP-BOX
`THEREFOR
`
`(76)
`
`Inventors: Ji-Hyun Park, Seoul (KR);
`Kyong-Joon Chun, Seoul (KR);
`Nak-Koo Kim, Seongnam-city (KR)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`Robert E. Bushnell
`Suite 300
`1522 K Street, N.W.
`Washington, DC 20005 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10/749,385
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Jan.2,2004
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Jan. 23, 2003
`
`(KR) ......................................... 4643/2003
`
`326
`
`'t'dndow
`
`(10) Pub. No.: US 2004/0148632 Al
`Jul. 29, 2004
`(43) Pub. Date:
`
`Publication Classification
`
`Int. CI.7
`
`(51)
`
`........................... H04N 7/173; H04N 7/16;
`H04N 7/18; H04N 5/44
`(52) U.S. CI ............................... 725/81; 725/80; 725/133;
`725/141; 348/734
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`An integrated remote controller and a main set-top-box
`therefor, wherein the integrated remote controller performs
`communication with the main set-top-box of home network
`system through WLAN and provides appliance control
`signals to a corresponding appliances connected to the main
`set-top-box through wires or wirelessly. Every home net(cid:173)
`worked household appliance can be controlled by one inte(cid:173)
`grated remote controller through intuitive and easy user
`interface, irrespective of where a user is, whereby the user
`can easily control any appliance, check a control result in
`response to a control request right away, and check or
`control the status of appliances through a regular monitoring
`function. As a result, user mobility, convenience, and func(cid:173)
`tionality can be maximized.
`
`331
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`
`Roku EX1007
`U.S. Patent No. 9,716,853
`
`

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`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jul. 29, 2004 Sheet 2 of 6
`
`US 2004/0148632 Al
`
`FIG. 2
`
`CCC
`CCC
`ceo
`
`200 D
`
`L WLAN PC1
`
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`
`;
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jul. 29, 2004 Sheet 4 of 6
`
`US 2004/0148632 Al
`
`FIG. 4
`
`200
`,J
`
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`I WLAN INTERFACE
`I
`yo
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`
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`)50
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`PISPLAY UNIT
`
`FIG. 5
`
`200
`
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`
`I
`
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`
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jul. 29, 2004 Sheet 5 of 6
`
`US 2004/0148632 Al
`
`FIG. 6
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jul. 29, 2004 Sheet 6 of 6
`
`US 2004/0148632 Al
`
`FIG. 7
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`

`

`US 2004/0148632 Al
`
`Jul. 29, 2004
`
`1
`
`REMOTE CONTROLLER AND SET-TOP-BOX
`THEREFOR
`
`CLAIM OF PRIORITY
`
`[0001] This application makes reference to, incorporates
`the same herein, and claims all benefits accruing under 35
`U.S.C. §119 from an application for "REMOTE CON(cid:173)
`TROLLER AND SET-TOP-BOX THEREFOR", earlier
`filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on 23 1 an.
`2003 and there duly assigned Serial No. 2003-4643.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] 1. Technical Field
`[0003] The present invention relates to a remote controller
`and a set -top-box therefor, and more particularly, relates to
`a remote controller and set-top-box used to control a plu(cid:173)
`rality of devices.
`[0004] 2. Related Art
`[0005] Now it is becoming more common for high speed
`Internet services to be provided to residences. Also, data can
`now be transmitted to and from those residences at very high
`transmission speeds. Due in part to these developments,
`more people are expressing an interest in home network
`systems.
`[0006] Home network systems can be helpful if they are
`easy to set up and use, and if they provide a user with a
`significant level of control over a large number of devices in
`the home. However, some home network systems are incon(cid:173)
`venient because they do not allow a user to easily control
`many devices and appliances in the home. Efforts have been
`made to facilitate operation and connection of devices in the
`home.
`[0007] Exemplars of recent efforts relating to operating
`and/or connecting devices in the home are disclosed, for
`example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,526,581 to Edson, entitled
`MULTI-SERVICE IN-HOME NETWORK WITH AN
`OPEN INTERFACE, issued on Feb. 25, 2003, U.S. Pat. No.
`6,202,210 TO Ludtke, entitled METHOD AND SYSTEM
`FOR COLLECTING DATA OVER A 1394 NETWORK TO
`SUPPORT ANALYSIS OF CONSUMER BEHAVIOR,
`MARKETING AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT, issued on
`Mar. 13, 2001, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,410,326 to Goldstein,
`entitled PROGRAMMABLE REMOTE CONTROL
`DEVICE FOR INTERACTING WITH A PLURALITY OF
`REMOTELY CONTROLLED DEVICES, issued on Apr.
`25, 1995.
`[0008] While these contemporary efforts contain value,
`further improvements can also be contemplated.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0009] The present invention provides an integrated
`remote controller and a set-top-box therefor. The remote
`controller allows a user to remotely control a plurality of
`appliances without regard to location of the user, because of
`a wireless local area network (WLAN) in a home network
`system.
`[0010] The present invention provides a set-top-box for an
`integrated remote controller in a home network system,
`including: an internal communication interface connected to
`
`at least one of appliances to compose home network through
`wires or wirelessly, for performing communication with
`each appliance; a wireless local area network (WLAN)
`interface connected through WLAN, for performing com(cid:173)
`munication with an integrated remote controller to control
`each of the appliance at a remote site; and a controller for
`receiving an appliance control signal from the integrated
`remote controller through the WLAN interface and control(cid:173)
`ling a corresponding appliance through the internal commu(cid:173)
`nication interface.
`
`[0011] Another aspect of the present invention provides an
`integrated remote controller for home network system,
`including: a wireless local area network (WLAN) interface
`for performing communication through WLAN with a set(cid:173)
`top box that is connected to at least one of appliances to
`compose home network through wires or wirelessly; a
`command input unit for inputting a command to control an
`arbitrary appliance of the home networked appliances; and
`a controller for transmitting an appliance control signal, in
`response to an input command through the command input
`unit, to the set-top-box through the WLAN interface to be
`able to control a corresponding appliance being connected to
`the set-top-box through wires or wirelessly.
`
`[0012]
`In accordance with the principles of the present
`invention, as embodied and broadly described, the present
`invention provides a main control unit for a home network
`system, the main control unit comprising: a communication
`interface communicating with at least one device; a wireless
`interface communicating wirelessly with a remote control
`unit, the remote control unit being separately located from
`the main control unit; and a controller receiving control
`signals from the remote control unit through said wireless
`interface, said controller controlling the at least one device
`through said communication interface in dependence upon
`the control signals.
`
`[0013]
`In accordance with the principles of the present
`invention, as embodied and broadly described, the present
`invention provides a remote control unit for a home network
`system, the remote control unit comprising: a wireless
`interface communicating wirelessly with a main control
`unit; a command input unit inputting a command to control
`at least one device in communication with the main control
`unit; and a controller transmitting a wireless control signal
`to the main control unit through said wireless interface to
`control the at least one device in dependence upon the
`command inputted at said command input unit.
`
`[0014]
`In accordance with the principles of the present
`invention, as embodied and broadly described, the present
`invention provides a home network system, comprising: a
`remote control II unit, comprising: a first wireless interface
`communicating wirelessly; a command input unit inputting
`a command to control at least one device; and a first
`controller wirelessly transmitting a control signal through
`said first wireless interface, the control signal corresponding
`to the command; and a main control unit being separately
`located from said remote control unit, said main control unit
`comprising: a communication interface communicating with
`the at least one device; a second wireless interface commu(cid:173)
`nicating wirelessly with said first wireless interface, said
`second wireless interface receiving the control signal from
`said first wireless interface; and a second controller control(cid:173)
`ling the at least one device through said communication
`
`

`

`US 2004/0148632 Al
`
`Jul. 29, 2004
`
`2
`
`interface in dependence upon the control signal received at
`said second wireless interface.
`
`[0015] The present
`is more specifically
`invention
`described in the following paragraphs by reference to the
`drawings attached only by way of example. Other advan(cid:173)
`tages and features will become apparent from the following
`description and from the claims.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0016]
`In the accompanying drawings, which are incor(cid:173)
`porated in and constitute a part of this specification, embodi(cid:173)
`ments of the invention are illustrated, which, together with
`a general description of the invention given above, and the
`detailed description given below, serve to exemplify the
`principles of this invention, wherein:
`
`[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment
`of a home network system, in accordance with the principles
`of the present invention;
`[0018] FIG. 2 is a schematic unit diagram of the home
`network system of FIG. 1, in which components of the
`system are arrayed in interfaces, in accordance with the
`principles of the present invention;
`[0019] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configu(cid:173)
`ration of a set-top-box shown in FIG. 2, in accordance with
`the principles of the present invention;
`
`[0020] FIG. 4 is a unit diagram of an embodiment of a
`remote controller, in accordance with the principles of the
`present invention;
`[0021] FIG. 5 is a unit diagram of an embodiment of a
`remote controller, in accordance with the principles of the
`present invention;
`
`[0022] FIG. 6 diagrammatically illustrates a screen being
`displayed on a display unit of the remote controller, in
`accordance with the principles of the present invention; and
`[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates a screen being displayed on a
`display unit of the remote controller, in accordance with the
`principles of the present invention.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF BEST MODE OF CARRYING
`OUT THE INVENTION
`
`[0024] While the present invention will be described more
`fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying draw(cid:173)
`ings, in which details of the present invention are shown, it
`is to be understood at the outset of the description which
`follows that persons of skill in the appropriate arts may
`modify the invention here described while still achieving the
`favorable results of this invention. Accordingly, the descrip(cid:173)
`tion of the best mode contemplated of carrying out the
`invention, which follows, is to be understood as being a
`broad, teaching disclosure directed to persons of skill in the
`appropriate arts, and not as limiting upon the present inven(cid:173)
`tion.
`[0025]
`Illustrative embodiments of the best mode of car(cid:173)
`rying out the invention are described below. In the interest
`of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are
`described. In the following description, well-known func(cid:173)
`tions, constructions, and configurations are not described in
`detail since they could obscure the invention with unneces(cid:173)
`sary detail. It will be appreciated that in the development of
`
`any actual embodiment numerous implementation-specific
`decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific
`goals, such as compliance with system-related and business(cid:173)
`related constraints, which will vary from one implementa(cid:173)
`tion to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a
`development effort might be complex and time-consuming,
`but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of
`ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.
`
`[0026]
`It would be desirable to have a home network
`system with one terminal that allows a user to remotely
`control and operate numerous household devices and appli(cid:173)
`ances, that also allows a user to access the Internet at very
`high data transmission rates, and that additionally allows a
`user to control the reception of high definition digital
`television (HDTV) broadcasts and video on demand (VOD)
`services.
`
`[0027] Each appliance in such a home network system
`basically allows users to get various services at a remote site
`through the use of a simple wireless remote controller also
`known as a remote controller, a remote control unit, or a
`remote control. One simple remote controller can enable
`users to have one-way wireless communication with a
`controlled object at a remote site 38 kilohertz (kHz) band
`infrared (IR). A simple remote controller can have number
`key buttons and other functional buttons, which a user
`selects to control functions of a controlled object at a remote
`site. For example, in the case of a television, the simple
`remote controller can be used to control channel, volume,
`brightness, mute, channel memory, and other functions.
`
`[0028] A simple remote controller can use "AAA" size
`battery cells and operate within an operation range of 5
`megahertz (MHz) with an operation angle of ±30 degrees
`CO), for example. When a user controls objects in a remote
`site using the simple remote controller, it is necessary to
`differentiate frequencies for each controlled object to pre(cid:173)
`vent errors in the transmitted/received data. Thus, several
`simple remote controllers can be needed to control different
`devices, because each object/controller pair has different
`frequencies.
`
`[0029] For example, when a user purchases a television,
`there will probably be a simple remote control unit included.
`That remote control unit transmits the particular frequencies
`that will allow a user to remotely change the channel and the
`volume of that television. Later, when the user purchases a
`video cassette recorder (VCR), there will probably be a
`second remote control unit included, and that second remote
`control unit can be used only to control functions of the
`video cassette recorder. The video cassette recorder (VCR)
`is also known as a video tape recorder (VTR). Since the
`frequencies are not standardized, the user cannot use only
`one of those two remote control units to operate both the
`television and the video cassette recorder. Instead, the user
`needs to use the first remote control unit to control the
`television, and the user needs to use the second remote
`control unit to control the video cassette recorder. When the
`user buys a digital versatile disc (DVD) player with a third
`remote control unit, and then some audio equipment that
`comes with its own (fourth) remote control unit, the number
`of remote control units quickly increases. In the above
`example, each one of the numerous remote control units is
`compatible with one and only one device. This can be
`cumbersome and inconvenient for a user.
`
`

`

`US 2004/0148632 Al
`
`Jul. 29, 2004
`
`3
`
`[0030] Also, in some cases, there is a password between a
`remote controller and a controlled object. In other words, in
`some cases, there is a password that is needed for commu(cid:173)
`nication between a remote control unit and the device that is
`controlled by the remote control unit. If the designated
`password is changed or deleted, it becomes impossible to
`transmit data between the remote controller and controlled
`object.
`
`[0031] A5 such, these types of simple remote controllers
`do not provide users with many options other than a simple
`one-sided control over household appliances. Since each
`household appliance requires its corresponding remote con(cid:173)
`troller, using a plurality of remote controllers is rather
`inevitable. Thus, in reality, this type of horne network
`system would not satisfy the various demands and conve(cid:173)
`nience of users.
`
`[0032] As an attempt to overcome the above weaknesses,
`a remote controller might be designed to for a set-top-box.
`Such a remote control unit/set -top-box pair might enable a
`user to change the volume on the television and on the audio
`equipment, for example, which would be more convenient
`than needing two remote control units. Unfortunately, how(cid:173)
`ever, the remote control unit and set-top-box might require
`a complicated set up procedure that is bothersome and
`inconvenient. Furthermore, the remote control unit and
`set-top-box might not completely solve
`the problem
`described above, where a user needs multiple remote control
`units, because the remote control unit for the set-top-box is
`only for one-way communication and also because the
`individual remote control units may offer special functions
`that are not available through the set-top-box. For example,
`the television's individual remote control unit may offer a
`special feature such as a special channel scan function, but
`the generic remote control unit for the set-top-box unit might
`not offer that special channel scan function. Thus, in this
`example, the user would still have to use multiple remote
`control units on at least some occasions, such as when that
`user wants to utilize the special channel scan function.
`
`[0033] Even when users believe they are able to control a
`corresponding appliance with a remote control unit, some(cid:173)
`times it might not be easy to know the actual operation
`results. For example, when a user sends a signal to "turn off
`the DVD player", the user might not be sure that the signal
`was received and performed. Therefore, reliability and func(cid:173)
`tionality of this type of horne network system is not some(cid:173)
`thing that would satisfy all users.
`
`[0034] Other horne network systems could be developed
`that would require a mouse or keyboard, and would require
`that a user look at specific screens for specific objects, and
`these factors tend to reduce mobility and convenience of
`such a horne network system.
`
`[0035] An improvement would be a two-way remote con(cid:173)
`troller that sends control signals and also receives responses.
`However, a designer might choose to offer such a two-way
`remote controller with a limitation in that it provides only
`partial bidirectional control of appliances. Also, when a user
`wants to control other household appliances at remote sites
`away from the present position, the aforementioned two(cid:173)
`way remote controller may require a master that reads
`remote control commands provided by the user and gives
`appropriate commands to appliances the user wanted to
`
`control. For these reasons, many users are becoming dis(cid:173)
`couraged and are now decreasing their interest in home
`network systems.
`
`[0036] The following detailed description will present an
`integrated remote controller and a set -top-box therefor
`according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in
`reference to the accompanying drawings. An improved and
`convenient horne network system, with the remote controller
`and set-top-box of the present invention, can offer many
`advantages over other horne network systems.
`
`[0037] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment
`of a horne network system, in accordance with the principles
`of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the horne
`network system of the present invention includes numerous
`devices 311 through 350 installed in the rooms. Also, the
`horne network system includes a master set-top-box 100
`connected to each of the devices wirelessly or through wires.
`Furthermore, the horne network system includes a remote
`controller 200 for controlling each device remotely, from a
`distance, by performing communication through the set-top(cid:173)
`box 100 and the wireless local area network (WLAN). The
`remote controller 200 can also be referred to as a remote
`control unit 200.
`
`[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, each room has home net(cid:173)
`worked devices or appliances. For example, room 1 has a
`window 1 (311) and a sub set-top-box (STB) 1 (312). The
`room 1 also includes a video tape recorder (VTR) 1 (313).
`The room 1 also has a digital television (DTV) 1 (314), a
`light 1 (315), a telephone (TEL) 1 (316), and a wireless
`personal computer (PC) 1 (317).
`
`[0039] The room 2 has a telephone (TEL) 2 (321), a sub
`set-top-box (STB) 2 (322), and a digital television (DTV) 2
`(323). The room 2 also has a light 2 (324), a wireless
`personal computer (PC) 2 (325), and a window 2 (326).
`
`[0040] The room 3 has a window 3 (331) and a light 3
`(332). The room 3 also has audio/video (ANY) equipment
`labeled asAV3 (333) and a wireless personal computer (PC)
`3 (334).
`
`[0041] The living room 4 has video tape recorder (VTR)
`4 (341) and a digital television (DTV) 4 (342). The living
`room 4 also has audio/video (NV) equipment labeled as
`AV4 (343) and a light 4 (344). The living room 4 also has
`a communication device 345 that is useful when an unex(cid:173)
`pected guest knocks on the front door. This communication
`device 345 can be referred to as an intercom 345 or a door
`phone 345. The living room 4 also has a gas valve 346
`enabling a user to shut off the gas valve when going on
`vacation, for example. The living room 4 additionally has
`the master set-top-box (STB) 4 (100), a telephone (TEL) 4
`(350), and a window 4 (347).
`[0042] The FIG. 1 shows the wireless local area network
`(WLAN) 360. As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless local area
`network (WLAN) 360 allows the remote control unit 200 to
`communicate wirelessly with personal computer 1, personal
`computer 2, personal computer 3, and master set-top-box
`100. A5 shown in FIG. 1, the infrared communication 362
`allows the remote control unit 200 to perform direct infrared
`communication with the devices and appliances which have
`the capability to perform such communication.
`[0043] The set-top-box 100 can be referred to as a main
`control unit 100. The main control unit 100 and the remote
`
`

`

`US 2004/0148632 Al
`
`Jul. 29, 2004
`
`4
`
`control unit 200 can be referred to as elements of a home
`network system, or elements of a network system, or ele(cid:173)
`ments of a system. The FIG. 1 shows a home network
`system including main control unit 100, remote control unit
`200, and a plurality of devices and appliances.
`
`[0044] The master set-top-box 100 can be capable of
`wireless communication. The set-top-box 100 is connected
`to at least one of devices and appliances wirelessly or
`through wires, in order to create the home network. The
`set-top-box 100 performs communications, receives appli(cid:173)
`ance control signals from the integrated remote control unit
`200 through a wireless local area network (WLAN), and
`controls the corresponding appliance.
`
`[0045] The integrated remote control unit 200 is connected
`to the set-top-box 100 through a wireless local area network
`(WLAN) and performs communication. More particularly,
`the integrated remote control unit 200 sends control signals
`for controlling home networked appliances through wires or
`wirelessly to the set-top-box 100 via the wireless local area
`network (WLAN). In this manner, the integrated remote
`control unit 200 is capable of controlling all appliances from
`a remote location by transmitting appliance control com(cid:173)
`mands to the corresponding appliances irrespective of the
`physical location of the appliances.
`
`[0046] The set-top-box 100 and the integrated remote
`control unit 200 do communicate with each other through
`wireless local area network (WLAN). For example, when
`the integrated remote control unit 200 selects a particular
`appliance to control while having communication with the
`set-top-box 100, and gives a control command to the set(cid:173)
`top-box 100, the set-top-box 100 then controls the appliance
`in response to the command.
`
`[0047] Provided that communication between the inte(cid:173)
`grated remote control unit 200 and set-top-box 100 contin(cid:173)
`ues, users can control appliances in any room using the
`integrated remote control unit 200 without being restricted
`by control positions. That is, a user can use controller 200 to
`control any device connected to the home network system as
`long, as the user is in the range of the wireless local area
`network (WLAN). For example, a user can use controller
`200 to turn off light 1 in room 1, even when the user and the
`controller 200 are physically located in room 3.
`
`[0048] FIG. 2 is a schematic unit diagram of the home
`network system of FIG. 1, in which components of the
`system are arrayed in interfaces, in accordance with the
`principles of the present invention. As depicted in FIG. 2,
`the set-top-box 100 includes a wireless local area network
`(WLAN) interface 110 and a Home Phoneline Networking
`Alliance (HPNA) interface 120. Home Phoneline Network(cid:173)
`ing Alliance (HPNA) is a home networking standard that
`allows components of a home network to interact over the
`home's existing telephone wiring without disturbing the
`existing telephone services. The HPNA interface 120 shown
`in FIG. 2 can represent any network utilizing a home's
`telephone wiring and is not restricted only to the HPNA
`networking standard. The wireless local area network inter(cid:173)
`face 110 can also be referred to as a wireless interface 110.
`
`[0049] As shown in FIG. 2, the set-top-box 100 also
`includes a power line communication (PLC) controller 130.
`Power line communication (PLC) is a home networking
`method that allows components of a home network to
`
`interact over the home's existing electrical power supply
`cables without disturbing the existing electrical power sup(cid:173)
`plied in the home.
`
`[0050] As shown in FIG. 2, the set-top-box 100 also
`includes a controller 150 for overall control, a memory 160,
`and an IEEE 1394 interface 140. The IEEE 1394 interface
`140 is based on a standard of the Institute of Electrical and
`Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE). The IEEE 1394 interface
`140 can also be referred to as a Firewire™ interface 140 or
`as an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394
`interface.
`
`[0051] The WLAN interface 110 is connected, through the
`wireless connection, to devices and appliances 317,334, and
`others which have a WLAN interface module, and also to the
`integrated remote control unit 200, for doing wireless com(cid:173)
`munication. A user can use the remote control unit 200 to
`wirelessly send instructions to the set-top-box 100, in order
`to control or access any device shown in FIG. 1.
`
`[0052] The HPNA interface 120 is connected, through a
`telephone line 1 of a subscriber's house, to appliances 316,
`321, and other which have an HPNA interface module.
`
`[0053] The PLC controller 130 is connected, through a
`power line 2 in the subscriber's house, to appliances 315,
`311, and others which have a PLC controller. Here, power
`line communication 18 (PLC) indicates a system that con(cid:173)
`verts communication signals to 100 kilohertz (KHz)-30
`megahertz (MHz) radio frequency (RF) signals through the
`power line installed in a home or office, separates the RF
`signals through a RF filter, and receives the signals.
`
`In general, 60 hertz (Hz) alternating current (AC)
`[0054]
`is used domestically. Thus household appliances convert the
`alternating current to direct current (DC) through an AC-to(cid:173)
`DC converter, and because radio frequency (RF) signals in
`power line communication are low output signals, they do
`not influence the operations of appliances.
`
`[0055] One of advantages of the above power line com(cid:173)
`munication (PLC) is that no separate communication line is
`needed because the system is easily accessible. That is, such
`a system is easily accessible using a concentrator.
`
`[0056] The disadvantages of a power line communication
`network are that transmission power is limited, there is high
`load interference, noises, signal interference and impedance.
`Also, frequency characteristics are something to be careful
`of as well.
`
`[0057] Regarding other advantages of the PLC, a user can
`control household appliances from a remote site using a
`remote controller, mobile phone, or the Internet. For
`example, the PLC is appropriate for lighting control, home
`security like intrusion detection, disaster prevention like gas
`valve control, home automation like cooling/heating appli(cid:173)
`ance control, remote inspection of a meter, and remote
`monitoring. Thus the user now can control lighting appli(cid:173)
`ances (lamps) or security cameras, for example.
`
`[0058] The IEEE 1394 interface 140 is connected, through
`an IEEE 1394 cable, to appliances 314,313, and others
`which have an IEEE 1394 module. IEEE 1394 is an IEEE
`standard size for a high-speed direct interface, and diverse
`multimedia audio/video (NV) appliances can be connected
`thereto. Possible data transfer modes with this size are
`isochronous transfer mode and asynchronous transfer mode.
`
`

`

`US 2004/0148632 Al
`
`Jul. 29, 2004
`
`5
`
`[0059] Sub set-top-boxes (STBs) in each room or audio/
`video (A/V) appliances are connected to wireless or wired
`IEEE 1394. Using IEEE 1394 makes it possible to control
`every kind of audio/video (NV) appliance. Audio/video
`control messages are sent in the standard asynchronous
`transfer mode, and broadcast and audio streams are sent in
`the standard isochronous transfer mode.
`
`[0060] The controller 150 controls overall communication
`between the household appliances being connected to the
`set-top-box through wires or wireless and set-top-box 100.
`In other words, when a household appliance is connected to
`the first set-top-box 100, the controller 150 detects infor(cid:173)
`mation about the corresponding appliance and stores the
`information in the memory 160 and provides a separate
`identifier (ID) to the appliance for management.
`
`[0061] When an appliance control signal is sent from the
`integrated remote control unit 200 through the WLAN
`interface 110, the controller 150 reads the information about
`the corresponding appliance and controls the appliance
`through an internal communication interface connected to
`the appliance.
`
`[0062] The memory 160 stores operation programs of the
`controller 150 and all data. The data includes information
`about every household appliance connected to the set-top(cid:173)
`box 100. More specifically, identifiers (IDs) of appliances,
`product numbers, serial numbers, infrared (IR) protocol
`information, etc., correspond to the data.
`
`In at least one of the drawings,