(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2007/0130592 A1
`Haeusel
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jun. 7, 2007
`
`US 20070130592A1
`
`(54) SET TOP BOX WITH MOBILE PHONE
`INTERFACE
`
`(52) U.S. Cl. .................. 725/81: 725/62; 725/39; 725/37
`
`(76) Inventor: Fred C. Haeusel, Doylestown, PA (US)
`Correspondence Address:
`GENERAL INSTRUMENT CORPORATION
`DBA THE CONNECTED
`HOME SOLUTIONS BUSINESS OF
`MOTOROLA, INC.
`101 TOURNAMENT DRIVE
`HORSHAM, PA 19044 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`(22) Filed:
`
`11/294.885
`Dec. 2, 2005
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`H04N 7/16
`H04N 7/8
`H04N 5/2445
`G06F 3/00
`G06F 3/00
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A set top box includes a mobile phone receiving bay
`disposed in a housing of the set top box. The receiving bay
`includes a device connector coupled to circuitry in the set
`top box and a receiving bay opening that is arranged to
`provide access to the device connector. The device connec
`tor is configured for removable engagement with an acces
`sory connector disposed in a mobile phone. The device
`connector and accessory connector are coupled when the
`mobile phone is docked in the receiving bay in the set top
`box to thereby provide a communication interface between
`the set top box and mobile telephone that enables data
`transmission therethrough. Users interact with an electronic
`program guide hosted by the set top box to download media
`content such a music, ring tones and video to the mobile
`phone from a network source coupled to the set top box.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SERVER 127
`
`MEDA
`CONTENT
`
`REMOTE
`CONTROL
`
`
`
`MOBILE
`PHONE
`
`TELEVISION
`
`132
`
`1
`
`TIKTOK 2002
`Triller v. TikTok
`IPR2022-00180
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 7, 2007 Sheet 1 of 32
`
`US 2007/0130592 A1
`
`S
`
`1.
`g
`O
`
`
`
`Q-
`
`5.
`
`
`
`H
`
`gz
`O
`O
`
`Z
`O
`O2
`>
`
`H
`
`&
`
`
`
`8
`
`s
`
`2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 7, 2007 Sheet 2 of 32
`
`US 2007/0130592 A1
`
`
`
`S.
`
`s
`
`l
`Qb
`g N
`N.
`&
`
`o
`
`N
`
`S1
`
`S.
`
`O
`
`& 9
`N
`
`s
`
`3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 7, 2007 Sheet 3 of 32
`
`US 2007/0130592 A1
`
`s
`O
`-
`
`-
`C
`Z
`CD
`CO
`
`
`
`S.
`
`4
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 7, 2007 Sheet 4 of 32
`
`US 2007/0130592 A1
`
`
`
`s
`
`S.
`
`S
`
`5
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 7, 2007 Sheet 5 of 32
`
`US 2007/0130592 A1
`
`
`
`s
`
`S.
`
`6
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 7, 2007 Sheet 6 of 32
`
`US 2007/0130592 A1
`
`
`
`s
`
`7
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 7, 2007 Sheet 7 of 32
`
`US 2007/0130592 A1
`
`
`
`s
`
`8
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 7, 2007 Sheet 8 of 32
`
`US 2007/0130592 A1
`
`
`
`s
`
`9
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 7, 2007 Sheet 9 of 32
`
`US 2007/0130592 A1
`
`
`
`10
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 7, 2007 Sheet 10 of 32
`
`US 2007/0130592 A1
`
`
`
`
`
`3.
`
`s
`
`11
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 7, 2007 Sheet 11 of 32
`
`US 2007/0130592 A1
`
`
`
`s
`
`12
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 7, 2007 Sheet 12 of 32
`
`US 2007/0130592 A1
`
`
`
`13
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 7, 2007 Sheet 13 of 32
`
`US 2007/0130592 A1
`
`
`
`14
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 7, 2007 Sheet 14 of 32
`
`US 2007/0130592 A1
`
`
`
`Q
`(N
`
`S
`
`15
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 7, 2007 Sheet 15 of 32
`
`US 2007/0130592 A1
`
`
`
`N
`On
`
`S
`
`16
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 7, 2007 Sheet 16 of 32
`
`US 2007/0130592 A1
`
`
`
`s
`
`s
`
`17
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 7, 2007 Sheet 17 of 32
`
`US 2007/0130592 A1
`
`
`
`s
`
`18
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 7, 2007 Sheet 18 of 32
`
`US 2007/0130592 A1
`
`V V Y
`\
`V
`t
`V
`M.
`v.
`V
`M \,
`V
`M. V
`M
`y \
`V
`\
`V
`\,
`v
`vyx'
`V
`V v.
`y v.
`J
`
`co
`
`V
`
`
`
`3.
`
`N
`N
`
`s
`
`19
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 7, 2007 Sheet 19 of 32
`
`US 2007/0130592 A1
`
`
`
`s
`
`O
`y
`O
`N
`
`20
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 7, 2007 Sheet 20 of 32
`
`US 2007/0130592 A1
`
`
`
`s
`
`21
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 7, 2007 Sheet 21 of 32
`
`US 2007/0130592 A1
`
`s
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`s
`
`
`
`
`
`o
`
`22
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 7, 2007 Sheet 22 of 32
`
`US 2007/0130592 A1
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`s
`
`
`
`
`
`23
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 7, 2007 Sheet 23 of 32
`
`US 2007/0130592 A1
`
`
`
`s
`
`%
`
`24
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 7, 2007 Sheet 24 of 32
`
`US 2007/0130592 A1
`
`
`
`s
`
`%
`
`25
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 7, 2007 Sheet 25 of 32
`
`US 2007/0130592 A1
`
`
`
`s
`
`26
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 7, 2007 Sheet 26 of 32
`
`US 2007/0130592 A1
`
`
`
`s
`
`s
`
`v
`ve
`c
`
`27
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 7, 2007 Sheet 27 of 32
`
`US 2007/0130592 A1
`
`
`
`s
`
`s
`
`28
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 7, 2007 Sheet 28 of 32
`
`US 2007/0130592 A1
`
`
`
`0£99
`
`Z£9€.
`
`
`
`SENO IL SÐNIR); ESNAO?-18
`
`
`
`SOEGJIA ESNAOMH8
`
`0098
`
`
`
`
`
`ERHO_LS CIV/OTN/WOC] ENOHc]
`
`
`
`OISTIWN ESNAOMHECD|STIWN CJENJf]] \/E|-ZZG£
`
`
`
`
`
`29
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 7, 2007 Sheet 29 of 32
`
`US 2007/0130592 A1
`
`
`
`029€.
`
`?99€
`
`9€9€.
`
`?7€99.|-
`
`
`
`SX|Old CHO L S/\\/GOL
`
`0099
`
`
`
`
`
`3)NOS CIVOTNNWOCH!, ET LIL SONOS
`
`
`
`
`
`SONOS CIVOTINNAOC)Z BT LIL 5DNOS
`
`
`
`
`
`ENO L. SÐNIR-I C?VOTINAWAOC]| EINO IL SÐNI8
`
`99 0 [H
`
`
`
`
`
`OEC?IA CIVOTNAVAOC]!, ET LIL OECJIA
`
`30
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 7, 2007 Sheet 30 of 32
`
`US 2007/0130592 A1
`
`
`
`ENITNO SI EINHO_LS
`
`
`
`
`
`CIVOTINNAOO ENOHdSºÐNILLES CIVOTINNAOC]9Z/8
`
`
`
`
`
`CJELOENNOO SI ENOHdNO||LOENNOO 1SE11?7€/9
`
`SE ONERHEI-HERHd 1 ESZZ/8
`
`Z
`
`|-Z
`
`
`
`LNTIOOOV AW8ZZ8
`
`31
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 7, 2007 Sheet 31 of 32
`
`US 2007/0130592 A1
`
`Z9||
`
`NOISIAETEL
`
`6989
`
`TO}}_LNOO E LOWERH
`
`
`
`EOV-RJE_LNI XXJONALEN
`
`XINJONALEN
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`32
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 7, 2007 Sheet 32 of 32
`
`US 2007/0130592 A1
`
`0068
`
`
`
`69 ?INH
`
`
`
`1SOH QVOTINWAOC]
`
`
`
`LOET{HO 5DdE,
`
`
`
`LOETEO CJVOTNWAOC]
`
`
`
`LOETEO SONITT||8
`
`33
`
`

`

`US 2007/O 130592 A1
`
`Jun. 7, 2007
`
`SET TOP BOX WITH MOBILE PHONE
`INTERFACE
`
`BACKGROUND
`0001 Mobile phones are commonly being configured by
`manufacturers with functionalities beyond Voice communi
`cation. Mobile phones are often integrated with digital
`cameras, text messaging, organization features such as
`phone books, calendars, and more recently, video viewing
`capabilities. Another recent trend is to arrange mobile
`phones as audio playback devices for the wide variety of
`customized ring tones that are available for download on the
`Internet. Mobile phones are also increasingly used as music
`players for the popular MP3 (MPEG-1 audio layer 3 where
`MPEG stands for “Moving Picture Experts Group’) and
`other forms of digital music. Mobile phones with integrated
`music players are expected to become increasing competi
`tive, on a worldwide scale, with purpose-built music players
`such as Apple Computer's popular iPode brand of digital
`music player.
`0002. According to recent studies, almost 20 percent of
`phone owners worldwide now listen to music on their
`phones. More than a third of mobile phone users globally are
`expected to choose mobile music as one of the five appli
`cations they would like to start using, or use more of in the
`future, according to the studies. While this trend bodes well
`for mobile music and increased mobile phone sales in
`general, several obstacles stand in the way of more wide
`spread adoption of mobile phones with integrated music
`players. Aside from commercial issues such as the pricing of
`digital music downloads, addressing the technical and user
`interface issues associated with downloading music to
`mobile phones will encourage more people to listen to music
`on their mobile phones. For example, the relatively small
`display size of mobile phones (which can reduce the ease of
`interaction with a music download applications and Ser
`vices), lack of convenient input device beyond the Small
`mobile phone buttons, and the drain on the phone's battery
`when downloading are several among many prohibitive
`factors to be overcome before mobile phones can gain more
`widespread acceptance as music players.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0003 FIG. 1 is block diagram of a client-server arrange
`ment incorporating a server, a set top box (STB), remote
`control, mobile telephone and television;
`0004 FIG. 2 is a simplified pictorial representation of a
`flip-style mobile phone incorporating an audio player and an
`accessory connector;
`0005 FIG. 3 is top view of the mobile phone shown in
`FIG. 1;
`0006 FIG. 4 is a simplified pictorial representation of a
`non-flip-style mobile phone incorporating an audio player
`and an accessory connector;
`0007 FIG. 5 is a top view of the mobile phone shown in
`FIG. 4;
`0008 FIG. 6 is a simplified diagram of an accessory and
`device connector arrangement used to connect a mobile
`phone to a STB;
`
`0009 FIG. 7 shows front views of the connectors shown
`in FIG. 6;
`0010 FIG. 8 shows a cutaway view of an accessory
`connector disposed within the body of a mobile phone;
`0011 FIG. 9 is a simplified pictorial representation of an
`illustrative STB having a mobile phone receiving bay with
`an opening in the front;
`0012 FIG. 10 is a simplified pictorial representation of
`an illustrative STB having a phone receiving bay with an
`opening in the front with a mobile phone inserted there
`through;
`0013 FIG. 11 shows an enlarged interior perspective
`view of an illustrative mobile phone receiving bay;
`0014 FIG. 12 shows an enlarged interior perspective
`view of an illustrative phone receiving bay showing the
`connectors in an operative relationship before being mate
`ably engaged;
`0015 FIG. 13 shows an enlarged interior perspective
`view of an illustrative phone receiving bay showing the
`connectors in an operative relationship after being mateably
`engaged;
`0016 FIG. 14 is a side view of an illustrative STB with
`a mobile phone receiving bay having an opening in the front
`surface of the STB;
`0017 FIG. 15 is a side view of an illustrative STB with
`a mobile phone receiving bay having an opening in the front
`surface of the STB with a mobile phone inserted there
`through;
`0018 FIG. 16 is a side cutaway view of an illustrative
`STB with a mobile phone receiving bay with a mobile phone
`inserted therewith:
`0.019
`FIG. 17 is a simplified pictorial representation of
`an illustrative STB having a phone receiving bay with an
`opening in the top surface;
`0020 FIG. 18 is a simplified pictorial representation of
`an illustrative STB having a phone receiving bay with an
`opening in the top Surface with a mobile phone inserted
`therethrough;
`0021 FIG. 19 is a front partial view of an illustrative STB
`with a mobile phone receiving bay;
`0022 FIG. 20 is a front view partial of an illustrative STB
`with a mobile phone receiving bay and a mobile phone
`inserted therewith:
`0023 FIG. 21 is a front cutaway view of an illustrative
`STB with a mobile phone receiving bay with a mobile phone
`inserted therewith:
`0024 FIG. 22 is a top view of an illustrative STB with a
`mobile phone receiving bay disposed on its top Surface that
`is configured to receive a non-flip-style mobile phone;
`0.025
`FIG. 23 is a top view of an illustrative STB with a
`mobile phone receiving bay disposed on its top Surface that
`is configured to receive a flip-style mobile phone;
`0026 FIG. 24 is a side cross-sectional view of the illus
`trative STB shown in FIG. 22.
`
`34
`
`

`

`US 2007/O 130592 A1
`
`Jun. 7, 2007
`
`0027 FIG. 25 is an enlarged interior perspective view of
`an illustrative mobile phone receiving bay having an adapter
`used to position a mobile phone with the receiving bay;
`0028 FIG. 26 is an enlarged interior perspective view of
`the illustrative mobile phone receiving bay shown in FIG. 25
`with a mobile phone positioned within the bay;
`0029 FIG. 27 shows a cross sectional view of a first
`illustrative adapter in a mobile phone receiving bay of a
`STB;
`0030 FIG. 28 shows a cross sectional view of a second
`illustrative adapter in a mobile phone receiving bay of a
`STB;
`0031 FIG. 29 shows a cross sectional view of a third
`illustrative adapter in a mobile phone receiving bay of a
`STB;
`0032 FIG. 30 shows a cross sectional view of a fourth
`illustrative phone adapter in a mobile phone receiving bay of
`a STB;
`0033 FIG. 31 is a simplified pictorial representation of
`an illustrative external docking bay with a docked mobile
`phone where the docking bay is equipped with a cable
`connection to a STB;
`0034 FIG. 32 is a top view of an illustrative external
`docking station;
`0035 FIG. 33 is a simplified pictorial representation of
`an illustrative external docking station configured to receive
`a flip-style mobile phone where the phone is in a closed
`position;
`0.036
`FIG. 34 is a simplified pictorial representation of
`an illustrative external docking station configured to receive
`a flip-style mobile phone where the phone is in an open
`position;
`0037 FIG. 35 is a simplified pictorial representation of a
`screen shot of a first illustrative menu in a graphical user
`interface displayed by an STB on a television;
`0038 FIG. 36 is a simplified pictorial representation of a
`screen shot of a second illustrative menu in a graphical user
`interface displayed by an STB on a television;
`0039 FIG. 37 is a simplified pictorial representation of a
`screen shot of a third illustrative menu in a graphical user
`interface displayed by an STB on a television;
`0040 FIG. 38 is a functional block diagram of an illus
`trative STB; and
`0041
`FIG. 39 is a block diagram of a download host
`application that is arranged to run on a STB.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`0042. Many of the hurdles associated with the use of
`mobile phones as music and audio players are overcome by
`an arrangement where a set top box (STB) provides a
`convenient and powerful interface between the mobile
`phone and media content services. Users can walk into their
`home and plug (i.e., "dock') their mobile phone into their
`STB. By interacting with an electronic programming guide
`(“EPG') displayed on a television coupled to the STB, users
`connect to media content services such as electronic store
`fronts or virtual shopping to browse, select and then pur
`
`chase and/or download media content such as music to their
`mobile phones through the STB. While docked to the STB,
`the mobile phone's battery is also recharged. Notably, the
`mobile phone used in Such an arrangement needs no modi
`fications or alterations.
`0043. As shown in FIG. 1, a network 110 is used to
`couple a server 120 to a STB 130. In an illustrative arrange
`ment the network 110 is a cable television network such as
`co-axial cable or hybrid fiber co-ax network. Alternative
`networks include satellite networks, telephone networks,
`data networks including local-, metropolitan-, and wide
`area-networks (LANs, MANs, and WANs, respectively),
`and distributed networks such as the Internet. The server 120
`provides media content 125 over the network 110 to the STB
`130 which displays the media content 125 on the coupled
`television 132. Media content 125 is typically delivered in
`digital format and includes television programming Such as
`broadcast programming, pay-per-view (“PPV) and video
`on-demand (“VOD). In this illustrative arrangement media
`content 125 from server 120 includes audio content includ
`ing digital music. In addition, electronic shopping is pro
`vided where users can purchase and download music to their
`mobile phones much as they do movies and other program
`ming with PPV or VOD applications for their televisions. In
`many settings, server 120 is located at a network head-end
`that is maintained by network provider such as cable tele
`vision provider. Alternatively, server 120 is maintained by a
`service provider that uses network 110 for access and data
`transport, but does not operate network 110.
`0044) Server 120 also provides an EPG 127 to STB 130
`over network 110. An EPG is an on-screen guide hosted by
`the STB 130 on television 132 allowing a user to navigate,
`select, and discover media content by time, title, channel,
`genre, media type (television, VOD, music) etc., using
`remote control 153 that interoperates with STB 130. Server
`120 Supplies digital data making up the EPG to an applica
`tion that typically resides within a middleware application in
`the STB 130 that enables EPG 127 to be displayed. Data for
`EPG 127 is usually sent within the broadcast transport
`stream or alongside it in a special data channel. For example
`data for EPG 127 may be transported as described by the
`Advanced Television Systems Committee (“ATSC) PSIP
`(Program and System Information Protocol) standard. In
`analog implementations, data for EPG 127 is included in the
`analog television signal, for example in the vertical blanking
`interval.
`0045 Typical elements of EPG 127 comprise a graphical
`user interface which enables the display of information
`pertaining to the media content. EPGs are often constructed
`using a series of hierarchical menus that provide a variety of
`choices on each screen that a user may select using the
`remote control. Information is typically displayed on a grid
`and users may use arrow keys and buttons on the remote
`control to move from field to field on the menu to get
`information and makes selections.
`0046.
`In the case of television, EPGs generally provide
`descriptive information Such as a synopsis, actors, directors,
`year of production and so on, the channel name and the
`programs on offer from subchannels such as PPV and VOD
`services, program start times, genres and other descriptive
`metadata. For music, EPGs can provide displays of artist,
`album and track title information, among other descriptive
`
`35
`
`

`

`US 2007/O 130592 A1
`
`Jun. 7, 2007
`
`information. For electronic storefronts, EPG displays often
`vary considerably. However, in many applications the user
`interface is similar to that used with VOD and PPV appli
`cations where media content purchases have an established
`history.
`0047 FIG. 2 is a simplified pictorial representation of an
`illustrative mobile telephone 200. The term “mobile phone'
`generally refers to portable telephone devices using wireless
`radio wave transmission technology. In an illustrative
`example of a set top box with a mobile phone receiving bay
`as described in detail herein, the mobile phone 200 is
`arranged with multiple functionalities beyond voice tele
`phony. Mobile phone 200 is representative of current trends
`in mobile phone technology by Supporting a variety of
`media types including stereo audio such as MP3 and AAC
`(Advanced Audio Coding) formatted music, video capture
`and display, still picture capture and display and data ser
`vices such as short message service (“SMS), email and
`Internet browsing. Accordingly, mobile phone 200 includes
`the necessary hardware, Software and firmware used to
`implement the functionalities described above.
`0.048 Mobile phone 200 is commonly referred to as a
`“flip phone' because the display screen 210 pivots on hinge
`212 so that the mobile phone 200 folds compactly. When
`folded, the mobile phone's cover 215 protects the screen 210
`from damage and the keys 222 from being inadvertently
`depressed when the mobile phone is not in use. To make or
`answer a call, the mobile phone 200 is “flipped' open to
`access the keys 222 as well as microphone 232 and speaker
`235. As shown in FIG. 2, keys 222 and microphone 232 are
`disposed along the body 236 of mobile phone 200.
`0049. An accessory connector 238 is typically positioned
`along one of the Surfaces of the mobile phone, in this case
`along the bottom portion of mobile phone 200. The acces
`sory connector 238 is commonly used to connect mobile
`phones to external accessories. Such accessories include, for
`example, speakers, data cables, chargers, hands-free car kits,
`and the like. Mobile phone 200 is also equipped with a small
`external antenna 240 as is common with many mobile phone
`designs. In this illustrative example, accessory connector
`238 is used to operatively couple with a corresponding
`connector disposed in a mobile phone receiving bay of a
`STB to facilitate a connection between the mobile phone and
`media content services so as to enable the STB to perform
`as a downloading gateway between the mobile phone and
`the media content provider.
`0050 FIG. 3 is a top view of mobile phone 300. Ajack
`343 is disposed along the top portion of the body 236 of
`mobile phone 200 along with antenna 230. Jack 343, in this
`illustrative example, is a stereo audio jack which is designed
`to engage with a plug of a stereo headset (not shown) Such
`as the common 2.5 or 3.5 mm mobile phone plugs. In some
`application, audio jack 343 is configured as a three channel
`jack so that an external microphone may be used in addition
`to Supporting stereo audio output.
`0051. Some mobile phones are equipped with wireless
`I/O (input/output) to support audio output and microphone
`input. Bluetooth is one common example of a wireless radio
`frequency (“RF) communication feature that enables users
`to use wireless microphones and headsets with their mobile
`phones, among other accessories or peripheral devices.
`Other common wireless formats include Institute of Elec
`
`trical and Electronic Engineers, IEEE 802.11, ultra wide
`band wireless (“UWB), magnetic and infrared (“IR”) links.
`Sometimes wireless communication is used to connect a
`mobile phone with other mobile phones, personal digital
`assistant type devices, to exchange data such as phone or
`address book data.
`0052 Coupled to the jack 343 and disposed within the
`body 236 of mobile phone 200 is a media player (not shown)
`that provides for, among other functions, music to be played
`on mobile phone 200. In this illustrative example, music is
`encoded in the AAC, although other common encoding
`formats may also be used depending on the specific require
`ments of an application. For example, MP3, WAV, WMA
`(Windows Media Audio), AIFF (Audio Interchange File
`Format), MPEG-4 and other lossy or lossless data encoding
`formats are all usable known formats. The media player in
`mobile phone 200 typically includes an audio codec and
`storage (such as Flash memory) for audio files, in this case
`AAC encoded music files.
`0053 FIG. 4 is a simplified pictorial representation of
`another illustrative mobile phone 400. Mobile phone 400 is
`an example of a non-flip-type phone in common use which
`is often called a “candy bar” style phone. Aside from the
`form factor, mobile phone 400 shares the functions and
`features of mobile phone 200, as described above. In mobile
`phone 400, screen 410, keys 422, microphone 432 and
`speaker 435 are all incorporated into body 436. Mobile
`phone 400 also includes an accessory connector 438 and
`antenna 440. Mobile phone 400 further includes a jack 543
`disposed along a top portion of body 436 as shown in FIG.
`5. The elements shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are the same as their
`counterparts shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and described in the
`accompanying text.
`0054 FIG. 6 is a simplified diagram of an illustrative
`accessory connector arrangement 600 used to connect a
`mobile phone to a STB. The connector arrangement 600
`comprises two mating connectors. The mobile phone's
`accessory connector 620 has a circuit end 622 that is
`arranged to be coupled to electrical circuits in a mobile
`phone, including for example, battery circuitry and I/O
`control circuitry. Accessory connector 620 has mating end
`624 that is arranged to mate with a corresponding device
`connector 640. Device connector 640 has a mating end 644
`and a circuit end 642 that is arranged to be coupled to
`electrical circuitry in a STB, including for example an I/O
`interface in the STB.
`0055. The connector arrangement 600 used to connect a
`mobile phone and STB may be widely varied. Thus, the
`physical form factor, connector count and configuration of
`connector arrangement is a typically a matter of design
`choice for the specific application involved. However, in this
`illustrative example, connector arrangement 600 includes
`both power and data contacts. Accessory connector 620
`includes a set of contacts 626 which are arranged to engage
`with corresponding and mating contacts 646 in device
`connector 640. Accordingly, individual contacts in contact
`set 626 of accessory connector 620 used for power trans
`mission are operatively coupled to battery circuitry in the
`mobile phone. Individual contacts in contact set 626 used for
`data transmission are operatively coupled to the mobile
`phone's I/O controller circuitry. In addition, then, the power
`and data contacts in contact set 626 are configured to engage
`
`36
`
`

`

`US 2007/O 130592 A1
`
`Jun. 7, 2007
`
`with corresponding contacts in contact set 646 in device
`connector 640 so as to provide operational or charging
`power and data transmission between the mobile phone and
`STB when the connectors 620 and 640 are mateably
`engaged.
`0056. In the illustrative example shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.
`the contact set 646 in device connector 640 protrude for
`insertion into the corresponding contacts 626 that are
`recessed within connector 620 (i.e., a “male' to “female'
`connection). In some applications, contact set 646 and
`connector 640 are arranged to snugly fit (i.e., a “friction-fit')
`with contact set 626 and connector 620 to hold the connector
`arrangement 600 together. Alternatively, connectors 620 and
`640 may include a locking mechanism for positively locking
`the connectors together. For example, a latch on a portion of
`one connector that engages and disengages with a portion of
`the other connector may be used in Some applications.
`0057 The arrangement of contacts in connector arrange
`ment 600 may also be widely varied. For example, data
`transmission functionalities including USB (Universal
`Serial Bus), USB 2, IEEE-1394 (commonly called
`“Firewire') and other data transmission standards are
`selected to meet specific requirements. Functionalities may
`be mixed and combined as well in Some applications so that
`some contacts in the contact sets are dedicated to USB
`signals while others are dedicated to Firewire signals. Con
`Ventional signals including grounding, charging, powering,
`signaling protocols, device or accessory identification and
`similar signals may also be carried across the contacts sets.
`Accordingly, the number of contacts and their physical
`configuration will vary according to the specific require
`ments of an application.
`0.058
`FIG. 8 is a cutaway view of an accessory connector
`620 that is disposed within the body 836 of an illustrative
`mobile phone 800. The accessory connector in this example
`is positioned in the body 836 so that the circuit end 622 is
`available to circuitry contained internally within mobile
`phone 800. The mating end 624 is positioned so that it is
`exposed on an external Surface (in this example, the bottom
`portion of mobile phone 800) to thereby facilitate mateable
`engagement with a respective corresponding device connec
`tor. One example of an accessory connector Suitable for
`many applications is the connector from the "iDEN brand
`family of products produced by Motorola(R), and more
`specifically part number 0985678E02.
`0059 FIG. 9 is a simplified pictorial view of an illustra
`tive STB 900 having a mobile phone receiving bay 960 that
`is substantially disposed within the interior housing of STB
`900 and having an opening in the front surface (i.e., front
`panel) of the STB. STB 900 is typically arranged as a client
`in a client-server architecture and coupled to a remote server
`over a network, for example as shown in FIG. 1. STB 900
`receives digital signals including media content from a
`media content provider. The media content includes video,
`music, and other data as noted above.
`0060 STB 900 is representative of current STB technol
`ogy. STBs are specialized electronic devices that process
`information, generally in digital format. STBs typically
`function as a gateway between a user's television or per
`Sonal computer and telephone, Satellite, terrestrial or cable
`networks. STBs accept commands from a user (generally
`through use of a handheld remote control, keypad, voice
`
`recognition unit or keyboard) and transmit these commands
`back upstream to the network head end, through a back
`channel (which may be a separate phone line in some cases.)
`0061 Today’s STBs can make it possible to receive
`television signals, connect to and browse networks Such as
`the Internet, play games via a game console (which might be
`built-in to the STB) browse networks including the Internet,
`interact with EPGs, virtual channels, electronic storefronts
`and walled gardens (i.e., websites that are preselected by the
`service provider), send e-mail, and engage in videoconfer
`encing. Many STBs are further able to communicate in real
`time with devices such as camcorders, and consumer elec
`tronic devices such DVD (digital versatile disc) and CD
`(compact disc) players and music keyboards. Other STBs
`include hard disk drives, built in digital video recorders, and
`Smart card slots to Verify, for example, user identities during
`on-line electronic transactions.
`0062 STBs commonly support digital rights manage
`ment (DRM) systems. In typical DRM applications, media
`content is wrapped at the server and made accessible by a
`DRM client at the STB in accordance with that clients
`rights. Such systems are often used to ensure that the digital
`media content is not inappropriately widely distributed by a
`user who has access to the media through the STB.
`0063) The illustrative STB shown in FIG. 9 includes a
`front panel display 910 with operating controls, an I/O panel
`925 including a front panel data connector 927 and three
`audio/video jacks 932. STB 900 also includes a smart card
`slot 944.
`0064. STB 900 includes a mobile phone receiving bay
`960 that is disposed within the interior volume housed by
`STB 900. In this illustrative example, the mobile phone
`receiving bay 960 has an opening that is located on the front
`surface (i.e., front panel) of STB 900 as shown in FIG. 9.
`The mobile phone receiving bay is configured to physically
`receive a mobile phone, in this case a non-flip (i.e., candy
`bar-style) phone 400. That is, mobile phone 400 may be
`inserted into the mobile phone receiving bay 960 as shown
`in FIG. 10. It is noted that flip-type mobile phones, such as
`mobile phone 200 (FIG. 2) may also be accommodated in
`the mobile phone receiving bay of a STB as described in
`more detail below.
`0065) Mobile phone receiving bay 960 includes device
`connector 640 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 as described in the
`accompanying text. FIG. 11 is an enlarged interior perspec
`tive view of the mobile phone receiving bay 960 which is
`disposed in STB 900 showing device connector 640 dis
`posed on the rear end portion of the receiving bay 960 which
`is spaced apart from and opposes the mobile phone receiving
`bay opening (not shown). Device connector 640 is opera
`tively coupled to various components, for example an I/O
`interface, in the STB 900 as described below.
`0.066 As illustrated in FIG. 12, mobile phone 400 (shown
`in phantom lines only for sake of clarity in illustration)
`having accessory connector 620 disposed along its bottom
`Surface is inserted through the opening in the front panel of
`the STB 900. Mobile phone 400 is pushed rearwardly into
`the mobile phone bay receiving bay 960 until the connector
`620 is operatively received and mateably engaged with the
`device connector 640 as shown in FIG. 13.
`0067. Optionally, STB 900 is arranged with a visual or
`audible indicator, for example a light or buZZer respectively,
`
`37
`
`

`

`US 2007/O 130592 A1
`
`Jun. 7, 2007
`
`to signal to a user that a positive operative connection was
`made between the mobile phone and STB. Such a signal can
`be helpful positive feedback to the user that the STB “sees”
`the mobile phone (i.e., recognizes that it is connected to the
`STB) particularly as the device connector 640 is not always
`located in a position that is easily visible to the user in every
`application. In addition to a discrete indicator on the STB
`900, existing visual or audible indicating devices in the STB
`are alternatively used, for example the panel display 910, or
`an internal speaker if the STB is so equipped. In other
`applications, the STB is arranged to display connection
`status with a docked mobile phone through a user interface
`such as EPG displayed on a television. Optionally, the S