U.S. patent application number 11/209240 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-08 for video matrix system.
Invention is credited to Ronald Palermo.
Application Number | 20070054735 11/209240 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37830682 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070054735 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Palermo; Ronald |
March 8, 2007 |
Video matrix system
Abstract
A modular video matrix system for selectively interconnecting a
plurality of audio, visual and optionally game controller signals
from media source devices to display to or play on any one or all
connected audio visual receiving display monitors or display
stations. The video matrix allowing the user to decide which
sources such as video games or DVD are to be displayed to or played
on which monitors without disturbing or reconfiguring signal
cabling interconnecting the source, receivers and the video matrix.
The video matrix provided with a remote control to provide remote
configuration of inputs to outputs.
Inventors: |
Palermo; Ronald; (Staten
Island, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Raymond M. Galasso;Galasso & Associates LP
P.O. Box 26503
Austin
TX
78755-0503
US
|
Family ID: |
37830682 |
Appl. No.: |
11/209240 |
Filed: |
August 23, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/30 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 7/106 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/030 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A video matrix system for selectively interconnecting a
plurality of audio video source signals to a plurality of display
stations, the system comprising: a video matrix device body, the
body having a top face, a bottom face, a rear face, a front face
and two opposing side faces; a plurality of input source groups
secured to a face of the device body, each group configured to
receive signals from a media source, each group comprising: a video
connector to detachably engage and electrically connect a video
input cable from the media source to the video matrix; and two
audio connectors to detachably engage and electrically connect
audio input cables from the media source to the video matrix; a
plurality of display monitor output groups secured to a face of the
device body, each output group to convey signals to a display
station, each group configured to interface to one display station,
each monitor output group comprising: a video connector to
detachably engage and electrically connect a video output cable
from the video matrix to the display station; and two audio
connectors to detachably engage and electrically connect audio
output cables from the video matrix to the display station; and a
means for selectively electrically interconnecting a user chosen
input source group to a user chosen display monitor output group,
the means comprising: a plurality of input source selection means
secured to a face of the video matrix device body, wherein there is
a one to one relationship between each input source selection means
and each input source group; and a plurality of display monitor
selection means secured to a face of the video matrix device body,
wherein there is a one to one relationship between each display
monitor selection means and each display monitor output group; and
electronic circuitry to electrically interconnect selected input
source group to chosen display monitor group.
2. The video matrix system of claim 1, wherein the video matrix
device further comprises an all displays selection means, said all
displays selection means interconnecting and relaying audio and
video signals from the selected input source group to all display
monitor groups.
3. The video matrix system of claim 2 wherein the selection means
comprises momentary contact pushbuttons.
4. The video matrix system of claim 2 wherein the selection means
comprises touch sensitive membrane switches.
5. The video matrix system of claim 2, wherein each of one or more
input source groups further comprise a game controller connector to
detachably engage and electrically connect an electrical cable
terminated to a game controller input on a electronic game machine;
and wherein each of one or more display monitor output groups
further comprise a game controller connector to detachably engage
and electrically connect an electrical cable terminated to a game
controller.
6. The video matrix system of claim 5, wherein the electronic
interconnection circuitry comprises electrically operated relays
for game controller signals.
7. The video matrix system of claim 5, wherein the electronic
interconnection circuitry comprises solid state switching circuitry
and solid state amplifiers for audio and video signals, and
electrically operated relays for game controller signals.
8. The video matrix system of claim 5, further comprising one or
more game controller adapter sets, each set configured to interface
the game controller of a specific game system type to the video
matrix device, each adapter set comprising: a game controller input
adapter having two electrical connector ends, the adapter
configured on one end to detachably mate with and electrically
connect to a specific game system game controller connector type,
the adapter configured on remaining connector end to detachably
mate with and electrically connect to game controller connector of
display monitor output group; and a game controller output adapter
having two electrical connector ends, the output adapter configured
on one end to detachably mate with and electrically connect to a
specific game system game controller input connector type, the
adapter configured on remaining connector end to detachably mate
with and electrically connect to the game controller connector of
input source group.
9. The video matrix system of claim 5, wherein the video matrix
device video connectors are RCA type phono plugs; and wherein the
video matrix device audio connectors are RCA type phono plugs.
10. The video matrix system of claim 5, wherein the video matrix
device game controller connectors are computer USB type
connectors.
11. The video matrix system of claim 8, further comprising one or
more remote mountable audio video connection plates, said plate
having: connectors for an one input source group secured to the
plate, the input source group configured to receive signals from a
media device, the input source group comprising: a RCA type video
connector to detachably engage and electrically connect a video
input cable from the media source to the plate; two RCA type audio
connectors to detachably engage and electrically connect audio
input cables from the media source to the plate; and a USB type
game controller connector to detachably engage and electrically
connect an electrical cable terminated to a game controller input
on a electronic game machine; connectors for one display monitor
output group secured to the plate, the display monitor output group
configured to interface to one display station, the monitor output
group comprising: a RCA type video connector to detachably engage
and electrically connect a video output cable from the plate to the
display station; two RCA type audio connectors to detachably engage
and electrically connect audio output cables from the plate to the
display station; and a USB type game controller connector to
detachably engage and electrically connect an electrical cable
terminated to a game controller, said plate sized and configured to
mount as a cover plate over a standard electrical receptacle
box.
12. The video matrix system of claim 8, further comprising a remote
control device, said remote control device to provide remote
modification of input and output group interconnections as well as
video matrix device setup, said remote control comprising: a thin
substantially rectangular housing having a top face; a touch
operated input keypad comprising: an input means for inputting
numbers 1 through 9 by use of said keypad; an input means for
inputting alphabet letter A through Z by use of said keypad; a
connect key; a label key; and a radio frequency wireless
communication means whereby the remote control device can
communicate commands to the video matrix device.
13. The video matrix system of claim 12, wherein the video matrix
device further comprises alphanumeric liquid crystal displays
associated with and secured in proximity to the input source
selection means and the display monitor selection means, the liquid
crystal displays displaying user programmable labels to selection
means identifying devices, monitors to which each is connected, the
liquid crystal display text labels programmable from the remote
control device.
14. A modular video matrix system for interfacing to and routing
media signals between a plurality of media source devices and media
consumer devices, the video matrix system comprising: a connector
board having signal back plane and buss; a plurality of modular
media signal interface cards of a plurality of types, each card
type configured and adapted to connect with and electrically
interface to one or more media device types selected from the group
consisting of video game systems, television receivers, video
recording devices, video playback devices, DVD players, DVD
recorders, video recorders, computer systems, computer monitors,
stereo receivers, stereo amplifiers, home theater systems, video
surveillance cameras, video surveillance monitors, video game
controllers, USB devices, cable television receivers, SCART
equipped audio visual equipment, S-video equipped audio visual
equipment, and satellite television receivers, each card configured
to interface to one or more device related media signals, the group
also referred to as a media signal group; a chassis having card
slots for receiving two or more modular signal interface cards, the
connector board secured within said chassis; a mounting means for
removably securing a modular signal interface card in the chassis
card slot; a plurality of card connectors secured to the connector
board, the card edge connectors sized, positioned and adapted to
supportively receive and electrically connect with the modular
media interface cards; a programmable microprocessor based logic
system secured within said chassis, the logic system providing user
programmable interconnection of media source devices to media
consumer devices through the media signal interface cards; and a
user input means for selectively electrically interconnecting
through the logic system a user chosen modular interface card
source media signal group to a user chosen modular interface card
consumer media signal group.
15. The modular video matrix system of claim 14, wherein the
electronic interconnection circuitry comprises microprocessor
controlled electrically operated relays for game controller
signals.
16. The video matrix system of claim 14, wherein the electronic
interconnection circuitry comprises microprocessor controlled solid
state switching circuitry and solid state amplifiers for audio and
video signals, and electrically operated relays for game controller
signals.
17. The video matrix system of claim 14, further comprising one or
more remote mountable media device connection plates in a plurality
of configurations, each plate configuration having media signal
interface connectors configured to adapt to the one or more media
device types, said plates mountable on a wall surface in a remote
room; and electrical connectors and electrical cables to connect
said remote media connection plate signals to the modular video
matrix system.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The disclosures made herein relate generally to apparatuses
designed to switch audio and video signals between televisions, and
more particularly to expandable modular apparatuses designed to
accept and interface with paired audio and video output signals and
cabling originating from a plurality of media sources such as DVD
players and electronic game systems and then provide for the
connection of any chosen audio/video paired media signal input to
any chosen connected media consumer such as a monitor or television
as the user may select.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Frequently a home may have two or more television receivers,
perhaps including LCD or large screen monitors used for DVD
playback, and perhaps a large screen or full wall projection home
theater setup. It is typical for homes, especially those with
children and young adults, to own more than one electronic game
system, such as the Microsoft X-Box or the Sony Play Station II to
name a few examples.
[0004] The typical video game system has a video and at least one
audio output terminal that is connected to a display unit such as a
television set or monitor, as well as an input terminal that
receives a cable from a video game controller. A game controller is
a hand operated input devices to the game system, equipped with
button switches and some form of joystick or manipulator controls.
The video game device generates dynamic graphic images and sounds
from software and ROM or CDROM game software and data stores as
well as user interaction with the game software. The video game
device dynamically generates image data in response to control
signal inputs thereto as provided by the game user manipulating the
controls provided on the game controller. The video game controller
signal can be bi-directional, comprising not just the manipulator
inputs from the controller to the video game, but can also comprise
outputs from the game device to the controller, say to vibrate the
video controller handset or flash lights or perform tactile
feedback. Accordingly, a video game player can participate in the
game displayed on the display station by manipulating the buttons
on the controller while watching and listening to the video game
device generated image and audio data on the display unit, such as
a television.
[0005] Often it can be the case that a user may wish to or need to
disconnect a game system from one monitor and relocate the game
system to another television, say for example the family is
watching a movie on the home theater and so the would-be game user
needs to move elsewhere to play the game system. When a family owns
multiple televisions, monitors, and game systems, along with media
sources such as DVD players, VCRs and the like, it is inconvenient
to move devices around from room to room so that they can be
reconnected to another television or monitor. Additionally the
process of connecting and reconnecting a tangle of video, audio and
game controller wiring is a frustrating and time wasting task that
would be a benefit to eliminate.
[0006] Therefore, a video matrix system that provides a convenient
means of electronically connecting or routing any media input
device to any display through the video matrix, that eliminates the
labor and time in moving media sources such as DVD players,
electronic games from room to room to play to alternate display
station or monitor locations, as well as overcomes the limitations
of connecting and disconnecting a plurality of audio, video and
game controller wires and cables to each, such a video matrix
system would be useful and novel invention.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] Embodiments of the inventive disclosures made herein
comprise a video matrix system designed to interface with and route
and relay video and audio signals from media sources such as DVD
players and electronic game systems to a selected media consumer or
display station chosen from a plurality of connected displays. A
media consumer is a device having signal interface connections and
capabilities suitable for interfacing to the video matrix and
receiving at least one of the video, audio or game interface
signals. A display station comprises a television receiver or video
monitors, and may also have associated with it and in proximity to
it one or more video game controllers for use with an electronic
game system. Display stations may be located near the video matrix,
or alternately may be located remotely, for example in another room
of the home, with cabling interconnecting the remote display
station to the video matrix. A single media input source group
which may comprise a composite video, one or two analog audio
signals, and optionally up to four game controller signals (if the
input device is an electronic game system) is cabled to and
connected to an input channel on the video matrix. A single display
station, which comprises a composite video signal, one or two audio
signals, and optionally game controller signaling, is cabled to and
connected to an output channel of the video matrix.
[0008] In one embodiment, a video matrix system, in accordance with
the inventive disclosures made herein, comprises a body having a
generally rectangular top appearance, a top face of the body having
a plurality of input source selector inputs, and a plurality of
display monitor selector inputs. The input source and display
monitor selector inputs may be mechanical pushbutton switches, or
may be touch sensitive membrane switches, or other suitable input
means. In one embodiment, the pushbuttons are configured such that
the signal input selection pushbuttons are in one row or group, and
the monitor selection pushbuttons are in another row or group, the
rows arranged, aligned and configured for easy identification by
the user when choosing the input and output pushbutton pair to be
selected for routing a desired media source to a desired display
station. Additionally, the video matrix is provided with an "all
displays" monitor selection pushbutton. The "all displays"
pushbutton can be selected, together with an input media source
pushbutton, to route the selected media source input video, audio
channels to all video matrix connected display stations/monitors,
thereby allowing all video matrix monitors to view the same DVD or
recorded program, or perhaps to have all monitors view a game
system being played. The video matrix system is configured with
industry standard audio and video input and output connector types
for easy interfacing to standard DVD players, games systems and
television monitors. The video matrix signal connectors are grouped
in blocks according to input channel and output channel for easy
identification by the user. When the video matrix system is applied
to game systems, some or all video matrix input and output channels
are each provided with up to four game controller connectors for
interfacing and switching games controllers at display stations to
electronic game systems connected to the video matrix inputs.
Current game systems utilize a variety of interconnection schemes
between the game controller and the game system. As a way to
accommodate electronic game systems from various manufacturers
utilizing different game controller wiring pin outs and interface
signals, embodiments of the video matrix can provide specific
adapters to interconnect between the video matrix and game
controller and game systems from specific manufacturers.
[0009] In another embodiment the video matrix system comprising
features disclosed in the first embodiment is further expanded to
permit inputs and output signal routing to be configured from a
personal computer. Input to output signal routing programming is
provided by an RS232 serial port connection between the computer
and a DB9 serial connector on the video matrix. The video matrix is
programmed through the computer using ANSI or VT100 style character
terminal emulation provided on the computer, interacting with VT100
style or ANSI forms menus driven by the video matrix controller
computer present in the video matrix system. Alternately, the video
matrix input to output channel signal routing may be configured via
a network connection between the PC and the video matrix using
TCP/IP transport protocol over a 10-base LAN or 100 base LAN
connection, or alternately over a wireless LAN network such as
provided by the 802.11a or 802.11b wireless LAN specification.
[0010] In another embodiment, a video matrix system comprising
features disclosed in the embodiments discussed above is extended
to provide a modular video matrix switching system for a home or
office. The video matrix system comprises the video matrix unit,
and additionally one or more modular connector plates for wall
mounting in a location remote from the video matrix, as well as
shielded signal cables designed to electrically interconnect the
video matrix to the remote modular connector plates. The modular
connection plate face is provided with audio, video and optionally
game controller connector ports for use in interconnecting to a
television/monitor and possibly one or more electronic game
controllers.
[0011] In a further embodiment, a video matrix system is provided
with a hand held wireless remote control, similar to a television
or DVD remote controller, but transmitting user commands to the
video matrix wirelessly over a radio frequency link. The video
matrix is equipped with a radio frequency receiver component to
accept media source to media consumer routing commands entered on
the remote control by a user. The remote control is configured to
duplicate the input to output channel selection and routing
functionality of the input/output channel selector inputs or
pushbuttons on the video matrix unit remotely, for instance, from
another room in the building.
[0012] In some embodiments of the video matrix system having a
wireless remote control, the video matrix system is provided with
LCD alphanumeric displays above each input and output pushbutton.
The displays being programmable from the wireless remote control to
display a user determined device name on the LCD displays on each
input and each output channel, aiding the user in determining which
channels correspond to which connected device.
[0013] The embodiments discussed are preferentially implemented
using a flexible modular chassis design configured to accept a
variety of modular interface card. The modular chassis providing
the interconnection back plane and signal buss, as well as
connectors to receive each of the modular interface cards. The
chassis can be built to accommodate various numbers of input and
output cards. Video matrix chassis designs accepting 5, 10 or 20
input and output cards are currently intended. Each modular
interface card provides the audio and video signal connection point
for one video matrix input channel or output channel. The plug-in
style modular interface cards are to be provided in a variety of
types to interface to game systems, television receivers, DVD
players, VHS video recorders, computers, stereo tuners and audio
systems, and video surveillance systems. The cards provide
interface connections and electronics to interface and electrically
interconnect to widely used standards such as composite video,
analog audio, component video, video game systems, game controller
interfaces, S-video (or super video as used with Hi-8 and S-VHS
systems), composite video, as well as the European SCART
Audio/video connection system to BS 6552:1984 (EN 50-049).
[0014] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the inventive
disclosures made herein to provide a novel, useful and beneficial
replacement to the usual practice of manually disconnecting,
physically moving and manually reconnecting audio/visual devices
such as DVD players and electronic game systems when their use is
desired in another room or at another monitor or television.
Specifically, the video matrix system in accordance with
embodiments of disclosures made herein utilize a fast pushbutton
selection means of reconnecting or routing an audio/visual media
input device to another television or monitor without the need to
disconnect and move the media input device. Such a video matrix
audio video switching device is ideal for use in a home or
office.
[0015] It is another object of the inventive disclosures made
herein to provide a video matrix system which incorporates routing
and connection support for the majority of electronic game systems
and their game controllers so as to support electronic game play on
display stations located remotely from the game system.
[0016] It is another object of the inventive disclosures made
herein to provide a video matrix system which is modular in design,
one which can be easily configured with appropriate input and
output interface cards to accommodate the audio and visual media
devices to which it is to be connected.
[0017] It is another objective of the inventive disclosures made
herein to provide a video matrix system that provides a modular
remote wall plate design providing remote wall mountable modular
connection plates having the audio video and game controller
interface connections for mounting near a display or television in
another room or location remote from the video matrix.
[0018] These and other objects of the inventive disclosures made
herein will become readily apparent upon further review of the
following specification and associated drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The drawings show a form of the invention that is presently
preferred, however the invention is not limited to the precise
arrangement shown in the drawings.
[0020] FIG. 1 is an isometric view depicting a video matrix system
in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive disclosures made
herein.
[0021] FIG. 2 is an interconnection single line cabling view of a
video matrix system depicting the arrangement or routing of
electrical audio visual and game controller cabling between the
video matrix, display device and audio video media source device,
as well as remote room wall mountable modular connection interface
plates.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a back view of a video matrix system in accordance
with an embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein,
depicting one conceived general arrange and grouping of the
electronic signal input and output connectors for audio, video and
game controller connections. The arrangement and connector types
are for illustration of an embodiment of the video matrix. This
illustration is not intended to limit this inventive disclosure in
regards to the connector grouping, number of groups, connector type
and arrangement shown. The illustration provided for understanding
of one specific embodiment of a video matrix having many
embodiments.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a front view of one embodiment of remote
audio-visual connection plate in accordance with an embodiment of
the inventive disclosures made herein.
[0024] FIG. 5 is depicts one embodiment of video matrix hand held
remote control in accordance with the inventive disclosures made
herein.
[0025] FIG. 6 depicts the face plates and signal interface
connections of a sampling of the modular interface card types for
the modular embodiment of the video matrix system in accordance
with the inventive disclosures made herein.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a back view of a modular form of the video matrix
system in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive
disclosures made herein, depicting one possible selection of
modular input and output interface cards installed in a small size
video matrix chassis accommodating 4 input and 4 output channels.
I/O channel sizes of 20 or more are intended.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 depicts a video matrix in accordance with an
embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein. The video
matrix 1 includes a top face 2, front face 14, two side faces 15
and a rear face 5. The top face 2 includes a plurality of touch
sensitive momentary switches, membrane switches, or pushbuttons
provided on the top face, comprising a plurality of input source
selector pushbuttons 3, a plurality of display monitor selector
pushbuttons 4, as well as an "all displays" selector pushbutton 10.
For example, to connect a DVD player at media input `1` to a
television connected to monitor display `B`, the key input sequence
on the video matrix is `B`, `1`. To send the DVD player signal at
media input 1 to all display monitors, the key sequence is `All`,
`1`.
[0028] Higher end alternate embodiments include an LCD display 13
mounted in closely associated proximity to pushbuttons, the LCD
provided to display the device name to which the pushbutton
corresponds as an aid to the user. For example, an LCD display
labeling an input selector pushbutton may be programmed to display
`X-Box`, while a another LCD display labeling a display monitor
selector pushbutton may identify the pushbutton as `Steve's
bedroom`, as an example. The LCD displays are programmed from a
remote control device described in more detail later below, or from
a computer through a serial USB connection or over a TCP/IP
connection as described earlier in the specification.
[0029] The video matrix replaces and eliminates the need to
manually connect and disconnect media sources from media consumers
such as televisions and monitor by providing a user selectable
electronic interconnection or signal routing capability between any
video matrix connected audio-visual input source device to any of
the connected display stations or display devices. Display devices
can include conventional television sets, large screen or
projection televisions including home theater setups, or individual
LCD or CRT monitors, any of which can be located near to the video
matrix or located remotely in another room and connected to a
remote modular audio video connection plate, described later below.
The video matrix accomplishes routing of audio, video and game
controller input media device signals to a selected output display
station or to alternately all connected display stations without
the need to move the devices, and without the need to disconnect
cables, move the device to another display station, and reconnect
the device. Audio visual and game controller device signals are
re-routed on the fly and instantaneously by touch sensitive
pushbutton selections entered by the user. Input audio video signal
sources include video recorders, camcorders, DVD players, computer
systems, security surveillance video systems, electronic game
systems to name a few. Examples of display devices or display
stations we discussed earlier in the paragraph.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 2, the video matrix is shown in
relationship to a few exemplary audio-visual or media devices that
a user might electrically interconnect to it. The video matrix top
face includes a plurality of touch sensitive selector pushbuttons
comprising input source selector pushbuttons 3 and display monitor
selector pushbuttons 4. An electronic game machine 18 is connected
to the video matrix 1 via a cable group 30 running between the
video matrix and the game machine. The cable group comprising one
or two shielded coaxial audio cables having industry standard RCA
type connectors on each end. For stereo sound, both the left and
right channel cables and connectors would be used. For monaural
audio, say from a security or some game systems, one audio cable
would be used and connected. The cable group also comprises a
composite video 75-ohm shielded cable having industry standard RCA
phono type connectors on both ends. Composite video is a single
video signal that is a composite of the black-and-white information
and the color information signals, and is a widely supported and
implemented video connection type on media source and display
devices of the types described earlier. A cable group may also
comprise one to four game controller extension cables. Electronic
game machines from manufacturers use a variety of proprietary
connectors and pin out arrangements, however to the number of
conductors and are relatively few and easily connected and
packaged. For example, the X-box system utilizes a variation on the
computer USB port connection for the game controller while others
use other configurations with a limited number of conductors per
controller. To provide the video matrix with the ability to switch
game controller signals from a game system to a remote game
controller at remote display station the video matrix game system
cable group is provided with a with a user game controller adapter
mating to a game controller extension cable in the cable group. The
game controller adapter is specific to each game system on the
market, and provides a mating electrical connector type and pin out
to mate to the game machine type specific game controller connector
on one end of the adapter. The other end of the adapter provides a
conventional computer universal serial bus, USB, receptacle. The
cable group for a game system includes one or more shielded USB
type cables to carry game controller signals. The game controller 7
plugs into and electrically interfaces with the game controller
adapter 8. The game controller adapter is equipped with a USB
receptacle that receives and electrically connects a shielded USB
cable. The shielded USB cable traverses between the adapter and the
video matrix. A number of channels on the video matrix may be
equipped with up to 4 USB receptacles for each input or output
channel. The video matrix receives the opposite USB plug equipped
end of the game shielded game controller cable. Using this scheme,
game controller signals are carried between the video matrix and
the input device (game machine) and the output device (handheld
game controller) over conventional shielded USB cables having USB
plugs on each end. At the game controller cable end at the game
machine (input device) as well as the game controller cable end at
the handheld game controller (located at the display device), an
adapter is provided to receive the USB cable plug of the video
matrix game controller cable and convert the electrical pin out and
provide a mating connector to the specific game machine and game
controller being used. This is to say the game controller adapters
are specific to the game machine being connected to the video
matrix.
[0031] The cable groups, as envisioned, would be preferably
provided as a single multi-cable package, pre-fitted with the
proper connectors (RCA plugs for audio and video, and USB
connectors for game controllers), the shielded cable group of
sufficient one piece length to run between the video matrix and the
device or devices to which it connects.
[0032] Remote modular audio video connection plate 16 provides a
remote mountable connection interface. One example application is
where video matrix cabling is provided in a building and runs from
the video matrix location to various rooms. The cables run to and
extend from the location of the video matrix in a star
configuration. The cables terminate at the remote rooms on the
backside of a modular interface plate. In one embodiment, modular
interface plate is sized and fitted to mount as a cover plate over
a single standard frame wall mountable electrical handy box, as
would be used to mount a conventional 110V electrical
receptacle.
[0033] The modular connection interface plate extends the audio,
video and optionally game controller connection points from the
back plate of the video matrix to the remote room connection plate
by use of an interconnecting cable group comprising audio, video
and game controller cables as discussed above. The connections on
the modular connection interface plate replicate the connections on
the back of the video matrix, but conveniently and advantageously
provide these connections at a distant or remote room location.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 3, the video matrix rear face is
configured with connector groups 36, grouping audio, video and game
controller inputs and outs according to input and output channel,
corresponding to the numeric labels on the input source pushbuttons
and the alphabetic labels on the monitor selector pushbuttons as
discussed earlier. Each connector group is configured to receive
audio, video and optionally game controller cable connections
between the video matrix and the connected device. Audio
connections on the video matrix are industry standard RCA female
plugs adapted to receive and connect standard RCA phono style plugs
on shielded audio cables. Audio connections for each input or
output group include audio left 24, audio right 25. Video
connections 26 are provided to receive composite video over 75 ohm
shields coaxial cable having RCA type male connectors.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 4, depicting one embodiment of the
remote modular audio video connection plate 16 as discussed
earlier. The cover plate is configured to provide a remote set of
audio visual media input connections and display or monitor output
connection, The plate embodiment shown is configured to attach by
screws 27 to a standard electrical trade handy box as used for
single wall switches and duplex electrical receptacles.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 5, certain higher end video matrix
embodiments in accordance with inventive disclosures herein having
LCD selector button labeling displays, as discussed above, are
provided with one or more hand held remote control units 17. The
remote control 17 utilizes conventional radio frequency digital
communication techniques, similar to RF techniques as used in
garage door openers for example, to communicate over a limited
distance, say 50 to 200 feet, with the video matrix box. Garage
door openers and some similar remote control RF devices in consumer
homes operate at 390 MHz and use a digital coding scheme to prevent
cross operation between other similar devices, as known to those
skilled in the art.
[0037] The remote control device provides two functions. The first
is that the remote control device 17 provide alpha numeric input
keyboard capabilities to program an enter identifying text to the
LCD displays labeling the input selection pushbuttons and video
monitor selection pushbuttons, as discussed with FIG. 1 earlier
above. The second function is that the remote control allows a user
to select media inputs to be connected or routed to display station
outputs from a remote location, without having to be physically
near the video matrix box to make the selection. In this sense the
remote control keyboard mimics the input select (numeric keys) and
display select (alpha keys) of the face of the video matrix on the
remote control and allows media input to be redirected to any
display monitor output from the remote control. For example, to
connect a DVD player at media input `1` to a television connected
to monitor display `B`, the key sequence on the remote control is
`Connect`, `B`, `1`. To send the DVD player signal at media input 1
to all display monitors, the key sequence is `Connect`, `All`,
`1`.
[0038] FIG. 6 depicts a partial set of modular input and output
interface cards as pertains to the modular form or embodiment of
the video matrix system. Game system interface card 31 is provided
with analog audio RCA connectors, composite video connector, and up
to 4 game controller connectors. Personal computer system or
computer workstation interface cards 32 is provided with a VGA/SVGA
standard 15 pin DIN connector for computer monitor video, as well
as left and right channel analog audio ports. VCR or
television/monitor interface card 34 is provided with a standard
RCA type composite video connection point, as well as left and
right audio channels. European SCART standard interface card 35.
SCART stands for Syndicat frangais des Constructeurs d'Appareils
Radio et Television. The connector is also known as a
Euro-connector since it was imposed on manufacturers by EC
directive. All TV and VCR equipment sold in the EC that have
external video line connections have to be supplied with SCART
connections by regulation. The 20 pin (21 pin counting the shield
connection) connector provides for stereo audio in/out, C-video
in/out, S-video, and RGB (in only). There is also provision for
external mode and signaling, such as 4:3/16:9 (wide screen)
selection, and auto-TV-switching when a cassette is inserted in the
VCR. The SCART digital signaling functions may be ignored or not
implemented by the video matrix system. The SCART connector also
provides a convenient way to group signals into a single grouped
plug-in cable for routing cabling from the video matrix to a remote
room wall plate, these signals supported by the SCART standard
include: left-right audio inputs, left-right audio outputs,
composite video input, and composite video output.
[0039] FIG. 7 depicts a rear view of a modular chassis video matrix
system in accordance with the inventive disclosures made herein.
The modular chassis 40 has an end user selected set of modular
interface cards installed into the chassis. The depicted chassis
size of 4 input and 4 output cards is for easy illustration only,
and is not to be understood as a limitation. Chassis locations
which are not needed for interfacing to media devices can be left
blank or unfilled, the unfilled card position covered by blank card
face 41.
[0040] In the preceding detailed description, reference has been
made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in
which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in
which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments and certain
variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to
enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to
be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and
that logical, material, mechanical and electrical changes may be
made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
To avoid unnecessary detail, the description omits certain
information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding
detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to
the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is
intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and
equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and
scope of the appended claims.
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