Integrated multimedia signal processing system using centralized processing of signals

Abstract

Integrated processing of multimedia signals can eliminate unnecessary signal processors and converters without losing the functionality of typical home entertainment system components. The integrated multimedia system includes a main player that captures and processes signals digitally. The main player may adjust the audio signal to provide audio output of equal loudness across all frequencies by accounting for sensitivity of the human ear for sounds of varying frequencies. The main player can also account for perceived differences in loudness based on the angle of a listener to a speaker by detecting the position of a user and making an adjustment accordingly. The invention further provides a speaker that has embedded performance characteristics or an identifier that allows the system to provide an optimal speaker driving current for a particular system or determine how that speaker would be best implemented in the integrated system.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a divisional of prior application Ser. No. 11 / 204,375, filed Aug. 16, 2005, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 640,085, filed Dec. 30, 2004, with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, both of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] Traditionally, audio and video components have been developed separately. To ensure compatibility with- other components made by different manufacturers, the industry has developed interfaces that can accommodate a wide range of products. This provides a limited number of interfaces between each component because a greater emphasis is placed on compatibility rather than quality. Therefore, each component has to output signals that are compatible with these standardized interfaces. This may cause significant loss and distortion of signals between the components because of the measures taken to make components com...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a system that processes audio / video and other information signals centrally, which helps to preserve the characteristics of the original source signals and reproduce them purest possible for delivery to end users. This system can also eliminate unnecessary conversion of signals between components, leading to better performance and lower manufacturing costs. Additionally, the invention provides a way to adjust the audio signal to make it sound better for the listener, based on their preferences or position in relation to the speakers. The invention can be achieved by functional decomposition of existing components and combining them to be processed centrally, minimizing digital to analog or analog to digital conversions. The invention also includes a digital volume control module that adjusts the audio signal for each frequency range based on human response characteristics or the listener's preferences. Overall, the invention provides a cost-effective high-end audio video reproduction system that is easy to use and enhances the listening experience."

Problems solved by technology

One problem, however, is that TV manufacturers have to provide their TVs at least one or two, if not all, of these interface terminals, plus any required interface converters.

Alternatively, manufacturers may only provide one kind of interface that provides widespread compatibility but sacrifices quality in doing so.

Such a conversion may cause signal loss or distortion.

However, these products are nothing but a simple physical integration of each component and do not provide any functional integration.

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