System and method for configuring media systems

Abstract

A system and method for configuring a multi-component media system allows a user to specify a system and to obtain appropriate connection diagrams for the components, as well as a configuration dataset which can be loaded into a remote control to operate the resulting media system. Multiple connection diagrams can be provided, to allow the user to select the types of connection employed, and any additional cable or accessories required to effect the connection can be indicated. Preferably, the connection panels of the components are shown photographically in the connection diagrams to simplify the connection task.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a system in accordance with the present invention; and

FIGS. 2 a, 2 b, 2 c and 2d show a flowchart of a method in accordance with the present invention.

Claims

1. A system for configuring a multi-component media system, comprising: a processor operable to execute a configuration process;a database operable to store information regarding media system components and to provide the stored information to the processor;an input device to receive input from a user and provide the input to the processor as part of the configuration process, the input comprising the specification of at least two media system components and a desired configuration activity; andan output device to provide output from the processor to the user to allow the user to interact with the configuration process, wherein the user can specify to the system the components of the media system of the user and the system will provide to the user the information necessary to connect the at least two components.

2. The system of claim 1 further including an input/output communication port wherein the system can, via the communication port, program a remote control to correctly operate the media system.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the specification of the at least two media system components by the user is persisted in the database.

4. The system of claim 1 further comprising an Expert System and wherein the system is further operable to suggest, at the request of the user, one or more media system components to be added to the media system.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the information necessary to connect the at least two components is provided to the user in the form of a connection instruction set.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein the connection instruction set includes a connection diagram.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein the connection diagram includes a photograph of the connections of at least one of the media system components.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the information necessary to connect the at least two components provided to the user includes a list of additional cables and accessories required.

9. A method of configuring a media system comprising at least two media components, comprising the steps of: (i) identifying the components of the media system;(ii) determining at least one configuration to interconnect the at least two components; and(iii) providing a connection instruction set to achieve the at least one configuration.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein step (ii) comprises the step of determining at least two configurations to interconnect the at least two components, each configuration utilizing at least one different connection on the at least two components and wherein step (iii) comprises providing each of the determined configurations as a separate configuration instruction set.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein the connection instructions include a connection diagram.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the connection diagram includes a photograph of the connections of at least one of the components.

13. The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of indicating any cables or accessories required by a configuration.

14. The method of claim 9 further comprising the steps of creating a configuration dataset to program a remote control to operate the configuration of the at least two components and loading the configuration dataset into a remote control.

15. The method of claim 9 wherein the identified components are persisted in a database.

16. The method of claim 15 further comprising the steps of receiving input from a user indicating a desire to add at least one component to the media system and utilizing an Expert System to suggest one or more components which are appropriate for the identified components and for any additional criteria provided by the user.