CN1179062A - TV telephone device, method and system for audio frequency and TV meeting and telephone - Google Patents

Abstract

A video access apparatus provides for audio and video teleconferencing and telephony via a first communication channel coupled to a primary station having communication with a network, such as the public switched telephone network or an ISDN network. The video access apparatus includes a video network interface; a radio frequency modulator/demodulator; a user interface; and a processor arrangement. A videophone apparatus is coupleable to a video access apparatus via a second communication channel for video reception and transmission, and via a third communication channel for audio reception and transmission.

Description

The TV telephone device, the method and system that are used for audio frequency and video conference and phone

The present invention relates to first application, Newlin et a1., United States Patent (USP) application sequence the 08/658th, No. 792, on June 5th, 1996, filing was entitled as " audio/visual communication system and method wherein ", Motorola Docket No.PD05634AM (first related application); And relate to second and use Burke et a1., No. the 08/706th, 100, United States Patent (USP) application sequence; On August 30th, 1996, filing was entitled as " device that is used for audio frequency and video conference and phone, method and system ", Motorola DocketNo.PD05686AM (second related application); The two serves as preferential with the problem of all general issues here in the lump as a reference.

The present invention relates generally to the Voice ﹠ Video communication system, particularly be used for the device of audio frequency and video conference and phone, method and system.

Current, Voice ﹠ Video (visual) conference capability realized by the computer based system, such as personal computer (PC), and the room system that independently dials, and video telephone.These systems typically need new effective hardware, software and programming, and need effective communication network to connect, such as, the multichannel of integrated service digital network (ISDN) connects or T1/E1 connects.

For example, the room system that independently dials that is used for audio frequency and video conference typically need be utilized special-purpose video camera, television indicator, microphone system and additional TV conference apparatus at the specialized hardware in tens thousand of dollars of effective expenses.This system may also need nearly 6 (or more) adjacent ISDN B channels (or T1/E1 DS0), and each operates with per second 64 kilobits (kbps).System based on PC also typically needs the isdn primary rate interface service at least, comprises that two isdn b channels (each operates with 64kbps) add a D channel (with the 16kbps running).This communication network ability is expensive and is unnecessary most probably, especially when the discontinuous use of additional channel.

Current audio/visual phone or conference system only also are confined at the node of appointment, and promptly the particular system position provides the audio/visual function, neither move, and neither distributed (having a plurality of positions).The room system that independently dials only allows audio frequency and video conference in specific physical location.The current place that also is confined to them and installs of video telephone.Equally, only connect (as ISDN) and have special audio/video conferencing device having necessary network based on the system of PC, such as video camera, microphone and provide on the appointment PC of additional computer disposable plates of audio/visual processing this function is provided.Will become the PC with this audio/visual conferencing function for other, they must also be equipped with arbitrary necessary hardware, software, and programming is connected with network.

This traditional audio/visual conference system also is difficult to combination, installs and use.For example, need add new PC card to the interpolation of PC audio/visual function, video camera, microphone, the installation of audio/visual Control Software, the installation that new network connects is as ISDN.In addition, this network connects the appendage design and the necessary ISDN specific configuration information that may need PC, as specific and ISDN service regulation identifier (SPID) information.Typical video conference call is set up process and is utilized these current systems also very difficult and complicated.

Traditional audio/visual phone also is confined to communicate by letter with the similar device of far-end (remote location) with conference apparatus.For example, use the television telephone system of call type code system (outdated telephone service of " POTS "-plain code) to transmit information,, use V.34 and speed V.34bis (as flank speed about 28.8 to 33kbps) such as data as trellis coded modulation with analog format.This video-phone system and the meeting of ISDN audio/visual based on POTS is incompatible with telephone system, the latter is transmitted information with number format, as use Q.931 message signale, Q.921LAPD data link, Q.910 physical interface digital protocol, with 128kbps (two B channels) or higher data rate, use additional channel or DS0.

In addition, this current audio/visual phone and conference apparatus are quite expensive, under many circumstances in the family or other user use too expensive so that can not accept.For example, typically spend tens thousand of dollars based on the dialing room system.Be connected also very expensively based on the video conference system of PC with isdn network, spend thousands of dollars.

Current audio/visual phone and conference apparatus do not provide from more than the multichannel of a position, video conference simultaneously.For example, current system (as among the PC those) does not provide multi-channel television meeting dialogue, and wherein output video may comprise that the video input that obtains from the several video cameras that are positioned at a plurality of places shows.

Therefore, for audio/visual meeting and telephone system, there are a kind of needs in apparatus and method, can maybe can move, or can be configured for the additional position as required more than the node or the position running of an appointment in the user house.Such system should be compatible with the video conference system of other existence in use, should be easy to install and use to user friendly, and should use relatively cheap for family's purchase and user.In addition, such system should be able to provide the multi-channel television meeting that results from a plurality of positions dialogue.

Fig. 1 is the block diagram that explanation is used for the audio/visual network configuration of video access device according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 is the high-level block diagram of first embodiment of the video conference system of the invention of issuing in first embodiment of explanation video access device and second related application.

Fig. 3 is the more detailed block diagram of second embodiment of the video conference system of the invention of issuing in second embodiment of explanation video access device and second related application.

Fig. 4 is the block diagram of CATV RF transceiver of the optimum device embodiment of the explanation invention of issuing in second related application.

Fig. 5 is the microprocessor subsystem of optimum device embodiment of the explanation invention of issuing in second related application and the block diagram of the ASIC that communicates by letter.

Fig. 6 is the block diagram that the audio/video compression of the optimum device embodiment of the explanation invention of issuing in second related application is conciliate compression subsystem.

Fig. 7 is the block diagram of audio user interface of the optimum device embodiment of the explanation invention of issuing in second related application.

Fig. 8 is the block diagram of radio frequency modulator of the optimum device embodiment of the explanation invention of issuing in second related application.

Fig. 9 is the block diagram of RF demodulator of the optimum device embodiment of the explanation invention of issuing in second related application.

Figure 10 is the block diagram of camera interface of the optimum device embodiment of the explanation invention of issuing in second related application.

Figure 11 is the flow chart of method of the most preferred embodiment of the explanation invention of issuing in second related application.

Figure 12 is that explanation is according to the phone of the most preferred embodiment of the invention of issuing in second related application and the flow chart of video conference control method.

Figure 13 is according to the present invention, uses a plurality of TV telephone devices 700, and the block diagram of the 3rd embodiment of the 3rd embodiment of video access device 750 and video conference system 705 is described.

Figure 14 is according to the present invention, and the more detailed block diagram of first embodiment of TV telephone device 700 is described.

Figure 15 is according to the present invention, and the more detailed block diagram of second embodiment of TV telephone device 800 is described.

Figure 16 is according to the present invention, and the more detailed block diagram of the 4th embodiment of video access device 850 is described.

Figure 17 is according to the present invention, and the block diagram of extended audio/video compression reconciliation compression subsystem 760 is described.

Figure 18 is according to the present invention, and the flow chart of multi-channel video multiplexing method is described.

As issuing in second related application, and as Fig. 1-12 explanation, the most preferred embodiment of the invention of issuing in second related application provides audio frequency and the video conferencing and the telephone capability of one or more positions in the user house, can move, can be configured for additional location as required.In addition, according to the most preferred embodiment of issuing in second related application, audio/visual meeting and telephone system are typically used the device that can find in user's family or house, such as existing TV, video camera or shooting planter (camcorders), and phone.In addition, this system is designed to compatible with other existing video conference system in use, and the telecommunications network that can be used for connecting by different way (as ISDN or POTS) is to user friendly, install easily and use, and should be relatively cheap for the use of purchase and user in the family.

As mentioned above, also have a kind of needs, audio/visual phone and conference apparatus can be from providing video conference multiple, simultaneously more than the three unities.According to most preferred embodiment of the present invention, can take place from video conference multiple, simultaneously more than the three unities, multiple video conference dialogue is provided, wherein output video can comprise the demonstration of the video input that obtains from several video cameras of a plurality of positions.In addition,, issued different TV telephone device embodiment, a kind of selection to the use of phone, video camera, TV is provided, used in the invention as second related application and issue according to the present invention.Also compatible in use according to different TV telephone device embodiment of the present invention with other existing video conference system, the telecommunications network that can be used for connecting by different way (as ISDN or POTS), to user friendly, install easily and use, and should be relatively cheap for the use of purchase and user in the family.

Fig. 1 is the block diagram of explanation according to the configuration of the audio/visual network that is used for video access device 110 100 of the invention of issuing in second related application.As shown in Figure 1, video access device 110 (1) to 110 (n) (separately and unite to be referenced be video access device 110) can be outdoor, such as 109 (1) (video access devices 110 (1)) in the user house, perhaps can be indoor, such as 109 (2) and 109 (n) (video access device 110 (1) and video access device 110 (n)) in the user house.The video access device 110 that shows among Fig. 1 can have first embodiment that shows among Fig. 2, second (non-multichannel and the non-multiplexed) embodiment that shows among Fig. 3 as video access device 150, the third multichannel embodiment that shows among Figure 13, or the 4th kind of multichannel and the multiplexed embodiment that show among Figure 16 as video access device 850 as video access device 750.As a result of, as what here use, reference video access device 110,150,750 or any one embodiment of 850 will be understood, and mean and comprise other device embodiment or its equivalents.With reference to figure 1, according to the invention of issuing in second related application, video access device 110 provides audio frequency and video telephone and conference service on first communication channel 103, this channel is the composite fibre coaxial cable (" HFC ") that uses in the audio/visual network 100 (having various configurations) in most preferred embodiment.In the most preferred embodiment that uses HFC, video access device 110 (150 or 750) is also as the vision cable addressed location.First communication channel 103 is connected to cable television network (" CATV ") Video service foundation structure 102 by main website 105, and is connected to network 140 by local digital switch 135.Network 140 can be such as PSTN (" PSTN ") or integrated service digital network (" ISDN "), or this existing or combination in any of telecommunications network in the future.

Continuation is with reference to figure 1, main website 105, also as the head end device, be included in a control unit that is called cable control unit (" CCU ") 115 in the most preferred embodiment, a network interface (or telecommunications network interface) 130, a combiner 104, and can be coupled to CATV Video service foundation structure 102.CCU115 comprises a communication controler 125 and one group of transceiver 120 (1)-120 (n), also blocks as cableport transceiver (" CPX ") in most preferred embodiment.Communication controler 125 sends and accepts industrial standard time division multiplexing (" TDM ") signal via network interface 130 between the local digital switch that is connected to network 140 other parts (" LDS ").In most preferred embodiment, the input of communication controler 125 (being received) signal is converted into the internal signal form, can also have the TDM time slot interchange, is routed to transceiver 120 (1)-120 (n) then.Transceiver 120 (1)-120 (n) is transformed into frequency (being radio frequency (" RF ")) to received signal, preferably with the compatible frequency of cable TV (CATV) network.Main website 105 provides concentrating of network 140 resources by time slot and frequency management technology.Audio/visual network 100 comprises that main website 105 is (with the network interface 130 that is used for being connected with network 140, can be coupled to CATV Video service foundation structure 102), and a plurality of video access devices, such as video access device 110-110 (being connected to main website 105) by first communication channel 103.

In most preferred embodiment, signal by audio/visual network 100 uses the agreement that is called as " CACS " (cable calling-on signal), is used for transmission and receives such as sound, video, computer documents and program, and the data of other information (being collectively referred to as data).CACS is a multi-layer protocol, comprise a plurality of 768kbps ∏/4-DQPSK (DQPSK) modulation RF carrier wave, downlink path (from main website 105 to video access device 110), use the TDM frame, use TDMA (time division multiple access) up path (from video access device 110 to main website 105).In most preferred embodiment, each CACS carrier wave support is the time slot of 8 user data package that address respectively nearly, and wherein each bag comprises 160 user data (pay(useful) load) and address and error correction information.Preferred CACS frame rate is per second 400 frames, for each assigned timeslot of the network user provides 64kbps the data throughout of (kilobit per second).Time slot can also connect together provides bigger data, such as reach 512kbps when all 8 time slots are assigned to a user.

As a result of, the CACS agreement can be supported the service of N * 64kbps, and wherein N is the number of the time slot of appointment.When connection is commonly referred to the plain old telephone of POTS (plain code plain old telephone service), use a time slot, wherein digital pcm (pulse code modulation) audio sample transmits in the pay(useful) load of CACS time slot.When connecting higher rate service,, use two or more slot transmission user data such as basic rate ISDN (two 64kbps B channels and a 16kbps D channel).For video conference and telephone service, the digital audio of compression and vision signal can occupy one to a plurality of time slots (as 8 time slots of each carrier wave) by each carrier wave, this depends on the compression method of use and the service quality that needs, and the number of the video network interface of discussing below 210 that is used for video access device 110 (or 150) (or CATV RF transceiver 245).

In most preferred embodiment, the CACS RF carrier wave of modulation occupies the RF bandwidth of 600kHz, and can be assigned to the optional position of uplink and downlink CATV frequency band equally.Typically, domestic North America CATV system, downstream band are designated as from 50 to 750MHz, and up wave band is designated as from 5 to 40MHz.With reference to Fig. 1, in order to transmit to user house 109 (1)-109 (n), transceiver 120 (1)-120 (n) receives tdm traffics from communication controler 125, and creates the CACS frame of 8 time slots, with relevant overhead signal information (comprising the mistake control data), form the 768kpbs data flow.This data flow is converted into ∏/4-DQPSK signal then, is up-converted to the frequency from base band to the RF carrier wave in the CATV downstream band then again.Then this ∏/4-DQPSK signal selectively with other Video service signal combination (combiner 104) in main website 105 from CATV Video service foundation structure 102, and by first communication channel 103 transmission.

At receiving terminal, will go through below, video access device 110 to base band and demodulation ∏/4-DQPSK signal, forms received CACS frame to the CACS carrier down-conversion.From the CACS frame, extract gap information (being the data in the pay(useful) load) then, be transferred to the audio codec in phone (or pots call) or the audio/video compression that is transferred in video conference call or dialogue is conciliate compression subsystem.On the contrary, for uplink, sound and video data are conciliate the compression subsystem generation from audio codec or audio/video compression respectively, are placed into the TDMA packet of CACS protocol format.This TDMA packet is converted into ∏/4-DQPSK signal then, upconverts to the RF carrier wave, and enters the up path of audio/visual network 100 on first communication channel 103.In the transceiver 120 (1)-120 (n) one receives upward signals from video access device 110, and RF is down-converted to base band and this ∏ of demodulation/4-DQPSK signal to this signal, forms received TDMA packet.From this bag, extract user data then, and be transferred to communication controler 125, it is reformatted as suitable network signal (analog or digital) to user data, and, be multiplexed to network 140 (via local digital switch 135) with other signal by network interface 130 these network signals of transmission.

In most preferred embodiment, the CACS agreement comprises three types signaling channel, uses the time slot of appointment on the CACS carrier wave.First type signaling channel is called broadcast channel, is used to transmit general system information, only to the down direction of different video access device 110, when will be from network 140 receipt of call to 110 transmission of video access device such as the information that stops warning.Various video access devices 110 use the signaling channel of a plurality of second types, are called access channel, obtain the visit to audio/visual network 100 or network 140.The signaling channel of a plurality of the 3rd types is called Traffic Channel, be full duplex and be used in network 140, transmit user data.

In most preferred embodiment, Traffic Channel can comprise one or more time slots, and (relaying) takes out from available time slot pond and distribute to the user as required.Traffic Channel all is assigned with in the duration of calling out (POTS or video), and this channel is released in the available time slot pond when calling out termination.When video access device 110 starts for the first time, by scan downstream spectrum for the CACS broadcast channel, with this channel synchronization and obtain the information of relevant access channel position, this device is registered at the CCU115 place.On access channel, video access device 110 requires to distribute a Traffic Channel, then the traffic channel transmission registration message by appointment in a plurality of Traffic Channels.After registration finished, video access device 110 can produce or receipt of call by network 140.

Generate a calling if desired, video access device 110 is asked required number of time slots by access channel to CCU115.CCU115 handles this request and distributes a Traffic Channel (carrier frequency and relevant time slot) then.Arrival in the call forward if desired, that CCU115 identifies to quilt, the video access device 110 notification broadcast channels that are addressed is called out.Via access channel, video access device 110 is asked a Traffic Channel then.CCU115 handles this request and distributes a Traffic Channel.

In most preferred embodiment, the CACS agreement also provides the ability to other available carrier wave frequency and slot transmission calling, particularly under the strong noise situation.The quality of best all user traffic channel of continuous monitoring, if because noise quality begins decay, this calling is transferred to another RF carrier wave with less noise.

Fig. 2 is the invention of issuing according in second related application, and first embodiment of video access device (being video access device 110) and the high-level block diagram of video conference system 200 are described.According to the invention of issuing in second related application, video conference system 200 comprises video access device 110, audio frequency 220, one or more video displays 225 (1)-225 (n) (respectively and be collectively referred to as video display 225) camera interface 235, video camera 230.Video access device 110 can be coupled to first communication channel 103, be used for communicating by letter with CATV Video service foundation structure 102 discussed above with network 140, and be coupled to and typically be positioned at the inner or second communication channels 227 on every side in user (or client) house 109 via main website 105.For example, second communication channel 227 can be inside 75 ohm coaxial cable that typically are used for cable TV.Audio frequency 220 is coupled to video access device 110, can comprise microphone and loud speaker, or followingly discusses in conjunction with Fig. 3, can realize preferably as phone.One or more video displays are used to show the video section of the audio frequency of arrival and video conference call or dialogue (arrival be meant be transferred to from other position video access device 110), can also comprise the loud speaker of the audio-frequency unit of the audio frequency that is used to export arrival and video conference call or dialogue, and in most preferred embodiment, use one or more TVs to realize.Video camera 230 is used to produce the video section of the audio frequency that spreads out of and video conference call or dialogue (spread out of be meant from video access device 110 be transferred to other position), can also comprise microphone, be used to produce the audio frequency that spreads out of and the audio-frequency unit of video conference call or dialogue, and in most preferred embodiment, use common video video camera or shooting planter to realize.Camera interface 235 is used to modulate the video output signals from video camera 230, be used on second communication channel 227 to 110 transmission of video access device, and go through as following, camera interface 235 can also directly be included in the video camera 230.

Continuation is with reference to figure 2, and video access device 110 comprises video network interface 210, radio frequency (RF) modulator and demodulator 205 (being also referred to as RF modulator-demodulator 205), user interface 215, processor device 190.Video network interface 210 is coupled to first communication channel 103, is used to receive first protocol signal, as ∏/4-DQPSK TDM signal, to form received protocol signal; And be used to transmit second protocol signal, as the numerical data of TDMA form, the protocol signal that is transmitted with formation is such as ∏/4-DQPSK tdma signal.These different protocol signals can also use with the CACS agreement in the different agreements and the modulation type (being collectively referred to as agreement) that use, such as more general PSK (phase-shift keying) or QPSK (orthogonal PSK) modulator approach, OFDM (Orthodoxy Frequency Division Multiplex), QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation), H.320, H.323 or H.324.Also have, as used herein, definition input and output direction avoid arriving and outgoing signal between conflict, because, such as when on the second communication channel 227 during to video display 225 transmission, the arrival signal from network 140 to video access device 110 also is the signal that spreads out of from video access device 110.The result, as used herein, between the interface of video access device 110, define the input and output direction on the one hand, second communication channel 227 or audio frequency 220 are as follows on the other hand: input signal (as input video or audio signal) from second communication channel 227 (or the input audio frequency situation under, from audio frequency 220) be input to video access device 110, may be from producing such as video camera 230, and will be transferred to network 140 from video access device 110; On the contrary, output signal (as output video or audio signal) outputs to second communication channel 227 (or under the situation of output audio from video access device 110, to audio frequency 220), may be from producing such as remote location via network 140, received by video access device 110 via first communication channel 103, and will be on second communication channel 227 by 110 transmission of video access device or output to video display 225 or output to audio frequency 220.

Continuation is with reference to figure 2, use radio frequency modulator and demodulator 205 that base band outputting video signal (from processor device 190) is transformed into the radio frequency outputting video signal, be used on second communication channel 227 transmission and received by one or more video displays 225, radio frequency incoming video signal (from camera interface 235) is transformed into the base band incoming video signal, is used for input to processor device 190.User interface 215 is used to receive a plurality of control signals, such as call of request, asks an audio frequency and video conference call and other control signal as to calling or the notification signal of audio frequency and video conference call.Processor device 190 is coupled to video network interface 210, radio-frequency modulator/demodulator 205 and user interface 215.Explain in detail as following institute, processor device 190 can comprise an integrated circuit (" IC "), the parts that maybe can comprise a plurality of integrated circuits or other connection or be grouped together, such as microprocessor, digital signal processor, all ASIC, associative storage (as ROM or RAM), and other IC and parts.As a result, as used herein, the group processor device should be understood that equal implication, and comprises a processor, or all processors, microprocessor, controller or realize the device of some other the integrated circuit group of function discussed in more detail below.For example, in most preferred embodiment, the realization of processor device 190 comprises 250, one audio/video compression reconciliation compression subsystem 265 of a communication ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) and a microprocessor subsystem 260 as shown in Figure 3.Go through as following, the method for the invention of issuing in second related application can be used as one group of program command of carrying out after being used for, is programmed and is stored in processor device 190 and its associative storage and other equivalent parts.In most preferred embodiment, processor device 190 and one group of program stored instruction are used together, any control signal user's input or that receive from network 140 is responded, at first, the protocol signal that (from video network interface 210) is received is converted to a base band outputting video signal (need and be transferred to video display 225 by 205 modulation of radio frequency modulator/demodulator) and output audio signal (be transferred to audio frequency 220 or make up, modulate and be transferred to the base band outputting video signal video display 225); The second, a base band incoming video signal (from camera interface 235 produce by the incoming video signal of demodulation) and input audio signal (from audio frequency 220 or with the base band incoming video signal combination that produces from video camera 230 and camera interface 235) be converted to second protocol signal (need be modulated and be transferred to network 140) by video network interface 210.The function of each part of video access device 110 goes through with reference to figure 3-10 below.

Fig. 3 is the invention of issuing according in second related application, and the high-level block diagram of second embodiment of second embodiment of video access device (being video access device 150) and video conference system 300 is described.The second device embodiment, being video access device 150 illustrated in fig. 3, is the optimum device embodiment of this invention, is equal to first embodiment in all others, be the video access device 110 that illustrates among Fig. 1 and 2, and can be used in the method identical with first embodiment.Equally, second embodiment of video conference system, video conference system 300, also be the optimum decision system embodiment of the invention of issuing in second related application, be equal to first embodiment in all others, be video conference system 200 illustrated in fig. 2, and can be used in the method identical with first embodiment.

As shown in Figure 3, video access device 150 comprises 260, one audio/video compression reconciliation of microprocessor subsystem compression subsystem 265, the ASIC 250 that communicates by letter with, the processor device of discussing with reference to figure 2 above its constitutes 190.Video access device 150 also comprises CATV radio frequency (RF) transceiver 245 (it is equal to video network interface 210 illustrated in fig. 2 on function), user/audio interface 255 (it is being equal to user interface 215 illustrated in fig. 2 on the function) and radio frequency modulator 270 and RF demodulator 275 (the two is equal to radio frequency modulator/demodulator 205 illustrated in fig. 2 together on function).The most preferred embodiment of video access device 150 illustrated in fig. 3 also comprises first directional coupler, 280, the second directional couplers 290 and filter 285.In addition as mentioned above, when required data rate is higher than the ability of all available time slot of each carrier wave, can also use additional CATV RF transceiver 245 so that the additional time slot on the additional carrier to be provided.Each this functions of components is explained below in detail.

Also as shown in Figure 3, second embodiment of video conference system 300 comprises (as audio interface) one or more phones 295 (1)-295 (n) (respectively and be collectively referred to as phone 295, phone 295 is equal to audio frequency 220 illustrated in fig. 2 on function); Video access device 150; Video camera 230; Camera interface 235 (also can make up or be positioned at video camera 230); One or more TVs 240 (1)-240 (n) (respectively and be collectively referred to as TV 240, on function, be equal to video display 225 illustrated in fig. 2); Second communication channel 227, its coaxial cable in user (or client) house preferably as mentioned above.

With reference to figure 3, video access device 150 uses public housed device that phone (POTS) and audio frequency/video conference service are provided, be used for video conference system 300 in user (or client) mutual, such as the phone 295 (1)-295 (n) that is used for input of input control signal and audio frequency and output; The video camera 230 that is used for video input (as the video camera planter); With the TV 240 that is used for video output (in the position of video display 225).When the POTS service was provided, twisted-pair cable 294 typical, existing in video access device 150 and user (or client) house was mutual, makes that any phone (as phone 295 (1)-295 (n)) in the user house can be used.Also the line is busy and traditional " BORSHT " function for typical (POTS) telephone service provides for video access device 150, can explain in detail below.

When video conference when service is provided, each in a plurality of phones 295 (1)-295 (n) (respectively and be collectively referred to as phone 295) can be used to call out (meeting) and set up and the audio frequency input and output.Radio frequency outputting video signal (from video access device 150) can be displayed on any platform in the TV 240 that is connected with second communication channel 227 (as the CATV coaxial cable) the user house, uses the idle channel (as channel 3 or 4) in the CATV downstream frequency wave band.The radio frequency outputting video signal receives with modulated number format from network 140 at first, such as using as the agreement modulation of CACS and the numerical data of coding, can be used as received or first protocol signal.First protocol signal receives on audio/visual network 100, via transmitting from another second user house such as main website 105 and network 140.Typically comprising first protocol signal that is compressed numerical data is received by video access device 150, its decompress this data and it is converted to the base band outputting video signal, such as NTSC/PAL composite video signal (NTSC is the video format that typically uses with Japan in the North America, and PAL is the video format that typically uses in Europe).Also can use other video format, such as SECAM or HDTV.Then this base band outputting video signal (on online 271) by RF modulation (using radio frequency modulator 270) to available video RF carrier wave and use directional coupler 290 (preferably 4 ports) to put into the second communication channel 227 (as coaxial cable) of user's premises.This radio frequency outputting video signal is sent to (as family or office) all television receivers in the user house then, such as TV 240.Directional coupler 290 is used in the most preferred embodiment, when providing isolation with the catv network that is connected arbitrarily with box lunch, provides the phasing signal insertion.

In the user house, produce and need be transferred to the vision signal in another second user house (or other place) via main website 105 and network 140, result from and generate vision signal (as the NTSC/PAL composite video signal, it is preferably on channel 3 or 4 modulation, 61.25 or 67.25MHz) video camera (or shooting planter) 230.This RF vision signal from video camera 230 is connected or is coupled to camera interface 235, its use skew frequency mixer the RF vision signal (typically 61.25 or the 67.25MHz carrier wave on) be displaced to the frequency spectrum that is higher than typical C ATV frequency, such as 1.2GHz or 900MHz wave band.For may not comprising modulator the NTSC/PAL composite video signal is displaced to those video cameras 230 of channel 3 or 4, this modulation can combine with camera interface 235; Otherwise the function of camera interface 235 can also directly combine with video camera 230.Then, be called as the vision signal that is shifted from camera interface 235 of radio frequency incoming video signal, be inserted in the same second communication channel and (also be connected to TV 240), it passes this radio frequency incoming video signal back video access device 150.Video access device 150 is from directional coupler (at 1.2GHz or 900MHz) received RF incoming video signal, and this signal of use RF demodulator 275 demodulation forms base band incoming video signal (on online 272) to base band.This base band incoming video signal is switched to digital form and compression then, forms second protocol signal, as tdma signal, then by ∏/4-DQPSK modulation (protocol signal that is transmitted with formation) and by audio/visual network 100 transmission.In most preferred embodiment,, attempt to avoid the mutual interference mutually of descending and up CATV service by using the idle video channel on 1.2GHz or the 900MHz.1.2GHz or the 900MHz signal also is low pass filtering device 285 and comes out from supply cable or link 287 filtering, makes this signal highly be strengthened before can leaving video access device 150.

Although the major function of video access device 110 (or 150) and video conference system 200 (or 300) provides the full duplex video communication, other miscellaneous function is also available in most preferred embodiment.For example, a kind of miscellaneous function is " circulatory function ", it allows the user to check video from video camera 230 on the screen of TV 240 or video display 225, this RF incoming video signal is by demodulation (from 1.2GHz or 900MHz) like this, again be modulated to a video RF carrier wave, and be used for the RF outputting video signal.This cycle characteristics is valuable especially for monitoring, such as being used for room safety or childminding.In addition, picture-in-picture (or multi-windows) function can be provided, and wherein the user can check the video wicket from video camera 230, checks the video that is received from another place simultaneously, for example in wicket, childmind, watch the film or the video that receive from catv network simultaneously.

In addition, video access device 110 (or 150) can be frequency agility, and video conference can occur on any channel like this.Although preferably on typical vacant channels such as channel 3 or 4, according to the invention of issuing in second related application, the video conference on the additional channel is also feasible in video conference.For example, can use notch filter existing video channel blanking or remove time of any length, various input and output vision signals be inserted into or the channel of be added to idle at present (filtered or weaken) on.In existing programming, the insertion of this frequency speed and audio/video signal is one of the characteristic of the real uniqueness of the invention of issuing in second related application.

Fig. 4 is the invention of issuing according in second related application, and the block diagram of the CATVRF transceiver 245 of optimum device embodiment is described.In most preferred embodiment, CATV RF transceiver 245 be frequency agility, provide between the arbitrarily available CACS carrier wave CACS signal on down-conversion, and the FREQUENCY CONTROL that has microprocessor subsystem 260 to provide.With reference to figure 4, first protocol signal, as the descending carrier of being modulated by the CACS PI/4-DQPSK in the 50-750MHz CATV wave band, be received and filtered in filter 305 (having the 50-750MHz bandwidth) from first communication channel 103, and in heterodyne down-converter 310 by the heterodyne down conversion to base band, and should the arrival baseband signal have homophase (" I ") and quadrature (" Q ") partly (or signal).The local oscillator that is used for the heterodyne down-converter is provided by frequency synthesizer subsystem 315.Then I and Q part in a SRRC filter 320 by raised root cosine (" SRRC ") filtering, to remove noise and other distortion.Filtered then I and Q part is become intermediate frequency (IF) signal on the 1.2MHz by upper frequency mixer 325 by uppermixing, is used for the transmission (or at another circuit that links to each other with upper frequency mixer, to the ASIC 250 that communicates by letter) of the communication ASIC 250 on bus 261.In most preferred embodiment, the CACS carrier wave has the character rate of per second 384,000 symbols, and and the channel width that occupied of excess bandwidth factor 0.5 and 600KHz transmit together.

Continuation results from second protocol signal of communication ASIC 250 with reference to figure 4, such as the 768kb/sTDMA burst, is used to ∏/4-DQPSK waveform generator or modulator 330, its output baseband I and Q part (signal).This I and Q signal are up-converted to the up wave band of 5-40MHz CATV in RF upconverter 340 then by SRRC filtering (at the 2nd SRRC filter 335), to form transmission (or being transmitted) protocol signal.Synthesize at low-converter 310, the local oscillator that is used for RF upconverter 340 is provided by frequency synthesizer subsystem 315.The through-put power of TDMA burst is programmable by the microprocessor 350 of microprocessor subsystem 260 (below with reference to Fig. 5 discussion), so as by audio/visual network 100 arbitrarily independent video access device 110 or be connected to audio/visual network 100 150 in network gain control is provided.

Fig. 5 is the invention of issuing according in second related application, and the microprocessor subsystem 260 of optimum device embodiment and the block diagram of the ASIC 250 that communicates by letter are described.In optimum device embodiment, use communication ASIC 250 to provide the low layer baseband functions to support agreement such as CASC.On function, communication ASIC 250 can be separated into a receiving unit and a hop (not separately expression in Fig. 5).At receiving unit, the IF signal on the 1.2MHz (from the upper frequency mixer 325 of CATV transceiver 245) comprises ∏/4-DQPSK modulation CACS signal.This descending CACS ∏/4-DQPSKTDM signal is by coherent demodulation, so that the recovery of base band binary data and symbol and bit timing information to be provided.The TDM frame is extracted the time slot data by also decoding synchronously then, and the execution error control test.User data in this management data and the pay(useful) load becomes availablely via 261 pairs of microprocessor subsystems 260 of bus then, and this bus can be an address/data bus.Can also directly come out user data route from communication ASIC 250, be used for conciliating compression subsystem 265 (Fig. 6) transmission to audio codec 410 (Fig. 7) or audio/video compression.At the hop of communication ASIC 250, conciliate the compressed Voice ﹠ Video data of compression subsystem 265 from the control data of microprocessor 350 with from audio/video compression, be transferred to communication ASIC 250, create audio/video bitstreams.This audio/video bitstreams formats with synchronous and error-control information then, produce binary system TDMA burst, next it be transferred to CATV transceiver 245, is used for later modulation and transmission as the protocol signal that is transmitted on the first communication channel 103.In most preferred embodiment, communication ASIC 250 also provides other function to support video access device 150, comprises the TDMA time adjustment, is used for the sleep pattern control of low-power operation, being used for the time buffering of rate controlled and the interruption of POTS interface control signal produces.

Continuation is with reference to figure 5, microprocessor subsystem 260 comprises a microprocessor 350 or other processing unit, such as Motorola MC68LC302, with memory 360, it comprises random access storage device (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM), conciliates compression subsystem 265 communications with the audio/video compression of communicating by letter ASIC 250 and providing on bus 261.The read-only memory of memory 360 part is also used quick programmable storage, makes the content of memory can use such as the agreement of CACS and downloads on audio/visual network 100.As a result, the function software of different editions (program command) such as upgrading, can not have user intervention by the modification to video access device 150 and just can realize.

Continuation is with reference to figure 5, and microprocessor subsystem 260 is by Equipment Control and configuration, and high-level CACS function, such as call treatment, and when video call needs, also is used as and realizes the ISDN protocol stack.Because microprocessor subsystem directly with communicate by letter ASIC 250 alternately and visit the user data of CASC channel, use microprocessor subsystem 260 as exchanges data and protocol conversion device, conciliate the data link that to set up a high speed between the compression subsystem 265 at communication ASIC 250 and audio/video compression.The audio user of the data flow form of pulse code modulation (pcm) also can be routed to audio/video compression from the DSP 415 of user/audio interface 255 by microprocessor 350 and conciliate compression subsystem 265.

Fig. 6 is the invention of issuing according in second related application, and the block diagram of the audio/video compression reconciliation compression subsystem 265 of optimum device embodiment is described.Audio/video compression is conciliate the compression that compression subsystem 265 realizes base band incoming video signal (producing from video camera 230 and camera interface 235), and receive, by the decompression of the video data that comprises in the pay(useful) load of first protocol signal of demodulation (as the CACS signal), on TV 240, show after being used for.Audio/video compression is conciliate compression subsystem 265 and is comprised a Video processing digital signal processor (DSP) 365, a R-G-B D-A converter 370,375, one audio/video input processors 380 of 390, one encoders of a R-G-B analog-digital converter.Video processing DSP (or Video processing DSP subsystem) 365 is a high-speed programmable DSP (or DSP device or subsystems, as Motorola MC56303 and the holding components that is associated, comprise internal memory and hardware-accelerated ASIC (following discussion)), be used for video conference standard, realize different videos and audio compression and decompression algorithm according to transmission rate and/or remote port (i.e. another house of communicating by letter) with the video access device.The program coding that is used for Video processing DSP 365 can also be downloaded from microprocessor subsystem memory 360, and it can also use such as the agreement of CACS and download by audio/visual network 100.As a result, comprise that the video capability of the video access device 150 of new algorithm can be revised at a high speed and upgrade, also do not need hardware change and user's intervention.

Continuation is with reference to figure 6, in the past by demodulation and by communication ASIC 250 and microprocessor subsystem 260 separate multiplexed and be reformatted as video data, be compressed video data (such as ∏/4-DQPSK TDM CACS protocol signal) from what network 140 received, be transferred to Video processing DSP 365, it is extracted to contract and is converted to R-G-B (" RGB ") digital video signal there.This RGB digital video signal is converted to the RGB analog signal by RGB number-Mo (" D "/" A ") transducer 370 (such as Motorola MC44200) then.This analog rgb signal and composite synchronizing signal are used to encoder 375 then, and preferably the NTSC/PAL encoder produces a NTSC/PAL composite video signal such as Motorola MC13077, and it also can be called as the base band outputting video signal.This NTSC/PAL composite video signal is transferred to radio frequency modulator 275 then, is used to upconvert to radio frequency (to form the radio frequency outputting video signal), next in transmission on the second communication channel 227 and demonstration on TV 240.

Next step transmission by network 140 for incoming video signal (producing from video camera 230 and camera interface 235) receives the base band incoming video signal from RF demodulator 270, such as NTSC/PAL composite video video camera or shooting planter signal.This base band incoming video signal is transferred to audio/video input processor 380, and such as Motorola MC44011, it is converted to the analog rgb signal to the base band incoming video signal, and the sampling clock of locking also is provided for next step digitlization of vision signal simultaneously.These input analog rgb signals are converted to the digital rgb signal by RGB analog-digital converter 390 (such as Motorola MC44250) then, and are transferred to Video processing DSP 365.Video processing DSP 365 compressed digital rgb signals, and for next step transmission to network 140, the data flow transmission that obtains to communication ASIC 250 or be used for protocol code and the microprocessor subsystem of modulation 260.In most preferred embodiment, audio/video compression is conciliate compression subsystem 265 can also comprise additional random access storage device, is used for the part or all of storage of the pixel data of I/O frame of video by Video processing DSP365.Still in most preferred embodiment, use hardware-accelerated ASIC to help the work that Video processing DSP 365 handles reinforcement speed, such as handling relevant discrete cosine transform with compression and decompression.

Fig. 7 is the invention of issuing according in second related application, and the block diagram of the audio user interface 225 of optimum device embodiment is described.Audio user interface 225 is designed to the domestic telephone set interface with standard, comprises wireless device and loud speaker, such as phone 295 (1)-295 (n).Audio user interface 225 attempts to support audio frequency pots call and video call.In most preferred embodiment,, make when producing as there not being the video call function to exist with the reception call with the pots call of " transparent " mode treatment.Still in most preferred embodiment, video call is used as exception and handles, and needs the user to import appointed or predetermined dial train and activates video call.

With reference to figure 7, SLIC (local loop interface circuit) 400 provides " BORSHT " function for the telephone service in the user house, provided by office of network center usually such as those, comprises DC (direct current) power supply that is used for phone (battery); Over voltage protection; The tinkle of bells detects and the tinkle of bells insertion fast; Management characteristic is such as hook switch state and dial impulse; Mixed characteristic is differential to the single-ended conversion of four lines and the inhibition of two-wire input longitudinal signal such as two-wire; And detect.SLIC400 communicates by letter with phone 295 (1)-295 (n) by common telephone wire, and such as twisted-pair cable 294, it has prompting and the tinkle of bells line.The tinkle of bells generator provides high voltage AC (interchange) signal, makes 295 (1)-295 (n) ring.The audio codec 410 that is connected to SLIC 400 is that the digitized sound that results from microphone input (sound) audio signal partly of one or more phones 295 (1)-295 (n) provides analog-to-digital conversion, form input (PCM) digital audio data stream or signal, also provide number-Mo conversion (for the speaker portion generation output audio signal of phone 295 (1)-295 (n)), and recover for the PCM system provides wave band restriction and signal for from export (PCM) digital audio data stream or signal, recovering sound.Output and input (PCM) digital audio data stream are directly connected to acoustic processing DSP 415.This acoustic processing DSP 415, such as Motorola MC56166, comprise program storage and data storage, be used to realize signal processing function, detect and generate such as the DTMF/ dial impulse, call progress tone transfers (dialing tone, busy tone) to generate, PCM-linear transformation and linearity-PCM conversion, and verbal cue is reset.V.34 acoustic processing DSP 415 can also provide and modem feature V.34bis, further supports POTS or other video call based on simulation.Acoustic processing DSP 415 is mutual by bus 261 with the ASIC 250 that communicates by letter with microprocessor subsystem 260.In most preferred embodiment, memory 420 (being connected to acoustic processing DSP 415) comprises high-density ROM (being called voice ROM), it contains and is used for and the phonological component of the pcm encoder of user interactions (or compression), such as when being in the video call pattern, prompting user keypad DTMF or dial impulse input.In addition, can use optional voice random access storage device, for the storage of program (and upgrade) or algorithm makes revisable, programmable stable (fast) memory of electricity consumption for user's sound store function.

In most preferred embodiment, audio user interface 255 is running one of in two ways, and the firstth, liaison mode (POTS), the secondth, video conference (calling).Phone (POTS) pattern is to user transparent, and when the user takes microphone, and it all is used as the default mode input.Go through as following, the video conference pattern is by way of exception imported, and by user's input (dialing) specific, predetermined sequence, this sequence is not identified as a phone sequence in most preferred embodiment.In phone (POTS) pattern, acoustic processing DSP 415 produces traditional " dialing " sound when subscriber phone (in the phone 295 (1)-295 (n)) off-hook.This user's input dial sequence then is as well-known traditional dialing.415 pairs of dialed digits of acoustic processing DSP are deciphered and they are stored in the calling memory buffering area of memory 420.Preceding two numerals of input are being deciphered back (not being preceding two numerals of predetermined especially video call sequence), acoustic processing DSP 415 recognizes that the calling of request is not a video call, and, use and come the initialization pots call by audio/visual network 100 such as the agreement of CACS to microprocessor subsystem 260 signallings.After calling out the voice frequency link of being confirmed by (network 140) and leading to local digital switch 135 and being established, acoustic processing DSP 415 is transmitted to local digital switch 135 to the numerals of storage, and connects the audio path between subscriber phone and the network 140.From then on, acoustic processing DSP 415 will no longer decipher any dialed digit, just transmit digital audio data stream by input and output PCM simply, hang up the telephone and end call up to the user.

Selectively for a telephone conversation, the connection of the central office of network 140 can be created or be maintained into to audio frequency/user interface 255, by transparent telephone service.In case detect the input of the special predetermined sequence that is used for video mode, audio frequency/user interface 255 interrupts or stops the connection of central office, enters video mode, is under the local area control of video access device 150 (or 110).

As mentioned above, by importing a predetermined especially sequence, this sequence is identified as a non-phone sequence by acoustic processing DSP 415, be identified as a predetermined sequence specific to video mode in addition in most preferred embodiment, the user is initialized as common telephony mode to the video conference pattern as a kind of exception.This method also can be discussed in conjunction with the flow chart of Figure 12 below.Video conference pattern for most preferred embodiment, preceding two numerals of Yu Ding sequence are unique and were not used especially in standard P OTS calls out especially, such as " * * ", as a result of, it can be used for signaling to audio sound processing DSP 415 especially, comes the input video call model.Selectively, other is specific, predetermined sequence can be used for being identified as the video conference pattern by acoustic processing DSP 415 by user program.After the predetermined especially sequence of two special numbers or other is deciphered, acoustic processing DSP 415 generates or plays a sequence of voice prompts immediately, such as " please make call out to select or request help by the # key ", it is stored in the voice ROM part of memory 420.Sequence that the user is imported or the key of pressing are depended in the action of acoustic processing DSP 415 after initial prompt then.For example, if press the # key, the user may hear a command menu, such as follows:

-" make dial-up, press * "

-" revising ringing number, " by 2

-" making artificial video call, " by 3

-" closing video camera, " by 4

-" checking the video camera on your TV, " by 5

-" listen this menu again, press # " in most preferred embodiment, used automatically, guided the user to carry out video conference call to user-friendly prompting sequence like this.In case finish input, information just is sent to microprocessor subsystem 260 from acoustic processing DSP 415, and 260 attempt to be connected with calling by network 140 then.If success, audio path (input and output audio signal) to phone 295 (1)-295 (n) will be connected, output video path to TV 240 or other video display 225 will be connected, and will be connected from the input video path of camera interface 235 (producing from video camera 230).Selectively, under user's control, the output audio path also can be connected to TV 240, is used for by the broadcasting of the loud speaker in the TV 240, the input audio path also can be from the microphone generating in the video camera 230, and is connected via camera interface 235.When the user wishes video conference recorded, be coupled to the common VCR of TV 240 such as use, this can select the path particularly useful.When phone was hung up, video call stopped, or via user interface 215 or user/audio interface 255 another control signals of input.

Should be noted that in most preferred embodiment, can use simple dialing characteristic to simplify video call and handle.For example, the user takes microphone and by three * keys and a numeral 1,2, behind the ..9, can use in the dialer map Serial No. for that stored digital to give birth to a calling from movable property.This characteristic may be necessary and desirable under a lot of situations, and for example, isdn call may need to import two tens that separate, and comes to connect this calling by network 140.Also as a kind of selection, a more complicated system can store a simple name tags or other alphanumeric input relevant with the dialing input of being created by the user, and feeds back to the user by acoustic processing DSP 415 in most preferred embodiment.For example, the prompting of response dial-up can be: " calling out ' grandmother ', by 1 "; " call out ' mother ', " by 2; " call out ' work ', " by 3; Wherein phonological component " grandmother ", " mother " and " work " are said, record and be stored in the memory 420 by the user.More complicated system can comprise speaker/voice recognition technology, discerns the user and selects, and no longer needs by any key on the telephone keypad or other artificial input to user interface 215 or user/audio interface 255 information.Be also to be noted that the video call controlled function, as close video camera, open and local playback local feedback (loopback), also can select by same user interface.Other complicated system can also comprise the use of video display 225 or TV 240, the menu that is used on the screen is selected directly perceived the demonstration, and the relevant input of user's Control Circulation, as call out and control and configuration information, take place in a variety of forms, such as the keyboard by phone 295, pass through to the infrared remote control link of video access device 150 (or 110) or by input video path via second communication channel 227.The whole bag of tricks of demonstration and user feedback is particularly useful when the guiding user carries out the video call processing on user prompt, the screen, and makes audio frequency video conference system 300 (or 200) very friendly to the user.In addition, the whole bag of tricks also shows three kinds of abilities using phone 295 in the most preferred embodiment, is used for phone, audio frequency input and output and calls out control.

Fig. 8 is the invention of issuing according in second related application, and the block diagram of the radio frequency modulator 270 of optimum device embodiment is described.Radio frequency modulator 270 is converted to the radio frequency outputting video signal to the base band outputting video signal (as the NTSC/PAL composite video signal) of conciliating compression subsystem 265 from audio/video compression, such as amplitude modulation residual sideband RF signal, it can be checked by the receiver of user's TV 240, for example, when be tuned to channel 3 or 4 time.Radio frequency modulator 270 can have a variety of implementations, comprise and use video modulator 425, as Motorola MC1373, overcome the loss of directional coupler 290 then with the gain stage of using in the most preferred embodiment (amplifier) 430,290 RF outputting video signals are supplied with second communication channel 227, as the coaxial cable system in the user house.Can also use convertible notch filter,, be used for removing present programming from particular channel (RF video carrier) when when second communication channel 227 inserts the radio frequency outputting video signal.

Fig. 9 is the invention of issuing according in second related application, and the block diagram of the RF demodulator 275 of optimum device embodiment is described.In most preferred embodiment, RF demodulator 275 be one be tuned to the full heterodyne receiver of particular channel on 900MHz wave band or the 1.2GHz wave band, be used for from camera interface 235 received RF incoming video signals (producing) from video camera 230.The radio frequency incoming video signal of supplying with RF demodulators 275 from directional coupler 290 at prefilter 435 by bandpass filtering (on 900MHz or 1.2GHz), use frequency mixer 440 and reference oscillator 445 then, be mixed to intermediate frequency (IF) down such as 45MHz.This signal is by surface acoustic wave filter 450 (SAW) SAW filtering then, or by bandpass filtering, and be sent to (colour) TVIF subsystem 460, as Motorola MC44301, it provides amplification, AM to detect (demodulation), automatic fine tuning, produces a base band incoming video signal (the comprehensive incoming video signal of base band).This base band incoming video signal is transferred to audio/video compression reconciliation compression subsystem 265 then, does further to handle as discussed above.

Figure 10 is the invention of issuing according in second related application, and the block diagram of the camera interface 235 of optimum device embodiment is described.The video camera (or shooting planter) 230 that camera interface 235 and its signal of output are gone up the RF video carrier as channel 3 or 4 (61.25 or 67.25MHz) uses together, and be used to video carrier is upconverted to RF carrier wave on 900MHz or the 1.2GHz, and do not need separating of vision signal to be in harmonious proportion modulation.As shown in figure 10, the incoming video signal from video camera 230 is arrived required output frequency by uppermixing, use skew frequency mixer 465, reference oscillator 470 and band pass filter 475.Undeclared among Figure 10, if desired such as the additional input vision signal from additional video cameras, incoming video signal also can be by multiplexed.For example, when system is used to monitor a plurality of points or position, or when the user wished to transmit additional window or screen in screen, this characteristic was particularly useful.

Selectively, as mentioned above, camera interface 235 can directly be put into video camera 230.In addition, produce the video camera of NTSC/PAL composite video signal (rather than the RF video carrier on channel 3 or 4) for those, can in camera interface 235, add an extention, before by the 465 skew mixing of skew frequency mixer, the NTSC/PAL composite video signal is modulated to the RF video carrier, perhaps in the process of skew mixing, the NTSC/PAL composite video signal directly is modulated to 900MHz or 1.2GHz, forms the RF incoming video signal.

Do not show that in various installation drawings video access device 110 (or 150) can be dual power supply, the power supply that power supply that provides from audio frequency and video/network 100 and user house provide obtains driving power voltage.The power supply that audio/visual network 100 provides is used to support the circuit of basic telephone (POTS) service.The power supply that the user house provides is used to support in the circuit of video.Selectively, video access device 110 (or 150) can be fully by audio/visual network 100 supply capabilities.As a result, if in the user house power fails takes place, the basic telephone service still can operate, if perhaps fully by audio/visual network 100 supply capabilities, complete audio frequency/video conference and telephone service still can operate.

Figure 11 is the flow chart that the most preferred embodiment method of the invention of issuing in second related application is described.As shown in figure 11, method starts from step 500, receives first protocol signal, as the CACS signal, forms received protocol signal in step 505.In most preferred embodiment, step 505 realizes in video network interface 210 or in the CATV RF transceiver.In step 515, received vision signal is converted into base band outputting video signal and output audio signal below.In most preferred embodiment, step 515 is by video network interface 210 and processor device 190, or CATV RF transceiver 245, communication ASIC 250 and microprocessor subsystem 260 are realized.In the most preferred embodiment that uses audio frequency 220 or phone 295 as audio frequency output and input, a key property of the invention of issuing in second related application is that output audio signal and outputting video signal are separate.Also using TV 240 or other video display 225 to be used under the situation of audio frequency output, output audio signal may combine with base band outputting video signal (rather than isolate audio-frequency unit and it is routed to audio frequency 220 or phone 295 (1)-295 (n) independently).In step 525, modulating baseband outputting video signal (also output audio signal) is also referred to as compound outputting video signal to form radio frequency output video (and audio frequency) signal below, and at step 535 transmission RF output video (and audio frequency) signal.In most preferred embodiment, step 525 and 535 is realized by radio frequency modulator/demodulator 205 or radio frequency modulator 270.

In most preferred embodiment, with step 505,515,525 and 535 (are included in local positions and receive the video conference information that (as remote location) transmits from the another location) simultaneously, also carry out step 510,520,530 and 540 (comprising video conference information is transferred to the another location from local positions) such as remote location.In step 510, received RF incoming video signal and input audio signal.As mentioned above, in most preferred embodiment, incoming video signal and input audio signal are separate.In most preferred embodiment, the radio frequency incoming video signal is received from camera interface 235 by RF demodulator 275 or radio frequency modulator/demodulator 205, input audio signal by audio frequency 220 and user interface 215 or phone 295 (1)-295 (n) the two one of receive.Selectively, input audio signal also can be received by the microphones in the video camera 230, and is comprised in wherein as the part from the RF incoming video signal of camera interface 235.Below, be preferably in RF demodulator 275 or the radio frequency modulator/demodulator 205, by demodulation, form base band input video (may be audio frequency) signal at step 520RF input video (may be audio frequency) signal.In step 530, base band incoming video signal and input audio signal are converted into second protocol signal, such as the TDMA format signal, preferably by processor device 190, or are carried out with the ASIC 250 that communicates by letter by microprocessor subsystem 260.In step 540, second protocol signal is modulated and transmit the protocol signal that is transmitted with formation, such as ∏/4-DQPSKTDMA signal (up CASC signal), is preferably undertaken by video network interface 210 or CATV RF transceiver 245.After step 535 and 540, when video conference finishes, to hang up the telephone by step 545, processing can finish and return step 550, if video conference does not finish in step 545, this method is returned step 505 and 510 and is continued.

Figure 12 is the most preferred embodiment according to the invention of issuing in second related application, and the flow chart of phone and video conference control method is described.Figure 12 has also illustrated the multiple action in the system of the invention that phone (as phone 295 (1)-295 (n)) is issued in second related application, comprise telephone service (POTS) is provided, and video call control is provided, and the audio-frequency unit that video conference is provided.With reference to Figure 12, start from step 600, step 605 detects a service request, such as the warning signal of off-hook or reception arrival.In step 610, provide user's indication or warning below,, and collect signal message, as DTMF numeral or " the * * " of telephone number such as the ringing signal of dialling tone or arrival.If in step 615 request video conference, such as receiving an arrival message by input " * * " or from network 140, this method is carried out in step 635 and is handled.If do not ask video conference in step 615, handle request or set up call in this method of step 620, as generate dtmf tone and be in harmonious proportion to connect audio path between subscriber phone and the network 140, then in the transparent telephone service pattern of step 625 input and to network 140 transmission of audio (being typically PCM) data.Typical voice data is from video access device 110 (or 150) coding and is transformed into suitable form (for example ISDN, POTS etc.) by main website 105 and is used for CACS to network 140 transmission.When call finished, this method can finish and return step 660.

Continuation is with reference to Figure 12, if in step 615 request video conference, this method is carried out step 635 and initialization video conference control system, such as showing an initial speech prompting as mentioned above.Below in step 640, collect video input request type and carry out corresponding request service, such as using dialing to produce a video conference call, upgrade a video conference call number, manually generate a video conference call, stop input (audio or video), loopback is provided, and (local is checked oneself, such as monitoring), play help or error message or menu and select, or withdraw from the video conference control system.In step 645, ask or set up a video conference call (such as the video call of an arrival), in step 650, enter the video conference pattern, and be transferred to network 140 and by the Voice ﹠ Video data of protocol code.If video conference call stops in step 655, as by on-hook, this method can finish and return step 660.

Figure 13 is according to the present invention, the 3rd embodiment of video access device 750 is described and uses the block diagram of the 3rd embodiment of the video conference system 705 of a plurality of TV telephone devices 700.With reference to Figure 13, a plurality of TV telephone devices 700 (1), 700 (2) ..700 (n) (individually and be collectively referred to as video telephone 700 or TV telephone device 700) are via second communication channel 227 (such as the coaxial cable in the user house), and, be connected to video access device 705 via third communication channel 293 (such as POTS twisted-pair cable device (may with line 294 equivalences illustrated in fig. 3)).The 3rd embodiment of video conference system 705 comprises one or more in a plurality of TV telephone devices 700, is coupled to video access device 750 by second communication channel 227 and third communication channel 293.Via first communication channel 103, video access device 750 also can be coupled to main website 105, is used for communicating by letter with network 140 and CATV Video service foundation structure 102.(in view of a plurality of communication channels 103,227 and 293, the description of the claim that describes in detail later for convenience, when being used in combination with the TV telephone device 700 that can be coupled to two communication channels 227 and 293, second communication channel 227 is used as first communication channel, and third communication channel 293 is used as the second communication channel).

Continuation is with reference to Figure 13, video access device 750 is with top to combine the video access device 150 that Fig. 3-9 discusses very approximate, comprise the same parts that much has same apparatus and operate, comprise CATV RF transceiver 245, communication ASIC 250 with the same manner, user/audio interface 255, microprocessor subsystem 260, audio/video compression is conciliate compression subsystem 265, radio frequency modulator 270, filter 285 and directional coupler 280 and 290.Video access device 750 is with the difference of video access device 150, video access device 750 has RF carrier detector and switch 276, and a plurality of RF demodulators 275 are arranged, be RF demodulator 275 (a), RF demodulator 275 (b) is to RF demodulator 275 (n) (wherein each is identical with the RF demodulator 275 represented among Fig. 9, individually and be collectively referred to as RF demodulator 275).Video access device 750 is used to multiplexed or mixes a plurality of incoming video signals from a plurality of video telephones 700 (or 800); When this multiplexed or mix when unnecessary, the video access device 750 in the video conference system 750 that Figure 13 represents also can be replaced by any other video access device embodiment (110 or 150).

Continuation is with reference to Figure 13, on different channels or carrier wave (such as channel or carrier wave a to n), each RF demodulator 275 is used to receive the radio frequency incoming video signal that transmits from corresponding TV telephone device 700 via second communication channel 227, and the base band incoming video signal is arrived in the radio frequency incoming video signal demodulation (down-conversion) that receives.For example, be tuned to the RF demodulator 275 (a) (such as tuning) of channel a corresponding radio frequency via oscillator 445 and frequency mixer 440, can receive channel (or carrier wave) a last radio frequency incoming video signal that transmits from TV telephone device 700 (a) also is transformed into base band to it, and be tuned to the RF demodulator 275 (b) (such as tuning) of channel b corresponding radio frequency via oscillator 445 and frequency mixer 440, can receive channel (or carrier wave) the b last radio frequency incoming video signal that transmits from TV telephone device 700 (b) also is transformed into base band to it, or the like.Different channels or carrier wave a on the radio frequency that is higher than typical C ATV frequency spectrum, more than 900MHz, are used for avoiding descending video, the interference of TV or other cable channel to n.For non-multiplexed incoming video signal, the video access device can use RF carrier detector and switch 276, may (from each TV telephone device 700) select which incoming video signal will further be sent to network 140 (via main website 105) from a plurality of incoming video signals.Transmit the radio frequency incoming video signal under the situation of video access device 750 at a plurality of TV telephone devices 700, RF carrier detector and switch 276 may, for example on the basis of competition, select specific channel (with corresponding TV telephone device 700), such as the first base band incoming video signal that arrives RF carrier detector and switch 276, this base band incoming video signal is conciliate compression subsystem 265 from that Channel Transmission specific, that choose to audio/video compression, the further processing of discussing with reference to figure 3-9 above being used to do.

Figure 14 is according to the present invention, and the more detailed block diagram of first embodiment of TV telephone device 700 is described.As shown in figure 14, it is (perhaps same that first embodiment of TV telephone device 700 combines video conference system 200, second embodiment of video conference system 300) corresponding device or the element of first embodiment, the running of these devices and element and function are as mentioned above.Corresponding device that these are combined or element comprise such as such device: video display 225 (or TV 240), audio frequency 220 (or phone 295), camera interface 235 and video camera 230.More clearly, with reference to Figure 14, TV telephone device comprises: the first, and video-frequency monitor 715 is as television receiver and display (identical functions being arranged with video display 225 or TV 240); The second, video camera 720 (identical functions being arranged) with video camera 230; The 3rd, camera interface 235 (as shown in figure 10); The 4th, phone module 710 (identical functions being arranged) with audio frequency 220 or phone 295.As mentioned above, video telephone 700 (a plurality of video telephone 700) can be via second communication channel 227, and (on particular channel or carrier wave) transmits the radio frequency incoming video signal that results from camera interface 235 and video camera 720 to video access device 750.As mentioned above, the video of video camera 720 output (preferably being modulated onto channel 3 or 4) is mixed to channel appointed or carrier wave by 235 biasings of video camera interface, and preferably its frequency is higher than typical C ATV frequency, as in 900MHz arrives the 1.2GHz frequency spectrum.Each video telephone 700 can pass through second communication channel 227 and main website 105, receives from radio frequency outputting video signal video access device 750, that result from network 140 or CATV service infrastructure 102 via video-frequency monitor 715.Audio signal also can be contained in the vision signal, and perhaps in most preferred embodiment, audio signal (input and output) is transmitted independently and receives on third communication channel 293 via the phone module 710 in the TV telephone device 700.The as above discussion of relevant phone 295, in most preferred embodiment, video control is also provided by phone module 710, such as importing (dtmf dialing) by the user.Video telephone 700 can also comprise directional coupler or separator (showing among Figure 13), is used for radiofrequency vision signal being connected or being coupled to second communication channel 227.

As implied above, each different TV telephone device 700 can, on the channel appointed or carrier wave in a plurality of channels or carrier wave, such as channel a, channel b etc. go up to video access device 750 and transmit the radio frequency incoming video signals.This channel appointed (one-tenth radio-frequency carrier) can be specified or be selected to determine by frequency by the oscillator 470 and the frequency mixer 465 of camera interface illustrated in fig. 10.The appointment of this channel can manually be provided with or at any time download from video access device 750 via second communication channel 227.

In most preferred embodiment, any TV telephone device 700 can received RF outputting video signal (via second communication channel 227), also can receive output audio signal (via third communication channel 293), and the two is by 750 broadcasting of video access device.As a result, arbitrary and all video telephones 700 of the 3rd embodiment of video conference system 705 can synchronously show output video and audio signal.For radio frequency incoming video signal and input audio signal (being sent to video access device 750), as mentioned above, select by the channel in the video access device 750, use the choice device as RF carrier detector and switch 276, the incoming video signal that produces from particular camera 720 in the video telephone 700 can be selected.In addition, result from the incoming video signal of particular camera 720 in the video telephone 700, also can be selected by the user by control signal (more going through) of input (in a plurality of control signals) below with reference to Figure 15, the two or more incoming video signals that perhaps result from a plurality of particular camera 720 can be selected and multiplexed, to create the multi-channel video signal of a mixing, for example, use window or split window pattern (going through) below in conjunction with Figure 16.

Figure 15 is according to the present invention, and the more detailed block diagram of second embodiment of TV telephone device 800 is described.In TV telephone device 700, TV telephone device 800 also comprises video-frequency monitor 715 as above-mentioned, video camera 720, camera interface 235 and phone module 710.As video telephone 700, video telephone 800 (in a plurality of video telephones 800) also can be via second communication channel 227, and (on specific channel or carrier wave) transmits the radio frequency incoming video signal that results from camera interface 235 and video camera 720 to video access device 750.As mentioned above, the video of video camera 720 output (preferably being modulated onto channel 3 or 4) is mixed to allocated channel or carrier wave by 235 biasings of video camera interface, and preferably its frequency is higher than typical C ATV frequency, such as in 900MHz arrives the 1.2GHz frequency spectrum.Each video telephone 800 can pass through second communication channel 227 and main website 105, receives from radio frequency outputting video signal video access device 750, that result from network 140 or CATV service infrastructure 102 via video-frequency monitor 715.Also as video telephone 700, audio signal also can be contained in the vision signal, perhaps in most preferred embodiment, audio signal (input and output) is transmitted independently and is received on third communication channel 293 via the phone module 710 in the TV telephone device 800.The as above discussion of relevant phone 295, in most preferred embodiment, video control is also provided by phone module 710, such as importing (dtmf dialing) by the user.

As shown in figure 15, in TV telephone device 800, a selector switch 735 is connected or is coupling between camera interface 235 and the second communication channel 227, and it is used to allow or forbid the input of the radio frequency incoming video signal from camera interface 235 to second communication channel 227.Selector switch 735 is by being controlled by detector 730, connect or be coupled to phone module 710 and third communication channel 293, its receives from any one phone module 710 in a plurality of video telephones 800 that are coupled to third communication channel 293, by the control signal of user's input.In most preferred embodiment, available dtmf dialing realizes in this control signal use phone module.Selectively, this control signal also can use other signal or communication means to realize, as frequency shift keying (FSK), or any other agreement discussed above or modulator approach.Except this based on signal or based on the competition control, select as another kind, this input control can be to user transparent, for example, when detector 730 and selector switch 735 uses speech detection such as audio-switch (VOX) when realizing, based on who was speaking at that time, video is input in the second communication channel 227 automatically.

Continuation is with reference to Figure 15, video telephone 800 as the incoming video signal source of a plurality of video telephones 800 (to video access device 750), selected by the user by phone module 710, phone module 710 is coupled to the user/audio interface 255 of video access device 750 via third communication channel 293.In its minimum form, detector 730 may detect which phone module 710 simply or (video telephone 800) specific TV phone 800 has been taken microphone, and starts selector switch 735 and allow or connect incoming video signal from that off-hook video telephone 800.In most preferred embodiment, the user imports predetermined DTMF sequence, as a series of DTMF numerals, selects to provide the source video telephone 800 of incoming video signal.In this implementation, all video telephones 800 are gone up transmission radio frequency incoming video signal at identical channel (RF carrier frequency), make the selection of particular source video telephone 800 avoid user's competition and thing followed distortion, this distortion may be by simultaneously from multi-channel television phone 800 transmission and cause, for example when a plurality of video telephone 800 off-hooks.The DTMF sequence of user's input is used by selector switch 735 by detector 730 then, to allow or to forbid the transmission of the radio frequency incoming video signal of the camera interface 235 (with video camera 720) from any specific TV phone 800.In this implementation, only need a RF demodulator 275 in the video access device 750, because only comprise a RF carrier wave.The DTMF sequence of user's input can also be used to video-frequency monitor 715 is automatically brought to suitable receive channel, is used for the received RF outputting video signal.In addition, when with can the one or more allocated channels in a plurality of channels on the camera interface 235 that transmits when using together, for by multiplexed radio frequency incoming video signal, the DTMF sequence also can be used to select which video telephone 800 will be as the source of radio frequency incoming video signal.Thisly be multiplexed in discussion below in conjunction with Figure 16.

Figure 16 is according to the present invention, and the more detailed block diagram of the 4th embodiment of video access device 850 is described.In most preferred embodiment, use video access device 850 a plurality of incoming video signals that come from a plurality of video telephones 700 or 800, multiplexed or be mixed into a composite video signal, on first communication channel 103, transmit being used for after.For example, from four incoming video signals of four video telephones 700 or 800,, can be mixed into a vision signal with 2 * 2 form (four-light mouth) in compression with before by network 140 transmission.In order to realize this multiplexed or mixing, except a plurality of RF demodulators 275 (a) ..275 (n) or video access device 700 that discuss with reference to Figure 13 above having, video access device 800 also has the audio/video compression of an expansion and conciliates compression subsystem 760.Illustrate that in Figure 17 the audio/video compression of this expansion is conciliate compression subsystem 760 and realized conciliating compression subsystem 265 identical functions with above-mentioned audio/video compression, but can realize these functions for more a plurality of channels, and not only is a channel.

Figure 17 is the block diagram that the audio/video compression of explanation expansion is conciliate compression subsystem 760.The audio/video compression of this expansion is conciliate the parts that compression subsystem 760 comprises that a lot of and audio/video compression reconciliation compression subsystem 265 are identical, and further comprise additional audio/visual input processor 380 and RGB analog-digital converter 390, hold additional video channel.As above described in conjunction with Figure 13, for each channel (or RF carrier wave), channel a has a corresponding RF demodulator 275 to channel n, and promptly RF demodulator 275 (a) is to 275 (n).With reference to Figure 17, from the base band incoming video signal of each RF demodulator 275 (a) to 275 (n), as the NTSC/PAL composite video signal, be supplied to or be input to corresponding audio/visual input processor 380, promptly audio/visual input processor 380 (a) is to audio/visual input processor 380 (n).As above described in conjunction with Fig. 6, corresponding audio/visual input processor 380 is transformed into input analog rgb signal to the base band incoming video signal for each channel.Each channel a is transformed into the input digit rgb signal to the input analog rgb signal of n by corresponding RGB analog-digital converter 390 then, and promptly RGB analog-digital converter 390 (a) arrives RGB analog-digital converter 390 (n), and is sent to Video processing DSP 365.Video processing DSP 365 mixes or multiplexed digital rgb signal from each channel, create a composite video signal, its (with audio frequency from user/audio interface 255) is compressed and is sent to communication ASIC 250 or microprocessor subsystem 260 then, carry out protocol code and modulation, after being used for to the transmission of network 140.For example in most preferred embodiment, each channel typically comprises the video information with common interface form (CIF); Four such channels can use 1/4 common interface form (QCIF) in compression with before network 140 transmission, are mixed in the channel with four display windows.

Not explanation among Figure 16 and 17, can also extending video access device 850 so that multichannel output video channel to be provided, transmit a plurality of radio frequency outputting video signals via second communication channel 227 to a plurality of video telephones.In this case, video access device 850 illustrated in fig. 16 will be expanded to comprising a plurality of modulators 270, as be used for the modulator 270a that channel a goes up video transmission, be used for the modulator 270b that channel b goes up video transmission, or the like.Equally, the audio/video compression reconciliation compression subsystem 760 that is expanded is correspondingly extended further to comprises a plurality of encoders 395, and a plurality of RGB D-A converters 370 are once more corresponding to each delivery channel.Use this additional extension, audio frequency/video conference system 705 can be supported multichannel and independently video conference dialogue.In this multichannel independent vide pattern, incoming video signal also can be handled independently, rather than is mixed in the independent composite video signal.For example, video telephone 700 (1) may be communicated by letter with remote location one, video call on the receive channel a is gone up to channel b simultaneously and is transmitted video, and video telephone 700 (n) may be communicated by letter with remote location two, and the video call on the independent receive channel c is gone up to channel d independently simultaneously and transmitted video.In order to support this multichannel independent vide pattern (being also referred to as video along separate routes), video access device 850 also may be conciliate in the compression subsystem 760 in the audio/video compression of expansion and be comprised additional disposal ability, such as comprising multipoint control unit (MCU), to be provided for the processing support of this multichannel independent vide pattern.

Figure 18 is according to the present invention, and the flow chart of multi-channel video multiplexing method is described.As mentioned above, this method with need be by protocol code and relevant to the vision signal of network 104 transmission on first communication channel 103, and can be used as above with reference to the special case of method step 510,520,530 that Figure 11 discussed and 540 or narrower application.In addition, these are multiplexed, mixing, coding and transmitting step (following discussion) and step 510,520,530 is the same with 540, also can handle simultaneously and independently with top video reception (from first communication channel 103 and network 104), agreement decoding, RF modulation and the transmitting step 505,515,525 and 535 that combines Figure 11 discussion.

With reference to Figure 18, this method starts from step 900, step 905 receives input audio signal, and receiving a plurality of radio frequency incoming video signals, each is positioned at a plurality of channel a to of n, promptly, step 910 (1) receives the first radio frequency incoming video signal on first channel, step 910 (2) receives the second radio frequency incoming video signal on second channel, or the like, on n channel, receive n radio frequency incoming video signal up to step 910 (n).Below, in a plurality of radio frequency incoming video signals each carried out demodulation, form a plurality of base band incoming video signals.Especially, step 915 (1) the demodulation first radio frequency incoming video signal is to form the first base band incoming video signal, step 915 (2) the demodulation second radio frequency incoming video signal is to form the second base band incoming video signal, or the like, up to n radio frequency incoming video signal of step 915 (n) demodulation to form n base band incoming video signal.As implied above, in most preferred embodiment, step 905 occurs in user/audio interface 255, receiving step 910 (1) to 910 (n) and demodulation step 915 (1) to 915 (n) occur in each channel a in the corresponding a plurality of RF demodulators of n, promptly RF demodulator 275 (a) is to 275 (n).

Below, in a plurality of base band incoming video signals each is converted into a digital rgb signal, step 920 (1) the conversion first base band incoming video signal is the first digital rgb signal, step 920 (2) the conversion second base band incoming video signal is the second digital rgb signal, or the like, be n digital rgb signal up to n base band incoming video signal of step 920 (n) conversion.In most preferred embodiment, corresponding to a plurality of channel a each channel to n, step 920 (1) to 920 (n) occur in a plurality of audio/visual input processors 380 (a) to 380 (n) and a plurality of RGB analog-digital converter 390 (a) in 390 (n).In step 925, a plurality of digital rgb signals (first to n digital rgb signal) are mixed to form a composite video signal, are preferably realized by Video processing DSP 365 below.For example, four QCIF signals can be mixed into a CIF signal.Below in step 930, this composite video signal and input audio signal are converted into second protocol signal, such as the TDMA format signal, step 930 is preferably by processor device 190, or realize by microprocessor subsystem 260 and the ASIC 250 of communicating by letter, above being similar in conjunction with step 530 that Figure 11 discussed.In step 935, second protocol signal is also transmitted in modulation, and the protocol signal that is transmitted with formation is as ∏/4-DQPSK tdma signal (up CACS signal), preferably realize by video network interface 210 or CATV RF transceiver 245, above being similar in conjunction with step 540 that Figure 11 discussed.After step 935 (or step 535), if stop in step 940 multiplex video transmission (or video conference), as passing through to hang the call drop tube, then handle and to finish and to return step 945, if do not stop in step 940 multiplex video transmission (or video conference), then this method continues, and returns step 905 and 910 (1) to 910 (n) (and step 505).

The a lot of advantages that obtain from various video access devices 110,150,750,850 and various video conference system 200,300,705 are very tangible.At first, because outputting video signal is modulated and transmission on second communication channel 227, on the whole coaxial cables in the user house, the audio/visual meeting of most preferred embodiment and telephone system may be in the user house more than operating on the node of an appointment or the position, for example, use any video telephone in the user house, or phone and TV, provide a plurality of and check a little and a plurality of participation point.The broadcast-capable of this video conference function for here with second related application in the invention of issuing, be unique really.In addition, the audio/visual meeting and the telephone system of most preferred embodiment can move, use is actually any position that second communication channel 227 (as coaxial cable) can arrive from the video camera 230 and the camera interface 235 of a plurality of locations in the user house.As a result,, needn't be limited in the user on the position, such as in PC side or meeting room in special use for the video conference ability.In addition, system can be as required for the additional position be configured, for example, and simply by adding or removing TV and video camera.

In addition, according to most preferred embodiment, audio/visual meeting and telephone system are used the exemplary apparatus that can find in the user house, such as existing TV, and video camera or shooting planter, and phone.As a result, system can realize under relatively low cost, particularly with current available based on PC's or independently video conference system Comparatively speaking.In addition, compare with the video conference system of original technology, system of the present invention is designed to compatible with other existing video conference system in use, and for example those may use the system of isdn network.Use of the present invention is not limited to the cable system of current C ATV system, but can with ISDN (H.320), POTS (H.324) and other system such as T1 are connected use together with the E1 network.In addition, system of the present invention is to user friendly, installs easily and uses, and buys and client's use should be relatively cheap for family.

The attracting feature of another of device of the present invention and system embodiment is the multi-functional of user interface, is used for the control of video conference call and is used for the double duty of the audio-frequency unit of video conference call such as phone (as user interface).This feature is also made a world of difference with original technological system, and the latter's call arrangement typically needs special exchange and special network operation with calling out to control.This dual nature has increased other purposes of the phone that is used for the POTS service.Another key character of most preferred embodiment of the present invention is the transparency of phone operation, makes the user not need to recognize the video conference ability that produces or receive call.

The further feature of most preferred embodiment comprises, the dual-network of video access device and house power supply, or whole network power supply are even also can continue its function when outage.Another key character of the present invention is " loopback " operation, makes identical system except meeting, can also be used to monitor, as childmind.Use multiplexed ability of the present invention, can be from the video of a plurality of video cameras by loopback, when for example being provided, many places monitors.Another key character of the present invention is the audio-frequency unit of audio frequency/video conference and the independence of video section.In addition, illustrated video conference ability also is independent of agreement, makes other communication protocol can be used to replace the CACS agreement of most preferred embodiment or therewith use.

At last, various TV telephone devices 700 and 800 multiplexed ability are very unique.Except above-mentioned function is provided, such as video conference function from a plurality of places, various TV telephone devices 700 and 800 are with video access device 850, can also be multiplexed from the vision signal in a plurality of places and be mixed into a composite video signal, this signal can transmit in network or the user house is got back in loopback.

Can find out a lot of variations and modification can be arranged and do not break away from the aim and the scope of new ideas of the present invention from the front.It should be understood that ad hoc approach and device, do not attempt to make restriction or derive restriction for explanation here.Certainly, Fu Jia claims are attempted all this modifications are included in its scope.

Claims (10)

1, video access device comprises:

The video network interface that can be coupled to first communication channel is used to receive first protocol signal forming received protocol signal, and is used to transmit the protocol signal that second protocol signal is transmitted with formation;

A radio-frequency modulator is used for the base band outputting video signal is converted to the radio frequency outputting video signal;

A plurality of demodulators are used for a plurality of radio frequency incoming video signals are converted to a plurality of base band incoming video signals;

A user interface is used to receive first control signal of a plurality of control signals; And

A processor device, this processor device is coupled to video network interface, radio-frequency modulator, a plurality of radio-frequency (RF) demodulator and user interface, by a program instruction set, this processor device responds to first control signal, the protocol signal that receives is converted to base band outputting video signal and output audio signal, and this processor device also is responsible for a plurality of base band incoming video signals and input audio signal are converted to second protocol signal.

2, the video access device in the claim 1, wherein processor device also is responsible for the protocol signal that receives is converted to base band outputting video signal and output audio signal, and wherein base band outputting video signal and output audio signal are independently.

3, the video access device in the claim 1, wherein processor device also is responsible for a plurality of base band incoming video signals and input audio signal are converted to second protocol signal, and wherein a plurality of base band incoming video signals and input audio signal are independently.

4, the video access device in the claim 1, wherein processor device further comprises:

A microprocessor subsystem;

A communication ASIC is coupled to microprocessor subsystem; And

The audio/video compression of an expansion is conciliate compression subsystem.

5, the video access device in the claim 4, wherein the audio/video compression of expansion reconciliation compression subsystem further comprises:

A Video processing digital signal processor subsystem;

A RGB D-A converter is coupled to the Video processing digital signal processor;

An encoder is coupled to the RGB D-A converter;

A plurality of RGB analog-digital converters are coupled to the Video processing digital signal processor; And

A plurality of audio/video input processors are coupled to a plurality of RGB analog-digital converters.

6, the video access device in the claim 1, wherein first protocol signal is the time division multiplexed signals of ∏/4-DQPSK modulation.

7, the video access device in the claim 1, wherein second protocol signal is the time division multiple access signal, the protocol signal that is transmitted is the time division multiple access signal of ∏/4-DQPSK modulation.

8, the video access device in the claim 1, wherein first protocol signal, second protocol signal and the protocol signal that is transmitted are to use the modulated and formative signal of first agreement of various protocols, a plurality of agreements comprise DQPSK, orthogonal PSK, phase-shift keying, Orthodoxy Frequency Division Multiplex, quadrature amplitude modulation, CACS, H.320, H.323 and H.324.

9, the video access device in the claim 1, wherein first communication channel can be coupled to telecommunications network, wherein the video access device is coupled to TV telephone device via user interface, be used for the output of input and output audio signal of input, the input audio signal of a plurality of control signals, the processor device that second control signal in a plurality of control signals is responded wherein, the phone module of TV telephone device is coupled to telecommunications network, is used for the transmission and the reception of call.

10, the video access device in the claim 1, the vision signal of existence before wherein processor device also is responsible for removing from radio-frequency carrier, and via radio-frequency modulator, simultaneously the radio frequency outputting video signal is inserted in the radio-frequency carrier synchronously.

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