CA2078561A1 - Cable television radio frequency return method - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of controlling the allocation of a population of remote units (120) among a plurality of groups of remote units (120) is provided. Each remote unit (120) has a digital identifier respectively associated therewith. A maximum and a minimum average number of remote units (120) per group is fixed. The remote units (120) are assigned to the groups of remote units (120) in accordance with the respective digital identifiers. The average number of remote units (120) per group is then determined as remote units (120) are assigned thereto. Next, the average number of remote units (120) per group is compared to the fixed maximum number of remote units (120) per group. The above steps are repeated while the average number of remote units (120) per group is less than or equal to the fixed maximum number of remote units (120) per group.
The number of groups is changed such that the average number of remote units (120) per group is between the fixed maximum and minimum number of remote units (120) per group if the average number of remote units (120) per group exceeds the maximum number of remote units (120) per group.

Description

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WO 91/lS064 2 ~ 7 ~ PCr/USsl/01847 CABLE TELEVISION RADIO FREQUENCY
RETURN METHOD
CROSS-REFE~ENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a divisional application of U.S. Application Serial No. 07/503,422 filed on April 2, l990 and entitled "Cable Televi-sion Radio Frequency Data Processor.'l Application Serial No.
07/503,~22 is a continuation-in-part application of commonly assigned copending Appli~ation Serial No. 498,084 entitled ~Cable TeYevision Radio Frequency Suhscriber Data Transmission Apparatus and Cali-bration Method" and commonly acsigned copending Application Serial No. 498,083 entltled ttCable Television Radio Frequency Subscriber Data Transmission Apparatus and RF Return Method", both filed March 20, 1990.
BAC~GROUND OF TH~: INVENTION
1. Technical Field The present invention generally relates to a technique for recovering data from a plurality of remote units and, more particu-larly, to a data return protocol for recovering data from a plurality of set-top terminals in a cable television system.

2. Description of the Prior Art The development o~ cable television systems has reached the stage where the provision of two way information flow is not only d~irable but ls practically required by ~he implementation of new services. For example, in the implementation of impulse pay-per-view service where the subscriber may impulsively select an event for viewing and Csume a charge, at lease one data channel such as a tel~
phone communica~ion channel or an RF channel is required in an upstream (revelse) direction from a cable television subscriber to a cable television headend to report service usage data. Other ~ies for a return path ~nclude power meter reading, alarm services, SU~scriber .

WO 9 1 / 1 5 0 6 4 2 ~ 7 3 ~ ~ P cr/ u s 9 1 ~ o 1 84 7 polling and voting, collecting subscriber viewing statistics, and home shopping. While not every cable television system operator provides for two way transmission, manufacturers of cable television equip-ment have tended to provide for upstream transmission in the direc-tion from the subscriber toward the headend. Pra~tically all such manufacturers provide so-called split or two way systems havir~g a spectrum of ~requencies rOr upstream transmission which at least includes a band from 5 to 30 megahertz. This band of interest com-prises cable television channel T7 (5.75 ~ 5 megahertz), T8 (11.75-17.?5 megahertz), T9 (17.75-23.?5 megahertz) and T10 (23.75-29.75 megahertz). These return path channels, each having television signal bandwidth, may be used, for example, for vi~eo conlerencing. Whether a s~cal~ed "sub-split~, "mid-split~ or ~high-split~ system is applied ror two way transmission by a hPadend opera-tor, all three types Or split transmi~sion systems typically involve an upstream transmission in the 5-30 megahertz band of interest.
An article entitled "Two-Way Cable Plan~ Characteristics~ by Richard Citta and ~ennis Mutzbaugh published in the 1984 National Cable Television Association conference papers demonstrates the results oi an examination of typical cable television (CATV) return plants. Five mapr characteristics in the 5-30 megahertz upstream band were analyzed. These include white noise and the funneling effect; ingress or unwanted external signals; common mode distortion resulting rrom defective distribution apparatus; impulse noise from power line inter~erence and other influences; and ampli~ier non-linearities.
White aolce and Gaussian noise are ~erms often used to describe random noise characteristics. White noi~ describes a uniform ditri-bution Or noise power versus rrequency, i.e., a constant power spec-tral density in the band of interest, here, 5-30 megahertz. Compo-nents of rando~n noise include thermal noise related to temperature, shot noise created by active devices, and l/f or low frequency noise which decreases with increased frequency. The term noise floor is used to de_cfibe the corLtant power level of such white noise across the band o~ interest.

Wo 91/1s064 2 ~ ~ ~ 3 ~ pcr/us9l/ol847 This noise is carried through each return distribution amplifier which adds its own noise and is bridged to the noise from all branches tO a line to the headend. This addition of noise from each branch of a distribution tree in a direction towarcl a headend is known as noise funneling or the funneling effect. The constant noise floor power level defin~; a noise level which a data carrier power level should exceed.
The present invention is especially concerned with interfer-ence noise which causes peaks in the noise spectral density distribu-tion in the band of interest. Interference noise destroys effective data transmission when known data transmlssion coding techniques such as frequency or phase shift keying are practiced over a single data transmission channel. In particular, interf erence noise espe cially relates to the ~our characteristics o~ return plant introduced aoove: ingress, common mode distortion, impulse noise and amplifier non-linearities.
Ingress is unwanted intended external signals entering the cable plant at weak points in the cable su~h as shield discontinuities, improper grounding and bonding of cable sheaths, and faulty connec-tors. At these weak points, radio frequency carriers may enter caused by broadcasts in, for example, the local AM band, citizen~s band, ham operator band, or local or international shortwave band.
Consequently, interierence noise peaks at particular carrier frequen-cies may be seen in noise spectral density measurements taken on cable distribution plant su-~ceptible to ingress.
Common mode distortion is the result of non-linearities in the cable plant caused by connector corrosion creating point contact diodes. The eiflect of these diodes in the return plant is that differ-ence products of driving signals consistently appear as noise power peaks at multipl~es of 6 megahertz, i.e., 6,12, lR, 24 and 30 megahertz in the band of interest.
Impulse noise is de~ined as noise consisting of impulses of high power level and short duration. Corona and gap impulse noise are created by power line discharge. TemperaTure and humidity are espe cially influential ln determining the degree o~ corona noise, while gap ~73~
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noise is a direc~ result of a power system fault, for example, a bad or cracked insulator. The resultant impulse noise spectrum can extend into the tens of megahertz with a sin x/x distribution.
Amplifier nonlinearities or oscil1ations relate to pu~se regene~
ative oscillations caused by marginally stable or improperly termi-nated amplifiers. The result is a comb of frequency peaks within the return plant band whose spacing is related to the distance between the mistermination and the amplifier.
From examining typical cable distribution plants, Citta et al.
concluded that "holes" exist in val~eys between peaks in the noise spectrum they plotted between 0 and 30 megahertz. They proposed that these valleys may be used to advantage by carefully cho~sing return carriers ~slotted" in these valleys.
In follow-up articles published at the 1987 National Cable Tele-vision Conference and in U.S. 4,586,0?8, Citta et al. conclude that a 4J kilobit data signal may be alternately transmitted by a coherent phase shift keying (CPSK) technique over carriers at 5.5 megahertz and ll.0 megahert~ or in the vicinity of the T7 and T8 cable television channels respectively. A switch at the subscriber terminal alter-nately selects the 5.5 MHz carrier or the harmonically related 11 MHz carrier for transmission. This form of alternating carrier transmis-sion o~ messages is continued until the data is successfully received.
In other words, alternating transmi~sion on the two carriers occurs until an acknowledgment signal indicating successful receipt of a message is received at a terminal. ~ e the choice of these carrier fre~uencies is claimed to avoid the noise distribution peaXs caused by interference noise, there is considerable eoncern that such a modu-lated phase shirt keyed data stream will run into noise peaks in cable television distribution network outside ot the investigations of Citta et al. Referring to Figure 2 republished here from U.S. allowed appli-cation Serial No. 07/188,4?8 filed April 29, 1988, transmi~sion at 5.5 MHz should be practically imp~sible. Noise peaks have been known to appear and disappear based on time-or-day~ season, and other considerations.
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4 2 ~ pcr/us9l/o1847 Other return path or upstream data transmission schemes have been tried. These schemes include, for example, the telephone sys-tem, described as "ubiguitous" by Citta et aE In other words, the return data path to a cable television headend is not provided over the cable television distribution plant at all. The serving cable is inten-tionally avoided either because ot the interference noise problem in a split system or because the system is a one way downstream system.
Instead, the subscriberls telephone line is used ~or data transmission.
In this instance, however, there is concern that local telephone data taliffs may require the payment o~ the line conditioning surcharges if the telephone line to a subscriber's horne is used for data transmission in addition to normal "plain old" telephone ~ervice. Furthermore, the ~elephone line is only available when the subscri~er is not using it, requiring an unscheduled or periodic data flow.
Another known return data transmission scheme involves the application ot a separate data channel at a carrier frequency that avoids the troublesome 5-30 megahertz band. This scheme, of avoid-ing the noisy 5-30 megahertz band, is only possible in midsplit and high split systems.
So-called spread spectrum transmission of data is a technology which evolved ror milita~y requirements from the need to communi-cate with underwater submarines in a secure manner. Spread spec-trum derives its name from spreading a data signal having a compara-tively narrow bandwidth over a much larger spectrum than would be normally re~uired for transmitting the narrow band data signal.
More sec~ntly the security advantag~; provided by spread spec-trum transmission have been disregarded in favor of its capability of application in an enviro~ment of interference. For example, commu-nications systems operating over a power line where impulse noise levels due to the power line are high have been attempted in the p ct but found to ~e only marginally acceptable, for example, power line plu~in intercom systems commercially available from Tandy Radio Shack. The Japanesç N.E.C Home Electronics Group, however, has demonstrated a spread spectrum home bus operating at 9600 baud over an AC line in a home that is practical up to distances of 200 Wo9l/15064 2~ J 3 l pcr/vs91Jol847~i meters of power line. The NEC system has been characterized as the missing link between a coaxial cable (for example, a cable television cable) and an AC power line common to the majority of homes.
U.S. 4,635,274 to Kabota et ah descri~es a bidirectional digital signal communication system in which spread spectrum transmission is applied for upstream data transmission in a cable television system.
Such technology is very expensive, however, when conpared with telephone data return.
Consequently, despite the development of spread spectrum and other RF data return, the requirement remains in the cable television art for an upstream data transmission having high data throughput from a plurality or subscriber premises to a cable television headend util~zing the cable television distribution plant and which is relatively impervious to interference noise.
The concept o~ Impulse Pay Per View (IPPV) is well understood in the art, but is described briefly here for completeness. Essentially it is a sales method by which a pay (cable) teleYision subscriber may purchase specific program events on an individual basis. Further-more, the purchase may be contracted on an "impulsel~ basis solely by interacting with the subscriber's in-home set-top terminal (STT).
Although it is not a requirement that the event being purchased be "in progress~, it is a requirement that the system support the purchase of events that are in progress. The purchase must be handled in a man-ner that does not incur any appreciable delay in the s~scriber's abil-ity to view the event immediately (i.e. instant gratification).
Although several technigues of implementing the above sales method exist, all techniques have common requirements. Some part Or the system must make a decision whether or not to allow the pur-chase and su~sequent viewing of the event. ~ anowed~ the purchase of the specific event must be recorded and reported to what is typi-cally known as the l~billing system" so that the program vendor even-tually receives revenue from the transaction.
To accomplish purchased event reporting, a so-called ~'store and forward" technique is used In the store and rorward method, the set-top terminal assumes that if the subscriber Is pre-enabled for IPPV

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wo gl/1so64 2 ~ PCr/US9l/01847 capability, then an event purchase is allowed. When the subscriber per~or~s the necessary steps to purch~ie an event, the set-top termi-nal allows the event to be viewed (typically by ~scrambling a video signal on a particular channel) and records the purchase of the event.
The record is typically stored in a secure, nonvolatile memory, as i~
represents revenue to the program vendor.
Obviously, in order to realize the revenue, the vendor~s billing system must obtain the purchase record data stored in all of the su~
scribersl set-top terminals in a timely manner. To accomplish this, the system control computer (hereafter called the system manager) periodically requests that the set-top terminals return the IPPV pur-chase data stored in memory. When the system manager receives the data from a set-top terminal, it typically then acknowledges the receipt to the terminal (i.e., as does Citta et aR) and the data is cleared from memory to make room ~or additional purchase data. The system manager then forwards this data to the biUing system, and the IPPV purchase cy~le is completed.
While IPPV return data considerations are important to the determination o~ an RF data return technique, such IPPV return data considerations are not the only consideration, but admittedly are the ~ -most critical because o~ the high data throughput requirements.
Other requirements sueh as using the return data path for subscriber polling, burglar alarm, meter reading, home shopping, energy manage-ment and the lilce are additive to the data throughput requirements of IPPV service.
Consequently, there remains a requirement in the art for RF
data return apparatus having high data throughput to the degree of supportlng a full range of services including IPPV service.
SUMM~RY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to radio frequency data return apparatus ~or th~e periodic and prompt recoYery of set-top terminal purchase record and other information via reverse cable RF commu-nication. The present'invention is primarily related to modifications to s~called system manager apparatus at a headend for receiving data returned over an RF data return path, a ~raquency diverse RF

Wo 91/15064 ~ ~ 7 ~ J ~ ~ Pcr/ussl/ol847 receiver apparatus for receiving data modulated and transmitted over a plurality of data channels from all th~e suhscriber terminals or mod-ules of a system, and the subscriber tercninal or module itself.
It is one object of the present invention that implementing RF
subscri~er data return not require any s,ignificant changes to tha bill-ing system. Furthermore, the RF subscriber data return process should operate independently of telephone line return; i.e., they should operate side by side. Also, RF su~scriber data return apparatus should be compatible with any headend or terminal apparatus used for forward or downstream transm~sion. A familiarity with the system apparatus and terms may be obtained from the following overview:
SYSTEM MANAGER. This is the primary control computer for the cable television system. The system manager accepts input com-mands from both human operators and the billing computer. It gener-ates appropriate control transactions that are sent over the forward (downstream) cable path to the set-top terminals via a control trans-mitter. It accepts return data ~rom a frequency diverse data receiver and processor (also called herein the RF-IPPV processor) and forwards the return data to the billing computer.
CONTROL TRANSMITTERS. Th~se are devices for converting stan-dard RS-232 serial data from the system rnanager to a modulated RF
signal for transmission over the cable to a set-top terminal or IPPV -module. In a known cable system available from the assignees of ~he present invention, the control transmitter may be an Addressable Transmitter (ATX) or a Headend Controller and Scrambler, or a com-bination or both. For the purposes of the present invention, the con-trol transmitter is primarily a pass-through device and is described for completeness.
BIDIRECTIONAL AMPLIFIER. These trunk distribution amplifiers and line extenders amplify and pass a certain portion of the ~F spectrum in the ~orward (downstream) clirection and a different portion of the - ~F spectrum in the reverse direction. ~his makP~ bidirectional com-munication possible o-rer a single coaxial cable. The bidirection~
amplifiers are ak;o passthrough devices and are descri~ed only for completeness.

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,.~ ' wo 91/15064 ~ Pcr/US9~/01847 SET TOP TERMINAL. These devices are the interface between the cable system and a su~scriber and his/her television set. Among other functions, the set-top terminals perform tuning, frequency down ~on-version, and de-scrambling of the cable video signaLs on a selective basis. They accept both global and addressed control eransactions (i.e.
transactions directed to either all or individual terminaLs) from the control transmitter to configure and control the services they deliver.
In addition, the set-top terminal may be equipped with an internal radio frequency return module or be provided with an interface to an adjunct external data return module so that a secure memory device of either the terminal or the external module may be provided for storing purchased event or other data to be returned. Furthermore, either the set-top terminal or an associated module includes a fre-quency diverse reverse path data transmitter in accordance with the present invention. Such a set-top terminal either equipped or associ-ated with an RF-IPPV module will be rel'erred to herein as an RF-STT.
RF IPPV MODULE. The RF IPPV module is a module associated with the set top terminal i~ the set top terminal is not provided with an internal frequency diverse rever~e path RF data transmitter.
RF_IPPV PROCESSOR. The RF IPPV processor is primarily a fre-quency diverse RF data receiver for the reverse path data transmit-ters of the terminals or m~dul~i. It simultaneously recovers data from modulated RF signals on up to four (or more) c~stinct reverse data channels. It then filters out redundant data messages, assembles the dàta into pac~sets, and forwards the packets to the system man-ager on a standard RS-232 data link. A minimum of one processor is re~uired fcr each ~able television system hea~end.
It is an overall object of the present invention that the radio fre~uency subscriber data return apparatus must be easy to use, work reliably and have high data throughput, integrity and security. In addition, the present invention is designed to meet ~hree speci~ic pe~
formance goals:
1. The RF data transmission apparatus must be extremely tolerant of relatively high levels of discrete interference sources typi-cal in reverse charmels of eable distribution plants. The interference ~ 7 WO 91/15064 PCr/lJS~11iO184,' is due to ingress of external RF sources into the cable plant, all of which are ~funneled~ to the data receiver.
2. The data return method must be fast enough so that an operator can obtain data from all set-top terminals, in even a large, two hundred thousand terminal per headend cable television system, every 24 hours or less.
3. Any frequency or level adjustment of the individual set-top terminals or csociated modules required at installation in a su~scriber location must be virtua1ly automatic.
The presient inv~ntion is particularly concerned with the sec-ond of these objectives. In accordance with the present invention, a method of controlling the allocation of a population of remote units among a plurality of groups of remote units is provided. Each remote unit has a digital identifier respectively associated therewith. A max-imum and a minimum average number of remote units per group is fixed. The remote units are assigned to the groups ot remote units in accordance with the respective digital identifiers. The average num-ber of remote unitis per group is then determined as remote units are assigned thereto. Next, the average number of remote units per group is co~npared to the fixed maximum number ot remote units per group. The above steps are repeated while the average number of remote units per group is less than or equal to the fixed maximum number o~ remote units per group. The number of groups ~s changed such that the average number o~ remote units per group is between the fixed ma~dmum and minimum numoer of remote units per group if the average number of remote units per group exceeds the maximum number of remote units per group.
A~ in a~cordance with the pr~ent invention, a method of recovering stored data in a cable telev~sion system comprising a popu-lation of set-top terminals allocated among a plurality of groups and a headend location is provided. Set-top terminals are assigned to the groups of set-top terminals. The average number of set-top termlnals per group is determined as set-top terminals are assigned thereto.
The average number of set-top terminals per group is compared with a predetermined ma~mum number of set-top terminals per group.

WO 91/15064 z~ ~ 7 i ~r ~ ~ PCr/US91/01847 The number of groups is changed such that the average number of set-top terminals per group is less than the maximum predetermined number of set-top terminals ~er group if the average number of set-top terminals per group exceeds the ma~mum predetermined number of æt-top terminals per group. An attempt rate is fixed to determine the average number of set-top terminals which attempt to transfer data to said headend location per unit time. A group time period is determined for each group within which each set-top termi-nal in a respective group attempts to transfer data to said headend location, the group time intervals being d~termined such that the attempt rate is independent of the average num~er of set-top termi-nals per group. Respective groups of set-top termin~lc are prompted to attempt to transfer data to said central location during successive group time intervals comprising a cycle, a cycle being the time required for all groups to attempt to transfer data to said headend location.
These and other features ol ~he present invention will be readily understood by one skilled in the art ~rom the following detailed description when read in connection with the drawings.
BREF DESCRIPTION OF THE DR~WINGS
Figure 1 is an overview block diagram depicting a CATV distri-bution plant with bidirectional distribution amplifiers and splitters enabling connection of a CATV su~scfiber terminal, including an RF
data return transmitter of the present invention, to a headend includ-ing a frequency diverse data receiver according to the present invention.
Figure 2 is a plot of noise level versus ~requency over the upstream 0-30 megahert~ band of one typical CATV dlstribution plant.
Figure 3 is a system block diagram showing the several compo nents of a system according to F~gure 1, including a bil1ing system, the system manager, the frequency diverse RF data return receiver, and the se~ top terminal and its associated RF data return module.
Figure 4 is a s~hematic block diagram of a typical set-top te~
minal (STT), the particular terminal shown complising an out-of-band addressed command receiver.

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Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of an RF-IPPV module ~or the set-top terminal of Figure 4, the module either compr~sing a part of the terminal or being connected to the terminal through an appropriate bus system.
Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the BPSK modulator of the module of Figure 5.
Figure 7 is a diagram of the timing for the data return sequence from a Irequency diverse RF data return transmitter according to Figure 5.
Figure 8 is a block diagram of the RF-IPPY processor (receiver) shown in sys~em diagram Figure 3.
Figures 9-13 are schematic block diagrams of the several com-ponent assemblies of the RF-IPPV processor o~ Figure 8: Figure 9 representing the front end module, Figure 10 representing the fre-guency synthesizer, Figures 11A-C representing the RF receiver, Fig-ure 12 representing the signal strength analyzer and Figure 13 repre-senting the controller assembly.
Flgure 14 is a diagram of a tree structure of screens which may be displayed by manipulating keys of a keyboard of the RF IPPV
processor~s keyboard.
Figure 15 Is a timing diagram of an RF-IPPV data transmission sequence.
Figure 16 is a data waveform diagram for demonstrating the principles Or Mlller encoding.
DETA~D DESCRIPTION OF THE INVEN~ON
Figure 1 shows a typical cable TV di~tribution plant 100 for distrlbutlng cable television signals to a subscriber and for receiving up6tream messages from a su~scriber terminal 120. The CATV plant 100 connects a headend 110 to a plurality OI su~scri~er~s televisions 130 through CATV terminal 120. CATV plant 100 is connected in a ~tree~ configuration with branches 148 and 150 using splitters 143.
Occasionally, at the location of sp~tters 143, bridger s~ritchers are used to switch communication between headend and su~scri~er to only one branch of the upstream input to the splitter 143. It is one object of the present invention to eliminate any requirement for bridger ,. . , - : ,: . , , Wo 9l/lS064 ~ ~ 7 ~ ~ P~r/uS91~01847 switchers which have been used in the past for improving data throughput to the headend from the sllbscriber. In the downstream direction, a plurality of subscribers typically receive the same signal sent from the headend 110, typically a broadband CATV signal. In future systems with increased bandwidth such as optical fiber sys-tems, it is not unlikely that different subscribers may receive differ-ent signals intended only for them, a province previously reserved only to telephone companies. Distribution amplifiers 142 are also regularly distr~buted along cable plant 100 to boost or r~peat a trans-mitted signal. A transmission from headend 110 to the subscriber at CATV terminal 120 is susceptible to noise introduced along the trunk line 141 and branch lines 148, 14~,146, 145 and drop 144. However, by far the more serious noise ingre~s occurs in transmission from the subscriber to headend 110.
Frequency diverse RF data return transmitter 200 may be included in or associated with CATV terminal 120 and allows a su~
scriber to communicate with headend 110 by transmitting messages upstream in the CATV plant. Headend 110 includes frequency diverse ;
RF data receiver 300 for receiving messages transmitted by RF data return transmitter 200 in CATV terminal 120 or in an associated mo~
ule located at any or all of the plurality of subscribers. Other custom-ers provided with IPPV or other services requiring data return may be provided with phone transmitters for communication with a phone processor (not shown) at the headend. ~ -Many CATV plants are so called split systems equipped for two-way transmission, that is, transmission from headend to su~
scriber and from subscriber to headend. In these CATV plants, ampli-fiers 142 are equipped for bidirectional transmission including reverse path ampli~ication. Two-way transmi~sion in CATV plants heretofore has been avoided by cable television companies in part ~ecause upstream ~ransmission from the subscriber to the headend ~s signifi-cantly more susceptible to interference noise. Upstream communica-tion is more susceptible to interference noise because a CATV plant is configured in a "tree" configuration allowing interference no~se from every point in the CATY plant to be propagated and amplified in the .. , , . . ,. ~

WO 91/15064 ~ ~ 7 3 -J ~ i Pcr/US91/0~847 upstream direction. This may be referred to as the funneling effect.
For instance, interference noise 160 and 161 on lines 144 and 154 will combine into interference noise 162 at splitter 143 connected to drop 144 and branch 154. As the signals travel toward headend 110, the noise will combine with noise on branch lines 153, 152, 151, 150 and every other line in the entire CATV plant. In the upstream direction, it ~an become difficult to discriminate a transmitted data signal at headend 110 Irom the noise induced in each branch of the CATV
plant.
Interference noise can include impu~e noise, common mode distortion, ingress and amplifier non-linearities. Lightning 10, radio broadcasts 11, and power lines 12 are exemplary sources of interfer-ence noise. CATV plants may contain old and ~aul~y grounded and bonded cable sheaths or the like whi~h allow noise to enter anywhere in the CATV plant. Aging splitters 143 or old, non-linear amps 142 may also cause interference noise. Because interference noise from each and every branch of the CATV plant a~fects upstream transmis-sion while interference noise alnng only a single downstream line (for example, 141, 148, 147, 1~6, 145, 144) affects downstream transmis-sion, an upstream CATV plant as it ag~ will require costly mainte-nance sooner than a downstream CATV plant. The present invention allows transmission of upstream communication signals on an ~impe~
fect~ CATV plant where upstream transmission was heretofore diffi-cult without costly routine maintenance of the CATV plant. The present invention allows bidirectional transmission of messages in a CATV plant much noisier than heretofore possible.
Referring now to Figure 21 there is shown a graph of noise power level versus ~requency for a typical cable teleYision plant. The measurements were taken at prime time viewing (evening) on a rela-tively new installation. The effects of ingress are seen to be espe-cially severe in the measured plant from a local AM station at 1500 Icilohertz, the British World Service, the Voice of America and a ham operator broadcastinglat 21 megahertz. It ~an be quickly s~en that transmission by known techniques on channel T7 (5.75 -11.75 mega-hertz) would be practically impossible. Furthermore, it may be wo 91/15064 2 ~ r~ PCr/US9l/01847 genera~1y seen from the distribution that the higher the frequency, the less troubl~come the interference noise.
The effects of common mode distortion were not particularly severe at the time of the measurements. However, the plant was again examined approximately one year later and peaks due to com-mon mode distortion were predictably seen at 6, 12, 18 and 2 megahertz.
Fi~ure 3 is an overview ol the RF-IPPV system in accordance with the pre~ent invention. The system includes a billing computer or system 305 which records and maintains records for each system sub-scriber. The reco.ds typically contain information such as the subscriber's name, address, and telephone num~er, the type of equip-ment the subscriber has in his p~Csession~ and which pay services the subscriber is authorized to view. Typically, the cable operator either owns the billing computer, leases the equipment from a vendor who specializes in this type of equipment, or shares computer time on a machine owned by a billing vendor.
Billing computer 305 is interfaced to system manager 310.
System manager 310 controls the operation of the cable system. Sys-tem manager 310 is typically a personal computer such as an HP lOûO
A400 Micro 24 Computer or an HP 1000 A400 Mircro 14 Computer having program memory ior algorithm storage. Preferably, the sys-tem manager comprises a System Manager IV or V or the Subcriber Manager V which are available from the Csignee Or the present appli-cation. System manager 310 maintains a list of all the addressable set-top terr~Linals in the cable system as well as those services which each terminal is authorized to receive. System manager 310 also deflnes and maintains the parameters selec~ed by the cable operator for each system. These parameters may include the frequencies ass~
ciate~ with each CATV channel in ~he system, which channe~s are being scrambled, the security features of the system, and the system time. A~ditional1y, system manager 310 is responsible rOr the authori-zation and deauthorization o~ pay-per-view events in the system.
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System manager 310 also stores IPPV information. A resident program of the system manager reads the IPPV transactions uploaded from the set-top terminals in the cable system. The IPPV transac- . -tions are stored in a data base of the system manager until they are retrieved by billing computer 305. System manager 310 contro~s the reporting back of IPPV purchase information by tran~smitting data requests to the set-top terminals in the cable system.
As illustrated in Figur~ 3, coalmands generated by the system manager may be transmitted to the set-top terminals in one of two ways. In a first technique, an addressable transmitter (ATX) 314 transmits ~he commands from system manager 310 (optionally via headend controller 312) on a dedicated channel (e.g. 104.2 MHz) in a format recognizable by the addressable set-top terminals. In a second technique, the commands are transmitted using a so-called in-band system where the commands are included in the video signal via the action of in-band scrambler 313. An in-band system is described in commonly assigned ~opending application Application Serial Ns.
188,481, incorporated by reference herein. Other techniques may be used as well tor addressably or globally transmitting data from the headend to the subscriber set-top terminal, and the present invention should not be construed to be limited in this respect. For example, data under audio, data over audio, spread spectrum, or other tech-niques may be implemented over the same cable or an equivalent group ot alternatives may be implemented over a switched or private telephone or power line.
Subscribers in the cable system may be provided with a set-top termin~l 315. Figure 3 illustrates three set-top terminaLs, two of which (315a, 315b) are associated with the in-band system and one of which (315c) is associated with the out~f-band system. For example, set-top terminaLi 315a and 315b may comprise Scientific Atlanta Model 8570 and ~590 set-top terminals while set-top terminals 315c may comprise a Scientific Atlanta Model 8580 set-top terminal. The set-top terminal allow,s the suhscri~er to tune and descramble the services requeste~ from the cable system operator. Each set-top ter-minal includes a unique digital identifier, such as a digital address, - ~O 9l/15064 ~ ~ 7 ~ 3 ~ ~ Pcr/ussl/ol847 which permits the cable operator to send commands directly to an individual set-top terminal. These commands are called addressable commands. The set-top terminals are also capable of receiving global commands processed ~y all the set-top terminals in the cable system.
Subscribers who are authorized to purch ce impuls~pay-pe~view events are issued set-top terminals with an impuL~e module included therein. Briefly, the impulse module allows the su~scriber to autho-rize his set-top terminal to receive a pay-p,er-view event, store the data associated with the purchase of the event, and forward the stored data to the cable operator. As indicated in Figure 3, 2he stored data may be transferred back tO the cable operator by a telephone impulse module using the public switched telephone network 317 via phone processor 321 or by an RF impulse module using an RF return path 319 via RF-IPPV processor 322. The RF data return path will ~e discussed in greater detail below. Phone processor 321 and RF IPPV
processor 322 are coupled to system manager 310 through an appro-priate inter~ace, such as an RS-232 interface.
Billing computer 305 transmits a transaction to system man-ager 310 which identifies whether a parti~ular set-top terminal in the system utili~es RF return path 319 or utilizes the telephone return path 317. System manager 310 then downlo~ds a transaction to set-top terminal 315 to enable and configure the set-top terminal.
For example, an RF impulse module must be loaded with the frequen-cies it will utilize for the RF transmission and calibration procedures described in detail below. These frequencies may be placed in the module at the time of manufacture or may ~ loaded with a global transaction from system manager 310. Alternatively, the frequencies may be loaded by an addressable command.
FigurP 4 illustrates a bloc3c schematic diagram of a conven-tional addres,sable set-top terminal known in the art, namely, a Scien-tliic Atlanta 8580 set-top terminal. According to the principles of one embodiment of the present invention, the set-top terminal is a passthrough device land plays no part in the present invention.
Through a port of microprocessor 400, microprocessor 400 merely reports all commands received ~hrough addressable data receiver 430 ~ ~ 7 ~
Wo sl/lso64 PC~/US9l/~l847 .r--to a microprocessor 504 of an associated RF-IPPV data return module illustrated in Figure S via IPPV connector 490. In an alternative embodiment, the functions of microprocessor 504 of the module of Figure S may be incorporated into microprocessor 400, in which instance a larger capacity microprocessor than a M50751 would be required.
The basic building blocks of an out-of-band addressable set top terminal are a down converter and tuner 410 for receiving and downconverting the incoming cable signal. The data receiver 430 accepts a downconverted out-of-~and 104.2 MHz or other appropriate data carrier from the downconverter ~10. The downconverted televi-sion signal output of the downconverter is ~escrambled at descrambler 420 as necessary. The descrambled channel is upconverted to channel 3 or channel 4 for input to a subscriber~s tele-vision, video tape recorder or other subscriber apparatus (not shown).
Microprocessor 400 has associated NV~I 470 and timing logic 480, a keyboard 440 for accepting direct inputs, an infrared or other remote receiver 450 ror receiving remote control lnputs, and a display 460. The display shows tuned channel number or time of day, for example.
The Model 8580 set-top terminal as described above is a mere pass through device rOr the purpases of the present invention. Each of Models 8570, 8590 and other set-top terminals of other manufactur-ers normally comprise processor con~rollers lL'ce microprocessor 400 whieh all must have ports or connectors for data exchange with a module as shown in Fiç~ure S or for controlling the elements of Figure 5 when the module does not include a microprocessor. NVM 502 of Figure 5 is ad~unct non-volatile memory which simply supplements the amount o~ memory provided by NVM 470 and is accessed by microprocessor 400.
- In order to accomplish home shopping, energy management, meter reading, bur~lar alarm and other services ~esides IPPV service, a terminal must contprise appropriate interferences for data lnput/
output to various principal devices in ~he su~scriberls home (none of which are shown in Figure ~).

., . : . .

Wo 91/~506~ 2 ~ r~ 8 r; ~ ~ Pcr/US9l/018~7 Figure 5 illustrates a block diagram of an RF-IPPV module in accordance with the present invention. The RF-IPPV module is a microprocessor-based BPSK transmitter used to send information through the reverse or upstream system of a CATV plant from a subscriber's location to the headend. Microprocessor 504 int rfaces with set-top terminal microprocessor 400 to receive information to be stored in NVM 503 (Ior later transmission) or to receive transmission instructions. During the transmit cycle, microprocessor 504 switches on power to the ~requency synthesizer circuitry, programs the appro-priate frequency to transmit, turns on the final amplifier, sets the predetermined gain level at the modulator, and transmits the required information.
Microprocessor 504 is the ~'brain" o~ the module, determining when to transmit (based on instructions sent from the headend and discussed in greater detail below), determining and setting the fre-quency and power level of transmission, and encoding the data stored in NVM 503 for transmission. In order to assure prompt and efficient data return, data is preferably preformatted when stored in NVM 503.
Upon completion of transmission, microprocessor 504 also switches the RF circuitry off, ~hus reducing the noise output of the module and reducing the overall power demand. NVM 503 stores the event data (preformatted ~or transmission), security information, transmit fr~
quencies an~ power levels, and module identiIication information.
NVM B03 a~so stores viewing statistics data as will be described in more detail below.
Phase-l~ck loop 505, lowpass filter 506, and voltage contro~ed oscillator ~VCO) B07 synthesize the frequency which is used for trans-mission. The frequency is syn~hesized from a 4 MHz crystal clock 50l which also coDtrols microprocessor S0~. This arrangement reduces the number o~ parts required to complete the synthesis, as well as eliminates problems that could result from utilizing two different clocks of the same ~requency.
Phas~lock loop 505 of the module accepts serial data from microprocessor 50~ to set its registers for a particular frequency.
Phase-lock l~p 505 compares a sampled signal from the output of -. .: '.

`

Wos~/lso64 ~ 7~ i PCI/USgl/01X47 -VCO 507 with a signal derived from ~ MHz clock 501 to determine whether the generated frequency is higher or lower than the pro-grammed synthesizer frequency with a polarity representing a ~high~
or "low" generated frequency. LPF section 506 performs a mathemat-ical integration of this signal, and generates a DC voltage tO control the output frequency of the voltage-controlled oscillator VCO s07.
The output of VCO 507 is fed to modulator 508, and also fed back to phase lock loop 505, so it can be sampled again, and the process is repeated for the duration Or transmission.
Data filter 510 is a bandpass type filter that prevents the high frequency energy or the digital information to be transmitted from being modulated into the RF carrier. Data filter 510 thus ~unctions tO
contain the modulated energy of the modulated signal within specified limits.
Modulator 508 accepts filtered data input rrom microprocessor 504 and an RF carrier rrOm VCO 507 and modulates the phase of the RF carrier proportional to the data signal. The modulator also utili~es a DC bias voltage created by a resistive D/A network to control the overall gain of the modulated signal. The D/A network is controlled directly by microprocessor 504. Modulator 508 is descfibed in greater detail below with reference to F~gure 6.
Three modulation schemes for RF data return were considered for implementation in the present invention: Binary Frequency Shift Keying (FSK), Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK), and Direc~ Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) with BPSK modulation. Many schemes were considered too ~omplex, and unnecessary, since bandwidth conserva-tion ls not a critical requirement.
Of the three, BPSK has the greatest immunity to broadband noise, DSSS has the greatest immunity to discrete frequency interfe~
ence, and FSK is the simplest to implement. On the other hand, BPSX
and FSK have little immunity to strong co-channel interference, but a DSSS receiver is fa~rly complex, and h~c a very large noise bandwidth.
A~so, a DSSS transmitter requires a very complex filter to prevent interference with both forward and reverse video. In addition, FSK

.

.. WO 91/lS~)64 2 ~ PCr/US9l/01847 receivers suffer (in this case) from ~capture~ effect which is a probr lem in this situation.
The system according to the present invention proYides some of the best features of each. The syst~sm uses BPSK signalling on four different frequencies. This approach may be named Frequency Diver-sity BPSK (or FDBPSK). In tl~s way, the noise bandwidth of the receiver is very small, the inherent noise rejection characteristics of BPSK are utilized, and, by judicious selection of frequencies, discrete interference is avoided. However, while BPSK modulation has been utilized in the present invention for the above reasons, other modula-tion techniques may be utilized and the invention should not be lim-ited in this respect. : :-Final amplifier 509 amplifies the resLltant signal from modula-tor 508 to the required output power level of the module. The ampli-fier gain is at a fixed level, with a signal from antibabble control 513 controlling the on/off switching of ampl~ier 509.
Anti-babble control 513 is a eircuit designed to allow micropro-cessor 504 to control the status of iinal amplifier 509. In the ~ase of a failure of microprocessor 504, antl-babble control 513 inhibits final amplifier 509 after a predetermined period of time, or after several consecutive transmi sions. This prevents the module from transmit-ting messages longer than designed, or more frequently than intended regardless o~ microproce~sor state. Termina~s which '1babble~ or ~scream~ are terminals which are out~f-control and generate noise ~;
messages which can tie up a whole system if permitted. An , anti-babble circuit prevents babble by turning off a data transmitter a~ter a predetermine~ period of time which is longer than the longest data message should require. The anti-~abble control control 513 is descriW in commonly assigned U.S. patent No. 4,692,919 which is incorporated herein by reference thereto.
Diplex filter 511 is a filter with two distinct components: A
12-19 megahertz bandpass filter 515 for harmonic energy rejection of the module transmitt~r and a 54-8~0 megahertz high pass filter 516 for CATV signals to be p sed to the set-top terminal undisturbed.

WO 91/15064 ~ ~3 r.! ~ PCT/US91/01847 . -The design considerations associated with design of an RF-IPPV
module for s~called "on-premises" systems are not particularly appropriate for design of so-cal1ed ~off-premLses" systems. The ~on-premises~ systems, for example, relate to in-band and out-of-band addre~sable set-top terminals such as the Scientific Atlanta ~5?0, 8580 and 8590 terminals. The ~off-premises~ environment presup-poses the removal of set-top terminal equipment from the subscriber~s premises. Such ~ofi-premises~ systems include, for example, interdic-tion and trap technologies. Consequently, for example, there is at least a house, U not a drop, cable separation between the cable televi- i;
sion terminal and the su~scriber equipment which rnay not be particu-larly suitable for data communication. On the other hand, some su~
scriber equipment is re~uired for IPPV, home shopping and such two-way services not available with conventional television receiver apparatus. Consequently, the module of Figure 5 which presupposes a bus or othPr inte~terminal/module communication path would be difficult to implement over conventional house or drop cables without some special data communication design. The present invention, then, is related to those principles of terminal/module design which may be extended from the design of an on-premises terminal to the design of an IPPV module for so-called off-premises interdiction and trap system su~criber units.
Figure 6 illustrates the details of the BPSK modulator of Figure 5. BPSK modulation is a type o~ modulation that alternates the phase state of an RF carrier in one of two p~ssible states to represent one o~ two logic states. The BPSK m~dulation technique used in the RF
IPPV transmitter oI the present in~,rention involves the use of a bal-anced diiferential amplifier to generate phase state changes in an RF
carrier to represent enc~ded digital information. Although there are ~onceivably many possible approaches to realizing a modulator of this type, use o~ a difierential ampliiier as illustrated in Figure 6 also pro-vides a means of varying the overall gain of the circuit, thus allowing ior microprocessor control of the output power level. By applying a constant level RF carrier at the base of Q3 in Figure 6 and combining this signal with a DC bias voltage provided by a digital-t~analog w~ 91/15064 2 ~ p PCr/US91/01847 converter controlled by microprocessor 504, a psuedo-linear power output control is integrated in a low c~st BPSK modulator. - -BPSK modulator 600 includes progrsmmable gain control 602.
Programmable gain control 602 include~ four resistors Rl-R4 of lK n, 2.2K n, 3.9K ~, and 8.2K ~ respectively. One end of each resistor Rl -R4 is coupled to inputs B3-B0 respectively. The other end of each resistor is coupled to common output 605. The output 605 of pro-grammable gain control 602 is coupled to tha base of transistor Q3 through a 3.3K sa resistor R5. A voltage of 5V is coupled to a fiTst point between the output of programmable gain control 602 and resis-tor R5 through a 3.3K ~ re~stor R6. A second point between the out-put 605 of programmable gain control 602 and resistor R5 is coupled to ground through a 0.01 ufd capacitor C1. The output of oscillator 507 (Figure 5) is coupled to the base of transistor Q3 through a 0.01 ufd capacitor C2.
The emitter of transistor Q3 is coupled to ground through an ~ -8.2K n resistor R7. A point between the emitter of transistor Q3 and resistor ~7 is coupled to ground through a 0.01 ~lfd capacitor C3 and a 33 n resistor R8.
The emitter of transistor Ql is coupled to the emitter of tran-sistor Q2. The collector ot transistor Q3 is coupl~d to a point along the connection of the emitters. The input data is coupled to the base of transistor Ql through data filter 510 ~Figure 5). A point ~etween data filter 510 and the base of transistor Ql is coupled to ground through a 0.0l u~d capacitor C4 and to 27K ~ resistor R10 Chrough a 2~K ~ resistor R9. The leads "A" represent ~ coupling of together of the points.
A point between resistors R9 and R10 is coupled to ground through a 12K ~ resistor Rll and to an input o~ +9V through a 3.3K n resistor R12. A point between resistor R10 and the base of transistor Q2 is coupled to ground through a 0.01 ufd capacitor C5.
The collectors of transistors Ql and Q2 are respectively cou- ~ -pled to the primary terminaLs of transformer 650. +gV is ~oupled to the midpoint of the primary winding of transformer 650 through a 47 resistor Rl~. One terminal of the secondary of transformer 650 is WO 91/IS064 Pcr/US9l/01847 i ~
~ ~$3~ ~.

the modulator output and the other terminal is coupled to a ground through a O.Ol ll~d capacitor C6.
The operation of modulat~r 600 will now ~e explained.
Modulator 600 takas scaled data input from microprocessor 504 of Figure 5 and tilters the data to reduce high frequency content. The filtered data waveform changes the collector current of transistor Ql to one of two possible states, representing either a digi~al one or zero.
The base Or transistor Q2 is maintained at a constant voltage.
Cscillator RF is input to the base of transistor Q3. The collec-tor current of Q3 is held at a constant level determined by the voltage output of the programmable gain control digitaL/analog converter resistor network 602. Since the RF collector current of Q3 is held constant, the total emitter current from transistors Ql and Q2 must equal the current in transistor Q3. The co11ector current in Ql is varied in proportion to the data signal at the base thereo~, thus vary-ing the collector current in Q2 in an opposita manner to keep the total current a ~onstant. The RF current from the collectors of tran-sistors Ql and Q2 creates a differen$ial voltage across the primary terminal of transformer 650. The differential RF signal is converted to a single-ended signal by transformer 650, creating an RF carrier which changes polafity (phase inversion) proportional to the data sig-nal at the base of Q1. This is the BPSK signal that is amplified and transmitted.
The gain control function in the modulator is a result of the bias voltage present at the base of transistor Q3. This DC bias volt-age, when combined with the RF signal from the oscillator, creates a collector ~urrent (and gain level) proportional to the bias voltage.
Thus, when the DC bias level is increased as a result of the program-mable gain control resistor network 602, the gain of the RF signal at transistor Q3 is also increased. Programmable gain control resistor networ3c 602 is designed to have a complementary DC response with digital input to create a linear increase in RF power at the output of the modulator. In other words, for each in~remental increase of the fou~it digital signal, the output power of the modulator will increase a fixed in~remental amount.

~ .. - - - - - - ~. " .. . . .. ...

Wo 9l/15064 2 ~ 7 ~ PCr/US91/01847 -- ~5 -. : ....
The operation of the various above~escribed components in accordance with features of the present invention will now be described.
As discussed above, to report IPPV event purchase information back to system manager 310, each set-top terminal or STT 315 must have a reverse communication path (as opposed to the forward path used to send control information from system manager 310 to STT
315). As mentioned earlier, an RF-IPP~ system is in~ended to ~e used in cable plants which have reverse su~split channel capability.
These cable systems have trunk amplifiers which allow the T7, T8, T9, and T10 (approximately 0-30 megahertz) channels to propagate in the reverse direction, i.e. into the headend.
The pre~ent invention provides an RF IPPV module as shown in Figure 5 which utilizes a portion of the T8 channel to communicate from the terminals or modules to a frequen¢y diverse data receiver in the headend Yia a selectable plurality of modulated R~ data carrier channels. Use of the T~, T9 and T10 channels for video conferencing or other communication is not adversely affected by the data commu-nications which are generally confined to the T8 channel band.
Use of the reverse channels in a cable plant as a data commu-nications network for retrieving suoscriber information from terminal locations suffers from two primary drawbacks: the high noise and interference environment of upstream communications as discussed in detail above and a lack of an access contention mechanism through which data may contend for access to the network. Both problems stem from the topology of the system, which is an inverted tree as shown in Figure 1.
From an interference standpoint, the branches Or the "tree~
can function as a large antenna network. Faulty shielding and cracked or loo~e connections in the cable system allow RF interfer-ence to ~ingress~' into the system as described above. Because the trunk amp~ier are preset to provide overall unity gain, the in-band interference and noise is regenerated at each of the amplifiers. Fur-thermore, in the reverse path, interference and noise from each branch is additiv~ely combined at each trunk intersection. The result WO 91/1~064 Pcr/US91tOl~47 ., J ~ ~

is that all of the interf erence and noise picked up throughout the cable system is ultimately summed at the headend, where the RF-IPPV data receiver is located. To minimize these problems inher-ent in the use of reverse cable TV channels for data communications, a plurality of ~our channels of a range o~ twenty-three (23)100 KHz data channels in the T8 television channel bandwidth are selected for use in the present RF-IPPV system based primarily on data throughput considerations. As w~ be described further herein, the present invention should not ~e ~onstrued as limited to four channels but may utilize more than four channels. The probability of receiving mes-sages increases with each additional channel utilized, but the costs of providing addi~ional transmitters and receivers for additional chan-nels becomes prohibitive by comparison.
The 6 MHz reverse video channel is divisible into sixty 100 kHz wide communication channels~ oi which twenty-three (23) are utilized in a current implementation. Four of the twenty-three channels are selected based an the frequency location of noise and interference.
Both the transmitters and receivers are frequency-agile. The fre-quencies used for reverse communication can be automatically pro-grammed by the system manager computer to avoid channels wh~ch are noisy or contain significant interference. These frequencies can be changed as of ten as necessary to deal with time varying interference.
Each transmitter wlll successively transmit its data preferably at a data rate of 20 kilobits/second on each of the four frequencies.
At the headend, four RF receivers (one tuned to each channel) are used. This arrangement provides redundancy for each message. The probability of error due to co-channel interference is now the product of the four probabillties that each of the four channels h c inter~e~
ence present at the time of the transmitter's use of that channel.
This results in a very high transmission/reception success rate.
Note that this can provide even better performance than that o~ spread spectrum sys'tems, since the sequential transmission scheme provides some time diversity as well as frequency diversity.

''' ~ '-''" '. '~'""`'.' ,'' - ' . ~ , : . . . ... ,, ....... .. i .. ,. ....... . .. .. ... .,.:. . . .:
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. .: - .- . - . . .. . .. .... . .. .. . .. . ..

WO 91/15064 PCr/USsl/0l847 Fr~uency Selection In a typical reverse system, there are four video channe~s available: T7, T8, T9 and T10. Usually, the lowest channel (T7) is the noisiest and the highest channel (T10) is the quietest. This would sug-gest that T13 would be the best choice. However, there are other considerations.
Many cable operators either use or are required to Iceep avail-able several Or the reverse channels. These are sometimes used for video conference links, community access TV, character generator links to headends, and modem service. Since video is far more intol-erant of noise than data transmission, it is desirable to leave the ~cleanest~ channels open; and use one of the lower channe~
Data obtained from direct o~servation of several customer ~ -reverse plants indicates a significant deterioration of channel quality from T8 to T7. Although a BPSK system could probably operate in T~
it will generally be far easier to locate clean frequency bands in T8.
The last factor involved in frequency selection is the location o~ transmitter harmonics. It is important to keep the second and third harmonics o~ the transmitters out of both the upper reverse channels and the forward video channels. If the transmitter frequen-cies are restricted to the range of 14 to 18 MHz, the second harmon-ics (2 x Io) will be between 2~ and 36 MHz, and the third harmonics (3 x fo) will be between 42 and 54 MHz. The second and third harmonics will then be out or ~oth the forward and reverse video channels (above T10 and below channel 2). This considerably reduces the trans-mitter output filtering requirements, thereby significantly reducing cost and increasing reliability. Thus, the T8 channel is chosen, unlike Citta et al., to intentionally avoid carrier harmonics which can adversely a~fe~t upstream transmission at odd and even harmonics falling in the upper portion of the 0-30 megahertz transmission band.
The ingress interference sources are ~ypically discrete frequen-cies and are time varyirlg in nature. Although averaged spectrum analyzer measurements can indicate are ~ or bands of the T8 channel which may be completely undesirable at one particular point in time, it is stil~ ficult to predict with certainty which frequency or WO 91/1-.064 Pcr/ussl/0l847 _ 3 ~ ~ ~

frequencies to use at all times. At any given time, however, there is typically considerable bandwidth within the T8 channel with low enough noise and interference levels to support reliable communica-tions. The present frequency diverse RF-IPPV system is designed tO
utilize this fact and avoid the interference through several ~ompli-mentary techniques: minimal bandwidth data communication tech-niques, frequency diversity, multiple (simultaneous) commur~cation channels, and time randomized re~undant message transmissions.
The RF module Ol' Figure S transmits IPPV event data on as many as four dlfferent channels (frequencies) each time it atternpts (or retries) to return data. The actual number of frequencies used is programmable, on a per head-end basis, from one to four in current implementations, although the invention is not limited in this respect.
The frequency agile nature of the system allows the return system to be programmed to operate in channels (frequencies) that do not have strong steady state interference. In addition, the use multiple fr~
quencies avoids random and time varying interl'erence sources.
For example, when a system is initially set up, a spectrum ana-lyzer can be used to find several usable 100 kHz channels in the 15.45-17.75 MHz frequency range which have, on the average, low interference levels. However, at any fiven point in time, there is always some probability that a random or time varying noise source may interfere with a data return transmission. The probability of interference occurring in one channel is, furthermore, relatively inde-pendent of interference occurring in another (non-adjacent) channel.
To illustrate, assume that the probability of harmful interfer-ence occurring during any transmission on any channel is 50%. Thus, no more than half oi the bandwidth of any ~hannel may be utilized.
From another perspective, the probab~ity of getting a return data message through is only 50%. However, if essentially simultaneous attempts are made to send the message on a plurality of channels, an attempt will be unsuccessful only if the attempts on each channel are unsuccessful. In other words, the only way that at least one message attempt will not be successful is if all four attempts are unsuccessful.
The probability of this occurrence if four channels are utilized is:
' ~.

wo gt/1so64 PCr/US91/01847 .5 x .5 x .5 x .5 = .0625 (6.3%) or only one eighth of the 50% probability of a failure when using only one channel. In general, if the probability of failure due to interfer-ence on one channel is K, then the probability of failure using four channels is K4. The relative unprovement is then K / K4 or l/K3.
The System Manager, the RF-1PPV Processor (RFIP) and the RF-STT module store two sets of (up to) four usable channe1c in a cu~
rent implementation. These two sets of channels are referred to as the "Category l frequencies" and the "Category 2 Irequenciesll. It will be apparent to those of skill in the art that the present invention is not limited to two categories of frequencies, each category com- -~
- prising four frequencies. Rather, any number of categories may be used, each category containing the same or different numbers of fre-quencies. Commands to the RF IPPV Processor and RF-STT from the system manager can instantly switch operation from one set of ope~
ating frequencies to another. Alternatively, the system manager may ;
be programmed to automatically cyclically switch system operation among eategories at dlfferent times during the day.
In a current implementation, two different operating modes are instantly available at all times without disrupting operation. For example, Category 1 may define three channels for data return and one channel for automatic RF-STT module calibration, while Category 2 may define four channels usable for data return. During the day-time hours because instal1ations are typical!y taking place, the system may be programmed to use Category 1 so that automatic calibration can occur. Durlng the night, the system may be programmed to use Category 2 in order to ma~dmize utilization of the advantages of mul-tiple data return channels.
It the relative quality of certain return channels are known to vary significantly during certain periods of the day, the two catego-ries can be used to switch one or more channels quickly and automati-cally at pr~programmed times. For example due to an interfer~ng radio transmitter, channel ~A~ may ~e much better than ~hannel ~B~
from 4:00 AM tn 6:00 PM, but somewhat worse than channel ~B~ at night (6:00 PM - 4:00 AM). It is then advantageous to assign channel .

.. ' . ' ' ~ ~ . . I ', ., , . ,. , ', :. . ' . .... , . , , ! , WO 91/]5064 ~ ~ 7,, ~ ~ ~ PCI`/US91/01847 -"A" to one category and channel "B" to the other and program ~he system to switch to the appropriate category at 4:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M.
Assuming low noise over a plurality of channels, a lower num-ber of return data channe~s may be utilized without compromising data throughput. Thusi, different groups may transmit over different channels within the same category.
The RF IPPV Processor and System Manager jointly collect and maintain statistics on the number of valid, non-unique messages received on each of the four RF channels. The number of messages transmitted on each (used) channel by the RF-STTs is ~ssentially equal. Therefore, when accumulated over a statistically significant period of time, the number of va~id messages on each utilized channel should tend to be equal ii the quality of each channel is equivalent.
Conversely, if the quality of one or more channe]s is lower than oth-ers, the number of valid received messagesi on these lower quality channels will be lower than the number received on so-called cleaner chaMels. Th1ci implies that the cumulative totals of non-unique mes-sages received for each channel are excellent indicators oi relative channel quality. Quality can be compared from channel to channel on a short term basis ias well as analyzing long term trends on single channels.
Although current implementation allows only for cumulative message count totals to be clisiplayed during each callback zone, thi s information, ialong with the other features of the system, may ~e used to implement an automatic frequency selection process. For exam- -ple, the following algorithm would eventuany try iall of the channel frequenciesi and use the besit four:
1. Pick ~our apparently ~'good" frequenciesi tO begin.
2. Analyze data return per~ormance for a statistically signlficant period of time. :
3. Remember the relative quality of the ~worst~ fre-quency anq remove it from use.
4. Replace ~worst~ frequency with an untried frequency.

~ ~ 7 'o ~
wo 91/l5064 PCr/US91/01847 ' 5. Repeat steps 2 throu~h 4 until a ranl~ing of all usable frequencies has ~een determined. . .;

6 Continue to use the al~ove algorithm, except only select from the ~n~ best ranked frequencies when replacements are needed. --This algorithm is readily adapt~ to systems utilizing more orless than four channels.
The present RF-IPPV system utilizes Miller (delay) data encod-ing with binary phase shi t keying (BPSK) carrier ml~dulation. The Mi11er data encoding gives excellent recovered data timing informa-tion while using minimal bandwidth. ~ -When an RF-STT receives a data return request from the sys-tem manager, the message teLls the RF-STT which category of fre-quencies to use, how many times (~N~) to send the message, and how long the transmit period is. The RF-STT then calculates "N" pseudo-random message start times, within the specified transmlt period, for each of the ~requencies in use. The data return message is then transmitted up to "N" times on each o~ the frequencies. The start times are calculated independently for each frequency, so that both the message start time and the frequency order are random. Sending each message at random times on a particular frequency is psimarily a function o~ the statistical media access technique used (see the fol lowing section on media access protocol). The message redundancy afforded by multiple transmission attempts on mul~iple transmit fr~
quencies is a primary factor in providing ingress noise immunity. This technique is essentially a frequency hopping spread spectrum system, although the requency hopping is slow .~rith respect to the data as compared wi~h known spread spectrum technology.
To utilize the multi-frequen y capab~ity of the RF-STT trans-mitters, the RF-IPPV PrGcessor contains four separate receiver sec- -tions which can simultaneously receive data messages. At ehe begin- -ning of each data return group per~od, the system manager sets the RF-IPPV processor rre~uency ca~egory to insure that they correspond with the RF-STrs. A microprocesso~based control unit in the RF-IPPV processor decodes the data messages from each receiver.

. .

wO 9~ 064 2 ~ r~ D ~ PCl/US91/01847 ~

The messages are organized into packets and forwarded to the systern manager. The control unit of the RF-IPPV processor also sorts the messages to remove the redundant messages received from RF-STT~s during each transmit period.
IPPV Media Access Data Return Protocol In the operation of an IPPV cable system, it is generally desir-able to be able to request a data return message or ~poll~ the STTs equipped with RF-IPPV modules (RF-STTs) based on several different criteria. The following list summarizes the most useful cases for reques~ing data return from specific groups of STT's:
1. Unconditionally, i.e., all RF-STTs must report;
2. All RF-S~Ts storing IPPV data for one or more events;
- 3. All RF-STTs storing IPPV data for a specific event; and 4. Specific RF-STTs on an individual basis (regardless of event data).
Furthermore, as stated earlier, it is very important that, even in the Iirst (wnconditional data re~uest) case, all RF-STTs be able to return the data within a period of no more than 24 hours. This should be posslble wlth RF-STT populations of thousands or even several hun-dreds of thousands, and translates to a l~throughputll goal of some twenty-five thousand RF-IPPV data responses per hour.
Each o~ the reverse narrowband data channels can only carry one message at a time. That is, if two or more RF-STTs anywhere on a particular cable system send messages that overlap in time, the trans-missions will interfere and all data messages involved in the ~'collision~
have a high probability of being lost. Therefore, in three of the cases -shown above, some type of media access control procedure is required to prevent a plurality of RF-STTs from attempting to u~e a data return channel simultaneously;
Of course, all of the cases could be handled as a series o~ individ-ual data requests (like the fourth case). However, this is not consistent with the throughput goal due tO system message delays incurred in the typical ~round tfip'l re~uest/response m~sage sequence. It is much more ef~icient to send a single "group data request~ to relatively large groups of RF-STTs which then return data according to a planned :~:

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:

WO 91/15064 PC~/US91/01847 .2 ~ 7 ~

procedure or ~media access protocol". This protocol must insure a high rate of success, that is, no collision involvement, for messages.
Unfortunately, popular media access protocols such as are used in local area networks which rely on carrier sense mechanisms to help prevent transmission collisions are unsuited for use in a cable system.
The inverted tree topology of cable systems sums transmitted signals from dlfferent branches and propagates them toward the headend.
RF-STT~s that are located in different branches, each of which is iso-lated by a trunk amplifier or other device, cannot detect the presence of an actively transmitting RF-STT in another branch.
Another access protocol, time slotting, a~so suffers from the worst case var1ance in system message delays. This forces the time slot for each RF-STT to be unacceptably long, resulting in poor throughput.
All of the items above have led to the development of a media access protocol which gives an acceptably high throughput rate by hav-ing a calculated tolerance for collisions. The method utilizes the pre-dicted statistical probability for collisions (and conversely for success-ful message throughput) given a controlle~, evenly distributed random RF-STT data return attempt rate.
In very simple terrns, this involves the system manager sending out a data request for each manageably sized sub-group of the total RF-STT population. (These subgroups are independent of the four polling cases listed above.) Each subgroup or simply ~group~l has a defined period of time within which to return data. Within this period, each RF-STT independently picks the programmed number of (pseudo) ran-dom data return transmission start times. For the relatively large suo-groups used, the return attempts are statisticauy evenly distribute~
over the period. Furthermore, since the average attempt rate is prede-termined and the average length of a return me~age is known, the resulting probability for at least one succe~sful da~a return message for any P~F-STT is predictable.
Although the ab~ve statis~ical concept i the basis o~ the data return method, a number of other key elements are reqwred to make the process workable. These are summarized below:

~ . : , . . , , . . .. , - . . . .

WO 91/15064 PCr/lJS91/01847 .~-7 '~
- `34 -1. An optimal attempt rate is determined which gives the ~est effective data return throughput.
2. The overall RF-STT population on each ca~le system headend is divided into manageable sized groups of known size. The size and number of subgroups, as well as the data return period can be determined given the optimal attempt rate.
3. A data return plan is required which provides structure to the manner in which system manager requests return data ~rom the individual group~.
4. A set of rules governs how the RF-STTs within the groups respond to data return requests and data acknowledg-ments within the data return sequence.
Data Return Sequence Figure 7 shows a time line representation of a typical data return sequence. As mentioned above, the total RF-STT population is divided up into manageable subgroups of approximately equal size.
These are simply referred to as groups. The leng~h of time that each group is allowed to return data In is called the group period (or simply the period). During RF-IPPV data retrieval, the system manager sequentially sends a data request to each group in a cable system headend. One complete data return sequence oI all groups is referred to as a cycle. Finally, a sequence of two or more cycles that make up a complete (typically daily) data return sequence is called a zone. I~ an RF STT returns its data during a given zone and receives an acknowl-edgment, that RF STT will not retry during that zone. Each group data return request sent out by the system manager includes the group num-ber and the current cycle and zone numbers.
There are two types o~ auto-replies: global and addressed. Glo- -bal auto-reply may be further bro}sen down into cyclic and continuous ;
auto-reply. In a cyclic aut~reply, the user defines a time interval du~
ing which the RF-IPPV modules will respond. In a continuous aut~reply, the system,derines the time interval, such as 24 hours.
With reference to Figure 7, in either a cyclic or a continuous auto-reply, the time interval is called a zone. Each zone is assigned a : ' , .' ' ' Wo 91/15064 ~ J ~ 1 Pcr/us9l/ol847 unique number so an RF-IPPV module may ascertain whether it has already responded during a particular zone. Each zone is subdivided into a plurality of cycles. A cycle is define~ as the amount of time required for entire population of RF-IPPY modules to attempt to reply.
Each cycle is assigned a unique number (within a zone) so an RF-IPPV
module may ascertain whether it has already responded during its cycle. Due to RF collisions, all RF-IPPV modules may not get through to the RF receiver. In order to increase the probability that a particu-lar RF-IPPV module will get through to the RF receiver, a minimum number of cycles per zone may ~e ~efined. The minimum number of cycles per zone is configurable.
Each cycle is subdivided into groups. A group is a subset of the total population of RF-IPPV modules in the system. Each RF-IPPV
module is assigned to a particular group and has an associated group number. The group number may be assigned to the RF-IPPV module via an external source (user defined) or can be derived from the digital address through the use of a shi~t value as de~;cfibed in greater detail below. Regardless of how its associated group number is defived, an RF-IPPV module will only respond to a global auto reply during its group time. Regardless of how its associated group number is delived, an RF-IPPV module will only respond to a global auto reply during its group time. Each RF-IPPV module is further assigned a configurable retry num~er. The retry number represents the number of times a given RF-IPPV module will attempt to respond during its group time.
The reply algorithm o~ the present invention will first be described in general and subsequently will be described in particular detail.
The reply algorithm of the present invention is based on trying to maintain a constant number of attempted replies. This constant is ca~ed the reply (attempt) rate and is measured in num~er of RF-IPPV
modules per æcond. The reply rate is con~igurable. In order to main-tain a corlstant reply rate, the number o~ RF-IPPV modules in a group must be limiteo. This constant will be rererred to as the ma~mum number of modules in a group. The maximum number of modules in a Wo 91/1:~06~ Pcr/uS9l/01847 ~
.~ l' 7 ~

group is configurable. Based on the ma~mum number of modules in a group, the number of groups in a cycle c~m be calculated as fol~ows:
~ of Groups = RF Mcdule Population/Ma~dmum in a group In a system in which group numbers are derived automatically from the digital address as discussed below, ehe number of groups is rounded up to the next power of 2.
The average number of RF modules in a group can be calculated as follows:
Avg. ~ in Group = RF Module Population/# of Groups This number is used to calculate the group length in seconds as follows: ~ -Group Length = Avg. ~ in Group/Reply Rate . ~ -The length o~ a cycle (in seconds) can then be calculated as follows:
Cycle Length ~ Group Length ~ (Number of Groups) :
The num~er of cycles in a zone can be calculated as follows:
~ of Cycles = (Zone end time - Zone Start Time)/Cycle Length If the calculated number of cycles is less than the minimum number of cycles a~owed, the number of cycles ~s set to the minimum. The mini-mum zone length can then ~e calculated as follows:
Minimum ~one Length = # of Cycles * Cycle Length This number is compared against the zone length assigned by the user in the c ~e o~ a cyclic auto-reply tO determine whether the given zone length is long enough.
At the start of lan auto-reply sequence, the above values are calculated. The system assigns a new zone number and a starting cycle num~er. The auto reply control se~uence is then ready to begin. The WO 91/15064 Pcr/US91/01847 - 3? _ 2 3 . ~3 ~ X ~

system starts with the first group in this cycle of this zone~and pro-ceeds until the calculated number of groups in a cycle is reached. The cycle number is then incremented and a check LS made to determine whether the total numoer of cycles for this zone has been exceeded (i.e. the end of the zone has ~een reached). If not, the group number will be reset and the sequence will continue.
While a group of RF-IPPV modules is replying, the system is receiving data and placing the data into its data base. After the data from an RF-IPPV module has been successfully placed in the data base, an acknowle~gment is sent to the RF-IPPV module. Part of the data oeing forwarded from the RF-IPPV module to the system is a checksum of all the event data. This checksum is an acknowledgment code and is sent back to the RF-IPPV module in the acknowledgment message. If the acknowledgment code matches that originally sent with the event data, the data wlll ~e deleted from the RF-IPPV module memory. If the RF-IPPV module does not receive an acknowledgment me~sage from the system during the current cycle, the RF-IPPV module will respond again during the next cycle of the present zone. If the RF-IPPV module receives an acknowledgment message during the current zone, the RF-IPPV module wlll not respond until the next zone. All RF-IPPV
modules which have replied, regardless of whether any event data was sent with the data, will be sent an acknowledgment code. This will cause the number o~ collisions to decrease with each successive cycle in the zone.
The addressed auto-reply or pol~ is designed to retrieve IPPV
data from a specific RF-IPPV module. The information sent to the RF-IPPV module is the same as in the global auto-reply with the follow-ing exceptions. The digital address of the RF-IPPV module being polled is included, the zone number is set to zero, and the rest of the informa-tion (Group, Cycle, Shi~t value, etc.) is set up so the RF-IPPY module will reply as quickly as possible even if there are no purchases to report.
In a current 3,mplementation, the group size is maintained between 2500 and 5000 set-top terminalis. Set-tops are added to exist-ing groups until leach group has 5000 set-tops. When each group has wo gl/lso64 Pcr/us9l 5000 set-tops, the num~er of groups is doubled in order that each group again has 2500 ~et-tops. For illustrative purposes, it will be assumed tha~ a set-top population P initially consists of 3500 set-top terminals in a slngle group. As set-top terminals are added to the population P, the total population is compared with the upper limit of 5000. When the population consists of 5000 set-top terminals, the number of groups is doubled from one to two. Thus, the two groups each contain 2500 set-top terminals. As new set-top terminals are added to the popula-tion, the number of terminals in each of the two groups increases.
When each of the two groups contains 5000 termin Is, the num~er of groups is again doubled to yield a total of four groups, each of the four groups containing 2S00 set-top terminals.
It has been empirically determined that the optimal attempt rate for the current RF IPPV return system is 50,000 attempts per hour. In order to maintain this attempt rate constant, the group time must vary as set-top terminals are added to the system. In the present implementation, to maintain the attempt rate constant, the group time length, or the time length during which each set-top in the group must attempt to transmlt its data, must in~rease from 3 minutes to 6 minutes.
The a~ove principles may be represented by a simple algorithm.
This algori-thm may be util~zed when the groups are automatically set utilizing bits of the digital address of the 52t-~Op terminals. Assume initially, the number of groups G is equal to I and the total set-top ter-minal population is equal to N, then 1) while(G < 2)or(P/ G ~ 5000) G = 2 ~ G
2) S=P/G
3) T = K * S
where S is equal to the number of converters per group, T is equal to the group time, and K is a constant chosen to maintain a constant attempt rate whicb, in the above example, is equal to 3 minutes per 2500 converters.

; ~ W091~15064 ~ r r7 3 P; ~1 PCI`/US91/0184.7 ~ 39 ~

The group of which a particular converter is a member is dete~
mined by utilizing a particular number of bits of the converter address.
For example i~ the number of groups is equal to eight, the last three bits of the converter address are utilized. If the number of groups is equal to sixteen, the last four bits of the set-top address are utilized.
At the beginning of a group time, the system manager downloads a transaction to the RF IPPV proce~sor to indicate that a new group time is being initiated. The system manager then sends out a global command to the set-tops indicating that a new group time is being started and which group num~er is being polled. The set-top terminal includes a ~.uedo-random number generator. The pseudo-random num-ber generator may comprise, for example, a f.ee running timer or - counter associated with each set-top. The psuedo-random number gen-erator generates a plurality of start times corresponding tO the number of attempts and the number of return frequencies. For example, if the set-top is instructed to make three attempts and the return path uti-lizes four frequencies, the psuedo-random number generator generates twelve random numbers. These random numoers are scaled to the group period.
Messagri~ from the STT to the headend do not overlap. However, in a current implementation, rather than generating random numbers within a given group period which do not overlap, the module will wait until a given transmisston is complete prior to initiating a second trans-mission even if, strictly speaking, the second transmission should have been initiated prior to termination of the first message. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill that a set of non-overlapping ran-dom numbers may be generated and utilized to determine the transmis-sion times and the invention should not be limited in this respect.
GrouPs One method of having RF-STTs return data is to have the entire population transmit this data at some timie during a predetermined callbac~ period. However, this technique could potentially result in a reverse amplifier overlqad and generate undesirable effec~s in the ~or-ward path if the entire population attempted to transmit at the same time. Thus, it is preferable to divir~e ~he population into a plurality of .

WO91/15064 ~ PCl/US91/iO1847 groups. Nonetheless, a group equal to the entire RF-STT population may be utilized.
RF-STTs are assigned to groups by one of two methods. In cases where it is important that individual RF-STTs belong to a particular group (for example, if use of bridger switching is required), each RF-STT may be assigned to a specific group using an addressed group assignment transaction. A cable operator may desire to assign given set-top terminalC to particular groups based on buy rates or other fac-tors associated with a particular group or subset of the entire popula-tion. Other reasons may exist for cable operators to assign given mem-bers of a population to a given group and the presen~ invention should not ~e limited in this resp ct. In thic event, the number of groups is arbitrary within the range of 2 to 255. Also, group sizes may no~ be equal, and the group periods may need to be adjusted individually to allow for the dilferent size groups. As it ~c an object of thè present invention to eliminate bridger switching, it is more desirable if grou~
ing assignments not be predetermined by the bridger switching network.
In the more common case, individual group assignment is not required. All RF-STTs are directed by a global transaction to use the least significant bits of the STT unique digital identifier (address) as the group number. The number of groups in this case is always a power of two (2, 4, 8, 16, etc.). Because the low order RF-STT address bit pat-terns are very evenly distributed in a large population of units, the number of STTs in each group is virtually identical and equal to the total number of RF-STTs divided by the number of groups. Two factors determine the actual number of groups.
The first ~actor is the optimal rate R at which STTs attempt to send messages to the RF-IPPV processor irrespective of the number of retries. The second factor is a convenient minimum group callback period Pmin. Therl, the total RF-IPPV STT population may be divi~ed into a maximum mlmber of 2n manageable sized groups by picking the largest value of n for which # of STTs ~ = R x Pmin -,, :, . .

.. . . ~ ; ~, .. .,,. .. . .. , , . . ., . .,, .. .. .;, ", . .. . ..

r ~, WO 91/15064 ~ ~ r;~ PCI/US91/01847 The power of 2, n, determined by this equation L' then the number of low order bits that each RF-STT must use to determine the group of which it is a mem~er. For example, if n is determined to be four, then there are 16 total groups and each RF-STT would use the least signifi-cant four bits or its address as a group m~mber.
Attempt Rate The optimal R~-STT attempt rate R used in the above equation is sim-ply e~pressed as an average number of ~F-STTs per unit time. How-ever, each RF-STT has a configurable retry count, so the actual mes-sage attempt rate is equal to the number of RF-STTs in a group, times the number of transmissions (retries) that each unit makes, divided by the length o~ the group period. During a data return period, the aver-age rate and length of message transmissions occurring determines the message density and therefore the probability of a collision occurrmg for any given transmission. Assuming that the average length of trans-missions is relatlvely fixed, then the rate at which RF-STTs attempt to transmit return data is a primary influence affecting probability of collision, and conversely message throughput.
Low message attempt rates result in a lower probability of colli-sion, while higher message attempt rates result in a correspondingly higher probability of ~ollision Ior any given message. However, high success rates at low attempt rates (or low success rates at high attempt rates) can still result in a low overall throughput. Therefore, , the me ~ure Or actual success rate is the probability of success for any message times the RF-STT a~tempt rate. For example, if 1000 RF-STTs attempt to return data in a one minute period, and the probability that any message will be involved in a col1ision is 209~, then the actual success rate is:
1000 RF-STTs X (100-20)%/ MIN = 800 RF-STTS/MIN
A numerically high RF-STT success rate is not the final measure of throughput in an RF-IPPV system unle~s it results in a near ~00%
success rate. Since the data returne~ represents revenue to the cable operator, all ~F-STTs must return the data stored therein. Approach-ing a near 100% success rate may take two or more periods in a - ~ .

WO 91/1~064 Pcr/lJS9l/01847 -~
2B ,~33~ ~

statistical data return approach. To continue the exarnple, assume that a group has the above success rate during the first data return cycle.
800 RF-STTs per minute might be an e~tremely desirable throughput rate, but it is not acceptable to leave 20% or the group in a non-report-ing state. During the next data return cycle, the 800 successful RF-STTs should have received data acknowledgments. As discussed a~ove, RF-STTs that receive an acknowledgment corresponding to ~he exact e data stored in secure memory do not respond again until a new zone begins. Ther0~0re only the 200 RF-STTs that were unsuccessful in the first cycle should attempt to return data. This results in a much lower probability of collision during the second cycle. For illustrative pur-p~ses, it will be assumed the probability that any message will be involved in a collision is 1%. During this one minute period, 200 X (lO0 - 1)% = 198 RF-STTs are successful. Combining the two cycles, there ic an effective success rate of:
800 + 198 RF-STTs / 2 MIN or 499 KF-STTS/MIN
This rate is achieved with nearly lOO~o of the RF-STTs reporting and is therefore a very good measure of the real system throughput.
The ~loptimal" attempt rate is thus defined as that attempt rate which yields substantially 100% effective success rate for a given number of RF-STTs in the least amount of time.
The present invention has used a simulation technique based on a model of the RF-IPPV data return system to determine optimal attempt rates. However, it should be noted that while choosing an optimal attempt rate affects the performance of the system, it is not critical to the operation o~ the present invention. ~ -The des~ription and calculations detailed above assume that data return is achievecl for returning IPPV event data from IPPV modules.
However, the RF return system of the present invention may be applied broadly to systems in which a plurality of remote units or ~er~
minals attempt to transfer stored data to a central location. Requir~
ments for burglar alarm. energy management, home shopping and other services are generally additive to IPPV service requirements~ Some efficiencies in scale, however, may be achieved by combining data -WO 91/15~64 2 ~ Pcr/US9l/l)1847 return for certain of these additional services into transactions for IPPV service although different addr~;able or global commands and responses may he appropriate for di~ferent transactions, especially real time requirements such as the delivery of two-way voice (telephone) communications .
RF-IPPV Module Transmitter Level Adiustment For a number of reasons, including S/N ratio and adjacent chan-nel interferen~e requirements, it is necessary that the RF-IPPV trans-mitter (Figure 6) data carrier output leveL be set to near optimum for the reverse channel. Furthermore, for low installation cost, e~e of maintenance, repeatability and reliability, it is very desirable that the adjustment of the output level be as automatic as possible.
For the purpases of this discussion an ~optimum~ transmitter output is defined to be such that the level that appears at the first reverse trunk amplifier is K dBmV, where K is a constant (typi~ally +12 dBmV) that depends primarily upon the cable system and reverse trun~
amplifier characterLtics.
Fortunately, the primary sources of variable loss between the transmitter and data receiYer occur in the drop from the module to the cable tap plus the cable segment to the first reverse amplifier. The remainder of the reverse path that the transmitted signal encounters, from the ~irst reverse amplifier to the receiver, is typically designed to have unity gain. This makes it possible to me~cure the signal level at the receiver and make the assumption that it is ec~entially the level present at the first reverse amplifier of Figure 1 from the subscriber location.
The paragraphs below describe both a procedure and required equipment functionality for per~orming Automatic Transmitter Cali-bration (ATC) in the RF-IPPV systern of Figure 3.
RF-IPPV Calibration Three types of Automatic Transmitter Calibration (ATC) replies may be sent by a settop terminal. The first of these indicates a reque~t for calibration. This rçply is immed~ately forwarded on to the System Manager. A second reply is the eight-step ATC reply. The eight~tep ATC Reply ~s comprised of eight ATC Reply messages of predetermined WO 91/lS064 ~ i PCl`/US91/01847 ~-`

length transmitted at successively increasing power levels. This pro-vides a means for the RF-IPPV Proces or to determine the appropriate transmitter output level of the terminal. The ideal level gives an input to the RF Processor which is as close as possible to a nominal input level (typically +12 dBmV). Each eight~tep ATC Reply is followed by a steady state calibration signal which is rneasured by the RF-IPPV Pro- -cessor. The third type of ATC Reply is the one step ATC Reply. It consists of a single ATC Reply followed by a steady state calibration signal and is normally used to verify thP proper setting of the terminal transmitter level.
The ATC sequence begins when the RF-IPPV Processor receives a va~d ATC Reply from the set-top terminal. The ATC Reply indicates which set-top terminal is transmitting by way of itls address and at which transmitter output level (0-14) it is transmitting at. Immediately fo~lowing the ATC Reply, the set-top terminal will transmit a continu-ous square wave with carrier frequency at the indicated transmitter output level. This signal will continue for a programmable period of time.
After a programmable Holdoff Period (0 -1û2 milliseconds), the RF-IPPV Processor will begin an analog measurement of this signal ~or a programmable Measurement Period (1-400 mi~liseconds). During the measurement period, the RF proce~r will monitor the square wave for mi~cing or out-of-place transitions. If the erroneous transitions exceed a programmable threshold, the rneasurement will be given a rating of DON~T KNOW. This provides protection against unexpected noise or signal sources that add enough energy to the line to interfere with an accurate measurement. It also provides an indication that the calibration signal (the square wave) is at too low o~ a level for an accu-rate measurement.
At manufacture and at periodic maintenance intervaL, each RF
processor is calibrated at the three reference leveL by which the received signal i evaluate~. These are referred to as the HIGH, NOMI-NAL, or LOW levelC. Fhese are programmable by way of the ca~ibra-tion procedure. In general, the HIGH refers to +3dB above the -- WO 91/15064 2 ~ 7 ~ PC~/US91/01847 NOMINAL level; the LOW refers to -3dB below NOMINAL; and NOMI-NAL refers to the ideal input level (typically l 12 dBmV).
The ATC sequence is designed so that each terminal will trans-mit at a level that is as close as possible to the NOMINAL level. Each ATC calibration signal is evaluated and given a rating of HIGH which means that the signal is above the HIGEI level; a rating of LOW which means that the signal was below the LO~Y level; a rating of OK meaning its signal was between the HIGH and LOW level; or a rating of DON~T
KNOW meaning that the calibration signal was invalid.
During an eight-step ATC sequence, the settop terminal will transmit eight di~ference ATC Replies. The first step will be transmit-ted at a level 0, the second at level 2, and so on until level 14 has oeen transmitted. These eight levels are automatically transmitted in rapid succe~sion on a reserved freguency. The evaluation algorithm is out-lined as follows:
1) I~ the number of bad transitions indicated with this measure-~ent exceed the ac~eptable limit, give i~ an ATC Ratingof DON'T KNOW and skip steps 2, 3 and 4.
2) Ir the measured level of the ATC signal is closer to OK than the current Best ATC level, then save this as the Best ATC level.
3) If this is not the first step received nor was the last step missed then~
a) Measure the time between this step and the last step and save for timeout calculations.
b) If the interpolated level of the previous odd ATC
Level is closer to OX than the current Best ATC
Level, then save the interpolated level as the ~est ATC level.
c) If the extrapolated level of the next odd A TC
Level is closer to OK than ~he current Best ATC
Level, then save the extrapolated level as the Best AT~ Level.
4) Evaluate the current Best ATC Level as HIGH, OK or LO~.

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5) If thiS iS a one-step ATC or the last step of an eight-step ATC or a timeout has occurred, then lorward this ATC
evaluation to the System Manager; otherwise, start a timer based on the time between steps and the current ATC level.
In addition to the Automatic TraI~smitter C~ibration sequence, a1l other terminal replies including IPPV event data and other me~;sages will also be evaluated for signal level. This is referred to as the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSl). This me~urement does not have the accuracy of normal ATC me~curements, but will provide an adequate gauge of the signal level. In this case, the measurement sequence begins shortly after the reception of a valid terminal reply as defined by the Holdoff Period and will continue until either the Mea-surement Period expires or until the end of the reply. The resulting measurement will be evaluated for signal level. When the reply is for-warded to the System Manager, the RSSI evaluation will b~ forwarded also.
Each RF-IPPV Proce_sor Receiver (of our sucb re~eivers) is set with two levels by which the terminal reply may be evaluated. The two levelc~ HIGH and LOW are typically set to-~dB and +4dB from the nominal level. However, the HIGH and LOW levels may be set individu-aLly and tailored to the cable system. Each reply is evaluated and given a rating of HIGH which means that the signal is above the HIGH level;
a rating of LOW which means that the signal is below the LOW level; a rating of OK meaning its signal is between the HIGH and LOW level; or a rating of DON~T KNOW meaning that the measurement period exceeds the ~uration of the reply.
In addition to the RSSI evaluation given to each terminal reply, the average RSSI of all replies received during a Group Period is evalu-ated on a per receiver basis. This provides a more general1zed evalui~-tion of the replies coming in on each of the four receivers.
This average RSSI evaluation may also be forwarded to System Manager. This provides an important feedback tool for the technical evaluation of appropriateness of selected frequenci~; or of the reverse cable system operation.
.

wo 91~1~064 - Pcr/US91/01~4~
2 ~ i~ O 3 ~ ~
- ~7 -Autornatic Transmitter Calibration Procedure 1. Prior to initiating the automatic transmitter calibration (ATC) procedure, the system manager sends a setup command to the RF-IPPV processor to provide it with appropriate frequencies and `
calibration parameters. In addition, the system manager sends a Category 1 R~-IPPV frequencies and levels ~nessage and a Cate- r gory 2 frequencies and levels message to all set top terminals or modules.
2. A system operator selects a set-top terminal or module tO be cali-brated (if any) or the system manager determines a set-top termi-nal to be recalibrated or one which is new to the system and has requested ~alibration.
3. The system manager generates a calibration request and places it on a reque~;t queue for the selected set-top terminal.
4. When the system manager determines that ATC be initiated, it removes the calibration request from the request queue and sends an addressed RF-IPPV calibration parameters transaction instruct-ing the ses-top terminal or module to per~orm an eight step cali-bration sequence between itself and the RF-IPPV processor.
5. The system manager polls the RF-IPPV processor to obtain the d~sired transmit level which ls determined pref erably by the RF-IPPV processor from the 8 step calibration sequen~e (although, in an alternative embodiment, the system manager may make the determination having been trar~;mitted data by the RF-IPPV
processor).
6. The system manager sends an addressed RF-IPPV calibration parameters transaction directing the set-top terminal or module to transmit at the desired tra~smit level ~eceived in step 5. This is done to verl~y the correctness of the desired transmit level.
7. The system manager polls the RF-IPPV processor for the results of the verification performed in step 6.

8. The system manager sends an addressed RF-IPPV ca~ibration parameters transa~tion directing the set-top terminal or module to store the desired level in its NVM.

Wo 91/15064 .~ ~1 7 o ~ PCT/US91/01~7 --~8 -9. The system manager polls the RF-IiPPV processor for the results of the ~inal RF-IPPV calibration parameters transaction and then updates the calibration status for the set-top terminal or module.

10. ~ any oi the results from the RF-IPPV processor polls are unsatis-factory, the system manager may ~epeat the ATC calibration pro-cedure. Otherwise, go to step 2.
Calibration Status From The PersDective or The RF-IPPV Processor Firstly, the terminal calibration status for each received termi-nal address is checked. For each digital set-top termina~ address, the RF processor sends a LEVEL RATING Or the Received Signal Str2ngth Indicator (RSSI). This level rating is a rough indication of the integrity of the calibration. The passible values oI the level rating are ~'High~, "Lowl', ~OK~', and "Don't Knowl'. The system manager keeps track of the number Or abnormal (i.e., non-OK) level ratings r~ceived from a , i;
particular digital address. Whenever the counter is incremented past a certain threshold, the calibration sfatus is changed to "NEEDS CAL~.
This threshold is the RSSI LEVEL RATING C:)UNTER. The dsfault ~alue Ior this threshold is preferably 12 and can be programmed from 1 to 12. The RSSI Level Rattng Counter can be changed by using an IPPV
utility program as necessary. The system manager can also be config-ured to increment only on a High level rating, only on a low level rat-ing, or on either a "high~ or "low" rating. The deiault setting is to increment on either a level rating o~ "high" or Illowll. A level rating of 'IDonlt Know" is ignored by the system manager. Flags which configure the increment instructions can also be changed using the IPPV utility program. In additlon, the system manager can be configured to de~r~
ment the counter whenever an OK level rating is received. This fea-ture is turned off in the deiault con~iguration of the s~rstem manager, but it can be turned on using the IPPV utility program. When this fea-ture is enabled if the status ~s ~'Needs Call' and the counter reaches zero, the calibration status is reset to IlCalibratedll. - -RF-IPPV Pro~e~;sor and S~stem ManaFer Communication The RF-IPPV Processor ~ommuni~ates with the system manager over an RS-232 full-duplex serial ~ommunications lin~c in a ha~f~uplex transmission format (only one direction at a time). Any appropriate WO 91/15064 2 ~ 7 ~ ~ ~ J Pcr/US91/01847 communications format may be employed but preferably may be syn-chronous at 9600 Baud. This link may optionally be connected through an appropriate modem if the units are remote from one another. All transmitted data is preferably secured by a che~ksum.
All system manager to RF-IPPV processor commands include an acknowledgment (ACK or NAK) Or the prior receive. to system man-ager transmission. I~ the ~eceiver receives an ACK, then it Ilushes its reply buffer and reads the new command and loads the new reply into its reply bu~fer. Ir it receives a NAK, then one of ewo actions are taken depending on whether the new command is differen~ from that already received. Ii the new command is the same, then the previously loaded reply will simply be retransmitted. However, if a different command is received, then the new command wlll be read and the reply buffer will be reloaded. In practical terms, when the system manager detects a bad checksum or a timeout, it should retransmit the same command with a NAK. All transmissions between ~he system manager and receiver are preferably terminated with an end or transmission indication.
Multl-byte data items are transmitted MSB first and LSB last with the following exceptions - data from the STT event and memory replies are forwarded unaltered. This includes the terminal (or module~s) 2-byte checksum. Ad~itionally, the status reply, which repr~
sents a memory image of important receiver parameters and data, is also transmitted unaltered. In this cace, mul~i-bytes parameters are sent LSB first and MSB last. (This is the Intel standard format).
The system manager/receiver checksum (for example, a 16 bit checksum) is generated by adding each transmitted or received charac-ter to the LSB o~ the checksum. There is no carry into the MSB o~ the checksum. The r~t is then rotated left by 1 bit. The checksum ini-tial~y is set to 0. Each character in the message up to, bu~ not includ-ing the checksum, is included in the checksum. The resulting checksum is converted and encoded and transmitted with the other data.
System manager to RF-IPPY processor transactions include the following:

, . . , ~ . . . .

WO 91/15064 ~ r~ r; 8 r ~ ~ PCI/US91~01847 `~

S O

1) SETUP COMMAND -This command defines the 4 fr~
quencies that will be used with each of the 2 categories.
A frequency value of -1 will disable use of the corre-sponding receiver module. Calibration p~rameters are also set with this command. The AUTOMATIC TRANS-MITTER CALIBRATION REPLY, MEMORY REQUEST
REPLY or EVENT/VIEWING STATISTICS REPLY PACKET
will ~e sent in response to thls command.
2) INITIALIZE NEW GROUP - This command is issued to the RF-IPPV processor whenever an RF-IPPV GLOBAL
CALLBACK is issued to the terminals. It informs the RF-IPPV processor which frequencies to tune to. It also clears the duplicate che-~k list. The GROUP STATISTICS
REPLY is sent in response to this command.
3) ENQUIRY COMMAND - The Enquiry Command requests the RF-IPPV processor to send whatever reply is queued to ~e sent. This reply will be the AUTOMATIC TRANS-MITTER CAL~RATION REPLY, MEMORY REQUEST
REPLY or EVENT/VIEWING STATISTICS REPLY
PACKET. ~ no data is queued to be sent, then an empty EYENT/VIEWING STATISTICS REPLY PACKET will be sent.
4) STATUS REQUEST COMMAND - The Status Request Command requests the RF-IPPV processor to send a dump - of its current status and parameter settings. Its use is intended as a diagnostic and debug tool.
RF-IPPV Processor to System Manager transactions include the following:
1) AUTOMATIC TRANSMITTER CALIBRATION REPLY -The ATC Reply is tra~smitted to the system manager whenever a complete calibration message is received from a terminal or module. It provides a qualitative rat-ing of the received signal level and the corresponding attem~ation level that was used by the ter~inal or module.
.

- WO 91/15064 Pcr/l)S9l/01847 2~o~
5, 2) GROUP STATISTICS REPLY - This is transmitted in response to an INITIALIZE NEW GROUP command. It provides the group stati~tics accumulated since the last time an INITIALIZE NEW GROUP was issued.
3) EVENT/VIEWING STATISTICS REPLY PACKET - During a group period (the time Irorn one New Group command to the next), the RF-IPPV processor queues event/viewing statistics from the termina~s or modules. The reply packet provi~es Sor the transm~sion Or multiple event/viewing statistics in a single transmi~sion format.
If there is no data to be sent, then an empty reply packet will be sent.
4) M~MORY REQUEST REPLY - This is a memory dump of set-top terminal memory.
5) STATUS REQUEST REPLY - This is trarsmitted in response to a STATUS REQUEST COMMAND.
These commands are further descrlbed as follows. The Setup Command must be issued by the s3rstem manager to the receiver before any New Group commands are issued. This command informs ~he RF-IPPV processor which rrequencies to tune each of its receiver mod-ules to. Two categories of ~requencies may be set wlth each category providing four unique frequencies. A typical use of the two categories would provide a set of four frequencies to use during the day and another set o~ ~our frequencies to use at night. The choice of frequen-cies would be made during startup and re~valuated on a periodic or dynamic basis.
The Setup Command should be sent when the Setup Request flag o~ the Receiver Status is sent. The Setup Request status flag will be cleared when a valid Setup Command has b~n received. If Module D
(and channel D) h,as a valid fr~uency, then it will ~e used as the SSA
(Signal Strength Analyzer) frequency. ~ Module D~s frequency is set to 0, then the Setup Command parameter ~SSA Frequen~y~ will ~e used.
The Initialize New Group command is used to mark the beginning of a group callba~k period. Statistics from the previous Group Period ~7,3'~
WO 91/lS064 PCI`/US91/01847 wlll be forwarded to the system manager (see Group Statistics Reply).
The statistics a~sociated with the previous Group Period will be erased.
The RF-IPPV processor will begin collecting Event/Viewing Sta-tistic~s replies from the terminal or moclule when the RF-IPPV proces-sor receives the Initialize New Group command from the system man-ager. Throughout the period of a Group Cal1back, as many as 18 dupli-cate messages can come in from a single terminal or module. However, only one of these duplicates will be forwarded to the system manager.
All others w~ be discarded.
The Enquiry Command requests the RF-IPPV processor to send whatever data is ready to be sent to the sys~em manager. This reply will ~e the AUTOMATIC TRANSMITTER CALIBRATION REPLY, MEM-ORY REQUEST REPLY or EVENT~VIEWING STATISTICS REPLY
PA C KET.
The Status Request Comrnand requests the RF-IPPY proce~sor tO
send a snapshot of its current status. This includes a~l parameter set-tings, software revision numbers, status of the receive queue and other pertinent status variables.
The Event/Viewing Statistics Reply from the terminal or module can be received at any time by the RF-IPPV proce~sor. Typically, the collection of this data begins when the ~F-IPPV proce~sor has been issued a New Group Command and the terminals or modules have been issued a Global Group Callback. During the Group Ca~back period, the terminal or module wlll transmit its Event/Viewing Statistics as many as fifteen times on the four different data return frequencies. These 16 or less identical transmissions will be filtered by the receiver and only one of these will be passed on to the system manager.
The RF-IPPV processor of the present invention will automati-cally discard any messages that do not have a valid checksum or whose length byte does not match the received byte count. The RF-IPPV
processor wlll keep a record of aLI unique Event~Viewing Statistics replies that it recsives during the Group Period. This is called the Received List. The, Received List consists of each unique terminal/module address that was received. When a reply comes in from a terminal, it will be checked against the Received List. If a ~ WO 91/15064 Pcr/US91/01847 2 ~ 5 ~j ~

matching terminal address is found, th~en the duplicate will be dis-carded. II the terminal address is not found, then the address of that terminal is added to the list. In this manner, redundant messages are filtered or hashed out prior to transmis,sion to the system manager.
The Received List will be purged when lhe next Initi~ize New Group command is received. This list is large enough to accommodate the largest number of terminals that can reply during a Group Period.
~ an Event/Viewing Statistics reply passes the validity $est and is not a duplicate message, it will b~e placed in a queue o~ messages to be transmitted to the system manager (called the Message Queue). The message queue provides buffering for the dif~erent data rates for received messages and for data transport to the system manager. Each of the four receivers receives data at 20 kilobits per second while the system manager receives data at 9600 baud. The Message Queue is large enough to accommodate the largest number of terminals in a group if each were to transmit one event. The valid messages are formed into packets for transmission to the sys~em manager. A sec-ondary buffer, called the Packet Buffer ls s~zed to accommodate the maximum number o~ bytes that can be transmitted to the system man-ager (approximately 2000 bytes). Messages will be transferred from the Me~sage Queue to the Packet Bu~fer as room becomes available.
Messages will be removed from the RF-IPPV processor memory after the transmission is acknowledged with an ACK from the system manager. The P~F-IPPV proc~sor will transmit Event/Yiewing Statis-tics Packets to the system manager shortly after mes~ages begin to come in and will continue to do so until they are all transmitted. Mes-sages remaining in the Message Queue will continue to be transmitted to the system manager until the Queue is empty.
During the Group Period, the receiver will keep statistics of receiver activity. This is the purpose of the Group Statistics Reply.
The intent is to provide operator feedback of ~oth ~he appropriatenes~
of the chosen group parameters and of the fltne~s of the chosen fre-quencies. Because the ~erminal or module transmits iden~ical informa-tion on each of the available frequencies, line activity statistics will show when one or more of the selected frequencies should be changed .:

WO91/1~064 ~ 3 ~, ~, L PC~/US91/0184 to another. The RF-1PPV processor keeps count of valid replies received on each frequency. This count includes duplicates. The receiver also keeps a count oi~ the number o~ valid bytes received on each i'requency. This provides basically the same information as the message count but takes into account the varying length of messages.
At the end of a group period, the byte ~unt is divided by the message count, and thereby gives an average num~er of bytes per message.
Thus, generally speaking, the group statistics data provides an accurate reading on the successful data throughput on each ~hannel and each transmitter. Responsive to this indication the system manager can automatically change channel frequency on a periodic basis as required by poor throughput. In an alternative embodiment, bit error rate, ave~
age RSSI level or other parameters indicating poor data throughput may be accumulated to signal a change to a new l'requency. These var-ious parameters may be viewed at the RF-IPPV processor on a four line, twenty character per line display. Referring briefly to Figure 14, a menu-driven tree structure of screens is shown for displaying the functions of monitoring, setup and calibration and BERT (bit error rate testing). Figure lg will be descrioed in greater detail herein.
The group statistics are transmitted to the system manager when an Initialize New Group Command is issued. All statistics are cleared from memory at this point. The statistics transmitted to the system manager include:
l) Total number of v lid replies received on each of the four frequencies of a category during the last group period.
2) Average length in bytes of the replies on each ol' the four frequencies of a category during the last group period.
3) Total number or unique replies during the last group period (this is thP same as the number of entries in the Received List).
Il' the system manager begins a phase where only Addressed Ca~lback commands are issued to the terminals/modules, it should start the phase by an Initialize New ~roup command. While this is not criti-cal, it will clear out the statistics from the previous Group Callback.

WO 91/15064 ~ 1 pcr/us91/ol847 During terminal installation and at other maintenance periods, the output transmitter level of each terminal/module must be adjusted so that the received level at the receiver is within acceptable limits.
This is the purpose of the ATC Evaluation Reply. The calibration pro-cess begir~s when the system manager requests the terminal/module to transmit a sequence of calibration reply messages at predetermined attenuation levels. The terminaI will transmit the calibration, reply messages each o~ which includes the terminal address and the trial transmit level, lmmediately fo11owed by the calibration signal. The RF-IPPV processor will make a measurement of the signal by compari-son with an expected level and save the evaluation for the next signal level. The ter~inal will then step to the next level and again transmit a Ca~bration Reply/Calibration Signal. This will continue until the complete sequence of calibration reply messages have been transmitted (maximum of 8). When the last calibration reply message is received or a time-out occurs, the sequence will b~ presumed complete and the ATC Evaluation Reply wi~l be forwarded on to the system manager.
The ca~bration measurement is performed by a combination of the Signal Strength Analyzer (SSA) and the selected RF Receiver Mod-ule, for example, D. Receiver Module D must oe set to the calibration frequency. Module D's frequency is determined as follows:
1) Set to current Group frequency for Module D if that fre-quency is set to a valid frequency number.
2) Set to the SSA Calibration Ire~uency if current Group frequency for Module D is 0.
3) Disabled if current Group frequency for Module D is -1 or more than the ma~mum frequency number.
The calibration measurement sequence begins when the RF-IPPV
processor receives a valid Calibration Reply from the terminal. As soon as the end of message is detected (Miller encoding stopped or interrupted), a F~oldoff Period w~ ~egin. When this has expired, the measurement process will begin and will continue for the duration of the Measurement Peri~d. Holdoff Period and Measurement Period are specifie~ either by the Setup Command or from the front panel of the ' ' I , ., , ., ,, ,, . ., ~ ! . ... , , . . . , - , ' '' - : .. : .' "' ' ". . , ' . ' , . ' " ' .' . ' " " "' ''; ' ' .,:1 ' ' ': . ' " ' ' ' , . ' . , .: . ' ' wo g~ 064 ~ ~ ~ 3 ~ w Pcr/ll~9l/01847 ~t-?~

RF-IPPV processor. The final signal level reading represents an ave~
age Or all the samples.
STT / RF-IPPV MODULE OPERATION
This section describes the operation between an STT and an RF-IPPV Module. The particular sequence of operations discussed herein describes a Scientific Atlanta Model 8580 Set-top. On powe~up, both the set-top terminal and the RF-IPPV Module perform a sequence of operations to determine the particular conIiguration and authori~ation level of the STT. For example, upon power up and when the RF IPPV
module is connected to the set-top terminal, terrninal channel authori-zation data is automatically updated to include (or authorize) all pay-pe~view channels. Ln other words, simply the connection of the module with the set-top terminal may be suificient for IPPV service authorization. Also, a bit is set in memory indicating that RF return (rather than phone or other return) is ~eing implemented. The module then performs a Power-up Initiated Calibration Aut~Reply Transmis-sion (hereinafter referred to as a PICART) ~ the module has not been calibrased to set the transmitter data carrier output levels to near optimum for the reverse channel.
Following the power-up reset sequence, the RF-IPPV Module begins normal background processing. Background processing generally consists of checking the current tlme against stored viewing channel record times and checking for Manually Initiated Calibration Auto-Reply Transmission (hereinafter referred to as MICART) requests from the STT keyboard. Background proce sing is~ the module is driven by a predetermined first operation code (opcode) having a predetermined frequency irom the STT to the module.
Upon powe~up, the STT reads the STT non-volatile memories and copies channel authorization, level of service, tuning algorithm constants, and the like to RAM. The RF-IPPY Module reads the RF-IPPV non-volatile memories and copies group number, transmit leve~s, active event channels, purchased even~ count, and the like to RAM.
The module then sets up to determine STT type on receipt of the next opcode from the STT.

WO 91/15064 ~ ~ 7~ pcr/us9l/o1847 Upon receipt of the opcode, the RF-IPPV Module requests one byte of data from an STT memory location to determine STT type. For example, the RF-IPPV Module would receive data indicating a Scien-tific Atlanta ~580, Phase 6 type set-top terminal. This feature allows the RF IPPV module to be compatible with a plurality of STTs. The RF-IPPV Module then sets up to read the STT address upon receipt of the next opcode.
Upon receipt o~ the opcode, the RF-IPPV Module then requests iour bytes oi data from the STT memory and saves the data returned as the STT address. The RF-IPPV Module then sets up to read the STT
authorized channel map (i.e., thoæ channels which the STT is autho-rized to receive) upon receipt of the next opcode.
Upon receipt Or the opcode, the RF-IPPV Module requests six-teen bytes of data from the STT memory and calculates the first part o~ an STT checksum. The RF-IPPV Module then sets up to read the STT
features flags upon receipt of the next opco~e.
Upon receipt sf the opcode, the P~F-IPPV ~Ao~e requests one byte or data from the STT memory and completes the STT checksum calculation. ~he RF-IPPV Module then sets up to determine if a data carrier is present upon receipt of the next opcode.
Until a data carrier present or until a predetermined period of time arter power-up, the STT sends opcodes to the RF-IPPV Module.
RF-IPPV Module then requests one byte of data from the STT memory and determines whether the data carrier pre~ent flag is set. L~ a data carrier is present, the RF-IPPV Module then reads the non-volatile memory and determines if the module is calibrated. Ir the modulie is calibrated, then the RF-IPPV Module simply seB up to read the time upon receipt Or the next opcode. Il' the module is not calibrated, ~he RF IPPV ~odule sets up to execute a PICART. In either case, the RF-IPPV Module sets up to read the time upon receipt of the next opcode.
I~ a data carrier is not present, the RF-IPPV Module continues to check on a predetermined num~er ol~ su~cee~ng opcodes (correspond-ing to the predetermined period of time) until a data carrier is present.
Il', ai'ter the predetermined number of tri~ no data car~ier is present, the RF-IPPV Module sets up to read the time on receipt of the next , .

WO 91/lS064 2 ~ PCI/USgl/01847 r~

op~ode and begins normal background processing, i.e., PICART is aborted.
After a data carrier is detected, normal background processing begins. The STT sends an opcode to the RF-IPPV Module. The RF-IPPV
Module requests ~our bytes of data from the STT memory and checXs if the current time matches any viewing statistics record times stored in non-volatile memory. The viewing statistics feature will be explained in greater detail below. The RF-IPPV Module then sets up to read the STT mode on receipt of the next op~de. If a match between the cu~
rent time and the record time is found, the STT mode is read to deter-mine whether the STT is on or of f so the correct vie~ng channel num-ber may be recorded. Ii a match between the current time and the record time is not found, the STT mode is read to determine whether the STT is in diagnostics mode and whether MICART has been requested. The step described by this paragraph will be referred to as step G1.
If a time match is found, the STT sends an opcode to the RF-IPPV Module. The RF-IPPV module requests one byte of data from the STT memory and checlcs whether the STT is of i or on. ~t the STT is off, the RF-IPPV Module stores a predetermined character or characters in non-volatile memory as the current viewing channel. RF-IPPV Module then sets up to read the time on receipt o~ the next opcode and repeats step Gl above. Ii the STT is on, the RF-IPPV Module sets up to read the current channel tuned on receipt of the next opcode.
If a t~me match is found and the STT ~ on, the STT sends th~
opcode to the RF-IPPV Module. The RF-IPPV Module requests one byte of data irom the STT memsry and stores that value in non-volatile memory as the current viewing channel. The RF-IPPV Module sets up to read the time on receipt of the next opcode and repeats step G1.
~ there is no time match, the STT sends the opcode to the R~-IPPV Module. The RF-IPPV Module requests one byte of data from the STT memory and determines whether the STT is in diagno~tics mode. If the STT is not in diagnostics mode, the RF-IPPV Module sets up to read the time on receipt of the nex~ opcode and repeats step Gl above. If , -. .. , .. .. . . . ~

~-~ wo91/1so64 ~ 7 ,~ Pcr/ussl/ol847 the STT is in diagnostics mode, the RF-I~PPV Module sets up to read the last key pressed on receipt of the next opcode.
If the STT is in diagnostics mode, the STT sends the opcode to the RF-IPPV Module. The RF-IPPY Module requests one byte of data from the STT memory and checks ii the proper key sequence w c last pressed. If so, then the module begins al MICART. If not, the module does nothing. In either case, the RF-IPP~ Module then sets up to read the current time on receipt of the next opcode and repeats step Gl.
While th~s sequence has ~een ~escribed in detail for a Scientific Atlanta Model 8580 ce~-top terminal, the sequence for other set-top terminals, including those for in-band systems, is similar and will not be discu~s~d here in detail.
This r.ext section relates to IPPV event authorization, purchase, and deauthorization. Unlike background processing whi~h is bas~d on the receipt of an opcode having the predetermined frequency from the STT, IPPV event operations may occur at any time during the normal operation of the RF-IPPV Module. The STT may receive (and transfer to the RF-IPPV Module) transactions wAich authorize or deauthorize an event anytime. Likewise, a su~scriber may decide to purchase an event at anytime. In this sense, IPPV operations are essentlally interrupts to the normal background processing of the PcF-IPPV Module.
In both out-of-band and in-band systems, transactions from the headend control event authorization and deauthorization. To deauthorize an event, the STT must receive an IPPV Event Data trans- -action twice. This is because the RF-IPPV Module (not the STT) actu-ally determines when an event is over from the transactions, and only has the opportunity to inform the STT (via the channel map update request) on succeeding transfers o~ transaetions from the STT.
The b~ic difference between out-of-band and in-band operation is that out-of-band STTs rnay re~eive data transactions at any time and in-band STTs may OD~y receive transactions on channels with data.
Thus, as above, the sequence below will ~e ~escri~ed in detail for an out-of-band Scientific Atlanta 8580 set-top terminal.
For proper handling of IPPV operations, the headend must send an IPPV Event Data outband transaction referred to below as an IPPV

W~ 91/]~064 ~ i Pcr/US91/01847 - 60~

Event Data transaction at no more than a predetermined frequency such as once a second.
First, the pur~hase of an event when the sul~icriber accesses an IPPV channel either by direct digi t entry or utilizing the increment/decrement switches on the set-top or an infrared rernote will be described. The STT tunes the IPPV channel and waits for the outband transaction.
When the STT receives the outband transaction, the STT sends the entire transaction to the RF-IPPV Module using a second opcode and determines whether the RF-IPPV Module requests a channel map update. The STT then tunes the barker channel if no free time ~ avail-able or tunes the IPPV channel if free time is available. The STT does BUY alert if the purchase window is open and if the channel is not cur-rently authorize~ in the STT RAM, i.e., not already bought.
When the P~F IPPV module receives the outband transaction via the opcode, the RF-IPPV Module does not request a channel map update upon receipt Or the second opcode. The RF-IPPV Module at this time performs an authorization check which entails checking if the channel specified is active andl if so, i~ tbe event is over (event IDs different).
If the event is over, the module queues a channel map update request for the next opcode, clears the active event bit for the specified chan-nel in non-volatile memory and preformats NVM data rOr future trans-mission. The procedure described in this paragraph will be referred to as step C.
If the su~scriber buys the event, after the first depression of the ~BUY~ key, the STT sends a command to ~etermine if the RF-IPPV
non-volatile memory is rull. The RF-IPPV Module responds with either the total number of events stored or a predetermined value if the non-volatile memory is full. I~ the NVM is full, the STT displays ~FUL~
on the set-top terminal display. If t~e RF-IPPV NVM is not full, the STT queues an outband purchase command for the next opcode after the second ~BUY~ press.
When the STT re~eives the outband transaction, the STT sends the entire transaction to the RF-IPPV Module using the second opcode and checks if the RF-IPPY Module requests a channel map update. The ~7,~5~i WO sl/lso6~ Pcr/US(?l/01847 RF-IPPV Module then performs another authorization checX as described ln Step C. The STT then sends an event purchase command to the RF-IPPv Module and receives ACK/NAK
(Acknowledge/Nonacknowledge) from the module. In addition to the channel number, this mcludes the event purchase time. The STT then tunes the barker channel if NAK or tunes the IPPV channel if ACX.
When the RF-IPPV m~dule receives the even~ purchase opcode from the STT, the ~F-IPPV Module checks il' the NVM is full or if NVM/PLL tampering has been detected. If so, the mGdule returns a NAK. Otherwtse the module Ls able to purchase the event and returns ACK to the STT.
When the event is purchased, the RF-IPPV Module stores the channel number, event ID (from the outband transaction), and purchase time in the NVM and sets the event ~ctive Slag for that event.
If the STT receives an outband transaction having a different event ID, the STT sends the entire transaction to the RF-IPPV Module using the Opcode and checks if the RF-IPPV Module requests a channel map update. The RF-IPPV Module does not request channel map update on this transaction. Ths module does identil'y and deauthorize ~he event and preformats the event data for future transmission in the RF-IPPV NVM. The module queues channel map update request for -next opcode.
The above set-top terminals also support VCR IPPV event pur-chase. Thl~ in very similar to the normal IPPV event purchase and will not be discussed in detail here. The primary difference is that the su~
scri~er prebuys the event, causing the RF-IPPV Module tO reserve ;
space in NVM for the event. This space is not us~i until the event begins, but ~, counted to determine if the NVM is full on subsequent ;~
purchase attempts.
The RF-IPPV Module of the present invention includes by way of example three di~ferent tgpes of reply ~a~a: Event/Viewing Statistics, Memory Dump, and CaLibration. The first two repLies have cereain fea-tures in common, namely the secur1ty data returned to the headend.
All three replies include the STT digital address. Other replies may ~e ~ ' ..... .. - . . :. .. ,, -...... .. ~,. ; ,". . ... . ..... .....

.. . . ..

WO 91/1S~64 ~ ~ ~ 3 ~ ~ PCT/US91/~)1847 ~-fashioned for other than IPPV services, for example, burglar alarm, meter reading and home shopping.
The Event/Viewing Statistics reply includes information rela~ed to the number of bytes in the message, the type of message (i.e.
event/viewing statistics), the STT digital address, the recording times and channels which were tuned by the STTs at tho6e recording times, and IPPV purchase data such as event ID and purchase time.
The ~emory Dump reply lncludes inf ormation related to the num~r oI bytes in the message, the callback type (i.e. memory re~uest), the STT digital address, and the information from the memory locations desired.
The Calibration reply includes information related to the number of bytes in the message, the callback type (i.e. calibration reply), the STT digital address, and the transmit level followed by a calibration waveform for signal strength measurement MILLER DATA ENCODING
The RF-IPPV Module transmits data using Miller data encoding.
Miller encoding, also known as delay modulation, transmits a ~ with a signal transition in the middle of the bit interval. A "0~ has no transi-tion unless it is followed by another "0" in which ca~e the transition occurs at the end o~ the bit interval. Figure 15 illustrates Miller data enco~ng.
DATA TRANSMISSION SEQUENCE
For each data transmission, the RF-IPPV performs the following sequence:
A. Befin toggling transmitted data line at 10 kHz rate. This is to charge up the data filter.
B. Set gain to minimum. -~
C. Tur~ on the switched +5V to the RF circuitry.
D. r~elay approximately 1 ms for switched 5V to settle.
E. Set correct PLL frequency (read from NVM).
F. Delay approximately 20 ms for the PLL to lock.
G. Key-downl the anti-babble circuit.
H. Delay approximately 1 ms for the final output stage to settle.

,~ , -- , , , , ,, .:: , .
.. - .. .. . .. .

WO 91/~06.1 2 ~ P~ o ~ ~ ~ PCr/US91/01~47 I. Ramp up to correct gain (read from NVM).
J. Transmit the data.
When data transmission is complete, the RF-IPPV module per-~orms the roIlowing sequence:
A. Generate M~ller error in transmitted data to end trans-mission (~or receiver).
B. Ramp gain down to minimum.
C. Key-up anti-babble circuit.
D. Delay approximately 1 ms to avoid chirping.
E. Turn off switched ~5V.
These sequences are àetailed in Figure 16 using the following definitions:
Switched 5V on to PLL ton Data In PLL Lock Delay tLK
Data Filter Charge Time tcHG
Anti-Babble Key-Down tAB
to PGC Ramp Up PGC Ramp Up tRU
PGC Ramp Down tRD
PGC Ramp Down to tOFF
Switched 5V Of ~
One embodiment of the present invention permits the system manager to retrieve viewer statistics regarding the channels to which a particular suhscriber is tuned at predetermined times during a time period. In a pre~ent implementation, the system manager generates a global transaction which defines Iour tim~i at which an RF-IPPV mod-ule should record in NVM 503 (Figure 5) the ~hannel to which its set-top terminal is tuned. These times may be within any ~onvenient time peri~d such as a day, a we~k, a bi-week, and the lL~e. For illustra-tive purpo6es, it will be assumed that the sys~em manager instructs the RF-IPPV rnodule to rec~rd the tuned set-top terminal channel on Sun-day at 7:00 PM, Tuesday at 9:00 PM, Thursday at 8:00 PM, and Thursday at 10:00 PM in a one week time period. When the current time . . : . . ... ~. ~ . ..... . . . . . . .. .... . . . .. .

WO91/15064 ~ 3 ~ Pcr/US9l/0184 matches one of these four times, the ma~ule records the channel tuned by the set-top in NVM 503. As discussed above, the viewing statistics information is included in an Event/Viewing Statistics Reply. This reply includes information related to the number of bytes in the mes-sage, the type of message, the STT digital addr~s, the recording times and channels which were tuned by the STTs at th~se recording times, and any IPPV purch e data.
- Although not currently implernented, the system manager could download an addre~sed viewer statistics transaction to a subscriber who has agreed to permit monitoring of his viewing habits. In yet another embodiment, the system manager could download an addressed viewer statistics transaction to a particular group o~ set-top terminals.
RF-IPPV Processor DescriDtion Referring now to Figure 8, there is shown a block diagram of the RF-IPPY processor Or Figures 1 and 3 in greater detail. The RF return signal from the set top terminals is transmitted in the sub-VHF channel T8. The set top transmitted carrier can be set, with 100 kHz resolu-tion, ln the frequency range of 11.8 to 17.7 MHz providing a maximum of 60 and preferably, 23 cilfferent 100 kHz bandwidth data channels tO
select from. The modulated carrier from the set-top terminal or mod-ule contains 20 KBPS Miller encoded BPSX information. The RF signa~c from the entire set top terminal population in the system are combined -~
and returned to the RF-IPPV processor located in the headend. The function of the RF-IPPV processor is to accept RF return input signals, demodulate the information, and supply the decoded message to the system manager.
While only data return transmission from a set top terminal are described in any detaU, the RF-IPPV processor according to the present invention may be applied for status monitoring of bi~irectional ampli-fiers and other lelements of a cable television distribution plant equipped with data transmitters. Also the RF-IPPV processor may receive signals transmitted from BERT and other test apparatus con-nected at any point in the cable network.
Referring still to Figure 8, the RF return signal is typically received at a single carrier level of +12 dBmV. The RF-IPPV processor .~ , . . .

-~ WO 91/15064 PCIJVS91/01847 r il is de~gned to ~unctian with a range of single carrier levels of +2 to +22 dBmV. Often, more than one carrier is received simultaneously, and the total received power will be proportionally greater than +12 dBmV.
If on ~fferent frequencies, the RF-IPPV processor can simultaneously receive, demodulate, and decode four modulated carriers, only the non-redundant, decoded messages are sent from the control bo?-d of the RF-IPPV processor to the system manager through the ~ 232 serial interface.
The ~irst element to be described o~ the ~F-IPPV processor is a so called front end module 800. The RF return signal from the termi-- nal is routed from the incoming cable to a connector of the front end mc~e 800 which most conveniently comprises a separate assembly.
The front end mc~ule 800 offers the input signal a terminating imped-ance of 75 Ohms nominal. This assembly consists of a bandpass filter, a preamplifler and a power dividing network whi-~h splits the incoming RF signal to the four RF Receiver Modules A-D. The bandpass filter w~ pass the T8 band with negligible attenuation and distortion while rejecting out of band signals. The preamplifier compensates for filter insertion Ic~s and power splitting lc~ses. The RF signals are routed from RF conn~ctors of the front end module to the four RF receivers.
The front end module has approximately 1 dB of g~in, so tha~ the signal applied to the RF receivers 810-813 is approximately at ~13 dBmV. All coaxial interconnections internal to the RF-IPPV processor, with the exception o~ the incorning RF signal are terminated in 50 Ohms nomi-nal. A cable assembly supplying 1 24 Yolts DC and ground is routed directly from a power supply assembly (not shown) to the front end module. The front end module 800 does not ~irectly interface with the control board module 840. All other receiver and synthesizer assem-blies in the RF-IPPV processor include an interconnection to the con trol board module 840.
The second primary building block of the RF-IPPV processor ~
the RF r2ceiYer. There are four RF receiver assemblies A-D 810-813 in the RF-IPPV processorl These are runctiOnally equivalent units, three o~ which support a 50 Ohm termination in the signal strength analyzer ISSA) output port, s~ the units may be interchangeable. The fourth 2~7 Wo 9~ 0~4 Pcr/us9l/01847 (Channel D) is shown with a coaxial interconnection to the SSA Assem-bly 830. The RF receiver downconverts the Iront end module routed signal using the frequency synthesizer output as a high side local oscil-lator. The synthesizer output frequency may be between 22.5 and 28.4 M~z and is preferably 26.2 to 28.4 MHz corresponding with the input - frequency range of 11.8 to 1~.~ MHz, OI pre~erably 15.5 to 1~.7 MHz.
The IF signal is at a center frequency 10.~ MHz. Ceramic IF Fil~ers, centered on 10.7 MHz, reject adjacent channels and other mixer prod-ucts while passing the intended signal. The narrowband filtered IF sig-nal is then detected by a circuit which provides a rough estimate of signal strength referred to herein as Received Signal Strength Indica-tion (RSSI). The RSSI output is a DC voltage, proportional in magnitude to the level of the received RF signal level. The RSSI voltage is routed to the control board module, along with other signals by an RF receiver interface ribbon cable assembly. The RSSI information is indicative of set top RF return signal level as received by the RF-IPPV processor.
This information is made available to the system manager.
RSSI data for a particular terminal is indicative of terminals requiring recalibration. To this end, the system manager maintain lists of RSSI ~'too high" or ~'too low" data for termin l~ so that unique addresses for those terminals may be queued for recalibration. Such reca1~bration is not periodic but per~ormed on a higher priority basis, that is, on an equivalent priority to new terminals requiring calibration for the first time. Also, tabulated RSSI data, over a period of a time, may be used for determining slope/t~t characteristic ~urves for all the twenty-three channels over which messages may be sent from a partic- -ular set-top terminal. The slope/tilt characteristic curves are then downloaded to the terminal so the set-top terminal may determine appropriate transmit levels for all category one and category lWO chan-nels from the optimum result for the calibration channel.
The main function of the RF receiver is to BPSK demodulate the 10.~ MHz IF signal. The signal is demodulated utilizing a double bal-anced mixer. The demodulated data stream is filtered and synchr~
nized. This detec~ed 20 KBPS Miller encoded data is route~ to the con-trol board module. The RSSI and BPSK demodul tion functions are ': '; : . . . '` : ~;`

WO 91/1S064 ~ PCr/US91/01847 per~ormed by each of the four RF receivers. The narrowband liltered 10.7 MHz IF signal at an approximate level of +13 dBmV is routed from RF Receiver D to the signal strength analyzer assembly.
Associated with RF receiver operation is a signal strength ana-lyzer 830. The function of the signal strength analyzer assembly is tO
detect the level Or the 10.7 MHz IF signal routed from the RF receiver as~embly chosen for calibration purposes. The RF receiver output does not undergo automatic galn control (AGC); as a result, any changes in RF input level to the RF-IPPV processor will result in a changing 10.7 MHz IF level to the SSA. When the RF return system underg~es cali-bration, by detecting the 10.7 MHz IF, the SSA provides the control board 840 an indication of what terminal/module transmit level corr~
sponds with a received signal level of + 12 dBmY. The control board 840 w~ in turn advise the system manager through the RS232 inte~
face. Until the next cali~ration cycle, (described in detail hereinafter) the system manager will instruct the set top terminal to utilize the control board reported transmit signal level.
The +13 dBmV 10.7 Mhz IF signal is terminated in 50 Ohrns by the SSA. Two burfer amplifiers apply appro~dmately 30 diB of IF gain.
The amplified IF signal is peak detected by a diode based network. A
second diod~ oased network is similarly DC biased. The two diode ne~-works are summed to provide temperature compensation in accordance with well known techniques. The output accurately reflects the IF
level, as the diode DC components cancel out. This detected signal is filtered and rurther amplified. The final output DC signal, proportional to the IF signal level, is routed to the control board.
The frequency synthesizer under ~ontrol of the system manager synthesiæs frequencies for demodulating the incoming data carriers.
The rrequency syntheslzer is the local oscillator for the single fre-quency conversion performed in the RF Receiver. A single frequency synthesizer assembly contains four discrete units 820-823. The control board 840 supplies, through serial data commands, frequency tuning information. The Your frequency synthesizer units 820-823 are labeled frequency synthesi:zers A, B, C, and D, to correspond with the four RF
receivers ~10-81~. There are a total of sixty frequencies in the T8 .., : -.....

WO 91/1506~ Q ~ 7 3 ,~ ~ ~ Pcr/~ls9l/01847 channel bandwidth that can be set by the control board 840; however, according to the present invention, only 23 are used. The output fre-quency range is preferably 25.1 tO 28.4 MHz and is downconverted to the upper portion of the T8 band, i.e., 1~.4 to 17.7 MHz. The frequency res~lution is 100 kHz. The output signal is at a typical level of + 1?
dBm.
Each ~requency synthesizer unit contains an oscillator, fre-quency divider, phase locked loop (PLL), an integrated circuit (IC), and an active lcop filter. The~e components together torm a ph ~e locked loop. The output frequency oi the cscillator is phase an~ frequency coherent with a fr~ running 4 Mhz crystal cscillator. The PLL assures that the synthesizer output will be spectrally pure and frequency accu-rate. The oscillator output drives a push-pull amplliier. The push-pull design is utilized to supply the required + 17 dbm local oscillator level.
The iront end module is shown in block diagram Iorm in Figure 9. The ~ront enci/power divider module consists of a bandpass pre-selector filter 900, a preamplifier 910 consisting, for example, of a MHWl134 and a dividing network 930 to supply four RF receiver mod-ules. ~ains through the module including transIormer 920 are shown sted below each element.
Referrlng now to Figure 10, the frequency synthesizer assembly of the RF-IPPV processor will be described in further detail. The fre-quency synthesizer assembly contains four PCB sub-assemblies ~c per ~ -Figure 10. Each of the sub-assemblies is set to frequency by the RF-IPPV processor~s control board 8~0. The range of the frequency synthesizer is preierably from 26.2 MHz to 28.4 Mhz but may be as f wide as 22.5 to 28.4 MHz. The tuning resolution is lO0 }cHz. Each of the four frequency synthesizer su~cPmblies can be set to any of the 60 channels in the 22.5 to 28.4 MHz range. The RF output of the fre-quency synthesizer su~assembly is the local os~illator signal of on~of-four RF receivers in the RF-IPPY processor. The local oscillator is high side, so that the RF range of 15.5 to 17.7 MHz is downconverted to the receiver IF of 10.~ ~MHz. Figure 10 is a block diagram of the fr~
quency synthesizer sub-assembly. Again, there are four such su~
assemblies in the frequenl~y synthesizer assembly.

- . ; ~

. .

WO 9l/lSO64 ~ pcrius9l/o1847 A g MHz ~undamental mode crystal 1000 is connected to a high gain feedback amplifier 1001. The amplifier is part of PLL (Phase Locked Loop) LSI(Large Scale Integration) device, U1, preferably a Motorola MC145158. The 4 MHz output signal is routed within U1 to a frequency divide 40 counter 1002. The output of the counter is a 100 kHz reference signal which is routed within Ul to a phase/frequency detector 1003.
The phase/frequency detector 1003 compares th~ two input sig-nals (100 kHz re~erence and 100 kHz variable), and generates error signal pulses when the two inputs are not at the same frequency and phase. These pu~ses tune the oscillator such that the 100 kHz var~able frequency signal is forced to the same frequency and phase as the 100 kHz re~erence signal. When this occurs, the frequency synthesizer output ~rill bt~ at the correct frequency. The differential error signals from the phase~frequency detector 1003 are routed froQl Ul to loop filter U3 1004 and associated components. U3 filters the error signals, and converts it to a single ended tuning voltage that steers the oscilla-tor 1005. The oscillator 1005 is composed of Ql and associated compo nents. The osclllator 1005 is designed such that tuning voltages at the input result in output frequencies that contain the desired output range of 22.5 to 28.4 MHz or more preferably 26.2 to 28.4 MHz. The oscilUa-tor output is routeti to buffer amplifier Q2 1006. The buffer amplifier 1006 offers a relatively high impedance, and isolates the oscillator from dual modulus divider U2 1008, and power amplifier Q3, Q4 1009.
The buffered oscillator output signial is routed to dual modulus divider U2, where the frequency is divided by 10 or 11. Programmable divi~ier U2 together with dividers A and N 100~ form a total divide by ratio Nt =10 X N + A. Counters N and A are programmed by the control board 840, through seriial data commands, of the RF-IPPV proceissor such that Fout= Nt X 0. 1 MElz. For example, the control board sets Nt to 250 for an output ~requency of 25.0 Mhz. Nt can ~e set by the control board for any one of si~cty values between 225 and 284 but preferably between 251 and 284. The func~lon of the dual modulus control line ~s to esta~
lish when U2 will cliYide by ten, and when it will divide by 11.

WO 9~/15064 ~ ~ J ~ J ~ i P~/VS91/01847 .
Bufter Amplifier Q2 also drives power amplifier Q3, Q4 1009.
There is a potentiometer adjustment utillzed (not shown) such that the output signal level is appro~nmately +17 dBm. The power amplifier is followed by a low pass filter 1010 that attenuates primarily the second and third harmonic of the synthesizer output signal. The +17 dBm fre-quency synthesizer output is routed to an associated RF receiver assembly of the RF-IPPV processor.
The RF receiver module is shown in block diagram form in Fig-ures 11A-C. There are four separate RF receiver (RFRX) modules.
Referring first to Figure 11A, each RF receiver contains a mLlCer 1101 to convert the input signals to an IF frequency of 10.7 MHz. High side in}ection is used. The IF sighal is pa~sed through ceramic filters 1104, 1105 to re}ect adjacent channel signals and distortion products.
The IF is then passed through an ampliiier 1106 and level detec-tor 1115. The detector circuit provides a rough estimate of signal strength (RSSI). The detector circuit 1115 is constructed, for example, from an NE604AN in a well known manner. The RSSI output is an ana-log voltage which is sent to the controller/processor module 840 for digitalization and transmission to the system manager.
The IF is then passed through a directional coupler 11û8. The tap output is routed to an external port for use by the signal strength analyzer (SSA) module. The IF fignal is then further amplified and directed to the dem~ator.
Referring now to Figure llB, the demo~ator preferably con-sists of a frequency doubler 1125 and injection-locked oscillator 1130 for carrier recovery. 3~ata recovery, per Figure C, is achieved via a modem filter, a clock recovery circuit and sampler. The output of the demodulator is digital data.
Referring IIOW to Figure 12, the signal strength analyzer is shown which receives the signal strength indicator signal from the RF
receivers. The signal strength analyzer (SSA) module is used to get a high accuracy measurement of data transmitted power. The ~F signal to be measured is routed from the IF of one oi' the RF recei~er mod-~es, for example~ channel D. The signal s~rength analyzer module consists o~ a 30dB preamplifier 1200, level detector 1201 and a buffer ., - -, -. wo 91/1~0~ Pcr/ussl/ols47 stage 1202. The output is an analog voltage which is sent to the controller/processor module for digitalization and transmission to the system manager. Two separate diodes are used for tem~erature com-pensation prior to input to the differential amplifier 1203, i.e., diode 1204 compensates for diode 1201.
Referring now to Figure 13, the controller module is shown which manages the operation of the RF-IPPV proces~or. The module configures the synthesizers, monitors signal strength, decodes messages received by the RF receivers, checks messages for validity, establishes queues for unique messages and forwards messages to the system man-ager. The controller module includes a user interface (keypad and dis-play) for diagnostics, error reporting and switchless configuration.
Referring again to Figure 14, there is shown a main menu from which an operator may select from Monitor, Setup, Calibration and BERT (Bit Error Rate Test) functions. From the Monitor menu, the operator may select from si~c initial screens, the SSA screen for signal strength anal-- ysis leading the operator to RSSI. The Setup, Calibration and 8ERT
menus operate similarly and will be described in greater detail herein.
The controller board consists of si~ ~unctional blocks according to Figure 13: an 80188 microprocessor 1300, a memory subsystem, receiver interfaces including 8097 processors and dual port RAMS for each receiver, a system manager interface, and front panel interface.
The control microprocessor 1300 used on the controller module is an Intel 80188. This is a 16 bit processor that includes 2 channels of DMA, 4 interrupts, 3 timers, 13 aecoded address ranges and an 8 bit external interface.
The memory subsgstem consists oi' 256K of dynamic RAM 1380 for message and variable storage, 2K Or nonvolatile RAM 1370 for parameters, and sockets for 128}~ o~ EPROM 1360 for program storage. ;
Two 256K DRAMs are used for the DRAM array. These are for storing, ~or example, the group statistics, valid re~eived messages, calibration results and such for the set-top termina~s of the system.
Consequently, these memories must be appropriately sized for storing the packet data. When the message data is transmitted to the system manager, the tables for storing terminal message data are cleared.

, .. , . . , ..... . ... . ., ,. . - . , . :. : ~

- .. . ~ , . . .. - ; . . ~ . :,., . .. - , . .. . .: .. , . . , . - . "

WO 9l/1~06~ ~ ~vi 7 ~ Pcr/us9l/ol84 Every time a read cycle to the EPROM occurs a ~CAS ~efore RAS~
refresh cycle is giYen to the DRAM array. Normal code fetches to the EPROM should be sufficient to keep the r)RAM refreshed. If there are more than 15us ~etween EPROM accesses, the DMA controllPr wi read the EPROM. LCS on the 80188 is used to acc~s the DRAM array.
After reset, LCS must ~e programmed for an active memory range.
Arter ~he initial setup of the DMA controller, refresh will occur with-out software antervention.
Two EPROM sockets are provided for up to 128X of program memory. These sockets can use any EPROM ~etween 2764 and 27512.
One socket is accessed by UCS and the other by MCS3. After a reset condition UCS will be active in the memory range from hex FFBFO to FFFFF. MC53 mus~ be programmed for an active range.
One 2K EEPROM 1370 is provided for nonvolatile storage of con-figuration inIormation. Two identical copies oI the configuration information are stored in the EEPROM. A checksum is stored with each copy to provide a means to verify the correctness of the copies.
Should one o~ the copies be damaged, as with a loss of power during a write operatton, the other correct copy will be used to restore the damaged copy. A programmer must be careful not to access the EPROM for lOms a~ter a byte has been written to the chip. There is not a recovery delay a~ter a read cycle. The chip is acces~ed by MCSO.
MCSO must be programmed for an active range.
Each RF r~ceiver channel has a dedicated Intel 80g~ 1310-1340 as an interface element. The 8097 processor decodes and frames the Miller encoded data from the RF receiver (RFRX) module, monitors the signal strength level from each RFRX module as wen as from the signal strength analyzer (SSA) module, and controls the frequency of the RF
synthesizer (SYN) module.
Each 8097 has its own associated L'c byte Dual Port RAM
1311-1341. These dual port memories are used to p C5 data and com-mands between the 8097s and the ~01~8. The memory includes a mech anism for bidirectional interruPtS. The software can define any conv~
nient protocol for using the memory and interrupts. EPROMS
1312-1342 are provided for program storage for the 80971s. Also, LED~s .
- ~ - .... . -,. - ~ .. . . . ,:
- - ~, . .
:, , : ~ : .

-.~ WO 91/1~064 ~ ~3 7 ~ Pcr/us9l/ol847 1313-1343 are provided for receiver status indicators as w~ be herein explained.
A conventional UART 8250 iserial chip is used to implement a sefial interface 1350 to the System Manager. One ot the 80188 inter-rupts is connected to the 8250 so the serial channel may ~e interrupt driven. The B250 can operate at frequencies up to 38.4K baud.
Modem handshaking signals are available (RTS,DTR,ete.). The multiplexer on the system manager may utilize or ignore these signals as desired. The receiver will be configured as a DTE, similar to the known phone processor board.
The front panel consists of a keypad 860 and an LCD display 850 and an LED bank 1390. Keypad 860 is most conveniently a sixteen key keypad comprising decimals 0-9 and function keys such as help, next page, next line, enter, clear, and menu. The keyboard/display provides for switchless configuration, meaning~ul error indications, and local access of built-in test and diagnostic routines. The LED bank 1390 pro-vides vafious status indications as will be herein explained.
The LCD cisplay for four lines of twenty characters is accessed Yia two registered ports. The viewing angle may be changed by key-board actuation as wi~ be described further herein. Display data is loaded into one port and the strobe commands are loaded into the sec-ond port. The strobes to the display are relatively slow (luS).
When a key is preissed, an interrupt is generated to the 188. The encoded key data can be identified by reading a four bit register. When this register is acceissed the interrupt is cleared. The keypad logic includes a debounce circuit which prevents another interrupt from being generated until the end of the debounce delay.
The ~ontroller module also serves the role of pwer distribution for the RF-IPPV pro~essor. The controller module switches power to elements as required. Each cable that connects this board to an RF
receiver or a synthesizer includes 4 +12V lines, 3 -12Y lines, 3 +5V lines and 6 ground lines ~ required.
RF-IPPY Processor Operation Referring rlow to Figuire 14, each screen will be descrioed in some detail. The MAIN M~NU screen 1401 is the root of the LCD
.. . .

- . , . . . . . ., ;. . ~

WO91/1~064 .~ .37 ~ PcrtUS9l/O~g47 :-screen tree. All screens can ~e found by starting at this level. This -screen includes the four submenus: Monitor, Setup, Calibration, and BERT. To change to one of the su~menus, a NEXT LINE key of keypad 860 is used to move the cursor to the desired sub-menu and then, the ENTR key is depressed.
The MONITOR MENU sub-menu 1410 provides access to all mon-itor screens. To view a monitor screen, the NEXT LI~E key actuation ~
moves the cursor to the desired screen and the ENTR key is depressed. ~ -The SUMMARY screen 1411 provides a summary of the current cal~back. ~Buffer~ is a count o~ the num~er of messages in a buffer waiting to be sent to the System Manager. ~Sent~ is the number of messages transmitted to the System Manager. ~'Unique~ is the number of unique messages received by the RF-IPPV processor. During a callback if there are not individual polls then Bu~fer + Sent = Unique.
The right side o~ the screen is a timer. ~ a callback is active, then the timer reflects the amount of time since the callback started (for a group~. The timer is reset at the start of a callback but not at the end, therel'ore the timer will continue to run even after the last callback ends.
The Frequency screen 1412 allows a user to view the current frequency settlngs of the RF-IPPV processor. The frequencies are dis-played for each receiver A-D. Frequencies cannot be changed from this screen. To change frequencies either the appropriate SETUP
screen or the Systern Manager is used.
The UNIQUE TOTAL screen 1413 displays the number o~ mes-sages received (excluding redundant duplicates) during this ca~lback.
The num~ers are tallLied on a per receiver basis.
The DUPL~CATE TOTAL screen 1414 shows a count including redundant duplicates. After a message has been received and checked for errors, the duplicate total for the receiver is incremented. This scre4n displays the numb~r o~ messages received (including duplicates) during this callback. The numbers are tallied on a per receiver bacis.
The ACTIVITY screen 1415 indicates the amount of activity per receiver. This num~er is derived from the amount of time a receiver ic ~ctually receiving a message versus the amount of time it is idle. If . - ; . ~ . , ~ - :

WO 91/15064 2 ~ ~ o 3 ~ 1 Pcr/us9l/ol847 one channel has consistently lower a~tivity than the others, it may he an indication o~ noise on that frequency. If this is the case, it may be appropriate to select other fre~uencies to replace those with low activity.
The MONITOR SSA screen 1416 allow6 the user to monitor cali-bration replies from the STT. The STT address is shown at the top of the display. The next line indicates the most recent level transmitted by the STT and the RF-IPPV proce~sor's sign~1 strength measurement.
The last line contains the level the RFIP h~ determined is the opti-mum transmit level for the STT. The transmit levels are displayed as a he~adecimal number (i.e. 0, 1, 2, 3, ~, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C, D, E, ~). If the upper nibble of this byte is a 4 (i.e. ~0, 41, ~2, etc.), it indicates the most recent response from the STT is a single transmission. If the upper nibble of this byte is an 8 (i.e. ~0, 81, etc.) then the transmission was an unsolicited calibration response (MICART or PICART). The RF-IDPV processor measures the calibration r~;ponses and displays a voltage measurement and indicates whether this measurement is in the optimum raDge (HI, OK, LOW). ~ - -The MONITOR RSSI screen 1417 is for monitoring transmit level received at each receiver. As each message is received it is me~ured by the Received Signal Strength Indicator. These levels are averaged for all messages during a ca~lback. This screen displays the average level received on each receiver. In addition, an indication of HI, OK, LOW is fiven ~or each receiver. This screen provides a method to mon-itor the quality of a channel. A channel that consistently displays a H~
or LOW value may have a problem.
The SETUP MENU screen 1420 r lates tO parameter set-up activities. The scr~ens below this su~menu allow the user to view and change various parameters on the RF-IPPV proc~sor. Current param-eters can be viewed without entering a password. To change any parameter a pass~Hord must be entered. To ~elect a screen, actuation of a NEXT LINE key moves the cursor to the desired screen and the ENTR ~cey is pressed. I
The PASSWORD screen 1421 is used for password entry. The setup password is entered on this screen and confirmed ~Hith the Et~TR

. -wo 9~ 0~4 . P~TtUS9l/01847 - ~6 -key. A valid password will change to "OK". As long as the password is active, parameters in the Setup screens may be modified. When "X"
minutes have pa~sed without a key press (where X is a lock time), the password w~ expire. After the password has expired, parameters in the Setup screens may not be mo~ified. If 0 is entered while a pass-word is active, it will expire immediately.
The SOFTWARE VERSION screen 1422 displays the version of software running on each oI the five processors o~ Figure 13.
There are two ~requency screens 1423 and 1424, one for each category. The displays are similar to the Frequency screen in the Mon-itor group. To change a frequency position, the cursor is set on the frequency to be changed and a new frequency keyed ln. The frequency will take e~fect when the ENT2 key is depressed. A decimal point is automatically inserted. If a rrequency of û is entered, the receiver wilL
use the SSA frequency. If an out of range frequency is entered (for example, below 11.8 or above 1~.7), the receiver will ~e disabled.
The active set of frequencies is determined by the Current Cat-egory entry. To change the active category, the cursor is moved to Current Category, Category 1 or 2 entered and the ENTR key depressed. An entry other than 1 or 2 will disable all receivers on the RF-IPPV processor.
The SETUP RSSI screen 1425 is ror estab~shing RSSI parameters.
On every message received by the RF-IPPV processor, a signal strength evaluation is made by the Received Signal Strength Indicator. Several parameters on the RSSI are configurable by the user. The Delay entry is the amount oI ~me from the start of the message until the measure-ment ls started. The measurement consists of a number of samples averaged together. The quantity of samples is configurable through the Meas. entry. The HI and LOW entries allow the user to adjust the OK
range. These entries set the point at whi~h samples are no longer marked as OK by the RF-IPPV processor.
The SETUP SSA screen 1426 is for establishing SSA parameters.
When a STT performs a calibration, a series of accurate measurements are made on ~he signal by the Signal Strength Analyzer. There are four parameters that must be configured by the user. Calibration is ...... . .... . . . . , ~ . .......................... . . .

.

WO gl/lS064 ~ i Pcr/US9l/018~7 normally performed on a different frequency than callbacks. The SSA
setup screen configures the frequency for calibration. The number of samples to be taken and the delay to the start of sampling can be con-figured by the Meas. and ~elay entri~i. Both OI these entries are in periods of 400uS ~i.e. 1 = 400uS, 2 = 8U0uS, 3 = 1.2mS etc.). During a calibration measurement, the STT transmits a continuous stream of ~1~s.
Noise at the same frequency as the calibration signal could cause an error in the measurement and some of the ~l~s can be dropped. The -RF-IPPV pr~cessor rejects any signa~s with more bits missing than specified in the Allow field on this screen. For reference, the Count entry displays the number of missing bits on the most recent calibration.
The MISCELLANEOUS screen 1427 is for adjusting LCD display angle and LCD time and lock time. The firct two entries on this screen configure the LCD display. The optimum viewing angle for the display can be adjusted by precsing a numeri~ key with the cursor po6itioned on the LCD Angle entry. The dicplay will scroll through the p~ssible set-tings (HI, MED, LOW) but it wlll not take e~fect until ENTR is pressed.
The viewing angle is saved In EEPROM and converted to an analog sig-nal which is precented to an input of a standard LCD display circuit.
The Ll:D display includes an electroluminescent backlight.
After a period o~ time without a key pressed the display will turn off.
The amount or time until the backlight turs off (0 to 9 minutes) is c~nfigurable with the LCD Time entry. To change the time, a number (0-9 minutes) is entered. When the user is modifying the setup of the RF-IPPV processor~ the System Manager is locked out of changing any parameters. L~ the operator of the RF-IPPV processor were to leave the processor in this mode, the System Manager would never be able to change any parameters; To avoid this situation, the lock out mode only stays active for the amount of time specified by Lock Time. This parameter may be changed by entering a lo~k time (0-9 minutes) that the RF-IPPV processor will be locked.
The CALIBRA~ION MENU screen 14~0 provides access to the calibration screens for the RF-IPPV processor. A password must be ' :` -wo sl/lsn64 ~ ~ ~ , PCl`/US91/018q7 ;'-;

entered Ior calibration values to oe changed. The screen is divided into devices to be calibrated.
The DATE/PASSWORD screen 1431 is used to begin the calibra-tion p~ocess. A user must enter the ca~ibration password. Th~s pass-word is normally ctLf~erent from the setup password. The p ~sword will remain in effect until "Xl' minutes have passed without a key press, where X is the lock time. To immediately end the time a password is active, a password o~ 0 may be entered.
AIter entering the password, a NEXT LlNE key moves the cursor to the date. The Date (Month/Day) the calibration is being performe~
may then be entered. Then, the fre~uency at which the calibration wi~
be performed may be entered.
The EEPROM STATUS screen 1432 provides the user with infor- -~ation on the status o~ the EEPROM. If the EEPROM checksum test rails the EEPROM must be initialized. This screen provides informa-ffon about the status of the initialization. TQ change the calibration password the user simply types in a new password (numeric keys only) and hits ENTR. The next time the user calibrates the RF-IPPV proces-sor, the new password will be required. This screen can only be reached from the DATE/PASSWORD screen by pressing ENTR.
The CALIB SSA screen lg33 is used when calibrating the Signal Strength Analyzer. The user must provide a signal at the RF input at the level indicated by the "Set" display. ~or example when the "Set"
point is -3dB, the user must provide a signal -3dB below the nominal level.
The ~aluell display indicates the level the RF-IPPV processor has measured with the SSA. When the user is satisfied with the current input level, the measured value will be stored by pressing ENTR. The set poir,t chang~; to the next level to ~e measured atter ENTR is pressed. The values stored for the -3dB, Nominal, and +3dB points are displayed on the right of the screen. The SSA calibration is complete when all three points have been set.
The CALIB~ RSSI (A), (B), (C), (D) screen -1~34a-d is used for calibration. Each receiver includes a Received Signal S~rength Ana-lyzer. Each receiver must be calibrated individua~y but the method is ,, , ~, . . , ... , , ~ . . . .

WO 9l/lS064 2 ~ 7 ~ Pcr/ussl/ol847 the same ~or all four RSSI. The user must provide a signal at the RF
input at the level in.~icated by the ~Set" display. For example when the ~Set~' point is -3dB. the user must provide a signal -3dB below the nomi-nal level.
The ~alue~ display indica~es the level the RF-IPPV processor has measured with the RSSI. When the user is satisfied with the ~ur-rent input level, the measured value ~wlll be stored. The set point changes to the next level ~o be measured after ENTR is pressed. The values stored lor the last three points are displayed on the right of the screen. The ~SSI calibration is complete when all eleven points have been set.
The SET RSSI(x) Screens 1~35a-d provide the RSSI detector out-put voltages for all eleven points.
The BERT MENU 1440 is for bit error rate teSting. This menu " ! .
provides access to the Bit Error Rate Test mode o~ the RF-IPPV
processor.
The PASSWORD screen 1441 is used for password entry. The same password is preferably used for BERT as for setup, but a third password may be used in an alternative em'oodiment. The setup pass-word is entered to change the frequencies ~Eed or to restart a test. To , view the res~ts of a BERT test, no password is required.
The FREQUENCY screen 1442 allows one to view and change (ifa password has been entered) the frequencies for Category l.
The BERT GOOD TOTALS screen 1443 tab~ates results of a BERT test. As each bit error rate test message is received, it -decodeo and checked for errors. If the message is correct, the total for the chaMel that received the message is incremented. This screen displays the totals ~or each of the Iour receivers. Th~e numbers are reset at the 'oeginning o the test.
The BERT MISSED TOTALS sereen 1444 tabulates missed BERT ~ -messages. All test messages are trar~mitted sequentially. If a reeeiver decodes message #l then #3 then message ~2 must have been l~st. The missed totals are incremented for every l~st message. This ~creen dis-plays the total number of missed messages for each of the four receiv- -ers. These numbers are reset at the beginning of a test. ~ ;

.. .. .. ., . . ., .,.. ,,,. , . ~,. .. .. ... . . . .. . . .

Wo 9l/~s064 2 -J 7 ~ Pcr/US9l/0~847 -~

The BERT CROSS TOTALS screen 1445 tabulates crossed mes-sages between receivers. Ir receiver A decodes a message sent to receiver B, C, or D it is logged as a crossed message. This screen dis-plays the total number of crossed messages for each of the four receiv-ers. These numbers are reset at the beginning of a test.
The BERT ACTIVITY screen 1446 shows BERT activity in pe~
cent for each channel in a similar manner to activi~y screen 1415.
The BERT RSSI screen 1447 shows RSSI resuits. An RSSI mea-surement is performed on each test message as it is re~eived. This screen displays the average level measured per receiver. Ln addition a HI, OK, or LOW indication is given for the measured level. The aver-age is reset at the beginr~ng of a test.
The RF-IPPV processor uses two different passwords. One pa~-word ~or the SETUP information and a second password for the CALI-BRATION. These passwords should be set tO different values to avoid a user inadvertently modifying a critical parameter. After a password has been entered it will stay in e~Iect until ''Xl' minutes without a key being pressed where "X" is the lock time. A p csword is in effect as long as the password display is "OK". It a lYier needs to immediately end the time a password is in effect, they simply return to the appr~
priate password screen and enter a password of 0.
LEDS for the Controller Board There are 12 LEDs on the front cf the RF-IPPV processor for status monitoring. Eight LEDs, two for each receivert 1313-1343, indi-cate the status of the 4 receivers. There is alco a bank 1390 of four LED~s provided. Two LEDs monitor activity on the serial port. One LED indicates the status of the buffer an~ the final LED displays power condition. These ~our are shown as LED bank 1390 connec~ed to the bus system via a latch.
When data is received on a channel, the tOp LED on that ~hannel will blink green. T~le bottom LED on each channel will be green ii the channel is enabled and red ii the channel is disabled. Entering an inv lid rrequency into the System Manager or the Front Panel will cause a channel to be disabled. Normally all channels should ~e enabled.

. -. . .

~O 91/lS064 S5l ~3 7 ~ Pcr/US9l/01847 In the unlikely condition that one of the receivers fails a self test, the top LED ~or that channel wiIl be continuous red and the bot-tom LED will Ilash red.
Two LEDs marked TXD and RXD indicate activity on the serial port connecting the RF-IPPV processor 1:o the System Manager. If data is transmitted from the RF processor to the System Manager, the TXD
light will blink. Conversely, if data is received by the RF processor from the System Manager, the RXD light wlll blink.
An LED marked Buffer indicates the status o~ the buffer between the RF processor and the System Manager. I~ the LED is off, there is no data in the buffer to the System Manager. If the LED is green, the bu~er is less than ~alf tull. As the buffer passes half full, the LED w~ change from continuous green to tlashing green. ~ the buffer become~ completely full, the LED will change to ~lashing red.
Under normal circumstances, the buf~er should never become com- ' pletely full.
The LED marked Power will be green when the power is on.
Atter turning power on this LED wili be briefly red and then change to green. I~ the RF processor ever encounters an unrecoverable situation, this LED will change brierly to red while the RF processor restarts itself.
SYSTEM MANAGER CALIBRATION CONTROLLER
The system manager RF-IPPV calibration controller program along with the RF-IPPV processor are responsible for calibrating RF-IPPV module transmitters asso~ciated with set-top terminals. The cal1bration process insures that data being transmitted from the set-top to the RF pro~;sor arrives at an appropriate level. Furthermore, by automatically and periodically calibrating all termina~s in a system, any requirement for automa~ic gain eontrol at the RF-IPPV processor 3s eliminated. The calibration controller con~ro~s the flow of commands to the RF-IPPV mo~e during the calibration sequence and based on responses received ~rom the module, determines its calibration status.
The c libration status ls discussed ~elow.

WO 91/15064 ~ 3 PCr/USsl/01847~ -The callbration stat~; of the RF-IPPV module has five passible values. These are listed below:
NEVER CALIBRATED - initial status when the terminal is placed lnto system;
NEEDS CAL~3RATION - replies from the terminal indicate that it needs to be re-calibrated;
CALIBRATION FAILED - a calibration was attempted and the terminal responds but a proper transmit level could not be determined;
NO RESPONSE - a calibration w~ attempted but no rE~iponse was received from the terminal; and CALIBRATED - c 1ibration was attempted and completed successf ully.
When a terminal~module is initi,ally placed into the system, its calibration status is ~NEVER CAL~3RATED~'. After a request is made to calibrate the set-top, the status is changed to 'CALIBP~ATED', 'NO
RESPONSE~, or 'CALIBRATION FAILED', in the system manager mem-ory, depending on the responses ~rcm the termin~/module, i~ during data collection (i,e, RF Auto Reply) it is determined that the transmit level of a terminal is not within an acceptable range the c libration status is set to ~NEEDS CALn3RATION', RF-IPPV Svstem - Module Level Calibration DescriPtion Calibration requests are sent to the c,alibration controller from two sources. The first is the set-top itself. When an uncalibrated set-top terminal is initially pwered up (PICART is enabled), it sends a ca~1bration request through the RF processor to the calibration control-ler or the system manager. The calibration controller t,akes this request and ininates the c,alibration sequence.
An uncalibrateJ set-top terminal may also send a calibration request when a specific front panel key se~uence is performed. After pressing the appropriate key sequence (MICART is enabled), the set-top termin~ sends a calibration request through the RF proce~sor to the calibration ~ontroller. The calibra1ion controller then initiates the calibratlon sequence.

.WO 91/15064 2 ~ r6~ 3) ~ ~ ~3 PCr/US91/01847 ~ 83- . :

The second source of calibration requests is the system manager and host billing computer users. When a set-top is added to the system through the host billing computer, a request for calibration is sent to the calibration controller. The calibration controller takes this request and places it on a queue where it remains until there is time to process it.
Finally, a calibration request may be sent by pressing a function key input rrOm a system manager IPPV display screen. The calibration controller wlll take this request and place it on the queue.
Calibration re~uests received from the set-top terminal are con-sidered hi~h priority and are processed ~efore requests received from the system manager and host billing computer users.
The following steps describe the sequence of events which occur during a successful calibration process. Note that this sequence is viewed from the calibration controller and is not meant to be a detailed description of the functionality of the RF-IPPV module or the F~F pro-cessor hardware described elsewhere. ~ -a. The calibration controller elther recelves a priority cali-bration request from the set-top terminal or takes a user calibration request from a queue, b. The calibration controller verlfies that the re~uested calibration can be performed. It then sends a command instructing the set-top terminal to begin its stepped cali-bration se~uence, c. The RF processor determines optimum transmit level based on the stepped calibration sequence.
d. The calibration controller receives the optimum level from the RF processor and ins$ructs the set-top terminal to transmit a single calibratton m~ge at that level.
e. The RF processor evaluates the received calibration mes-sage to ~etermine that the transmit level is within limits (~OK'3.
f. The calibration controller receives the ~OK~ indication ~rom the RF proces~or and instructs the set-top terminal WO 91/lS064 2 ~ Pcr/us9l/ol847 --to transmit a single calibration me~sage at the optimum level and to store that level for future transmissions.
g. The set-top terminal stores the specified optimum trans-mit level and transmits a single calibration meSsage at that level.
h. The RF processor again evaluates the calibration message and sends an 'CK' indication to the calibration controller.
i. The calibration controller receives the ~OK~ indication and updates the calibration status ~o 'CALIBRATED~.
j. The calibration controller processes the next calibration request.
Below are the issues which are discussed in the following section o~ the application:
1) Module Calibration procedures - overall system;
2) STT initiated calibration procedures; and 3) RF-IPPV calibration indication.
Before discussing calibration, a block diagram o~ the RF-IPPV
system will be again c~scussed as is shown in Figure 3. The terminal/
module has its own processor to process system transactions, allow IPPV purchases and event storage, record viewing statistics, and ope~
ate the transmitter to return data to the headend. The RF processor at the headend decodes the RF-IPPV transmissior~; and passes the infor-mation to the system manager. The RF processor is very similar in function to a phone processor known in the art. The RF processor however, additionally measures the received signal level which is used for calibration or ~he modules. A preferred received signal level is +12 dBmV.
Outband and Inband transactions to handle the RF-IPPV system which di fer Irom telephone line data return include aut~reply param-eters, calibration parameters, f requency and levels parameters, RF-IPPV group numbers, RF-IPPV viewing statistics, RF-IPPV acknowl-edge reply, and memory dump transactions which have already been discussed in some detail.~
The system has two categories (or sets) of transmission frequen-cies with four frequencies in each category which can be used by the ~' ' . '';

: : .

" . ! ' ... ., ., `; . . ' `: . : ! . . ' . ' ' .' ' '~ ' 2 ~ ~8^J ~
wo 91~1S064 PCr/US91/01~47 cable OperatOr in any manner he chooses such as one set for day tra~s-missions and one set ~or night transm~ssions. These two categories of frequencies were chosen ~ecause the cable system noise may change over temperature and time so the system was designed to easily change with system and environmental changes. Four frequencies per cate-gory were chosen to increase the data return rate by reducing the pro~
ability for transmission collisions. Furthormore, by cho~sing four dif-ferent ~requencies, the likel~hood of noise interference with transmis-sion on all four ~requencies is reduced. These eight frequencies may be initia~y determined through spectrum analysis pr~cesses and results graphs as per Figure 2. The RF processor shown has only four receiv-ers for four frequencies. but a larger or smaller number of selected channel frequencies may ~e implemented without violating the princi-ples of the present invention. The system has been designed to allow - one of the four RF processor receivers to be used for calibration during the hours when module calibrations are being performed. This receiver can be used for data return when module calibrations are not being performed. The calibration frequency can be any speciIied frequency because this frequency may be selected independently of the selection oi the two categories of four data carrier frequencies.
Svs em O~erator Initiated Calibration For this discussion it is assumed that calibration has been initi-ated from the system manager instead of the terminal/module because the latter case is discussed next. The system manager will store sev-eral pieces o~ ln~ormation concerning the RF-IPPV module. The system manager keeps records of the par~icular terminals which have a3soci-ated RF-IPPV modules. Also stored are two calibration status bits which represent that the module: a) needs to be calibrated; b) responded to callbration but could not be calibrated; c) did not respond to the calibration request; or d) module properly calibrated. Below is a step by step calibration operation:
1) The system operator checks the calibration status for a pardcular, terminal or requ~ts a print OUt of all terminals which need their RF IPPV module transmitter calibrated (modules which have the calibration bits indicating wo 9I/1~064 ~ ~ 7 3 ~ Pcr/US9l/0~847 ~-conditions a, b, or c above). The system manager may then determine which madule to calibrate automatically in accordance with a ~irst in first out or other algorithm.
2) The system operator begins to calibrate a particular terminal/module transmit~er. The system manager may automatically select the calibration fre~uency. The cali-bration transmission length will be fixed, for example, in the system manager to 50 msec. This trarsmission length can only be changed through the system manager ~back door". Once the calibration frequency is selecte~, the frequency may need not be ~hanged; however, the sys~em has the flexibility to pefiodically and automatically change the calibration f requency as appropriate. The system manager will only allow one terminal/module to be calibrated at a tlme in order to prevent collisions.
3) The system manager sends an initiate calibration parame-ter transaction to the ATX and Headend controller.
4) The ATX and Headend controller sends an addressed only calibration parameter transaction throughout the cable system.
5) The terminal processor pas~es this transaction to the RF-IPPV module termlnal lf the address contained in the transaction matches the terminal/module address.
6) The RF-IPPV module then begins the calibration reply.
The module begins transmitting at transmission leYel zero ~or the specified transmission length. The module then wlll step through every other step to the maximum level of 14 for a total of 8 transm~ssions. The transmitter is off ~etween each transmission for approximately 220 msec.
7) The RF processor receives the module calibration trans-missions and measures the power level. The processor has stored in memory the boundaries for optimum level.
These boundaries are determined during calibration of the processor. The system is designed for a +12 dBmV level. ~ -The processor determines which transmission level is ~ ~
:' ' ~' , .
;,: ~
' ':

Wo 91~15064 ~ PCr/US91/01847 optimum. If the transmitted level is too low, the low levels are discarded until an ok level is received. The processor can interpolate ~etween two levels if neces-sary. By way of example, assume that module level 10 was op~imum. Since .he duration of calibration transmis-sions is fixed at a predetermined value, for example, 50 m sec., the RF pro~or can also determine iI there are mlssing steps by checking the timing o~ received messages.
8) The processor lets the system manager know that thP
rnodule responded and that level 10 was acceptable.
9) The system.manager sends the calibration parameters tO
the ATX and/or Headend controller specifying level 10 as the level at which to send a c ~ibration message.
10) The ATX and/or Headend controller sends an addressed ~alibration parameter transaction throughout the cable system.

11) Th~s transaction is passed to the module if t~e address matches. This tlme the mo~ule will only transmit at level 10 (not all levels o~ the sequence of eight possible levels) for the specified transmission length. This message con-tains an indicator to show that it is a single calibration message.

12) The RF processor will again measure the received trans-mi~sion level and determine if it is stin acceptable.

13) Assuming that the level is acceptable, the RF processor lets the system manager know that the received level was acceptable.

14) The system manager now sends the calibration param-eters to the ATX and/or Headend controller with level 10 as the calibration level and requests the mo~e to store th~s level in its NVM. The system manager then requests a single calibration message at the level a final time.

15) The ATX and Headend contro~er sends a ~alibration parameter transaction throughout the cable system. -WO 91/1~0~ Pcr/US91/01~47 16) This transaction is passed to the module. The module will store level 10 ~or all 8 (2 ~ategories of 4 frequencies) transmission frequency levels. Levels for the other seven channels ~rom the calibration channel may be determined most ~onveniently from downloaded slope/tilt channel characteristics which have been predetermined ~or transmission ~rom the particular addressed set-top terminal. The module ~rill a~so set the calibration bi~ in NVM to calibrated. The module will then a send final sin-gle calibration message. If the RF-IPPV processor vali-dates the message, the system manager will change the-status o~ the terminal to calibrated.
As described above, this is the normal calibration procedure.
Wh~e ~high, low and ok~ responses to a calibration level transaction are typical, a fourth po~;sibility is "don't know", when, for example, a tim-ing error is detected at step 7. There are several deviations from the normal process which can occur during the calibration procedure.
1) Suppose the module does not respond to the system manager's request to initiate the calibration procedure.
The system manager will time out in an adjustable period if no response is received from the module. The system manager wlll send the initiate calibration procedure for a total o~ three times. lf still no response, the system man-ager will store that the module did not respond to calibration.
~) Suppase the module did respond to the initiate calibration trarsactions, but that the reeeived level was unaccept-able. The RF processor will le~ the system manager know that the module responded but the level w~ unaccep~-able. The system manager will send the initiate calibra-tion procedure for a total o~ three times. ~ all the received levels were unacceptable, then the sys~em man-ager will $tore that the module responded to calibration but the calibration failed.
. .
: ' ' - Wo 91/1s064 ~ ~ 7 3 ~ cr/us9~/~)1847 3) Suppose that the RF processor received an acceptable level ~rom the module. The system manager then requested that the module transmit at the acceptable level only. This time the processor did not receive the calibration signal from the! module for the acceptable level or the RF processor rleceived the calibration signal from the module, but the level was unacceptable. In this case the system manger will request that the module transmit on the acceptable level for a total of three times. If the processor never receives another accept-able level, then the system manager will store that the module responded to calibration but still needs calibration and so attempt another eight step calibration.
Now a terminal/module initiated calibration procedure will be explained. The ca~bration procedure is the same as mentioned aboYe except rOr the manner in which the proce~ure is initiated. Instead of the system operator selecting a terminal/module to calibrate, the terminal/module sends a request callbration me~sage to the RF proces-sor. The RF processor can determine that the terminal has initiated the calibratlon procedure rrom an indicator contained within the mes-sage. When the processor receiv~s this message, it is passed to the system manager which begins the calibration procedures as described above.
There may be at least two methods provided to initiate calibra-tion from a terminal: the terminal will initiate calibration upon power-up or will initiate calibration when a correct key sequence is entered by the keys, for example, by a maintenance person. There are calibr~tion status bits in NVM which are used when a terminal decides between powe~up or manYally initia~ed calibration provided the termi-nal statusis not calibrated.
I~ the mod~e calibrated bit indicates that the module needs to be calibrated and the powe~up initiated calibration bit is enabled, then the terminal wlll begin,sending data to the RF prwessor to re~uest to be calibrated when the terminal is powered-up. The module will trans-mit at a predetermined default level stored in NVM (preferably a .

...... .. ...... . ;.. ~ . .. .. . .

wo 91/1~064 ,~ Pcr/us9l/ol847~ i relatively high level). The module will also transmit randomly on all Iour category one frequencies for the fil~t three minutes. If the termi-nal does not receive a calibration parameter transaction from the headend, then the module ~ill transmit randomly on all four category 2 frequencies ror the next three minutes. Ir the terminal still does not receive a calibration parameter transaction 2rom the headend, then the module will discontinue attempts for requesting calibration until the terminal/module power is removed and applied again. The module will request calibration on every power-up until the module is calibrated or the terminal receives a transaction to disable ~ower-up initiated ca~i-bration. The transaction to disable powe~up initiated calibration will only be accessible through the system manager "back door~.
On the other hand, if the key sequence initiated calibration is enabled, then the terminal/module wil~ begin sending data to ~he RF
processor to request to be calibrated when the appropriate key sequence is pressed by the terminal keys. One ~an request calibration from the terminal even ii' the module is calibrated as long as th~s method is enabled. In or~er to inltiate calibration, an installer will need to enter a predetermined sequence of keys) and enter yet another key. If this special key sequence is performed, then the module will send data to the processor requesting to be calibrated in the same man~
ner as described in the power-up initiated calibration. The module will initiate the calibration every time the special key sequence is pressed until the key se~uence initiated calibration bit is disabled from the headend. The key sequence initiated calibration can be disabled by the system operator. Once the module transmitter is calibrated, the key sequence initiated calibration may be disabled for the terminal. This will prevent subscribers from accidental1y calibrating the module.
When the terminal is disconnected from the system in order to move it to another house, then the key sequence initiated calibration should be enabled again.
Two methads to initiate calibration are provided for different installation scenarios. If the subscriber picks up the terminal from the cable orfice then the terminal will use the powe~up initiated calibra-tion because it is probably not appropriate for the customer to know . .
' ~; Wo sl/1~064 2 ~ ~ 3 ~ ~ ~ Pcr/us9l/01847 the key sequence. If a cable installer installs the terminal/module in a suhscrioer~s home, then he will use the key sequence initiated calibra-tion. The main re~son he will not be abl~e to use the power-up initiated calibration is due to staging proolems. When a terminal has been dis-connected, the system manager will send a transaction to clear the module calibration status. This Will allow the terminal to begin the power-up calibration when the terminal goes through the next powe~
up sequence. I~ this sequence occurs before the terminal can be moved from one home to the next without going back to the system headend, the module may be calibrated and the calibration status will indicate that it is calibrated; therefore, the terminal will no~ initiate calibration upon power-up, RF-IPPV module calibration indications on a terminal display may be provided primarily for the oenefit of an installer. The purp~se of this indication is to prevent a Iuture trouble ca One implementa-tion lor such an indication is to provide an extra LED inside the module which will indicate i~ the module is calibrated. Another proposal is to use the diagnostlc mode Or the terminal to read a special code.
As has already been explained, ~alibration messages typically comprise the address Or the set-top terminal which is responding, the level transmitted and a 10,000 Hz tone at th~t level. Instead, the te~
minal may be requested to transmit a known pseudorandom message from which a bit error rate calculation may be determined at the RF-IPPV processor. In this manner, a bit error rate (BER) may be cal-culated for the data channel under test automatically without any requirement for special test apparatus or an installer visit to the sub-scriber premises. The bit error rate test may be initiated by the system manager and results tabulated ~or display in the branch 1440-1447 of the menu or Figure 14 on the RF-IPPV processor display. Furthermore, the bit error rate results may be applied by the system manager in data ~hannel frequency selection.
What has been described are the preferred embodiments of the present invention. Other embodiments will be apparent to one of ordi-nary skill in the art. The present invention is not limited to the .. . , ~ ,,. .. .. .:

WO 91/15064 pcr/us91/ol847 embodiments descrlbed herein but is only limited by the claims appended hereto.

Claims (19)

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1. A method of controlling the allocation of a population of remote units among a plurality of groups of remote units, said remote units each having a unique identifier respectively associated therewith, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) fixing a maximum and a minimum average number of remote units per group;
(b) assigning said remote units to the groups of remote units in accordance with the respective unique identifiers;
(c) determining an average number of remote units per group as remote units are assigned thereto;
(d) comparing the average number of remote units per group to the fixed maximum number of remote units per group;
(e) repeating steps (a)-(d) while the average number of remote units per group is less than or equal to the fixed maximum num-ber or remote units per group; and (f) changing the number of groups such that the aver-age number of remote units per group is between the fixed maximum and minimum number of remote units per group if the average number of remote units per group exceeds the maximum number of remote units per group.

2. The method in accordance with claim 1 further compris-ing the step of:
(g) repeating steps (b)-(f).

3. The method in accordance with claim 1 wherein the step of assigning remote units to the groups comprises selecting a predeter-mined number of bits of a digital identifier associated with each remote unit to determine a group number for each remote unit.

4. The method in accordance with claim 3 wherein the step of selecting predetermined bits comprises selecting the n least signifi-cant bits of the digital identifier, where n is a number between one and the number of bits in the digital identifier.

5. The method in accordance with claim 1 wherein the fixed maximum number of remote units per group is approximately five thousand.

6. The method in accordance with claim 1 wherein the fixed minimum number of remote units per group is approximately two thou-sand five hundred.

7. The method in accordance with claim 1 wherein the step of changing the number of groups comprises doubling the number of groups such that the average number of remote units per group is halved.

8. A method of recovering data in a data recovery system comprising a population of remote units allocated among a plurality of groups and a central location, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) assigning remote units to the groups of remote units;
(b) determining an average number of remote units per group as remote units are assigned thereto;
(c) comparing the average number of remote units per group with a predetermined maximum number of remote units per group;
(d) changing the number of groups such that the aver-age number of remote units per group is less than the maximum pred-termined number of remote units per group if the average number of remote units per group exceeds the maximum predetermined number of remote units per group;
(e) fixing an attempt rate to determine an average number of remote units which attempt to transfer data to said central location per unit time;
(f) determining a group time period for each group within which each remote unit in a respective group attempts to trans-fer data to said central location, the group time intervals being deter-mined such that the attempt rate is independent of the average number of remote units per group;
(g) prompting respective groups of remote units to attempt to transfer data to said central location during successive group time intervals comprising a cycle, a cycle being the time required for all groups to attempt to transfer data to said central location.

9. The method in accordance with claim 8 wherein the step of assigning remote units to the groups comprises selecting a predeter-mined number of bits of a digital identifier associated with each remote unit to determine a group number for each remote unit.

10. The method in accordance with claim 9 wherein the step of selecting predetermined bits comprises selecting the n least signifi-cant bits of the digital identifier, where n is a number between one and the number of bits in the digital identifier.

11. The method in accordance with claim 8 wherein the step of changing the number of groups comprises doubling the number of groups such that the average number of remote units per group is halved.

12. The method in accordance with claim 8 wherein the attempt rate is fixed at approximately fifty thousand attempts per minute.

13. The method in accordance with claim 8 wherein respec-tive groups of remote units attempt to transfer data to said central location over a plurality of cycles.

14. A method of recovering stored data in a cable television system comprising a population of set-top terminals allocated among a plurality of groups and a headend location, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) assigning set-top terminals to the groups of set-top terminals;
(b) determining the average number of set-top termi-nals per group as set-top terminals are assigned thereto:
(c) comparing the average number of set-top termi-nals per group with a predetermined maximum number of set-top ter-minals per group;
(d) changing the number of groups such that the aver-age number of set-top terminals per group is less than the maximum predetermined number of set-top terminals per group if the average number of set-top terminals per group exceeds the maximum predeter-mined number of set-top terminals per group;

(e) fixing an attempt rate to determine an average number of set-top terminals which attempt to transfer data to said headend location per unit time;
(f) determining a group time period for each group within which each set-top terminal in a respective group attempts to transfer data to said headend location, the group time intervals being determined such that the attempt rate is independent of the average number of set-top terminals per group;
(g) prompting respective groups of set-top terminals to attempt to transfer data to said central location during successive group time intervals comprising a cycle, a cycle being the time required for all groups to attempt to transfer data to said headend location.

15. The method in accordance with claim 14 wherein the step of assigning remote units to the groups comprises selecting a predeter-mined number of bits of a digital identifier associated with each remote - unit to determine a group number for each remote unit.

16. The method in accordance with claim 15 wherein the step of selecting predetermined bits comprises selecting the n least signifi-cant bits or the digital identifier, where n is a number between one and the number of bits in the digital identifier.

17. The method in accordance with claim 14 wherein the step of changing the number of groups comprises doubling the number of groups such that the average number of remote units per group is halved.

18. The method in accordance with claim 14 wherein the attempt rate is fixed at approximately fifty thousand attempts per minute.

19. The method in accordance with claim 14 wherein respec-tive groups of remote units attempt to transfer data to said central location over a plurality of cycles.