CN1759608A - Apparatus and method for distributing signals - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for distributing signals Download PDFInfo
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- CN1759608A CN1759608A CN 200480006522 CN200480006522A CN1759608A CN 1759608 A CN1759608 A CN 1759608A CN 200480006522 CN200480006522 CN 200480006522 CN 200480006522 A CN200480006522 A CN 200480006522A CN 1759608 A CN1759608 A CN 1759608A
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Abstract
A server apparatus (20) is capable of distributing audio, video, and/or data signals in a household and/or business dwelling using the existing coaxial cable infrastructure. According to an exemplary embodiment, the server apparatus (20) includes a receiving element (21) operative to receive signals from a broadcast source. First processing elements (28, 29) generate first analog signals responsive to the received signals. Second processing elements (31-33) generate second analog signals responsive to the received signals. The first analog signals are provided to a first client device (50) via a coaxial cable connecting the server apparatus (20) and the first client device (50). The second analog signals are provided to a second client device (60) via the coaxial cable connecting the server apparatus (20) and the second client device (60).
Description
It is respectively the priority and the ownership equity of two provisional application of 60/453,491 and 60/453,763 to United States Patent (USP) trademark office sequence number that submit to, that be assigned with that the application requires on March 11st, 2003.
Technical field
Present invention relates in general to the distribution of the signal such as audio frequency, video and/or data-signal, more specifically, relate to a kind of equipment and the method that can utilize existing coaxial cable infrastructure in family and/or commercial domicile, to distribute sort signal.
Background technology
In broadcasting-satellite system, satellite receives from based on signal ground (earth-based) transmitter, expression audio frequency, video and/or data message.Satellite amplifies these signals and by with characteristic frequency operation and repeater-transmitter (transponder) with given bandwidth, these signals heavily is broadcast to be positioned at the consumer and live residing a plurality of receiver.This system comprises: up radiating portion (that is, the earth is to satellite), earth-orbiting satellite reception and radiating portion and descender (that is, satellite is to the earth) comprise that being positioned at the consumer lives residing one or more receiver.
Come the residence of received signal for the system by for example broadcasting-satellite system, distributing the signal that is received in the residence is a difficult problem.For example, many existing residences are equipped with coaxial cable, RG-59 type coaxial cable for example, and it can not easily be used to distribute the signal specific such as satellite broadcast signal.For example the coaxial cable of RG-59 is not used for distributing in the residence reason of sort signal to be: coaxial cable can't be used for the distribution cable broadcast singal.Therefore, on given its band-limited coaxial cable, be difficult to and the cable broadcasting signals coexistence such as satellite broadcast signal.For example the coaxial cable of RG-59 can not be used for distributing in the residence Another reason of signal specific to be: coaxial cable may use the frequency different a part of frequency spectrum occupied with the signal that will distribute.For example, for example signal such as satellite broadcast signal (for example may occupy a part, greater than 1GHz), be higher than the frequency spectrum (for example, less than 860MHz) of the signal frequency of can be easily on the coaxial cable of for example RG-59 and coherent signal splitter and/or repeater, distributing.
Up to now, also do not utilize existing coaxial cable infrastructure (for example, RG-59) fully to solve and in the residence, distribute for example problem of signal such as satellite broadcast signal.Although particular technology (for example IEEE 1394) can be used for the signal allocation in the residence, typically, this Technology Need is to the residence rewiring, and this is too high for most consumers possibility cost.In addition, existing wireless technology may be unsuitable for distributing the signal of particular type, for example vision signal in the residence.
Therefore, need a kind ofly can avoid the problems referred to above equipment and method, thereby can utilize existing coaxial cable infrastructure, can in family and/or commercial residence, distribute for example signals such as audio frequency, video and/or data-signal.
Summary of the invention
According to an aspect of the present invention, a kind of server apparatus is disclosed.According to exemplary embodiments, described server apparatus comprises the receiving system that is used for from the broadcast source received signal.The signal that the response of first processing unit is received produces first analog signal.The signal that the response of second processing unit is received produces second analog signal, and wherein second analog signal has the coding different with first analog signal.Coaxial cable via the Connection Service device equipment and first client devices is provided to first client devices with first analog signal.Coaxial cable via the Connection Service device equipment and second client devices is provided to second client devices with second analog signal.
According to a further aspect in the invention, a kind of method of signal being distributed to first client devices and second client devices from server apparatus is disclosed.According to exemplary embodiments, described method comprises step: receive the signal from broadcast source; The signal that response is received produces first analog signal; The signal that response is received produces second analog signal; Coaxial cable via connecting described server apparatus and described first client devices offers described first client devices with described first analog signal; And, described second analog signal is offered described second client devices via the coaxial cable that connects described server apparatus and described second client devices.
Description of drawings
By the following explanation with reference in conjunction with the accompanying drawings the embodiment of the invention, above-mentioned and other characteristics of the present invention and advantage and implementation thereof will become more apparent, and will understand the present invention better, wherein:
Fig. 1 is the figure that is suitable for realizing exemplary embodiments of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is the block diagram of the server apparatus of Fig. 1 of exemplary embodiments according to the present invention;
Fig. 3 is the block diagram of one of second client computer of Fig. 1 of the exemplary embodiments according to the present invention;
Fig. 4 shows the flow process of the step of exemplary embodiments according to the present invention;
Fig. 5 is the flow chart of a step details that further shows Fig. 4 of the exemplary embodiments according to the present invention; And
Fig. 6 is the flow chart that further shows another step details of Fig. 4 of exemplary embodiments according to the present invention.
The example has here been demonstrated the preferred embodiments of the present invention, and any type of this example is not envisioned for the restriction of the scope of the invention.
Embodiment
With reference now to accompanying drawing,, more specifically be with reference to figure 1, show and be suitable for realizing typical environment 100 of the present invention.In Fig. 1, environment 100 comprises: signal receiving unit 10, the server apparatus 20 with relevant local output device 40, first client devices 50 and each all have one or more client devices 60 of relevant local output device 70.According to exemplary embodiments, signal receiving unit 10 connects by the coaxial cable that is made of RG-6 type coaxial cable, link to each other with server apparatus 20, and the coaxial cable connection of server apparatus 20 by constituting by RG-59 type coaxial cable, link to each other with 60 with each client devices 50.According to the present invention, can also use other transmission medium, for example the coaxial cable of other type, optical fiber and air.Although clearly do not illustrate among Fig. 1, environment 100 can also comprise for example unit such as signal shunt and/or repeater.For example, environment 100 has been represented the signal distribution network in given family and/or commercial domicile.
Signal receiving unit 10 operation is used for receiving from one or more signal sources signal (such as broadcasting-satellite system and/or other system of digital terrestrial broadcast system for example), that comprise audio frequency, video and/or data-signal.According to exemplary embodiments, signal receiving unit 10 specific implementations are that for example satellite receives the antenna of dish, also can also be embodied as the signal receiving unit of any type, for example input terminal and/or other unit.
According to exemplary embodiments, 50 operations of first client devices are used to receive and handle first analog signal that provides from server apparatus 20, thereby realize corresponding listening and/or visual output.First client devices 50 can be implemented as simulation and/or digital device, for example SD and/or HD TV-signal receiver.Although in Fig. 1, only show one first client devices 50 for exemplary purposes, in environment 100, can connect a plurality of this first client devices 50.
In addition, according to exemplary embodiments, each second client devices, 60 operation is used to receive and handle first analog signal that provides from server apparatus 20, thereby realizes carrying out corresponding listening and/or visual output by local output device 70.Each local output device 70 can be implemented as simulation and/or digital device, for example SD and/or HD TV-signal receiver.Provided further example details subsequently about second client devices 60.As mentioned above, if it can receive and handle the signal (for example NTSC, PAL, SECAM etc.) with analog type coding or modulation, think that then this equipment is " analog machine ", if and it can receive and handle the signal (for example QPSK, QAM, VSB etc.) with numeric type coding or modulation, think that then this equipment is " digital device ".
With reference to figure 2, show the block diagram of the server apparatus 20 of Fig. 1 of exemplary embodiments according to the present invention.In Fig. 2, server apparatus 20 comprises: the front end processing device of front-end processor 21 for example, for example the conditional access of CA module 22 (CA) installs, first figure editing apparatus of graphic editor 23 for example, first audio/video (A/V) processing unit of A/V processor 24 for example, for example A/V exports 25 A/V output device, the modulating/demodulating device of modulator-demodulator 26 for example, the second graph editing device of graphic editor 27 for example, second audio/video (A/V) processing unit of A/V processor 28 for example, first modulating device of multichannel modulator 29 for example, the storage device of memory 30 for example, the code device of for example forward error correction (FEC) encoder 31, the digital to analogy conversion equipment of for example two digital-to-analog converters (DAC) 32, second modulating device of I-Q modulator 33 for example, the for example signal combination device of signal combiner 34 and for example control/demodulating equipment of controller/Return Channel demodulator 31.Can utilize integrated circuit (IC) to realize the aforementioned unit of Fig. 2, for example, any given unit can be included among one or more IC.Simple and clear for what describe, the certain conventional unit that is associated with server apparatus 20 is not shown, for example specific control signal, power signal and/or other unit among Fig. 2.
Front-end processor 21 operations are used to carry out the various front-end processing functions of server apparatus 20.According to exemplary embodiments, each front-end processor 21 operation is used to carry out processing capacity, comprising: channel tuner, analog to digital (A/D) conversion, demodulation, fec decoder and demultiplexing function.According to exemplary embodiments, the channel tuner function of each front-end processor 21 can be converted to baseband signal with the satellite broadcast signal from relative high frequency band (for example, greater than 1GHz).As described here, term " base band " refers to be in baseband level place or near signal.With tuned conversion of signals is digital signal, and described digital signal is carried out demodulation, to produce demodulated digital signal.According to exemplary embodiments, each front-end processor 21 can be operated and is used for the various types of signals of demodulation, for example quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) signal, phase shift keying (PSK, for example QPSK) signal and/or have the signal of other modulation type.The fec decoder function is applied to demodulated digital signal, thereby produces error corrected digital signals.According to typical embodiment, the fec decoder function of each front-end processor 21 can comprise: reed-solomon (R-S) FEC, deinterleaving, Viterbi and/or other function.Error corrected digital signals can comprise a plurality of time division multiplexing broadcast programs, and is one or more digital transport streams with its demultiplexing.As the purpose of example and explanation, the server apparatus 20 of Fig. 2 comprises four front-end processor 21 (that is, is used for local output device 40, and other is used for each client devices 50 and 60).Yet in practice, the number of front-end processor 21 is contents of design alternative.For example, the number of front-end processor 21 can change according to coaxial continuous client devices 50 of being served by server apparatus 20 and 60 number.Therefore, for " N " individual client devices 50 and 60, " N+1 " individual front-end processor 21 can be arranged, wherein " N " is integer.
22 operations of CA module are used for carrying out by the digital transport stream that deciphering provides from front-end processor 21 the CA function of server apparatus 20, thereby produce the digital transport stream of deciphering.According to exemplary embodiments, CA module 22 can comprise smart card and/or other unit that enables the CA function.
24 operations of A/V processor are used to carry out the various A/V processing capacities of server apparatus 20, and this realizes listening and/or visual output by local output device 40.According to typical embodiment, 24 operations of A/V processor are used for comprising Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) decoding, national television system committee (NTSC) or the coding of other type and the function of digital to analogy (D/A) translation function by execution, the decrypted digital transport streams that processing provides from CA module 22, thus analog baseband signal produced.In this manner, the decrypted digital transport streams that provides from CA module 22 is carried out mpeg decode, to produce decoded signal.Then, decoded signal is encoded to the signal (for example, PAL, SECAM, VAB, QAM etc.) of NTSC signal or other type, and is converted into analog signal.At local output device 40 is under the situation of for example digital device of digital television signal receiver, can omit the above-mentioned coding and/or the D/A function of A/V processor 24.
A/V output 25 operations are used for outputing to the A/V output function that local output device 40 is carried out server apparatus 20 by simulation and/or digital signal that graphic editor 23 and/or A/V processor 24 are provided.According to exemplary embodiments, A/V can be exported the 25 A/V output device that is embodied as any type, for example wired and/or wireless lead-out terminals of any type.
Modulator-demodulator 26 operations are used for and will represent that for example the signal of bill, pay TV information and/or out of Memory is provided to the service provider.According to exemplary embodiments, modulator-demodulator 26 can link to each other with the transmission medium of for example telephone wire, and can plan it, so that this information is offered the service provider according to scheduled time table (for example, the morning on Tuesday week about 2:00 etc.).
Graphic editor 27 operations are used to carry out the graphics edition function of server apparatus 20, and it realizes graphical display by first client devices 50.According to exemplary embodiments, graphic editor 27 produces simulation and/or digital signal, has represented for example graphical display of user interface (UI), and the user can be carried out with server apparatus 20, first client devices 50 and/or second client devices 60 alternately.
28 operations of A/V processor are used to carry out the various A/V processing capacities of server apparatus 20, and it realizes listening and/or visual output by first client devices 50.According to typical embodiment, 28 operations of A/V processor are used for utilizing and A/V processor 24 identical functions (comprise aforesaid mpeg decode, NTSC or other coding, and D/A translation function) handles the one or more decrypted digital transport streams that provide from CA module 22, thereby produce analog baseband signal.
Multichannel modulator 29 operation is used to modulate the analog signal that provides from graphic editor 27 and/or A/V processor 28, thereby and produces first analog signal that can be provided to first client devices 50 by the coaxial cable of Connection Service device equipment 20 and first, second client devices 50 and 60.Multichannel modulator 29 can be carried out the function of conversion on the frequency for example, Orthogonal Composite, filtering and/or other function.According to exemplary embodiments, one or more control signals that multichannel modulator 29 response slave controllers 35 provide are come modulated analog signal.This control signal makes multichannel modulator 29 that analog signal is modulated to one or more available band on coaxial cable, and described coaxial cable is used for first analog signal is provided to first client devices 50 from server apparatus 20.According to exemplary embodiments, multichannel modulator 29 is modulated to frequency band less than 1GHz with analog signal.
The coded digital signal that two DAC 32 operations are used for providing from FEC encoder 31 is converted to analog baseband signal.According to exemplary embodiments, two DAC 32 produce analog baseband signal, as the I (that is homophase) and Q (that is the quadrature) signal that separate.
33 operations of I-Q modulator are used to modulate I and the Q analog baseband signal that provides from two DAC 32, thereby produce second analog signal that can be provided to one or more second client devices 60 by the coaxial cable of Connection Service device equipment 20 and first, second client devices 50 and 60.I-Q modulator 33 can be carried out the function of conversion on the frequency for example, Orthogonal Composite, filtering and/or other function.According to exemplary embodiments, one or more control signals that I-Q modulator 33 response slave controllers 35 provide are modulated analog baseband signal.This control signal makes I-Q modulator 33 that analog baseband signal is modulated to one or more available band on the coaxial cable, and described coaxial cable is used for second analog signal is provided to one or more second client devices 60 from server apparatus 20.According to exemplary embodiments, I-Q modulator 33 is modulated to radio frequency (RF) wave band less than 1GHz with analog baseband signal.
According to optional embodiment, can utilize single DAC and radio frequency modulator (Fig. 2 is not shown) to replace two DAC 32 and I-Q modulator 33.Utilize this optional embodiment, the I-Q modulation function can be covered in the FEC encoder 31 that produces the baseband coding digital signal.Single DAC is converted to analog signal with the baseband coding digital signal.Then, radio frequency modulator is modulated to one or more available frequency bands on the coaxial cable with analog signal, so that be sent to one or more second client devices 60.
Signal combiner 34 operation is used to make up first and second analog signals that provide from multichannel modulator 29 and I-Q modulator 33, and first and second analog signals are outputed to first and second client devices 50 and 60 respectively.Although among Fig. 2 presented for purpose of illustration with the motivated signal combiner of explaining 34 that shows, its function can be attached in multichannel modulator 29 and the I-Q modulator 33.
Controller/Return Channel demodulator 35 operations are used to carry out the various functions of server apparatus 20, comprise data retrieval function, controlled function and Return Channel demodulation function.According to exemplary embodiments, controller 35 can be carried out data retrieval function from one or more control signals of memory 30 key numbers data by producing.In addition, according to exemplary embodiments, controller 35 operations are used to detect the one or more available band on the coaxial cable, and described coaxial cable is used for providing first and second analog signals to first and second client devices 50 and 60 respectively from server apparatus 20.As previously mentioned, detect according to this, controller 35 produces the one or more control signals that are used to control multichannel modulator 29 and I-Q modulator 33.
According to exemplary embodiments, controller 35 dynamically scans a plurality of frequency bands on the coaxial cable, thereby detects one or more available band.Controller 35 can detect available band by the signal power of measuring in the frequency band.If the signal power in the frequency band is lower than threshold value, controller 35 definite these frequency bands can be used.According to another exemplary embodiments, controller 35 can be imported the one or more available band that detect on the coaxial cable according to the user.For example, the user can be by utilizing UI on the screen that local output device 40 provides, carry out alternately with server apparatus 20 and/or one or more first and second client devices 50 and 60, this makes the user select being used for one or more frequency bands that the signal between server apparatus 20 and first, second client devices 50 and 60 transmits on the coaxial cable.In this manner, the user can make the special frequency band on the coaxial cable be exclusively used in (that is, " notched out ") server apparatus 20 and
One, the transmission of the signal between second client devices 50 and 60.
In addition, according to exemplary embodiments, Return Channel demodulator 35 operation be used for demodulation by coaxial cable from first and second client devices 50 and 60 request signals that provide, described coaxial cable is as Return Channel.This request signal can Control Server equipment 20 various functions, for example aforementioned data retrieval function and channel tuner function.For example, the demodulated request signal that Return Channel demodulator 35 produces can make controller 31 produce corresponding control signal, and this can be stored in certain digital data (for example broadcast data) in the memory 30 and/or from memory 30 and retrieve.The demodulated request signal that Return Channel demodulator 35 produces can also make controller 31 produce corresponding control signal, is used for coming the control channel tuber function by front-end processor 21.
With reference to figure 3, show the block diagram of one of second client devices 60 of Fig. 1 of the exemplary embodiments according to the present invention.In Fig. 3, second client devices 60 comprises: for example the A/V processing unit of the figure editing apparatus of the Return Channel processing unit of the front end processing device of front-end processor 61, for example Return Channel processor 62, for example graphic editor 63, for example A/V processor 64 and for example the A/V output device of A/V output 65.Can utilize IC to realize the aforementioned unit of Fig. 3, for example, any given unit can be included among one or more IC.Simple and clear for what describe, the certain conventional unit that is associated with second client devices 60 is not shown, for example specific control signal, power signal and/or other unit among Fig. 3.
Front-end processor 61 operations are used to carry out the various front-end processing functions of second client devices 60.According to exemplary embodiments, front-end processor 61 operations are used to carry out processing capacity, comprising: channel tuner, A/D conversion, demodulation, fec decoder and demultiplexing function.According to exemplary embodiments, second analog signal conversion that the channel tuner function of front-end processor 61 will provide from server apparatus 20 by coaxial cable is a baseband signal.With tuned conversion of signals is digital signal, and described digital signal is carried out demodulation, to produce demodulated digital signal.According to exemplary embodiments, front-end processor 61 can be operated and is used for the various types of signals of demodulation, for example QAM signal, QPSK signal and/or have the signal of other modulation type.The fec decoder function is applied to demodulated digital signal, thereby produces error corrected digital signals.According to exemplary embodiments, the fec decoder function of front-end processor 61 can comprise: R-S FEC, deinterleaving, Viterbi and/or other function.Error corrected digital signals can be with comprising a plurality of time division multiplexing broadcast programs, and be one or more digital transport streams with its demultiplexing.
62 operations of Return Channel processor are used to carry out the various Return Channel processing capacities of second client devices 60.According to exemplary embodiments, 62 operations of Return Channel processor are used to produce the request signal of the user's input that responds second client devices 60, and this request signal can be used for Control Server equipment 20.For example, Return Channel processor 62 can produce the request signal of response user input, and described user imports request server equipment 20 and write down particular data (for example, concrete broadcast program) in memory 30.As another example, Return Channel processor 62 can produce the request signal of response user input, described user imports the request retrieval and (for example write down particular data in the memory 30 of server apparatus 20, the broadcast program of record), and the coaxial cable by Connection Service device equipment 20 and first, second client devices 50 and 60 it is provided to second client devices 60.As another example, Return Channel processor 62 can produce the request signal of response user input, described user import request server equipment 20 be tuned to particular channel and the coaxial cable by Connection Service device equipment 20 and first, second client devices 50 and 60 provide signal from this channel to second client devices 60.Given request signal can comprise the various types of information as the design alternative content.For example, request signal can comprise the information of coming recognition data or signal according to one or more corresponding digital transport streams.Under server apparatus 20 was receiving situation from the signal of broadcasting-satellite system, request signal can also comprise that indication provides the information of the specific repeater-transmitter of one or more digital transport streams.The information that can also comprise other type in the request signal.
In addition, according to exemplary embodiments, 62 operations of Return Channel processor are used to detect the one or more available band on the coaxial cable, and described coaxial cable can be used to provide the request signal from second client devices 60 to server apparatus 20.According to exemplary embodiments, Return Channel processor 62 can detect the one or more available band on the coaxial cable according to the mode identical with the controller 35 of server apparatus 20.Particularly, Return Channel processor 62 can dynamically scan a plurality of frequency bands on the coaxial cable, thereby detect one or more available frequency bands, and/or, detect the one or more available band on the coaxial cable according to user's input of selecting one or more available band.
According to first exemplary embodiments, Return Channel processor 62 can also be controlled the channel tuner function of front-end processor 61.For example, Return Channel processor 62 can be comprise one of the available band that dynamically detected or the frequency band of being selected by the user in gateway device 20 request, so that the frequency band that signalisation front-end processor 61 tuning these available band or user select.
According to second exemplary embodiments, Return Channel processor 62 can comprise all available band in request, and gateway device 20 is selected one of available band, so that the channel of selecting from the user provides broadcast singal.In second exemplary embodiments, after gateway device 20 provides request signal, Return Channel processor 62 can dynamically scan a plurality of frequency bands on the coaxial cable, so that the digital transport stream of the needs that provide from gateway device 20 is provided.According to this second embodiment, Return Channel processor 62 can be handled the signal from a plurality of frequency bands, thereby detects the digital transport stream of hope.For example, Return Channel processor 62 can detect program identification information in from the signal of a plurality of frequency bands, thereby detects the digital transport stream that needs.In case detect the digital transport stream that needs, Return Channel processor 62 can front-end processor 61 provide control signal, this makes on the front-end processor 61 tuning coaxial cables special frequency band that needs digital transport stream is provided.
In the 3rd exemplary embodiments, Return Channel processor 62 does not comprise frequency band in request, and gateway device 20 must detect available band, so that the channel of selecting from the user provides broadcast singal.In the 3rd exemplary embodiments, as described in about second exemplary embodiments, Return Channel should detect the digital transport stream that needs, and makes on the front-end processor 61 tuning coaxial cables special frequency band that needs digital transport stream is provided.
64 operations of A/V processor are used to carry out the various A/V processing capacities of second client devices 60.According to typical embodiment, A/V processor 64 operation is used to carry out the coding that comprises mpeg decode, NTSC or other type and the function of D/A translation function.In this manner, the digital transport stream that provides from front-end processor 61 is carried out mpeg decode, to produce decoded signal.Then, decoded signal is encoded to the signal (for example, PAL, SECAM, VAB, QAM etc.) of NTSC signal or other type, and is converted into analog signal.At local output device 70 is under the situation of for example digital device of digital television signal receiver, can omit the above-mentioned coding and/or the D/A function of A/V processor 64.
A/V output 65 operations are used for outputing to the A/V output function that local output device 70 is carried out second client devices 60 by simulation and/or digital signal that graphic editor 63 and/or A/V processor 64 are provided.According to exemplary embodiments, A/V can be exported the 65 A/V output device that is embodied as any type, for example wired and/or wireless lead-out terminals of any type.
For the ease of better understanding inventive principle of the present invention, provide example now.With reference to figure 4, flow chart 400 shows the step of the exemplary embodiments according to the present invention.Presented for purpose of illustration with the purpose of explaining, the step of Fig. 4 is described with reference to the unit of the environment of earlier figures 1.The step of Fig. 4 is only as example, and and is not intended to limit by any way the present invention.
In step 410, the signal that provides from broadcast source is provided server apparatus 20.According to exemplary embodiments, server apparatus 20 receives from signal one or more signal sources, for example audio frequency, video and/or other data-signal by signal receiving unit 10, for example, described signal source is broadcasting-satellite system and/or other system of digital terrestrial broadcast system for example.
In step 420, server apparatus 20 detect with its with first, second client devices 50 and coaxial cable that 60 link to each other on one or more usable frequencies.As previously mentioned, in step 420, controller 35 can dynamically scan a plurality of frequency bands on the coaxial cable, detecting one or more available band, and/or imports according to the user who selects available band and to detect one or more available band.
In step 430, server apparatus 20 produces first analog signal.In Fig. 5, further provide according to the present invention exemplary embodiments about the details of the step 430 of Fig. 4.The details of Fig. 5 is only as example, and and is not intended to limit by any way the present invention.As shown in Figure 5, the step 430 of Fig. 4 comprises substep 432,434 and 436.
In step 432, server apparatus 20 produces digital transport stream according to the broadcast singal that is received.According to exemplary embodiments, utilize aforesaid channel tuner, A/D conversion, demodulation, fec decoder and demultiplexing function, produce digital transport stream by one of front-end processor 21 in step 432.
In step 434, server apparatus 20 produces analog baseband signal according to the digital transport stream that produces in step 432.According to exemplary embodiments, utilize aforesaid mpeg decode, NTSC or other coding, and the D/A translation function, produce analog baseband signal by A/V processor 28 in step 434.
In step 436,20 pairs of analog baseband signals that produce in step 434 of server apparatus are modulated, thereby produce first analog signal.According to exemplary embodiments, one or more control signals that multichannel modulator 29 response slave controllers 35 provide are modulated to analog baseband signal in step 436 one of available band on, the coaxial cable detected in step 420.
Turn back to Fig. 4, in step 440, server apparatus 20 produces second analog signal.In Fig. 6, further provide according to the present invention exemplary embodiments about the details of the step 440 of Fig. 4.The details of Fig. 6 is only as example, and and is not intended to limit by any way the present invention.As shown in Figure 6, the step 440 of Fig. 4 comprises substep 442,444,446 and 448.
In step 442, server apparatus 20 produces digital transport stream according to the broadcast singal that is received.According to exemplary embodiments, utilize aforesaid channel tuner, A/D conversion, demodulation, fec decoder and demultiplexing function, produce digital transport stream by one of front-end processor 21 in step 432.
In step 444, server apparatus 20 utilizes error correction data, and the digital transport stream that produces in step 442 is encoded.According to exemplary embodiments, by carrying out R-S FEC, data interlacing, Viterbi and/or other function, FEC encoder 31 is encoded at step 444 pair digital transport stream.
In step 446, server apparatus 20 will be converted to analog baseband signal at the coded digital signal that step 444 produces.According to exemplary embodiments, two DAC 32 are produced as analog baseband signal the I (that is homophase) and Q (that is the quadrature) signal of separation.
In step 448,20 pairs of analog baseband signals that produce in step 446 of server apparatus are modulated, thereby produce second analog signal.According to exemplary embodiments, one or more control signals that I-Q modulator 33 response slave controllers 35 provide are modulated to analog baseband signal in step 448 one of available band on, the coaxial cable detected in step 420.
Return with reference to figure 4, in step 450, that server apparatus 20 utilizes is detected in step 420, one of the available band on the coaxial cable, will be provided to first client devices 50 in first analog signal that step 430 produces.Similarly, in step 460, that server apparatus 20 utilizes is detected in step 420, one of the available band on the coaxial cable, will be provided to second client devices 60 in second analog signal that step 440 produces.The frequency bands that use in step 450 and 460 can be same frequency bands, in this case, in different time interim, send first and second analog signals on coaxial cable.Alternatively, the frequency bands that use in step 450 and 460 can be different frequency bands, in this case, can be simultaneously or in fact simultaneously, on coaxial cable, send first and second analog signals.In addition, can be according to simultaneously the mode step of execution graph 4 repeatedly, thus first and second analog signals are provided to " N " individual different first and second client devices 50 and 50 simultaneously.In this manner, for example, according to mode simultaneously, server apparatus 20 is assigned to " N " individual different first and second client devices 50 and 60 with " N " individual different broadcast programs.
As mentioned above, the invention provides a kind of equipment and method, can utilize existing coaxial cable infrastructure in family and/or commercial domicile, to distribute audio frequency, video and/or data-signal.The present invention can be applied to have or do not have the various device of display device.Therefore, phrase used herein " TV-signal receiver " is meant the system or equipment including, but not limited to following equipment: comprise television set, computer or the monitor of display device and do not comprise display device such as system or equipments such as set-top box, video tape recorder (VCR), digital versatile disc (DVD) player, video game box, personal video recorder (PVR), computer or miscellaneous equipments.
Although the present invention with decision design has been described, in spirit and scope of the present disclosure, can further revise the present invention.Therefore, the application is intended to cover of the present invention any modification, use or the change that utilizes its general principle.In addition, this invention is intended to cover and broken away from the disclosure but be in those skilled in the art's known or traditional range and fall into situation in the restriction of claims.
Claims (32)
1, a kind of server apparatus (20) comprising:
Receiving system (21) is used for receiving broadcast signal;
First processing unit (28,29) is used to respond the described signal that receives and produces first analog signal;
Second processing unit (31-33) is used to respond the described signal that receives and produces second analog signal;
Wherein, first analog signal has the coding different with second analog signal, and by connecting the transmission medium of described server apparatus (20) and first client devices (50), described first analog signal is offered described first client devices (50); And
Wherein, by connecting the transmission medium of described server apparatus (20) and second client devices (60), described second analog signal is offered described second client devices (60).
2, server apparatus according to claim 1 (20) is characterized in that, described transmission medium comprises the RG-59 cable.
3, server apparatus according to claim 1 (20) is characterized in that, described broadcast source comprises satellite source.
4, server apparatus according to claim 1 (20) is characterized in that, described broadcast source comprises source, digital land.
5, server apparatus according to claim 1 (20) is characterized in that, described receiving system (21) is handled the described signal that receives, to produce digital transport stream.
6, server apparatus according to claim 5 (20) is characterized in that, described first processing unit (28,29) comprising:
A/V processing unit (28) is used to handle described digital transport stream, to produce analog baseband signal; And
Modulating device (29) is used to modulate described analog baseband signal, to produce described first analog signal.
7, server apparatus according to claim 5 (20) is characterized in that, described second processing unit (31-33) comprising:
Code device (31) is used for described digital transport stream is encoded, to produce coded digital signal;
Digital to analogy conversion equipment (32) is used for described coded digital signal is converted to analog baseband signal; And
Modulating device (33) is used to modulate described analog baseband signal, to produce described second analog signal.
8, server apparatus according to claim 1 (20) also comprises:
Control device (35) is used to detect the available band on the described transmission medium; And
Described available band is used for providing described first analog signal to described first client devices (50), and is used for providing described second analog signal to described second client devices (60).
9, server apparatus according to claim 8 (20) is characterized in that, a plurality of frequency bands on the described transmission medium of described control device (35) scanning are so that detect described available band.
10, server apparatus according to claim 8 (20) is characterized in that, described control device (35) is imported according to the user who selects described available band and detected described available band.
11, a kind of being used for comprises step from the method (400) of server apparatus to first client devices and the second client devices distributing signal:
Reception is from the signal (410) of broadcast source;
Respond the described signal that receives and produce first analog signal (430);
Respond the described signal that receives and produce second analog signal (440), wherein first analog signal has the coding different with second analog signal;
By connecting the transmission medium of the described server apparatus and first client devices, described first analog signal is offered described first client devices (450); And
By connecting the transmission medium of the described server apparatus and second client devices, described second analog signal is offered described second client devices (460).
12, method according to claim 11 (400) is characterized in that, described transmission medium comprises the RG-59 cable.
13, method according to claim 11 (400) is characterized in that, described broadcast source comprises satellite source.
14, method according to claim 11 (400) is characterized in that, described broadcast source comprises source, digital land.
15, method according to claim 11 (400) is characterized in that, the step (430) of described generation first analog signal comprises:
Handle the described signal that receives, to produce digital transport stream (432);
Handle described digital transport stream, to produce analog baseband signal (434); And
Modulate described analog baseband signal, to produce described first analog signal (436).
16, method according to claim 11 (400) is characterized in that, the step (440) of described generation second analog signal comprises:
Handle the described signal that receives, to produce digital transport stream (442);
Described digital transport stream is encoded, to produce coded digital signal (444);
Described coded digital signal is converted to analog baseband signal (446); And
Modulate described analog baseband signal, to produce described second analog signal (448).
17, method according to claim 11 (400) also comprises step:
Detect the available band (420) on the described transmission medium; And
Wherein said available band is used for providing described first analog signal to described first client devices.
18, method according to claim 17 (400) is characterized in that described detection step (420) comprises a plurality of available band on the described transmission medium of scanning, to discern described available band.
19, method according to claim 17 (400) is characterized in that, described detection step (420) is to import according to the user who selects described available band to carry out.
20, method according to claim 11 (400) also comprises step:
Detect the available band (420) on the described transmission medium; And
Wherein said available band is used for providing described second analog signal to described second client devices.
21, method according to claim 20 (400) is characterized in that described detection step (420) comprises a plurality of available band on the described transmission medium of scanning, to discern described available band.
22, method according to claim 20 (400) is characterized in that, described detection step (420) is to import according to the user who selects described available band to carry out.
23, a kind of server apparatus (20) comprising:
Receiving element (21), operation is used for receiving broadcast signal;
First processing unit (28,29), operation is used to respond the described signal that receives and produces first analog signal;
Second processing unit (31-33), operation is used to respond the described signal that receives and produces second analog signal, and wherein, first analog signal has the coding different with second analog signal;
Wherein, described first analog signal is offered described first client devices (50) by connecting the transmission medium of described server apparatus (20) and first client devices (50); And
Wherein, by connecting the transmission medium of described server apparatus (20) and second client devices (60), described second analog signal is offered described second client devices (60).
24, server apparatus according to claim 23 (20) is characterized in that, described transmission medium comprises the RG-59 cable.
25, server apparatus according to claim 23 (20) is characterized in that, described broadcast source comprises satellite source.
26, server apparatus according to claim 23 (20) is characterized in that, described broadcast source comprises source, digital land.
27, server apparatus according to claim 23 (20) is characterized in that, described receiving element (21) is also operated and is used to handle the described signal that receives, to produce digital transport stream.
28, server apparatus according to claim 27 (20) is characterized in that, described first processing unit (28,29) comprising:
A/V processor (28), operation is used to handle described digital transport stream, to produce analog baseband signal; And
Modulator (29), operation is used to modulate described analog baseband signal, to produce described first analog signal.
29, server apparatus according to claim 27 (20) is characterized in that, described second processing unit (31-33) comprising:
Encoder (31) is used for described digital transport stream is encoded, to produce coded digital signal;
Digital-to-analog converter (32) is used for described coded digital signal is converted to analog baseband signal; And
Modulator (33) is used to modulate described analog baseband signal, to produce described second analog signal.
30, server apparatus according to claim 23 (20) also comprises:
Controller (35) is used to detect the available band on the described transmission medium; And
Described available band is used for providing described first analog signal to described first client devices (50), and is used for providing described second analog signal to described second client devices (60).
31, server apparatus according to claim 30 (20) is characterized in that, a plurality of frequency bands on the described transmission medium of described controller (35) scanning are so that detect described available band.
32, server apparatus according to claim 8 (20) is characterized in that, described control device (35) is imported according to the user who selects described available band and detected described available band.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US45376303P | 2003-03-11 | 2003-03-11 | |
| US60/453,763 | 2003-03-11 | ||
| US60/453,491 | 2003-03-11 |
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| CN1759608A true CN1759608A (en) | 2006-04-12 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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| CN200480006360.7A Expired - Fee Related CN1759606B (en) | 2003-03-11 | 2004-03-09 | Apparatus and method for distributing signals by down-converting to vacant channels |
| CN 200480006522 Pending CN1759608A (en) | 2003-03-11 | 2004-03-09 | Apparatus and method for distributing signals |
| CN 200480006520 Pending CN1759607A (en) | 2003-03-11 | 2004-03-09 | Apparatus and method for controlling signals distribution by backward channel |
| CNB2004800062835A Expired - Fee Related CN100431347C (en) | 2003-03-11 | 2004-03-09 | Apparatus and method for distributing signals by down-converting to vacant channels |
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| CN200480006360.7A Expired - Fee Related CN1759606B (en) | 2003-03-11 | 2004-03-09 | Apparatus and method for distributing signals by down-converting to vacant channels |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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| CN 200480006520 Pending CN1759607A (en) | 2003-03-11 | 2004-03-09 | Apparatus and method for controlling signals distribution by backward channel |
| CNB2004800062835A Expired - Fee Related CN100431347C (en) | 2003-03-11 | 2004-03-09 | Apparatus and method for distributing signals by down-converting to vacant channels |
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Cited By (1)
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN104412577A (en) * | 2012-02-23 | 2015-03-11 | 大专院校网站公司 | Asynchronous video interview system |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2010088625A1 (en) * | 2009-01-30 | 2010-08-05 | Techwell, Inc. | Mixed format media transmission systems and methods |
| WO2011075155A1 (en) * | 2009-12-14 | 2011-06-23 | Thomson Licensing | Method and apparatus for detecting transmitters for a white space device |
| EP3075086A1 (en) * | 2013-11-25 | 2016-10-05 | Saronikos Trading and Services, Unipessoal Lda. | Method and system for the transmission and reception of radiotelevision signals of the terrestrial digital broadcasting type, and related transmitter, receiver system, transmodulator and receiver |
| WO2017205989A1 (en) * | 2016-05-31 | 2017-12-07 | Sumatronic Ag | System and method for transmitting from radio transmitters to cable networks with increased data traffic in the vhf range |
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| IT1208406B (en) * | 1987-04-27 | 1989-06-12 | Sisvel Spa | PROVISION FOR RECEPTION OF TELEVISION PROGRAMS DIRECTED BY SATELLITE |
| JP3812599B2 (en) * | 1995-12-25 | 2006-08-23 | ソニー株式会社 | Reception system and reception method, and signal processing apparatus and method |
| US6084638A (en) * | 1996-10-08 | 2000-07-04 | Hare; Charles S. | Computer interface extension system and method |
| JP3480241B2 (en) * | 1997-05-26 | 2003-12-15 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | Video signal playback device |
| JP4009789B2 (en) * | 1997-10-09 | 2007-11-21 | ソニー株式会社 | Transmitter |
| KR100713569B1 (en) * | 1999-01-12 | 2007-05-02 | 소니 가부시끼 가이샤 | Information distribution system |
| JP4547761B2 (en) * | 2000-03-01 | 2010-09-22 | ソニー株式会社 | Reception device, television transmission system, and television transmission method |
| WO2002089479A2 (en) * | 2001-04-26 | 2002-11-07 | Nds Limited | Home network system |
| US6975836B2 (en) * | 2001-06-28 | 2005-12-13 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Data broadcasting system, receiving terminal device, contents providing server, and contents providing method |
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- 2004-03-09 CN CN200480006360.7A patent/CN1759606B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2004-03-09 CN CN 200480006522 patent/CN1759608A/en active Pending
- 2004-03-09 CN CN 200480006520 patent/CN1759607A/en active Pending
- 2004-03-09 CN CNB2004800062835A patent/CN100431347C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN104412577A (en) * | 2012-02-23 | 2015-03-11 | 大专院校网站公司 | Asynchronous video interview system |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CN1762156A (en) | 2006-04-19 |
| CN100431347C (en) | 2008-11-05 |
| CN1759607A (en) | 2006-04-12 |
| CN1759606B (en) | 2010-05-05 |
| CN1759606A (en) | 2006-04-12 |
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