EA004380B1 - Universal digital broadcast system and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

1. A universal broadcast system providing full digital services via a uni-directional communications link over a plurality of channels, each of said channels providing one of VOD or digital broadcast, said universal broadcast system comprising: first digital broadcast circuitry for a first channel of said universal broadcast system, said first channel being a digital broadcast channel, said first digital broadcast circuitry including: a plurality of first digital broadcast data sources each providing data intended for broadcast in a digital broadcast mode over said first channel; a plurality of digital data encoders each coupled to a corresponding unique one of said plurality of data sources, each of said digital data encoders operable to encode received data into a digital program stream format; a first data merger device coupled to said plurality of digital data encoders, said data merger device operable to merge data received in a digital program stream format into first merged digital stream data; a first channel server coupled to said data merger device, said first channel server operable to generate a first modulated intermediate frequency signal from said first merged digital stream data; a first up converter device coupled to said first channel server, said first up converter device operable to convert said first modulated intermediate frequency signal into a first radio frequency signal; and a combiner amplifier coupled to said first channel circuitry, said combiner amplifier operable to amplify, condition and combine received radio frequency signals such as said first radio frequency signal, said output of said combiner amplifier suitable to deliver said plurality of channels across a uni-directional communications medium. 2. A universal broadcast system as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of first digital broadcast sources is an analog video source. 3. A universal broadcast system as recited in claim 2, wherein said analog video source is an analog video camera. 4. A universal broadcast system as recited in claim 2, wherein said analog video source is an analog video cassette recorder. 5. A universal broadcast system as recited in claim 2, wherein said analog video source is television program source. 6. A universal broadcast system as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of first digital broadcast sources is an digital video source. 7. A universal broadcast system as recited in claim 6, wherein said digital video source is an MPEG data file. 8. A universal broadcast system as recited in claim 6, wherein said digital video source is an MPEG transport stream. 9. A universal broadcast system as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of digital data encoders is an MPEG encoder. 10. A universal broadcast system as recited in claim 1 wherein said first data merger device and said first channel server are fabricated as a single device. 11. A universal broadcast system as recited in claim 1 wherein said first digital broadcast circuitry is one of a plurality of digital broadcast circuitry for a portion of said plurality of channels of said universal broadcasts system. 12. A universal broadcast system as recited in claim 1, said universal broadcast system further comprising: a central controlling server; a central storage device storing data intended for on-demand data provision; first data-on-demand circuitry for a second channel of said universal broadcast system, said second channel being a data-on-demand channel, said first data-on-demand circuitry including: a second channel server having a second channel server CPU, local memory, a modulator, and a network interface, said second channel server operable to generate a second modulated intermediate frequency signal from digital data stored in said local memory; and a second channel up converter device coupled to said second channel server, said second up converter device operable to convert said second modulated intermediate frequency signal into a second radio frequency signal provided to said combiner amplifier. 13. A universal broadcast system as recited in claim 12, wherein said central controlling server is operable to select said second channel and calculate a delivery matrix for transmitting data files stored on said central storage device on said second channel. 14. A universal broadcast system as recited in claim 13, wherein said central control server is further operable to provide offline addition, deletion, and update of data file information at said second controlling server. 15. A universal broadcast system as recited in claim 12 wherein said central control server manages files stored on said central storage device. 16. A universal broadcast system providing full digital services via a unidirectional communications link over a plurality of channels, each of said channels providing one of VOD or digital broadcast, said universal broadcast system comprising: first digital broadcast circuitry for a first channel of said universal broadcast system, said first channel being a digital broadcast channel, said first digital broadcast circuitry including: a plurality of first digital broadcast data sources each providing data intended for broadcast in a digital broadcast mode over said first channel; a plurality of digital data encoders each coupled to a corresponding unique one of said plurality of data sources, each of said digital data encoders operable to encode received data into a digital program stream format; a first data merger device coupled to said plurality of digital data encoders, said data merger device operable to merge data received in a digital program stream format into first merged digital stream data; a first channel server coupled to said data merger device, said first channel server operable to generate a first modulated intermediate frequency signal from said first merged digital stream data; a first up converter device coupled to said first channel server, said first up converter device operable to convert said first modulated intermediate frequency signal into a first radio frequency signal; and a combiner amplifier coupled to said first channel circuitry, said combiner amplifier operable to amplify, condition and combine received radio frequency signals such as said first radio frequency signal, said output of said combiner amplifier suitable to deliver said plurality of channels across a uni-directional communications medium; a central controlling server; a central storage device storing data intended for on-demand data provision; first data-on-demand circuitry for a second channel of said universal broadcast system, said second channel being a data-on-demand channel, said first data-on-demand circuitry including: a second channel server having a second channel server CPU, local memory, a modulator, and a network interface, said first channel server operable to generate a second modulated intermediate frequency signal from digital data stored in said local memory; and a second channel up converter device coupled to said second channel server, said second up converter device operable to convert said second modulated intermediate frequency signal into a second radio frequency signal provided to said combiner amplifier. 17. A universal broadcast system as recited in claim 16 wherein said first data merger device and said first channel server are fabricated as a single device. 18. A universal broadcast system as recited in claim 16 wherein said first digital broadcast circuitry is one of a plurality of digital broadcast circuitry for a portion of said plurality of channels of said universal broadcasts system. 19. A universal broadcast system as recited in claim 16, wherein said central controlling server is operable to select said second channel and calculate a delivery matrix for transmitting data files stored on said central storage device on said second channel. 20. A universal broadcast system as recited in claim 19, wherein said central control server is further operable to provide offline addition, deletion, and update of data file information at said second controlling server. 21. A universal broadcast system as recited in claim 16 wherein said central control server manages files stored on said central storage device. 22. A universal broadcast system providing full digital services via a unidirectional communications link over a plurality of channels, each of said channels providing one of VOD or digital broadcast, said universal broadcast system comprising: a plurality of digital broadcast circuitry one each for a corresponding portion of said plurality of channels of said universal broadcast system each being a digital broadcast channel, each of said digital broadcast circuitry operable to generate digital broadcast data over a corresponding channel; a central controlling server; a central storage device storing data intended for on-demand data provision; a plurality of data-on-demand circuitry for a corresponding portion of said plurality of channels of said universal broadcast system each being a data-on-demand channel, each of said data-on-demand circuitry operable to generate on-demand data over a corresponding channel, each data-on-demand circuitry including a corresponding channel server having a channel server CPU, local memory, a modulator, and a network interface, wherein said central controlling server is operable to select a particular data-on-demand channel and calculate a delivery matrix for transmitting data files stored on said central storage device on said data-on-demand channel, provide offline addition, deletion, and update of data file information at said second controlling server. 23. A computer implemented universal data broadcast method comprising the acts of: providing a first channel server suitable for the transmission of digital broadcast data via a first channel; providing a second channel server suitable for the transm

Description

The present invention relates to digital broadcasting technology and the transfer of "video on demand". In particular, the present invention deals with methods and systems that provide a full range of digital services such as “video on demand”, digital broadcasting and time shift using any means of broadcasting, as well as a universal set-top box (TP) that provides a full range of digital services. .

Background of the invention

Various mechanisms can be used to encode and transmit digital data. For example, the International Organization for Standardization (hereinafter - 18O / 1EC) developed the MPES-2 standard, which is used to encode films and the accompanying sound. In view of the widespread use of the standard MPEC-2 and its relevance to the present invention, it is useful to conduct a preliminary discussion.

The 18O / 1EC MRES-2 standard is described in four documents. Document 18О / 1ЕС 13818-1 (system) defines system coding. It defines the multiplex structure for combining audio and video data and means of presenting synchronization information for playing back synchronized sequences in real time. Document 18О / 1ЕС 13818-2 (video) describes the encoded representation of video data and the decoding process for image restoration. Document 18O / 1EC 13818-3 (audio) describes the encoded representation of audio data and the decoding process for restoring audio data. Finally, document 18О / 1ЕС 13818-4 (agreement) describes the procedures for determining the characteristics of coded bit streams and checking compliance with the requirements set forth in documents 18О / 1ЕС 13818-1, 13818-2 and 13818-3. These four documents (having the common name “MPE-2 standard”) are given in this case as a reference.

In the context of digital broadcasting systems, the bit stream multiplied in accordance with the MPE-2 standard is a “transport stream” constructed from packets of “packetized elementary streams” (PEP) and packets containing other necessary information. “Elementary Stream” is a generic term for one of (a) encoded video, (b) encoded audio, or (c) other encoded bitstreams in the sequence of AEP packets with one stream identifier. Transport streams provide multiplication of compressed video and audio streams from one program with a common scale along the time axis.

FIG. 1 illustrating the prior art, the packaging of video data 106 of video sequence 102 into a probe trace 108 is shown, and then into the stream packet of transport stream 112. In particular, video sequence 102 includes various headers 104 and associated video data 106. Video sequence 102 is broken down into segments variable length, while each of them is supplied with a header 110 of the associated probe package with the formation of a stream of probe packets 108. Then the stream of probe packets 108 is disassembled into segments, each of which is supplied etsya transport stream header 114 to form a transport stream 112. The length of each transport stream packet 112 is 188 bytes.

Transport streams ensure the formation of one or more programs with one or more independent scales along the time axis into a single stream. Traffic flows are used when the storage device and / or vehicles are noisy. The transmission rate of transport streams and their component packetized elementary streams (PEP) may be fixed or variable. This speed is determined by the value and location of the program synchronization reference fields within the transport stream.

In accordance with the standard MPEC-2, the probe package includes a probe packet header consisting of a 24-bit prefix field of the start code, an 8-bit stream identifier field, a 16-bit probe length field, an optional probe header, and a useful portion or data portion 706. The MPES-2 standard describes each of these fields.

The MPEC-2 standard focuses on the encoding and transmission of video and audio data. In general, the MPES-2 standard uses compression algorithms that provide more efficient storage and transmission of video and audio data.

FIG. 2, illustrating the prior art, shows a block diagram of a digital broadcasting system 200, which includes a digital broadcast server 202 and a set-top box 204, which processes digital broadcast data. FIG. 2 shows not only the nodes of the system, but also the technological route of encoding, transmitting (from digital broadcasting server 202 to set-top box 204), and decoding video and audio data in accordance with the MPEC-2 standard. Obviously, when using the conventional broadcast method in accordance with the prior art, the transport stream MPEC-2 is used in streaming mode.

In the digital broadcast server 202, video data is fed to the encoding device 206, in which they are encoded according to the MPE-2 standard (described in document 18О / 1ЕС 13818-2). The video encoding device 206 transmits the encoded video data 208 to a wrapper 210, in which the encoded video data 208 is packaged. Then from the output of the packer 210, the packaged coded video data 212 is input to the multiplexer of the transport stream 214.

Similarly, in the digital broadcast server 202, the audio data is fed to the encoding device 216, in which they are encoded according to the MPEC-2 standard (described in document 18О / 1ЕС 13818-3). The audio data encoder 216 transmits the encoded audio data 218 to a wrapper 220, in which the encoded audio data 218 is packaged. Then from the output of the packaging device 220, the packaged encoded audio data 222 is fed to the input of the multiplexer of the transport stream 214.

The multiplexer of the transport stream 214 multiplexes the encoded video and audio data packets and, via the distribution infrastructure 224, transmits the received multiplexed stream to the input of the set-top box 204. For example, a telephone network and / or a cable television system that uses optical fiber and protocols are used as distribution infrastructure 224 asynchronous data transfer. A transport stream demultiplexer 230 located at the far end of the distribution infrastructure 224 of the set-top box 204 receives the multiplexed transport stream. Based on the identification number of the corresponding packet, the demultiplexer of the transport stream 230 separates the coded audio and video data packets and transmits video data packets via communication channel 238 to video decoder 232, and 240 audio data transmission channels to audio decoder 236 via communication channel 240.

The demultiplexer of the transport stream 230 also transmits the temporal characteristics to the synchronization control unit 234. Based on the temporal characteristics obtained from the output of the demultiplexer of the transport stream 230 (for example, based on the values of the reference program synchronization fields), the synchronization control unit 234 transmits the synchronization signals as to the video decoder 232, and to the audio decoder 236. From the output of video decoder 232, video data is received corresponding to the video data, which first went to video decoder 206. Similarly, from the output audio decoder 236 receives audio data corresponding to the audio data, which first came to audio decoder 216.

In accordance with the traditional video-on-demand architecture, a server or server network is associated with clients in accordance with the standard hierarchical client-server model. For example, the client sends a request to the server to receive a data file (for example, a video data file). In response to a client request, the server sends the requested data file to the client. In accordance with the standard client-server model, one or more servers can execute a client's request for a data file. The client has the ability to save the received data file in a local non-volatile storage device for future use. To use the standard client-server model, a two-way communication infrastructure is required. Currently, two-way communication requires the construction of a new infrastructure, since existing cables can provide only one-way communication. Examples of two-way communication infrastructure are hybrid fiber-optic coaxial cables or the entire fiber infrastructure. Replacing existing cables is very expensive, and the services they provide may not be available to most users.

FIG. 3 illustrating the prior art, a simplified block diagram of the “video on demand” system 300 is shown. The main node of the “video on demand” system 300 is a video server 310, which directs digital films stored in the movie film storage system 312 to the distribution infrastructure 314. As This distribution infrastructure 314 can use, for example, a telephone network and / or a cable television system that uses fiber and asynchronous data transfer protocols. Using the distribution infrastructure 314 and based on the routing data received from the video server 310, the films are delivered to individual houses.

The “video on demand” system 300 also includes a plurality of set-top boxes 304 for processing “video data on demand” in the “video on demand” system 300. Each set top box 304 receives and decodes a digital film and converts it into signals for display on a television receiver or video monitor . In this case, according to the prior art, the set-top box 304 uses the streaming data architecture, as in the set-top box 204 discussed above (Fig. 2). In addition, the distribution infrastructure 314 also includes a “return channel”, through which the viewer orders and controls the payment of digital films. As a reverse channel, a telephone line or a line separated from the primary transmission medium is often used, or this line can be included higher in a two-way cable system. The reverse channel routes the commands coming from the set-top box 304 back to the video server 310 via the distribution network 314. The main function of the video server 310 is to route compressed digital video streams coming from the drives, where they are stored, to the viewers who have made the requests.

As follows from the discussion above, there are no solutions providing both “video on demand” broadcasting and digital broadcasting using a single system. Instead, previous approaches are limited by various factors. One of the main limiting factors is the use of the MREO-2 transport stream in streaming mode. In addition, two-way communication lines are necessary for the operation of the well-known “video on demand” systems. It is desirable that such a system could carry out digital broadcasting and provide services on demand to a large number of clients using virtual environments and transmission media without replacing the existing infrastructure. It is also necessary to provide viewers with the ability to view multiple broadcast programs and provide a virtual tape cassette recorder with a time shift, for example, providing pauses, recording and stopping broadcasting frames, excluding, however, volatility and poor quality streaming on the Internet. It is also desirable to ensure such system operation using a one-way communication line.

A brief description of the invention

The present invention describes methods and systems for providing a full range of digital services such as “video on demand”, digital broadcasting and time shifting using any broadcast medium, as well as a universal set-top box that provides these different digital services.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, a universal broadcasting system is described that provides a full range of digital services using a one-way communication line over multiple channels. With the help of these channels, either “video on demand” broadcasting or digital broadcasting is carried out.

The structure of a universal broadcasting system includes digital broadcasting schemes for transmitting digital broadcasting data on the first channel of a universal broadcasting system. The digital broadcast schemes include multiple digital broadcast data sources providing data intended for broadcasting on the first channel, multiple digital data encoders, the first data fusion device, the first channel server and the uplink converter of the first channel. Each of the encoders of digital data is connected to one of the respective unique data sources and encodes the received data and translates it into a stream format of a digital program. The first data fusion device is connected to digital data encoders and performs data fusion received in a digital program stream format to obtain data of the first merged digital stream.

The server of the first channel is connected to the data fusion device and generates the first modulated intermediate frequency signal based on the data of the first merged digital stream. The first upconverter is connected to the server of the first channel and converts the first modulated intermediate frequency signal to the first radio frequency signal.

The universal broadcasting system also includes a combining unit / amplifier connected to the first channel circuit. The combining unit / amplifier amplifies, transforms and combines received RF signals such as the first RF signal. From the output of the combining / amplifier unit, the signals of many channels of the universal broadcasting system are delivered using one-way communication.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the universal broadcasting system is also adapted to transmit “data on demand” over the second channel. This is done through the central control server, the central storage device in which the data of the data on demand system is stored, and the data on demand system schema for the second channel. The “data on demand” system schema includes a second channel server with a central processor, local storage, a modulator, and a network interface. The second channel server generates a second modulated intermediate frequency signal based on digital data that is stored in a local storage device.

The “data on demand” system circuit also includes a boost converter of the second channel connected to the output of the second channel server, while the second boost converter converts the second modulated intermediate frequency signal into a second radio frequency signal fed to the combining / amplifier unit.

The central control server can be used to select the second channel and calculate the delivery matrix for transmitting data files that are stored in the central memory of the second channel. The second central management server provides offline replenishment, deletion, and updating of the data file information on the second central management server.

Another aspect of the present invention is dedicated to a universal computerized digital broadcasting method that transmits digital broadcasting data over one channel and “data on demand” over another channel using one broadcasting system. This method involves using the server of the first channel transmitting digital broadcasting data on the first channel, and using the server of the second channel transmitting “data on demand” on the second channel. In accordance with this method, before broadcasting with data transmission, the server of the first channel is first prepared to transmit information related to the “data on demand” system; transmission of an electronic program guide containing information indicating that digital broadcasting data is being transmitted on the first channel, while the electronic program guide also indicates that “data on demand” is being transmitted on the second channel; and combining and transferring data from the outputs of the first and second channels.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1, illustrating the prior art, packetizing compressed video data into a packet stream and a stream of transport packets is shown.

FIG. 2, illustrating the prior art, shows a block diagram of a system made in accordance with the MPES-2 standard.

FIG. 3, illustrating the prior art, a simplified block diagram of the “video on demand” system is shown.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of a digital broadcast server in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a “video on demand” system server in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a universal digital data server in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of a channel server providing transmission of “video data on demand” in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of the hardware architecture of a universal set-top box in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The following detailed description of embodiments of the invention refers to the drawings that accompany these embodiments of the present invention and are an integral part of it. The drawings show specific examples of the practical implementation of the present invention. These examples are described in such detail that specialists can apply this invention in practice, and it should be understood that other examples can be cited, and that changes in the design, logic and electrical elements are possible, which, however, do not essentially change the scope and essence of the present inventions.

The present invention describes methods and systems for providing a full range of digital video-on-demand services, digital broadcasting, as well as a universal set-top box for providing these diverse services.

The many types of hardware architecture and the data transfer methods that complement them ensure the provision of well-defined services using an electronic program guide that facilitates this transfer. The universal set-top box of the present invention is capable of distinguishing different services based on information obtained using an electronic program guide and is equipped with a unique hardware architecture including a large volume buffer. The present invention also provides for the ability to view multiple broadcast programs and provide a virtual tape cassette recorder with a time shift, for example, providing pauses, recording and stopping broadcasting frames, excluding, however, volatility and poor quality streaming broadcasting over the Internet. It is also desirable to ensure such system operation using a one-way communication line.

Consideration of the universal broadcast server will begin with FIG. 4, a digital broadcast server is shown providing programming of a digital broadcast in accordance with the present invention. We now turn to FIG. 5, with which the “video on demand” system server will be reviewed, made in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 depicts a universal broadcast server providing digital broadcasting and “video on demand” on many channels. Then, consider a channel server for transmitting “video on demand”, which is depicted in FIG. 7

FIG. 4 shows a single-channel portion of a digital broadcast server 400, which includes a plurality of video sources 402, a plurality of digital data encoding devices 404, a data merge device 408, a channel server 410, a boost converter 412, and a combiner / amplifier 414. Video sources 402 can transmit analog video (for example, from a video camera, video cassette recorder, on television) or digital video (for example, an MPEC file, an MPEC transport stream). Digital coding devices 404 relate to coding devices / converters

Mres. It should be clear to those skilled in the art that other coding standards can be used, and coding can be performed not only with the help of hardware, but also with the help of software or firmware.

From the output of the digital data encoding device 404, the MPEC program stream is fed to the input of the data fusion device 408 to form a stream of combined data 416. The data fusion device 408 can be of any suitable type. For example, an EEfpeE key can be used as a data merge device 408 if the output form of the digital data encoding device 404 and the input signal of the channel server 410 conform to the EE standard. Data merge device 408 can also be used in a computer equipped with an appropriate interface.

Channel server 410 processes the stream of merged data 416 and generates output stream 418 consisting of sub-block and block packets. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the number of blocks increases successively, and finally again becomes zero (0) if the limit is reached filling 32bit, 64bit blocks or blocks of a larger number of bits (e.g., 2 ³² - 1, 2 ⁶⁴ -1 or 2 ^p -1). Each packet formed by the channel server 410 contains a corresponding program identifier. In the future, using this program identifier, the universal set-top box determines the type of data packet being received, for example, digital broadcast data or “data on demand”.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each data fusion device 408 and its associated channel server 410 are manufactured as a single device 406. However, these devices can also be manufactured separately.

FIG. 5 shows the video-on-demand server architecture 450 made in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The “video on demand” server 450 includes a plurality of channel servers 411, a plurality of step-up converters 412, each of which is assigned to a corresponding channel server 411, a combining unit / amplifier 414, a central control server 502, and a central storage device 504 connected via a bus data transfer 506. As will be described below, the central control server 502 manages the autonomous operation of the channel servers 411, and also, as the channel servers 411 are ready, launches the data transfer to the actual m time scale. Central storage device 504 is typically used to store data files in a digital format.

In one embodiment, the data files that are stored in the central storage device 504 are accessed using a standard network interface (for example, through an Internet connection) through a registered computer, such as a central management server 502 connected to the network. In accordance with the instructions received from the central control server 502, the channel servers 411 transmit data files received by them from the central storage device 504. In order to fully prepare each channel server 411 for real-time data transmission, an autonomous search for digital data and transmission planning is performed digital data for the video on demand system. The central control server 502 is informed by each channel server 411 of the readiness of each channel server 411 to transmit “video on demand”, i.e. that from this point on, the central control server 502 can control the start of transmission of “video on demand” channel servers 411.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a graphical user interface (not shown) is included in the central control server 502 for scheduling the delivery of data by the service provider using towing. In addition, the central control server 502 recognizes the channel servers 411 and controls them when starting or stopping in accordance with the delivery matrix. Systems and methods for creating broadcasting matrices using “one-way data on demand” are discussed in the patent by Hoi Hoang (ΚΗοί Noapd) “Systems and methods for providing video-on-demand services for broadcasting systems” £ 8 £ 8 £ og ogabsázbdd £ 881), filed May 31, 2000, with application number US 09 / 584,832, which is cited in this case as reference material.

The central control server 502 automatically selects a channel and calculates a delivery matrix for transmitting data files on the selected channel. Central management server 502 provides offline replenishment, deletion, and updating of file information (e.g., duration, category, rating, and / or description). In addition, the central control server 502 manages the central storage device 504 by updating data files and databases stored therein.

Each channel is assigned a channel server 411, which is connected to the upconverter 412. At the output of each channel server 411, using a quadrature amplitude modulation (CAM), an intermediate frequency signal is generated that is suitable for the corresponding upconverter 412. These signals must conform to accepted standards. In the USA, the EOS818 standard is currently applied (Ba1a-OustsiS-5u51ssh5-sh1sgGass-5rss | Psa1yup). whereby the intermediate frequency is 43.75 MHz. FIG. 7 shows a preferred embodiment of the link server 411, which is described below.

Step-up converters 412 convert the intermediate frequency signals received from the output of the channel servers 104 into radio frequency signals. Radio frequency signals, including the frequency and range of operating frequencies, must comply with the working channel and accepted standards. For example, in accordance with the standard for cable television channel 80 in the USA, the frequency of the radio frequency signal is approximately 559.25 MHz, and the operating frequency range is approximately 6 MG c.

From the output of the boost converter 412, the signal is fed to the combining unit / amplifier 414. The combining unit / amplifier 414 amplifies, converts and combines the received radio frequency signals, and then transmits them to the transmitting device.

FIG. 6 shows a universal broadcast server 500 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Using a system based on a single broadcast server, Universal Broadcast Server 500 provides broadcasting of both “data on demand” and digital data. The universal broadcast server 500 includes a plurality of video sources 402, a plurality of digital data encoding devices 404, a plurality of digital broadcast devices 406, each of which includes a data merge device 408 and a channel server 410, a plurality of channel servers 411, a plurality of step-up converters 412, a block combining / amplifier 414, a central control server 502, and a central storage device 504 connected via a data bus 506.

The central control server 502 manages data merge devices 408 and channel servers 410 and 411. Digital broadcasting is performed in real time by merging streaming program data, while video-on-demand services include the autonomous training of channel servers 411. Thus, Universal Broadcast System 500 provides a full range of digital video-on-demand services and digital broadcasting.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a channel server 411 made in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The channel server 411 includes a central processor 550, a KAM modulator 552, a local storage 554, a network interface 556. The central control server 502 controls the entire operation of the channel server 411 by sending instructions to the central processor 550 for dividing the data files into blocks (also sub-blocks and data packets), and in the case of data-on-demand services, for selecting data blocks for transmission in accordance with the delivery matrix received from the output of the central control server 502, while providing Xia encoding the selected data, the compression encoded data, then the delivery of the compressed data to the input 552 KAMmodulyatora.

KAM-modulator 552 receives data that must be transmitted via the bus (i.e., the local bus PC1, the local bus of the central processor) or via the ESHPSK. In accordance with one of the options, the KAM-modulator 552 may include an onboard KAM-modulator that is included a demodulator of color synchronization signals of quadrature amplitude modulation / quadrature phase shift keying (KAM / KFM) with a decoder with direct error correction, and / or post-tuner. At the output of the KAM modulator 552, an intermediate frequency signal is generated, which can immediately be sent to the input of the boost converter 412.

For executing the planning and control instructions from the central control server 502, the network interface 556 connects the channel server 411 to the other channel servers 411 and to the central control server 502, and in the opposite direction, the central control server 502 receives status information and files data from the output of the central storage device 504. Any data file retrieved from the central storage device 504 may be stored in the local storage device 554 channel server 411 before processing the data file in accordance with instructions from the central control server 502. In accordance with one of the options, the channel server 411 can send one or more “data on demand” streams depending on the operating frequency range of the cable channel (for example, , 6; 6.5; or 8 MHz), modulation of QAM (for example, KAM-64 or QAM-256), and compression standard / information transfer rate (bit / s) in the “data on demand” stream (for example, MPEC- 1 or

MRES-2).

Depending on the channel operating frequency range, modulation scheme, and program information transfer rate (bit / s) (MPEC), a number of digital programs can be transmitted over an analog channel. For example, the maximum bandwidth of a cable television channel with a working frequency range of 6 MHz and a QAM-64 modulation is 27 Mbit / s. Theoretically, with a data transfer rate of 2 Mbps, 13 digital programs can be transmitted over a single analog channel. The real number of programs is less, because it is necessary to transfer also the protocol.

FIG. 8 shows a universal set-top box 600 made in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The set-top box 600 includes a CAM demodulator 602, a central processor 604, a local storage 608, a buffer memory 610, a decoder 612 providing decoding of video and audio data, a graphic overlay module 614, a user interface 618, a communication line 620, and a fast data bus 622, connecting, as shown, these devices. The central processor 602 controls the entire operation of the universal set-top box 600 for selecting data in response to a client request, decoding selected data, deploying decoded data, redirecting decoded data, storing decoded data in local storage 608 or buffer memory 610, and the delivery of stored data to the input of the decoding device 612. In accordance with one of the options, the non-energy-dependent memory device is part of the local storage device 608 device (eg, hard disk), and in the buffer memory 610 includes a volatile memory.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, QAM-demodulator 602 includes transmitting and receiving modules and one or more of the following components: secret data encryption / decryption module circuits; error correction coding / decoding devices; tuner controls; upstream and downstream processors; central processor and memory interface. A QAM demodulator 602 receives the modulated signals of the intermediate frequency, samples the signals, and demodulates them to recover the data.

In accordance with one embodiment, when access is granted, the decoding device 612 decodes at least one data block to convert this data block to images reproduced on the output screen. The decoder 612 supports commands from a subscribing client, such as play, stop, pause, perform a step, rewind, rewind, etc. The decoding device 612 transmits the decoded data to the output device 624 for use by the client. Any suitable device such as a TV, computer, video monitor, VCR, etc. can be used as output device 624.

The graphic overlay module 614 enhances the quality of reproducible graphics by, for example, alpha blending or using an additional image introduced into the main image. In accordance with one embodiment, a graphical overlay module 614 may be used to provide graphical acceleration in a game mode, for example, if the service provider provides play-on-demand services using the system of the present invention.

The user interface 618 provides the user with a means of controlling the set-top box 600 and any suitable device such as a remote control device, keyboard, microprocessor card, etc. can be used as such an interface. Link 620 provides additional connectivity. It can connect to another computer or it can be used to provide two-way communication. It is desirable that a serially available “fast” data transmission bus is used as the data bus 622, providing real-time data transmission in accordance with the requirements of the present invention. Examples include an I8B type bus, AISHUIS, etc.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, although data files are transmitted to all cable television subscribers, only “data on demand” subscribers with compatible set-top boxes 600 can decode and receive “data on demand” services. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, permission to receive “data on demand” files can be obtained via the microprocessor card system in the user interface 618. The microprocessor cards can be recharged in local trading devices using a service provider. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a solid commission system can be applied, which provides the subscriber with unlimited access to all possible data files.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the interactive data-on-demand properties of the system allow the client to select any available data file at any time. The time interval between the moment when the client presses the select button and the moment when the data file start is selected is called the response time. The more resources allocated (for example, the operating frequency range, server capacity) to provide services in the “data on demand” system, the shorter the response time becomes. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the response time can be determined based on an assessment of the allocated resource and the required quality of service.

In the previous examples, specific embodiments of the present invention are shown, of which it should be clear to the skilled person that other methods of implementing the present invention are acceptable, as well as changes to the above options and their modifications. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to the specific examples given herein, but rather should be described by the claims.

Claims (23)

CLAIM 1. A universal broadcasting system for providing a full range of digital services through multiple channels, each of which broadcasts video on demand or digital broadcasting using a one-way communication line, which includes the first digital broadcasting scheme on the first channel of the mentioned universal broadcasting system, said first channel is a channel of digital broadcasting, and the first scheme of digital broadcasting includes: numerous first sources of digital broadcasting data providing data intended for broadcasting in the digital broadcasting mode on the first channel; numerous digital data coders, each of which is connected to a corresponding data source from said plurality of data sources, each of said digital data coders coding the received data with their conversion into a digital program stream format; a first data merging device connected to said plurality of digital data encoders, wherein said data encoder merges data received in a digital program stream format to obtain data of a first merged digital stream; the first channel server connected to said data merging device, wherein the first channel server generates the first modulated intermediate data signal based on said data of the first merged digital stream; a boost converter connected to said server of the first channel, wherein said first converter converts said first modulated intermediate frequency signal to a first radio frequency signal; and a combining unit / amplifier connected to said first channel circuit, wherein said combining unit / amplifier amplifies, converts and combines received RF signals such as the first RF signal, and from the output of the combine block / amplifier, signals of multiple channels are delivered using one-way communication . 2. Universal broadcasting system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one source from the set of the first data sources of digital broadcasting is an analog video source. 3. A universal broadcasting system according to claim 2, characterized in that an analog video camera is used as said video source. 4. A universal broadcasting system according to claim 2, characterized in that an analog cassette video recorder is used as said analog video source. 5. Universal broadcasting system according to claim 2, characterized in that the source of television programs is used as the mentioned analog video source. 6. Universal broadcasting system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one source from the set of the first data sources of digital broadcasting is a digital video source. 7. A universal broadcasting system according to claim 6, characterized in that a data file made in the MREO standard is used as said digital video source. 8. The universal broadcasting system according to claim 6, characterized in that a transport stream made in the MREO standard is used as said digital video source. 9. Universal broadcasting system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one encoder from said plurality of digital data encoders is an MREO-encoder. 10. Universal broadcasting system according to claim 1, characterized in that said first data merging device and said server of the first channel are executed as one device. 11. Universal broadcasting system according to claim 1, characterized in that for a part of the channels of said plurality of said universal broadcasting system, one of the plurality of digital broadcasting schemes is used as said first digital broadcasting scheme. 12. Universal broadcasting system according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a central control server; a central memory in which information data systems are stored on demand; The first data system scheme on demand for the second channel of the mentioned universal broadcasting system, while the said second channel is the data system channel on demand, and the first channel system includes the second channel server, which includes a central processor, a local storage a device, a modulator, a network interface, while the said server of the second channel performs the formation of a second modulated intermediate frequency signal based on digital signals nnyh stored in said local memory; and a second channel boost converter connected to said second channel server, wherein said second channel server converts said second modulated intermediate frequency signal to a second radio frequency signal input to the combining / amplifier unit. 13. The universal broadcasting system of claim 12, wherein said control server selects said second channel and calculates a delivery matrix for transmitting data files that are stored in said central storage device of said second channel. 14. The universal broadcasting system according to claim 13, characterized in that said central control server also performs autonomous replenishment, deletion and updating of data file information on the second central control server. 15. Universal broadcasting system according to item 12, characterized in that the said central control server manages the files that are stored in said central storage device. 16. A universal broadcasting system for providing a full range of digital services through multiple channels, each of which broadcasts video on demand or digital broadcasting using a one-way communication line, which includes: the first digital broadcasting scheme on the first channel of the said universal broadcasting system, wherein the first channel is a digital broadcasting channel, and the first digital broadcasting scheme includes numerous first digital broadcast data sources providing data intended for broadcasting in the digital broadcasting mode on the first channel; numerous digital data coders, each of which is connected to a corresponding data source from said plurality of data sources, each of said digital data coders coding the received data with their conversion into a digital program stream format; a first data merging device connected to said plurality of digital data encoders, wherein said data encoder merges data received in a digital program stream format to obtain data of a first merged digital stream; the first channel server connected to said data merging device, wherein the first channel server generates the first modulated intermediate data signal based on said data of the first merged digital stream; a boost converter connected to said server of the first channel, wherein said first converter converts said first modulated intermediate frequency signal to a first radio frequency signal; and a combining unit / amplifier connected to said first channel circuit, wherein said combining unit / amplifier amplifies, converts and combines received RF signals such as the first RF signal, and from the output of the combine block / amplifier, signals of multiple channels are delivered using one-way communication ; central management server; a central memory that stores data intended for an on-demand data system; The first on-demand data system diagram for the second channel of the said universal broadcasting system, wherein the second channel is the data system channel on demand, and the first on-demand data system scheme includes: the server of the second channel, which includes a central processor, a local storage device, a modulator, a network interface, wherein the second channel server generates a second modulated intermediate frequency signal based on digital data stored in said local storage device; and a second channel boost converter connected to said second channel server, wherein said second channel server converts said second modulated intermediate frequency signal to a second radio frequency signal input to the combining / amplifier unit. 17. The universal broadcasting system of claim 16, wherein said first data merging device and said first channel server are executed as one device. 18. The universal broadcasting system according to claim 16, wherein for a part of the channels of said plurality of said universal broadcasting system, one of the plurality of digital broadcasting schemes is used as said first digital broadcasting scheme. 19. The universal broadcasting system of claim 16, wherein said control server selects said second channel and calculates a delivery matrix for transmitting data files that are stored in said central memory of said second channel. 20. Universal broadcasting system according to claim 19, characterized in that said central control server also performs autonomous replenishment, deletion and updating of data file information on the second central control server. 21. Universal broadcasting system according to p. 16, characterized in that the said central control server manages the files that are stored in said central storage device. 22. A universal broadcasting system for providing a full range of digital services through multiple channels, each of which broadcasts video on demand or digital broadcasting using a one-way communication line consisting of multiple digital broadcasting schemes, each of which is intended for the corresponding portion of the mentioned set channels of the mentioned universal broadcasting system, each channel being a channel of digital broadcasting, and each scheme of the said set of it carries out the formation of digital broadcasting of digital broadcasting data on the corresponding channel; central management server; a central memory that stores data intended for an on-demand data system; Numerous schemes of the data system on demand for the corresponding section of the above-mentioned plurality of channels of the above-mentioned universal broadcasting system, each channel being a channel of the data system on demand, and each said data system scheme on demand generating data on demand for transmission over the corresponding channel, and composed Each data system scheme on demand includes a corresponding channel server, which includes a central processor, local storage device an array, a modulator and a network interface, wherein said central server selects a particular data system channel on demand and calculates a delivery matrix for transmitting data files stored in said central memory of said data system channel on demand; provides offline replenishment, deletion and updating of data file information on the second central management server. 23. Universal computerized data broadcasting method, which includes the following actions: preparing the first channel server for transmitting digital broadcasting data over the first channel; preparing the second channel server for data transmission on demand over the second channel; preparing the server of the first channel for the transmission of information system data on demand before broadcasting with data transmission; transmission of an electronic program guide containing information indicating that digital broadcasting data is being transmitted on the first channel, while the electronic program guide also indicates that data are being transmitted on the second channel on demand; combining and transferring data from the outputs of the said first and second channels.