EP1518408A2

EP1518408A2 - System for the reception, processing, and distribution of signals

Info

Publication number: EP1518408A2
Application number: EP03738086A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Rafael De Una Pineiro; Manuel Ramos Garcia; Modesto Gomez Garcia
Original assignee: Televes SA
Current assignee: Televes SA
Priority date: 2002-06-25
Filing date: 2003-06-25
Publication date: 2005-03-30
Also published as: WO2004002154A2; AU2003245986A8; WO2004002154A3; AU2003245986A1

Abstract

The invention refers to a communications system, in particular a system for the reception, processing, and distribution of signals, with at least one central communication unit (1), a control equipment unit (2), a signal processing unit (6), which form the head (42) of the system, a distribution network (5), and user terminals (3). According to the invention an interactive service and/or configuration menu for the system is presented on a graphic terminal (20). In particular the graphic terminal consists of a televison screen (60).

Description

COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM, IN PARTICULAR A SYSTEM FOR THE RECEPTION, PROCESSING, AND DISTRIBUTION OF SIGNALS

The present invention relates to a communications system, in particular a system for the reception, processing, and distribution of signals in accordance with the preamble of claim 1.

MATV/SMATV networks are known, which are systems for the reception and distribution of terrestrial and/or satellite television signals which, by way of equipment used in common, allow for the reception of television by the different components of a community of neighbours. These systems are composed basically of a signal detector unit, which is responsible for receiving the different terrestrial and/or satellite signals, a master equipment unit consisting of amplifiers, converters, modulators, etc., responsible for adapting and amplifying the channels received, and a distribution network responsible for conveying the signals as far as the user tapping points located in the different apartments of the users (one apartment generally has more than one connection to the MATV/SMATV network).

The number of users of these MATV/SMATV systems remains limited to a maximum of some hundreds of users and as a minimum to one single user (apartment with different user tapping points). The signals which are distributed are generally not generated within the system itself.

There are at present a great number of equipment units for this type of system available on the market. This equipment relates exclusively to the aspects of reception, adaptation, and distribution of television and sound radio-diffusion signals, but not the possibility of transmitted data at high speed. This is due basically to the fact that these networks consist of distribution elements which exhibit characteristics which impede transmission between the different users connected to the network.

On the other hand, there are also different transmission protocols available on the market which allow for the connection of the different user stations via high-speed networks, such as the Ethernet or HomePNA protocols, etc.

In the case of Ethernet networks, the transmission medium used is the paired cable, and for its implementation it is necessary for an exclusive network to be established, with all the problems which that represents.

Patent WO 00/055895 describes a method for the introduction of the Ethernet signal into the co-axial cable for use in distribution systems provided in single-family residential units.

This method incurs the problem of high losses which are incurred in the data signal as a consequence of distribution in the base band of the Ethernet signal. In addition to this, this transmission in base band generates a band width (100 kHz to 42 kHz) which occupies the whole of the return channel (5-30 MHz) and as a consequence renders this return channel unusable in a n MATV/SMATV distribution network.

The HomePNA protocol was developed for paired cable with the aim of being implemented by using the telephone line available in the residential unit, with a transmission frequency in the 5 to 10 MHz band.

The use of this telephone line reduces the possibilities of the network, limiting it to one single residential unit, and not allowing for interconnection to the network of the different residential units in a community.

Patent US 6252755 describes a device for transmitting HomePNA via electricity supply lines. This system incurs similar problems with interconnection between residential units in a community, while at the same time increasing the problems of noise and interference as a consequence of the low screening of the lines.

The problem of the present invention is to provide a communications system which provides further possibilities for use.

This problem is resolved by means of a communications system defined in the claims.

The invention has a large number of advantages. In one embodiment of a system according to the invention, the communications system is configured in such a way that an interactive menu of services and system configuration is presented in a graphic terminal. This allows users to act in an interactive manner with the system in order to configure and select the services.

In particular this embodiment of the system according to the invention presents the advantage of allowing for the monitoring of the system as well as for configuring the different parameters of the system, and selecting the services of the system in a simple and straightforward manner, allowing for these operations to be carried out by the user of the network himself in the case of an individual system or by authorised users in the case of a collective network.

In particular, a system according to the invention is characterised in that the graphics terminal consists of a television screen of any user. This presents the advantage of it being possible for already existing equipment in the home to be used for new functions, with the savings that this provides. At the same time it allows for the interaction of the user by means of an easy management terminal with which he is fully accustomed.

Another embodiment of the system according to the invention is characterised in that the menu is presented on the user's television by means of a television channel. This provides the advantage of allowing for easy access to the menu without changing the television channel which has been tuned in. It is for this reason that the channel which carries the menu is a television channel in PAL format of 8 MHz band width, located for preference in the UHF band, which any standard television will be able to receive.

Another embodiment of the system according to the invention is characterised in that the selection of the various options from the menu is effected from a telephone keypad by any authorised user. This allows for the avoidance of a proliferation of terminals (remote controls) in the home, while at the same time allowing for easy management since this is a device frequently used and quite familiar.

Another embodiment of the system according to the invention is characterised by a master computer embedded in the head of the system. This allows for the implementation of different types of menus as well as their storage and the creation of a database to which the user can access. Another embodiment of the system according to the invention is characterised in that the master computer which generates the control menu also controls all the devices connected to the system. This allows the system to be provided with the intelligence to control and generate services.

A further embodiment of the system according to the invention is characterised in that the master computer is provided with interfaces for connections to external networks (Internet, GSM, Basic Telephone, etc.). This allows for access by the users to the services provided by operators in external networks (cable, ADSL, etc.).

In a further embodiment according to the invention, the (communal or collective) system for the reception and distribution of terrestrial and/or satellite television signals is provided with means which make possible the transmission of data at high speed (in particular between 1 and 100 Mbit/second) between the different users connected to the network and/or the master equipment unit. The transmission of data at the high speed mentioned before between users in an MATV/SMATV network is performed without interfering with the services established in that network.

A system formed in this manner allows for the transfer of files between the various users of the network, as well as the division of resources (shared connection to the Internet, access to external and internal databases, etc.) using an already existing network, without the need to establish new cabling through all the residential units, and using all the existing connection points in the residential units.

In another embodiment the communal system for the reception and distribution of terrestrial and/or satellite television signals according to the invention is characterised in that the transmission of data at high speed is carried out in accordance with the HomePNA protocol.

This allows for the use of terminal equipment units provided with standard interfaces, which makes possible the easy connection of these equipment units to the established high-speed network.

Likewise possible is the use of devices of which the cut-off frequency is below 5 MHz, as is the case with the devices used in MATV/SMATV networks, so avoiding the need for these devices to be changed in existing networks.

Another example of a communal system for the reception and distribution of terrestrial and/or satellite television signals according to the invention is characterised by means which render possible the transmission of high-speed data between the different users connected to the network and/or the master equipment unit and are located in the distribution network.

This presents the advantage of facilitating the adaptation of existing networks by limiting the modifications exclusively to the distribution network.

In another embodiment of the communal system for the reception and distribution of terrestrial and/or satellite television signals according to the invention, the means which render possible the transmission of high-speed data between the different users connected to the network and/or the master equipment unit are located in the master equipment unit.

This presents the advantage of facilitating the adaptation of existing networks by limiting the modifications exclusively to the master equipment unit. As is the case with large SMATV networks with a large number of users connected, it is possible for only the distribution network to be modified, of large size for these cases.

In another embodiment of the communal system for the reception and distribution of terrestrial and/or satellite television signals according to the invention, the means which render possible the transmission of high-speed data between the different users connected to the network and/or the master equipment unit, located in the distribution network, are comprised of at least one coupling element, a distribution element, a plurality of filter elements, and a plurality of mixing elements. This presents the advantage that these elements are exclusively passive elements, which allows them to be incorporated in a very easy manner into an already extant network.

In another embodiment of the communal system for the reception and distribution of terrestrial and/or satellite television signals according to the invention, the means which render possible the transmission of high-speed data between the different users connected to the network and/or the master equipment unit consist of at least one diplexer element, a switch, and a plurality of mixing elements.

This allows for the data signal to be regenerated by the switch, and in consequence the distribution network is capable of increasing the number of users without affecting the data signal.

In another embodiment according to the invention, the communal system for the reception and distribution of terrestrial and/or satellite television signals is provided with a device consisting of at least one distribution element, one coupling element, one distribution element, a plurality of filter elements, and a plurality of mixing elements.

This allows for better integration within the network, so facilitating its installation and maintenance.

In another embodiment according to the invention, the communal system for the reception and distribution of terrestrial and/or satellite television signals is provided with a device consisting of at least one dediplexer element, a switch, and a plurality of mixing elements. This allows for better integration within the network, so facilitating its installation and maintenance.

In another embodiment of the communal system for the reception and distribution of terrestrial and/or satellite television signals according to the invention, the means which render possible the transmission of high-speed data between the different users connected to the network and/or the master equipment unit, located in the master equipment unit, are constituted at least by routers. This allows for all the data traffic to be centralised in the master unit, at the same time as limiting the modifications which have to be introduced into an existing network to one single point.

For better understanding of the invention, a non-limitative embodiment of a communications system is described, based on the figures enumerated hereinafter.

Figure 1 shows a general diagram of the system according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows a diagram of the arrangement of the control equipment (Multimedia Home Control, M.H.C.) in a system according to figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a diagram of the arrangement of the communications centre (Integral Communications Manager, G.I.C.);

Figure 4 shows a general diagram of the formation of the data-voice modulator;

Figure 5 shows a general diagram of the formation of the user terminal equipment;

Figure 6 shows a general diagram of the formation of the RTC adaptor circuit;

Figure 7 shows an electronic porter device;

Figure 8 shows a MATV/SMATV system in general.

Figure 9 shows an example of the MATV/SMATV system according to the invention;

Figure 10 shows a further example of the MATV/SMATV system according to the invention;

Figure 11 shows a further example of the MATV/SMATV system according to the invention;

Figure 12 shows an arrangement designed according to the invention;

Figure 13 shows another possible arrangement designed according to the invention; and

Figure 14 shows a separator element designed according to the invention.

As can readily be appreciated in Figure 1, the system according to the invention consists of a central communications unit 1 (referred to as the Integral Communications Manager, G.I.C.), a control equipment unit 2 (referred to as the Multimedia Home Control, M.H.C), a signal processing unit 6, which form the head 42 of the communications system, and various user terminals 3. All these are connected by means of connection elements (connectors) 4 by means of cables 41 to the MATV/SMATV network 5. The communications system is configured in such a way that information is exchanged between the various different elements which make up the system.

The control equipment 2 generates an information menu in an 8 MHz television channel in the UHF band, which transmits to the users by means of a co-axial cable 41 from the MATV/SMATV network 5. This television channel is received by the television sets 60 of the users connected to the MATV/SMATV network 5 by means of the connection elements 9 of the user terminal 3.

By means of the telephone keypad 8, connected to the connection elements 9 of the user terminal 3, the menu icon selection signals are generated and displayed on the television 8. These signals are sent by the user terminal 3 to the control equipment 2 via the central communications unit 1. In this way any user (in an individual installation) or any authorised user in a communal installation will be able to monitor the system as well as modifying its parameters and/or selecting the desired services without more devices than the television set 60 and telephone 8. In summary, according to the invention the selection of different menu options is effected from a telephone keypad 8.

The signal processing unit 6 is a known unit, and consists, for example, of amplifiers, converters, processors, transmodulators, etc. This signal processing unit 6 adapts the television and/or radio channels received for their distribution to the users via the MATV/SMATV network 5. For example, the control equipment 2 generates a parameter selection menu and transmits it to the television sets 60 of the users in such a way that, once displayed to the user, he can modify the current parameters of the signal processing unit 6 by means of his telephone keypad 8. For example, he can modify the tuning of a specific channel, the output voltage, the audio and video levels, etc.

The system according to the invention is configured in such a way that communication connections are established between the central communications terminal 51 on the one hand and the user terminals 3 on the other hand, and communication connections are also established between two or more user terminals 3 and/or other system units (such as alarm sensors, data storage memories, etc.).

Analog and/or digital data is transmitted between the communication connections of the system.

The control equipment 2 is likewise connected to the central communications unit 1 and to the various different devices which configure the MATV/SMATV processing unit via elements 7 by means of a connection bus 71. The user terminal 3 is connected to a telephone terminal 8, to another communications system, in particular to a communal telephone network via connections 9 by means of cables 91 and at least one television receiver 60 and/or radio receiver 61.

The control equipment 2 is provided with connection interfaces 72 to external networks which allows for users to connect to these networks in a direct manner (GSM, GPRS, Internet, etc.) and allows the operators to distribute their services to the different users of the system (cable, ADSL, LMDS, SAT).

Figure 2 shows an example of a block diagram for the control equipment 2 (Multimedia Home Control, M.H.C).

As can be readily seen, this equipment consists of a computer 21 , an RGB-PAL converter 22, a modulator 23, a converter 24, and a power source 25.

The embedded computer 21 consists basically of two different parts: Nucleus and Base.

The Nucleus is a motherboard which is compatible with the standard PC, designed to serve as a development unit for embedded applications. It has all the components necessary to operate with the operating systems Linux, DOS, VxWorks, Windows CE or Windows 98/NT.

The Base is a standard PC/104+. It contains a PC/104+ expansion connector, which covers the range of use of the possible standard peripheries. It contains a card bus controller and a series of slots such that a PCMCIA card can be inserted in such a way that the capacity of the system can be extended, such as by hard disks, modems (RTB, CABLE, ADSL, LMDS, SAT, etc.) or Bluetooth or Wireless LAN communications.

The computer 21 communicates with the communications centre 1 via the bus RS485 in order to exchange data streams by means of the "master/slave" protocol. This data exchange generates a series of graphic screens which constitute the menu which will subsequently be conveyed in a television channel to the televisions 60 of the users via the cable 41 of the MATV/SMATV network 5.

This connection likewise allows for the sending of SMS, the configuration of the communications system, etc.

On the other hand, it is also provided with 12C connections, series ports RS232, RS485, and an RGB output.

The embedded computer 21 allows for control processes of the system to be carried out, as well as direct connections to be established by the users of the system, between themselves and with external networks, by means of the distinct interfaces RS232, RS485, RS422, MODEM, MODEM, GSM, ETHERNET, USB, IRD, 2IC, and all the possibilities by means of the PCMCIA expanders, which can be AN, Bluetooth, etc.

The RGB-PAL converter 23 is a signal encoder from RBG to NTSC/PAL, which receives the screens generated in the PC in HGB format and converts them into PAL standard. Once encoded in PAL, the signals are introduced into a modulator 23, which modulates them with the audio onto a TV channel on an intermediate frequency (38.5 MHz), and subsequently the double-conversion converter 24 places them in a selected UHF television channel.

Figure 3 shows an example of a block diagram of the central communications unit 1. As can be readily seen, the central communications unit 1 consists of a data-voice base 11 , a data-voice modem 12, a control manager 13, a 485 bus interface 14, and an RS 232 interface 15. It is also provided with connection elements 4 for connection to the MATV/SMATV network 5, connection elements 7 for connection to the control equipment 2, and to the various items of equipment which configure the signal processing unit 6 and the connection elements 10 to connect general data-processing equipment for the input and output of data.

The base detector 11 consists of a microprocessor, adapted, for example, to the DECT communications standard, and a memory devices which stores the management software for the microprocessor. The data-voice modem 12, as can be seen in Figure 4, consists of an input-output adaptor 16, an input pass band filter 17 and an output pass band filter 18, which constitute the input-output stage of the arrangement. The input and output signals are separated by means of a communications circuit 19.

For the input signal, the data-voice modem 12 is provided with a first mixer circuit 26, the function of which is to convert the input signal into a first intermediate frequency (110 MHz) and the output of which is introduced into a first stage FI consisting of an amplifier 27 and an SAW filter 28, a second mixer circuit 29 converts the signal into a second FI (9.96 MHz), and subsequently the signal is introduced into a second FI stage consisting of two band pass filters 30 and 31 and the two amplifiers 32 and 33.

The signal is then introduced into a square-wave demodulator 34, from which the data is extracted in GFSK (Gaucian Frequency Shifting Keying) to be sent to the data-voice base 11. The mixing signals from the conversions are generated by the two local oscillators 35 and 36, controlled by the circuits PLL 37 and 38.

The output signal is generated on the basis of the data deriving from the data-voice base in GFSK 11. The signal is modulated in FM and introduced into an output mixer 39, and then amplified in an output amplifier 40 and sent to the output via an interruptor circuit 19.

The control management unit 13 consists of a microprocessor and a memory device which stores the management software of the microprocessor. This processor is responsible for managing the communication buses RS 2332 and 485.

Figure 5 shows a block diagram of the user terminal 3, which as can clearly be seen consists of a data-voice modem 12, a data-voice terminal 44, and an RTC adaptor 45. It is also provided with connections 9 to the telephone terminal 8 and to the switched telephone network, and connections 4 to the MATV/SMATV network 5.

The data-voice terminal 44 consists of a dedicated microprocessor, to which has been added the hardware necessary for the performance of the physical layer, for example of the DECT standard. This data-voice terminal 44 manages the connections between the user terminal 3 and the central communications unit 2, and carries out the control of the RTC adapter 45 and of the data-voice modem 12, in order to provide the functions of the user terminal 3, such as putting calls on hold, opening the electronic door, issuing commands from the telephone keypad 8 to the PC 21 via the communications unit 1 , and configuring the electronic door.

The RTC adapter circuit 45 consists, as can clearly be seen from Figure 6, of a DAA circuit 46, a SLIC circuit 47, a DTMF detector 48, two relay sets 49, and an oscillator 50. This adapter 45 connects the connection element 9 to the switched telephone network with the data-voice terminal 44.

The MATV/SMATV network 5 is connected to this terminal 44 via the data-voice modem 12. The function of the RTC adapter 45 is to route the various different calls which may be produced to the user telephone 8, both via the conventional telephone line as well as via the internal line provided for the data-voice modem 12 via the co-axial cable 41 (see Figure 1). Its possibilities are those of routing internal or external calls, putting any type of call on hold, introducing DTMF tones to select the function which has been selected, such as the selection of the type of call (internal or external), passing to hold mode, opening the electronic door, and sending datagrams.

The DAA circuit 46 is responsible for introducing the DTMF tones deriving from the data-voice terminal 44 onto the conventional telephone line, and extracting the DTMF tones send by the user from the telephone, via the telephone line, to the data-voice terminal 44. This arrangement will also be used for the function of putting the call on hold once the DAA 46 is off the hook when, with an external call in progress, an internal call arrives which decides to hold. The basic lines which control this circuit are EN.HOOK, which performs the off-hook function, and DET RING, which provides information about possible calls deriving from the switched network.

The RTC adapter 45 also incorporates an SLIC circuit 47, the function of which is similar to a telephone line to which the telephone is connected when an internal call is received by the co-axial cable. This arrangement generates the RING signal necessary for the telephone to be able to ring, as well as the line voltage which allows the telephone to function. The most important control lines which control the SLIC and DET.HOOK, used for detecting the off-hook state of the user telephone, and EN.RING, used to incur the transmission of a ring signal to the user telephone. Another circuit which is introduced in the RTC adapter 45 is a DTMF tone detector 48, which detects the tones introduced by the user via the switched telephone network when the call is external, or the tones introduced by the user via the SLIC circuit 47 when it is an internal call. The information detected will be introduced into the data-voice terminal 44 for analysis, so allowing the user to make use of the keypad of the telephone 8 to route the calls, put them on hold, forward a call in hold mode, open the electronic door, or send any command to the signal processing unit e.

Figure 7 shows a variant of the user terminal 3. This variant consists of the electronic door arrangement 51. The electronic door arrangement 51 incorporates a data-voice modem 12, a data-voice terminal 44, a keypad 53 for introducing data, an LCD 53 for the visualisation of messages, a loudspeaker 54, a microphone 55, and a door opening arrangement 56.

The electronic door arrangement 51 generates the communications and the opening of the door.

In summary, the system according to the invention is configured in such a way as will allow for interconnection between all the elements (for example, 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9, 51 , 60, 61 etc.) of the system in bidirectional manner, as well as permitting the complete management of the communications of all the elements of the system. In particular, the system allows for the administration of user entitlements.

It also allows for the connection of all types of integrated terminals in the system via the user terminal or any other type of terminal.

The connection of the terminals to the antenna cable (in particular to the co-axial cable) can be effected via any channel (RF, co-axial, paired cable, etc.), while the user terminal or the system terminal can be provided with the necessary interfaces.

The system according to the invention is provided with the possibility of connecting to external networks, for example public networks, both from the terminals of the system as well as from the management unit if necessary. In view of further embodiments of the invention Figure 8 shows an MATWSMATΛ/ system which consists of a signal detector equipment unit 2, where the antennae are located, generally of terrestrial and satellite television, responsible for receiving the signals, a master equipment unit 3, where all the equipment units are located for amplification, modulation, conversion, mixing, etc., responsible for rendering the signals adequate for use, and a distribution network 4 which distributes the signal to the users.

As can readily be appreciated, the distribution network 4 consists of the co-axial cable 41 , derivation elements 42, distribution elements 43, and user tapping points 44.

The signals received by the signal detector equipment 2 are sent to the master equipment unit 3, where they are adequately processed and amplified. This amplification is implemented as a function of the levels required by the losses incurred by the distribution network 4 in the process of distribution.

The distribution network 4 distributes the signals from the master equipment unit 3 to the different user tapping points 44. The distribution network 4 in itself comprises, in addition to the corresponding co-axial cable 41 , the derivation elements 42 responsible for extracting part of the signal and sending it to the different user tapping points 44 present in the said branches. The derivation elements 42 consist generally of a signal input 421 , a pass output 423 through which the signal is transmitted to the other elements in the network, and two or four derivation outputs 422, by means of which the signal is transmitted as far as the user tapping points 44. The losses which the signal undergoes are different in the case of the pass output 423 and the derivation outputs 422, and both depend on the type of derivation element 42, which will in turn depend on its location in the distribution network 4. Nevertheless, the losses in derivation are much higher than the pass losses. The former are between 10 and 25 dB, and the latter between 1 and 4 dB.

Following on from the derivation outputs 422 of the derivation element 42 there are generally distributor elements 43, which are responsible for distributing the signal to the different user tapping points 44, giving rise to what is known as a star distribution arrangement. In some cases the derivation output 422 of the derivation elements 42 goes directly to the user tapping points 44, establishing a chain which known by the name of cascade distribution.

Figure 9 shows an example of the MATV/SMATV system according to the invention. As can be appreciated in the figure, this network consists of a signal detector equipment unit 2, a master equipment unit 3, and a distribution network 4. The distribution network 4 consists of a co-axial cable 41 , derivation elements 42, distributors 43, user tapping points 44, coupling elements 45, distribution elements 46, a plurality of filter elements 47, and a plurality of mixing elements 48.

By means of these devices, a bi-directional path is established with low losses for the data signal. This path runs from the master equipment unit 3 or from the preceding derivation element 42, via the coupling element 45, the distribution element 46, the mixing elements 48, and the distributor elements 43 (if present), to the user tapping point 44.

The signal which is transmitted via the network is made up of the signals corresponding to the services from the MATV/SMATV network proper (generally TV signals) located in the frequency band from 47 to 2150 MHz, and the signals corresponding to the data, which in the case of the HomePNA protocol are located between 5 and 10 MHz.

The composite signal (TV plus data), deriving from the master element 3 or the preceding derivation element 42, is introduced into a coupling element 45, from where a sample of the data signal is extracted and passed to the distribution element 46.

The composite signal (TV plus data), after passing through the coupling element 45, is introduced into the derivation element 42.

The composite signal (TV plus data) will be present at the derivation outputs 422 of the derivation elements 42.

The data signals will likewise be present at the outputs of the distribution element 46. The number of outputs of the distribution element 46 coincides with the number of derivation outputs 422 of the derivation element 42. The TV signals from the derivation outputs 422 of the derivation element 42 are introduced into filter elements 47, with the object of eliminating the data signals.

Once the output signals from the derivation element 42 have been filtered, they are mixed with the corresponding data signals at the outputs of the distribution element 46, in the mixing elements 48.

Accordingly, the composite signal (TV plus data) is obtained at the output of each mixing element 48 with the corresponding attenuations.

These attenuations are introduced in the case of TV by the derivation element 42 and for the data signal by the coupling element 45, the distribution element 46, and the mixing elements 48.

Once the composite signals (TV plus data) have been obtained, they are transmitted with the corresponding attenuations to the user tapping points 44 via the distributor elements 43, if they are present. Once at the tapping point 44, a separator element 49 separates the TV and data signals in such a way that the former is introduced to the TV and the latter to the computer.

The composite signal (TV plus data) will likewise be present at the pass output 423 of the derivation element 42, which will be introduced into the following coupling element 42, so starting the process described heretofore once again.

Figure 10 shows another alternative for the realisation of the invention, applicable to MATV/SMATV systems with large numbers of users.

As can readily be seen from the figure, the distribution element 46 is replaced by a switch 50, the coupling element 45 is replaced by a diplexer element 51 , and a new mixing element 48 is added at the output of the derivation unit 42.

The composite signal (TV plus data) is introduced at the diplexer 51 , where it is separated into the TV signal and the data signal. The former is introduced into the derivation element 42 and the latter into a five-way switch 50. The switch 50 distributes the signals present in its switching ways according to the destination directions of the different packages which make up the data signal. Only the TV signals will be present at the derivation outputs 422 of the derivation element 42.

Likewise present in the five ways of the switch 50 will be the data signals. The number of ways of the switch 50 coincides with the number of derivation outputs 422 of the derivation element 42 plus one.

The output signals from the derivation element 42 are mixed with the corresponding data signals at four ways of the switch 50 in the mixing elements 48. Accordingly, the composite signal (TV plus data) is obtained at the output of each mixing element 48 with adequate levels.

The derivation element 42 introduces the corresponding attenuation to the TV signal and the switch 50 establishes the corresponding levels of the data signals.

Once the composite signals (TV plus data) have been obtained, they are transmitted to the user tapping points 44 via the distributor elements 43 if they exist. Once at the user tapping point 44, a separator element 49 separates the TV and data signals in such a way that the former is introduced to the TV and the latter to the computer.

One of the ways of the switch 50 is mixed in the mixing element 48, located at the pass output 423 of the derivation element 42, with the TV signal which is present at said pass output 423, so obtaining the composite signal (TV plus data), which will be introduced into the following coupling element 42, so starting the process described heretofore once again.

Figure 11 shows a hybrid solution from the solutions proposed in Figure 8 and Figure 9. In this embodiment, the number of users of the network proposed in Figure 9 can be increased by the use of the switch 50, and, on the other hand, the cost of the network proposed in Figure 3 can be reduced as a consequence of the reduction of the numbers of switches 50.

Figure 12 shows a block diagram of an arrangement 6 designed in accordance with the invention. This arrangement 6 consists of a coupling element 45, a distribution element 46 with one input and four outputs, a derivation element 42, four filter elements 47, and four mixing elements 48. The arrangement 6 is provided with one input 61, one pass output 423, and four derivation outputs 62. This arrangement 6, the function of which has been basically described in Figure 9 allows for the transmission of the composite signal (TV plus data) from the input 61 to the derivation outputs 62 with adequate attenuation for TV and data, making possible the transfer of data between the different tapping points of the MATV/SMATV network in order to establish a bi-directional path with low losses for this signal. Likewise, the arrangement 6 presents the composite signal (TV plus data) at the pass output 423, with low attenuation in respect of the input 61.

Figure 13 shows a block diagram of another embodiment of an arrangement 7 according to the invention. This arrangement 7 consists of a diplexer element 51 , a five-way switch 50, a derivation element 42, and five mixing elements 48. The arrangement 7 is provided with one input 71, one pass output 423, and four derivation outputs 72. This arrangement 7, the function of which has basically been described in Figure 3, allows for the transmission of the composite signal (TV plus data) from the input 71 to the derivation outputs 72 with adequate attenuation for TV and data, making possible the transfer of data between the different tapping points of the MATV/SMATV network in order to establish a bi-directional path with low losses for this signal. Likewise, the arrangement 7 presents the composite signal (TV plus data) at the pass output 423, in this case with the data signal being regenerated by the switch 50, which allows for an increase in the number of users of the MATV/SMATV network without any reduction in the capacity of the network to transmit data at high speed.

Figure 14 shows an embodiment of the separator element 49 according to the invention. As can be readily appreciated from the figure, this separator element 49 consists of a diplexer element 491.

This separator element 49 is provided with a direct connection between its input 492 and its output 493, by means of which the radio signal passes which is derived from the radio output of the user tapping point 44 (Figs. 2,3,4) to which this input

492 is connected.

It is likewise provided with an input 494 by means of which the composite signal

(TV plus data) is introduced, which derives from the user tapping point 44 (Figs. 2,3,4).

This signal is separated in a diplexer element 491 into the TV signal and the data signal. The former arrives at the output 495, by means of which it is introduced into the television, and the data signal arrives at the output 496.

Before arriving at the computer, the data signal must be transferred from the co-axial output to the RJ11 output, where it arrives by means of a device consisting of a transformer.

The system as shown in figures 9 to 14 and as described above consists of at least one signal detector system 2, one master equipment unit 3, and a distribution network. It is provided with means which renders possible the transmission of data at high speed, in particular between 1 and 100 MBit/second, between users connected to the system and/or the master equipment unit 3. In particular, the transmission of data at high speed is effected in accordance with the HomePNA protocol. The means which render possible the transmission of data at high speed between users connected to the system and/or the master equipment unit 3 are located in the distribution network 4 or in the master equipment unit 3. The means which render possible the transmission of data at high speed between users connected to the system and/or the master equipment unit 3 consist of at least one coupling element 45, one distribution element 43, a plurality of filter elements 47, and a plurality of mixing elements 48.

In another embodiment of the system the means which render possible the transmission of data at high speed between the different users connected to the system and/or the master equipment unit 3 consist of at least one diplexer element 51 , a switch 50, and a plurality of mixing elements 48.

Finally in a further embodiment of the system the means which render possible the transmission of data at high speed between the different users connected to the system and/or the master equipment unit 3 consist of at least one router. Reference list:

Figui res 1 to 7

1 Central communications unit (integral communications management unit;

G.I.C.)

2 Control equipment (Multimedia Home, M.H.C.)

3 User terminal

4 Connection elements (connectors)

5 Antenna cable, MATV/SMATV network

6 Signal processing unit, head unit

7 Interfaces

8 Telephone

9 Connection element

10 SR232 interface

11 Data-voice base

12 Data-voice modem

13 Control management unit

14 Bus interface 485

15 Bus interface RS 232

16 Input-output coupler

17 Input pass band filter

18 Output pass band filter

19 Switching circuit

20 Graphic terminal

21 Embedded PC

22 Modulator

23 RGB-PAL converter

24 Converter

25 Power source

26 First circuit mixer

27 Amplifier

28 SAW filter

29 Mixer

30 Pass band filter

31 Pass band filter

32 Amplifier

33 Amplifier

34 Square-wave demodulator 35 Local oscillator

36 Local oscillator

37 PLL

38 PLL

39 Output mixer

40 Output amplifier

41 Co-axial cable

42 Communications system head unit

44 Data-voice terminal

45 RTC adapter

46 DAA circuit

47 SLIC circuit

48 DTMF detector

49 Relay set

50 Oscillator

51 Electronic door arrangement, central communications terminal

52 Keypad

53 LCD

54 Loudspeaker

55 Microphone

56 Door opening arrangement

57 Up-con verter

60 Television set

61 Radio set

71 Connection bus

91 Cables

Figures 8 to 14

1. MATV/SMATV system

2. Signal detector equipment

3. Master equipment unit

4. Distribution network 41. Co-axial cable

42. Derivation element

421. Signal input of derivation element 42 422. Derivation output of derivation element 42

423. Pass output of derivation element 42 (or of device 6 or 7)

43. Distribution element

44. User tapping point 45. Coupling element

46. Distribution element

47. Filter element

48. Mixing element

49. Separator element 491. Diplexer element of separator element 49

492. Input of separator element 49

493. Output of separator element 49

494. Input of composite signal (TV plus data) of separator element 49

495. TV signal output of separator element 49 496. Data signal output of separator element 49

50. Switch

51. Diplexer element

6. Arrangement

61. Input of arrangement 6 62. Outputs of derivation arrangement 6

7. Arrangement

71. Input of arrangement 7

72. Output of derivation arrangement 7

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. A communications system, in particular a system for the reception, processing, and distribution of signals, with at least one central communications unit (1), a control equipment unit (2), a signal processing unit (6), which form the head (42) of the system, a distribution network (5), and user terminals (3),

characterised in that

the system is configured in such a way that an interactive service and/or configuration menu for the system is presented on a graphic terminal (20).

2. The system according to claim 1 , characterised in that the graphic terminal consists of a television screen (60) of any user.

3. The system according to the foregoing claims, characterised in that the menu is presented on the television screen (60) of the user via a television channel.

4. The system according to the foregoing claims, characterised in that the selection of different menu options is effected from a telephone keypad (8), in particular of a telephon set of an authorised user.

5. The system according to claim 1, characterised in that the menu is generated by a computer (21) embedded in the head (42) of the system.

6. The system according to claim 5, characterised in that the computer (21) embedded in the head (42), which generates the menu, also controls devices and/or arrangements connected to the system.

7. The system according to claim 5, characterised in that the computer (21) embedded in the head (42), is provided with interfaces (72) for connections to external networks, in particular to the Internet and/or GSM networks.

8. A system, in particular a system (figure 8) for the reception and distribution of terrestrial and/or satellite television signals, consisting of at least one signal detector system (2), one master equipment unit (3), and a distribution network (4)

characterised in that

it is provided with means which renders possible the transmission of data at high speed, particular between 1 and 100 MBit/second, between users connected to the system and/or the master equipment unit (3).

9. The system according to claim 8, characterised in that the transmission of data at high speed is effected in accordance with the HomePNA protocol.

10. The system according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the means which render possible the transmission of data at high speed between users connected to the system and/or the master equipment unit (3) are located in the distribution network (4).

11. The system according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the means which render possible the transmission of data at high speed between users connected to the system and/or the master equipment unit (3) are located in the master equipment unit (3).

12. The system according to claims 8, 9 or 10, characterised in that the means which render possible the transmission of data at high speed between users connected to the system and/or the master equipment unit (3) consist of at least one coupling element (45), one distribution element (43), a plurality of filter elements (47), and a plurality of mixing elements (48).

13. The system according to claims 8, 9 and 10, characterised in that the means which render possible the transmission of data at high speed between the different users connected to the system and/or the master equipment unit (3) consist of at least one diplexer element (51 ), a switch (50), and a plurality of mixing elements (48).

14. An arrangement (6) for a system for the reception and distribution of terrestrial and/or satellite television signals in accordance with the preceeding claims 8 to 13, characterised in that it is provided with at least 28

one derivation element (42), one coupling element (45), one distribution element (46), a plurality of filter elements (47), and a plurality of mixing elements (48).

15. The arrangement (7) for a system for the reception and distribution of terrestrial and/or satellite television signals in accordance with one of claims 8 to 13, characterised in that it is provided with at least one diplexer element (51), a switch (50), and a plurality of mixing elements (48).

16. The system for the reception and distribution of terrestrial and/or satellite television signals in accordance with claims 8, 9 or 11 , characterised in that the means which render possible the transmission of data at high speed between the different users connected to the system and/or the master equipment unit (3) consist of at least one router.