MXPA96006588A - Receptor apparatus, receiving method and termi unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a receiving system of a community, receiving broadcasting waves that are multiplexed by polarized waves of right hand and polarized waves of left hand, and these broadcasting waves are distributed to each terminal unit through a only IF signal cable. The polarized right-hand waves and the left-hand polarized waves are converted into IF signals of mutually different frequencies by the low-noise converters 52 and 53 and are then mixed together by a mixer 54. In addition, these signals are mixed with signals of terrestrial wave television broadcasting by a mixer 56 and distributed to each terminal 2 unit through a single IF signal cable. In the terminal unit 2, signals broadcast by terrestrial television are separated by a branch filter 59 and fed to a receiver 61. A selection circuit 60 selects polarized waves from the right hand and polarized waves from the left hand of conformance with a polarized wave switching signal fed from the receiver 61 and performs the frequency conversion as required, and then feeds the polarized waves to the receiver

Description

"RECEIVER APPARATUS, RECEIVER METHOD AND TERMINAL UNIT" FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a receiving apparatus, a receiving method and a terminal unit. More particularly, the present invention relates to a receiving apparatus for receiving spun-diffusion waves and distributing them to a number of terminal units, a receiving method therefor and a terminal unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In order to further increase the amount of information in broadcast waves transmitted through a broadcast satellite, there is for example, a method for ultiplexing the polarized waves of the left and right hands or the waves vertically and horizontally polarized. In order to receive the polarized waves transmitted by this method, until now, a separation apparatus has to be added to separate the multiplexed diffusion waves in polarized waves of the left hand and polarized waves of the right hand to a conventional receiving apparatus (apparatus for receiving the radio waves that are not multiplexed). In particular, in a community receiving system (consisting of a community receiving device and a terminal for each viewer) in a multi-family housing area or similar, the number of terminal units to which the waves of the community are distributed. The received diffusion is large and many separation devices must be added in order to receive the multiplexed broadcast waves mentioned above. Accordingly, several programs are employed in order to receive the multiplexed dysfunction waves by adding a minimum number of separation apparatuses to a conventional community receiver system. Figure 8 is a functional diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of a community receiver system. Figure 8, a parabolic antenna 11 is designed to receive radio waves in the RF (Radio Frequency) band, which are multiplexed by polarized waves of the right hand and polarized waves of the left hand (or vertically polarized waves and horizontally polarized waves) transmitted from a broadcast satellite (not illustrated). A low noise block converter 12 (LNB) is designed to separate the radio waves in the RF band received by the parabolic antenna 11 in polarized waves in the left hand and polarized waves in the right hand, to convert the waves into signals in the IF band (Intermediate Frequency) (which will be referred to below as "IF signals") and fed to distributors 13a and 13b. The distributors 13a and 13b distribute the IF signals, the left-hand polarized waves and the IF signals of the right-hand polarized waves to multiswitches 14a and 14b, respectively. Multiswitches 14a and 14b select either the IF signals from the left-polarized waves or the IF signals from the right-hand polarized waves in accordance with an individual polarized wave-commutation signal fed from each terminal unit (consisting of a receiver 15a to 15d and a television receiver 16a to 16d) of each subscriber and supplies the IF signals to each terminal unit. The receivers 15a to 15d send a polarized wave switching signal to the multiswitches 14a and 14b based on the viewer's operation, they admit the IF signals of the left-hand polarized waves or the IF signals of the right-hand polarized waves. which are selected in accordance with the polarized wave switching signal and carries out a process for converting the signals to the RF signals of even lower frequency, and finally feeding the signals to the television receivers 16a to 16d. The television receivers 16a to 16d extract the video and sound signals from the signals fed from the receivers 15a to 15d and send these signals to make a presentation. The prior art operation described above, will be described in more detail below. The multiplexed broadcast waves transmitted from a broadcast satellite (not shown) are received by the parabolic antenna 11. The LNB converter 12 separates the received broadcast waves into radio waves of left-hand and right-hand polarized waves and converts them into IF signals, and finally feeds the IF signals to the distributors 13a and 13b, respectively. The distributors 13a and 13b distribute the IF signals of the left-hand polarized waves and the IF signals of the right-hand polarized waves to the multiswitches 14a and 14b, respectively. Multiswitches 14a and 14b select either one type of IF signals from the left-hand polarized waves to the IF signals from the right-hand polarized waves, in accordance with a polarized wave-commutated signal altered from receivers 15a to 15d and feed the IF signals to receivers 15a to 15d. With the arrangement described above, each viewer specifies either a type of polarized left-hand or polarized waves of the right hand by a predetermined operation. Then, the multiswitches 14a or 14b automatically select any type of these signals, making it possible to see a desired broadcast (program). Figure 9 is a functional diagram illustrating another example of an array of a community receiver system. Those components in Figure 9 that are the same as in Figure 8 are provided with the same reference numbers and, therefore, a description thereof is omitted. The receivers 21a to 21d receive the IF signals from the left-hand and right-hand polarized waves fed from the distributors 13a and 13b via separate signal cables and select these signals by an integral switch (not shown). Then, a process is carried out to convert the selected IF signals into RF signals of even lower frequency, after which the RF signals are sent to the television receivers 16a to 16d. Other points of this arrangement are the same as those in Figure 8. The operation of the example shown in Figure 9 will be described in greater detail below. The parabolic antenna 11 receives radio waves and the RF band transmitted from a dysfunction satellite (not shown). The LNB converter 12 separates the received radio waves into radio waves from the left-hand and right-hand polarized waves and converts the radio waves into the IF signals and then feeds the IF signals to the distributors 13a and 13b , respectively. The distributors 13a and 13b distribute and feed the input IF signal corresponding to the left-hand and right-hand polarized waves, each of the receivers 21a to 21b through separate cables. The receivers 21a to 21d select either a type of the IF signals corresponding to the left-hand or right-hand polarized waves fed from the distributors 13a or 13b, carry out a process to convert the IF signals into signals of RF at an even lower frequency and then sends the RF signals to the receivers 16a to 16d of television. With the arrangement described above, each viewer can operate the receivers 21a to 21d in order to select and view the desired programs, contained either in the left-hand polarized waves or the right-hand polarized waves. In the example shown in Figure 8, two wires are required to transmit the IF signals of the right-hand and left-hand polarized waves from the outside to the inside. These are problems in that since the number of distributions of the multiswitches 14a and 14b is limited to a certain degree, the multiswitches can not be used in large-scale community receiving facilities. further, the multiswitches 14a and 14b are usually expensive, causing the cost of the facilities to increase. In the example shown in Figure 9, there are problems since since two cables are required to supply the IF signals from the distributors 13a and 13b to each receiver for each terminal unit, a large number of cables must be laid again, resulting in increased costs.

COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been achieved in view of the circumstances described above. An object of the present invention is to make it possible to receive a multiplexed satellite broadcast by means of simple installations. To achieve the object described above, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a receiving apparatus comprising: a receiving means for receiving multiplexed broadcast waves; separation means for separating the multiplexed diffusion waves received by the receiving means in a plurality of types of dysfunction waves; conversion means for converting the plurality of diffusion wave types separated by separation means into IF signals of mutually different frequencies; and output means for sending the IF signals converted by the conversion means to a processing section. In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a receiver method comprising the steps of: receiving the multiplexed broadcast waves; separating multiplexed broadcast waves received in a plurality of types of diffusion waves; and converting the plurality of separate diffusion wave types into IF signals of mutually different frequencies. In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a receiving apparatus comprising: a first receiving means for receiving a satellite broadcast; a second receiving means for receiving a type of a cable television broadcast or a terrestrial wave television broadcast; and conversion means for converting satellite broadcast signals, cable television broadcast signals or terrestrial television broadcast signals received by the first receiving means and the second receiving means into IF signals in a frequency band that does not interfere with one another According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a receiver method comprising the steps of: receiving a satellite broadcast; receive at least one cable television broadcast or one terrestrial wave television broadcast; and converting received satellite broadcast signals, received cable television broadcast signals or terrestrial television broadcast signals received into IF signals in a frequency band that does not interfere with each other.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a terminal unit comprising: an input means for admitting a plurality of types of IF signals having different frequencies fed from the receiving apparatus; a selection means for selecting the desired IF signals from the plurality of IF signal types having different frequencies that are admitted by the input means; and an output means for sending the IF signals selected by the selection means. In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a receiver method comprising the steps of: admitting a plurality of types of IF signals having different frequencies fed from the receiving apparatus; selecting desired IF signals from the plurality of input IF signal types having different frequencies; and send the selected IF signals. In the receiving apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the multiplexed diffusion waves are received by a receiving means, the received multiplexed broadcast waves are separated by a separation means in a plurality of diffusion wave types, the plurality of types of diffusion waves separated by the separation means are converted into IF signals of mutually different frequencies by a conversion means, and the IF signals converted by the conversion means are sent to a processing section by a means of departure. In the receiving method according to the second aspect of the present invention, multiplexed broadcast waves are received, received multiplexed broadcast waves are separated into a plurality of types of broadcast waves, and the plurality of separate types of broadcast waves are converted into IF signals of mutually different frequencies. In the receiving apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, a satellite broadcast is received by a first receiving means, at least one cable television broadcast and a terrestrial television broadcast are received by a second receiving means. , and the satellite broadcast signals, the cable television broadcast signals or the terrestrial television broadcast signals received by the first and second receiver means, are converted by a conversion means into IF signals in a band of Frequency that does not interfere with one another. In the receiver method according to the fourth aspect of the present invention a satellite broadcast is received, at least one cable television broadcast and one terrestrial television broadcast are received, and the satellite broadcast signals received, the signals cable television broadcast received and the terrestrial wave television broadcast signals received are converted into signals, in a frequency band that does not interfere with one another. In the terminal unit according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of types of IF signals having different frequencies fed from a receiving apparatus are admitted by the input means, the desired IF signals are selected by a means selection from a plurality of types of IF signals having different frequencies admitted by an input means and the IF signals selected by the selection means are sent by an output means. In the receiver method according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of types of IF signals having different frequencies fed from the receiving apparatus are supported, the wanted IF signals of a plurality of signal types are selected from Input IF having different frequencies, and selected IF signals are sent.

The objects, features and novel features mentioned above and others of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a functional diagram illustrating the arrangement of a modality of a receiving apparatus and a terminal unit in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a functional diagram illustrating in greater detail an example of the arrangement of the receiver apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figures 3A and 3B show signals of the main section of the embodiment shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a functional diagram illustrating in greater detail an example of the arrangement of the terminal unit shown in Figure 1; Figures 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D show signals of the main section of the embodiment shown in Figure 4; Figures 6A and 6B show the intermodulation distortion that occurs in a downstream IF converter; Figure 7 is a functional diagram illustrating the arrangement of another embodiment of a receiving apparatus and a terminal unit in accordance with the present invention; Figure 8 is a functional diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of a conventional receiving apparatus and a conventional terminal unit; and Figure 9 is a functional diagram illustrating another example of the arrangement of the conventional receiving apparatus and the conventional terminal unit.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES In the following description, a compendium of the arrangement of a modality of a receiving apparatus and a terminal unit according to the present invention will first be descr, and then each of the affinity receiver apparatuses and the terminal unit will be descr in greater detail. . Figure 1 is a functional diagram illustrating the arrangement of a modality of a receiving apparatus and a terminal unit in accordance with the present invention. In Fiugura 1 a broadcasting satellite 10 transmits the radio waves in a multiplexed RF band by adding different information to the polarized waves of the left hand and the polarized waves of the right hand towards the soil ground. A community receiver apparatus 1 receives radio waves transmitted from the broadcast satellite and terrestrial television wave waves and distributes the received signals to a terminal unit 2 of each viewer (in each house). The terminal unit 2 accepts signals fed from the community receiver apparatus 1 and demodulates the signals. A parabolic antenna 11 (receiving means, first receiving means) of the community receiver apparatus 1 reflects the radio waves transmitted from the broadcasting satellite 10 via a parabolic reflection surface and receives the radio waves. An LNB converter 12 separates the radio waves in the RF band received by the parabolic antenna 11 into radio waves of polarized left-hand waves and waves of radio waves of polarized right-hand waves, converts those waves into IF signals, respectively, and sends the IF signals. Incidentally, a polarized wave branching filter 51 (separation means), a low noise converter 52 (conversion means) and a low noise converter 53 (conversion means) which will be descr later, are contained in the converter 12. of LNB in the current array. However, these are shown separately in order to descrthe processing state of the signals, in detail. Polarized wave branching filter 51 separates the radio waves in the RF band received by the parabolic antenna 11 into left-hand and right-hand polarized wave components. After the polarized left-hand and right-hand-wave components fed from the polarized-wave branch filter 51 are amplified by the low-noise amplifier, the low-frequency converters 52 and 53 Noise converts polarized wave components into signals in different IF bands. The mixer 54 (half mixer) mixes together the IF signals corresponding to the right-hand polarized waves and the left-hand polarized waves fed from the low-noise converters 52 and 53. An antenna 55 (second receiver means) for a terrestrial television broadcast receives the terrestrial wave television broadcast waves (radio waves in the UHF and VHF bands). The mixer 56 mixes the IF signals where the right-hand polarized waves and the left-hand polarized waves fed from the mixer 54 are mixed with the terrestrial television broadcast signals that are fed from the antenna 55 for a broadcast of terrestrial wave television and which are admitted in an input section 56a (second receiver means) and send the same through the IF signal cables. The distributors 57 and 58 distribute the signals sent from the mixer 56 to each terminal 2 unit. A branch filter 59 of the terminal unit 2 is placed in the home of each viewer and is designed to separate the signals fed from a distributor 58 to the terrestrial television broadcast signals and the satellite IF broadcast signals. send the signals. The selection circuit 60 accepts the satellite IF broadcast signals fed from the branch filter 59, select the IF signals from the right-hand polarized waves or the left-hand polarized waves in accordance with a polarized wave-switching signal fed from a receiver 61, perform a predetermined frequency conversion in the IF signals after whereof the selection circuit 60 sends the signals to the receiver 61.

The receiver 61 selects any type of terrestrial television broadcast signals, the right-hand polarized wave signals and the left-hand polarized wave signals based on the operation by the viewer and performs a predetermined process on these signals , and finally sends the signals to the television receiver 16. Also, the television receiver 16 extracts video and sound signals from the signals fed from the receiver 61 and sends the signals to make a presentation. The operation of the example described above will be described below. The radio waves where polarized radio waves of right-hand and left-hand, transmitted from broadcasting satellite 10 are multiplexed, are received by satellite dish 11 and separated into right-hand and left-hand polarized wave components. by the polarized wave branch filter 51 contained in the LNB converter 12. Then, after the right-hand and left-hand polarized wave components are amplified by the low noise converters 52 and 53, respectively, the polarized wave components are converted to IF signals of different frequencies and sent to the mixer 54.

The mixer 54 mixes the IF signals corresponding to the right-hand and left-hand polarized waves fed from the low-noise converters 52 and 53, respectively and sends the mixed IF signals to the mixer 56. The mixer 56 mixes the signals of terrestrial wave television broadcast that are received by the antenna 55 for a terrestrial wave television broadcast and which is admitted to the input section 56a with the IF signals, where the polarized waves of right hand and left hand they are mixed, fed from the mixer 54 and sent to the mixed signals. The output of the signals from the mixer 56 are admitted to the interior through an IF signal cable and distributed to each terminal unit 2 by means of the distributors 57 and 58. The branch filter 51 separates the signals fed from the distributor 58 towards the signal is from terrestrial wave television broadcast and the IF signals from satellite broadcast. Then, the terrestrial television broadcast signals are sent to the receiver 61, and the IF signals of the satellite broadcast are sent to the selection circuit 60. The selection circuit 60 extracts the IF signals corresponding to the right-hand and left-hand polarized waves from the IF signals of the satellite broadcast fed from the branch filter 59. Then, the selection circuit 60 selects the right-hand or left-hand polarized waves in accordance with the polarized wave-switching signal fed from the receiver 61 and carries out a predetermined frequency conversion thereon and finally sends the waves selected polarized signals to the receiver 61. The receiver 61 selects any type of terrestrial television broadcast signals, the IF signals corresponding to the polarized waves of the right hand and the IF signals corresponding to the polarized waves of the left hand based on in the operation by means of the viewer, and sends the signals to the television receiver 16. In a case where the program contained in the terrestrial television broadcast signal is selected by the viewer, the receiver 61 feeds the terrestrial television broadcast signals fed from the branch filter 59 to the television receiver 16 . Also, in a case where a program contained in the right-hand polarized waves is selected by the viewer, the receiver 61 feeds a polarized wave-switching signal to select the polarized waves from the right hand to the selection circuit 60, and the IF signals corresponding to the right-hand polarized waves that are sent in this way are fed to the television receiver 16. In a case in which a program contained in the polarized waves of the left hand is selected by the viewer, the receiver 61 feeds a polarized wave switching signal to select the left-hand polarized waves towards the selection circuit 60, and the IF signals corresponding to the left-hand polarized waves that are sent in this way are fed to the 16 television receiver. With the arrangement described above, the components of the right-hand and left-hand polarized wave and satellite diffusion are converted into IF signals that do not interfere with each other by low-noise converters 52 and 53 and polarized waves. in the right hand, polarized left-hand waves and terrestrial television broadcast signals are mixed in a single type of signals by mixers 54 and 56. Therefore, three different types of signals can be fed to each unit 2 terminal, placed inside through a single cable. As a result, for example, in a multi-family or similar accommodation area where either providing a system for distributing the signals of terrestrial wave television or CATV broadcast signals to each house, not only do no cables need to be provided. Store again but also these three types of signals can be handled together when the installation is changed so as to receive a satellite broadcast again. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide distributors 57 and 58 individually for each signal. Then, the arrangement of the community receiver apparatus 1 of the aforementioned community receiver system will be described in more detail below. Figure 2 is a functional diagram illustrating in greater detail the arrangement of the receiver apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1. Those components in Figure 2 which are the same as those in Figure 1 are provided with the same reference numbers and, for therefore, a description of them is omitted. A circularly polarized wave generator 81 converts the right-hand polarized waves from 12.22 to 12.66 GHz and the left-hand polarized waves from 12.24 to 12.68 GHz are contained in the radio waves received by the parabolic antenna 11 in horizontally and vertically polarized waves. in a respective way. A polarized wave branching filter 51 extracts the left and right hand polarized wave components from the horizontally and vertically polarized waves fed from the circularly polarized wave generator 81 and feeds the components of the right-hand polarized wave to a low noise converter 52 and the components of the left hand polarized wave to a low noise converter 53. The low noise converter 52 comprises a low noise amplifier 52a for amplifying the right-hand polarized waves fed from the polarized wave branch filter 51, a local oscillator 52b having a frequency (local oscillation frequency) of 11.25 GHz, a multiplier 52c for carrying out a process of multiplying together the signals fed from the low noise amplifier 52a and the local oscillator 52b and a buffer 52d to amplify the power of an output signal of the multiplier 52c. The low noise converter 53 comprises a low noise amplifier 53a for amplifying the left hand polarized waves fed from the polarized wave branch filter 51. A local oscillator 53 having a frequency of 10,675 GHz, a multiplier 53c for carrying out a process of multiplying together the signals fed from the low noise amplifier 53c and the local oscillator 53b and a buffer 53d to amplify the power of an output signal of the multiplier 53c. The local oscillation frequency (= 11.25 GHz) of the local oscillator 52b of the low noise converter 52 is the same frequency in the case of individual reception (a case in which the satellite dish is installed individually for the reception of each house ). On the other hand, for the frequency of the local oscillation (= 10.675 GHz) of the local oscillator 53b of the low noise converter 53, a frequency is selected that does not interfere with the local frequency of the local oscillator 52b. The mixer 54 comprises a band path filter 54a to allow only the signals in the 970 to 1410 MHz band to pass from between the components of the right-hand polarized wave, a high-path filter 54b to allow only the signals to pass through. signals of 1565 MHz or greater from among the left-hand polarized wave components, and an adder 54c to add together the signals sent from the band path filter 54a and the high-path filter 54b. The mixer 56 comprises an input section 56a for admitting the terrestrial television broadcast signals supplied from the antenna 55 for a terrestrial television broadcast, a low trajectory filter 56b for allowing only the 806 MHz signals to pass. or less from between the signals admitted to the input section 56a, and an adder 56c to add together the signals fed from the mixer 54 and the low path filter 56b. The operation of this modality will be described below. Figures 3a and 3b show signals of the main section of the embodiment shown in Figure 2. Referring to the signals shown in Figures 3a and 3b, the operation of the embodiment of Figure 2 will be described below. The radio waves (Figure 3A) where the polarized waves of the right hand are multiplexed (from 12.22 to 12.66 GHz) and the polarized waves of the left hand (from 12.24 to 12.68 GHz) that are transmitted from the broadcasting satellite 10, are received by the parabolic antenna 11 and fed to the circularly polarized wave generator 81. The circularly polarized wave generator 81 converts the right-handed and left-hand polarized waves contained in the received radio waves into horizontally and vertically polarized waves and feeds the same to the polarized wave branch filter 51. The polarized wave branching filter 51 separates the horizontally and vertically polarized waves into polarized waves of the right hand (Figure 3B) and polarized waves of the left hand (Figure 3C) and feeds the same to the low noise converters 52 and 53, respectively . The right-hand polarized waves (Figure 3B) fed to the low-noise converter 52 are amplified by the amplifier 52a. The amplified signals are multiplied by the 11.25 GHz signals fed from the local oscillator oscillator 52b by means of the multiplier 52c. As a result, the right-hand polarized wave components (Figure 3B) that have a frequency band of 12.22 to 12.66 GHz) are converted into IF signals of 970 MHz (= 12.22 GHz - 11.25 GHz) to 1410 MHz (= 12.66 GHz - 11.25 GHz). Then, the power thereof is amplified by the buffer 52d and then sent. On the other hand, the components of the left hand polarized wave (Figure 3C) fed to the low noise converter 53 are amplified by the amplifier 53a. The amplified signals are multiplied by the 10,675 GHz signals fed from the local oscillator 53b by means of the multiplier 53c. As a result, the components of the left-hand polarized wave (Figure 3C) that have a frequency band of 12.24 to 12.66 GHz are converted into 1565 MHz IF signals (= 12.24 GHz - 10.675 GHz) to 2005 MHz (= 12.68). GHZ -10.675 GHz). Then, the power thereof is amplified by buffer 53d and then sent. The output of the signals from the low noise converter 52 is fed to the band path filter 54a having a passband of 970 to 1410 MHz, by which the signals other than the polarized wave components of the wave are removed. right hand. Likewise, the output of the signals from the low noise converter 53 are fed to the high path filter 54b having a cutoff frequency of 1565 MHz, whereby the signals other than the components of the polarized wave are similarly removed. of left hand and of right hand. Then, the left-hand and right-hand polarized wave components are added together by the summers 54c and sent to the mixer 56. The terrestrial television broadcast signals received by the antenna 55 for the wave television broadcast terrestrial are admitted to the input section 56a and then fed to a low path filter 56b having an interruption or cutoff frequency of 806 MHz. After the signals other than wave television broadcast signals are removed terrestrial, the signals are added to the signals sent from the mixer 54 by the adder 56c, causing the IF signals to be formed (Figure 3D). Then, these IF signals are distributed to each terminal unit 2 through an IF signal cable. With the arrangement described above, as shown in Figure 3B, the components of the right-hand polarized wave of satellite broadcast, the components of the left-hand polarized wave of satellite broadcast and the wave television broadcast signals terrestrial signals become frequencies that do not interfere with one another, mix with each other and then send. Therefore, it becomes possible to transmit the signals through a single IF signal cable. Next, the arrangement of the terminal unit 2 will be described in detail. Figure 4 is a functional diagram illustrating in greater detail the arrangement of the terminal unit shown in Figure 1. Referring to Figure 4, a description will be provided below. In the functional diagram of Figure 4, the illustration of the receiver 61 and the television receiver 16 is omitted for reasons of simplification and only the functional diagram of the branch filter 59 and the selection circuit 60 is shown. In Figure 4 the branch filter 59 separates the input IF signals into terrestrial television broadcast signals and IF signals from the satellite broadcast. The terrestrial television broadcast signals sent from the branch line 59 are fed to the receiver 61, while the IF signals from the satellite broadcast are fed to an amplifier 101 (input means). That the amplifier 101 amplifies the IF signals of the satellite broadcast sent from the branch filter 59 and feeds the amplified signals to a polarized wave switch 102 (selection means, output means). The polarized wave switch 102 extracts the IF signals corresponding to the right-hand polarized waves from the IF signals of the satellite broadcast and feeds them to a polarized wave switch 111 (selection means) when a voltage of switching (equivalent to a polarized wave switching signal) fed from the receiver 61 is 13 V. Likewise, when the switching voltage is 18 V, the polarized wave switch 102 extracts the IF signals corresponding to the waves polarized left hand signals from the IF signals of the satellite broadcast and feeds them to a downward IF converter 120 (conversion medium). A bandpass filter (BPF) 103 of the falling IF converter 120 has a passband of 1350 to 2100 MHz and avoids (generally called image removal) that the components of the signal in the image band [3777 (= 1565 + 2212) MHz to 4217 (= 2005 2212) MHz] are converted again and sent to the local oscillation frequency of 2212 MHz, which occurs in the frequency conversion at the local oscillation frequency of 2212 MHz which is describe later. further, the band path filter 103 has the effect of removing the components of the signal other than the left-hand polarized waves. A multiplier 105 multiplies the output signals of a local oscillator 104 having a local oscillation frequency of 2212 MHz by the output signals of the bandpass filter 103. A low path filter (LPF) 106 sends only the signals of an interrupted or lower frequency from between the output signals of the multiplier 105. An amplifier 107 amplifies the output signals of the low path filter 106.

A multiplier 109 multiplies the signals fed from a local oscillator 108 having an oscillation frequency of 1637 MHz by the signals sent from the amplifier 107. A bandpass filter 110 extracts the signals in a frequency band of 900 to 1500 MHz from among the signals sent from the multiplier 109 and sends the extracted signals to the polarized wave switch 111. The polarized wave switch 111 similarly to the polarized wave switch 102 described above selectively sends the IF signals corresponding to the right-hand polarized waves fed from the polarized wave switch 102, when the switching voltage fed from the receiver 61 is 13 V. When, on the other hand, the switching voltage is 18 V, the polarized wave switch 111 selectively sends the IF signals corresponding to the left-hand polarized waves fed from the downstream IF converter 120. A capacitor 112 disconnects the direct current components contained in the signals in order to prevent the selection circuit 60 and the receiver 61 from being affected with each other. Furthermore, a coil 113 prevents the IF signals (high frequency signals) corresponding to the right-hand and left-hand polarized waves from influencing a power supply section 114. The power supply section 114 sends a power voltage of 13 V or 18 V in accordance with the switching voltage fed from the receiver 61. Figures 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D show signals of the main section of the mode shown in Figure 4. The operation or operation of this embodiment of Figure 4 will be described below with reference to Figures 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D. The IF signals (Figure 5A) fed from the distributor 58 shown in Figure 1, are separated into terrestrial television broadcast signals and IF signals and satellite broadcasting. Then, terrestrial television broadcast signals are sent to the receiver 61 as output signals from the branch filter (Figure 5B). On the other hand, the IF signals of the satellite broadcast are fed to the amplifier 101 where the signals are amplified and then fed to the polarized wave switch 102. The polarized wave switch 102 extracts the IF signals corresponding to the right hand polarized waves from among the satellite broadcast IF signals fed from the amplifier 101, when the switching voltage fed from the receiver 61 is 13 V and sends the extracted IF signals to the polarized wave switch 111. When, on the other hand, the switching voltage is 18 V, the polarized wave switch 102 extracts the IF signals corresponding to the left-hand polarized waves from among the IF signals of the satellite broadcast and feeds the IF signals extracted from the satellite. 120 IF converter descending. The bandpass filter 103 of the descending IF converter 120, allows the signals in the frequency band of 1350 to 2100 MHz from between the IF signals (1565 to 2005 MHz) corresponding to the left-hand polarized waves fed from the polarized wave switch 102 they pass and send the same to the multiplier 105. As a result, in the manner described above, the frequency components in the image band may be prevented from being sent. The multiplier 105 multiplies the output signals of the local oscillator 104 having an oscillation frequency of 2212 MHz by the output signals of the bandpass filter 103 and sends the signals. As a result of this multiplication, the frequency band of the IF signals of the left-hand polarized waves is converted downwards from the 1565 MHz to 2005 MHz scale to the 207 MHz scale = (2212 MHz - 2005 MHz) to 647 MHz (= 2212 MHz - 1565 MHz).

The downconverted IF signals (and the output signals from the multiplier 105) of the left-hand polarized waves are supported by the low-path filter 106 having an 800 MHz cutoff frequency where the unwanted harmonic components are removed. Then, after the IF signals are amplified by the amplifier 107, the signals are admitted to the multiplier 109. The multiplier 109 multiplies the output signals of the local oscillator 108 having an oscillation frequency of 1637 MHz by the signals of output of the amplifier 107 and send the signals. As a result of this multiplication, the frequency band of the IF signals corresponding to the left-hand polarized waves fed from the amplifier 107, is converted upwardly from the 207 to 647 MHz scale to the 990 MHz scale = (1637 MHz - 647 MHz) at 1430 MHz (= 1637 MHz at 207 MHz). The upconverted IF signals (the output signals of the multiplier 109) corresponding to the left-hand polarized waves are admitted in the band path filter 110 having a pass band of 900 to 1500 MHz where the undesired low frequency and high frequency components, and then admitted into the polarized wave switch 111 as the output signals of the downstream IF converter 120. The polarized wave switch 111 selects signals (IF signals corresponding to right-hand polarized waves) fed from the polarized wave switch 102 and sends the signals when the switching voltage fed from the receiver 61 is 13 V (Fig. 5C). When, on the other hand, the switching voltage is 18 V, the polarized wave switch 111 selects signals (IF signals corresponding to the left-hand polarized waves) fed from the downward IF converter 120 (FIG. 5D) and sends the signs. The output of the signals from the polarized wave switch 111 is fed to the receiver 61 through the capacitor 112. With the arrangement described above, when the viewer performs a predetermined operation through the receiver 61, it becomes possible to select a program content in terrestrial wave television broadcast, right-hand polarized waves of satellite broadcast or left-hand polarized waves of satellite broadcast and demodulate it. Figure 6A is a trace of the respective 2212 MHz and 1637 MHz outputs of the local oscillators 104 and 108 of the descending IF converter 120 shown in Figure 4 on the frequency axis (horizontal axis). If these signals of different frequencies are modulated with each other, intermodulation distortion occurs. Figure 6B shows the relationship between the left-hand polarized wave components (from 990 to 1430 MHz) after being converted downward by the downward IF converter 120 and the intermodulation distortion. The intermodulation distortion is formed of frequency components of the sum of a multiple of the frequency of each signal and the difference thereof. Therefore, the 575 MHz distortion that is a frequency of the difference between 1637 MHz and 2212 MHz of the two local oscillation frequencies occurs of course. Furthermore, as a result of the intermodulation of the local oscillation frequencies of 575 MHz and 1637 MHz, 1062 MHz distortion components occur which is the frequency of the difference. In addition, distortion components of 1150 MHz occur which is a higher order second harmonic of 575 MHz previously described. These distortion components overlap the components of the left-hand polarized wave. Therefore, in order not to exert an influence on a broadcast program, it is preferred to set the local oscillation frequency of the local oscillators 104 and 108 so that these intermodulation distortion components (1150 MHz or 1062 MHz) are placed between the channels of the left-hand polarized wave components (between the 1130 MHz channel and the 1160 MHz channel or between the 1020 MHz channel and the 1080 MHz channel). As described above, in the terminal 2 unit, when the signal frequency conversion is carried out using two different local oscillation frequencies, it is possible to place the intermodulation distortion between the channels of the broadcast signals, by appropriately grading the local oscillation frequency . As a result, it becomes possible to suppress the influence exerted on the broadcast signals by the intermodulation distortion. The 575 MHz intermodulation distortion can be removed by the band path filter 54a in the low noise block. Also, since not only the intermodulation distortion can be removed by the filter 103, but also since the amplifier 101 functions as an attenuator for an inverse number of gain of amplification with respect to the intermodulation distortion, it is that it has the influence of the intermodulation distortion. - 3í In the descending IF converter 120 shown in FIG. 4, a downconversion is performed at the local oscillation frequency of 2212 MHz and, in contrast, an upconversion is carried out at the local oscillation frequency of 1637 MHz. Consequently, the downlink conversion of 575 MHz is achieved. A method for carrying out the frequency conversion of signals through two different steps in the manner described above is called a double conversion. This method has advantages that will be described below in comparison with a single conversion, where the frequency of a signal is converted at a time. (a) In the simple conversion or a single conversion, a local oscillation frequency of 575 MHz is used. Since this frequency is placed within the frequency band of the terrestrial wave television broadcast and the level of this signal is large, for example, of approximately + 10 dBmW (decibel-milli att), the signal may exert an influence on the broadcast signals. On the other hand, in the double conversion, since two local oscillation frequencies (2212 and 1637 MHz) fall outside the band of the frequency band (9990 to 1430 MHz) of the left-hand polarized wave signals obtained, the signal has no influence on broadcast signals. (b) In the case of a single conversion, since the right-hand polarized waves of the basic signal must be suppressed by 30 dB or more with respect to the left-hand polarized waves, it is required to insert a high-path filter with a pronounced feature that has a cut-off or interruption frequency within the range of 1410 to 1565 MHz. However, it is difficult to form a high-path filter with a pronounced characteristic at a low cost in this frequency band. On the other hand, in the double conversion, it is possible to form the high path filter by dividing it into a plurality of filters. Therefore, each filter does not need to have such a pronounced feature. Even when in this modality the satellite diffusion waves that are multiplexed by the polarized waves of right hand and left hand are used, of course, the satellite diffusion waves that are multiplied by horizontally and vertically polarized waves can be used of course. In the selection circuit 60 shown in Figure 4, the downward IF converter 120 is provided to carry out the frequency conversion of the left-hand polarized waves. However, if the frequency band of input to the receiver 61 is made to correspond to the frequency band (1565 to 2005 MHz) of the left-hand polarized waves, the downstream IF converter 120 may be omitted. Figure 7 is a functional diagram illustrating the arrangement of another embodiment of a receiving apparatus and a terminal unit in accordance with the present invention. In this modality the broadcasts of CATV (Cable Television) including terrestrial wave television broadcasts can be received. Those components in Figure 7 that are the same as those in Figure 1 are provided with the same reference numbers and, therefore, a description thereof is omitted. In Figure 7, the mixer 56 mixes the satellite broadcast IF signals fed from the mixer 54 with the CATV broadcast signals fed from the cable (not shown) connected to the input section 56a and sends the mixed signals. In addition, the low noise converters 52 and 53 convert the frequency so that the IF signals from the right-hand polarized waves, and the IF signals from the left-hand polarized waves and the CATV broadcast signals do not interfere with with the other one.

The branch filter 39 separates the IF signals fed from the distributor 58 into IF signals from the satellite broadcast and CATV signals. Then the branch filter 59 feeds the IF signals from the satellite broadcast to the selection circuit 60, and CATV broadcast signals to receiver 61. Other points of this arrangement are the same as those in the case of Figure 1. In accordance with this modality, it is possible to receive CATV broadcasts in addition to multiplexed satellite dysfusions and distribute these to Each unit 2 terminal through a single IF signal cable. In addition, the selection circuit 60 may be contained in the receiver 61. In accordance with the receiving apparatus according to this first aspect of the present invention and the receiving method according to the second aspect of this invention, the waves are received. multiplexed broadcast radio, and the multiplexed broadcast radio waves received are separated into a plurality of types of broadcast radio waves, the plurality of separate diffusion radio wave types are converted into IF signals of mutually different frequencies and the converted IF signals are sent to the processing section. In this way it becomes possible to transmit multiplexed broadcast radio waves through a single cable, avoiding the need to lay new cables. In addition, since a plurality of types of IF signals can be handled as a single type of signals, it is possible to decrease the number of distributors to distribute the signals, or of similar operations. In accordance with the receiving apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention and the receiving method according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a satellite broadcast is received, and at least one terrestrial wave television broadcast is received and the satellite broadcast signals received, the cable television broadcast signals or the terrestrial television broadcast signals are converted into signals in the frequency band that does not interfere with each other. Therefore, it becomes possible to receive a satellite broadcast using the existing separation apparatus and the existing IF cable. In accordance with the terminal unit according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, and the receiving method according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of IF signal types of different frequencies fed from the receiving apparatus of community, and the desired IF signals are selected from the plurality of different frequency IF input signal types, and the selected IF signals are sent. Therefore, it is possible to securely receive a multiplexed broadcast. Many different embodiments of the present invention can be constructed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described in this specification. On the contrary, the present invention is intended to cover the various modifications and equivalent arrangements ided within the spirit and scope of the invention as will be claimed below. The scope of the following claims must be in accordance with the broad interpretation to encompass all those modifications, equivalent structures and functions.

Claims (40)

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N E S:

1. A receiving apparatus comprising: a receiving means for receiving multiplexed broadcast waves; a separation means for separating the multiplexed diffusion waves received by the receiving means in a plurality of types of diffusion waves; a conversion means for converting the plurality of diffusion wave types separated by the separation means into IF signals of mutually different frequencies; and an output means for sending the IF signals converted by the conversion means to a processing section.

2. A receiving apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a mixing means for mixing the plurality of types of IF signals converted by the conversion means.

3. A receiver apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conversion means converts at least one type of diffusion waves from among the plurality of diffusion wave types into IF signals, in a frequency band that can process through the processing section.

4. A receiver apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the diffusion waves are radio waves transmitted through a satellite, a second receiving means is further provided for receiving at least one type of terrestrial wave television broadcast waves. or cable television broadcast signals, and the conversion means converts the plurality of types of IF signals into IF signals having a frequency different from that of terrestrial wave television broadcast waves or broadcast signals. cable television received by the second receiving means.

5. A receiver method comprising the steps of: receiving multiplexed broadcast waves; separating multiplexed broadcast waves received in a plurality of types of diffusion waves; and converting the plurality of separate diffusion wave types into IF signals of mutually different frequencies.

6. A receiving apparatus comprising: a first receiving means for receiving a satellite broadcast; a second receiving means for receiving at least one cable television broadcast or one terrestrial wave television broadcast; a conversion means for converting the satellite broadcast signals, the cable television broadcast signals or the terrestrial television broadcast signals received by the first receiving means and the second receiving means, into IF signals in a band of Frequently they do not interfere with each other.

7. A receiver method comprising the steps of: receiving a satellite broadcast; receive at least one cable television broadcast and one terrestrial television broadcast; and converting received satellite broadcast signals, received cable television broadcast signals or terrestrial wave television broadcast signals into IF signals, in a frequency band that does not interfere with one another.

8. A terminal unit that accepts IF signals from a receiving apparatus that receives multiplexed broadcast waves and that converts these multiplexed broadcast waves into a plurality of types of IF signals having different frequencies and sends the signals, comprising the terminal unit : an input means for admitting the plurality of IF signal types having different frequencies fed from the receiving apparatus; a selection means for selecting the desired IF signals from the plurality of IF signal types having different frequencies that are admitted by the input means; and an output means for sending the IF signals selected by the selection means.

9. A terminal unit according to claim 8, further comprising: a conversion means for converting the IF signals into signals having a predetermined frequency.

10. A terminal unit according to claim 9, wherein the conversion means has a plurality of local oscillators to convert the frequency, and the frequency of signals sent from the local oscillator is graded such that the frequency of the intermodulation distortion that occurs as a result of the mutual interference of the signals, is placed between the channels of the IF signals.

11. A receiver method of a terminal unit for admitting IF signals from a receiving apparatus that receives multiplexed broadcast waves that converts these multiplexed broadcast waves into a plurality of types of IF signals having different frequencies and send them, the The method comprises the steps of: admitting the plurality of types of IF signals having different frequencies fed from the receiving apparatus; selecting the desired IF signals from the plurality of IF signal types of inputs having different frequencies; and send the selected IF signals.

12. A receiving system comprising: a community receiving means and a plurality of terminal units, the community receiving means comprising: a first receiving means for receiving the multiplexed broadcast waves; a first separation means for separating the multiplexed diffusion waves received by the receiving means in a plurality of types of diffusion waves; a conversion means for converting the plurality of diffusion wave types separated by the separation means into IF signals of mutually different frequencies; and a first output means for sending at least the IF signals converted by the conversion means; each of the terminal units for receiving at least the IF signals sent from the community receiver means, comprises, an input means for admitting at least the plurality of IF signal types having different frequencies fed from the medium community receiver; a selection means for selecting the desired IF signals from the plurality of IF signal types having different frequencies that are admitted by the input means; and a second output means for sending the IF signals selected by the selection means.

13. A receiving system according to claim 12, the community receiving means is placed outside and the terminal unit is placed inside.

14. A receiving system according to claim 12, the community receiving means further comprising a second receiving means for receiving at least one type of cable television broadcast signals or terrestrial television broadcast signals, wherein the first receiving means receives the broadcast waves transmitted through a satellite and the conversion means converts the plurality of types of IF signals into IF signals having a frequency different from a frequency of wave television broadcast waves terrestrial or the cable television broadcast signal received by the second receiving means.

15. A receiving system according to claim 12, the community receiving means further comprising a first mixing means for mixing the plurality of IF signal types converted by the conversion means.

16. A receiving system according to claim 14, the community receiving means further comprising, a first mixing means for mixing the plurality of IF signal types converted by the conversion means; a second mixing means for mixing the signals sent from the first mixing means with at least one type of cable television broadcast signals or terrestrial television broadcast waves and sending the mixed signals including the plurality of signal types of IF and cable television broadcast signals or terrestrial wave television broadcast waves.

17. A receiver system according to claim 12, wherein the output means has a distribution means for distributing the signals sent from the first output means to each terminal unit.

18. A receiver system according to claim 16, wherein each terminal unit has a second separation means for separating the signals sent from the community receiving means to the plurality of IF signal types converted from the broadcast waves and , at least, one type of cable television broadcast signals or terrestrial television broadcast waves.

19. A receiver system according to claim 12, the multiplexed diffusion waves are multiplexed RF signals with right-hand and left-hand polarized waves.

20. A receiver system according to claim 12, further comprising: a receiver for receiving the IF signals sent from the second output means, wherein the selection means selects one of the IF signals in accordance with a signal of polarized wave switching powered from the receiver.

21. A receiver system according to claim 19, wherein the first separation means separates the multiplexed diffusion waves received by the receiving medium towards the polarized waves of the right hand and the polarized waves of the left hand.

22. A receiver system according to claim 21, the conversion means having a first conversion means for converting the right-hand polarized waves having a first predetermined frequency scale to the right-hand polarized waves having a second scale. of predetermined frequency and a second conversion means for converting the left-hand polarized waves having a third scale of predetermined frequency to polarized waves of the left hand having a fourth scale of predetermined frequency.

23. A receiver system according to claim 22, the first conversion means having a first amplifier, a first local oscillator having a first local oscillation frequency, a first multiplier and a first buffer.

24. A receiver system according to claim 22, the second conversion means having a second ampouler, a second local oscillator having a second local oscillation frequency, a second multiplier and a second intermediate frequency.

25. A receiver system according to claim 12, the selection means having a third local oscillator having a third local oscillation frequency and a fourth local oscillator having a fourth local oscillation frequency wherein the third local oscillation frequency it is different from the fourth frequency of local oscillation.

26. A receiver system according to claim 25, an intermodulation distortion frequency that occurs as a result of the mutual interference generated by a difference between the third local oscillation frequency and the fourth local oscillation frequency is placed between the channels of IF signals.

27. A receiving apparatus according to claim 1, the receiving apparatus is a community receiving apparatus placed outside.

28. A receiving apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a first mixing means for mixing the plurality of types of IF signals converted by the conversion means, a second mixing means for mixing the signals sent from the first medium. mixer with at least one type of cable television broadcast signals or terrestrial television broadcast waves and send the mixed signals including the plurality of types of IF signals and the cable television broadcast signals or the terrestrial wave television broadcast waves.

29. A receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output means has a distribution means for distributing the signals sent from the first output means to each terminal unit.

30. A receiver apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the separation means separates the multiplexed diffusion waves received by the receiving means in polarized waves from the right hand and polarized waves from the left hand.

31. A receiving apparatus according to claim 30, the conversion means having a first conversion means for converting right hand polarized waves having a first scale of predetermined frequency and polarized waves of right hand having a second scale of predetermined frequency, and a second conversion means for converting the left-hand polarized waves having a third scale of predetermined frequency into left-hand polarized waves having a fourth scale of predetermined frequency.

32. A receiving apparatus according to claim 31, the first conversion means having a first amplifier, a first local oscillator having a first oscillation frequency, a first multiplier and a first buffer.

33. A receiving apparatus according to claim 31, the second conversion means having a second amplifier, a second local oscillator having a second local oscillation frequency, a second multiplier and a second buffer.

34. A receiver method according to claim 5, the multiplexed diffusion waves are IF multiplexed signals with polarized waves of right hand and left hand.

35. A receiver method according to claim 7, satellite broadcasting comprises multiplexed broadcast waves which are multiplexed RF signals with right-hand and left-hand polarized waves.

36. A terminal unit according to claim 8, the terminal unit is placed inside.

37. A terminal unit according to claim 8, the input means also admits at least one type of cable television broadcast signals or terrestrial television broadcast waves, the finished unit further comprises a second separation means for separating the signals sent from the receiving apparatus to the plurality of types of IF signals converted from the broadcast waves and at least one type of cable television broadcast signals or terrestrial television broadcast waves.

38. A terminal unit according to claim 8, further comprising, a receiver for receiving the IF signals sent from the output means, wherein the separation means selects one of the IF signals according to a signal of Polarized wave switching powered from the receiver.

39. A terminal unit according to claim 8, the selection means having a third local oscillator having a third local oscillation frequency and a fourth local oscillator having a fourth local oscillation frequency, wherein the third oscillation frequency local is different from the fourth local oscillation frequency.

40. A receiver system according to claim 39, an intermodulation distortion frequency that occurs as a result of mutual interference generated by a difference between the third local oscillation frequency and the fourth local oscillation frequency is placed between the channels of IF signals.