TH66871A - Controlling access to information services upon user request. - Google Patents

Abstract

DC60 (24/06/45) Process and system for reducing the idle time in the scheduling matrix table of the reduced data file data into the data block, creating the scheduling matrix table and completing the idle time with the data block. The addresses track each other in the table, keeping the data in order of the original data block, the whole process is to create a new scheduling matrix that reduces idle time and then the overtime loading process. This can be configured from the new scheduling matrix table that was created. A special set-top-box device can receive the above-mentioned data block. In addition to this new invention, the set-top-box device can store broadcast data. The signal can be continuously and preloaded in the number of Optimized to reduce the need for bandwidth usage. Processes and systems for reducing idle time in the scheduling matrix table of the reduced data file data into a data block, creating a scheduling matrix, and completing the idle time with the data block that is tracked in the table. Keep the data in order of the data block as before, the whole process is to create a new scheduling matrix that reduces idle time and then overtime data loading process. This can be configured from the new scheduling matrix table that was created. A special set-top-box device can receive the above-mentioned data block. In addition to this new invention, the set-top-box device can store broadcast data. The signal can be continuously and preloaded in the number of Optimized to reduce the need for bandwidth usage.

Claims (58)

1. The computer used in the broadcasting process involves preparing a delivery matrix to determine the appropriate data transmission schedule for broadcasting. For a large number of clients, this allows for unlimited on-demand data service regardless of client processes. Meanwhile, the on-demand transmission of a data file consists of a first data stream containing the first subset of the data transmission sequence and a second data stream containing the second subset of the data transmission sequence. 2. The computer used in argument 1 will not have any identical data blocks in the first and second data subsets. 3. The computer used in the second argument makes the following claim: The first data subset will contain the optimal number of data blocks, while the second data subset will contain the remaining data from the data sequence. The optimal number of data blocks will depend on the frequency of occurrence of the data blocks. 4. The computer used in the process mentioned in claim 1 states the following: The first data stream also includes a prefetch data stream indication signal. 5. The computer used in the process described in point 4 states that the prefetch data stream signal tells the set-top box to pre-load data into the set-top box's memory. 6. In the process described in claim 4, the computer claims that the set-top box loads the first data stream while the set-top box is in an idle state. 7. The computer in the process described in Clause 1 makes the following claim: The first data subset contains the minimum number of data blocks that can start the program, while the minimum number of data blocks depends on the available bandwidth. 8. The computer in the process described in claim 1 states that the optimal data allocation rate between the first and second subsets depends on the available bandwidth. 9. The broadcasting process, as stated in point 1, is as follows: On-demand data transmission requires a certain amount of bandwidth, and this bandwidth is independent of the number of clients. 10. The computer process described in point 9 states the following: The creation of a delivery matrix involves the following steps: The first schedule matrix is prepared for sending the first data; the first data file is represented by a large number of the first data blocks; the first schedule matrix arranges the first data sequences by placing the large number of first data blocks within each time slot; thus, any client that receives the first data file from the first schedule matrix may only be able to begin using that data file within the first time slot. 11. The computer process in claim number 10 states the following: the first schedule matrix is a fixed-bandwidth schedule matrix. 12. The computer process in claim number 10 states the following: The first schedule matrix is a bandwidth-adjustable schedule matrix. 13. The computer process in argument 11 states the following: A fixed amount of data from a large number of data blocks is arranged in a schedule table for data transmission during bandwidth allocation. 14. The computer in the process mentioned in argument 13 states the following: Signal transmission control during bandwidth allocation can be managed by low-performance devices. 15. The computer process in the first statement states the following: The first data stream is called the pre-fetch stream. The pre-fetch stream is accessed by a set-top box during the scenario input process. 16. The computer in the process mentioned in argument 15 states the following: the reception of pre-fetch commands as a framework, including the pre-loading of instructions to the set-top box by the user. 17. The computer in the process mentioned in argument 15 states the following: a group of prefetch elements that form the plot, including the pre-selection of programs by the user. 18. The computer process involves creating a fixed bandwidth, reducing idle time, and establishing an optimal schedule matrix for on-demand data transmission, independent of client request patterns. This entire process consists of the following steps: Creating a suitable schedule matrix for sending the first data file. This first data file will contain many initial data blocks; therefore, the first schedule matrix arranges the data in sequence, meaning it will consist of many data blocks arranged sequentially according to each time slot. Thus, a client receiving the first data file, as defined in the first schedule matrix, may only access the first data file within the first time slot. Considering the appropriate fixed bandwidth width for data communication—that is, the size of the bandwidth used to support the sequential data block streams as defined in the first schedule matrix—and determining the appropriate bandwidth allocation for dividing the data block stream into separate sub-streams depends on the size of the fixed bandwidth used. Loading the divided data stream as described above to the set-top box. The set-top box will not yet process the data... 19. The set-top box device will perform the following actions: - Switch to an idle state. - Access preloaded data streams occasionally while in idle mode. - Store groups of preloaded data blocks in a readable computer device. - Display portions of the data blocks when switching from idle to active mode, begin receiving signals from the client, and start displaying portions of the program stored during preloading. - Automatically adjust to the correct data stream; thus, there will be no stuttering between displaying the first part of the program and the rest of the program. 19. The above describes the process of providing information to users immediately without having to access data that is currently being broadcast. 20. The set-top box device referred to in item 19 is claimed to have the following: a supplementary function for periodically updating data while in idle mode. 21. The set-top box device referred to in item 20 states the following: Data is updated periodically depending on the user's instructions. 22. The set-top box device referred to in point 20 states the following: Data is updated periodically, depending on the video on demand preference. 23. The set-top box device, as referred to in item 20, is claimed to have periodic data updates based on the user's old data usage history. 24. The set-top box device referred to in point 19 states the following: The procedure for switching to the idle state depends on the idle mode scenario. 25. The set-top box device referred to in point 24 states the following: idle mode scenario, including the condition of the service user who is not watching anything. 26. The computer process for preloading broadcast data into a set-top box involves the following steps: switching the STB to an idle state; automatically tuning the STB to the first selected channel; the first data stream consisting of pre-fetch data streams; after switching to an active state, at least one of the following processes is performed: decoding the received data block signal; expanding the compressed data; rearranging the data as necessary; storing the data block in the STB's local memory; and outputting the first data file through the user's output device. 27. The computer in the process mentioned in argument 26 states the following: The output device is a television. 28. The computer in the process mentioned in argument 26 states the following: The output device is a display monitor. 29. The computer in the process mentioned in argument 26 states that the output device is a video cassette recorder (VCR). 30. The computer in the process in argument 26 states the following: The output device is the computer system. 31. The computer in the process mentioned in argument 18 states the following: Optimal bandwidth allocation depends on the available bandwidth. 32. The delivery matrix contains a data file divided into data blocks. The number of data blocks is arranged as follows: - Divide the data file into data blocks. - Set the first variable to zero. - Clear the reference array. - Compare the first variable with the number of data blocks. - If the first variable is less than the number of data blocks, set the second variable to zero. - Compare the second variable with the number of data blocks. - If the second variable is less than the number of data blocks, write the data from the data block stored in the scheduling matrix to the reference array at [(i+j) mod x], where i is the second variable, j is the first variable, and x is the number of data blocks. - If the reference array already contains data blocks, do not copy the data again. - Check if the reference array contains the data block corresponding to the second variable. If the reference array does not contain data corresponding to the data block corresponding to the second variable, store this data block in the reference array and in the scheduling matrix at [(i+j) mod (x), j], and perform the following steps. Incrementing the second variable by one - If the reference array contains data matching the data block corresponding to the second variable, increment the second variable by one - repeat steps 1 through 2 until the value of the second variable equals the number of data blocks. Incrementing the first variable by one - repeat steps 3 through 3 until the value of the first variable equals the number of data blocks. Format the schedule matrix and send it in the data stream. The system will send the data signals in a repetitive sequence over the signal conductor, which has the allocated bandwidth for the data. The bandwidth is fully utilized by the repetitive signals. 33. The data delivery matrix table in claim 32 states the following: The steps for adjusting the schedule matrix involve considering the bandwidth size allocated to the data file and considering the size of the data stream for the first delivery stream. The first delivery stream will contain the beginning portion of the data file. 34. The data delivery matrix in claim 33 states the following: Consider the size of the allocated bandwidth. The file using the least bandwidth. 35. The data delivery matrix in claim 33 states the following: Consider the size of the allocated bandwidth. The file using the most bandwidth... 36. The data delivery matrix in claim 32 states the following: The diverse data in the stream is derived from the data in the delivery matrix, which consists of various and unrelated data files. 37. The computer in the broadcasting process consists of the following: On the broadcast server side, the following actions are performed: preparing a delivery matrix to arrange the data to be broadcast appropriately; with a large number of clients; on-demand service that is independent of client viewing choices; a first data stream consisting of the first data groups transmitted sequentially; and a second data stream consisting of the second data groups, while the first data stream is pre-loaded transmission data. A suitable first channel server is prepared for sending pre-loaded data through the first channel before broadcasting. A second channel server is prepared for transmitting the electronic program guide, containing the third channel message with the second data stream. The data is then transmitted through the first and second channels. On the STB device side, the following actions are performed: receiving the digital data in the first data stream on the first channel. The reception occurs while the STB device is in a passive state. Digital data is stored in the computer's readable memory while the STB is in passive state. Digital data signals (EPG data) are received, and the EPG data is prepared for the user. The STB receives user commands to manage data and executes those commands. 38. The computer process described in statement 37 is as follows: The process for creating a delivery matrix consists of the following: It prepares the first scheduling matrix suitable for sending the first data file. The first data file represents many first data blocks. That is, the first schedule matrix sends many first data blocks sequentially, arranged in each time slot. Thus, a client receiving data from the first data file, as defined by the scheduling matrix, can access the first data file using a certain number of time slots. The number of time slots available depends on the number of blocks loaded during the pre-load stream. In other words, no two first data files will have the same data blocks in the pre-load system. 39. The process referred to in argument 38 is as follows: There are pre-transmission actions performed as follows: Preparing a third-channel server for transmitting data-on-demand service details; preparing the third-channel server including the delivery matrix data storage and storing it in the third-channel server's memory; and storing the data block in the second data stream table of the delivery matrix in the third-channel server's memory. Then, the data is transmitted from the third channel. 40. The computer process as described in claim 39 claims the following: The first scheduling matrix is a scheduling matrix that uses a fixed bandwidth. 41. The computer process described in claim 40 states the following: A fixed number of data blocks are arranged to send data in each time slot. 42. The computer process as described in claim 40 states the following: The first scheduling matrix is a bandwidth-dependent scheduling matrix with variable width. 43. The process by which a data-on-demand (DOD) server provides DOD services to a large number of clients, regardless of their viewing behavior, by transmitting signals through carriers, involves the following steps: Preparing the first data stream, which consists of a large amount of the first data block and many additional data blocks; in other words, this first data block and subsequent data blocks contain the selected DOD services. Separating the first data block from the first data stream. Placing at least one piece of data from the first data block into a second data stream. Transmitting the second data stream through carriers. Similarly, transmitting the first data stream through carriers. Clients then receive data from the first and second data streams. They may combine only parts of the first and second data streams to access their selected DOD services. 44. The process of broadcasting data-on-demand services, as claimed in claim 43, states the following: the first and second data streams are configured for reception by a set-top-box device. 45. The data-on-demand (DOD) data transmitted as claimed in claim 43 states the following: The additional data block will contain the data from the second and third data blocks. 46. The server providing DOD broadcasting services, as claimed in claim 45, makes the following additional actions: separate the data of the second data block from the first data stream; place the data of the second data block into the second data stream; and the users receiving the first and second data streams may combine parts of the first, second, and third data blocks in order to access the selected DOD service. 47. The server providing DOD broadcasting services, as claimed in Remarks 45, states the following: Access to the selected DOD service includes viewing video presentations, which are a portion of the DOD service. 48. The process of receiving a DOD broadcast signal in order to receive DOD services transmitted from a server that is independent of the user's viewing process, involves the following actions through a receiver: receiving the first data stream containing a portion of the selected DOD service through the conductor; receiving the second data stream containing a portion of the selected DOD service through the conductor; and combining the first and second data streams to access the DOD service. 49. Regarding the DOD broadcasting service claimed in claim 48, the broadcasting process also includes the following: pre-loading some data from the second data stream into memory; combining some of the pre-loaded data streams with some of the first data streams in order to play a portion of the selected movie for DOD service. 50. The reception process of the DOD broadcast signal, as claimed in claim 48, states the following: The reception process also includes receiving an electronic programming guide (EPG), which will allow the selection of available DOD programs. 51. The server's process for broadcasting via DOD (Do-Only Distribution) is suitable for a large number of clients, independent of client viewing behavior, and transmitted over existing conductors. This involves managing and reducing the idle time of the data blocks, which contain the selected data from the DOD service. Frequently occurring data blocks are removed from the idle-time-reduced blocks and placed on a prefetch data stream containing prefetch data blocks related to the selected DOD service. This prefetch stream is then transmitted over the conductors. The remaining idle-time-reduced data is then sent along the conductors. The receiving device then combines the remaining idle-time-reduced data with the prefetch data according to the selected DOD service. Therefore, this process reduces the required bandwidth. 52. The server's process for broadcasting DOD, as claimed in claim 51, states the following: prefetch data includes electronic program guide (EPG) information, which in turn includes information listing the programs available through the server's DOD interface. 53. The main server providing DOD broadcasting services, as claimed in claim 52, states the following: The EPG can allow users to select viewing services from DOD services. 54. The transmission process of the DOD service, as described in reference 51, is as follows: The process further comprises: separating numerous additional data blocks from the idle-time reduced data blocks; placing these additional data blocks on a prefetch stream; the prefetch stream containing frequently occurring data blocks and additional data blocks relevant to the selected DOD service; and transmitting the remaining idle-time reduced data along the conductor. The receiving device combines the idle-time reduced remaining data with the prefetch data to construct the data according to the selected DOD service, thus reducing the bandwidth used. 55. The server broadcasting process, as referred to in argument 54, involves additional data block information contained within the numerous and varied data blocks that occur most frequently in the second instance, thus increasing or decreasing bandwidth usage. 56. The server broadcasting process as claimed in claim 55 states the following: Additional data block information will be included in the many diverse data blocks that occur most frequently (third most frequently), thus increasing the reduction in the bandwidth required for data transmission. 57. The server broadcasting process as claimed in claim 56 states the following: Additional data block information will be included in the numerous data blocks that occur most frequently in the fourth position, thus increasing the bandwidth required for data transmission. 58. The server broadcasting process as claimed in claim 57 states the following: Additional data block information will be included in the many diverse data blocks that occur most frequently (fifth most frequently), thus increasing the bandwidth required for data transmission.