TH66873A - Non-selective access and duplication prevention - Google Patents

Abstract

DC60 (17/10/45) A process and system for reducing idle time in the scheduling matrix of a data file, reduced to data blocks. A scheduling matrix is created, and the idle time is filled with consecutive data blocks, maintaining the original data block order. The entire process involves creating a new scheduling matrix that reduces the idle time. The overtime loading process can be configured from the newly created scheduling matrix. A special set-top box can receive the data blocks as described above. Furthermore, this new invention's set-top box can continuously store broadcast data and preload an appropriate amount of data to reduce demand. To reduce bandwidth usage, a process and system for minimizing idle time in the scheduling matrix of a data file is developed. This scheduling matrix is created, and the idle time is filled with consecutive data blocks, maintaining the original order of the data blocks. The entire process involves creating a new scheduling matrix that reduces idle time. The overloading process can be configured from the newly created scheduling matrix. A special set-top box can receive the aforementioned data blocks. Furthermore, this new invention allows the set-top box to continuously store broadcast data and preload an appropriate amount to reduce bandwidth requirements.

Claims (19)

1. The computer used in the broadcasting process includes a process for preparing a delivery matrix to determine the appropriate data transmission for broadcasting. For a large number of clients, it can provide unlimited on-demand data services regardless of client processes. Meanwhile, the on-demand transmission of a date 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 claim 1 will not have any identical data blocks in the first and second data subsets. 3. The computer used in the second argument states the following: 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 depends on the frequency of occurrence of each data block. 4. The computer used in the process described in claim I states that the first data stream also includes a prefetch data stream indicator signal. 5. The computer used in the process described in point 4 states the following: A prefetch data flow signal tells the set-top box to pre-load and store data in the set-top box's memory. 6. The computer in the process mentioned in claim 4 states the following: The set-top box loads the first data stream while the set-top box is in an idle state. 7. The computer process in the first claim states the following: The subset of data will contain 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 argument 1 claims the following: The optimal data transfer 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 argument 9 states the following: The creation of a delivery matrix involves the following steps: preparing the first schedule matrix for the first data delivery; the first data file, represented by a large number of first data blocks; the first schedule matrix arranges the first data sequences by placing many first data blocks within each time slot; therefore, any client that receives the first data file from the first schedule matrix may only be able to begin using that first 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 claim number 11 states the following: A fixed amount of data from a large number of data blocks is scheduled for transmission during bandwidth allocation. 14. The computer in the process mentioned in argument 13 claims the following: Signal transmission control during bandwidth allocation can be managed by low-performance devices. 15. The computer process in the first claim 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 claim 15 claims the following: the reception of pre-fetch, which is a draft, including the loading of commands into the set-top box by the user. 17. The computer in the process in claim number 15 makes the following claim: The group of prefetch elements, which are part of the plot, includes the pre-selection of programs by the user. 18. Computers in the process of creating a fixed bandwidth, reducing idle time, and establishing an appropriate schedule matrix for on-demand data transmission, regardless of client request patterns, involve the following steps: Creating a suitable schedule matrix for sending the first data file. This first data file contains many initial data blocks; therefore, the first schedule matrix arranges the data in a specific order, consisting of many data blocks arranged sequentially according to each time slot. Thus, a client receiving the first data file as defined in the first scheduling matrix may only begin accessing the first data file within the first time slot. Considering the appropriate fixed bandwidth for data communication, that is, the size of the bandwidth used to support the sequential stream of data blocks as defined in the first scheduling matrix; the consideration of appropriate bandwidth allocation when dividing the data block stream into separate sub-streams depends on the size of the fixed bandwidth used. The data stream, as described, is loaded onto the set-top box, but the set-top box will not yet display the received 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 on a readable computer device. - Display a portion of the data block when switching from idle to active mode, begin transmitting signals from the client, and start displaying portions of the program stored during preloading. - Automatically adjust to the correct data stream, so there is no stuttering between displaying the first part of the program and the rest of the program. The above described steps provide immediate data to the client without accessing data currently being broadcast. 20. The set-top box device referred to in point 19 claims to have an additional function for periodically updating data while in idle mode. 21. The set-top box device referred to in point 20 claims that the periodic data update process depends on... 22. The user's instructions for the set-top box device, as referred to in item 20, state the following: The data update process is periodic, depending on the video-on-demand preference. 23. The set-top box device, as referred to in item 20, states the following: The data update process is periodic, depending on the user's old data usage history. 24. The set-top box device, as referred to in item 19, states the following: The process for switching to idle mode depends on the idle mode scenario. 25. The set-top box device, as referred to in item 24, states the following: The idle mode scenario includes the state of a user who is not watching anything. 26. The computer that processes the pre-loaded data into the set-top box device involves the following processes: Switching the STB device to idle mode; Automatically tuning the STB device to the first selected channel; The first data stream will consist of pre-fetch data streams. After switching to active mode, at least one of the following processes is performed: Decoding the signal from the received data block; Expanding the compressed data; Rearranging the data as needed. Data blocks are stored in the local memory of the STB device. The first data file is output through the user's output device. 27. The computer in process reference 26 states that the output device is a television. 28. The computer in process reference 26 states that the output device is a display monitor. 29. The computer in process reference 26 states that the output device is a video cassette recorder (VCR). 30. The computer in process reference 26 states that the output device is a computer system. 31. The computer in process reference 18 states that bandwidth allocation is optimized. Depending on the bandwidth, a 32-table 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 variable's value 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's value is less than the number of data blocks, write the data from the data block stored in the scheduling matrix column to the reference array at column [(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, the process continues as is. Do not copy data again - Check if the reference array contains the data block corresponding to the second variable - If the reference array does not contain data matching the data block corresponding to the second variable, store this data block in the reference array and in the scheduling matrix at position [(i+j) mod (x),j] and increment 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 J to J until the value of the second variable equals the number of data blocks - Increment the first variable by one - Repeat steps C to J 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 conductor with the allocated bandwidth. The bandwidth is fully utilized by the repetitive signals. 33 The data delivery matrix in claim 32 states the following: The process of adjusting the schedule matrix involves considering the bandwidth size allocated to the data file and considering the size of the first delivery stream. The first delivery stream contains the beginning portion of the data file. The data delivery matrix in statement 33 states the following: Consider the bandwidth size allocated to the file using the least bandwidth. The data delivery matrix in statement 33 states the following: Consider the bandwidth size allocated to the file using the most bandwidth. The data delivery matrix in statement 32 states the following: The diverse data in the stream is derived from the data in the delivery table, which consists of diverse and unrelated data files. The computer in the broadcasting process consists of the following: On the server side, the following actions are performed: Prepare the delivery matrix so that the data to be broadcast is arranged appropriately; with a large number of clients; on-demand service is independent of client browsing; the first data stream consists of the first data group transmitted sequentially; and the second data stream consists of the second data group, while the first data stream will be... The pre-loading transmission data model prepares a first channel host suitable for transmitting pre-loaded data through the first channel before broadcasting. A second channel host is prepared for transmitting the electronic program guide (EPG), containing the third channel message with the second data stream. The data is then transmitted through the first and second channels. On the STB side, the following processes occur: receiving the digital data in the first data stream on the first channel while the STB is in a passive state; storing the digital data in the computer's readable memory while the STB is in a passive state; receiving the digital data signal (EPG data); preparing the EPG data for the user; and receiving user commands to manage the data and executing those commands. The computer in the process described in point 37 states the following: The process for creating a delivery matrix consists of the following: Preparing the first scheduling matrix suitable for sending the first data file; the first data file represents many first data blocks; that is, the first scheduling matrix sends many first data blocks sequentially and arranges them 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 incoming 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 described in paragraph 38 also involves actions performed before broadcasting, including: preparing a third channel server for sending the details of the data-on-demand service; preparing a third channel server... The three processes involve storing the delivery matrix data in the memory of the third channel server and storing the data block data in the second data stream table of the delivery matrix in the memory of the third channel server. Data is then transmitted from channel 3. 40 The computers in the process mentioned in paragraph 39 state the following: The first scheduling matrix is a fixed-bandwidth scheduling matrix. 41 The computers in the process mentioned in paragraph 40 state the following: A fixed number of data blocks are arranged to transmit data in each time slot. 42 The computers in the process mentioned in paragraph 40 state the following: The scheduling matrix is a variable-bandwidth scheduling matrix. 43 The data-on-demand (DOD) broadcasting process provides DOD service to a large number of clients, independent of client viewing behavior, by transmitting signals along conductors. The steps are as follows: Prepare the first data stream, consisting of the first data block and many additional data blocks. In other words, this first data block and these additional data blocks contain the selected DOD services. Separate the first data block from the first data stream. Place at least one piece of data from the first data block into the second data stream. Transmit the second data stream by sending it along the carrier. Then, the user receives the data from the first and second data streams. They may combine only parts of the first and second data streams to access the selected DOD services. 44. The data-on-demand service broadcasting process as described in paragraph 43 states that the first and second data streams are configured for reception by a set-top-box device. 45. Data-on-demand (DOD) broadcast as described. Claiming in argument 43, the additional data block will include the data from the second and third data blocks. 46. The server providing DOD broadcasting services, in argument 45, states the following additional actions: separate the data from the second data block from the first data stream; place the data from the second data block into the second data stream; users receiving the first and second data streams may combine parts of the first, second, and third data blocks to access the selected DOD service. 47. The server providing DOD broadcasting services, in argument 45, states that access to the selected DOD service includes viewing a video presentation, which is part of the DOD service. 48. The DOD broadcasting reception process: To receive DOD services transmitted from the server, which is independent of the user's viewing process, the reception is performed through a receiver and consists of the following actions: receiving the first data stream containing parts of the selected DOD service through a conductor. The process of receiving a second data stream containing a portion of the selected DOD service through the carrier involves receiving the first and second data streams to access the DOD service. 49. Receiving DOD broadcast services as claimed in Reference 48 includes the following processes: pre-loading some data from the second data stream into memory; combining some of the loaded data from the first data stream to play a portion of the selected movie; 50. The process of receiving DOD broadcast signals as claimed in Reference 48 includes receiving the electronic programming guide (EPG), which allows selection of available DOD programs. 51. The server process in DOD broadcasting, suitable for a large number of clients, independent of client viewing behavior, and transmitted through existing carriers, involves managing and reducing idle time in the sequencing of data blocks containing the data we have selected. Selected from the DOD service, frequently occurring data blocks are removed from the idle-time reduced data blocks. These frequently occurring data blocks are then placed on a prefetch data stream. This prefetch stream contains the prefetch data blocks related to the selected DOD service. The prefetch stream is then transmitted along the carrier. The remaining idle-time reduced data is then transmitted along with the carrier. The receiving device then combines the remaining idle-time reduced data with the prefetch data according to the selected DOD service. Thus, it is shown that the required bandwidth is reduced. 52 The server process in DOD broadcasting, as claimed in claim 51, is as follows: The prefetch data includes electronic program guide (EPG) information, which includes program information. The DOD service is available from 53 servers that provide DOD broadcasting services as claimed in claim 52. The EPG allows users to select viewing services from DOD services. 54. The DOD broadcasting process as claimed in claim 51 further consists of the following: Many additional data blocks are separated from the idle time reduced data blocks. These additional data blocks are placed on the prefetch stream. The prefetch stream contains frequently occurring data blocks and additional data blocks relevant to the selected DOD service. The remaining idle time reduced data is sent along the carrier. The receiving device combines the remaining idle time reduced data with the prefetch data to create the data according to the selected DOD service, thus reducing the bandwidth used. 55. The server broadcasting process as claimed in claim 54: Additional data block information is contained within the data. The numerous and varied data blocks that occur frequently, secondly, will therefore increase and decrease the bandwidth required for data transmission by 56%. The server broadcasting process, as claimed in argument 55, states the following: Additional data blocks are included in the numerous and varied data blocks that occur frequently, thirdly, thus increasing and decreasing the bandwidth required for data transmission by 57%. The server broadcasting process, as claimed in argument 56, states the following: Additional data blocks are included in the numerous and varied data blocks that occur frequently, fourthly, thus increasing and decreasing the bandwidth required for data transmission by 58%. The server broadcasting process, as claimed in argument 57, states the following: Additional data blocks are included in the numerous and varied data blocks that occur frequently, fifthly, thus increasing and decreasing the bandwidth required for data transmission by 58%. The bandwidth required for transmitting data to 59 the broadcasting process of the server as claimed in paragraph 54 is as follows: Data transmission also includes the transmission of an Electronic Program Guide (EPG). The EPG includes both the DOD broadcast information by the server and the program selected by the subscriber. 60 The method of receiving DOD broadcast signals to watch the broadcasted DOD service independently of the client, and receiving the signal with a DOD receiver, involves the following process: Receiving a prefetch stream containing prefetch data blocks of the user-selected DOD service; storing the prefetch data blocks in the receiver's memory; receiving a primary stream containing primary data blocks of the user-selected DOD service; processing the primary data blocks and prefetch data blocks in order to watch the selected signal. 61 The data reception process of DOD broadcasting as claimed in paragraph 60, in addition to the above, also includes... Receiving an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) that includes information about the available DOD services. 62 The DOD broadcast reception process as referred to in paragraph 60 also includes the following processes: receiving the selected DOD service information indicator; switching to receive the signal from the selected DOD service channel as the client input signal; receiving the primary data stream from the selected DOD channel. 63 The DOD broadcast reception process as referred to in paragraph 62 includes receiving the Electronic Program Guide (EPG). 64 The DOD broadcast reception process as referred to in paragraph 63: the Electronic Program Guide (EPG) provides alerts to the subscriber about the available DOD services from the server. 65 The DOD broadcast reception process as referred to in paragraph 64: the subscriber can select to view the program. Selected by choosing information from the Electronic Program Guide (EPG) related to the selected service. 66 The DOD broadcasting signal reception process as referred to in paragraph 60 also includes displaying the DOD service via a video display device. 67 A set-top box (STB) can support viewing various images such as video or digital broadcasting, where at least one service transmits data along the data stream. The STB consists of a data bus, a suitable communication device for coupling the signal to the signal conductor. This device receives a digital data signal consisting of a primary data stream and a prefetch data stream, a memory unit that can be bidirectionally connected to the data bus, a digital decoder connected bidirectionally to the data bus, and a central processing unit (CPU) connected bidirectionally to the data bus. The CPU controls the operation by controlling the memory, digital decoding, and demodulation. That is, the STB device controls the process of receiving digital signals through the communication device, and the central processing unit (CPU) controls the management of data, both primary and prefetch data streams. 68. In the STB device mentioned in paragraph 67, the prefetch data stream is stored in memory. 69. In the STB device mentioned in paragraph 67, the databus must be a high-speed databus suitable for real-time data communication, just as the communication device must be able to receive digital data in real-time. 70. In the STB device mentioned in paragraph 67, the databus refers to a USB cable. 71. In the STB device mentioned in paragraph 67, the databus refers to a Firewire cable. 72. In the STB device mentioned in paragraph 67, the memory mentioned includes storage devices. 73. Mass storage devices (STBs) as claimed in claim 72 refer to hard disks. 74. As claimed in claim 67, STBs refer to memory including high-speed buffer memory. 75. As claimed in claim 74, high-speed buffer memory refers to RAM (random access memory). 76. As claimed in claim 67, digital decoders can decode both video and audio. 77. As claimed in claim 67, digital decoding is MPEG decoding. 78. As claimed in claim 67, digital decoding can support numerous commands including play, pause, pause, step play, rewind, and fast forward. 79. As claimed in claim 67, communication devices include... 80. The demoulator, an STB device as referred to in paragraph 67, is a QAM-based demoulator. 81. The STB device as referred to in paragraph 67, the communication device includes modern cables. 82. The STB device as referred to in paragraph 67, the central processing unit (CPU) will interpret instructions received from the user via the databus. 83. The STB device as referred to in paragraph 82, the user interface includes a remote control. 84. The STB device as referred to in paragraph 82, the user interface includes a keyboard. 85. The STB device as referred to in paragraph 82, the user interface includes a computer system. 86. The STB device as referred to in paragraph 67, the STB control processor can support consideration. A wide variety of information is received from the signal channels from the information provided by the electronic program guide (EPG). 87 The STB device mentioned in paragraph 86, the STB control processor can adjust data from two or more channels simultaneously and manage data received from two or more channels simultaneously. 88 The STB device mentioned in paragraph 87, the STB control processor provides EPG information to users. 89 The STB device mentioned in paragraph 88, the STB control processor receives and processes user commands. 90 The STB device mentioned in paragraph 89, the STB control processor adjusts the STB to receive signal from the channel selected by the user, considering the characteristics... The selected data is processed as follows: decode the selected data, distribute the selected compressed data, rearrange the data, store the data in memory, and display the data correctly on the output device.