TH66874A - Wired modem end-line system for broadcasting numeric request data. - Google Patents

Abstract

DC60 (17/10/45) Process and system for reducing idle time in scheduling matrix table of reduced data tile data into data block, creating scheduling matrix table and filling idle time with 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 the overtime loading process can be set from the new scheduling matrix. A special set-top-box device can receive the previously mentioned data block. In addition to this new invention, the set-top-box device can store data that It can broadcast continuously and preload the right amount of data to reduce bandwidth requirements. Processes and systems for reducing idle time in the scheduling matrix table of the reduced data tile data to the data block, creating the scheduling matrix table, and replenishing the idle time with the data block that is tracked in the table. Keep the data sorted in order of the original data block, the whole process is to create a new scheduling matrix that reduces idle time, and the overtime loading process can be set from the new scheduling matrix table created. A special box can receive the previously mentioned data block. In addition to this new invention, the set-top-box device can store data that It can broadcast continuously and preload the right amount of data to reduce bandwidth requirements.

Claims (60)

1. The computer used in the broadcasting process involves preparing a delivery matrix to determine the optimal data transmission for broadcasting. For a large number of clients, it can provide unlimited on-demand data 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 claim 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 each data block. 4. The computer used in the process mentioned in paragraph 1 states the following: the first data stream also includes a prefetch data stream indicator signal. 5. The computer used in the process described in point 4 claims the following: A prefetch data stream signal tells the set-top box to pre-load data into the set-top box's memory. 6. The computer process in claim number 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 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 point 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 the large number of 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 arranged in a schedule table for data transmission during bandwidth allocation. 14. The computer process 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 claims the following: the reception of pre-fetch commands as a basis for the process, including the pre-loading of instructions to the set-top box by the user. 17. The computer process in claim number 15 states the following: a group of prefetch elements that constitute 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 includes 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 scheduling matrix—the consideration of appropriate bandwidth allocation in 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... The received data is then displayed. 19. A set-top box will perform the following actions: - Switch to an idle state. - Occasionally access preloaded data streams while in idle mode. - Store groups of preloaded data blocks in a readable computer device. - Display a portion of the data block when switching from idle to active mode, begin transmitting from the client, and start displaying a portion of the program stored during preloading. - Automatically tune 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. The above described steps demonstrate how data is delivered to the client immediately without needing to access data currently being broadcast. 20. The set-top box devices referred to in item 19 are claimed to have the following features: They have an additional function for periodically updating data while in idle mode. 21. The set-top box devices referred to in item 20 are described as follows: Data updates are performed periodically depending on the user's instructions. 22. The set-top box devices referred to in item 20 state the following: The data is updated periodically, depending on the video on demand preference. 23. The set-top box devices referred to in item 20 are described as follows: Data updates are periodic depending 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 devices referred to in point 24 are described as follows: idle mode scenario, including the condition of the user not watching anything. 26. The computer process for loading pre-fetched 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 claim 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 the following: the output device is a video cassette recorder (VCR). 30. The computer in the process in claim number 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. The 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 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 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, 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 increment the variable. The second increment is performed by one: if the reference array contains data matching the data block corresponding to the second variable, increment the second variable by one. This process is repeated from step 1 to step 2 until the value of the second variable equals the number of data blocks. The first variable is then incremented by one. This process is repeated from step 3 to step 3 until the value of the first variable equals the number of data blocks. The scheduling matrix is then formatted and sent in the data stream. The system transmits the data signals sequentially and repeatedly over the allocated bandwidth, utilizing its full capacity with these repeated signals. 33. The data delivery matrix in claim 32 states the following: The steps for adjusting the schedule matrix involve considering the bandwidth allocated to the data file and the size of the first delivery stream. The first delivery stream contains the beginning 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. Table 35, the data delivery matrix, in claim 33, states the following: Consider the size of the allocated bandwidth; the file using the most bandwidth... The 36 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 broadcasting 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 independent of client viewing choices, the first data stream consisting of the first data groups transmitted sequentially, and the second data stream consisting of the second data groups, while the first data stream is pre-loaded transmission data; preparing a suitable first channel server for sending pre-loaded data through the first channel before broadcasting; preparing a second channel server for sending the electronic program guide, with the message for the third channel containing the second data stream; and then transmitting the data 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 while the STB is in a passive state; and storing the digital data in the computer's read-back memory. While the STB device is in a passive state, it receives digital data signals, specifically EPG data. The STB then prepares EPG data for the user, receives user commands to manage the data, and executes those commands. 38. The computer process described in claim 37 is as follows: The process for creating a delivery matrix consists of the following components: A suitable initial scheduling matrix is prepared to send the first data file. This first data file represents many first data blocks. That is, the initial scheduling 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. Alternatively, it can be said that no two first data files will have identical data blocks in the pre-load system. 39. The process referred to in claim 38 is as follows: There are actions performed prior to broadcasting, consisting of: preparing a third channel server for transmitting the details of the data-on-demand service; preparing the third channel server, including storing the delivery matrix data in the third channel server's memory; and storing the data block data in the second data stream table of the delivery matrix in the third channel server's memory. The data is then transmitted from the third channel. The 40 computers in the process, as claimed in claim 39, state the following: The first scheduling matrix is a scheduling matrix that uses a fixed bandwidth. 41. The computer in the process as claimed in claim 40 states the following: A fixed number of data blocks are arranged to send data in each time slot. 42. The computer in the process, as claimed 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, independent of their viewing behavior, by transmitting signals through carriers, involves the following steps: Preparing the first data stream, which consists of many initial data blocks and 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 the 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 that 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 stated 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 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 main servers providing DOD broadcasting services, as stated in claim 45, claim that access to selected DOD services includes viewing video presentations, which are part of the DOD services. 48. The DOD broadcasting signal reception process involves receiving DOD services transmitted from the server, independent of the user's viewing process. This process receives the signal through a receiver and consists of the following actions: 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. Receiving DOD broadcasting services as claimed in claim 48 states the following: Broadcasting also involves the following processes: 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 that broadcasts DOD signals, as claimed in claim 48, states the following: The reception process also includes receiving an electronic programming guide (EPG) which allows the selection of available DOD programs. 51. The server's process for broadcasting via DOD (Do-Only Delivery) is suitable for a large number of clients, independent of client viewing behavior, and transmitted over existing carriers. This process involves: managing and reducing idle time in the sequencing of data blocks containing the selected DOD service data; removing frequently occurring data blocks from those with reduced idle time; placing these frequently occurring data blocks on a prefetch data stream containing prefetch data blocks related to the selected DOD service; transmitting the prefetch stream over carriers; and finally, sending the remaining data with reduced idle time along the carriers. The receiving device then combines the remaining data with the prefetch data according to the selected DOD service. Therefore, this process significantly reduces the required bandwidth. 52. The server process in broadcasting using DOD, as claimed in claim 51, states the following: Prefetch data includes electronic program guide (EPG) information, which then includes program information available to the server via DOD. 53 The main servers providing DOD broadcasting services, as claimed in claim 52, state that the EPG can allow users to select viewing services from DOD services. 54. The DOD service transmission process, as described in claim 51, is as follows: The process further comprises the following: 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 finally 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 create the data corresponding to the selected DOD service, thus reducing the bandwidth used. 55. The server broadcasting process as mentioned in paragraph 54, additional data block information will be found in the many diverse data blocks that occur most frequently, 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 block information that occurs most frequently in the third instance, thus increasing the reduction in bandwidth required for data transmission. 57. The process of server transmission as claimed in claim 56 states the following: Additional data block information will be included in the many diverse data block information that occurs most frequently in the fourth instance, thus increasing the reduction in the bandwidth required for data transmission. 58. The process of server transmission as claimed in claim 57 states the following: Additional data block information is included in the many diverse data blocks that occur most frequently, ranking fifth. Therefore, this will increase the reduction in the bandwidth required for data transmission. 59. The process of broadcasting by the server as claimed in paragraph 54 states the following: Data transmission also includes the transmission of an Electronic Program Guide (EPG), where the EPG includes both the broadcast program information (DOD) by the server and the programs selected by the subscribers. 60. The method of receiving a DOD broadcast signal to view a client-independent DOD service using a DOD receiver involves the following process: Receiving a prefetch stream containing a prefetch data block of the user-selected DOD service; storing the prefetch data block in the receiver's memory; receiving a primary stream containing a primary data block of the user-selected DOD service; processing the primary and prefetch data blocks to view the selected signal. 61. The DOD broadcast signal reception process described in paragraph 60, in addition to that, also includes receiving an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) containing information about the available DOD services. 62. The DOD broadcast signal reception process described in paragraph 60 also includes the following steps: Receiving the selected DOD service information indicator; switching to receive the signal from the selected DOD service channel as the client's input signal. The primary data stream is received from the selected DOD channel. 63 The DOD broadcasting signal reception process as referred to in paragraph 62 includes receiving Electronic Program Guide (EPG) information. 64 The DOD broadcasting signal reception process as referred to in paragraph 63, the Electronic Program Guide (EPG) provides alerts to subscribers about the DOD services available from the server. 65 The DOD broadcasting signal reception process as referred to in paragraph 64, subscribers can select to view programs. Selected by choosing information from the Electronic Program Guide (EPG) related to the selected service. 66 The process of receiving signals that broadcast DOD signals as claimed in claim 60 also includes displaying DOD services 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 signals to the signal conductor. This device receives digital data signals consisting of primary and prefetch data streams, memory 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 STBs as claimed in claim 67 include high-speed buffer memory. 75 STBs as claimed in claim 74 refer to RAM (random access memory). 76 STBs as claimed in claim 67 state that a digital decoder can decode both video and audio. 77 STBs as claimed in claim 67 define MPEG decoding as a digital decoder. 78 STBs as claimed in claim 67 state that digital decoding supports numerous commands including play, pause, pause, incremental, rewind, and fast forward. 79 STBs as claimed in claim 67 include communication devices. 80. The demodulator, an STB device as referred to in paragraph 67, is a QAM-based demodulator. 81. The STB device as referred to in paragraph 67, a communication device including a cable modem. 82. The central processing unit (CPU) of the STB device as referred to in paragraph 67 will interpret instructions received from the user via the databus. 83. The user interface of the STB device as referred to in paragraph 82 includes a remote control. 84. The user interface of the STB device as referred to in paragraph 82 includes a keyboard. 85. The user interface of the STB device as referred to in paragraph 82 includes a computer system. 86. The STB control processor of the STB device can handle data processing. 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 the user. 89. The STB device mentioned in paragraph 88, the STB control processor receives and executes user commands. 90. The STB device mentioned in paragraph 89, the STB control processor adjusts the STB to receive the user-selected signal channel, considers the characteristics of the selected data, decodes the selected data, distributes the selected compressed data, rearranges the data, stores the data in memory, and displays the data correctly on the output device.