TH66876A - Numerical broadcasting system for on-demand information using pre-fetch communication. - Google Patents

Abstract

DC60 (04/02/46) Methods and systems for scheduling matrices that reduce the idle time of a data file to a data block. A scheduling matrix is created, and the idle time is filled by the next data block in the matrix, maintaining the original order of the data blocks. This process is then repeated, or a new, equivalent, and idle-time-reduced scheduling matrix is created. The process of preloading the data stream can be configured from the newly created idle-time-reduced scheduling matrix. A specially designed set-top box can be built from the idle-time-reduced scheduling matrix. A set-top box specifically designed for receiving data blocks is then described. In one form of this invention, the set-top box can store a continuously broadcast data stream and manage the preload of the data stream in an appropriate amount to save bandwidth. Methods and systems for scheduling matrices that reduce the idle time of a data file to a data block. A scheduling matrix is created, and the vacant time is filled by the next data block in the matrix, maintaining the original order of the data blocks. This process is then repeated, or a new, equivalent scheduling matrix with reduced vacant time is created. The process of preloading the data stream can be configured from the newly created, reduced vacant time scheduling matrix. A specially designed set-top box can be built from the reduced vacant time scheduling matrix. A set-top box specifically designed for receiving data blocks is then described. In one form of this invention, the set-top box can store a continuously broadcast data stream and manage the preload of the data stream in an appropriate amount to conserve bandwidth.

Claims (90)

1. A computer that uses a general-purpose broadcasting method, which consists of preparing a data matrix that specifies the optimal data transmission sequence for broadcasting to multiple clients. The data is transmitted on demand in a non-specific manner to each client, where the transmission of the on-demand file consists of a first data stream, which includes the first subset of the transmission sequence, and a second data stream, which consists of the second subset of the transmission sequence. 2. A computer using the method described in Claim 1 where the first and second subsets do not include any common data blocks. 3. A computer using the method claimed in clause 2 uses a first subset of data consisting of one optimal data block, where a second subset is the remainder of the data transmission sequence, and the optimal set of data blocks depends on the frequency of the data block distribution. 4. A computer using the method claimed in item 1, where the first data stream also includes a preflash data stream identifier. 5. A computer using the method described in clause 4, where the prefetched data stream indicator signals the multi-purpose receiver box to preload the first data stream into the multi-purpose receiver box's electronic memory. 6. A computer using the method claimed in clause 4 at the said multi-purpose set-top box may load the first data stream while the set-top box is in an idle state. 7. A computer using the method claimed in clause 1 shall have the fewest possible data blocks in the subset necessary to execute the program, and this minimum amount shall depend on the bandwidth used. 8. A computer using the method claimed in clause 1 shall have the ratio of the allocated through-order trajectory between the first and second sub-datasets optimized according to the available bandwidth. 9. The data transmission method claimed in point 1, where the requested data file transmission requires a certain amount of bandwidth independent of the number of subscribers. 10. A computer employing the method claimed in clause 9, in which the transmission matrix is constructed, prepares a first-schedule matrix suitable for the transmission of the first data file. This first data file is represented by the first set of multiple data blocks. This first-schedule matrix has a first order for the transmission of this first set of multiple data blocks, sequentially within a time frame such that any recipient receiving the first data file transmission according to the first-schedule matrix can begin accessing that first data file within a single time frame. 11. A computer that uses the method claimed in clause 10 at the first scheduling matrix has a scheduling matrix with a constant bandwidth. 12. A computer that uses the method claimed in clause 10 at the first scheduling matrix has a scheduling matrix with adaptive bandwidth. 13. A computer using the method claimed in clause 11 where a fixed amount of data from the first several data blocks is determined, is transmitted between the allocated bandwidth. 14. Computers that use the methods claimed in Article 13 in which control of transmission between allocated bandwidths is performed by low-level hardware devices. 15. A computer that uses the data transmission method as claimed in Clause 1, where the first data stream is a prefetch data stream, such prefetch data stream is accessible by a multi-purpose receiver box among a series of prefetch data reception configurations. 16. A computer that uses the data transmission method as claimed in clause 15, where a set of prefetched data reception schemes is triggered by the user to preload data to the receiver. 17. A computer that uses the data transmission method as claimed in Clause 15, in which a set of prefetched data reception schemes is programmed for pre-transmission from the user. 18. A computer that uses a method for generating a constant bandwidth, a schedule matrix that minimizes downtime, suitable for sending data on request in a format not specifically tailored to any particular client. Such a method consists of: - Generating a schedule matrix suitable for sending the first data file. The first data file is replaced by the first set of multiple data blocks. The first schedule matrix provides the first priority for the continuous transmission of the first set of multiple data blocks within a time slot in such a way that any client that receives the first data file according to that first schedule matrix may begin accessing that first data file within 1 channel. - Finding the required constant transmission bandwidth, which is then used to continuously deliver the data blocks in the order specified in the first schedule matrix. - Finding the correct allocation for dividing the data block stream into substreams based on the constant bandwidth. - Loading at least one of these substreams to the receiver box while the receiver box is not transmitting data to the display device. 19. A multi-purpose receiver box that performs the following functions: a. Switching to idle mode; b. Accessing a preloaded data stream while in idle mode; c. Storing a set of data blocks in the preloaded data stream on a computer-readable medium; and d. Retrieving a portion of such data blocks by switching from idle mode to active mode, receiving a signal from the user, and displaying the first part of the first program from the stored preloaded data stream; and e. Automatically tuning to the correct data stream in such a way that there is no interruption or interruption in the transmission of data between the first part of the first program and the remainder of the first program, where the program execution process allows the user immediate access to the program without having to access the transmitted data again. 20. The set-top box as claimed in Clause 19 is capable of periodically performing the prefetch data stream update function while in idle mode. 21. The set-top box as claimed in item 20 has a periodic data update procedure, as mentioned, depending on the user's instructions. 22. The set-top box as claimed in item 20 has a periodic data update procedure as mentioned, depending on video-on-demand (VOD) preferences. 23. The set-top box as claimed in item 20 has a periodic data update process, as mentioned, based on the user's usage history. 24. The set-top box as claimed in Clause 19 has a procedure for transitioning from idle mode that is performed under a set of idle mode schemes. 25. The set-top box as claimed in clause 24 of the plan for the inactive mode includes user inactivity. 26. A computer that uses a method of pre-loading broadcast data into a set-top box performs the following actions: switching the set-top box to idle mode; automatically switching the set-top box to the first channel to select the data for pre-programming, where the first channel has a prefetched data stream; processing the first several data blocks received when the user switches the set-top box to active mode; this operation includes at least one of the following steps: decoding the received data block; decompressing the received data block; reassembling the received data block as necessary; saving the received data block to the set-top box's local memory; and preparing the first data file for the output device by the set-top box user. 27. A computer that uses the methods claimed in Article 26 and has a television receiver as its output device. 28. A computer that uses the methods claimed in Article 26 and has an output device which is a display monitor. 29. A computer that uses the methods claimed in Article 26 and has an output device that is a video cassette recorder (VCR). 30. A computer that uses the methods claimed in Article 26 and has an output device that is a computer system. 31. Computers using the methods claimed in Article 18, with such proper allocation, are dependent on the available bandwidth. 32. A data matrix consists of a data file divided into blocks. These blocks of data are arranged in the following order: (1) dividing the data file into blocks; (2) setting the first variable to zero; (3) deleting the reference array; (4) comparing the first variable to the total number of blocks of data; (5) if the first variable is less than the total number of blocks of data, the second variable is set to zero; (6) comparing the second variable to the total number of blocks of data; (7) if the second variable is less than the total number of blocks of data, one or more blocks of data stored in a column of the matrix are written to the reference array. This column is found by the value [(I+J) mod (X)], where I is the second variable, j is the first variable, and x is the number of blocks of data; (8) if the reference array contains at least one block of data. (9) Check if the reference array contains a block corresponding to the second variable. (10) If the reference array does not contain a block corresponding to the second variable, that block is added to the reference array, and the scheduling martix at position in the martix is equal to [(i+j) mod (x)], j], and the second variable is incremented by 1. (11) If the reference array contains a block corresponding to the second variable, the second variable is incremented by 1. (12) Repeat steps (7) through (11) until the second variable is equal to the total number of blocks. (13) Increment the first variable by 1. (14) Repeat steps (3) through (13) until the first variable is equal to the total number of blocks, and (15) rearrange the scheduling martix. This is done by creating multiple data streams, where the sequence of signals is repeatedly transmitted over a medium with a bandwidth allocated for the data file, and the bandwidth is fully utilized by the repeatedly transmitted signals. 33. The data transmission matrix as claimed in clause 32, which has a scheduling procedure for multiple data streams, determines the size of the bandwidth allocated to the data file and the optimal size of the first data stream, where the first data stream includes the starting sequence of the data file. 34. The data transmission matrix as claimed in clause 33 determines the size of the bandwidth allocated to the data file using the least amount of such bandwidth. 35. The data transmission matrix as claimed in clause 33 determines the size of the bandwidth allocated to the data file using the largest possible bandwidth. 36. The data transmission system as claimed in clause 32, which has multiple streams, transmits data from a transmission matrix consisting of several different data files. 37. A computer using a multimodal broadcasting system consists of the following steps: - In a multimodal broadcasting system, the steps are: preparing a transmission matrix that specifies the appropriate data transmission sequence for broadcasting to multiple subscribers on request in a manner that does not specify the subscriber behavior. This on-request data transmission consists of a first data stream containing the first subset of the transmission sequence and a second data stream containing the second subset of the transmission sequence. The first data stream is the preload data. Preparation of the first channel server suitable for data transmission. Preload transmission via the first channel before data broadcasting. Preparation of the second channel server for transmission of the electronic program guide (EPG). The EPG contains information for the third channel containing at least the aforementioned second data stream, and transmission from the first and second channels. - In a universal set-top box (STB), the steps are: receiving the numerical data in the first data stream on the aforementioned first channel while the STB is in idle mode. This includes storing numerical data in the first data stream in the computer's readable medium while the set-top box (STB) is in idle mode; receiving numerical data from the electronic program guide (EPG); preparing EPG data for the user of the multi-purpose set-top box (STB); receiving commands to manage data from the user of the set-top box (STB); and executing commands from the user of the set-top box (STB). 38. A computer employing the method claimed in Section 37 shall create a transmission matrix consisting of a first schedule matrix suitable for the transmission of the first data file. This first data file is represented by the first set of data blocks. This first schedule matrix provides the first sequence for the transmission of these first sets of data blocks sequentially within a time slot in such a way that a recipient who receives the first data file according to the schedule matrix can begin accessing the first data file within a predetermined number of time slots, the number of which depends on the number of blocks in the preloaded data stream, excluding any regular data blocks present in the preloaded data stream. 39. The procedure claimed in Section 38 also includes actions prior to broadcasting data: preparing the third channel server for the transmission of the requested information; such preparation of the third channel server includes calling the transmission matrix to the third channel server's memory; and calling the data block contained in the second data stream listed for transmission by the transmission matrix to the third channel server's memory and transmitting the data from the third channel. 40. A computer that uses the method claimed in Section 39, which has the first scheduling matrix as a scheduling matrix with constant bandwidth. 41. A computer using the method claimed in paragraph 40 in which a fixed number of initial data blocks are assigned for transmission during each time slot. 42. A computer that uses the method claimed in Section 40, which has a scheduling matrix that is a variable bandwidth scheduling matrix. 43. The method of a data-on-demand server for preparing a suitable data-on-demand service for broadcasting to multiple clients in an unspecified manner through an intermediary consists of: preparing a primary data stream containing multiple initial data blocks and several additional data blocks; such initial and additional data blocks contain the selected data-on-demand service; moving multiple initial data blocks from such primary data stream; inserting at least one of those initial data blocks into such primary data stream; and transmitting that primary data stream through the intermediary, so that users receiving the primary and secondary data streams can combine at least part of the primary and secondary data streams to access the selected data-on-demand service. 44. The method of the on-demand data transmission service as claimed in Clause 43, in which the first and second data streams are of a nature that can be received by a set-top box (STB). 45. The method of the data broadcasting service on demand as claimed in clause 43, which blocks additional data, has several such second data blocks and several such third data blocks. 46. The method of the on-demand data broadcasting service as claimed in Clause 45 also consists of the following steps: moving several such second data blocks from the first data stream; inserting at least one such second data block into the second data stream; and enabling the user receiving the first and second data streams to combine at least a portion of the first, second, and third data blocks in order to access the selected on-demand data service. 47. The method of the on-demand data service provider as claimed in Clause 45, where access to the selected on-demand data service involves viewing at least part of the video playback of such on-demand data service. 48. Method of receiving on-demand data transmissions for access to on-demand data services transmitted from an unidentified on-demand data transmission server through an on-demand data receiver. This consists of receiving the first data stream containing a portion of the on-demand data service via a transmission medium, and receiving the second data stream containing a portion of the selected on-demand data service via the same transmission medium, and combining the first and second data streams to access the selected on-demand data service. 49. The method for receiving the requested data transmission as claimed in Section 48 also includes preloading at least a portion of the second data stream into memory; combining at least a portion of the preloaded data stream with at least a portion of the first data stream in order to play at least a portion of the requested data service. 50. The method of receiving the claimed on-demand information broadcasts in Section 48 also includes an electronic program guide (EPG). Such EPG enables the on-demand receiver to select the on-demand information service in order to access the service. 51. The method of a prefetched server for preparing on-demand data services for broadcasting to multiple unspecified recipients via a transmission medium consists of the following steps: Preparing a sequence of limp time-reduced data blocks containing the selected on-demand data service; moving the most frequently occurring data block from this limp time-reduced sequence; inserting this moved most frequently occurring data block into a prefetched data stream that corresponds to the selected on-demand data service; transmitting the prefetched data stream through the transmission medium; and transmitting the remaining limp time-reduced linear sequence of these data blocks through the transmission medium in a way that the receiving device can combine the limp time-reduced linear sequence of these data blocks with the prefetched data blocks to create the selected on-demand data service, thereby reducing the bandwidth required to transmit the on-demand data service. 52. The method of the on-demand broadcasting server as claimed in Clause 51, in which such prefetched data stream contains an electronic program guide (EPG), and the electronic program guide (EPG) contains information specifying the services available on that on-demand broadcasting server. 53. The method of the on-demand information service provider as claimed in Clause 52, whereby the Electronic Program Guide (EPG) enables the user to select such on-demand information services by viewing them on the screen. 54. The method of the on-demand data broadcasting server, as claimed in Clause 51, also involves moving multiple additional data blocks from the sequence of limp time blocks; inserting at least one of these multiple additional data blocks into the prefetch data stream in such a way that the prefetch data stream contains the data block that occurs most frequently with that additional data block, corresponding to the selected on-demand data service; and passing the remaining sequence of limp time blocks through the transmission medium in such a way that the receiving device can combine that remaining sequence of limp time blocks with the prefetch data blocks to create the selected on-demand data service, thus further reducing the landswirl required to transmit that on-demand data service. 55. The method of the on-demand data broadcasting service as claimed in clause 54, which blocks additional data in multiple blocks, has a second, most frequently occurring data block, thus further reducing the bandwidth required to transmit the said on-demand data service. 56. The method of the on-demand data broadcasting service as claimed in Section 55, which blocks additional data in multiple blocks, has a third data block that occurs most frequently, thus further reducing the bandwidth required to transmit the said on-demand data service. 57. The method of the on-demand data broadcasting service as claimed in clause 56, which blocks additional data in multiple blocks, has a fourth data block that occurs most frequently, thus reducing the bandwidth required to transmit such on-demand data service. 58. The method of the on-demand data broadcasting service as claimed in clause 57, which blocks additional data in multiple blocks, has a fifth data block that occurs most frequently, thus reducing the bandwidth required to transmit such on-demand data service. 59. The method of the on-demand broadcasting service as claimed in Section 58 also includes the transmission of an electronic program guide (EPG), which contains information specifying the on-demand services transmitted from the on-demand broadcasting service and which users can select. 60. Method for receiving on-demand data transmissions for accessing on-demand services sent from an on-demand server system via an on-demand receiving device. This includes receiving a prefetch stream containing a prefetch block corresponding to the selected on-demand service; storing this prefetch block in memory; receiving a primary stream containing a primary block corresponding to the selected on-demand service; and managing these primary and prefetch blocks so that the user can access the selected on-demand service. 61. The methods for receiving on-demand information broadcasts as claimed in Section 60 also include receiving an electronic program guide (EPG) containing information specifying the available on-demand information services. 62. The methods for receiving on-demand data transmissions as claimed in Section 60 also include: receiving the specified input of the on-demand data service selected by the user; adjusting the channel to match the selected on-demand data service in response to the user input; and receiving such primary data stream from that service channel in accordance with the selected on-demand data service. 63. Methods for receiving requested data transmissions as claimed in Section 62, including electronic program guides (EPGs). 64. Method of receiving on-demand data broadcasts as claimed in Section 63, where the electronic listing instructions provide information to users specifying the on-demand data services available from the on-demand data broadcasting service provider. 65. Method of receiving on-demand information broadcasts as claimed in Section 64: Users may view the selected on-demand information services by selecting the information provided in the Electronic Program Guide (EPG) that corresponds to the selected on-demand information services. 66. The method of receiving the requested data transmissions as claimed in Section 60 also includes displaying such requested data services through display devices. 67. A universal set-up box (STB) is capable of receiving and managing multiple digital services, such as video-on-demand (VOD) and digital broadcasting, where at least one of these digital services is transmitted as multiple independent data streams. This STB consists of a data bus, a primary communication device suitable for connection to a digital broadcasting medium (capable of receiving digital data with primary and prefetched streams), bidirectional memory connected to the data bus, a bidirectional digital decoder connected to the data bus, and a bidirectional central processing unit (CPU). The CPU uses the STB control process to control the memory, digital decoder, and decoder. The aforementioned demodulator and the process of controlling the signal receiving device (STB) enable it to be used to manage digital data received from the primary communication device. The central processing unit (CPU) can also be used to manage primary and prefetch data streams. 68. A universal set-top box (STB) as claimed in clause 67, where the prefetched data stream is stored in its memory. 69. A universal set-top box (STB), as claimed in Clause 67, whereby the data bus is a high-speed data bus suitable for real-time data communication as required by the real-time processing of digital data received by the first communication device. 70. Universal Set-Top Box (STB) as claimed in Clause 67, where the data bus is a universal serial bus (USB). 71. Universal Set-Top Box (STB) as claimed in Clause 67, where the data bus is a Firewire data bus. 72. Universal Set-Top Box (STB) as claimed in Clause 67, where the memory unit has a high-capacity recording device. 73. Universal Set-Top Box (STB) as claimed in Clause 72, where the high-capacity storage device is a hard disk. 74. Universal Set-Top Box (STB) as claimed in Clause 67, which has high-speed buffer memory. 75. Universal Set-Top Box (STB), as claimed in Clause 74, where high-speed buffer memory is a random access memory (RAM). 76. A universal set-top box (STB) as claimed in Clause 67, where the digital data decoder is capable of decoding video and audio. 77. Universal Set-Top Box (STB) as claimed in Clause 67, where the digital data decoder is an MPEG (Movie Picture Experts Group) video decoder. 78. Universal Set-Top Box (STB), as claimed in Clause 67, where the digital decoder supports multiple digital data commands including play, pause, pause, skip, rewind, and fast forward. 79. Universal Set-Top Box (STB) as claimed in Clause 67, whereby the first such communication device has a demodulator. 80. A universal set-top box (STB), as claimed in Clause 67, where the demodulator is a quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) demodulator. 81. Universal Set-Top Box (STB), as claimed in Clause 67, whereby the first such communication device is a cable modem. 82. A universal set-top box (STB) as claimed in Clause 67, in which the central processing unit (CPU) uses a user interface driver suitable for translating instructions received from the user interface connected to the data bus. 83. A universal set-top box (STB) as claimed in clause 82, whose user interface includes a remote control. 84. A universal set-top box (STB) as claimed in clause 82, whose user interface is a keyboard. 85. A universal set-top box (STB) as claimed in clause 82, whose user interface is a computer system. 86. Universal Set-Top Boxes (STBs), as claimed in Clause 67, where the STB control process is capable of detecting the nature of the information received on multiple channels through information provided in the electronic program guide (EPG). 87. A universal set-top box (STB) as claimed in Clause 86, whose STB control process can adjust to two or more channels of such multi-channels simultaneously and can manage data from two or more channels of such multi-channels simultaneously. 88. Universal set-top box (STB), as claimed in Clause 87, where the STB control process can be used to prepare electronic program guides (EPGs) for users of the universal set-top box (STB). 89. A universal set-top box (STB), as claimed in Clause 87, where the STB control process is capable of receiving and utilizing commands from the user of the said universal set-top box (STB). 90. A universal set-top box (STB), as claimed in Clause 89, where the STB control process is able to adjust the set-top box (STB) to the first channel in order to select the information requested by the user, detect the nature of the selected information, decode the selected information, expand the selected information, combine the decoded information, store the information in memory, and prepare the selected information in a manner appropriate to an output device.