WO1995015058A1 - Systeme de communications interactif a distribution des donnees - Google Patents

Systeme de communications interactif a distribution des donnees Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1995015058A1
WO1995015058A1 PCT/US1994/013642 US9413642W WO9515058A1 WO 1995015058 A1 WO1995015058 A1 WO 1995015058A1 US 9413642 W US9413642 W US 9413642W WO 9515058 A1 WO9515058 A1 WO 9515058A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
data
iirt
interactive
television
central processing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1994/013642
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Michael F. Kramer
Thomas E. Keith
Original Assignee
Kramer Michael F
Keith Thomas E
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kramer Michael F, Keith Thomas E filed Critical Kramer Michael F
Priority to AU12953/95A priority Critical patent/AU1295395A/en
Publication of WO1995015058A1 publication Critical patent/WO1995015058A1/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H20/00—Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
    • H04H20/38—Arrangements for distribution where lower stations, e.g. receivers, interact with the broadcast
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/08—Payment architectures
    • G06Q20/12—Payment architectures specially adapted for electronic shopping systems
    • G06Q20/123—Shopping for digital content
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/0014—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for vending, access and use of specific services not covered anywhere else in G07F17/00
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H20/00—Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
    • H04H20/28—Arrangements for simultaneous broadcast of plural pieces of information
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
    • H04N1/00281—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a telecommunication apparatus, e.g. a switched network of teleprinters for the distribution of text-based information, a selective call terminal
    • H04N1/00283—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a telecommunication apparatus, e.g. a switched network of teleprinters for the distribution of text-based information, a selective call terminal with a television apparatus
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/422—Input-only peripherals, i.e. input devices connected to specially adapted client devices, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
    • H04N21/42204—User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor
    • H04N21/42206—User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor characterized by hardware details
    • H04N21/42212—Specific keyboard arrangements
    • H04N21/42213—Specific keyboard arrangements for facilitating data entry
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/478—Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client 
    • H04N21/65—Transmission of management data between client and server
    • H04N21/658—Transmission by the client directed to the server
    • H04N21/6582—Data stored in the client, e.g. viewing habits, hardware capabilities, credit card number
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
    • H04N7/162—Authorising the user terminal, e.g. by paying; Registering the use of a subscription channel, e.g. billing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
    • H04N7/162—Authorising the user terminal, e.g. by paying; Registering the use of a subscription channel, e.g. billing
    • H04N7/165—Centralised control of user terminal ; Registering at central
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
    • H04N7/173—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
    • H04N7/173—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
    • H04N7/17309—Transmission or handling of upstream communications
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H20/00—Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
    • H04H20/86—Arrangements characterised by the broadcast information itself
    • H04H20/91—Arrangements characterised by the broadcast information itself broadcasting computer programmes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
    • H04H60/76—Arrangements characterised by transmission systems other than for broadcast, e.g. the Internet
    • H04H60/81—Arrangements characterised by transmission systems other than for broadcast, e.g. the Internet characterised by the transmission system itself
    • H04H60/90—Wireless transmission systems
    • H04H60/91—Mobile communication networks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
    • H04H60/76—Arrangements characterised by transmission systems other than for broadcast, e.g. the Internet
    • H04H60/81—Arrangements characterised by transmission systems other than for broadcast, e.g. the Internet characterised by the transmission system itself
    • H04H60/93—Wired transmission systems
    • H04H60/94—Telephonic networks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
    • H04H60/76—Arrangements characterised by transmission systems other than for broadcast, e.g. the Internet
    • H04H60/81—Arrangements characterised by transmission systems other than for broadcast, e.g. the Internet characterised by the transmission system itself
    • H04H60/93—Wired transmission systems
    • H04H60/95—Wired transmission systems for local area

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to software and hardware for the complete support of
  • the present invention is adapted toward a distributed interactive television communications method and system that supports distribution of audio / visual information and data over existing television distribution pathways.
  • the invention includes a specialized tuner and control computer or receiver unit 15 positioned adjacent to the user's television to: (i) receive and decode digital and analog signals, and thereby serve as an access point for pay per view television programming; (ii) generate computer graphics and multimedia signals for display; (iii) accept user input through
  • sequences and user inputs including credit card data; (v) print coupons and other hard copy 20 outputs; and (vi) execute computer software for service as an integrated home data processing center.
  • the invention provides for a video and data transmission system which transmits digital
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEEF (RULE 26) such data to many receivers simultaneously.
  • the information format is usable on a plurality of broadcast bands and modalities. Additionally, virtual channel maps can be used to control
  • receiver units are adapted to selectively extract information from a continuous broadcast stream as needed.
  • the receiver units are adapted to receive digitally encoded and possibly encrypted
  • the invention offers a unique pathway for the distribution of data.
  • cable television lines for example, provide a broad bandwidth pathway for the distribution of
  • DBS and microwave link television networks also provide attractive data pathways.
  • bandwidth is being released for additional uses by broadcasters.
  • one 6 MHz analog channel previously carried only the video and audio for one television station
  • the new digital channels will carry four to six such stations in the same 6 MHz frequency bandwidth.
  • a cable television operator having 50 analog channels will have over 200 digital channels available. This increased usage of existing bandwidth provides a unique opportunity to take advantage
  • the present invention is directed to a sophisticated overall system to widely distribute digital data and collect consumer information utilizing existing television and communication networks.
  • the present invention is intended to be a fully automated system capable of
  • a central processing station capable of receiving user inputs and requests and managing data
  • IIRT Interactive Integrated Receiver Tuner
  • a bi-directional infrared port is provided with the IIRT for remote controllers and connection to other computing devices.
  • a magnetic card reader is provided with the IIRT to enable a user to input credit card
  • This invention utilizes a novel information format based on an object oriented class that
  • Rhoades suffers from the inability to distribute large quantities of information to many users simultaneously. In addition, Rhoades does not
  • Control signals are transmitted over telephone lines while video is transmitted over
  • a viewer makes a selection of the program desired which is transmitted over the telephone lines.
  • a central control location responds to viewers requests
  • a still further example is provided in three related U.S. Patents to Abraham, Nos. 4,590,516, 4,521,806, and 4,567,512.
  • the Abraham system is directed to a subscriber driven video distribution system in which a user interactively orders a video program over the telephone lines, subsequently, the program signal is transmitted over a standard cable television line at a prearranged time.
  • the program is either received in real time or is stored
  • This system is widely known as a "pay per view” system.
  • SDBS ⁇ ilE SHEET (RULE 2B) compression / decompression technology An improvement on this prior art can be found in the present invention which is not limited to distributing only television programming.
  • the radio data is transferred via modem or digital communication device over telephone lines to remote locations where it may be used immediately or stored for later use.
  • McCalley discloses a system whereby compressed video and audio data is transmitted via cable television lines to subscribers television sets. Subscribers may scroll through information being transmitted to their televisions in the form of video with
  • the present invention discloses improvements in the interactive nature of a home shopping system. Specifically, the present invention uses actual
  • the present invention negates the need for a frame store
  • the present invention addresses structural differences and improvements
  • the present invention is particularly, although not exclusively, adapted for use as an interactive television system which streamlines data transfer
  • the present invention consists of an improved method and hardware for supporting interactive television including: (i) a central processing station capable of providing digital television transmission and digital command and data
  • the present invention is adapted to be a wholly integrated system capable of supporting the entire cycle of interactive television including item or program selection, transmission, response and billing.
  • the information formats or transmission protocols used are preferably, but not exclusively, directed to a unique digital scheme.
  • a primary advantage of the present invention is its ability to enhance interactivity between a viewer and the producer of a video program.
  • a further advantage of the present invention is its integrated design permitting all necessary functions including viewer purchases to be accomplished within a single automated system.
  • a further advantage of the present invention is its unique data compression and transmission scheme.
  • a further advantage of the present invention is its unique reverse addressing scheme.
  • the present invention is capable of accommodating cable television, terrestrial, twisted pair hard line, fiber optic, DBS. and microwave distribution modalities.
  • a still further advantage of the present invention is use of individually addressable pixel bit map technology in a high quality graphics processing system to support refined graphics programming.
  • a further advantage of the present invention is its unique structures for packaging data.
  • a still further advantage of the present invention is compact design and remote control operation.
  • a still further advantage of the present invention is the ease of maintenance to be performed by the user.
  • a still further advantage of the present invention is its ability to process consumer credit card information automatically.
  • a still further advantage of the present invention lies in the use of a distributed client / server processing system permitting system redundancy and facile expansion.
  • a still further advantage of the present invention lies in the versatile home receiver unit.
  • a still further advantage of the present invention lies in the home receiver unit's unique
  • a still further advantage of the present invention lies in its ability to display digitally
  • a still further advantage of the present invention lies in the receiver unit's ability to execute personal computer software and games.
  • Si ⁇ ES ⁇ iUTE SUET (f ⁇ l£ 26) It is a still further object of the invention to provide a novel receiver unit which includes a user friendly interactive method of operation and the capability to process credit card information.
  • Fig. 1 is a partial perspective and block diagram showing an overview of an interactive television system according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a block schematic diagram of a central processing station in accordance with the invention.
  • Fig. 3 is a block schematic diagram of an Interactive Integrated Receiver Tuner (IIRT) in
  • Fig. 4A is a block schematic diagram of a source select circuit 110 for the IIRT shown in
  • Fig. 4B shows truth logic tables for operation of source select circuit 1 10 as set out in Fi 4A;
  • Fig. 4C is a schematic for logic circuitry used to implement the source select circuit 110
  • Fig. 5 is a block schematic diagram of a video graphic subsystem in accordance with the invention.
  • Fig. 6 is a front plan view of a remote control unit according to the invention.
  • Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an initialization process for booting an operating system from a central processing station to an IIRT in accordance with the invention
  • Fig. 8 is a block schematic diagram of an object packager according to the invention.
  • Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a method for an interleaving scheme for ordering objects incorporating data in accordance with the invention.
  • Fig. 10 is a class diagram showing the base class structure for an object that travels through a communications network in accordance with the invention
  • Fig. 11 is a class diagram showing the member object structure for a header object that travels through a communications network in accordance with the invention
  • Fig. 12 is a class diagram showing the member object structure for a data object that travels through a communications network in accordance with the invention
  • Fig. 13 is a flowchart for software used to generate a table of contents for data objects, and incorporate the generated table of contents in an operating system in accordance with the invention
  • Fig. 14 is a flowchart for software used to size object data blocks and commence
  • Fig. 15 is a flowchart for software used to accomplish continuous downloading of data
  • ITi ⁇ tJ ⁇ E SHEET (RULE 2( Figs. 16A-C are flowcharts for a method usable between a central processing station and an IIRT unit for requesting, delivering and paying for data in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 1 a partial perspective and block diagram showing an overview of an interactive television system according to the invention is shown in figure 1.
  • the interactive television system according to the invention shown in figure 1 is generally designated by reference numeral 10, and includes two major subsystems.
  • One of these two subsystems is a central processing station 20 having a distribution interface for receiving
  • IIRT Integrated Interactive Receiver Tuner
  • FIG. 1 Communications between a central processing station 20 and IIRT units 40 is shown in figure 1 as being provided over a coaxial cable television network 32, but such communications for the invention can also be provided
  • telco 38 any other communications network capable of passing television signals.
  • Many types of variations in the communications network are also permissible. For example, depending on topology of the
  • ATM Asynchronous Transfer Mode
  • the central processing station 20 is provided with automated data processing equipment having sufficient speed and capacity for supporting real time interactive transmissions
  • HE SHEET (I [OLE 26) speed data streams.
  • These data servers 832 the number and capacity of which are selected to satisfy requirements for providing high speed data streams as dictated by any particular
  • processing and transmission for the invention is accomplished with interface and management electronics controlled by master computer 800. Additionally, a multitasking operating system,
  • master computer 800 e.g., UNIX, VAX VMS or WINDOWS NT, is utilized by master computer 800 to provide
  • interactive data programming includes data and information.
  • data and information can include commands and/or software programs and/or bit map images encoded within a data stream, multimedia presentations, audio, video, sales catalogs, stock listings, computer software, video games, etc.
  • Master computer 800 accordingly needs to be a computer capable of multitasking functions, e.g., it can be a VAX or ALPHA computer system as sold by Digital Equipment Corp., a SPARC 10 computer system as sold by Sun Microsystems Inc., a fault tolerant computer system as sold by Tandem Computers Inc., or equivalent of these computer systems.
  • Television signals are provided to the central processing station 20 via distribution interfaces, such as CATV 30 or satellite 24. These signals in most cases are digitized at the
  • the digitized television signals are then transmitted from the central processing station 20.
  • central processing station 20 in combination with digitized interactive data signals over a transmission modality, such as a cable network 32.
  • a transmission modality such as a cable network 32.
  • S ⁇ BSIWIHE SHEET (SS ⁇ LE 26) transmission modalities are shown in figure 2 for the central processing station 20 and include interfaces for a satellite dish 812, and an expanded communications interfaces 808.
  • cellular interface 866 and a telephone (hereafter telco) interface 868 are all shown for the
  • Each of these interfaces can provide interconnection to a transmission modality that would enable the central processing station 20 to communicate with IIRT units 40.
  • These are fully automated interfaces permitting communication without human intervention, and are known circuitry used for inputting such
  • computer 800 can be credit processing gateway 872, order fulfillment gateway 874, and/or other goods & services gateway 876. Each of these gateways is providing a functional capability using known commercially available equipment. For example, credit processing
  • gateway 872 can include an interconnect using telco 38 to credit verification equipment
  • TRW, Inc. operated by TRW, Inc. These gateways are used for augmenting available services using commercially available equipment.
  • the invention includes features providing for real time transmission of substantial additional quantities of data to support interactive features over
  • compression reduces video and audio television signal transmission bandwidth requirements by at least three-quarters.
  • video and audio signals for one television channel when transmitted in analog form, require a bandwidth on the order of 6 MHz. Therefore, using analog to digital conversion in combination with compression and also using properly selected modulation techniques such as 256 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) to achieve high data symbol rates provides substantial reductions in required transmission bandwidths per television channel.
  • modulation techniques such as 256 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM)
  • the interactive television system 10 utilizes an object
  • the invention can efficiently manipulate any size data structure
  • object oriented base classes used for the invention can be adjusted in size.
  • fields labeled object entities are used to contain interactive data.
  • the -field sizes for object entities are not statically fixed as explained above but are dynamically adjusted to facilitate rapid data transmission to all IIRT units 40 for essentially on-demand service in response to individual user requests as will be explained below. Allocation of object entity sizes is controlled using data stored in a system table accessed using master
  • object entity size data for particular transmission modality conditions such as usage. Allocating object entity sizes as a function of interactive data type and transmission modality, allows the interactive television system 10 in combination with the selected transmission modality to operate efficiently under all conditions. Since data for object entity
  • the invention provides optimum performance for all object entity types.
  • Interactive data transmissions can, as discussed above, include software and other data base information, i.e., catalogs, coupon distribution, shop-at-home
  • SUBSTITUTE SET (RULE 26) applications, theater and sporting event ticket deliveries, banking and financial services, video game distribution and support, electronic mail, and virtually any other distributed interactive
  • the preferred embodiment for central processing station 20 incorporates an input from satellite dishes 812 for receiving television programming, interactive data, and other signals. Also available for input to the central processing station 20 is the satellite transponder 858 included in expanded communications interfaces 808. Other inputs from different sources could be used. However, those shown in figure 2 are considered
  • Satellite dishes 812 receive signals from satellite 24, which can be in geosynchronous orbit. Signals
  • satellite converter circuit 814 for conditioning received using satellite dishes 812 .
  • the satellite converter circuit 814 is known circuitry as used in typical television receiving stations. Those portions of the received signal in analog formats are passed through RF tuner demodulators 816 for further conditioning into individual channel signals.
  • the RF tuner demodulators 816 can be can be purchased from Scientific Atlanta, or equivalent. Each channel signal is then passed to an analog to digital converter 818 capable of
  • the analog to digital converter 818 can be a device such as those manufactured by DiviCom, Inc. of Milpitas, California, or equivalent.
  • DiviCom, Inc. of Milpitas, California, or equivalent.
  • associated supporting circuitry corresponds to the number of channels the central processing
  • Each channel of digitized signals is then passed for compression to an audio video
  • compression circuit 820 such as are available from DiviCom, Inc. of Milpitas, California, or
  • the digitized and compressed signal can then be passed through a data encryption circuit 822, such as a DES circuit, Clipper circuit, DSD circuit as supplied by Teledyne, or equivalent, prior to retransmission from the data encryption circuit 822, such as a DES circuit, Clipper circuit, DSD circuit as supplied by Teledyne, or equivalent, prior to retransmission from the data encryption circuit 822, such as a DES circuit, Clipper circuit, DSD circuit as supplied by Teledyne, or equivalent, prior to retransmission from the a data encryption circuit 822, such as a DES circuit, Clipper circuit, DSD circuit as supplied by Teledyne, or equivalent, prior to retransmission from the data encryption circuit 822, such as a DES circuit, Clipper circuit, DSD circuit as supplied by Teledyne, or equivalent, prior to retransmission from the data encryption circuit 822, such as a DES circuit, Clipper circuit, DSD circuit as supplied by Teledyne, or equivalent,
  • central processing station 20 As broadcasters initiate use of digital transmissions, the need for
  • channel multiplexer 830 which is a device as used
  • the multiplexed signals are impressed on a carrier using
  • RF modulator 848 For a preferred embodiment using a coaxial cable transmission modality
  • RF modulators providing 256 QAM modulation are available from Applied Signal Technologies, Inc., of Sunnyvale, California. Since different modulation schemes provide better service depending on system parameters such as transmission modality, the interactive television system 10 of the invention can use what ever
  • a VSB modulation scheme provides the best service.
  • a VSB modulation scheme can be employed.
  • Fully capable VSB modulators can be obtained from Zenith Data Systems.
  • the above-described processing of received analog television signals is managed by the master computer 800 using gating signals that are passed using gate connection 880 to channel multiplexer 830 and gate connection 884
  • the central processing station 20 is also capable of handling those situations where
  • the digitized signals are passed from RF tuner demodulators 816 to channel multiplexer 878,
  • recombined digitized signals are then passed as shown in figure 2 to an RF modulator 848 for
  • S ⁇ iTE SHEET (ROLE 26) retransmission Again, the method for signal processing is controlled by the master computer 800 using gating signals. Here gating signals are passed between the master computer 800
  • the master computer 800 allocates certain channels for television programming and other channels for bi-directional interactive data transmission. For example, the master computer 800 can use specific address information for particular IIRT units 40 to direct selected signals to those IIRT units 40 alone.
  • master computer 800 utilizes mass memory storage devices, not shown, that can be a bank of Winchester disk drives, optical disk media, or other high speed low cost mass storage systems. Stored on the mass memory storage devices can be a variety
  • the operating system for both the central processing station 20 and the IIRT units 40.
  • the stored operating system is booted to the IIRT units 40 as explained below.
  • IRT unit 40 Individual users of the interactive television system 10 are provided with an IIRT unit 40 connected to a conventional television receiver 26.
  • a remote control unit 52 can be used for operating the IIRT unit 40.
  • a cable network 32 with a CATV Headend 30 is shown in figure 1 as being capable of supporting all communications between IIRT units 40 and the
  • telco 38 or transmission modality system capable of passing digital signals and television signals can be used including telco 38.
  • An IIRT unit 40 according to the invention is shown in block schematic diagram form in
  • Principal portions of the IIRT unit 40 include a central processing unit (CPU) 160 zo provided with supporting electronics in the form of a local bus controller 136.
  • This local bus controller 136 can be a 82420EX PCIset as sold by Intel, or equivalent. Additionally, there is
  • a memory module 138 that can include Random Access Memory (RAM) having a two rows and columns.
  • RAM Random Access Memory
  • ROM Read Only Memory
  • NVRAM Nonvolatile Random Access Memory
  • the CPU 160 is
  • a video coprocessor 122 that can include a graphics coprocessor 124, such as are available from Texas Instruments and S3 Corp., or equivalent,
  • RAM Video Random Access Memory
  • the CPU 160 can be a 6502 as sold by Signetics, a A80486DX as sold by Intel, or a PowerPC601 as sold by IBM Corporation, or equivalent.
  • IIRT unit 40 Principal advantages of the IIRT unit 40 according to the invention are its capabilities to simultaneously process large amounts of interactive data and television data in real time without requiring sophisticated and expensive circuitry thereby reducing cost and maintenance requirements for the many IIRT units 40 that would be included in an interactive television
  • the IIRT unit 40 though performing sophisticated processing for a multitude of signals does not include a mass memory.
  • the central processing station 20 e.g., mass memory storage devices included for the master
  • continuous downloading includes segmenting digitized data for continuous broadcasting to IIRT units 40. This continuous broadcasting is not done so that all data for a single interactive program is broadcast in an uninterrupted stream followed by
  • objects from different interactive programs are interleaved during continuous broadcasting, or continuous downloading.
  • the first object to be broadcast could be for interactive program one
  • the second object to be broadcast could be the first object for interactive program two
  • the third object to be broadcast could be the first object for interactive program three. This ordering would continue for second, third and follow-on objects for each interactive program.
  • IIRT units 40 When received by IIRT units 40, only those objects for interactive programs selected by each IIRT unit 40 would be processed. Each IIRT unit 40 would reject objects for interactive programs not
  • each IIRT unit 40 will process signals for fewer interactive programs than broadcast because objects for multiple interactive programs are interleaved during continuous
  • Individual IIRT units 40 will therefore not be saturated by the continuous stream of interactive data being broadcast.
  • twin channels because more than twin channels can be included depending on system requirements. As channels are added, system capacity increases; however, so also does cost and complexity.
  • Incoming signals to IIRT unit 40 are received at source select circuits 110 that is provided with interfaces to cable feed 102, microwave feed 162, satellite feed 104, fiber optic feed 106,
  • circuits 110 includes electronically controlled bridges that permit reception and routing of
  • source select circuits 110 Specifically included in source select circuits 110 is a cable television interface t ner selector, a satellite interface tuner selector and a digital data stream router as shown in the block schematic diagram set out in figure 4A. Also shown in figure 4A is a RF modulator 848 having an output to cable feed 102. This RF modulator 848 is used to impress
  • the RF modulator 848 can also have its output connected to any of the other available transmission modalities depending on which one is being used for bi-directional interactive data transmission.
  • the RF modulator 848 is equivalent to that used for the central processing station 20.
  • FIG. 4C A schematic of circuitry repeated for every transmission modality input to the source select circuits 110 is set out in figure 4C.
  • the circuitry shown in figure 4C is labeled with inputs and outputs as it would be for incorporation in the digital data stream router, and is in fact duplicated in the digital data stream router for both the fiber optic 106
  • the circuitry consists of a pair of
  • SilSmfJTE SHEET (RULE 26) AND gates 190. such as those incorporated in a TTL 7408 integrated circuit, or equivalent. Control of this AND gate 190 circuitry to direct routing of input signals is accomplished in
  • the received data input signals can be directed to either the object packager 131 or the channel demultiplexer 116, or both.
  • Control signals are received by each IIRT unit 40 from master computer 800 of the central processing station 20. and are decoded by CPU 160 for the purpose of providing logic signals for selecting the
  • All signals provided to IIRT units 40 may not be transmitted in digitized form.
  • analog television signals may be passed to IIRT units 40 through cable feed 102 or
  • a filter circuit can be used to pass the analog television signals to output conductor 42 for feeding the RF out terminal of the IIRT units 40 as shown in figure 3.
  • the digitized television signals can be used to pass the analog television signals to output conductor 42 for feeding the RF out terminal of the IIRT units 40 as shown in figure 3.
  • This filtering circuitry can be provided for any or all of the other transmission modality interfaces depending on anticipated need.
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEE (RUi£ 26) Previously multiplexed signals directed from the source select circuits 1 10 to the channel demultiplexer 1 16 for separation into individuals channels for each signal stream.
  • channel demultiplexer 1 16 can be a DMX-2000 as sold by DiviCom, Inc.. Milpitas, California, or equivalent.
  • the demultiplexed channels are then passed to a data decryption
  • circuit 118 that can be a DigiCypher II descrampler as sold by General Instruments
  • a video decompressor circuit 120 that can be a SD4 as sold by C-Cube
  • audio/video decompressor circuits 120 can utilize MPEG 1 and 2, Digicipher 2, JPEG, or
  • the demultiplexed, decrypted and decompressed signals are passed to the video coprocessor 122 that includes a
  • the graphics coprocessor 124 can be a graphics coprocessor 124 and a video RAM 126.
  • the graphics coprocessor 124 can be a graphics coprocessor 124 and a video RAM 126.
  • the graphics coprocessor 124 can be a graphics coprocessor 124 and a video RAM 126.
  • the graphics coprocessor 124 can be a graphics coprocessor 124 and a video RAM 126.
  • the graphics coprocessor 124 can be a
  • the programmable DSP such as a TMS 34010 as sold by Texas Instruments, or equivalent, and the video RAM 126 as sold by Texas Instruments, or equivalent.
  • the signals are passed through a channel 3/4 RF modulator 140 so the signal can be viewed and heard on a conventional analog television receiver 26 tuned to either channel 3 or 4.
  • the channel 3/4 RF modulator 140 is a commercial device available from multiple sources.
  • audio/video decompressor 120 and video coprocessor 122 with its graphics coprocessor 124 and video RAM 126 are all conditioning previously digitized television signals for viewing and hearing using conventional analog television receivers 26. Not only would the
  • the demultiplexer & decryption engine circuits 119 can be a combination of channel demultiplexor 1 16 and data decryption circuit 1 18. From the demultiplexer & decryption engine 119 the television signal is passed to an audio/video decompressor 120 that
  • a condition signal 115 provided from central processor 125.
  • a condition signal 115 provided from central processor 125.
  • Bi-directionally connected to the audio/video decompressor 120 is a video decoder RAM 127 which can be a commercially available VRAM as are known.
  • the output of the audio/video decompressor 120 is a decompressed and decrypted video data steam passed to a digital video combiner 113 that can be a circuit comprised of known digital logic elements performing an OR function.
  • digital video combiner 127 is incorporated as part of a video coprocessor 122 that is functionally equivalent to the one shown in figure 3 for the IIRT unit 40.
  • a graphics video data stream is provided from the graphics coprocessor 124 to the digital video combiner circuit 113 which combines it with the decompressed and decrypted video data stream from
  • RAM graphics video Random Access Memory
  • control processor 125 that can be any of a 6502, 8051,
  • SUBSTITUTE SKT (SULE 26) 6800, Z80 or other known equivalent micro processor or micro controller with at least an eight bit data bus.
  • An output of the digital video combiner 113 is provided to an NTSC video generator 133,
  • an analog video out signal is provided for display on the cathode-ray tube of the television receiver.
  • the analog audio output is provided from the NTSC video generator 133
  • digital to analog converter 114 that can be a CS4290 as sold by Crystal Semiconductor
  • converter 1 14 is provided from the audio/video decompressor 120.
  • an audio processing module circuit 142 that can be a CS4231 as sold by Crystal Semiconductor Corporation, Austin,
  • This audio processing module circuit 142 includes an audio coprocessor
  • the IIRT unit 40 also includes a
  • peripheral processor 144 for introducing user provided input interactive signals.
  • peripheral processor 144 can be a 68000 as sold by Motorola, or equivalent. Examples of home user provided input interactive signals to the IIRT unit 40 that can be supported by the
  • peripheral processor 144 include: signals passed from a remote Local Area Network (LAN) that would be
  • control transceiver 54 that can be a National Semiconductor 87334.
  • the infrared remote control transceiver 54 can be capable of providing a bi-directional link for communicating with the IIRT unit 40 and other like equipped devices. Bi-directional communications with the IIRT unit 40 using the peripheral processor 144 is also possible using modem 46 with telco 38. In particular this communications link over telco 38 can be used for data transmissions between IIRT unit 40 and the control processing station 20.
  • peripheral processor 144 can be used to provide information and data directly to the home user on a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) display 56 that can be a Sharp Electronics Corp. LM40255, or through the printer 60 that can be a AXIOHM Inc. HTP-8050. All of these capabilities and others can be readily added thereby allowing the IIRT unit 40 to serve as an extensive and adaptable home electronics integration system. This capacity to
  • VCR Video Recorders
  • computer equipment such as personal computers, disk drives,
  • keyboards and joy sticks but also by providing interfaces that can be used to monitor / control
  • LCD display 56 In addition to mounting LCD display 56 on the IIRT unit 40, it can also be mounted on
  • remote control 52 see figure 6. As so mounted, displayed information can easily be read by a user holding the remote control 52. Information from the IIRT unit 40 can be displayed on such a remote control 52 because the infrared remote control transceiver 54 provides bi-directional communications to and from the remote control 52. Control buttons 58 are
  • remote control 52 to input data. Also provided on the remote control 52 is a
  • track ball 64 joy stick or equivalent that can be used to adjust positions of objects displayed on the television receiver 26.
  • a magnetic card reader 70 can be interconnected to the IIRT unit 40
  • Magnetic card readers 70 sometimes known as card swipe readers, commercially available. They transform magnetically coded information stored on credit cards to digital bit streams identifying the card owner's name, card number, expiration date, and other relevant information. Having a magnetic card reader 70 allows an IIRT unit 40 user to simply and accurately enter credit card information when making a purchase or paying a bill.
  • the peripheral processor 144 receives the digital bit stream signal from the magnetic card reader 70, and in cooperation with the CPU 160, the IIRT unit 40 stores the signal in the RAM portion of memory module 138. The signal is then compressed
  • the IIRT unit 40 to the central processing station 20 is discussed below.
  • printer 60 it is possible to provide home users of the interactive television system 10 with printed documents including tickets and coupons.
  • the printer 60 depending on selected equipment, which is unrestricted by the invention, can utilize dot matrix or other
  • the printer 60 is of standard design and is driven using conventional printer sequences. To substantially eliminate user maintenance obligations the printer 60 can utilize a paper and ink cartridge 62. Compact design can be achieved if printer
  • 60 provides two to four inches of printing width. This amount of printing width provides
  • documents ranging from coupons to lottery tickets, and from receipts to messages can be conveniently produced for the home user.
  • the software utilized for initialization including booting of the operation system to IIRT units 40, is now described with reference to figure 7.
  • the operating system for all IIRT units 40 is booted from the central processing station 20 every time an IIRT unit 40 is turned on.
  • the process begins when the home user brings power to the IIRT unit 40 (Step 900) by, for example, activating a switch that causes electrical voltage and current to be brought to all IIRT unit 40 devices (Step 910).
  • the CPU 160 using data stored in the NVRAM portion of the memory module 138 directs the RF tuner & demodulator (2)(element 112) to be tuned for passing signals on the channel used by the central processing station 20 for transmitting the operating system. If for some reason the previously identified channel is
  • demodulator (2)(element 112) is directed by the CPU 160 to tune to the next channel so an evaluation of whether that channel is active can be made. If that next channel is not active
  • the RF tuner & demodulator (2)(element 112) is directed to tune to the next channel until
  • Step 914 a check of the booted operating system data is conducted to assure accuracy and authenticity of the received data. This check is accomplished using an
  • Step 916 If the data fails to
  • the CPU 160 directs a jump to the operating system and IIRT unit 40 operations are begun.
  • object header which are described below. These object headers are coded using digital data incorporated in fields within the object.
  • Exemplary circuitry for an object packager 131 is shown in block schematic form in figure 8. The specific example shows circuitry usable for reading four bit headers. The invention, however, is not so limited.
  • a received object header signal is input to a four bit parallel access shift register 90 that can be a Texas Instruments 74LS95.
  • the four bit pattern for the object header that is to be read is input from local bus 134 to a four bit parallel latched bus transceiver 92 that can be a Texas Instruments 74LS226.
  • shift register 90 are input to a four bit magnitude comparator 94 that can be a Texas
  • the four bit magnitude comparator 94 outputs a signal indicating the selected
  • central processing station 20 can identify and pass objects for processing. Such reading and passing of identified object headers is accomplished in the central processing station 20 circuitry using an object packager 131, as shown in figure 8, or equivalent, that is included in the expanded communications interfaces 808. As so located, received signals are read,
  • FIG. 9 shows three different interactive data Programs, i.e., A, B and C, all of which are to be transmitted from the central processing station 20. Also shown in the upper portion of figure 9 is the fact that the included interactive data is segmented and incorporated in objects 1, 2, 3, etc. for each Program.
  • the lower portion of figure 9 shows an organization for interleaved continuous downloading transmission on a single channel according to the invention.
  • the interleaving technique positions object 1 for Program A to be transmitted first, and this transmission is immediately followed by object 1 for Program B, which is followed by object
  • no IIRT unit 40 is required to download two or more consecutively transmitted
  • SDBS ⁇ E SHEET (RULE 2f objects. All downloaded objects are followed in transmission by at least one object that is no
  • the interactive television system 10 As identified above, the interactive television system 10 according to the invention
  • a system in general, must comply with four rules to be object oriented:
  • Abstraction must be a characteristic used by each kind of object to distinguish it from all other kinds of objects.
  • abstraction is initiated from the base class, see figure 10, because the base class includes the least common elements essential for constructing each kind of object that can be transported over a transmission modality. Encapsulation must be utilized so that elements of the abstraction are compartmentalized.
  • the invention uses an encapsulated object address 504 in the base class, see figure 10, for enabling proper
  • Modularity must be a property of an object system permitting decomposition into a set of cohesive but loosely coupled modules.
  • modularity is incorporated in the definition of the
  • Hierarchy must be utilized for ranking or ordering of abstractions within the system. Since the base class, see figure 10, is constructed using the
  • object oriented base classes that can grow to include different kinds of objects for sharing.
  • polymorphism as used in known object orientation technology, can be used for relating objects according to the invention from many different classes under a common superclass.
  • FIG. 10 A class diagram showing a base class structure for an object that can travel over transmission modalities according to the invention is shown in figure 10.
  • the object structures for the invention are assembled at the central processing station 20 using the master
  • register devices such as sixteen bit parallel in serial out shift registers, which can be 74LS674
  • SUBST ⁇ TUTE SHEET (RULE 26) devices as sold by Texas Instruments, or equivalent.
  • the sixteen bit parallel serial out shift register used as an object creator 143. can be included between the local bus controller 134 and the RF modulator 848 as shown in fig. 4A; while, for the central
  • this object creator 143 can be included with the master computer 800 as is the mass memory.
  • a separately encapsulated start of object identifier 502 and object address 504 are utilized by
  • Prior art directed toward transmitting data utilized a static or fixed size packet that had a non-adjustable capacity of, for example, 1024 or 4096 bytes.
  • the present invention Prior art directed toward transmitting data utilized a static or fixed size packet that had a non-adjustable capacity of, for example, 1024 or 4096 bytes.
  • object entity 506 is a variable size field
  • Each object can thus have its object entity 506 size
  • error correction value 508 field which can be a Cyclic Redundancy Code (CRC) algorithm, as are known, and
  • a member object structure class diagram for a header object according to the invention is shown in figure 11.
  • the class diagram set out in figure 11 shows that the header object inherits properties from the base class shown in figure 10.
  • the start of object identifier 502, shown in figure 11 enables an IIRT unit 40 or central processing station 20 to recognize the start of an incoming object as such, using an object packager 131 and is inherited from the base class shown in figure 10.
  • the object entity 506 includes a variety of fields used to further identify an object so an IIRT unit 40 or central processing station 20 can selectively download a particular object entity 506. For example,
  • a preselected IIRT unit 40 can be identified for receiving an object entity 506 as shown in figure 11.
  • FIG. 1 Within the data object is an object entity 506 containing a data header 222 and a
  • SUBSTTFIfTE SHEET (ROLE 25) data block 224.
  • the data header 222 includes data block identifier 226, byte count 228.
  • the data block 224 contains interactive data, and as explained above, is an adjustable sized field tailored to provide maximum system
  • objects according to the invention are members of a base class and as such inherit dynamic object entity size.
  • television system 10 that is capable of transmitting 24 megabits per second which is 3 mega
  • FIG 13 a flowchart for software used for preparing interactive data for
  • SUB STE S ⁇ EH (RULE 26) collate information from source object files for interactive data to be transmitted including: start of object identifiers 502: encryption type codes 232; compression type codes 234; and data class & subclasses 236 (see figure 1 1). Execution of the software is performed using
  • Step 202 To begin operations using the software all databases or source object files containing information regarding interactive data to be transmitted are opened (Step 202).
  • Step 204 After opening these databases for reading, a list is generated (Step 204) of all enabled files including those from gateway streams, i.e., credit processing gateway 872, order
  • This listing from enabled source object files now includes at least: sufficient information for writing start of object identifiers 502; encryption type codes 232; compression type codes 234; and data class & subclasses 236 (see figure 11).
  • a Table of Contents (TOC) file (Step 208) is written and used by master computer 800, and is continuously downloaded to all IIRT units 40. At this point operation of the software described by the flowchart set out in figure 13 is complete.
  • TOC Table of Contents
  • Next master computer 800 uses software as described by the flowchart in figure 14 for preprocessing interactive data for transmission in object form in an interleaved continuous
  • Step 522 the TOC 208 from Step 208 shown in figure 13 is loaded into the memory buffer (Step 522) of master computer 800. This memory buffer is then scanned and all listed objects are opened for reading including TOC file 208
  • Step 524 A header object is next generated (Step 526) for each of the opened files.
  • subclasses 236 listed in TOC 208 references system tables stored at master computer 800 to
  • each object is generated and saved in memory (Step 530). At this point operation of the
  • Step 302 is loaded from disk (Step 302). Now sufficient memory capacity must be allocated (Step 304) to accommodate a list large enough to point to all header objects and data blocks 224 that were loaded using the DATABLKS.DAT file in Step 302. With this memory
  • the software directs successive pointing to each header object and data
  • Step 308 The software now executes a looping through of the list of pointers,
  • Step 302 the software compares the loaded DATABLKS.DAT file (Step 302) with the version in memory (Step 310). If there is a difference, the software reinitiates Step 302 and proceeds. If there are no differences, the software returns to Step 308 and completes the operation.
  • the IIRT 40 downloads a fresh copy of the TOC header before downloading an
  • the IIRT 40 downloads a new TOC into IIRT 40 memory.
  • the method begins with a user of IIRT unit 40 inputting a signal using remote control 52 or
  • Step 402 This inputting of a
  • request signal can be in response to selecting a particular item from a displayed menu, or from any range of information made available to IIRT unit 40 users.
  • the IIRT unit 40 will select the transmission modality for communicating with the central
  • the IIRT unit 40 transmits both the request signal and the identification code for the requesting IIRT unit 40 to the central processing station 20 (Step 406).
  • the master computer 800 references a previously stored look-up table to determine whether the identified IIRT unit 40 is in good standing, e.g., all outstanding charges have been paid (Step 410). If the identified IIRT unit 40 is not in good standing, the central processing station 20 transmits an error report signal to the identified IIRT unit 40 for display (Step 411).
  • the master computer 800 proceeds to reference a second previously stored look-up table to determine the charge associated with transmission of the requested interactive data or service (Step 414). If there is a charge, then the amount of
  • the charge card information is validated as to whether
  • the master computer 800 proceeds to allocate for transmission the object address 504, data block identifier 226, next object channel 238, and
  • Step 416 This allocated information is now transmitted from the central processing station 20 to the IIRT unit 40 (Step 418). If the transmitted object is to be
  • an encryption type code 232 is also transmitted to the IIRT unit 40. All preparations for transmission of the object are now completed and the object is transmitted to the IIRT unit 40 (Step 424).
  • Step 428 if there is no charge for the transmission (Step 428), then the process is complete. However, if the transmission did not meet the previously announced delivery schedule, then the IIRT unit 40 transmits an error signal to the central processing station 20 (Step 432) and delivery of
  • Step 434 the object is rescheduled. To accomplish redelivery, the process must return to Step 418.
  • Step 436 the IIRT unit 40 transmits a receipt validation code 426 to the central processing station 20 (Step 436). At this point actual payment is made. If Step 436 is not executed, no payment is made because the IIRT unit 40 has not
  • the central processing station 20 transmits an encryption type code 232 so the received objects can be

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Finance (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Strategic Management (AREA)
  • Two-Way Televisions, Distribution Of Moving Picture Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

Un système de distribution de télévision interactive comprend un poste de traitement central (20) qui comporte une source de programmation, un mini-ordinateur central configuré de façon à gérer diverses applications de télévision interactive. Les applications gérées concernent non seulement les applications de signaux vidéo et audio codés, mais aussi d'autres applications numériques telles que des programmes informatiques, commandes, systèmes d'exploitation, instructions, transactions financières, distribution de bons, applications de télé-achat, vente de billets, services bancaires et financiers, soutien de jeux vidéo et messageries. Le système décrit comprend aussi une unité réceptrice (40) composée d'un processeur central, d'une mémoire à accès aléatoire, d'une ROM, d'une interface utilisateur, d'un affichage, d'un générateur graphique, d'une imprimante et d'un lecteur de cartes de crédit qui, associés au matériel et aux logiciels de soutien, permettent la production de bons et autres documents au domicile de l'utilisateur, ainsi que l'entrée directe des données de la carte de crédit dans le système.
PCT/US1994/013642 1993-11-29 1994-11-29 Systeme de communications interactif a distribution des donnees WO1995015058A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU12953/95A AU1295395A (en) 1993-11-29 1994-11-29 Interactive communications system with data distribution

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

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US15829393A 1993-11-29 1993-11-29
US08/158,293 1993-11-29
US22400794A 1994-04-06 1994-04-06
US08/224,007 1994-04-06

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0833511A2 (fr) * 1996-09-27 1998-04-01 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Système de télédiffusion et dispositif terminal de réception d'information associé
US7779442B1 (en) 1999-01-12 2010-08-17 Sony Corporation Information distribution system

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JPS6392140A (ja) * 1986-10-06 1988-04-22 Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> 可変長パケツト通信方式
JPH03273736A (ja) * 1990-03-23 1991-12-04 Nec Corp パケット多重化装置
JPH04357727A (ja) * 1991-06-03 1992-12-10 Victor Co Of Japan Ltd Ｃａｔｖ回線による信号送受方式
US5315584A (en) * 1990-12-19 1994-05-24 France Telecom System of data transmission by sharing in the time-frequency space with channel organization
US5347304A (en) * 1991-09-10 1994-09-13 Hybrid Networks, Inc. Remote link adapter for use in TV broadcast data transmission system
US5359601A (en) * 1992-10-30 1994-10-25 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. Apparatus providing dynamic virtual service selection in a multi-service communications system

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JPS6392140A (ja) * 1986-10-06 1988-04-22 Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> 可変長パケツト通信方式
JPH03273736A (ja) * 1990-03-23 1991-12-04 Nec Corp パケット多重化装置
US5315584A (en) * 1990-12-19 1994-05-24 France Telecom System of data transmission by sharing in the time-frequency space with channel organization
JPH04357727A (ja) * 1991-06-03 1992-12-10 Victor Co Of Japan Ltd Ｃａｔｖ回線による信号送受方式
US5347304A (en) * 1991-09-10 1994-09-13 Hybrid Networks, Inc. Remote link adapter for use in TV broadcast data transmission system
US5359601A (en) * 1992-10-30 1994-10-25 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. Apparatus providing dynamic virtual service selection in a multi-service communications system

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0833511A2 (fr) * 1996-09-27 1998-04-01 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Système de télédiffusion et dispositif terminal de réception d'information associé
EP0833511A3 (fr) * 1996-09-27 2000-05-24 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Système de télédiffusion et dispositif terminal de réception d'information associé
EP1587322A3 (fr) * 1996-09-27 2012-04-18 Panasonic Corporation Système de télédiffusion et dispositif terminal de réception d'information associé
US7779442B1 (en) 1999-01-12 2010-08-17 Sony Corporation Information distribution system

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