WO2002073827A1

WO2002073827A1 - Signal relay device and signal relay method in interactive broadcast system

Info

Publication number: WO2002073827A1
Application number: PCT/JP2001/001831
Authority: WO
Inventors: Minoru Ishida; Shigefumi Masuda
Original assignee: Fujitsu Limited
Priority date: 2001-03-08
Filing date: 2001-03-08
Publication date: 2002-09-19

Abstract

A signal relay device in an interactive broadcast system comprises a first signal relay unit located outside a building for performing an interactive communication with a center station to receive, via the air, a mobile communication signal, a terrestrial digital broadcast signal, and a satellite digital broadcast signal and to transmit/receive a radio signal; and a second signal relay apparatus located inside the building and connected to the first signal relay apparatus via a coaxial transmission line for performing transmission/reception to/from a terminal apparatus. This allows communication even in the inside of an individual house, an apartment house, a multistoried building or the like that hardly can receive radio waves from the outside, or even between rooms that hardly can radio communication.

Description

Specification

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a signal relay device and a signal relay method in an interactive broadcast system.

The present invention relates to a two-way broadcasting system for performing communication and broadcasting services by utilizing a suitable transmission path mainly used for cable broadcasting such as CATV (Cable Television). More specifically, the present invention is applied to a case where radio waves (radio frequency signals) from outside the building are difficult to reach inside a building such as an individual house, an apartment house, a building, etc., or when wireless communication between rooms is difficult. In addition, the present invention relates to a signal relay device and a signal relay method which enable these. Background art

Conventionally, radio waves from the outside of the building (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the outside of the building) do not reach the inside of the building (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the inside of the building) so that mobile phones can be used inside the building. Wireless antennas by installing simple antennas at multiple locations and connecting these simple antennas to indoor base stations installed in the room (hereinafter sometimes referred to as homes) using optical fiber cables. Has been realized.

However, since the installation of optical fiber cables and the introduction of equipment require a large amount of money, the introduction is currently progressing only in some public places.

In addition, when a CATV operator provides terrestrial digital broadcasting services, it receives terrestrial digital broadcasting signals at the CATV center station equipment and transmits them directly to the CATV transmission line without converting the frequency or modulation method of these broadcasting signals. There is a technique to do.

In this method, transmission cannot be performed unless the main coaxial transmission line supports the frequency band (transmission band) up to 77 MHZ, so all equipment in the CATV transmission line, including the amplifier, is modified. Need for refurbishment costs.

Furthermore, when communicating between rooms using a wireless LAN (local area network) in a building, the structure of the building attenuates radio waves and makes communication difficult. In such a case, the conventional technology uses a telephone line wired in each room to communicate between rooms. Realize the trust.

Since this wireless LAN component is expensive and the telephone line is used in combination with the telephone, the voice signal may be adversely affected depending on the type of telephone. Disclosure of the invention

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the problem that radio waves (radio frequency signals) from outside the building (outside the building) are difficult to reach inside the building (inside the building) such as an individual house, an apartment building, and a building (in the house). It is an object of the present invention to provide a signal relay device and a signal relay method that enable communication when mutual wireless communication between the devices is difficult.

Another object of the present invention is to provide wiring within an existing connection such as a coaxial cable or an optical fiber cable that is already wired inside a building such as an individual house, an apartment house, or a building, or within a new connection such as a coaxial cable that is easy to lay. An object of the present invention is to provide a signal relay device and a signal relay method that enable the above-mentioned communication to be performed using wiring.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a signal relay device and a signal relay method that can transmit a terrestrial digital broadcast signal and the like inside a building without requiring modification of existing transmission facilities. is there.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a signal relay device that can provide a satellite digital broadcast program economically without installing a satellite broadcast receiving facility for each connection, and enabling a business such as a CATV to provide a satellite digital broadcast program. And a signal relay method.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a signal relay device in the two-way broadcasting system of the present invention is arranged outside a building accommodating at least one subscriber's home, and is wired through a two-way transmission line connected to a center station. Receiving a broadcast signal and receiving at least one radio frequency signal of a mobile communication signal, a terrestrial digital broadcast signal, and a satellite digital broadcast signal through a space, wherein the cable broadcast signal and the radio frequency signal are received; And a first signal relay for transmitting an upstream signal from the coaxial transmission line of the building to at least one of the two-way transmission line and the space. Equipment and;

It is arranged inside the building corresponding to the subscriber's house, is connected to the first signal repeater via a coaxial transmission line of the building, and is transmitted through the coaxial transmission line. The downlink signal of the bidirectional transmission line and the downlink signal of the radio frequency signal are relayed so as to be receivable by a corresponding terminal device, and the uplink signal from the terminal device is transmitted to the coaxial transmission line of the building. And a second signal relay device that transmits the signal to the second device.

In this configuration, the first signal relay device includes a first receiving unit that receives the cable broadcast signal as a downlink signal through the bidirectional transmission path,

A second receiving unit that receives the radio frequency signal as a downlink signal through the space;

A first amplifying unit that amplifies a received downlink signal of the radio frequency signal to a predetermined level;

A mixing unit that can mix the cable broadcast signal and the amplified radio frequency signal as a downlink signal.

The first signal relay device, a separation unit capable of separating an uplink signal transmitted to the bidirectional transmission path and an uplink signal of the radio frequency signal,

When the radio frequency signal is the mobile communication signal, a second amplifier that amplifies to a predetermined level as an uplink signal;

A first transmission unit that transmits an uplink signal to the bidirectional transmission path,

A second transmission unit that transmits the mobile communication signal amplified to the space as an uplink signal.

The second signal relay device transmits the downlink signal transmitted from the first signal relay device through the coaxial transmission line of the building to the mobile communication signal, the cable broadcast signal, the terrestrial digital broadcast signal, A separating unit that separates the satellite digital broadcast signal into at least one of intermediate frequency signals;

A first amplifier that amplifies the separated mobile communication signal to a predetermined level as a downlink signal,

A first transmitting unit for transmitting the amplified mobile communication signal to a space in the subscriber's house so that the mobile terminal device receives the amplified mobile communication signal;

A second transmitting unit that transmits the separated at least one broadcast signal to a home coaxial transmission line that can be received by the corresponding terminal device.

The second signal relay device is configured to transmit the mobile communication device transmitted from the mobile terminal device. A receiving unit that receives the mobile communication signal; and a second amplifying unit that amplifies the received mobile communication signal to a predetermined level as an uplink signal.

The second signal relay device may further include a cable broadcast signal, the mobile communication signal, and a downlink signal transmitted from the first signal relay device through a coaxial transmission line of the building. A separation unit that separates the digital broadcast signal into at least one of a digital broadcast signal and an intermediate frequency signal of the digital satellite broadcast signal;

A second amplifying unit that amplifies at least one of the separated intermediate frequency signals of the terrestrial digital broadcast signal and the satellite digital broadcast signal to a predetermined level as a downstream signal;

The mobile terminal receives the amplified mobile communication signal, and the indoor antenna receives at least one of the intermediate frequency signals of the amplified terrestrial digital broadcast signal and the amplified satellite digital broadcast signal. A first transmitting unit for transmitting to each of the subscriber premises,

A second transmitting unit that transmits the separated cable broadcast signal to a home coaxial transmission line that can be received by the corresponding terminal device.

The second signal relay device includes: a receiving unit that receives the mobile communication signal transmitted from the mobile terminal device; and a third unit that amplifies the received mobile communication signal to a predetermined level as an uplink signal. And an amplifying unit.

The signal relay method of the present invention is arranged outside a building accommodating at least one subscriber home, receives a cable broadcast signal through a two-way transmission path connected to a center station, and receives a mobile communication signal through a space. Receiving at least one radio frequency signal of a terrestrial digital broadcast signal and a satellite digital broadcast signal, relaying the cable broadcast signal and the radio frequency signal as downlink signals to a coaxial transmission line of the building, and A first signal repeater for transmitting an upstream signal from the coaxial transmission line to the bidirectional transmission line;

It is arranged inside the building corresponding to the subscriber's house, is connected to the first signal repeater via a coaxial transmission line of the building, and is transmitted through the coaxial transmission line. The downlink signal of the bidirectional transmission line and the downlink signal of the radio frequency signal are relayed so as to be receivable by a corresponding terminal device, and the uplink signal from the terminal device is transmitted to the coaxial transmission line of the building. A two-way broadcast system comprising: a second signal relay device for transmitting to a second device;

One of the terrestrial digital broadcast signal and the satellite digital broadcast signal is received by a digital television terminal device as the terminal device in the subscriber's house, and the content of the broadcast signal includes bidirectional content. If you have

The first and second signal relay devices and the cable modem termination device of the center station are connected to the cable modem installed in the subscriber's premises by a specific interface mounted on the digital television terminal device. It connects to the IP communication network via the network and transmits the upstream signal to the content transmission source through the IP communication network.

Another signal relay method of the present invention is arranged outside a building accommodating at least one subscriber's home, receives a cable broadcast signal through a two-way transmission line connected to a center station, and moves through a space. Receiving at least one radio frequency signal of a body communication signal, a terrestrial digital broadcast signal, and a satellite digital broadcast signal, and relaying the cable broadcast signal and the radio frequency signal as a downlink signal to a coaxial transmission line of the building; And a first signal repeater for transmitting an upstream signal from the coaxial transmission line of the building to the space;

Downstream of the bidirectional transmission line, which is disposed inside the building corresponding to the subscriber's house and connected to the first signal relay device via a coaxial transmission line of the building, and transmitted through the coaxial transmission line. A second signal relay for relaying the signal and the downlink signal of the radio frequency signal so that the terminal device can receive the signal and the uplink signal from the terminal device to the coaxial transmission line of the building. A two-way broadcast system comprising a device;

An analog telephone interface mounted on the digital television terminal device The digital television terminal device is connected to a mobile terminal device via a conversion unit that converts the digital television signal into a mobile telephone connection interface, and is connected to a wireless base station via the first and second signal relay devices. Then, an uplink signal is transmitted from the wireless base station to the content transmission source through a public line.

Another signal relay method according to the present invention is arranged outside a building accommodating at least one subscriber's home, receives a cable broadcast signal through a two-way transmission line connected to a center station, and moves through a space. Receiving at least one radio frequency signal of a body communication signal, a terrestrial digital broadcast signal, and a satellite digital broadcast signal, and relaying the cable broadcast signal and the radio frequency signal as a downlink signal to a coaxial transmission line of the building; And a first signal repeater for transmitting an upstream signal from a coaxial transmission line of the building to at least one of the bidirectional transmission line and the space;

The structure of the building serves as a barrier, and the wireless LAN terminal device as the terminal device in the first subscriber home and the wireless LAN terminal device as the terminal device in the second subscriber home perform wireless communication. If not, the second signal relay device in the first subscriber home, the second signal relay device in the second subscriber home, and connection between these second signal relay devices are connected. The communication signal between the wireless LAN terminal devices is transmitted via the coaxial transmission line of the building. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an interactive broadcasting system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an example of frequency band allocation in the interactive broadcast system of FIG. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a first example of the configuration of the external relay device constituting the signal relay device. is there.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining a first configuration example of the in-building relay device constituting the signal relay device.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a second configuration example of the external relay device constituting the signal relay device.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a third configuration example of the external relay device constituting the signal relay device.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram for explaining a second example of the in-building relay device constituting the signal relay device.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a fourth configuration example of the external relay device constituting the signal relay device.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram for explaining a third example of the in-building relay device constituting the signal relay device.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining a first application example of the signal relay device. FIG. 11 is a block diagram for explaining a first application example of the signal relay device. FIG. 12 is a block diagram for explaining a second application example of the signal relay device. FIG. 13 is a block diagram for explaining a third application example of the signal relay device. FIG. 14 is a block diagram for explaining a fourth application example of the signal relay device. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Overall configuration of interactive broadcast system]

Referring to FIG. 1, which shows the configuration of an interactive broadcasting system according to an embodiment of the present invention, a CATV center station (head-end center station) 1 is a broadcast wave such as a television broadcast, a satellite broadcast, and a CATV broadcast. Broadcasting equipment (B) 11 that receives radio frequency (RF) signals (video signals and audio signals) through antenna 10 and other networks 2 such as public networks, dedicated networks, and Internet networks. Exchanges and routers for transmitting and receiving (voice signals or data), as well as a cable modem termination system, management server and IP analog conversion adapter, etc. Transmitter / receiver (T / R) 15 including communication device (C) 12, mixing / distributor (M / D) 13, and optical / electrical interconversion device (E / O, O / E) 14 And

The mixer / distributor 13 associates the RF signal input from the broadcasting device 11 and the communication signal input from the communication device 12 with a frequency channel assigned in advance, respectively, and outputs the transmission / reception device 15 as a downlink signal. To send to. The transmission / reception device 15 converts the downstream signal from the mixing / distributing device 13 from an electric signal to an optical signal with the optical / electrical interconversion device 14 and transmits the signal to the CATV transmission line 3.

Further, the transmitting / receiving device 15 converts the communication signal of the upstream signal from the CATV transmission line 3 from an optical signal to an electric signal by the optical / electrical mutual conversion device 14 and inputs the converted signal to the mixer / distributor 13. The mixer / distributor 13 extracts the communication signal of the input upstream signal from the frequency channel and sends it to the bidirectional communication device 12.

The CATV transmission line 3 is an optical / coaxial hybrid transmission line in which an optical fiber cable 4 and a coaxial cable 5 are arranged in a linear structure. At the boundary between the optical fiber cable 4 and the coaxial cable 5, a bidirectional optical transmitter / receiver 6 is arranged. The bidirectional optical transmitting / receiving device 6 includes an optical / electrical mutual conversion device (E / O, O / E) 61.

The CAT V transmission line 3 has various bidirectional amplifiers (bidirectional repeaters) including a trunk branch amplifier (TBA) 7, a branch amplifier (BA) 8, and an extension amplifier (EA) 9, and a power supply device (PS) 20. And amplifies and relays the downlink signal and the uplink signal.

The transmission line composed of the coaxial cable 5 extending from each of the main branch amplifier 7, the branch amplifier 8, and the extension amplifier 9 is called a tap-off line (TOL) 51, 52, 53, 54. A tap-off TO is provided in the middle of each line. In the figure, the connection points of the amplifiers TBA, BA, EA, tap-off TO, and the coaxial cable 5 indicated by black dots are coaxial connectors.

Each of the tap-off TOs is connected to a subscriber home 30 such as an individual home, an apartment, or a building. Although not shown, the subscriber home 30 has a broadcast receiving terminal such as a television terminal via a set-top box (STB) or a home terminal (HT), and data communication such as a personal computer (PC). A terminal and a voice communication terminal such as a telephone are accommodated. This two-way broadcasting system is particularly difficult when radio waves from the outside of the building (outside the building) are difficult to reach or inside rooms (inside the house), especially inside apartment buildings and buildings. In such a case, in order to enable communication, an out-of-building relay device RPT1 and an in-home relay device RPT2 are provided as signal relay devices described later in detail. The RPT 1 outside the building is located in the tap-off line 51, 52, 53, 54, and corresponds to the tap-off TO. The in-home relay device RPT 2 is located in the home of the subscriber home 30.

FIG. 2 shows an example of frequency band allocation for transmitting a broadcast signal and a communication signal in the above-described interactive broadcast system. The details of the frequency band allocation will be described below as necessary.

[Various configuration examples of signal repeater]

(First configuration example)

Next, the out-of-building relay device RPT 11 and the in-home relay device RPT 21 as the signal relay device of the first configuration example will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4. . The RPT 11 shown in Fig. 3 is a transmission line consisting of a coaxial cable 5 in the terminal direction of an extension amplifier (EA) 9 and a tap-off (TOL) 54 in the middle of a tap-off line (TOL) 54. Are located in In-home relay device RPT 21 shown in FIG. 4 is located in the home of subscriber home 30.

In the RPT 11 outside the building, the CATV broadcast signal (see Fig. 2) in the frequency band 70 to 45 OMHz, which is the downstream signal (down signal) on the CATV transmission line 3, is extended by the extension amplifier 9 and tap-off line. Through 54, a branching device (directional coupler) 110 branches from the main line and takes in the device. In this case, the coupling loss of the branch unit 110 is adjusted by the attenuation amount according to the distance from the extension amplifier 9 so that each subscriber home 30 has the same signal level.

The branch unit 110 receives a communication signal (voice signal or data) in a frequency band of 10 to 55 MHz, which is an upstream signal (up signal) to the CATV transmission line 3, from the mixer 150. When this is done, this signal is sent to tap-offline 54.

IMT—2000 (Integer) that allows a single or complex terminal to use multiple bearers in a circuit-switched mode and a packet-switched mode in cooperation. rnatiol Mobile Telecommunication System 2000) In the next-generation mobile communication system, the usable mobile communication signal (voice signal, image signal, or data) has a frequency band of 1,920 to 1,980 OMH. The z and downstream signals are 2, 110 to 2, 17 OMHz (see Fig. 2).

The antenna section 120 passes the downstream RF signal corresponding to the mobile communication signal through the first highly directional antenna 12 1 and the mixer / distributor 122 to a coaxial line 130 having a termination resistance of 75 Ω. And input to the bidirectional amplifier 140. In addition, the antenna section 120 is connected to a mobile communication signal (in this example, a mobile phone signal) input from the bidirectional amplifier section 140 to the mixer / distributor 122 via the coaxial line 130. The directional RF signal is transmitted from the highly directional antenna 1 2 1.

The first high directional antenna 1 2 1 and the second and third high directional antennas 1 2 3 and 1 24 described below are used for the mobile communication signal, the terrestrial digital broadcast signal, and In order to efficiently transmit the radio frequency signals of satellite digital broadcast signals to subscriber homes 30, high directivity antennas adjusted to the mobile phone center station (radio base station) or satellite direction, respectively. is there.

In the bidirectional amplifying section 140, the demultiplexing / combining (LZH) 141, 142 comprising a frequency division filter separates the frequency band of the upstream signal and the frequency band of the downstream signal corresponding to the mobile communication signal. To separate. In addition, the amplification level (amplification degree) of each can be adjusted by the variable amplifiers 144, 144.

The upstream signal or downstream signal amplified by the variable amplifier 144 or 144 is remixed as a signal of a plurality of frequency channels by the demultiplexer / combiner 144 or 142, and one coaxial line 130 or 1 3 Collectively transmitted in 1.

The mixer 150 inputs the CATV broadcast signal from the splitter 110 and the downstream mobile communication signal from the bidirectional amplifier 140 to the distributor 160. Also, the mixer 150 separates the upstream signal from the distributor 160, inputs the upstream communication signal to the splitter 110, and also inputs the upstream mobile communication signal to the bidirectional amplifier 1 Enter 40.

The distributor 160 is combined by the mixer 150. Strictly speaking, the frequency-division multiplexed downstream signal is connected to four apartment buildings or buildings (coaxial cape) in this example. 3) Send to each of 3 1.

On the other hand, the in-house repeater RPT 21 installed in the apartment house or building, that is, the home repeater RPT 21 installed in the subscriber home 30, has a coaxial cable 33 and an RF terminal T 1 with an F-type connector on the wall terminal 32. Connected through.

The in-home relay device RPT 21 takes in the downstream signal transmitted from the above-mentioned out-of-building relay device RPT 11 and transmitted through the drop-in line 31 and distributes it into two by the two distributor 210.

One of the downstream signals separated by the two divider 210, that is, various broadcast signals such as a CATV broadcast signal, are subscribed through the RF terminal T2 with an F-type connector, the coaxial cable 34, and the three divider 35. It is transmitted to the broadcast receiving terminal in the home 30. In this example, digital broadcasting terminals (digital TV) 310, satellite broadcasting (BS, CS) receivers 320, and analog television terminals (analog TV) 330 are broadcast receiving terminals. Is provided.

As will be described in detail later, the digital television terminal 310 receives a terrestrial digital broadcast signal through a three-way distributor 35 and also receives a satellite digital broadcast signal (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a satellite broadcast signal). ) Is received through the satellite broadcast receiver 320. The analog television terminal 330 receives a CATV broadcast signal distributed by a CATV operator through a home terminal (HT) 331.

In addition, the other of the downstream signals distributed by the two distributors 210 of the in-home relay device RPT 21, that is, the mobile communication signal is separated and amplified by the bidirectional amplifier 220 from the upstream signal. Propagate to telephone 300. This enables wireless communication between the outside of the building and the subscriber's home 30 inside the building.

The bidirectional amplifier 220 has the same configuration as the bidirectional amplifier 140 of the external repeater RPT11. In other words, in the bidirectional amplifying unit 220, the demultiplexing / combiners (LZH) 22 1 and 22 2 composed of frequency division filters reduce the frequency band of the uplink signal and the frequency band of the downlink signal corresponding to the mobile communication signal. Is separated. In addition, the amplification levels (amplification degrees) of the respective amplifiers can be adjusted by the variable amplifiers 222, 224.

The upstream signal or downstream signal amplified by the variable amplifier 223 or 224 is re-converted as a signal of a plurality of frequency channels by the demultiplexer / combiner 221 or 222. They are mixed and transmitted together on one coaxial line 240 or 241.

(Second configuration example)

Next, using FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 together, a description will be given of the out-of-building relay device RPT 12 and the in-home relay device RPT 21 as the signal relay device of the second configuration example. I do. The off-building repeater RPT 12 shown in FIG. 5 is located at a location corresponding to the tap-off TO in the tap-off line 54 which is a transmission line composed of the coaxial cable 5 in the terminal direction of the extension amplifier 9. The in-home relay device RPT 21 shown in FIG. 4 is located in the home of the subscriber home 30. In other configuration examples described below, unless otherwise specified, the arrangement state of the outside-building relay device and the in-home relay device is the same. In楝外repeater RPT 1 2, by providing the bidirectional amplifying unit 1 70, not only the mobile communication signal, terrestrial digital broadcasting under up direction using a frequency band 47 0~7 7 OMH _Z Signals (see Fig. 2) can be transmitted to the subscriber's home 30.

In addition, in the external repeater RPT12, the satellite broadcast (BS, CS) signal of the frequency band 11.1.7 to 1.275 GHz is converted to the intermediate frequency (IF) band 1, 035 to 1, By installing an IF converter 125 in the antenna unit 120 to convert it into a satellite broadcasting intermediate frequency (BS-IF, CS-IF) signal (see Fig. 2) of OMHz, the satellite It enables viewing using a broadcast receiver (BS, CS tuner) 320.

The external repeater RPT 12 located outside the premises of the subscriber's house 30, such as an apartment house or building, is used to receive a terrestrial digital broadcast signal and a satellite broadcast signal as radio frequency signals, respectively. The high directivity antenna 123 and the third high directivity antenna 124 are provided in the antenna section 120. The terrestrial digital broadcast signal and the satellite broadcast signal received by the high directivity antennas 1 2 3 and 1 24 are transmitted to the coaxial line 1 30 through the mixer / distributor 1 2.

The mixer / distributor 122 is used for transmitting a terrestrial digital broadcast signal or a satellite broadcast signal in the presence of another radio frequency signal, that is, a mobile communication signal received by the first highly directional antenna 1 21 described above. With the radio frequency signal.

Terrestrial digital broadcast signal or satellite broadcast transmitted from mixer / distributor 1 2 2 The signal is separated from the frequency band of the mobile communication signal by the demultiplexer / combiner (H / L) 172 of the bidirectional amplifier 170 and then amplified by the variable amplifier 173 to the specified amplification. The signal is recombined with the mobile communication signal by the demultiplexer / combiner (HZL) 171 and input to the mixer 150. The frequency band on the tap-off line 54 70 to 45 OMHZ CATV broadcast signal Mixed with.

The demultiplexers 17 1 and 17 2 pass mobile communication signals in the upward direction. The bidirectional amplifying unit 140 in the bidirectional amplifying unit 170 separates, amplifies, and combines the mobile communication signals in the up direction and the down direction as in the first configuration example.

On the other hand, the in-house repeater RPT 21 installed in the subscriber house 30 in the apartment house or building ridge shown in Fig. 4 is transmitted from the above- The transmitted downlink signal is captured and split into two by a two-way distributor 210.

The separated terrestrial digital broadcasting signal is relayed to the RF terminal T2 through the coaxial cable 36 as it is from the wall terminal 32, and is transmitted to the RF terminal T2 through the coaxial cable 34 and the three distributor 35. It is received by the connected digital television terminal 310. This allows subscribers to watch terrestrial digital broadcasting.

Also, the separated satellite broadcast intermediate frequency signal is relayed to the RF terminal T 2 through the coaxial cable 36 as it is from the wall terminal 32, and the coaxial cable 34 and the 3 distributor 3 are connected to the RF terminal T 2. 5 and received by the digital television terminal 310 via the satellite broadcast receiver 320. This allows subscribers to watch satellite digital broadcasts.

(Third configuration example)

Next, the out-of-building repeater RPT 13 and the in-home repeater RPT 21 as signal repeaters of the third configuration example will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 6. . In this signal repeater, a down converter 180 is installed in the external repeater RPT 13 shown in Fig. 6 so that the existing transmission equipment in the building, such as a bidirectional amplifier and a distributor (not shown), can accept such frequencies. The radio frequency signal is converted into the band and transmitted to the building.

In the home repeater RPT 21 shown in FIG. By returning the frequency band to the normal radio frequency signal by 0, it is possible to transmit the radio frequency signal to the subscriber's home 30 using the existing in-line transmission equipment for CATV broadcast signals.

More specifically, the RPT 13 outside the premises of the subscriber house 30 such as an apartment house or a building has a mobile communication system as a radio frequency signal received by the antenna section 120. The signal, the terrestrial digital broadcast signal, and the IF signal of the satellite digital broadcast signal are amplified by the bidirectional amplifier 170 (the detailed configuration is the same as in Fig. 5), and then input to the downconverter 180.

This downconverter 180 converts the frequency of mobile communication signals, terrestrial digital broadcast signals, and BS-IF, CS-IF signals, and inserts them into unused channels in the frequency band used on CATV transmission line 3. I do.

As a result, even if amplifiers and distributors used as existing transmission equipment in the building only support the frequency band up to 45 MHZ, these radio frequency signal Can be transmitted to the subscriber's home 30 within the connection.

On the other hand, the in-house repeater RPT 21 installed in the subscriber house 30 in the apartment building or building ridge is equipped with an up-converter 250 to restore the radio frequency signal in the original frequency band. Each signal can be received by the mobile phone 300, the digital television terminal 310, and the satellite broadcast receiver 320.

(Fourth configuration example)

Next, with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 6, the out-of-building relay device RPT 13 and the in-home relay device RPT 21 as the signal relay device of the fourth configuration example will be described.

A CATV operator receives a terrestrial digital broadcast signal or satellite digital broadcast signal at the CATV center station 1 facility, modulates it into a 64 QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation: Quadrature Amplitude) signal, and transmits it on the CATV transmission line 3. , A digital set-top box (D STB) for demodulating the 64Q AM signal is required in each subscriber home 30, and subscriber homes 30 that have not subscribed to the CATV broadcasting service are also required. Digital set-top boxes must be installed in all subscriber homes, including 30. In this signal repeater, a 64 QAM signal demodulator 181 and an OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) signal modulator 1 82, a terrestrial digital broadcast signal or a satellite digital broadcast signal is 64Q AM modulated by the CATV center station 1 and transmitted to the subscriber's home 30 via the CATV transmission line 3. 3 inside the 64 Q AM signal demodulator 1 8 1 after demodulating the 64 Q AM signal, thereby _c to be transmitted to the building by performing a modulation of the re-oF DM signal by oF DM signal modulator 1 8 2, Even if a digital set-top box is not installed in each subscriber home 30, these broadcast signals can be received by the digital television terminal 310 in the subscriber home 30 via the home repeater RPT 21. Enable.

(Fifth configuration example)

Next, the in-home repeater RPT 22 as a signal repeater of the fifth configuration example will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 7. FIG. In this case, the external relay device RPT12 shown in FIG. 5 is opposed to the in-home relay device RPT22.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, it may be difficult to route the coaxial cable 34 for connecting the home repeater RPT 21 and the digital television terminal 310. The in-home repeater RPT 22 can receive digital terrestrial broadcast signals and satellite broadcast intermediate frequency signals (BS-IF, CS-IF signals) as radio waves (radio frequency signals) within the subscriber's home 30 To

In the two-way amplifying unit 260 of the in-home repeater RPT 22, the demultiplexing / combining unit 261, 262 and the variable amplifier are used to amplify the terrestrial digital broadcast signal in the frequency band of 470 to 77 MHz. 26 3 is added to the bidirectional amplifier 220 of the mobile communication signal. The demultiplexing / combiners 26 1 and 26 2 and the variable amplifier 26 3 separate and amplify the frequency band used for the terrestrial digital broadcast signal and the frequency band used for the mobile phone 300. After that, it is combined again and transmitted to the antenna 230.

As a result, the terrestrial digital broadcast signal input from the RF terminal T1 to the splitter 210 is amplified by the variable amplifier 263, transmitted from the antenna 23 °, and transmitted digitally through the indoor antenna 315. Received by the television terminal 310.

In addition, in the two-way amplifier 260 of the in-home relay device RPT 22, It is possible to amplify not only digital broadcast signals but also BS-IF and CS-IF signals with frequency bands of 1,35 to 1,920 MHz.

Demultiplexer and couplers 26 1 and 26 2 and variable amplifier 26 3 of the bidirectional amplifier 260 are used for the frequency band used for the BS-IF and CS-IF signals and for the mobile phone 300 After amplifying the signal by separating the frequency band to be amplified, the signal is re-coupled and transmitted to the antenna 230.

As a result, the BS-IF, CS-IF signal input from the RF terminal T1 to the splitter 210 is amplified by the variable amplifier 263 and transmitted from the antenna 230, and the indoor antenna 315 And received by the digital television terminal 310 through the satellite broadcast receiver 320.

(Sixth configuration example)

Next, an out-of-building relay device RPT 14 and an in-home relay device RPT22 as signal relay devices of the sixth configuration example will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 7 and 8. In general, on the CATV transmission line 3, noise generated at the subscriber's house 30 is synthesized and becomes upstream ingress noise, which adversely affects the transmission quality of the upstream signal. In the signal repeater of the sixth configuration example, the upstream signal from the in-building relay device RPT 22 is transmitted at a higher level than usual and transmitted inside the building, and the out-of-building relay device RPT 14 attenuates the upstream signal. By returning the signal level to the normal signal level and transmitting it to the tap-off line 54, that is, to the CATV transmission path 3, it is possible to improve the communication quality (CZN ratio) of the uplink signal.

An in-home repeater RPT 22 shown in FIG. 7 is provided with an amplifying section 270 having demultiplexing / combiners 27 1 and 27 2 and a variable amplifier 27 3. The amplification unit 270 is used to transmit a frequency band of 10 to 55 MHz for an upstream signal (voice signal or communication signal corresponding to data) to be transmitted on the CATV transmission line 3 and a downstream signal (CATV broadcasting signal and digital terrestrial broadcasting). Signal frequency band of 70 to 77 OMHz, and the cable modem 341 only transmits signals from the personal computer (PC) 340 with a certain degree of amplification higher than the level required for communication. Raise the level (+20 dB).

In addition, the in-home relay device RPT 22 includes the bidirectional amplifier 220 for amplifying the mobile communication signals in the uplink and downlink as described above. This bidirectional amplifier 2 At 20, the level (+20 dB) is increased at a certain amplification level higher than the level required for communication only for the mobile communication signal in the upstream direction transmitted on the CATV transmission line 3 by the variable amplifier 2 23. increase.

As a result, an uplink communication signal or an uplink mobile communication signal having a high level of 20 dB is output from the RF terminal T1 of the in-home relay device RPT22 and transmitted through the connection.

On the other hand, in the external relay device RPT 14 shown in Fig. 8, only the uplink communication signal and the uplink mobile communication signal transmitted through the connection are raised by the in-home relay device RPT22 ( +20 dB) Attenuator section 190 Attenuator (ATT) 193 and variable attenuator (ATT) 144 of bidirectional amplifier section 140 Attenuate by 20 dB to return to an appropriate level. .

In other words, the attenuator 190 is installed in the tap-off line 54 in front of the splitter 110 for mixing the communication signal in the upstream direction, and the demultiplexer / combiner 191, 192 and the variable attenuator According to 193, only the level of the uplink communication signal in the frequency band of 10 to 50 MHz is attenuated by 20 dB. The downwardly transmitted signal in the frequency band of 70 to 77 OMHz is input to the mixer 150 through the demultiplexing / combiners 191 and 192 of the attenuator 190.

The function other than attenuating the mobile communication signal in the upstream direction of the frequency band 1, 920 to 1, 980 MHz by 20 dB using the variable attenuator 145 is the bidirectional amplification of the external ridge repeater RPT 11 1. Same as part 140.

As described above, by increasing the transmission level of the upstream signal in the building, the C / N ratio for noise mixed in the building can be improved by 20 dB compared to when the level is not increased and transmission is not performed.

(Seventh configuration example)

Next, the out-of-building relay device RPT 14 and the in-home relay device RPT 23 as the signal relay device of the seventh configuration example will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 8, and 9. As a method of suppressing the effect of noise generated inside the building as in the signal relay device of the sixth configuration example described above, the signal relay device of the seventh configuration example employs the external relay devices RPT14 and RPT14. Inter-conversion between electrical signals and optical signals to RPT23 in building Signal conversion units 155, 280 for transmission, and the optical fiber cable 38 to transmit the communication signal and the broadcast signal between the service line 31 and the premises and between the buildings (between the subscriber homes 30). As a result, it is possible to suppress the contamination of noise in the transmission line in the building and to improve the communication quality (C / N ratio) of the upstream signal.

The external relay device RPT14 shown in FIG. 8 has a signal conversion unit 1555 for performing mutual conversion between an electric signal and an optical signal between the mixer 150 and the distributor 160. The signal conversion unit 155 converts the downstream signal going to the subscriber's house 30 through the service line 31 and the optical fiber cable 38 in the building from an electric signal to an optical signal, and taps off the signal. 4 or convert the upstream signal going to the antenna section 120 from an optical signal to an electric signal. In this case, the distributor 160 has an optical signal distribution / mixing function. On the other hand, the in-home repeater RPT 23 shown in FIG. 9 has a signal conversion unit 280 for performing mutual conversion between an optical signal and an electric signal in a stage preceding the splitter 210. The signal conversion unit 280 converts a downstream signal to various terminals in the subscriber home 30 from the optical signal to an electrical signal through the service line 31 and the optical fiber cable 38 in the building, The upstream signal going from the various terminals in 30 to the external repeater RPT 14 through the optical fiber cable 38 in the building and the incoming line 31 is converted from an electrical signal to an optical signal.

As a result, on the electrical signal side of the signal conversion units 155 and 280, the same interface as that of the other configuration can be used as it is. Since the signal is transmitted, it can be hardly affected by electromagnetic noise.

The in-home relay device R PT 23 in the signal relay device of the seventh configuration example described above further has the following features.

The in-home repeater RPT 23 has a built-in branch unit 39, which is the function of a wall unit (wall terminal), so that the entire in-home repeater RPT 23 can be embedded in the wall or directly mounted on the wall. At the same time, it becomes possible to connect directly to the optical fiber cable 38 or to the coaxial transmission line (coaxial cable), eliminating the need for space for installation on the floor or shelves in the subscriber home 30.

Generally, the premises amplifier 37 is supplied with AC 100 V. Therefore, this By supplying a DC current to the coaxial cable or the optical fiber cable 38 based on the force (folding), the power used in the amplifiers 260 and 270 of the in-home repeater RPT 23 is supplied. .

In this case, it is necessary to dispose a filter 285 for cutting off the direct current at the subsequent stage of the branching device 39. This eliminates the need for a power supply unit that generates DC current from a commercial AC power supply inside the in-home repeater RPT 23, which not only reduces the size of the equipment, but also provides a location for taking in commercial AC power. You are no longer restricted.

(Modification of configuration example)

As described above, as the signal relay device of the first to seventh configuration examples, the best combination form of the out-of-building relay device RPT11 ... PT14 and the in-home relay device RPT21: PT23 has been described. However, it is also possible to adopt other combinations as appropriate.

PT 14 and in-home repeater RPT 2 1 ... PT 23 are described in a plurality of configurations, respectively, but one or a minimum number of buildings are required. It may be configured as an external relay device and a home relay device.

[Various application examples of signal repeaters]

Next, various application examples of the external relay device RPT1 and the in-home relay device RPT2 as the signal relay devices of the various configuration examples described above will be described. The external device RPT1 and the in-home relay device RPT2 Any of the above-mentioned out-of-building relay devices RPT11-RPT14 and the in-home relay device RPT21 ...; RPT23, or a combination of a plurality of these devices will be adopted.

(First application example)

The signal repeater of the first application example will be explained using Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 together. With the spread of terrestrial and satellite-based digital broadcasting services, the number of programs linked with upstream signals will increase, The television terminal 310 also needs to transmit the upstream signal as data to the content transmission source 22.

In order to set a transmission path of an uplink signal for information received by the digital television terminal 310 via the in-home relay device RPT 2 located in the subscriber home 30-as shown in FIG. Using the cable modem (CM) 341, which is connected to the in-home relay device RPT2 through the splitter 40, the cable modem 34 1 is connected to the PC. Connect the digital television terminal 310 to Tough Ace.

As the interface for the upstream signal of the digital television terminal 310, in addition to the analog telephone interface, a cable modem or an asymmetric digital subscriber line

(AD S L), etc., there are 10 B AS E T, US B, and I EEE 1394 used as interfaces for PC connection. In this example, the digital television terminal 310 and the cable modem 34 1 are connected via a hub (HUB) 350 by a 10 BASET interface.

As shown in Fig. 11, the upstream signal transmitted from the digital television terminal 310 to the outside of the building from inside the subscriber's home 30 via the in-home relay device RPT 2 1 and transmitted to the CATV center station 1 through the CATV transmission line 3. In the CATV center station 1, a cable modem terminator (CMTS) 16 which is a center device of the cable modem 34 1 transmits data based on the received uplink signal via an Internet network (IP communication network) 20. The content is transmitted to the broadcast station or the program sponsor who is the content transmission source 22.

If the digital television terminal 310 has only an analog telephone interface as the upstream interface, a protocol converter for connecting to the 10 BAS E-T interface of the cable modem 34 1 An analog / IP conversion adapter 351 is provided.

Due to the arrangement of the conversion adapter 351, the digital television terminal 310 and the analog / ^ IP conversion adapter 351 are connected by a point-to-point protocol (PPP), and analog / IP conversion is performed. adapter 3 5 1 and between the cable modem 3 4 1 _c thereby to be connected 1 O BAS E- T I interface via a hub 3 5 0, home uplink signals from the digital television terminal 3 1 0 Transmission to the cable modem termination device 16 via the relay device RPT 2 and the external relay device RPT 1 becomes possible. Then, an Internet connection is made via the cable modem terminating device 16, and data can be transmitted to the content transmission source 22.

Here, the analog ZIP conversion adapter 351 will be described in detail. The digital television terminal 310 has a two-wire analog telephone interface, One of the analog IP conversion adapters 351 (the side facing the digital television terminal 310) also has the same interface. The analog / IP conversion adapter 351 supplies DC power to the digital television terminal 310. The interface of the other side of the analog / 1P conversion adapter 3501 (opposite to the cable modem 341, hub 350) is 10 BASET as described above.

When the digital television terminal 310 dials out to the content transmission source 22, the analog ZIP conversion adapter 351 responds on behalf of the digital television terminal 310, and then the digital television terminal 310 communicates with the analog television. It communicates with the IP conversion adapter 351 using standardized modem signals. In addition, IP data communication using a point-to-point protocol is performed between both parties as a higher-level protocol. The upstream signal sent from the digital television terminal 310 is sent to the cable modem 34 1 connected to the 1 O BAS E-T interface via the analog-to-IP conversion adapter 351, and delivered to the content sender 22. Can be

In some cases, the content transmission source 22 can receive the upstream signal from the CATV center 1 only through the analog telephone interface. As shown in Fig. 11, the CATV center station 1 converts IP data as an upstream signal transmitted from the cable modem 341 in the subscriber's home 30 into a modem signal used on an analog telephone line. Uplink signal is transmitted to the content transmission source 22 via the analog telephone line of the public network 21 by changing to an analog telephone interface using the IPZ analog conversion adapter 18 which is a protocol converter. It becomes possible.

The CATV center station 1 is provided with a management server 17 together with an IP / analog conversion adapter 18 for converting the 10 BA SEC-T interface into an analog telephone interface. In the management server 17, the upstream signal transmitted via the cable modem 34 1 in the subscriber home 30 was the same as the IP address of the content transmission source 22 registered in the management server 17 in advance. In this case, the cable modem terminating device 16 is connected to the public network 21 via the IP / analog conversion adapter 18, and the upstream signal is transmitted to the content transmission source 22.

Here, the IPZ analog conversion adapter 18 performs the reverse operation of the analog IP conversion adapter 35 1. In other words, the IP / analog conversion adapter 18 is 10 B ASE—T or 10 OBASE—When IP data is input via the T interface, modem communication is performed after dial connection to the content transmission source 22 and IP data is transmitted using the point-to-point protocol. .

In the case of the subscriber home 30 where the above-mentioned cable modem 34 1 is not installed, the upstream signal cannot be transmitted to the content transmission source 22. In this case, the mobile phone 300 is used as a transmission path of an uplink signal for information received by the digital television terminal 310.

As shown in Fig. 10, an analog / mobile phone conversion adapter 352 is placed between the digital television terminal 310 and the mobile phone 300, and the upstream signal is sent from the mobile phone 300 to the home, as shown in Fig. 10. Via the repeater RPT2, the signal is transmitted to the external ridge repeater RPT1, as shown in Figure 11. The external relay device RPT1 transmits an uplink signal to the radio base station 23 through the antenna section 120. The wireless base station 23 transmits an upstream signal to the content transmission source 22 via the telephone line of the public network 21.

Here, the analog / mobile phone conversion adapter 352 will be described in detail. The digital television terminal 310 has a two-wire analog telephone interface, and similarly, one of the analog Z mobile phone conversion adapters 352 (the opposite side of the digital television terminal 310) has the same interface. . The analog / mobile phone conversion adapter 352 supplies DC power to the digital television terminal 310. The other interface (mobile phone 300 opposite side) of the analog phone mobile phone conversion adapter 3502 is USB, and a dedicated cable equipped with the interface of each mobile phone operator is used for the mobile phone 300. Connecting.

Introducing the external relay device RPT1 and the in-home relay device RPT2 as the signal relay devices of the first application example described above into the two-way broadcasting system requires a cost burden for CATV operators. However, digital terrestrial broadcasting can be viewed free of charge, and it is difficult to collect fees from subscribers.

This can be achieved by monitoring the upstream signal using the cable modem 341 to charge the broadcasting station or program sponsor of the content source 22 that can benefit from increasing the number of viewers. To

Referring to FIG. 11, digital terrestrial broadcasting or satellite (BS, CS) A digital broadcast is received by a digital television terminal 310, and a CA TV subscriber sends out an upstream signal based on information included in a reception content. The IP packet as an upstream signal delivered to the CATV center station 1 via the cable modem 34 1, the in-home relay device RPT 2 and the external relay device RPT 1 is managed by the management server 17 and registered in advance. If the transmission is to the content transmission source 22, the information of the cable modem 341 that transmitted the bucket is stored therein.

The CATV operator shall judge that the subscriber who sent the upstream signal is receiving digital terrestrial broadcasting or BS / CS broadcasting via the RPT 1 outside the building and the RPT 2 inside the home. The record of the originating subscriber and the transmission time is presented to the content sender 22, and a request for payment of the relay fee due to relaying the broadcast to the subscriber's home 30 in a place where radio waves do not normally propagate It is possible to use this data.

In addition, a CATV operator bills a mobile phone (mobile communication) operator who can benefit from enabling the use of the mobile phone 300 in a connection of an apartment house or a building. To make things possible.

In other words, when the CATV operator introduces the external relay device RPT1 and the in-home relay device RPT2, etc., the mobile phone 300 is connected to the wireless base station 23 via these relay devices. As a result, the mobile phone 300 can be used even in the subscriber's home 30 where radio waves do not propagate conventionally, and the mobile phone operator can increase the revenue of the call fee.

In return for this, the CATV operator will regularly pay a fixed fee from the mobile phone operator until the home repeater RPT2 is removed. For this reason, when installing the in-home repeater RPT 2 in the subscriber's home 30, the CATV operator investigates the mobile phone operator to which the subscriber has contracted and reports the installation.

As another method, the location information of the subscriber home 30 such as an apartment house or a building in which the home repeater RPT 2 is installed is registered in advance in the communication network system of the mobile phone operator. The mobile phone operator constantly monitors the location of the mobile phone 300, and places where there is a call from the mobile phone 300 or an incoming call to the mobile phone 300 And the location information of the preinstalled home repeater RPT 2 installation location is compared. As a result, if a call is made or received at the location where the in-home repeater RPT 2 is installed, the mobile phone operator saves the record to allow the CATV operator to provide the in-home repeater RPT 2 etc. Pay the royalties.

(Second application example)

Next, a signal relay device according to a second application example will be described with reference to FIGS. Conventionally, when a wireless LAN (local area network) is used between the subscriber's homes 30 in the building, there is a method of performing communication using a telephone line, but the equipment is expensive, It is less widespread because it can adversely affect audio signals.

Frequency band 2.4 In a wireless LAN system of 30 A and 30 B in a premises such as an apartment house or a building that uses 2.4 GHz, the wireless LAN terminals 36 0, 36 1 If direct communication is difficult because the radio waves transmitted and received between the building and the building are attenuated by a structure such as a building wall, a home repeater RPT 2 is installed in each subscriber home 3 OA, 3 OB. Transmission / reception signals between the wireless LAN terminal 360 and the wireless LAN terminal 361 are transmitted via the coaxial cable 41, which is a CATV transmission line installed in the building.

As a result, signals can be transmitted between the wireless LAN terminals 360 and 361 using the coaxial cable 41 for CATV, and the signals can be transmitted at low cost and without affecting other voice communication signals. Enable communication between both parties.

(Third application example)

Next, a signal relay device according to a third application example will be described with reference to FIGS. In the above-described second application example, since the signal is transmitted to all places where the coaxial cable 41 is connected, there is a possibility that the communication content may leak to another network.

Used in a wireless LAN system 2.4 Blocking filter that does not pass 2.4 GHz frequency band signal Installed in a place where it does not want to pass through, and outside the filter 370 physically receives the signal in the wireless LAN system Disable and ensure security.

For example, a wireless LAN terminal communicates within the network 390 built on the first floor of the building. In order to prevent the communication information in this network 390 from leaking through the coaxial cable 41 to another network 380 built on the second floor, etc. Filter is provided at the point of connection between the network and the network. In the figure, the symbol “〇” indicates a distributor, and the symbol “◎” indicates a series unit.

(Fourth application example)

Next, a signal relay device according to a fourth application example will be described with reference to FIG. In the second application example described above, communication is enabled only in the wireless LAN system of the subscriber homes 3OA and 30B. By installing an integrated cable modem (terminal device) 36 2 having the functions of a wireless LAN and a router together with the cable modem function in the subscriber's home 30 C in the building, the cable modem 36 2 This makes it possible to connect a wireless LAN system to an external network outside the connection. The integrated cable modem 36 connected to the home repeater R P T 2 in the subscriber's home 30 C is a wireless LAN section 36 3, a cable modem section 36 4 and a router section 3

It has 6 5. The in-building wireless LAN system connected to each other via the in-home relay device RPT2 and the coaxial cable 41 is connected to the out-of-building relay device RPT1 by passing through the cable modem 362. The RPT 1 outside the building connects the wireless LAN system inside the building to an external network such as the Internet network 20 via the cable modem terminator (CMTS) 16 installed at the CATV center 1 .

The coaxial cable 4 connected to the external relay device R P T 1 4 has a cutoff filter 3

By locating 70, communication signals in the frequency band of 2.4 GHz of the wireless LAN system will not be transmitted outside the building. Industrial applicability

According to the present invention described above, in a building such as an individual house, a multi-family house, and a building (inside a connection), a radio wave (radio frequency signal) from outside the building (outside the building) is difficult to reach or a room (inside the house). ) Enable communication when wireless communication between them is difficult. According to the present invention, the interior of a building such as an individual house, an apartment house, and a building is also provided. The above-mentioned communication can be performed using existing in-building wiring, such as coaxial cables or optical fiber cables already wired, or new in-building wiring, such as easy-to-lay coaxial cables.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to transmit a terrestrial digital broadcast signal or the like into a building without requiring modification of existing transmission facilities.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a satellite digital broadcast program economically and without having to install a satellite broadcast receiving facility for each connection, and also to provide an operator such as a CATV.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. Located outside the building that houses at least one subscriber's home, receives cable broadcast signals through a two-way transmission line connected to the center station, and through space, mobile communication signals and terrestrial digital Receiving at least one radio frequency signal of a broadcast signal and a satellite digital broadcast signal; relaying the cable broadcast signal and the radio frequency signal as downlink signals to a coaxial transmission line of the building; and A first signal repeater for transmitting an upstream signal from a transmission path to at least one of the bidirectional transmission path and the space;

Downstream of the bidirectional transmission line, which is disposed inside the building corresponding to the subscriber's house and connected to the first signal relay device via a coaxial transmission line of the building, and transmitted through the coaxial transmission line. A second signal relay for relaying the signal and the downlink signal of the radio frequency signal so that the terminal device can receive the signal and the uplink signal from the terminal device to the coaxial transmission line of the building. Equipment and;

A signal relay device in a two-way broadcasting system comprising:

2. The first signal relay device, a first receiving unit that receives the cable broadcast signal as a downlink signal through the bidirectional transmission path,

A mixing unit capable of mixing the cable broadcast signal and the amplified radio frequency signal as a downlink signal

A signal relay device in the interactive broadcast system according to claim 1.

3. The first signal relay device, a separation unit capable of separating an uplink signal to be transmitted to the bidirectional transmission path and an uplink signal of the radio frequency signal,

When the radio frequency signal is the mobile communication signal, a second amplifier that amplifies to a predetermined level as an uplink signal; A first transmission unit that transmits an uplink signal to the bidirectional transmission path,

A second transmitting unit that transmits the mobile communication signal amplified to the space as an uplink signal.

3. A signal relay device in the interactive broadcast system according to claim 2.

4. The first signal relay device has a conversion unit that converts the satellite digital broadcast signal into an intermediate frequency signal

A signal relay device in the interactive broadcast system according to claim 1.

5. The second signal relay device transmits the downlink signal transmitted from the first signal relay device through the coaxial transmission line of the building to the mobile communication signal, the cable broadcast signal, and the terrestrial digital broadcast. A separation unit that separates the signal and at least one of intermediate frequency signals of the satellite digital broadcast signal;

A signal relay device in the interactive broadcast system according to claim 1.

6. The second signal relay device, a receiving unit that receives the mobile communication signal transmitted from the mobile terminal device,

A second amplifier for amplifying the received mobile communication signal to a predetermined level as an uplink signal.

A signal relay device in the interactive broadcast system according to claim 5.

7. The second signal repeater transmits the downlink signal transmitted from the first signal repeater through the coaxial transmission line of the building to the cable broadcast signal and the mobile communication. A separation unit that separates the signal into at least one of an intermediate frequency signal of the terrestrial digital broadcast signal and the satellite digital broadcast signal;

A signal relay device in the interactive broadcast system according to claim 1.

8. The second signal relay device, a receiving unit that receives the mobile communication signal transmitted from the mobile terminal device,

A third amplification unit that amplifies the received mobile communication signal to a predetermined level as an uplink signal.

A signal relay device in the interactive broadcast system according to claim 7.

9. The first signal relay device includes a down-converter that frequency-converts the radio frequency signal to a frequency band of a downstream signal of the bidirectional transmission path,

The second signal repeater has an upconverter for restoring a frequency band of the radio frequency signal received from the first signal repeater through a coaxial transmission line of the building.

A signal relay device in the interactive broadcast system according to claim 1.

10. The first signal repeater includes a quadrature modulation digital signal from the bidirectional transmission path. The signal relay device according to claim 1, further comprising a conversion unit that demodulates the broadcast signal and modulates the signal into an orthogonal frequency division multiplexed signal.

11. The second signal relay device amplifies an upstream signal transmitted to the first signal relay device through the coaxial transmission line of the building to a higher level than the predetermined level,

The first signal relay device attenuates the upstream signal amplified to a high level to the predetermined level, respectively.

A signal relay device in the interactive broadcast system according to claim 1.

12. The first signal repeater and the second signal repeater are provided with an electric-optical signal mutual conversion unit for an upstream signal and a downstream signal, and an optical signal is substituted for the coaxial transmission line of the building. The first signal repeater and the second signal repeater can be connected via a transmission line

A signal relay device in the interactive broadcast system according to claim 1.

13. A current is superimposed on the coaxial transmission line from an amplifying section provided on the coaxial transmission line of the building connecting the first signal relay device and the second signal relay device, and Power supply for signal amplification in signal repeater 2

A signal relay device in the interactive broadcast system according to claim 1.

1 4. At least one subscriber's house is located outside the building that houses the building, receives cable broadcast signals through a two-way transmission line connected to the center station, and transmits mobile communication signals and terrestrial waves through space. Receiving at least one radio frequency signal of a digital broadcast signal and a satellite digital broadcast signal; relaying the cable broadcast signal and the radio frequency signal as a downlink signal to a coaxial transmission line of the building; and A first signal relay device for transmitting an upstream signal from a transmission line to the bidirectional transmission line, and the first signal relay device disposed inside the building corresponding to a subscriber's house and Connected through a coaxial transmission line of the building to transmit the down signal of the bidirectional transmission line and the down signal of the radio frequency signal transmitted through the coaxial transmission line to a corresponding terminal device. A second signal relay device for relaying the upstream signal from the terminal device to the coaxial transmission line of the building;

The digital television terminal device is connected to a cable modem installed in the subscriber's premises by a specific interface mounted thereon, and the first and second signal relay devices and the cable modem termination device of the center station are connected. A signal relay method that connects to an IP communication network via the Internet and transmits an upstream signal to the content transmission source through the IP communication network.

15 5. It is located outside the building that houses at least one subscriber's home, receives cable broadcast signals through a two-way transmission path connected to the center station, and transmits mobile communication signals and terrestrial waves through space. Receiving at least one radio frequency signal of a digital broadcast signal and a satellite digital broadcast signal; relaying the cable broadcast signal and the radio frequency signal as a downlink signal to a coaxial transmission line of the building; and A first signal relay device for transmitting an uplink signal from a transmission line to the bidirectional transmission line, and a coaxial transmission of the building, which is disposed inside the building corresponding to the subscriber's house and is transmitted to the first signal relay device. And receiving the downstream signal of the bidirectional transmission path and the downstream signal of the radio frequency signal transmitted through the coaxial transmission path at the corresponding terminal device. A two-way broadcast system comprising: a second signal relay device that relays the signal to enable the transmission and transmits an upstream signal from the terminal device to a coaxial transmission line of the building;

The digital television terminal device as the terminal device in the subscriber's house receives either the terrestrial digital broadcast signal or the satellite digital broadcast signal, and If the content of the broadcast signal contains bidirectional content,

Connecting the digital television terminal device to a cable modem installed in the subscriber's home via a conversion unit that converts an analog telephone interface mounted on the digital television terminal device into a specific interface; A signal relay that connects to the IP communication network via the first and second signal relay devices and the cable modem terminating device of the center station, and transmits an upstream signal to the content source through the IP communication network. Method.

16. The IP data of the upstream signal transmitted to the cable modem terminating device of the center station is transmitted to a conversion unit that converts the data into a modem signal used on an analog telephone line, and from this conversion unit, the IP communication network is transmitted. And transmits an upstream signal to the content transmission source via the analog telephone line.

A signal relay method according to claim 14 or 15.

17. It is located outside the building that houses at least one subscriber's home, receives cable broadcast signals through a two-way transmission line connected to the center station, and transmits mobile communication signals and terrestrial waves through space. Receiving at least one radio frequency signal of a digital broadcast signal and a satellite digital broadcast signal; relaying the cable broadcast signal and the radio frequency signal as a downlink signal to a coaxial transmission line of the building; and A first signal relay device for transmitting an upstream signal from a transmission line to the space; and a coaxial transmission line of the building, which is disposed inside the building corresponding to the subscriber's house and is connected to the first signal relay device. Connected through the coaxial transmission path, the downlink signal of the bidirectional transmission path and the downlink signal of the radio frequency signal can be received by the corresponding terminal device. Relays to, and be interactive broadcast system comprising a second signal relay apparatus transmits the uplink signal from the terminal device to the coaxial transmission line of the building;

A digital television terminal device as the terminal device in the subscriber's house receives either the terrestrial digital broadcast signal or the satellite digital broadcast signal, and the content of the broadcast signal includes bidirectional content. If Connecting the digital television terminal to a mobile terminal via a converter for converting an analog telephone interface mounted on the digital television terminal into a mobile telephone connection interface; A signal relay method for connecting to a wireless base station via a conventional signal relay device and transmitting an uplink signal from the wireless base station to a content transmission source through a public line.

18. The management server provided at the center station, the subscriber premises transmitting IP data as an upstream signal transmitted to the content transmission source via the cable modem termination device. It is determined that the subscriber's home has received the broadcast signal using the first and second signal relay devices, and a relay fee can be charged to the content source as a price. Do

The signal relay method according to claim 14, 15, or 16.

1 9. At least one subscriber house is located outside the building that houses the subscriber's home, and receives cable broadcast signals through a two-way transmission line connected to the center station, as well as mobile communication signals and terrestrial waves through space. Receiving at least one radio frequency signal of a digital broadcast signal and a satellite digital broadcast signal; relaying the cable broadcast signal and the radio frequency signal as downlink signals to a coaxial transmission line of the building; and A first signal relay device for transmitting an upstream signal from a coaxial transmission line to the space; and a coaxial transmission line for the building, which is disposed inside the building corresponding to a subscriber's house and is connected to the first signal relay device. And the corresponding terminal device can receive the downlink signal of the bidirectional transmission line and the downlink signal of the radio frequency signal transmitted through the coaxial transmission line. And a second signal relay device for relaying the uplink signal from the terminal device to the coaxial transmission line of the building;

When communication with the outside of the building is performed using the mobile terminal device as the terminal device in the subscriber's house, the communication network of the mobile terminal device includes location information at which the mobile terminal device is used. It is determined that communication has been performed using the second signal relay device on the basis of and the installation destination information of the second signal relay device. A signal relay method that enables payment of relay fees to ATV operators.

20. It is located outside the building that houses at least one subscriber's home, receives cable broadcast signals through a two-way transmission line connected to the center station, and transmits mobile communication signals and terrestrial digital signals through the space. Receiving at least one radio frequency signal of a broadcast signal and a satellite digital broadcast signal, relaying the cable broadcast signal and the radio frequency signal as downlink signals to the coaxial transmission line of the building, and transmitting the coaxial transmission of the building; A first signal repeater for transmitting an upstream signal from a path to at least one of the bidirectional transmission path and the space;

Downstream of the bidirectional transmission line, which is disposed inside the building corresponding to the subscriber's house and connected to the first signal relay device via a coaxial transmission line of the building, and transmitted through the coaxial transmission line. A second signal relay for relaying the signal and the downlink signal of the radio frequency signal so that the terminal device can receive the signal and the uplink signal from the terminal device to the coaxial transmission line of the building. A two-way broadcast system comprising: a wireless LAN terminal device as the terminal device in the first subscriber's home and the terminal device in the second subscriber's home; If the wireless LAN terminal device cannot perform wireless communication, the second signal relay device at the first subscriber home; and the second signal relay device at the second subscriber home; Between these second signal relay devices A signal relay method for transmitting a communication signal between the wireless LAN terminal devices via a coaxial transmission line of the building to which the wireless LAN terminal is connected.

21. The signal relay method according to claim 20, wherein a filter that blocks a frequency band signal used in a wireless LAN is provided on a coaxial transmission line of the building to prevent a communication signal from leaking to another wireless LAN.

22. A terminal device integrally having a cable modem function unit, a wireless LAN function unit, and a router function unit is provided in place of the wireless LAN terminal device, and the wireless LAN inside the building is connected to the terminal device and Via the second signal repeater, The signal relay method _{c according} to claim 20, wherein the signal relay method is connected to an external network.