WO2002087247A1 - Procede destine a fournir des services de donnees pour un nombre important de fichiers de donnees de petite taille - Google Patents

Procede destine a fournir des services de donnees pour un nombre important de fichiers de donnees de petite taille Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2002087247A1
WO2002087247A1 PCT/US2002/012931 US0212931W WO02087247A1 WO 2002087247 A1 WO2002087247 A1 WO 2002087247A1 US 0212931 W US0212931 W US 0212931W WO 02087247 A1 WO02087247 A1 WO 02087247A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
data file
file
data
user
broadcast
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2002/012931
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Khoi Hoang
Original Assignee
Prediwave Corp.
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
Priority claimed from US09/841,792 external-priority patent/US20020023267A1/en
Priority claimed from US09/892,017 external-priority patent/US20020026501A1/en
Priority claimed from US09/892,015 external-priority patent/US20030208561A1/en
Priority claimed from US09/902,503 external-priority patent/US20020049980A1/en
Priority claimed from US09/933,696 external-priority patent/US20020059620A1/en
Priority claimed from US09/997,954 external-priority patent/US20020066100A1/en
Application filed by Prediwave Corp. filed Critical Prediwave Corp.
Priority to KR10-2003-7013974A priority Critical patent/KR20030096334A/ko
Priority to JP2002584623A priority patent/JP2004536492A/ja
Priority to EP02728962A priority patent/EP1413134A1/fr
Publication of WO2002087247A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002087247A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H20/00—Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
    • H04H20/16—Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution of identical information repeatedly
    • 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
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H20/00—Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
    • H04H20/65—Arrangements characterised by transmission systems for broadcast
    • H04H20/76—Wired systems
    • H04H20/77—Wired systems using carrier waves
    • H04H20/78—CATV [Community Antenna Television] systems
    • 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
    • H04H60/09—Arrangements for device control with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time; Arrangements for control of broadcast-related services
    • H04H60/14—Arrangements for conditional access to broadcast information or to broadcast-related services
    • H04H60/15—Arrangements for conditional access to broadcast information or to broadcast-related services on receiving information
    • 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
    • H04H60/68—Systems specially adapted for using specific information, e.g. geographical or meteorological information
    • H04H60/72—Systems specially adapted for using specific information, e.g. geographical or meteorological information using electronic programme guides [EPG]

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to data-on-demand (DOD) broadcast systems.
  • this invention relates to digital DOD broadcast systems for transmitting large numbers of small data files to large numbers of end users.
  • FIG. 1 shows a simplified prior art functional block diagram of a Data On Demand (DOD) system 10.
  • a user at a display screen such as a television 12 makes a selection of an audio/video service (such as a Karaoke music file) listed on an electronic program guide (EPG) and places his order for the audio/video selection using a Set Top Box (STB) 14 coupled to the television 12.
  • the STB 14 is able to communicate to a DOD server 18 via a bi-directional network connection through a wide area network 16 such as the Internet.
  • FIG. 2 is simplified functional block diagram of a prior art STB 14.
  • STB 14 includes a demodulator 29, a transport stream demux 22, a video decoder 24, an audio decoder 26, and a clock control unit 28.
  • FIG.3 is a block diagram of a prior art method 40 for DOD transmission of small data files over a network.
  • an EPG including the available selection and timing must be provided to the user.
  • the STB 14 tunes into the appropriate channel and receives the transmitted EPG.
  • the STB 14 provides the EPG to the user for viewing.
  • the user input is transmitted to a DOD server 18 in the form of a demand for a particular audio/visual selection.
  • the STB 14 then tunes to the appropriate channel or allocated bandwidth in anticipation of receiving the requested data file.
  • the client requested data file is received by the STB 14 and provided to the client in the form of displayable images after having demodulated, demultiplexed and decoded the incoming signals.
  • a prior art system may have download rates of 2 Mb/s to 6 Mb/s. For a DOD file, the download speed has to be fast enough to allow real-time playing of the video.
  • Karaoke music files are encoded in MPEG format (MPEG-1 or MPEG-2), with bit rates varied from CBR (constant bit rate) 1.5Mbs to 4Mbs for VBR such as in DVD format.
  • CBR constant bit rate
  • Music play time can vary from one to several minutes. Assuming an encoded bit rate of 1.5 Mb/s (MPEG-1), the file length for a 3 minute Karaoke song is around 34 Mbytes, much smaller than most movies or other audio/visual files.
  • DOD broadcast systems used to transmit large numbers of small data files.
  • the transmission bandwidth required by conventional DOD server systems is dependent upon the number of DOD users, with large numbers of users requiring proportionally more bandwidth.
  • Conventional DOD server systems require bi-directional communications.
  • Conventional DOD systems cannot play a file at a bit rate greater than the transmission bit rate of the file being downloaded for streaming video.
  • Existing systems require a broad bandwidth and are limited in the number of clients they can service at one time due primarily to the bandwidth requirements.
  • the transmission methods of the prior art fail to take advantage of the capabilities and processing power of the new STBs that have the intelligence to download files using more flexible and efficient algorithms.
  • DOD broadcast system capable of transmitting a large number of small data files to a large number of clients simultaneously over a narrow bandwidth, without the need for bi-directional communication. Further needed is a more bandwidth efficient method of downloading data files by taking advantage of intelligent STB capabilities such as by processing transmitted data using more complex protocols.
  • the present invention provides a DOD broadcast system capable of transmitting a large number of small data files to a large number of clients simultaneously over a narrow bandwidth, without the need for bi-directional communication.
  • the present invention further provides an STB capable of downloading a data file at a bit rate greater that the data files playing bit rate, allowing data files to be downloaded faster than they can be played. Further provided is a more bandwidth efficient method of downloading data files by taking advantage of intelligent STB capabilities such as by processing transmitted data using more complex protocols.
  • one aspect of the present invention is embodied in an apparatus for retrieving a plurality of data files broadcast repetitively over at least a first time interval and a second time interval comprising: means for receiving at least one file request from a user selecting at least one of the broadcast data files; means for initiating an authorized file retrieval process to retrieve at least a first part of the at least one selected data file broadcast during the first time interval; means for displaying at least a portion of the first part of the at least one data file during at least a portion of the second time interval; means for retrieving a second part of the at least one data file broadcast during the second time interval; and means for displaying at least a portion of the second part of the at least one data file.
  • Another embodiment of the present invention teaches a method for transmitting a large number of small data files to a large number of customers comprising the acts of: transmitting a plurality of data files to a plurality of users, wherein customers authorized to receive a selected data file may do so, and wherein customers not authorized to receive the selected file are prevented from doing so.
  • the method including transmitting an electronic program guide (EPG) to the plurality of users, wherein the user may select the selected data file using the electronic program guide.
  • EPG electronic program guide
  • each data files is transmitted repeatedly. Further wherein each data file has an allocated bandwidth, wherein the data files are repeatedly transmitted on a corresponding bandwidth.
  • an icon corresponding to each data file is displayed via the EPG such that a user may select the data file by selecting the displayed icon.
  • at least one of the plurality of data files is a karaoke music file including audio and visual data.
  • At least one of the plurality of data files is a text file including graphics and a plurality of pages, wherein at least one page contains textual information.
  • a service corresponding to a transaction feature contained in the text file may be activated by the first user.
  • FIG. 1 is a simplified functional block diagram of a DOD system
  • FIG. 2 is a simplified functional block diagram of a prior art STB
  • FIG.3 is a block diagram of a prior art method of DOD transmission over a network
  • FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of a DOD broadcast server according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is an operational block diagram of a DOD server system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an intelligent set-top-box in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a flow chart diagram illustrating a method for downloading data files in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7A illustrates an alternative bi-directional authentication process for purchasing selected DOD services in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 8 is a simplified diagram illustrating data block transmission in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 9 is a simplified diagram illustrating data block transmission in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 10 is a flow chart diagram illustrating a text/graphic file download operation in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a flow chart diagram illustrating a text/graphic file transaction in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the present invention provides a DOD broadcast system capable of transmitting a large number of small data files to a large number of clients simultaneously over a narrow bandwidth, without the need for bi-directional communication.
  • the present invention further provides an STB capable of downloading a data file at a bit rate greater that the data files playing bit rate, allowing data files to be downloaded faster than they can be played. This is accomplished by transmitting each small data file on its own allocated bandwidth repeatedly to all existing customers.
  • a customer may access any selected data file with only a short delay using an intelligent STB.
  • the intelligent STB would also restrict a customers access to services the customer was not subscribed to. In this way individual files would not need to be transmitted to individual customers in order to restrict access.
  • FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of a transmission server according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the DOD server 200 includes a plurality of channel servers 211, a plurality of up converters 212 each corresponding to a channel server 211, a combiner amplifier 214, a central controlling server 202, and a central storage 204, coupled as illustrated through a data bus 206.
  • the central controlling server 202 controls off-line operation of the channel servers 211, as well as initiating real-time transmission once the channel servers 211 are ready.
  • the central storage 204 typically stores data files in a digital format. However, any suitable mass persistent data storage device may be used.
  • data files stored in the central storage 204 are accessible via a standard network interface (e.g., Ethernet connection) by any authorized computer, such as • the central controlling server 202, connected to the network.
  • the channel servers 211 provide data files that are retrieved from the central storage 204 in accordance with instructions from the central controlling server 202.
  • the retrieval of digital data and the scheduling of transmission of the digital data for DOD is performed "off-line" to fully prepare each channel server 211 for real-time data transmission.
  • Each channel server 211 informs the central controlling server 202 when ready to provide DOD, at which point the central controlling server 202 can control the channel servers 211 to begin DOD transmission.
  • the central controlling server 202 includes a graphics user interface (not shown) to enable a service provider to schedule data delivery by a drag-and-drop operation. Further, the central controlling server 202 authenticates and controls the channel servers 210 to start or stop according to delivery matrices.
  • Systems and methods for providing uni-directional DOD broadcast matrices are taught in Khoi Hoang's patent application entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING VIDEO ON DEMAND SERVICES FOR BROADCASTING SYSTEMS filed on May 31, 2000, bearing application serial number 09/584,832, which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • Each channel server 211 is assigned to a channel and is coupled to a receiving up- converter 212.
  • the channel server 211 transmits the DOD information to each up-converter 212.
  • the output of each channel server 211 is a quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) modulated intermediate frequency (IF) signal having a suitable frequency for the corresponding up- converter 212.
  • QAM-modulated IF signals are dependent upon adopted standards.
  • the current adopted standard in the United States is the data-over-cable-systems-interface- specification (DOCSIS) standard, which requires an approximately 43.75MHz IF frequency.
  • DOCSIS data-over-cable-systems-interface- specification
  • the up-converters 212 convert IF signals received from the channel servers 211 to radio frequency signals (RF signals).
  • the RF signals which include frequency and bandwidth, are dependent on a desired channel and adopted standards. For example, under the current standard in the United States for a cable television channel 80, the RF signal has a frequency of approximately 559.25MHz and a bandwidth of approximately 6MHz.
  • the outputs of the up-converters 212 are applied to the combiner/amplifier 214.
  • the combiner/amplifier 214 amplifies, conditions and combines the received RF signals then outputs the signals out to the data network 52 (FIG. 5).
  • the data network is a cable television distribution network, or other unidirectional data distribution network.
  • 20 broadcast channels are allocated for the transmission of karaoke files and other small data files.
  • Karaoke music files are encoded in MPEG format (MPEG-1 or MPEG-2), with bit rates varied from CBR (constant bit rate) 1.5Mbs to 4Mbs or VBR such as in DVD format.
  • CBR constant bit rate
  • VBR variable bit rate
  • Music play time can vary from one to several minutes. Assuming an encoded bit rate of 1.5 Mb/s (MPEG-1), the file length for a 3 minute Karaoke song is around 34 Mbytes.
  • each channel has a usable bandwidth of 36 Mbs (for 8MHz cable system using QAM64).
  • Each small data file is allocated a 1 Mbs transmission bandwidth. This would allow 36 karaoke files to be transmitted on each channel, and a total of 720 karaoke data files on 20 channels. If a subscriber is authorized to access a typical karaoke file (3 minute play time encoded using MPEG-1) the download time would be approximately 4.5 minutes (( 3 min x 1.5 Mbs) / IMbs).
  • the table below shows an example of the relationship between the bit rate, the allocated bandwidth, the number of small data files to be downloaded and the download time for a typical 3 minute karaoke song.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a DOD broadcast system at 50 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the DOD broadcast server 200 transmits an RF signal containing a large number of small data files (such as karaoke files) to a large number of receiving STBs 100 via a broadcast transmission medium 52.
  • the transmission medium 52 is a cable television transmission medium such as that used by existing cable television providers.
  • all receiving STBs 100 receive all transmitted data files.
  • a user STB must have proper authorization to view or store a selected data file.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a simplified operational block diagram of an intelligent STB device at 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
  • the STB 100 comprises a QAM demodulator 102, a CPU 104, a local memory 108, a buffer memory 110, a decoder 112 having video and audio decoding capabilities, a graphics overlay module 114, a user interface 118, a communications link 120, and a fast data bus 122 coupling these devices as illustrated.
  • the CPU 104 controls overall operation of the intelligent STB 100 in order to select data in response to a client's request, decode selected data, decompress decoded data, re-assemble decoded data, store decoded data in the local memory 108 or the buffer memory 110, and deliver stored data to the decoder 112.
  • the local memory 108 comprises both non-volatile memory (e.g., a hard drive) and secure memory (e.g., a ROM chip), and the buffer memory 110 comprises volatile memory.
  • the QAM demodulator 102 comprises transmitter and receiver modules and one or more of the following: privacy encryption/decryption module, forward error correction decoder/encoder, tuner control, downstream and upstream processors, CPU and memory interface circuits.
  • the QAM demodulator 102 receives modulated IF signals, samples and demodulates the signals to restore data.
  • the decoder 112 decodes data blocks of selected data files into images displayable on an output device 124.
  • the decoder 112 supports commands from a subscribing client, such as play, stop, pause, step, rewind, forward, etc.
  • the decoder 112 provides decoded data to a graphics overlay module 114.
  • the graphics overlay module 114 enhances displayed graphics quality by, for example, providing alpha blending or picture-in-picture capabilities.
  • the graphics overlay module then provides an enhanced display signal to an output device 124 for display to a user.
  • the graphics overlay module 114 can be used for graphics acceleration during game playing mode, for example, when the service provider provides games-on-demand services using the system in accordance with the invention.
  • the output device 124 may be any suitable device such as a television, computer, any appropriate display monitor, a VCR, or the like.
  • the user' interface 118 enables user control of the STB 100, and may be any suitable device such as a remote control device, a keyboard, etc.
  • the communications link 120 provides an additional communications connection. This may be coupled to another computer, or may be used to implement bi-directional communication.
  • the data bus 122 is preferably a commercially available "fast" data bus suitable for performing data communications in a real time manner as required by the present invention. Suitable examples are USB, firewire, etc.
  • services are broadcast to all cable television subscribers, only the DOD subscriber who has an STB 100 authorized to view a selected DOD service will be able to decode and enjoy the selected service.
  • the intelligent STB 100 is capable of beginning to play a selected data file before it is completely downloaded. This process is discussed in more detail with reference to FIG 8 below.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a process at 300 for ordering one or more small data files (such as a karaoke files) in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the process 300 starts at a step 302 at which the STB 100 (FIG. 5) receives an EPG program from the DOD broadcast server 200 (FIG. 5).
  • the EPG program lists all files available from the DOD server.
  • a user selects one or more titles from the EPG by pressing a button associated with each desired title.
  • the STB determines whether the user is authorized to view the selected data files. This may involve checking values stored on the STB 100 (FIG. 5), and comparing these values to a subscription level required for each selected data file.
  • step 308 the process proceeds to step 309.
  • step 309 the STB begins storing the selected files.
  • step 310 the STB plays the selected title for viewing by the user.
  • the STB displays a message refusing access at a step 312.
  • the STB may also display a message with instructions on how the user may gain access to the refused service.
  • FIG. 7 A illustrates an alternative bi-directional authentication process at 350 for purchasing selected DOD services.
  • the process 350 starts at a step 352 at which the STB 100 (FIG. 5) receives an EPG program from the DOD broadcast server 200 (FIG. 5).
  • the EPG program lists all files available from the DOD server.
  • a user selects a title from the EPG by pressing a purchase button associated with the desired title.
  • the STB sends a request for authorization to view the desired selection to the server 200 (FIG. 5). This request is transmitted via a phone modem or an uplink to the server 200.
  • step 356 the server 200 sends an authorization for the selected title to the requesting STB and updates the billing system by debiting the users account.
  • the authorization is sent either via a modem or downstream through the transmission medium 52 (FIG. 5).
  • step 358 the STB receives the authorization and begins storing the requested title.
  • step 360 the STB plays the selected title for viewing by the user.
  • FIG. 8 is an illustration of an exemplary broadcast of two separate small data files such as karaoke files at 400.
  • two titles are being broadcast repeatedly over two separate bandwidths in the same channel.
  • the first title 402 (title 1) has a playing time of 2 minutes and takes 1 minute to download.
  • a second title 404 (title 2) has a playing time of 4 minutes and takes 2 minutes to download.
  • Each title is repeatedly broadcast over its own allocated bandwidth simultaneously.
  • STB 100 begins downloading both title 1 and title 2, and begins playing title 1 after 1 minute. At the time the STB 100 begins playing title 1 the STB 100 continues downloading title 2, which takes 1 additional minute. Once title 1 has completed playing the STB 100 begins playing title 2.
  • the STB 100 is capable of always downloading each selection in the minimum amount of time by assembling data blocks from the end of one transmission of a title and the beginning of a subsequent repeated transmission of the same title. This process is taught in Khoi Hoang's patent application entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSMITTING NON-VOD SERVICES filed on October 25, 2000, bearing attorney docket number 60595-301801, which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • the STB is also capable of downloading multiple files simultaneously since each file is allocated a separate transmission bandwidth.
  • the STB 100 is capable of downloading files at a bit rate greater than the bit rate at which the files can play.
  • transmitted data files consist of a sequence of data blocks containing the data associated with a selected title.
  • the STB is able to begin playing a selected title as soon as it has received the first data block of a sequence corresponding to a selected title.
  • the STB must be able to download the data blocks of the selected title faster than the title is played for the user in order to ensure a smooth display of the title.
  • the STB calculates predicted download time in order to determine when it can begin to play a data file. This calculation depends on the encoded bit rate and transmission bit rate, and buffer block size. Because the download may begin with a data block other than the first data block of a file, the wait time will be greater than the standard download time.
  • the time an STB may begin playing a selected file can be calculated as follows:
  • Ts > Tp * (Td/Tp - (NB -l) /NB) Eq. 1 Ts: time to start of play for a data file
  • TBR transmission bit rate
  • Td time required to download complete file
  • Td file size / transmission bit rate
  • NB number of data blocks in a file
  • NB data file size / buffer block size
  • Ts wait time
  • FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative method of transmitting multiple small data files on a shared bandwidth of a single transmission channel.
  • FIG. 9 shows sequence of data blocks being transmitted on a first transmission bandwidth 502 and on a second transmission bandwidth 504 of an exemplary transmission channel.
  • the first bandwidth 502 first transmits a first sequence of data blocks 506 corresponding to a first karaoke song, followed by a second sequence of data blocks 508 corresponding to a second karaoke song, and finally data blocks of a third song 510.
  • the bandwidth 502 repeats transmission of this sequence of three karaoke songs indefinitely.
  • a second transmission bandwidth 504 transmits a fourth karaoke song 512, a fifth karaoke song 514, a sixth 516 and a seventh 518.
  • the bandwidth 504 also repeats this sequence indefinitely. According to this aspect of the present invention, many more small data files are available on the same number of allocated channels, but a larger waiting time is required.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates a process at 600 for receiving digital text on demand (TOD) services in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the process 600 starts at a step 602 at which the STB 100 (FIG. 5) receives an EPG program from the DOD broadcast server 200 (FIG. 5).
  • the EPG program lists all files (books, magazines, periodicals, etc.) available from the DOD server. File types may include movies, digital text files, music, etc.
  • a user selects a desired digital text file from the EPG by pressing a remote control button associated with the desired service, such a remote control may have an integral mouse or roller ball.
  • the STB determines whether the user is authorized to view the selected digital text file.
  • step 606 This may involve checking values stored on the STB 100 (FIG. 5), and comparing these values to a subscription level required for each selected digital text file.
  • Such authentication methods are taught in Khoi Hoang's patent application entitled CONTROLLING DATA-ON-DEMAND CLIENT ACCESS, filed on July 9, 2001, bearing application number 09/902,503.
  • Other methods of authenticating access to a selected digital text file may include bidirectional communication with the DOD server 200 (FIG. 5) or other remote site. If the user is authorized to view the selected file (step 606), the process proceeds to step
  • step 610 the STB begins storing the selected files.
  • step 610 the STB begins storing the requested text.
  • step 612 the STB displays the text to the user.
  • programs/channels can be transmitted over a single physical channel.
  • a greater number of programs transmitted over a single physical channel results in a correspondingly longer response time for accessing a desired service.
  • Each program can contain multiple pages. The more pages a program has, the more time it would take to access the program.
  • Programs may include page indexes describing the contents of each text page.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates a process at 700 for conducting transactions relating to a display page in accordance with the present invention.
  • an STB receives a text page including one or more interactive transaction features.
  • the STB displays the page to the user. The transaction features are visually apparent on the displayed page.
  • the features may be bold or of a different color, etc.
  • Possible transaction features may include an icon for paying a bill from a third party vendor, or buying selected goods or services, or voting in a political election, etc.
  • a home shopping channel page for example may have icons for buying selected items.
  • a stock channel page may have buy order icons denoting various stocks, amounts or prices.
  • a step 706 the user activates a selected transaction feature.
  • the STB sends a message corresponding to the content of the selected feature to a location corresponding to the entity corresponding to the selected feature. For example, if a user double clicked a buy icon for 100 shares of LBM at $100, the STB would send a message requesting the purchase to a stock broker web site associated with the icon via a telephone modem, local area network or other connection. If for example, a user selected a pay gas bill icon, the STB would send a message authorizing the transfer of funds to the appropriate utility.
  • the receiving site performs whatever function corresponding to the particular message sent. For example a home shopping provider would ship goods in response to an order message.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Two-Way Televisions, Distribution Of Moving Picture Or The Like (AREA)
  • Information Transfer Between Computers (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil permettant de récupérer des fichiers de données diffusés de manière répétitive pendant un premier intervalle de temps et second intervalle de temps. Cet appareil comprend: des moyens permettant de recevoir une demande de fichier émanant d'un utilisateur sélectionnant au moins un des fichiers de données diffusés (303); des moyens permettant d'initialiser un processus de récupération de fichier autorisé (306, 308), en vue de récupérer au moins une première partie de la diffusion du fichier de données pendant le premier intervalle de temps; des moyens permettant d'afficher (310) au moins une partie de la première partie du fichier de données pendant au moins une partie du second intervalle de temps; des moyens permettant de récupérer une seconde partie de la diffusion du fichier de données pendant le second intervalle de temps; ainsi que des moyens permettant d'afficher au moins une partie de la seconde partie du fichier de données.
PCT/US2002/012931 2001-04-24 2002-04-23 Procede destine a fournir des services de donnees pour un nombre important de fichiers de donnees de petite taille WO2002087247A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR10-2003-7013974A KR20030096334A (ko) 2001-04-24 2002-04-23 다수의 소형 데이터 화일들을 데이터 서비스에 제공하는방법
JP2002584623A JP2004536492A (ja) 2001-04-24 2002-04-23 多数の小さいデータファイル用のデータサービスを提供するための方法
EP02728962A EP1413134A1 (fr) 2001-04-24 2002-04-23 Procede destine a fournir des services de donnees pour un nombre important de fichiers de donnees de petite taille

Applications Claiming Priority (16)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/841,792 2001-04-24
US09/841,792 US20020023267A1 (en) 2000-05-31 2001-04-24 Universal digital broadcast system and methods
US09/870,879 US20020026646A1 (en) 2001-04-24 2001-05-30 Universal STB architectures and control methods
US09/870,879 2001-05-30
US09/892,015 2001-06-25
US09/892,017 US20020026501A1 (en) 2000-05-31 2001-06-25 Decreased idle time and constant bandwidth data-on-demand broadcast delivery matrices
US09/892,017 2001-06-25
US09/892,015 US20030208561A1 (en) 2000-05-31 2001-06-25 Counterfeit STB prevention through protocol switching
US09/902,503 US20020049980A1 (en) 2000-05-31 2001-07-09 Controlling data-on-demand client access
US09/902,503 2001-07-09
US09/933,696 2001-08-20
US09/933,696 US20020059620A1 (en) 2000-05-31 2001-08-20 Selective inactivation and copy-protection
US36420101P 2001-10-25 2001-10-25
US10/003,642 2001-10-25
US09/997,954 US20020066100A1 (en) 2000-05-31 2001-11-28 Method for providing data services for a large number of small-sized data files
US09/997,954 2001-11-28

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US5701582A (en) * 1989-08-23 1997-12-23 Delta Beta Pty. Ltd. Method and apparatus for efficient transmissions of programs
WO2000060864A1 (fr) * 1999-04-01 2000-10-12 Diva Systems Corporation Procédé et appareil pour modifier un débit de service
US6285685B1 (en) * 1997-06-26 2001-09-04 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Apparatus and method for providing PC communication and internet service by using settop box

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US5612742A (en) * 1994-10-19 1997-03-18 Imedia Corporation Method and apparatus for encoding and formatting data representing a video program to provide multiple overlapping presentations of the video program
US6285685B1 (en) * 1997-06-26 2001-09-04 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Apparatus and method for providing PC communication and internet service by using settop box
WO2000060864A1 (fr) * 1999-04-01 2000-10-12 Diva Systems Corporation Procédé et appareil pour modifier un débit de service

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JP2004536492A (ja) 2004-12-02
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