WO2016151302A1 - Provision of bi-directional signals via fibre optic data distribution system - Google Patents

Provision of bi-directional signals via fibre optic data distribution system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016151302A1
WO2016151302A1 PCT/GB2016/050770 GB2016050770W WO2016151302A1 WO 2016151302 A1 WO2016151302 A1 WO 2016151302A1 GB 2016050770 W GB2016050770 W GB 2016050770W WO 2016151302 A1 WO2016151302 A1 WO 2016151302A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
data
distribution system
command signal
format
optical
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2016/050770
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Gary Stafford
Original Assignee
Global Invacom Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Global Invacom Limited filed Critical Global Invacom Limited
Priority to EP16715858.3A priority Critical patent/EP3275096A1/en
Publication of WO2016151302A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016151302A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H20/00—Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
    • H04H20/38—Arrangements for distribution where lower stations, e.g. receivers, interact with the broadcast
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B10/00—Transmission systems employing electromagnetic waves other than radio-waves, e.g. infrared, visible or ultraviolet light, or employing corpuscular radiation, e.g. quantum communication
    • H04B10/25—Arrangements specific to fibre transmission
    • H04B10/2575—Radio-over-fibre, e.g. radio frequency signal modulated onto an optical carrier
    • H04B10/25751—Optical arrangements for CATV or video distribution
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B10/00—Transmission systems employing electromagnetic waves other than radio-waves, e.g. infrared, visible or ultraviolet light, or employing corpuscular radiation, e.g. quantum communication
    • H04B10/25—Arrangements specific to fibre transmission
    • H04B10/2589—Bidirectional transmission
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H20/00—Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
    • H04H20/44—Arrangements characterised by circuits or components specially adapted for broadcast
    • H04H20/46—Arrangements characterised by circuits or components specially adapted for broadcast specially adapted for broadcast systems covered by groups H04H20/53-H04H20/95
    • H04H20/51—Arrangements characterised by circuits or components specially adapted for broadcast specially adapted for broadcast systems covered by groups H04H20/53-H04H20/95 specially adapted for satellite broadcast systems
    • 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
    • H04H20/69—Optical systems
    • 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
    • H04H20/71—Wireless systems
    • H04H20/74—Wireless systems of satellite networks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H40/00—Arrangements specially adapted for receiving broadcast information
    • H04H40/18—Arrangements characterised by circuits or components specially adapted for receiving
    • H04H40/27—Arrangements characterised by circuits or components specially adapted for receiving specially adapted for broadcast systems covered by groups H04H20/53 - H04H20/95
    • H04H40/90—Arrangements characterised by circuits or components specially adapted for receiving specially adapted for broadcast systems covered by groups H04H20/53 - H04H20/95 specially adapted for satellite broadcast receiving
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client 
    • H04N21/61—Network physical structure; Signal processing
    • H04N21/6106—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the downstream path of the transmission network
    • H04N21/6143—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the downstream path of the transmission network involving transmission via a satellite
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H2201/00—Aspects of broadcast communication
    • H04H2201/30—Aspects of broadcast communication characterised by the use of a return channel, e.g. for collecting users' opinions, for returning broadcast space/time information or for requesting data

Definitions

  • the invention which is the subject of this application relates to the provision of a data distribution system using fibre optic cabling, transmitters and receivers, and a system which allows data to be selectively transmitted in both directions along the system.
  • the invention relates to a distribution system which provides a network to allow data for the provision of video and/or audio, such as radio or television programmes, to be distributed to apparatus connected to the system and the apparatus is provided at one or more user locations .
  • the data for the television and/or radio programmes can be provided to the system from a receiving location at which the data is received by receiving apparatus, typically from satellite, cable or other data transmission means.
  • the received data is distributed from the receiving apparatus location via coaxial cables to the apparatus at each of the user locations and the composition of the coaxial cable means that the video and/or audio data can be transmitted in a first direction from the receiving apparatus location to the apparatus at the user locations, typically in an analogue RF format.
  • a command signal system known as DiSEqC (Digital Satellite Equipment Control) which allows data representing command signals for the operation of one or more items of apparatus connected as part of the distribution network, and which command signal is typically generated from one of the items of apparatus, to be transmitted from the apparatus at the user location upstream in a second, opposite, direction towards the receiver apparatus location.
  • DiSEqC Digital Satellite Equipment Control
  • the command signals are typically transmitted at a relatively low frequency of 22 KHz and are normally provided to allow the control of certain items of apparatus which are provided in connect ion with the distribution system, or the system as a whole. This can be in response, for example, to a user interaction with apparatus at a user location, or a service provider instruction or command which has been transmitted to the user location apparatus .
  • the particular apparatus for which the command data is intended is typically indicated by a predetermined identification code linked with the said item of apparatus and which is sent along with the command signal.
  • each of the apparatus connected to the system will receive the command signals using a "star" type distribution from each of the apparatus in the system and via the connecting coaxial cable. Those items for which the command signal is intended and which have the matching identification code will react to the command signal whilst the other, unaffected apparatus will not change condition but will pass the command signal on.
  • the applicant has developed a system in which the format of the data is changed into an optical format, in one embodiment at the apparatus at the receiving location, and the data is then distributed in an optical format via a fibre optic cable network to form a distribution system to the apparatus at one or a number of user locations .
  • the apparatus is provided to be able to process the data in an optical mode or conversion means are provided in order to convert the optical data into a mode which is suitable to then be processed in order to generate the video and/or audio which is required for the television and/or radio programmes requested from the apparatus by the user at that user location.
  • An aim of the present invention is to provide a data distribution system which utilises fibre optic cabling along at least part of the system for the transmission of data therealong from apparatus at a receiving location to apparatus at one or more user locations and also to allow the same fibre optic cabling to be used for the transmission of command signal data from apparatus at at least one of the said user locations for use in the control of apparatus connected to the distribution system.
  • a data distribution system said system including apparatus at at least one receiving location to receive data from a remote source, said apparatus connected via a cable network of the distribution system to data processing apparatus provided at each of one or more user locations, to process the received data and provide video and/or audio therefrom, said receiving location apparatus and user location apparatus connected to allow the video and/or audio data to be transferred from the receiving location to the user locations in a first direction in an optical format along the network formed by fibre optic cabling and wherein one or more transmitters are provided to transmit command signal data from apparatus at at least one of the user locations through the distribution system in an optical format for receipt and/or relay by the further apparatus connected to the distribution system and said command signal data is transmitted in a second direction different to the said first direction.
  • a two way communication distribution system utilising the fibre optic cable network. This is achieved in a cost effective manner by providing the command data signal to be transmitted onto the distribution system at a frequency which is typically relatively low and differs to the frequency range used to distribute the video and/or audio data.
  • the apparatus at one, or more typically, each, of the user locations is provided with a transmitter to allow the command signal data to be converted into an optical format and transmitted in the optical format upstream towards the receiving location and/or other apparatus at user locations in the distribution system.
  • the optical format data is transmitted from apparatus at a user location to all of the other apparatus connected to the system but only the apparatus to which the data is relevant will accept and react in response to the received data.
  • the relevance of the command signal data to a particular apparatus is determined by the receiving apparatus comparing an apparatus identification code which is transmitted along with the command signal data and if there is a match between the identification code which is transmitted and the identification code for that item of apparatus, the item of apparatus will react to the command signal.
  • the identification code is an apparatus identifier such as a serial number in order to allow the appropriate apparatus response to the data which will be either to ignore the same and relay the command signal on if there is no match with the identification code or to change its condition or otherwise react to the command signal if the identification code is of relevance.
  • command signal data is such as to change the operation of at least one item of apparatus provided as part of the system.
  • the apparatus for which the command signal data is intended is one or more items of apparatus at the receiving location, such as one or more LNB's.
  • the said transmitter means provided at the apparatus at the user locations is an optical transmitter coupled to an optical fibre cable connected to the apparatus and which allows the command signal to be converted into an optical format and then transmitted through the distribution system.
  • the optical transmitter includes an optical source in the form of a transmitter LED.
  • command signals which are generated to be sent upstream in the system are provided in a DiSEqC format.
  • command signal data is transmitted at a frequency which is lower than that used to transmit data from the apparatus at the receiving location along the distribution system network.
  • the frequency used to transmit the command signal data is in the range of 20 to 25 KHz.
  • This use of low frequency transmission for the command signal data allows the optical transmitter provided at the apparatus at the user locations to be of a type which is relatively low cost and thereby allows the practical implementation of the apparatus in a manner which is commercially viable and is viable to be provided with and/or incorporated in, the type of apparatus which is provided at the user locations.
  • the apparatus provided at the user location includes a broadcast data receiver or set top box, and speakers and a display screen.
  • the apparatus is provided as an integral unit or alternatively is provided as a combination of interconnected items .
  • the optical transmitter means is provided in connection with or integral with the broadcast data receiver which processes the data from the receiving location via the network.
  • command signal data is transmitted to the broadcast data receiver via a wireless transmission or via a telephone line connection or from the receiving location via the network and is most typically transmitted by the broadcaster or service provider which broadcasts the data to the receiving location apparatus.
  • the apparatus at each of the user locations and the receiving location includes a receiver capable of receipt of the command data signal sent via the fibre optic cable network.
  • format transition means can be located on the network at or intermediate the apparatus at user locations and receiver location in order to allow the format of the data to be changed between optical and RF mode.
  • a format transition means is located at the receiving location apparatus to change the format of the data into an optical mode so that the same can be transmitted over the fibre optic cable network.
  • further data format transition means are provided at an interface between the fibre optic cable network and the apparatus at the user location to change the format forth data back to an RF mode for receipt by the said apparatus.
  • a distribution system for received video and/or audio data said data distributed in an optical format in a first frequency range from apparatus at a broadcast data receiving location to apparatus at one or more user locations via a fibre optic cable network and wherein the distribution system allows the transmission of command data signals via the fibre optic cable network in an optical format via transmitter means at one or more user locations, and in connection with the apparatus at those locations, in order to allow the control and/or change of operation of selected apparatus connected to the distribution system.
  • the frequency range for the transmission of the received video and/or audio data is different to the frequency range used for the transmission of the command signal data.
  • the frequency range for the command data signals is lower than that used for the received video and/or audio data.
  • command data signals and received video and/or audio data can be transmitted simultaneously along the said distribution system.
  • the present invention thereby allows the provision of a distribution system which can be utilised to provide the advantages of the distribution of the received data in an optical format from receiving location apparatus to apparatus at one or more user locations while, at the same time, allowing the transmission of command data signals through the distribution system and in an optical format in an opposing direction to allow the control and change of operation of selected apparatus connected to the distribution system to be achieved on an ongoing basis .
  • This therefore avoids the need for operator attendance at the location of the system and also allows the advantages of optical format distribution of the video and/or audio data to be obtained.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a distribution system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2 illustrates apparatus of a form which can be provided in accordance with one embodiment of the invention at a user location.
  • FIG. 1 there is illustrated an embodiment of a distribution system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
  • the system includes a receiving location 2 indicated by broken lines, and a plurality of user locations 4.
  • apparatus including a satellite data receiving antenna 7, Low Noise Block 9 for the receipt of video and/or audio data which has been transmitted from a remote location, in this case via a satellite transmission system of a conventional form, and which is therefore not described in detail here.
  • alternative broadcast forms could be used, such as terrestrial or cable broadcast systems.
  • the LNB 9 also includes a format transition apparatus 6 to allow the received data to be converted from an analogue RF format into an optical format and then transmitted via fibre optic cabling 10 and optical cable switch apparatus 12 to each of the user locations in an optical format.
  • Apparatus in accordance with the applicant's granted and co-pending patent applications may be used at this stage of the distribution system This therefore allows the advantages of the relatively wide frequency waveband which can be carried on fibre optic cables, in comparison to coaxial cable, to be utilised and hence an improved quality of data transmission is achieved.
  • apparatus in the form illustrated in Figure 2 can be provided and this apparatus can include separately, or in an integrated format, data processing apparatus in the form of a broadcast data receiver or set top box, 14, a display screen 16 and speakers 18.
  • the broadcast data receiver is provided to allow the video and/or audio data received from the apparatus at the receiver location 2 via the fibre optic cable network 10 in an optical format to be processed and the appropriate video and/or audio data to be selected and then used to generate television or radio programmes therefrom.
  • the selection of the radio or television programme can be selected by the user from the range of television and/or radio programmes which are available for selection via direct interaction with the broadcast data receiver or via a remote control device.
  • the selected programme is provided to the user via a display screen 16 and/or speakers 18 connected to the data processing apparatus 14 at each user location 4 and the apparatus at each user location is controlled independently by a user at the respective user locations .
  • the appropriate data for the selected programme is selected at the apparatus at the user location or alternatively is selected at the apparatus at the receiving location and in each case the selection is made upon receipt of a user selection at the respective user location.
  • the apparatus at the user location may also include or be connected to data format transition means 6 in order to change the received video and/ or audio data to a suitable format for use by the broadcast data receiver 14 but more typically the broadcast data receiver will be able to utilise the optical format data directly.
  • the apparatus at the user locations 4 includes an optical transmitter means 20 which includes an optical source 20, most typically a relatively low cost LED transmitter, which is capable of transmitting data in an optical format and the transmitter means is coupled to the same fibre optic cable network 10 which is used to provide the video and/or audio data to the broadcast data receiver 14 at the user location.
  • the apparatus 14 at each user location is therefore coupled to the fibre optic cable network 10 of the distribution system to allow the transmission of data from the apparatus 14 at a user location onto and around the network 10.
  • This means that a two way communication of data through the network 10 is possible such that the data which is provided from the apparatus at the receiving location 2 for the generation of video and/or audio is transmitted in the direction of arrow 22 to the apparatus 14 at the user locations 2.
  • the data which is transmitted from apparatus at the user location is most typically command signal data and this is transmitted from the user location 4 in the direction 24 from the respective user locations 4 through the distribution system network 10 to the apparatus 14 at other user locations 4 and at the receiving location or locations 2.
  • the command signal data will typically be provided in order to change and/or update the operating condition of at least one item of apparatus connected to the distribution system and the identity of which is or are indicated by an ID code provided as part of the command signal.
  • the command signal data may only be appropriate for an item of apparatus at the receiving location 2 and so the identification code for that item will be provide as part of the command signal data and the data will only be accepted and used by the identified item of apparatus.
  • the command signal data may be appropriate for the broadcast data receivers at each of the user locations 4 and so the identification code or codes for those items of apparatus will be provided as part of the command signal data and so will be accepted and used by each of the broadcast data receivers.
  • the command signal data is typically transmitted throughout the distribution system, typically to all of the apparatus 14 at the user location, and the apparatus at the receiving location 2, and the, or those, items of apparatus which have a matching identification will react to the command signal data accordingly, while the remaining apparatus will not use the command signal data but will relay the command signal data if required, to other apparatus connected to the fibre optic cable network 10 of the distribution system.
  • the frequency at which the optical data is transmitted from the user location transmitter 20 is relatively low and typically lower than the frequency range used to transmit the data for the video and/or audio from the user location 2. This therefore avoids any possibility of a clash with the data which is being distributed from the receiving location apparatus.
  • the command signal data is typically only sporadically transmitted in response to a command instruction which is received by at least one of the items of apparatus connected to the distribution system and which may be provided via the optical data which it receives via the distribution system or via another communication source such as a wireless or telephone line connection.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Astronomy & Astrophysics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Two-Way Televisions, Distribution Of Moving Picture Or The Like (AREA)
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Abstract

The present invention relates to a distribution system including a fibre optic cable network which allows the distribution of broadcast video and/or audio data received by apparatus at a receiving location to apparatus at one or more user locations to allow for example, radio and/or television programming to be available for selection. In accordance with the invention the transmission of command data signals through the distribution system is possible in an optical format to apparatus at the user and receiving locations is possible to allow the control and change of operation of selected apparatus connected to the distribution system to be achieved on an ongoing basis. Typically the command signal data is transmitted at a different, most typically lower, frequency than the video and/or audio data.

Description

Provision of bi-directional Signals via fibre optic data distribution system
The invention which is the subject of this application relates to the provision of a data distribution system using fibre optic cabling, transmitters and receivers, and a system which allows data to be selectively transmitted in both directions along the system. In particular, although not necessarily exclusively, the invention relates to a distribution system which provides a network to allow data for the provision of video and/or audio, such as radio or television programmes, to be distributed to apparatus connected to the system and the apparatus is provided at one or more user locations . The data for the television and/or radio programmes can be provided to the system from a receiving location at which the data is received by receiving apparatus, typically from satellite, cable or other data transmission means.
Conventionally, the received data is distributed from the receiving apparatus location via coaxial cables to the apparatus at each of the user locations and the composition of the coaxial cable means that the video and/or audio data can be transmitted in a first direction from the receiving apparatus location to the apparatus at the user locations, typically in an analogue RF format. It is also known to use a command signal system known as DiSEqC (Digital Satellite Equipment Control) which allows data representing command signals for the operation of one or more items of apparatus connected as part of the distribution network, and which command signal is typically generated from one of the items of apparatus, to be transmitted from the apparatus at the user location upstream in a second, opposite, direction towards the receiver apparatus location. The command signals are typically transmitted at a relatively low frequency of 22 KHz and are normally provided to allow the control of certain items of apparatus which are provided in connect ion with the distribution system, or the system as a whole. This can be in response, for example, to a user interaction with apparatus at a user location, or a service provider instruction or command which has been transmitted to the user location apparatus . The particular apparatus for which the command data is intended is typically indicated by a predetermined identification code linked with the said item of apparatus and which is sent along with the command signal. Typically each of the apparatus connected to the system will receive the command signals using a "star" type distribution from each of the apparatus in the system and via the connecting coaxial cable. Those items for which the command signal is intended and which have the matching identification code will react to the command signal whilst the other, unaffected apparatus will not change condition but will pass the command signal on.
The provision of coaxial cable connections to form the distribution system, whilst allowing the two directional passage of data, is undesirable as it is limited in terms of the number of apparatus and hence user locations which can be served from the receiving apparatus location via the network and can be subject to relatively high data loss.
As a result of the problems of the use of coaxial cable, the applicant has developed a system in which the format of the data is changed into an optical format, in one embodiment at the apparatus at the receiving location, and the data is then distributed in an optical format via a fibre optic cable network to form a distribution system to the apparatus at one or a number of user locations . At each of the user locations the apparatus is provided to be able to process the data in an optical mode or conversion means are provided in order to convert the optical data into a mode which is suitable to then be processed in order to generate the video and/or audio which is required for the television and/or radio programmes requested from the apparatus by the user at that user location.
While this system does increase the quality of the data transmission significantly and allows the data to be transmitted to a larger number of user locations via a common distribution system due to the larger bandwidth which is available for data transmission in an optical mode and via the fibre optic cables, it has not been possible to allow the transmission of the command signal data in an optical format in the opposite direction to allow the command signal data to be received by apparatus which is connected to the distribution network and allow the appropriate apparatus to react to the command signal. Thus, while the use of distribution systems utilising fibre optic cabling is attractive to users and the installers of the apparatus and system due to the increase of users which can be connected and the improvement in service quality, this form of system can also be unattractive to the service providers due to the inability for the command signals to be transmitted through the distribution network in an efficient manner and therefore the inability to control and/or change the operation of the apparatus connected to the system. It is believed that this has inhibited the growth of use of this form of system
An aim of the present invention is to provide a data distribution system which utilises fibre optic cabling along at least part of the system for the transmission of data therealong from apparatus at a receiving location to apparatus at one or more user locations and also to allow the same fibre optic cabling to be used for the transmission of command signal data from apparatus at at least one of the said user locations for use in the control of apparatus connected to the distribution system. In one aspect of the invention there is provided a data distribution system, said system including apparatus at at least one receiving location to receive data from a remote source, said apparatus connected via a cable network of the distribution system to data processing apparatus provided at each of one or more user locations, to process the received data and provide video and/or audio therefrom, said receiving location apparatus and user location apparatus connected to allow the video and/or audio data to be transferred from the receiving location to the user locations in a first direction in an optical format along the network formed by fibre optic cabling and wherein one or more transmitters are provided to transmit command signal data from apparatus at at least one of the user locations through the distribution system in an optical format for receipt and/or relay by the further apparatus connected to the distribution system and said command signal data is transmitted in a second direction different to the said first direction.
Typically therefore there is provided in accordance with the invention a two way communication distribution system utilising the fibre optic cable network. This is achieved in a cost effective manner by providing the command data signal to be transmitted onto the distribution system at a frequency which is typically relatively low and differs to the frequency range used to distribute the video and/or audio data.
In one embodiment the apparatus at one, or more typically, each, of the user locations is provided with a transmitter to allow the command signal data to be converted into an optical format and transmitted in the optical format upstream towards the receiving location and/or other apparatus at user locations in the distribution system. In one embodiment the optical format data is transmitted from apparatus at a user location to all of the other apparatus connected to the system but only the apparatus to which the data is relevant will accept and react in response to the received data. Typically, the relevance of the command signal data to a particular apparatus is determined by the receiving apparatus comparing an apparatus identification code which is transmitted along with the command signal data and if there is a match between the identification code which is transmitted and the identification code for that item of apparatus, the item of apparatus will react to the command signal.
In one embodiment, the identification code is an apparatus identifier such as a serial number in order to allow the appropriate apparatus response to the data which will be either to ignore the same and relay the command signal on if there is no match with the identification code or to change its condition or otherwise react to the command signal if the identification code is of relevance.
Typically the command signal data is such as to change the operation of at least one item of apparatus provided as part of the system.
In one embodiment, the apparatus for which the command signal data is intended, is one or more items of apparatus at the receiving location, such as one or more LNB's.
In one embodiment, the said transmitter means provided at the apparatus at the user locations is an optical transmitter coupled to an optical fibre cable connected to the apparatus and which allows the command signal to be converted into an optical format and then transmitted through the distribution system. In one embodiment the optical transmitter includes an optical source in the form of a transmitter LED.
Typically the command signals which are generated to be sent upstream in the system are provided in a DiSEqC format.
Typically the command signal data is transmitted at a frequency which is lower than that used to transmit data from the apparatus at the receiving location along the distribution system network.
In one embodiment the frequency used to transmit the command signal data is in the range of 20 to 25 KHz.
This use of low frequency transmission for the command signal data allows the optical transmitter provided at the apparatus at the user locations to be of a type which is relatively low cost and thereby allows the practical implementation of the apparatus in a manner which is commercially viable and is viable to be provided with and/or incorporated in, the type of apparatus which is provided at the user locations.
Typically the apparatus provided at the user location includes a broadcast data receiver or set top box, and speakers and a display screen. In one embodiment, the apparatus is provided as an integral unit or alternatively is provided as a combination of interconnected items . Most typically the optical transmitter means is provided in connection with or integral with the broadcast data receiver which processes the data from the receiving location via the network.
In one embodiment the command signal data is transmitted to the broadcast data receiver via a wireless transmission or via a telephone line connection or from the receiving location via the network and is most typically transmitted by the broadcaster or service provider which broadcasts the data to the receiving location apparatus.
In one embodiment the apparatus at each of the user locations and the receiving location includes a receiver capable of receipt of the command data signal sent via the fibre optic cable network. In one embodiment format transition means can be located on the network at or intermediate the apparatus at user locations and receiver location in order to allow the format of the data to be changed between optical and RF mode. In one embodiment a format transition means is located at the receiving location apparatus to change the format of the data into an optical mode so that the same can be transmitted over the fibre optic cable network. In one embodiment further data format transition means are provided at an interface between the fibre optic cable network and the apparatus at the user location to change the format forth data back to an RF mode for receipt by the said apparatus.
In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a distribution system for received video and/or audio data, said data distributed in an optical format in a first frequency range from apparatus at a broadcast data receiving location to apparatus at one or more user locations via a fibre optic cable network and wherein the distribution system allows the transmission of command data signals via the fibre optic cable network in an optical format via transmitter means at one or more user locations, and in connection with the apparatus at those locations, in order to allow the control and/or change of operation of selected apparatus connected to the distribution system. In one embodiment the frequency range for the transmission of the received video and/or audio data is different to the frequency range used for the transmission of the command signal data.
In one embodiment the frequency range for the command data signals is lower than that used for the received video and/or audio data.
In one embodiment the command data signals and received video and/or audio data can be transmitted simultaneously along the said distribution system.
The present invention thereby allows the provision of a distribution system which can be utilised to provide the advantages of the distribution of the received data in an optical format from receiving location apparatus to apparatus at one or more user locations while, at the same time, allowing the transmission of command data signals through the distribution system and in an optical format in an opposing direction to allow the control and change of operation of selected apparatus connected to the distribution system to be achieved on an ongoing basis . This therefore avoids the need for operator attendance at the location of the system and also allows the advantages of optical format distribution of the video and/or audio data to be obtained.
Specific embodiments of the invention are now described, wherein
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a distribution system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and Figure 2 illustrates apparatus of a form which can be provided in accordance with one embodiment of the invention at a user location.
Referring firstly to Figure 1 there is illustrated an embodiment of a distribution system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
The system includes a receiving location 2 indicated by broken lines, and a plurality of user locations 4. At the receiving location, in this embodiment, there is provided apparatus including a satellite data receiving antenna 7, Low Noise Block 9 for the receipt of video and/or audio data which has been transmitted from a remote location, in this case via a satellite transmission system of a conventional form, and which is therefore not described in detail here. It should also be noted that alternative broadcast forms could be used, such as terrestrial or cable broadcast systems.
In this embodiment the LNB 9 also includes a format transition apparatus 6 to allow the received data to be converted from an analogue RF format into an optical format and then transmitted via fibre optic cabling 10 and optical cable switch apparatus 12 to each of the user locations in an optical format. Apparatus in accordance with the applicant's granted and co-pending patent applications may be used at this stage of the distribution system This therefore allows the advantages of the relatively wide frequency waveband which can be carried on fibre optic cables, in comparison to coaxial cable, to be utilised and hence an improved quality of data transmission is achieved. Further a greater number of programming and services can be provided and/or a greater number of user locations 4 can be connected to the same distribution system via the fibre optic cable network At the user locations 4, apparatus in the form illustrated in Figure 2 can be provided and this apparatus can include separately, or in an integrated format, data processing apparatus in the form of a broadcast data receiver or set top box, 14, a display screen 16 and speakers 18. The broadcast data receiver is provided to allow the video and/or audio data received from the apparatus at the receiver location 2 via the fibre optic cable network 10 in an optical format to be processed and the appropriate video and/or audio data to be selected and then used to generate television or radio programmes therefrom. The selection of the radio or television programme can be selected by the user from the range of television and/or radio programmes which are available for selection via direct interaction with the broadcast data receiver or via a remote control device. The selected programme is provided to the user via a display screen 16 and/or speakers 18 connected to the data processing apparatus 14 at each user location 4 and the apparatus at each user location is controlled independently by a user at the respective user locations .
In one embodiment, the appropriate data for the selected programme is selected at the apparatus at the user location or alternatively is selected at the apparatus at the receiving location and in each case the selection is made upon receipt of a user selection at the respective user location.
In one embodiment the apparatus at the user location may also include or be connected to data format transition means 6 in order to change the received video and/ or audio data to a suitable format for use by the broadcast data receiver 14 but more typically the broadcast data receiver will be able to utilise the optical format data directly. In accordance with the invention, and as shown in greater detail with regard to Figure 2, the apparatus at the user locations 4 includes an optical transmitter means 20 which includes an optical source 20, most typically a relatively low cost LED transmitter, which is capable of transmitting data in an optical format and the transmitter means is coupled to the same fibre optic cable network 10 which is used to provide the video and/or audio data to the broadcast data receiver 14 at the user location. As a result of this, the apparatus 14 at each user location is therefore coupled to the fibre optic cable network 10 of the distribution system to allow the transmission of data from the apparatus 14 at a user location onto and around the network 10. This means that a two way communication of data through the network 10 is possible such that the data which is provided from the apparatus at the receiving location 2 for the generation of video and/or audio is transmitted in the direction of arrow 22 to the apparatus 14 at the user locations 2. The data which is transmitted from apparatus at the user location is most typically command signal data and this is transmitted from the user location 4 in the direction 24 from the respective user locations 4 through the distribution system network 10 to the apparatus 14 at other user locations 4 and at the receiving location or locations 2.
The command signal data will typically be provided in order to change and/or update the operating condition of at least one item of apparatus connected to the distribution system and the identity of which is or are indicated by an ID code provided as part of the command signal. For example the command signal data may only be appropriate for an item of apparatus at the receiving location 2 and so the identification code for that item will be provide as part of the command signal data and the data will only be accepted and used by the identified item of apparatus. In another embodiment the command signal data may be appropriate for the broadcast data receivers at each of the user locations 4 and so the identification code or codes for those items of apparatus will be provided as part of the command signal data and so will be accepted and used by each of the broadcast data receivers. The command signal data is typically transmitted throughout the distribution system, typically to all of the apparatus 14 at the user location, and the apparatus at the receiving location 2, and the, or those, items of apparatus which have a matching identification will react to the command signal data accordingly, while the remaining apparatus will not use the command signal data but will relay the command signal data if required, to other apparatus connected to the fibre optic cable network 10 of the distribution system.
The frequency at which the optical data is transmitted from the user location transmitter 20 is relatively low and typically lower than the frequency range used to transmit the data for the video and/or audio from the user location 2. This therefore avoids any possibility of a clash with the data which is being distributed from the receiving location apparatus. Furthermore the command signal data is typically only sporadically transmitted in response to a command instruction which is received by at least one of the items of apparatus connected to the distribution system and which may be provided via the optical data which it receives via the distribution system or via another communication source such as a wireless or telephone line connection.

Claims

Claims
1. A data distribution system, said system including apparatus at at least one receiving location to receive data from a remote source, said apparatus connected via a cable network of the distribution system to data processing apparatus provided at each of one or more user locations, to process the received data and provide video and/or audio therefrom, said receiving location apparatus and user location apparatus connected to allow the video and/or audio data to be transferred from the receiving location to the user locations in a first direction in an optical format along the network formed by fibre optic cabling and wherein one or more transmitters are provided to transmit command signal data from apparatus at at least one of the user locations through the distribution system in an optical format for receipt and/or relay by the further apparatus connected to the distribution system and said command signal data is transmitted in a second direction different to the said first direction.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus provides a two way communication distribution system utilising the fibre optic cable network.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the command data signal is emitted onto the distribution system at a frequency which differs to that used to distribute the video and/or audio data.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the frequency used for the command data signal is lower than that used for the video and/or audio data.
5. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the command signal data is transmitted at a frequency which is lower than that used to transmit data from the apparatus at the receiving location along the distribution system and at a different frequency to that which is used to transmit the video and/or audio data from the apparatus at the receiving location to the user locations.
6 Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the said frequency is in the range of 20 to 25 KHz.
7 Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein apparatus at at least one of the user locations is provided with the means to allow the command signal data to be converted into an optical format and transmitted upstream towards the receiving location and/or other apparatus in the distribution system.
8 Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein each of the user locations is provided with means to allow the command signal data to be converted into an optical format and transmitted upstream towards the receiving location and/or other apparatus in the distribution system.
9 Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the command data signals is transmitted in an optical format from apparatus at a user location to all of the other apparatus connected to the system and only the apparatus to which the command data signal is relevant will accept and act in response to the received data.
10 Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the relevance of the command signal data to a particular apparatus is determined by an apparatus identification code which is transmitted with the command signal data.
1 1 Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the identification code is a serial number in order to allow the appropriate apparatus response to the data to be achieved, said response being either to ignore the command signal data and relay the command signal data on or to change its condition or otherwise react to the command signal data if it is identified as being of relevance.
12 Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein the command signal data is provided to change the operation of at least one item of apparatus provided as part of the system.
13 Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the said at least one item of apparatus is located at the receiving location.
14 Apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the said at least one item of apparatus is one or more LNB's.
15 Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the said means provided to transmit command signal data through the distribution system in an optical format is an optical transmitter coupled to an optical fibre cable connected to the apparatus and which allows the command signal to be converted into an optical format and then transmitted through the distribution system.
16 Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the optical transmitter is an optical source in the form of a transmitter LED.
17 Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the command signals which are generated to be sent upstream are provided in a DiSEqC format.
18 Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus at the user location includes a broadcast data receiver or set top box, and speakers and a display screen.
19 Apparatus according to claim 18 wherein the apparatus is provided as an integral unit or as a combination of interconnected items.
20 Apparatus according to claims 18 or 19 wherein the optical transmitter means is provided in connection, or integral, with the broadcast data receiver which processes the data from the received from the apparatus at the receiving location via the network.
21 Apparatus according to any of claims 18-20 wherein the command signal data is transmitted to the broadcast data receiver via a wireless transmission or via a telephone line connection or from the receiving location via the network.
22 Apparatus according to claim 21 wherein the command signal data is transmitted by the broadcaster or service provider which broadcasts the data to the receiving location apparatus.
23 Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein the apparatus at each of the user locations and the receiving location includes a receiver capable of receipt of the command data signal sent via the fibre optic cable network.
24 Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein format transition means are located on the network at and/or intermediate the apparatus at the user locations and the apparatus at the receiving locations to allow the format of the data to be changed between optical and RF mode.
25. Apparatus according to claim 24 wherein a format transition means is located at the receiving location apparatus to change the format of the received data into an optical mode so that the same can be transmitted over the fibre optic cable network.
26 Apparatus according to claim 25 wherein further data format transition means are provided at an interface between the fibre optic cable network and the apparatus at one or more of the user locations in order to change the format of the data back to an RF mode for receipt by the said apparatus.
27 A distribution system for received video and/or audio data, said data distributed in an optical format in a first frequency range from apparatus at a broadcast data receiving location to apparatus at one or more user locations via a fibre optic cable network and wherein the distribution system allows the transmission of command data signals via the fibre optic cable network in an optical format from transmitter means at one or more user locations, and in connection with the apparatus at those locations, in order to allow the control and/or change of operation of selected apparatus connected to the distribution system.
28 A system according to claim 27 wherein the frequency range for the transmission of the video and/or audio data from the receiving location apparatus is different to the frequency range used for the transmission of the command data signals.
29 A system according to claim 28 wherein the frequency range for the command data signals is lower than that used for the received video and/ or audio data.
30 A system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the command data signals and received video and/or audio data can be transmitted simultaneously along the fibre optic cable network of said distribution system.
PCT/GB2016/050770 2015-03-26 2016-03-21 Provision of bi-directional signals via fibre optic data distribution system WO2016151302A1 (en)

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