Interactive video distribution systems – User-requested video program system – Video-on-demand
Reexamination Certificate
1997-09-22
2001-09-04
Miller, John W. (Department: 2611)
Interactive video distribution systems
User-requested video program system
Video-on-demand
C725S094000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06286143
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a data transmission apparatus preferably applied to a video on-demand apparatus for sending data such as image data upon demand by audience.
In the video on-demand apparatus for providing programs as requested by audience, image data including movies and other various types of data are transmitted through a plurality of channels. One of the methods for implementing the video on-demand apparatus is to provide a magnetic-tape reproducing apparatus for each of a plurality of channels and send data for all the channels simultaneously or data for each channel one after another. Alternatively, using random access of such apparatuses as a hard disk unit and an optical disk unit, random access is performed on multiple types of data recorded on a single disk to send each type of data over each channel.
However, the method in which a magnetic-tape reproducing apparatus is provided on each channel increases the number of magnetic-tape reproducing apparatus, resulting in the costly video on-demand apparatus. Additionally, in this method, a magnetic tape is reproduced repetitively, imposing a hazard of damage thereof. Further, during time in which a magnetic tape is being rewound, the data transmission service is disabled. On the other hand, the method in which a random access disk apparatus is used requires to frequently repeat random access operations to send data for multiple channels. Consequently, if there are too many channels, the access time increases accordingly providing decreased time, and requiring to decrease the number of channels.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to solve one or more of the above-mentioned problems by providing a data transmission apparatus of a relatively low cost and accommodating a relatively large number of channels.
In carrying out the invention and according to one aspect thereof, there is provided a data transmission method comprising the steps of: dividing input data of length T into N number of pieces of data providing a first major block through an N-th major block; dividing each of the first major block through N-th major block into R minor blocks composed of a first minor block through an R-th minor block; rearranging the minor blocks of the major blocks so that the first minor block of the first major block is followed by the first minor block of the second major block and so on until followed by the first minor block of the N-th major block providing a rearranged major block, the rearranged major block being followed by another rearranged major block starting with the second minor block of the first major block followed by the second minor block of the second major block and so on until followed by the second minor block of the N-th major block, this another rearranged major block being followed by still another major block with its minor blocks rearranged in the similar order, and so on until followed by the last major block starting with the R-th minor block of the first major block and ending with the R-th minor block of the N-th major block; recording the rearranged data on a recording medium; reproducing reproduction data from the recording medium; recording the reproduction data in a plurality of memories a plurality of times continuously so that the minor blocks in one of the major blocks of the reproduction data are stored in one of the memories in one storage operation; and reading the reproduction data in parallel from the plurality of memories a plurality of times continuously.
Consequently, according to the present invention, there is no need for using a plurality of reproducing units as with the conventional structure of using a magnetic tape, thus resulting in a simpler construction and a reduced cost. Additionally, there is no need for random access as with the conventional struction using a hard disk, thus resulting in a longer data read time, which in turn increases the number of channels.
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to identify the same or similar parts in several views.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5440336 (1995-08-01), Buhro et al.
patent: 5442390 (1995-08-01), Hooper et al.
patent: 5506615 (1996-04-01), Awaji
patent: 5757415 (1998-05-01), Asamizuya et al.
Asamizuya Noboru
Ebihara Norio
Kagawa Masaaki
Karibe Haruyuki
Kodama Yasumasa
Chang Dexter T.
Frommer William S.
Frommer Lawrence & Haug LLP.
Miller John W.
Sony Corporation
LandOfFree
Data transmission apparatus does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Data transmission apparatus, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Data transmission apparatus will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2461640