Interactive video distribution systems – Local video distribution system – Multiunit or multiroom structure
Reexamination Certificate
1998-02-06
2001-03-13
Faile, Andrew (Department: 2611)
Interactive video distribution systems
Local video distribution system
Multiunit or multiroom structure
C725S080000, C725S082000, C725S120000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06202211
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to the field of client-server computer networking. More particularly, the present invention relates to techniques for providing television signals to multiple viewing systems connected on a network.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In many countries, the number of households which own a personal computer (PC) is increasing rapidly. For many reasons, the use of PCs has been limited in many homes to playing games and word processing. The reasons may include limitations of the PC in processing power, storage capacity, and bandwidth. Further, many people are uncomfortable using complex technology and avoid using computers altogether. In addition, PCs tend to be physically suited for a desk and not for a family room or bedroom. PC electronics tend to be designed to interface with office systems and not with home communication systems, and there is generally no convenient mechanism for purchasing, loading, storing and organizing traditional entertainment content using a home PC. It is desirable, therefore, to allow conventional PCs to be used in a home environment for more applications than in the past, more easily, and by a greater number of people.
Because the home is commonly a place to relax and enjoy oneself, televisions (TVs) and stereo systems tend to be focal points at home, since these devices are entertainment oriented. Even most technophobes are comfortable operating a TV or stereo system. Consequently, by allowing televisions, stereos, and other consumer devices to be more seamlessly connected with conventional PCs, the PC can become a more integral part of activities in the home. Technologies have been developed which enable a TV to be used as a display device for a personal computer. However, these technologies are not designed to allow multiple users at multiple TVs to use a PC independently of each other. Other technologies have been developed to allow people to access the Internet using a conventional TV as a display device. However, such technologies do not leverage the tremendous technology base that already exists in software and hardware for PC platforms.
Thus, it is desirable to provide a technology which allows the processing power of a conventional PC to be integrated seamlessly with a TV as a display device in the home environment. It is further desirable to allow multiple home users to independently use a PC operating as a server using TVs as display devices. It is further desirable to have such a technology which can make use of communications infrastructure already in the home.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention includes a device for providing television signals to a plurality of viewing systems on a network. The device includes a connection for receiving television channels from outside the network and a number of tuners for demodulating television channels. A different tuner is assigned to each of the viewing systems. The device further includes a number of modulators for modulating television channels and control circuitry configured to receive a request for one of the television channels. The request is associated with one of the viewing systems. The control circuitry is configured to respond to the request by causing the tuner assigned to the viewing system associated with the request to demodulate the requested television channel and by causing one of the modulators to remodulate the demodulated television channel onto the network. Other features of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description which follows.
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Blakely , Sokoloff, Taylor & Zafman LLP
Faile Andrew
Tran Hai V.
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