Interactive video distribution systems – Local video distribution system – Multiunit or multiroom structure
Reexamination Certificate
1996-02-23
2001-09-04
Grant, Chris (Department: 2611)
Interactive video distribution systems
Local video distribution system
Multiunit or multiroom structure
C725S082000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06286142
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to communications systems and more particularly to a method and system for communicating video signals to a plurality of television sets on a single video signal distribution network.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many people have multiple television sets or other information transceivers in their homes. When multiple television sets receive information signals from a single video signal distribution network, a separate set top controller must be connected to each television set in order to allow different information signals to be received by each television set.
One method used to allow multiple television sets to be independently controlled from remote sites involves a subscription cable television system and a number of subscriber drops. Such a method, however, does not allow users to independently control multiple television sets serviced by the same subscriber drop without the use of multiple set top controllers. The television sets in these systems must therefore be “chained” together on the same subscriber drop, each television set having its own set top controller. The use of multiple set top controllers, especially in a home environment, adds undesirable complexity and cost to the cable network. Therefore, it is desirable to have independent control and operation for each of a plurality of television sets on a single video signal distribution network using at most one set top box.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a method and system for communicating video signals to a plurality of television sets are provided which substantially eliminate or reduce disadvantages and problems associated with prior methods and systems for transmitting selected information to each of a plurality of television sets.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a multiple site video distribution system that includes a communication controller that receives video information from a telecommunications network. The communication controller transmits selected video signals from the video information onto a video signal distribution network. A first channel selector and signaling unit sends user input information to the communication controller over the video signal distribution network at a first upstream frequency. The user input information includes a request to receive a first video signal. The communication controller selects the first video signal from the video information in response to the user input information from the first channel selector and signaling unit. The communication controller modulates the first video signal onto a first downstream frequency for transmission to the first channel selector and signaling unit over the video signal distribution network.
A second channel selector and signaling unit sends user input information to the communication controller over the video signal distribution network at a second upstream frequency. The user input information includes a request to receive a second video signal. The communication controller selects the second video signal from the video information in response to the user input information from the second channel selector and signaling unit. The communication controller modulates the second video signal onto a second downstream frequency for transmission to the second channel selector and signaling unit over the video signal distribution network.
The present invention provides various technical advantages over conventional cable television subscription services. For example, one technical advantage is to independently control a plurality of television sets that receive video signals from a single video signal distribution network. Another technical advantage is to eliminate the need to “chain” together multiple set top controllers, thereby reducing cost and complexity for both the user and the network operator. Yet another technical advantage is to reduce the uncertainty relating to the electrical or optical characteristics of the drop termination. Still another technical advantage is to reduce the required complexity of upstream multiple access protocols, which may reduce the cost and complexity that would be associated with set top controllers used in prior systems.
Another important technical advantage of the present invention is the fact that it increases the effectiveness and efficiency of network drop technologies that have distance limitations. Using the present invention, for example, the entire length of a copper drop transceiver with a maximum loop length of five hundred feet would be available for use between the network element (e.g., ONU) and the communications controller. A portion of the five hundred feet would therefore not need to be allocated to connect numerous “chained” set top controllers within a home or other multiple-site structure. Eliminating such “chaining” configurations may make, for example, up to two hundred feet of transmission distance available, resulting in substantial cost savings to the network.
A further technical advantage is to avoid placing all the video signals onto the single video signal distribution network for selective pick off by the tuner of the television set through the set top controller as is done in conventional cable television systems. Only those video signals currently desired are placed on the single video signal distribution network by selective modulation onto separate frequency carriers for each of the television sets on the network. Other technical advantages are readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.
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Article, Henry J. Kafka and Lorene K. Steffes, “Interactive Video and Multimedia Servers in Public Networks”, Interactive Video and Multimedia Servers in Public Networks, Apr. 23, 1995, pp. 271-275.
Alcatel USA, Inc.
Baker & Botts L.L.P.
Grant Chris
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