Virtual channels in subscriber interface units

Details Virtual channels in subscriber interface units Virtual channels in subscriber interface units

1995-05-05

1999-06-22

Harvey, David E.

Television

Two-way video and voice communication

User positioning

348 12, 348731, H04N 544

Patent

active

059147466

ABSTRACT:
A subscriber interface unit for use in conjunction with a television and a remote cable network headend having a plurality of available programs. The available programs include broadcast television channels and executable applications. The executable applications are intended to be received and executed at the subscriber interface unit. The subscriber interface unit maintains a virtual channel table having entries for a plurality of virtual channel numbers. An entry for a particular virtual channel number includes a designation of an available program from the headend which is to be associated with the virtual channel number. The program can be a broadcast channel or an executable application such as an electronic programming guide. The subscriber interface unit has a channel selector which maintains a current virtual channel number and which is responsive to commands by a human viewer to change the current virtual channel number. When a virtual channel is selected, the subscriber interface unit requests associated program from the remote headend and presents it on the video display device. If the selected virtual channel is associated with an executable application, the subscriber interface unit downloads and executes the application.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4527194 (1985-07-01), Siraza
patent: 5359601 (1994-10-01), Wasilewski et al.
patent: 5425101 (1995-06-01), Woo et al.
patent: 5469431 (1995-11-01), Wender
patent: 5534941 (1996-07-01), Sie et al.
patent: 5550578 (1996-08-01), Hoarty et al.
patent: 5585866 (1996-12-01), Miller et al.
Beddow, David P., "The Virtual Channels Subscriber Interface", Communications Technology, Apr. 30, 1992.
Wasilewski, Anthony J. "An MPEG-2 Multi-Program Multiplex Syntax", International Organization For Standardization, Coding Of Moving Pictures and Associated Audio, ISO/IEC JTC1/SC29/WG11, MPEG 93/173, Jan. 1993.
Hedger et al. "Telesoftware-Valve Added Teletext"IEEE Tranaction on Consumer Electronics vol. CE-26 Aug. 1980 pp. 555-566.
Brugliera, Vito "Digital On-Screen Display -A New Technology for the Consumer Interface" 18.sup.th International Television Symposium, Montreux Switzerland 10-15 Jun. 1993.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Virtual channels in subscriber interface units does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Virtual channels in subscriber interface units, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Virtual channels in subscriber interface units will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1711211