Abstract:
A two-way communication network for routing communications from and to a plurality of subscriber units at various geographic locations. The network includes a plurality of low power local subscriber units adapted to transmit and receive digital data messages of variable lengths and a central transmitter station (CTS). The CTS includes data transmission and data reception facilities. The transmission facilities transmit messages to the local subscriber units and include a synchronization unit that synchronizes the transmission facilities with a precision clock signal. The data reception facilities receive and process messages from the subscriber units. Remote receiver units are dispersed over the geographic area served by the CTS and relay digital messages transmitted from the subscriber units to the CTS. Each subscriber unit communicates with the CTS by way of digital data signals synchronously related to said precision clock signal and timed for multiplexed message transmission.
Abstract:
A viewer interface for a television program delivery system is described. The innovation relates to methods and devices for viewer pathways to television programs. Specifically, the interface involves hardware and software used in conjunction with a television at the viewer home to create a user friendly menu based approach to television program access. The device is particularly useful in a program delivery system with hundreds of programs and a data signal carrying program information. The disclosure describes menu generation and menu selection of television programs.
Abstract:
A headend method and apparatus for a digital transmission system is provided which includes inputs for receiving first and second program information from first and second program sources and inputs for receiving first and second control information from first and second control sources. The first and second program information is applied to a switching circuit and a switch control controls the switching circuit to output channels of program information comprising combinations of the first and second program information for output to a subscriber. Processing circuitry allows for selectively providing the first and second control information to the channels output from the switching circuit.
Abstract:
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a home controller receives signals from the cable television system and utilizes a cable demodulator tuned to the RF frequency of the channel which carries the data information. The cable demodulator demodulates the RF encoded signals into conventional baseband digital form which are transmitted to a packet receiver which decodes packets addressed to individual users. If a packet is addressed to the user, the packet receiver transmits the corresponding data such as by an ETHERNET transceiver to the user's personal computer. A communication controller may be utilized to provide an interface between the personal computer and the cable demodulator thereby, enabling the personal computer to select the channel to which the cable demodulator is tuned, in order to permit multiple data channels to be utilized.
Abstract:
An integrated communications terminal including a selectable channel demodulator and decoder, a time-division-multiplexed (TDM) channel demodulator and decoder, a data processor and controller, an audio decompressor, a D/A converter, and a data coder and modulator. The terminal is used with a mobile station having a message display, an input device, RF electronics, and an optional transmitter. The selectable channel demodulator outputs a selectable intermediate-frequency signal as in-phase and quadrature-phase signals for decoding by the selectable channel decoder. The TDM channel demodulator generates a frequency offset signal and outputs in-phase and quadrature-phase TDM signals for decoding by the TDM channel decoder as a TDM-data signal. The data processor and controller time-demultiplexes the TDM-data signal as a control signal, a TDM channel and selectable channel look-up table, and paging and message signals, and generates a transmitter frequency command signal, a selectable data rate and frequency command signal, and a TDM data rate and frequency command signal. The audio decompressor outputs a digital audio data signal. The D/A converter outputs analog audio signals. The carrier signal frequency of the transmitter is set by the transmitter frequency command signal generated by the data processor and controller. The data coder and modulator encodes a data signal and then modulates a carrier signal with the coded data signal to create a data-modulated signal. The transmitter amplifies and transmits the data-modulated signal.
Abstract:
A communication system capable of targeting a demographically or psychographically defined audience. A master database (20) is maintained, containing demographic and psychographic information about each audience member. This information is transmitted and stored in a channel selection/decoder (100) unit associated with each audience member's receiver. Multiple media messages are transmitted to each audience member. Accompanying the transmission is a selection profile command, which details the demographic/psychographic profile of audience members that are to receive each media message. The channel selector/decoder (100) unit associated with each member's receiver compares the selection profile with the demographic/psychographic information about the audience member and selects the appropriate media message for that audience member.
Abstract:
A method of transmitting addressed messages to subscribers comprises the steps of defining the group or individual subscriber to be addressed, creating the message, assigning the message to the individual or group to be addressed, scheduling the message for transmission, transmitting the message, and recording the transmission of the message. The message creating step further includes the steps of defining message attributes such as background color, creating sets of instructions for the subscriber, if required, setting a data field related to alerting the subscriber and compressing the data length of the message using a predetermined compression code. A system control computer, according to the present invention, comprises a billing computer interface for interfacing with a billing computer and a user interface for providing access to messaging services to a system operator, each of the billing and user interfaces for providing data to a group queuing subsystem and a system event scheduler, respectively. The user interface further accesses a database, the database shared by the system event scheduler and a message, device and group manager. The device manager in turn, when scheduled by the system event scheduler, coordinates the transmission of addressed messages via either a headend controller (via an inband channel) or an addressable data transmitter (via an out-of-band channel).
Abstract:
A unified system of programing communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc. At receiver stations, signals in received transmissions and from local inputs (225, 218, 22) cause control processors (200) and computers (205) to automate connection and operation of converters (201), tuners (215), decryptors (224), recorder/players (217), computers (205), furnaces (206), etc. Processors (71, 200) meter and monitor availability and usage of programming.
Abstract:
Different commercial messages are broadcast to different demographically targeted audiences in a cable television system or the like. A first television channel contains television programs and periodic commercial messages. A second television channel contains alternate commercial messages. Demographic characteristics of a viewer are identified, and commercial messages are selectively provided from the first or second channel, depending upon the viewer's demographic characteristics. Demographic data can be input by a viewer via a remote control, downloaded to a subscriber's converter from a remote headend, or programmed into the converter at installation. Prioritization of the demographic characteristics of a plurality of television viewers watching a program together enables commercials to be targeted to the viewer having highest priority. Statistical data can be maintained concerning the number and identity of subscribers viewing specific commercials.
Abstract:
The present invention includes a method and apparatus for broadcast distribution of messages and information. Included within the present invention are means for selectively broadcasting messages to specified locales. Further, only the appropriate receiver within that locale operates to receive the message. At the receiver, the message is transmitted to or receivable by the appropriate recipient. In the event that a message is inadvertently lost or transmitted with noise induced errors means are provided for requesting a retransmission of the message.