公开(公告)号：US08095098B2

公开(公告)日：2012-01-10

申请号：US11143120

申请日：2005-06-01

申请人： Paul D. Brooks ,  Robert L. Romerein

发明人： Paul D. Brooks ,  Robert L. Romerein

IPC分类号： H04B1/18

CPC分类号： H04N7/17309 ,  H04H20/78 ,  H04N7/102 ,  H04N21/6118 ,  H04N21/6168

摘要： Apparatus and methods for the management of radio frequency spectrum within a network such as a CATV network. In one aspect of the invention, an improved signal reflector apparatus adapted for use in the network is disclosed, the reflector circuit being designed to strongly reflect signal frequencies at the lower end of the CATV reverse band, and/or above the higher end of the forward band, while simultaneously allowing the rest of the reverse band and the entire forward band to pass freely through the device. This selective filtering of the spectrum allows control signals generated within a premises or private network to be directed (by reflection) to other devices within that network. A blocking element (e.g., amplifier) may also be used to provide control of the transmission and attenuation profile of the reflector apparatus. The passage of power signals such as DC or low frequency AC is also optionally provided.

摘要翻译： 用于管理诸如CATV网络的网络内的射频频谱的装置和方法。 在本发明的一个方面中，公开了一种适用于网络的改进的信号反射器装置，反射器电路被设计成强烈地反射在CATV反向带的下端和/或在CATV反向带的较高端的信号频率 同时允许反向频带的其余部分和整个前进频带自由通过设备。 频谱的这种选择性滤波允许在房屋或专用网络内产生的控制信号（通过反射）被引导到该网络内的其他设备。 阻挡元件（例如，放大器）也可用于提供对反射器装置的透射和衰减曲线的控制。 也可选地提供诸如DC或低频AC的功率信号的通过。

公开(公告)号：US08763063B2

公开(公告)日：2014-06-24

申请号：US11143119

申请日：2005-06-01

申请人： Paul D. Brooks ,  Robert L. Romerein

发明人： Paul D. Brooks ,  Robert L. Romerein

IPC分类号： H04N7/173 ,  H04N7/10 ,  H04N21/61

CPC分类号： H04N7/104 ,  H03H7/461 ,  H04L12/2801 ,  H04N7/17309 ,  H04N21/61 ,  H04N21/6118

摘要： Apparatus and methods for controlled splitting and isolation of signals in a radio frequency network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable television network, and the apparatus comprises a signal splitter having controlled isolation loss at its output ports in at least one frequency band, thereby enabling communications between terminal devices at the subscriber premises that would otherwise be isolated by high losses typical of prior art splitters. The splitter apparatus can also be utilized with a filter/reflector circuit that advantageously provides maximal downstream frequency spectrum bandwidth while suitably reflecting the aforementioned communications to maintain them within the subscriber-side network without interference.

摘要翻译： 用于在射频网络中控制分离和隔离信号的装置和方法。 在一个实施例中，网络包括有线电视网络，并且该装置包括信号分离器，其在至少一个频带中的输出端口处具有受控的隔离损耗，从而使得在用户设备处的终端设备之间的通信将由 现有技术分离器典型的高损耗。 分路器装置还可以与滤波器/反射器电路一起使用，其有利地提供最大的下行频谱带宽，同时适当地反映前述通信以将它们维持在用户侧网络内而不受干扰。

公开(公告)号：US09398346B2

公开(公告)日：2016-07-19

申请号：US11800093

申请日：2007-05-04

申请人： Paul D. Brooks ,  Remi Rieger

发明人： Paul D. Brooks ,  Remi Rieger

IPC分类号： H04N21/472 ,  H04N21/61 ,  H04N21/6373 ,  H04N7/167 ,  H04N7/173 ,  H04N21/2543 ,  H04N21/418

CPC分类号： H04L41/0896 ,  H04L41/147 ,  H04N7/1675 ,  H04N7/17318 ,  H04N21/2543 ,  H04N21/4181 ,  H04N21/47202 ,  H04N21/6118 ,  H04N21/6168 ,  H04N21/6373

摘要： Methods and apparatus for dynamically adjusting capacity allocation; e.g., to a group of services in a multimedia distribution network. In one embodiment, bandwidth allocation is adjusted by predicting bandwidth utilization of the group of services based on historical bandwidth utilization information. Behavioral templates and statistical models may also be employed for the predictions. The invention provides more efficient use of available bandwidth compared to conventional bandwidth allocation schemes where the overall bandwidth for a group of services is set to a constant value that is not changed frequently. The present invention further provides a bandwidth allocation method in a switched distribution network. The bandwidth allocation method allocates bandwidth such that the bandwidth required by the number of services does not exceed the allocation, i.e., the total usage falls within the allocation.

摘要翻译： 动态调整容量分配的方法和装置; 例如，涉及多媒体分发网络中的一组服务。 在一个实施例中，通过基于历史带宽利用信息预测该组服务的带宽利用率来调整带宽分配。 行为模板和统计模型也可用于预测。 与传统的带宽分配方案相比，本发明提供了可用带宽的更有效的使用，其中一组服务的总带宽被设置为不频繁变化的常数值。 本发明还提供一种交换分配网络中的带宽分配方法。 带宽分配方法分配带宽，使得服务数量所需的带宽不超过分配，即总使用量落在分配内。

公开(公告)号：US20130279914A1

公开(公告)日：2013-10-24

申请号：US13451396

申请日：2012-04-19

申请人： Paul D. Brooks

发明人： Paul D. Brooks

IPC分类号： H04J14/00 ,  H04J14/02 ,  H04J14/08

CPC分类号： H04Q11/0067 ,  H04Q11/0071

摘要： Apparatus and methods for providing content to devices in a content distribution network. In one embodiment, a hybrid fiber/coax network provides optical signals to an amplification and combination node, the signals which are converted to radio frequency (RF) signals and transmitted to a series of cascading amplification and combination apparatus. The converted signals are combined with legacy RF signals at the combination apparatus, and distributed further downstream to serviced premises as well as other portions of the network cascade. Time division techniques are used to mitigate interference between the various amplification and combination nodes within the cascade. The programmable time division devices allow for rapid spectrum reallocation, and for insertion of different content at each different node of the network.

摘要翻译： 用于向内容分发网络中的设备提供内容的装置和方法。 在一个实施例中，混合光纤/同轴电缆网络向放大和组合节点提供光信号，这些信号被转换成射频（RF）信号并被发送到一系列级联放大和组合装置。 转换的信号与组合装置的传统RF信号相结合，并进一步分布在下游到服务场所以及网络级联的其他部分。 时分技术用于减轻级联中各种放大和组合节点之间的干扰。 可编程时分器件允许快速频谱重新分配，并允许在网络的每个不同节点插入不同的内容。

公开(公告)号：US20130198796A1

公开(公告)日：2013-08-01

申请号：US13361856

申请日：2012-01-30

申请人： Paul D. Brooks ,  Robert Harris

发明人： Paul D. Brooks ,  Robert Harris

IPC分类号： H04N21/61

CPC分类号： H04N21/6118 ,  H04J14/0298 ,  H04L12/2801 ,  H04L12/2898 ,  H04N21/2383 ,  H04N21/436

摘要： Methods and apparatus for the delivery of content in a network via a user premises gateway device in communication with one or more user devices. The gateway device receives content from an optical network (e.g., EPON), processes the content onto one or more communication channels, and delivers it to the user devices. In one variant, the gateway includes switching functionality to receive all available programs, or only a portion thereof, and providing specific ones on an as-needed basis to the user device(s) via the channels. Video on Demand (VOD) and pay-per-view (PPV) as well as other unicast services may also be provided by the gateway apparatus. A DOCSIS or other data channel, as well as a dedicated guide data channel, may be among the provided channels.

摘要翻译： 用于经由与一个或多个用户设备通信的用户驻地网关设备在网络中传送内容的方法和装置。 网关设备从光网络（例如，EPON）接收内容，将内容处理到一个或多个通信信道上，并将其传送到用户设备。 在一个变型中，网关包括切换功能以接收所有可用的程序，或者仅仅是其一部分，并且经由信道在用户设备的基础上根据需要提供特定的程序。 视频点播（VOD）和按次付费（PPV）以及其他单播服务也可以由网关装置提供。 DOCSIS或其他数据信道以及专用指南数据信道可以在所提供的信道之中。

公开(公告)号：US20130097647A1

公开(公告)日：2013-04-18

申请号：US13632964

申请日：2012-10-01

申请人： Paul D. Brooks ,  Tom Gonder

发明人： Paul D. Brooks ,  Tom Gonder

IPC分类号： H04N21/2385

CPC分类号： H04N21/2385 ,  H04L41/0896 ,  H04L41/147 ,  H04L41/5051 ,  H04L41/5067 ,  H04L41/509 ,  H04N21/2402 ,  H04N21/25833

摘要： Methods and apparatus for recovery and/or utilization of bandwidth within a network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a switched architecture (e.g., broadcast switched) content-delivery network such as a cable television network. Reclamation, overflow, and/or triage logical processes are selectively applied in order to more efficiently manage bandwidth utilization within the network while maintaining user experience, and optionally achieve one or more business and/or operational goals.

摘要翻译： 用于网络内的带宽的恢复和/或利用的方法和装置。 在一个实施例中，网络包括诸如有线电视网络的交换架构（例如，广播交换）内容递送网络。 选择性地应用回收，溢出和/或分类逻辑进程，以便更有效地管理网络内的带宽利用率，同时保持用户体验，并且可选地实现一个或多个业务和/或操作目标。

公开(公告)号：US07889765B2

公开(公告)日：2011-02-15

申请号：US11291328

申请日：2005-11-30

申请人： Paul D. Brooks ,  Remi Rieger

发明人： Paul D. Brooks ,  Remi Rieger

IPC分类号： H04J3/07

CPC分类号： H04N7/17309 ,  H04L12/2801 ,  H04L2007/045 ,  H04N21/2221 ,  H04N21/235 ,  H04N21/23611 ,  H04N21/435 ,  H04N21/6118

摘要： Apparatus and methods for transparently using otherwise wasted bandwidth associated with variable-rate program streams to deliver additional content. In one embodiment, the network comprises a broadcast switched architecture (BSA), and the program streams are loaded up to a target rate using “null” packets and then delivered over the network infrastructure to a plurality of hub sites. The streams are then unloaded to reproduce the original variable streams, and the bandwidth vacated by removal of the null packets used as the transport mechanism for additional (e.g., non time-sensitive) content to be delivered to the subscribers. The process can also be substantially automated and anticipatory (through, e.g., transmission of null bit insertion data downstream). The invention can also advantageously be implemented with minimal modifications to existing infrastructure, and supports business and operational supervisory processes. Network server, QAM modulator, and CPE apparatus implementing the aforementioned methodologies are also disclosed.

摘要翻译： 用于透明地使用与可变速率节目流相关联的浪费带宽以递送附加内容的装置和方法。 在一个实施例中，网络包括广播交换架构（BSA），并且使用“零”分组将节目流加载到目标速率，然后通过网络基础设施传递到多个集线器站点。 然后卸载流以再现原始可变流，并且通过移除用作传递机制的空分组腾出的带宽用于附加（例如，非时间敏感）内容被递送给订户。 该过程也可以基本上自动化和预期（通过例如下位的无效位插入数据的传输）。 本发明还可以有利地以对现有基础设施的最小修改来实现，并且支持业务和操作监督过程。 还公开了实现上述方法的网络服务器，QAM调制器和CPE装置。

公开(公告)号：US20090031384A1

公开(公告)日：2009-01-29

申请号：US11880945

申请日：2007-07-24

申请人： Paul D. Brooks ,  Remi Rieger

发明人： Paul D. Brooks ,  Remi Rieger

IPC分类号： H04N7/173

CPC分类号： H04N21/2405 ,  H04N21/23439 ,  H04N21/2402 ,  H04N21/26216 ,  H04N21/47202 ,  H04N21/64792 ,  H04N21/6582

摘要： Method and apparatus for optimizing network bandwidth utilization by delivering to users only the minimum number of programs required by service provider policies. In one embodiment, the method comprises switching some users from lower quality versions of programs to higher quality versions of the same programs, and removing those lower quality versions of programs from a given service group. In another embodiment, some users are switched from higher quality versions of programs to lower quality versions of those same programs, and the higher quality versions of programs removed from a given service group.

摘要翻译： 通过向用户传递服务提供商策略所需的最少数量的程序来优化网络带宽利用率的方法和装置。 在一个实施例中，该方法包括将一些用户从较低质量版本的程序切换到相同程序的较高质量版本，以及从给定服务组中移除那些较低质量的程序版本。 在另一个实施例中，一些用户从较高质量版本的程序切换到相同程序的较低质量版本，以及从给定服务组移除的较高质量版本的程序。

公开(公告)号：US20080192820A1

公开(公告)日：2008-08-14

申请号：US11706620

申请日：2007-02-14

申请人： Paul D. Brooks ,  Remi Rieger

发明人： Paul D. Brooks ,  Remi Rieger

IPC分类号： H04B1/66

CPC分类号： H04N21/2385 ,  G06F11/34 ,  H04L47/70 ,  H04L67/325 ,  H04N7/17318 ,  H04N21/2402 ,  H04N21/47202 ,  H04N21/47214 ,  H04N21/485 ,  H04N21/4882 ,  H04N21/6125

摘要： Apparatus and methods for handling situations where requested services require more network capacity than presently available, and notifying network users of an delay in providing such services. In one embodiment, the invention comprises apparatus and methods for the detection of capacity (e.g., bandwidth) shortage, determination of a delayed delivery mode and schedule for the delivery of the requested content, and notification of the availability of the content to the user via, e.g., on-screen display, e-mail, text message, or other mode. The user can also specify their own notification preferences and delivery time. Requests for and delivery of the content may be performed from/to different locations as well. Network server apparatus, consumer premises equipment (CPE), and a software architecture adapted to implement the foregoing functionality, are also disclosed.

摘要翻译： 用于处理所请求的服务需要比目前可用的更多网络容量的情况的装置和方法，以及通知网络用户延迟提供这种服务。 在一个实施例中，本发明包括用于检测容量（例如，带宽）短缺的确定，延迟传送模式的确定和所请求的内容的传递的调度，以及内容的可用性通知用户 ，例如屏幕显示，电子邮件，短信或其他模式。 用户还可以指定自己的通知偏好和交货时间。 内容的请求和传递也可以从/到不同的位置执行。 还公开了网络服务器设备，消费者驻地设备（CPE）以及适于实现上述功能的软件架构。

公开(公告)号：US09491498B2

公开(公告)日：2016-11-08

申请号：US13453853

申请日：2012-04-23

申请人： Paul D. Brooks ,  Remi Rieger

发明人： Paul D. Brooks ,  Remi Rieger

IPC分类号： H04N7/173 ,  H04N21/24 ,  H04N21/2343 ,  H04N21/262 ,  H04N21/472 ,  H04N21/647 ,  H04N21/658

CPC分类号： H04N21/2405 ,  H04N21/23439 ,  H04N21/2402 ,  H04N21/26216 ,  H04N21/47202 ,  H04N21/64792 ,  H04N21/6582

摘要： Method and apparatus for optimizing network bandwidth utilization by delivering to users only the minimum number of programs required by service provider policies. In one embodiment, the method comprises switching some users from lower quality versions of programs to higher quality versions of the same programs, and removing those lower quality versions of programs from a given service group. In another embodiment, some users are switched from higher quality versions of programs to lower quality versions of those same programs, and the higher quality versions of programs removed from a given service group.