CN100431347C - Apparatus and method for distributing signals by down-converting to vacant channels - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for distributing signals by down-converting to vacant channels Download PDFInfo
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- CN100431347C CN100431347C CNB2004800062835A CN200480006283A CN100431347C CN 100431347 C CN100431347 C CN 100431347C CN B2004800062835 A CNB2004800062835 A CN B2004800062835A CN 200480006283 A CN200480006283 A CN 200480006283A CN 100431347 C CN100431347 C CN 100431347C
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Abstract
A gateway apparatus (20) is capable of distributing signals such as audio, video, and/or data signals in a household and/or business dwelling using the existing coaxial cable infrastructure, and the signal distribution is controlled using the coaxial cable infrastructure as a back channel. According to an exemplary embodiment, the gateway apparatus (20) includes signal processing elements (21, 24, 25, 26) for receiving signals from a broadcast source and processing the received signals to generate processed analog signals. A back channel demodulator (27) receives a request signal from a client device (30) via a coaxial cable connecting the gateway apparatus (20) and the client device (30). The processed analog signals are provided to the client device (30) via the coaxial cable responsive to the request signal.
Description
It is respectively the ownership equity of two provisional application of 60/453,491 and 60/453,763 to United States Patent (USP) trademark office sequence number that submit to, that be assigned with that the application requires on March 11st, 2003.
Technical field
Present invention relates in general to for example distribution of the recorded content of audio frequency, video and/or data-signal, more specifically, relate to a kind of equipment and method, can utilize existing coaxial cable infrastructure in family and/or commercial domicile, to distribute the content of this record.
Background technology
In broadcasting-satellite system, satellite receives from based on the signal earth transmission machine, expression audio frequency, video and/or data message.Satellite amplifies these signals and will be by with characteristic frequency operation and repeater-transmitter (transponder) with given bandwidth, these signals heavily is broadcast to be positioned at the consumer and live residing a plurality of receiver.This system comprises: up radiating portion (that is, the earth is to satellite), earth-orbiting satellite reception and radiating portion and descender (that is, satellite is to the earth) comprise that being positioned at the consumer lives residing one or more receiver.
Come the residence of received signal for the system by for example broadcasting-satellite system, distributing the signal (comprising the received signal by the receiver record) that is received in the residence is a difficult problem.For example, many existing residences are equipped with coaxial cable, RG-59 type coaxial cable for example, and it can not easily be used to distribute the signal specific of satellite broadcast signal for example or tracer signal.For example the coaxial cable of RG-59 is not used for distributing in the residence reason of sort signal to be: coaxial cable can't be used for the distribution cable broadcast singal.Therefore, on given its band-limited coaxial cable, sort signal is difficult to and the cable broadcasting signals coexistence.For example the coaxial cable of RG-59 can not be used for distributing in the residence Another reason of signal specific to be: coaxial cable may use the frequency different a part of frequency spectrum occupied with the signal that will distribute.For example, for example the signal of satellite broadcast signal (for example may occupy a part, greater than 1GHz) be higher than the frequency spectrum (for example, less than 860MHz) of the signal frequency of can be easily on the coaxial cable of for example RG-59 and coherent signal splitter and/or repeater, distributing.
Up to now, also do not utilize existing coaxial cable infrastructure (for example, RG-59) fully to solve signal that in the residence, writes down satellite broadcast signal for example and the problem of distributing the signal that is write down.Although particular technology (for example IEEE 1394) can be used for the signal allocation in the residence, typically, this Technology Need is to the residence rewiring, and this is too high for most consumers possibility cost.In addition, existing wireless technology is unsuitable for distributing the signal of particular type, for example vision signal in the residence.
Therefore, need a kind ofly can avoid the problems referred to above equipment and method, thereby can utilize existing coaxial cable infrastructure, can in family and/or commercial residence, write down and distribute for example signal of audio frequency, video and/or data-signal.
Summary of the invention
According to an aspect of the present invention, a kind of server apparatus is disclosed.According to exemplary embodiments, described server apparatus comprises processing unit, is used to receive the signal from broadcast source, and handles the signal that receives, to produce numerical data.The memory means record numerical data.Control device enables to carry out the retrieval of numerical data from storage device.Code device utilizes error correction data that the numerical data that retrieves is encoded, to produce coding digital data.The digital to analogy conversion equipment is converted to analog signal with coded digital signal.Modulating device is modulated analog signal, to produce the analog signal of having handled, by the coaxial cable of Connection Service device equipment and client device, the described analog signal of having handled is offered client device.
According to a further aspect in the invention, a kind of being used for from the method for server apparatus to the client device distributing signal disclosed.According to exemplary embodiments, described method comprises step: receive the signal from broadcast source; The signal that response is received produces numerical data; Digital data record is arrived storage medium; From storage medium key numbers data; Utilize error correction data that the numerical data that retrieves is encoded, to produce coding digital data; Coded digital signal is converted to analog signal; Analog signal is modulated, to produce the analog signal of having handled; And the coaxial cable that passes through Connection Service device equipment and client device, the described analog signal of having handled is offered client device.
Description of drawings
By the following explanation with reference in conjunction with the accompanying drawings the embodiment of the invention, above-mentioned and other characteristics of the present invention and advantage and implementation thereof will become and more see obviously, and will understand the present invention better, wherein:
Fig. 1 is the figure that is suitable for realizing exemplary embodiments of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is the block diagram of the server apparatus of Fig. 1 of exemplary embodiments according to the present invention;
Fig. 3 is the block diagram of one of the client device of Fig. 1 of exemplary embodiments according to the present invention; And
Fig. 4 shows the flow chart of the step of exemplary embodiments according to the present invention.
Embodiment
The example has here been demonstrated the preferred embodiments of the present invention, and any type of this example is not envisioned for the restriction of the scope of the invention.
With reference now to accompanying drawing,, more specifically be with reference to figure 1, show and be suitable for realizing typical environment 100 of the present invention.In Fig. 1, environment 100 comprises: signal receiving assembly 10, have the server apparatus 20 of local output device 40 and the client device 50 that each all has relevant local output device 60.According to exemplary embodiments, signal receiving assembly 10 connects by the coaxial cable that is made of RG-6 type coaxial cable, link to each other with server apparatus 20, and the coaxial cable connection of server apparatus 20 by constituting by RG-59 type coaxial cable, link to each other with each client device 50.According to the present invention, can also use other transmission medium, for example the coaxial cable of other type, optical fiber and air.Although clearly do not illustrate among Fig. 1, environment 100 can also comprise the assembly of signal shunt for example and/or repeater.For example, environment 100 has been represented the signal distribution network in given family and/or commercial domicile.
Signal receiving assembly 10 operation is used to receive from signal one or more signal sources, that comprise audio frequency, video and/or data-signal, and for example, described signal source can be broadcasting-satellite system and/or other system of digital terrestrial broadcast system for example.According to exemplary embodiments, signal receiving assembly 10 specific implementations are that for example satellite receives the antenna of dish, also can also be embodied as the signal receiving assembly of any type, for example input terminal and/or other assembly.
Server apparatus 20 operations are used to receive from signal signal receiving assembly 10, that comprise audio frequency, video and/or data-signal, the analog signal that the signal that processing is received has been handled with generation, and the analog signal that will handle is assigned to local output device 40 and/or client device 50.According to exemplary embodiments, local output device 40 operations are used to provide and corresponding the listening and/or visual output of Analog signals that provides from server apparatus 20, and can be implemented as the simulation and/or digital device, for example single-definition (SD) and/or high definition (HD) TV-signal receiver.In addition, according to exemplary embodiments, each client device 50 operation is used to receive and handle the Analog signals that provides from server apparatus 20, thereby realizes can listening accordingly and/or visual output by its relevant local output device 60.Each local output device 60 can be implemented as simulation and/or digital device, for example SD and/or HD TV-signal receiver.Other typical detail of relevant client device 50 will be provided subsequently.
With reference to figure 2, show the block diagram of the server apparatus 20 of Fig. 1 of exemplary embodiments according to the present invention.In Fig. 2, server apparatus 20 comprises: the front end processing device of front-end processor 21 for example, for example the conditional access of CA module 22 (CA) installs, the figure editing apparatus of graphic editor 23 for example, the audio/video of A/V processor 24 (A/V) processing unit for example, for example A/V exports 25 A/V output device, the modulating/demodulating device of modulator-demodulator 26 for example, the storage device of memory 27 for example, the code device of for example forward error correction (FEC) encoder 28, the digital to analogy conversion equipment of for example two digital-to-analog converters (DAC) 29, the for example modulating device of I-Q modulator 30 and for example control/demodulating equipment of controller/Return Channel demodulator 31.Can utilize integrated circuit (IC) to realize the aforementioned components of Fig. 2, for example, can will be included among one or more IC to locking assembly arbitrarily.Simple and clear for what describe, the certain conventional assembly that is associated with server apparatus 20 is not shown, for example specific control signal, power signal and/or other assembly among Fig. 2.
Front-end processor 21 operations are used to carry out the various front-end processing functions of server apparatus 20.According to exemplary embodiments, each front-end processor 21 operation is used to carry out following processing capacity, comprising: channel tuner, analog to digital (A/D) conversion, demodulation, fec decoder and demultiplexing function.According to exemplary embodiments, the channel tuner function of each front-end processor 21 can be converted to baseband signal with the satellite broadcast signal from relative high frequency band (for example, greater than 1GHz).As described here, term " base band " refers to be in baseband level place or near signal.With tuned conversion of signals is digital signal, and described digital signal is carried out demodulation, to produce demodulated digital signal.According to exemplary embodiments, each front-end processor 21 can be operated and is used for the various types of signals of demodulation, for example quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) signal, phase shift keying (PSK, for example QPSK) signal and/or have the signal of other modulation type.The fec decoder function is applied to demodulated digital signal, thereby produces error corrected digital signals.According to typical embodiment, the fec decoder function of each front-end processor 21 can comprise: reed-solomon (R-S) FEC, deinterleaving, Viterbi and/or other function.Error corrected digital signals can be with comprising a plurality of time division multiplexing broadcast programs, and be one or more digital transport streams with its demultiplexing.As the purpose of example and explanation, the server apparatus 20 of Fig. 2 comprises four front-end processor 21 (that is, is used for local output device 40, and other is used for each client device 50).Yet in practice, the number of front-end processor 21 is contents of design alternative.For example, the number of front-end processor 21 can change according to the number of the coaxial continuous client device 50 of being served by server apparatus 20.Therefore, for " N " individual client device 50, " N+1 " individual front-end processor 21 can be arranged, wherein " N " is integer.
22 operations of CA module are used for carrying out by the digital transport stream that deciphering provides from front-end processor 21 the CA function of server apparatus 20, thereby produce the digital transport stream of deciphering.According to exemplary embodiments, CA module 22 can comprise smart card and/or other assembly that enables the CA function.
Graphic editor 23 operations are used to carry out the graphics edition function of server apparatus 20, and it can use graphical display by local output device 40.According to exemplary embodiments, graphic editor 23 produces simulation and/or digital signal, has represented for example graphical display of user interface (UI), and the user can be carried out with server apparatus 20 and/or client device 50 alternately.
24 operations of A/V processor are used to carry out the various A/V processing capacities of server apparatus 20, and this realizes listening and/or visual output by local output device 40.According to typical embodiment, 24 operations of A/V processor are used for comprising Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) decoding, national television system committee (NTSC) or the coding of other type and the function of digital to analogy (D/A) translation function by execution, the decrypted digital transport streams that processing provides from CA module 22, thus analog baseband signal produced.In this manner, the decrypted digital transport streams that provides from CA module 22 is carried out mpeg decode, to produce decoded signal.Then, decoded signal is encoded to the signal (for example, PAL, SECAM, VAB, QAM etc.) of NTSC signal or other type, and is converted into analog signal.At local output device 40 is under the situation of for example digital device of digital television signal receiver, can omit above-mentioned coding and/or D/A function.
A/V output 25 operations are used for by making the simulation and/or the digital signal that provide from graphic editor 23 and/or A/V processor 24 output to the A/V output function that local output device 40 is carried out server apparatus 20.According to exemplary embodiments, A/V can be exported the 25 A/V output device that is embodied as any type, for example wired and/or wireless outlet terminals of any type.
Modulator-demodulator 26 operations are used for and will represent that for example the signal of bill, pay TV information and/or out of Memory is provided to the service provider.According to exemplary embodiments, modulator-demodulator 26 can link to each other with the transmission medium of for example telephone wire, and can programme to it, so that this information is offered the service provider according to scheduled time table (for example, the morning on Tuesday week about 2:00 etc.).
Memory 27 operation is used to write down the numerical data that the decrypted digital transport streams that provides from CA module 22 is provided.According to exemplary embodiments, by the coaxial cable of Connection Service device equipment 20 and client device 50, client device 50 can the numerical data of Visitor Logs in memory 27 arbitrarily.For example, client device 50 can be equipped with electronic program guides (EPG) or other catalogue, and it has illustrated that (for example, by programm name, writing time etc.) are recorded in the numerical data in the memory 27.Server apparatus 20 can periodically be assigned to client device 50 with this EPG or catalogue by coaxial cable, so that be stored in numerical data in the memory 27 to user notification.In this manner, the user can carry out alternately with EPG or catalogue, so that select will retrieve and distribute to by coaxial cable the numerical data of one or more clients 50.Memory 27 can be embodied as the suitable storage medium of any type, for example hard disk drive (HDD), digital versatile disc (DVD) and/or other data storage medium.
FEC encoder 28 operation is used to utilize the numerical data that error correction data is encoded to be provided from CA module 22 and memory 27, produces coded digital signal thus.According to exemplary embodiments, 28 operations of FEC encoder are used for comprising by execution function and/or other function of R-S FEC, data interlacing, Viterbi, the decrypted digital transport streams of encoding.
The coded digital signal that two DAC 29 operations are used for providing from FEC encoder 28 is converted to analog baseband signal.According to exemplary embodiments, two DAC 29 produce analog baseband signal, as the I (that is homophase) and Q (that is the quadrature) signal that separate.
30 operations of I-Q modulator are used to modulate I and the Q analog baseband signal that provides from two DAC 29, thereby produce the Analog signals that can be provided to one or more client devices 50 by the coaxial cable of Connection Service device equipment 20 and client device 50.I-Q modulator 30 can be carried out the function that comprises conversion on the frequency, quadrature combination, filtering and/or other function.According to exemplary embodiments, one or more control signals that I-Q modulator 30 response slave controllers 31 provide are modulated analog baseband signal.This control signal makes I-Q modulator 30 that analog baseband signal is modulated on one or more available band on the coaxial cable, and the analog signal that described coaxial cable is used for having handled is provided to one or more server apparatus 50 from server apparatus 20.According to exemplary embodiments, I-Q modulator 30 is modulated to radio frequency (RF) wave band less than 1GHz with analog baseband signal.
According to optional embodiment, can utilize single DAC and radio frequency modulator (Fig. 2 is not shown) to replace two DAC 29 and I-Q modulator 30.Utilize this optional embodiment, the I-Q modulation function can be covered in the FEC encoder 28 that produces the baseband coding digital signal.Single DAC is converted to analog signal with the baseband coding digital signal.Then, radio frequency modulator is modulated to one or more available frequency bands on the coaxial cable with analog signal, so that be sent to one or more client devices 50.
Controller/Return Channel demodulator 31 operations are used to carry out data retrieval function, controlled function and the Return Channel demodulation function of server apparatus 20.According to exemplary embodiments, controller 31 can be carried out data retrieval function from one or more control signals of memory 27 key numbers data by producing.In addition, according to exemplary embodiments, controller 31 operations are used to detect the one or more available band on the coaxial cable, and described coaxial cable is used for providing the analog signal of having handled from server apparatus 20 to one or more client devices 50.As previously mentioned, detect according to this, controller 31 produces one or more control signals of control I-Q modulator 30.
According to exemplary embodiments, controller dynamically scans a plurality of frequency bands on the coaxial cable, thereby detects one or more available band.Controller 31 can detect available band by the signal power of measuring in the frequency band.If the signal power in the frequency band is lower than threshold value, controller 31 definite frequency bands can be used.According to another exemplary embodiments, controller 31 can be imported the one or more available band that detect on the coaxial cable according to the user.For example, the user can be by utilizing UI on the screen that local output device 40 provides, carry out alternately with server apparatus 20 and/or one or more client device 50, this makes the user select being used for one or more frequency bands that the signal between server apparatus 20 and the client device 50 transmits on the coaxial cable.In this manner, the user can make special frequency band on the coaxial cable be exclusively used in signal transmission between (that is, " opening recess (notchedout) ") server apparatus 20 and the client device 50.
In addition, according to exemplary embodiments, 31 operations of Return Channel demodulator are used for the request signal that demodulation provides from client device 50 by coaxial cable, and described coaxial cable is as Return Channel.This request signal can Control Server equipment 20 various functions, for example aforementioned data retrieval function and channel tuner function.For example, the demodulated request signal that Return Channel demodulator 31 produces can make controller 31 produce corresponding control signal, and this can be stored in certain digital data (for example broadcast data) in the memory 27 and/or from memory 27 and retrieve.The demodulated request signal that Return Channel demodulator 31 produces can also make controller 31 produce corresponding control signal, is used for coming the control channel tuber function by front-end processor 21.
With reference to figure 3, show the block diagram of one of the client device 50 of Fig. 1 of exemplary embodiments according to the present invention.In Fig. 3, client device 50 comprises: for example the A/V processing unit of the figure editing apparatus of the Return Channel processing unit of the front end processing device of front-end processor 51, for example Return Channel processor 52, for example graphic editor 53, for example A/V processor 54 and for example the A/V output device of A/V output 55.Can utilize IC to realize the aforementioned components of Fig. 3, for example, can be included among one or more IC for arbitrarily locking assembly.Simple and clear for what describe, the certain conventional assembly that is associated with client device 50 is not shown, for example specific control signal, power signal and/or other assembly among Fig. 3.
Front-end processor 51 operations are used to carry out the various front-end processing functions of client device 50.According to exemplary embodiments, front-end processor 51 operations are used to carry out following processing capacity, comprising: channel tuner, A/D conversion, demodulation, fec decoder and demultiplexing function.According to exemplary embodiments, the channel tuner function of front-end processor 51 will be converted to baseband signal from the Analog signals that server apparatus 20 provides by coaxial cable.With tuned conversion of signals is digital signal, and described digital signal is carried out demodulation, to produce demodulated digital signal.According to exemplary embodiments, front-end processor 51 can be operated and is used for the various types of signals of demodulation, for example quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) signal, QPSK signal and/or have the signal of other modulation type.The fec decoder function is applied to demodulated digital signal, thereby produces error corrected digital signals.According to typical embodiment, the fec decoder function of front-end processor 51 can comprise: R-S FEC, deinterleaving, Viterbi and/or other function.Error corrected digital signals can be with comprising a plurality of time division multiplexing broadcast programs, and be one or more digital transport streams with its demultiplexing.
52 operations of Return Channel processor are used to carry out the various Return Channel processing capacities of client device 50.According to exemplary embodiments, 52 operations of Return Channel processor are used to produce the request signal of the user's input that responds client device 50, and this request signal can be used for Control Server equipment 20.For example, Return Channel processor 52 can produce the request signal of response user input, and described user imports request server equipment 20 and write down particular data (for example, concrete broadcast program) in memory 27.As another example, Return Channel processor 52 can produce the request signal of response user input, described user (for example imports the specific record data of request retrieval in the memory 27 of server apparatus 20, the broadcast program of record), and by the coaxial cable of Connection Service device equipment 20 and client device 50 it is provided to client device 50.As another example, Return Channel processor 52 can produce the request signal of response user input, described user import request server equipment 20 be tuned to particular channel and the coaxial cable by Connection Service device equipment 20 and client device 50 provide signal from this channel to client device 50.Given request signal can comprise the various types of information as the design alternative content.For example, request signal can comprise the information of coming recognition data or signal according to corresponding digital transport stream.Under server apparatus 20 was receiving situation from the signal of broadcasting-satellite system, request signal can also comprise that indication provides the information of the specific repeater-transmitter of digital transport stream.The information that can also comprise other type in the request signal.
In addition, according to exemplary embodiments, Return Channel processor 52 operation is used to detect the one or more available band on the coaxial cable, and 20 request signal can be provided provide from client device 50 to server apparatus described coaxial cable.According to exemplary embodiments, Return Channel processor 52 can detect the one or more available band on the coaxial cable according to the mode identical with the controller 31 of server apparatus 20.Particularly, Return Channel processor 52 can dynamically scan a plurality of frequency bands on the coaxial cable, thereby detect one or more available frequency bands, and/or, detect the one or more available band on the coaxial cable according to user's input of selecting one or more available band.
According to first exemplary embodiments, Return Channel processor 52 can also be controlled the channel tuner function of front-end processor 51.For example, Return Channel processor 52 can comprise one of the available band that dynamically detects or the frequency band of being selected by the user in the request of gateway device 20 and signal front-end processing device 51, so that the frequency band that tuning this available band or user select.
According to second exemplary embodiments, Return Channel processor 52 can comprise all available band in request, and gateway device 20 is selected one of available band, so that the channel of selecting from the user provides broadcast singal.In second exemplary embodiments, after gateway device 20 provides request signal, Return Channel processor 52 can dynamically scan a plurality of frequency bands on the coaxial cable, so that the needed number transport stream that provides from gateway device 20 is provided.According to this second embodiment, Return Channel processor 52 can be handled the signal from a plurality of frequency bands, thereby detects the needed number transport stream.For example, Return Channel processor 52 can detect program identification information in from the signal of a plurality of frequency bands, thereby detects the needed number transport stream.In case detect the needed number transport stream, Return Channel processor 52 can front-end processor 51 provide control signal, and this makes the special frequency band that the needed number transport stream is provided on the front-end processor 51 tuning coaxial cables.
In the 3rd exemplary embodiments, Return Channel processor 52 does not comprise frequency band in request, and gateway device 20 must detect available band, so that the channel of selecting from the user provides broadcast singal.In the 3rd exemplary embodiments, as described in about second exemplary embodiments, Return Channel should detect the needed number transport stream, and makes the special frequency band that the needed number transport stream is provided on the front-end processor 51 tuning coaxial cables.
Graphic editor 53 operations are used to carry out the graphics edition function of client device 50, and it realizes graphical display by local output device 60.According to exemplary embodiments, graphic editor 53 produces simulation and/or digital signal, has represented for example graphical display of user interface (UI), and the user can be carried out with server apparatus 20 and/or client device 50 alternately.
54 operations of A/V processor are used to carry out the various A/V processing capacities of client device 50.According to typical embodiment, A/V processor 54 operation is used to carry out functions such as the coding that comprises mpeg decode, NTSC or other type and digital to analogy (D/A) translation function.In this manner, the digital transport stream that provides from front-end processor 51 is carried out mpeg decode, to produce decoded signal.Then, decoded signal is encoded to the signal (for example, PAL, SECAM, VAB, QAM etc.) of NTSC signal or other type, and is converted into analog signal.At local output device 60 is under the situation of for example digital device such as digital television signal receiver, can omit aforementioned coding and/or D/A function.
A/V output 55 operations are used for by making the simulation and/or the digital signal that provide from graphic editor 53 and/or A/V processor 54 can output to the A/V output function that local output device 60 is carried out client device 50.According to exemplary embodiments, A/V can be exported the 55 A/V output device that is embodied as any type, for example wired and/or wireless outlet terminals of any type.
For the ease of better understanding inventive principle of the present invention, provide example now.With reference to figure 4, flow chart 400 shows the step of the exemplary embodiments according to the present invention.Presented for purpose of illustration with the purpose of explaining, the step of Fig. 4 is described with reference to the assembly of the environment of earlier figures 1.The step of Fig. 4 is only as example, and and is not intended to limit by any way the present invention.
In step 410, the signal that provides from broadcast source is provided server apparatus 20.According to exemplary embodiments, server apparatus 20 by signal receiving assembly 10 receive from one or more signal sources, signals such as for example audio frequency, video and/or data-signal, for example, described signal source is broadcasting-satellite system and/or other system of digital terrestrial broadcast system for example.
In step 420, the broadcast singal that server apparatus 20 responses are received produces numerical data.According to exemplary embodiments, utilize aforesaid channel tuner, A/D conversion, demodulation, fec decoder and demultiplexing function, produce numerical data by one or more front-end processor 21 in step 420, as one or more digital transport streams.
In step 430, the digital data record that server apparatus 20 will produce in step 420 is to memory 27.According to exemplary embodiments, decipher the numerical data that produces in step 420 by CA module 22, and respond user's input of server apparatus 20 and/or client device 50, it is recorded memory 27.
In step 440, server 20 is from memory 27 key numbers data.According to exemplary embodiments, in step 440, the request signal that response provides from particular client device 50 is from memory 27 key numbers data.By Return Channel demodulator 31 it is being carried out under the situation of demodulation, can request signal be provided to server apparatus 20 by the coaxial cable of Connection Service device equipment 20 and client device 50.Then, the demodulated request signal that is produced by Return Channel demodulator 31 makes controller 31 produce corresponding control signal, and these can be from memory 27 retrieval certain digital data (for example broadcast program).
In step 450, server apparatus 20 utilizes the numerical data of error correction data coding retrieval, thereby produces coded digital signal.According to exemplary embodiments, FEC encoder 24 is encoded to the numerical data of retrieval at step 450 place by carrying out R-SFEC, data interlacing, Viterbi and/or other function.
In step 460, server apparatus 20 will be converted to analog signal at the coded digital signal that step 450 produces.According to exemplary embodiments, two DAC 29 produce as the I (that is homophase) that separates and the analog signal of Q (that is quadrature) signal in step 460.
In step 470, server apparatus 20 detect with its with coaxial cable that client device 50 links to each other on available band.As previously mentioned, in step 470, controller 31 can dynamically scan a plurality of frequency bands on the coaxial cable, so that detect available band, and/or can detect available band according to user's input of selecting available band.
In step 480, server apparatus 20 is modulated at the analog signal that step 460 produces, thereby produces Analog signals.According to exemplary embodiments, one or more control signals that I-Q modulator 30 response slave controllers 31 provide are modulated to analog signal on the available band on the detected coaxial cable of step 470.
In step 490, the available band that server apparatus 20 utilizes on the detected coaxial cable of step 470 will be provided to client device 50 in the Analog signals that step 480 produces.Can be according to simultaneously the mode step of execution graph 4 repeatedly, thus Analog signals is provided to " N " individual different client devices 50 simultaneously.In this manner, for example, according to mode simultaneously, server apparatus 20 is assigned to " N " individual different client devices 50 with " N " individual different recording broadcast program.
As mentioned above, the invention provides a kind of equipment and method, can utilize existing coaxial cable infrastructure in family and/or commercial domicile, to distribute such as recorded contents such as audio frequency, video and/or data-signals.The present invention can be applied to have or do not have the various device of display device.Therefore, word used herein " TV-signal receiver " refers to the system or equipment including, but not limited to following equipment: comprise television set, computer or the monitor of display device and do not comprise display device such as system or equipments such as set-top box, video tape recorder (VCR), digital versatile disc (DVD) player, video game box, personal video recorder (PVR), computer or miscellaneous equipments.
Although the present invention with decision design has been described, in spirit and scope of the present disclosure, can further revise the present invention.Therefore, the application is intended to cover of the present invention any modification, use or the change that utilizes its general principle.In addition, this invention is intended to cover and broken away from the disclosure but be in those skilled in the art's known or traditional range and fall into situation in the restriction of claims.
Claims (18)
1, a kind of server apparatus (20) comprising:
Processing unit (21) is used to receive the broadcast singal that takies than the frequency spectrum of the higher part of frequency spectrum that can easily distribute on specific transmission medium, and handles the described signal that receives, to produce numerical data;
Storage device (27) is used to write down described numerical data;
Control device (31) is used for realizing from described storage device (27) described numerical data being retrieved, and wherein said control device (31) also detects available band on described transmission medium;
Code device (28) is used for the described numerical data that retrieves is encoded, to produce coding digital data;
Digital to analogy conversion equipment (29) is used for described coded digital signal is converted to the analog signal that can easily be distributed on the described transmission medium;
Modulating device (30), be used for described analog signal is modulated, to produce Analog signals, wherein by connecting the transmission medium of described server apparatus (20) and client device (50), described Analog signals is offered described client device (50), and described available band is used for described Analog signals is offered described client device (50), thereby between the described Analog signals and cable broadcasting signals that are distributed on the described transmission medium, share described transmission medium.
2, server apparatus according to claim 1 (20) is characterized in that, described transmission medium comprises the RG-59 cable.
3, server apparatus according to claim 1 (20) is characterized in that, described broadcast source comprises satellite source.
4, server apparatus according to claim 1 (20) is characterized in that, described broadcast source comprises source, digital land.
5, server apparatus according to claim 1 (20) is characterized in that, described storage device (27) comprises hard disk drive (HDD).
6, server apparatus according to claim 1 (20) is characterized in that, described storage device (27) comprises digital versatile disc (DVD).
7, server apparatus according to claim 1 (20), it is characterized in that, the request signal that described control device (31) response provides from described client device (50) by described transmission medium is realized from described storage device (27) described numerical data being retrieved.
8, server apparatus according to claim 1 (20) is characterized in that, a plurality of frequency bands on the described transmission medium of described control device (31) scanning are so that detect described available band.
9, server apparatus according to claim 1 (20) is characterized in that, described control device (31) is imported according to the user who selects described available band and detected described available band.
10, a kind of being used for comprises step from the method (400) of server apparatus to the client device distributing signal:
Receive the signal (410) take than the frequency spectrum of the higher part of frequency spectrum of can be easily distributing at specific transmission medium from broadcast source;
The signal that response is received produces numerical data (420);
Digital data record is arrived storage medium (430);
From storage medium key numbers data (440);
The numerical data that retrieves is encoded, to produce coding digital data (450);
Coded digital signal is converted to the analog signal (460) that can easily be distributed on the described transmission medium;
Analog signal is modulated, to produce Analog signals (480);
Detect the available band (470) on the described transmission medium; And
Described transmission medium by Connection Service device equipment and client device, described Analog signals is offered client device (490), wherein said available band is used for described Analog signals is offered described client device, thereby between the described Analog signals and cable broadcasting signals that are distributed on the described transmission medium, share described transmission medium.
11, method according to claim 10 (400) is characterized in that, described transmission medium comprises the RG-59 cable.
12, method according to claim 10 (400) is characterized in that, described broadcast source comprises satellite source.
13, method according to claim 10 (400) is characterized in that, described broadcast source comprises source, digital land.
14, method according to claim 10 (400) is characterized in that, described storage medium comprises hard disk drive (HDD).
15, method according to claim 10 (400) is characterized in that, described storage medium comprises digital versatile disc (DVD).
16, method according to claim 10 (400) is characterized in that, response from the request signal that described client device provides, is carried out described searching step (440) by described transmission medium.
17, method according to claim 10 (400) is characterized in that, described detection step (470) comprises a plurality of frequency bands on the described transmission medium of scanning, so that discern described available band.
18, method according to claim 10 (400) is characterized in that, described detection step (470) is imported according to the user who selects described available band and carried out described detection step (470).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US45376303P | 2003-03-11 | 2003-03-11 | |
| US60/453,491 | 2003-03-11 | ||
| US60/453,763 | 2003-03-11 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN1762156A CN1762156A (en) | 2006-04-19 |
| CN100431347C true CN100431347C (en) | 2008-11-05 |
Family
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Family Applications (4)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN 200480006522 Pending CN1759608A (en) | 2003-03-11 | 2004-03-09 | Apparatus and method for distributing signals |
| CNB2004800062835A Expired - Fee Related CN100431347C (en) | 2003-03-11 | 2004-03-09 | Apparatus and method for distributing signals by down-converting to vacant channels |
| CN200480006360.7A Expired - Fee Related CN1759606B (en) | 2003-03-11 | 2004-03-09 | Apparatus and method for distributing signals by down-converting to vacant channels |
| CN 200480006520 Pending CN1759607A (en) | 2003-03-11 | 2004-03-09 | Apparatus and method for controlling signals distribution by backward channel |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN 200480006522 Pending CN1759608A (en) | 2003-03-11 | 2004-03-09 | Apparatus and method for distributing signals |
Family Applications After (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN200480006360.7A Expired - Fee Related CN1759606B (en) | 2003-03-11 | 2004-03-09 | Apparatus and method for distributing signals by down-converting to vacant channels |
| CN 200480006520 Pending CN1759607A (en) | 2003-03-11 | 2004-03-09 | Apparatus and method for controlling signals distribution by backward channel |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CN (4) | CN1759608A (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TWI530190B (en) * | 2009-01-30 | 2016-04-11 | 英特矽爾美國有限公司 | Mixed format media transmission systems and methods |
| US9793931B2 (en) * | 2009-12-14 | 2017-10-17 | Thomson Licensing | Method and apparatus for detecting transmitters for a white space device |
| CN104412577A (en) * | 2012-02-23 | 2015-03-11 | 大专院校网站公司 | Asynchronous video interview system |
| EP3075086A1 (en) * | 2013-11-25 | 2016-10-05 | Saronikos Trading and Services, Unipessoal Lda. | Method and system for the transmission and reception of radiotelevision signals of the terrestrial digital broadcasting type, and related transmitter, receiver system, transmodulator and receiver |
| CN109314588A (en) * | 2016-05-31 | 2019-02-05 | 苏玛创尼克公司 | System and method for transmitting radio station on cable system using the data business volume promoted in VHF range |
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| IT1208406B (en) * | 1987-04-27 | 1989-06-12 | Sisvel Spa | PROVISION FOR RECEPTION OF TELEVISION PROGRAMS DIRECTED BY SATELLITE |
| JP3812599B2 (en) * | 1995-12-25 | 2006-08-23 | ソニー株式会社 | Reception system and reception method, and signal processing apparatus and method |
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- 2004-03-09 CN CN 200480006522 patent/CN1759608A/en active Pending
- 2004-03-09 CN CNB2004800062835A patent/CN100431347C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2004-03-09 CN CN200480006360.7A patent/CN1759606B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2004-03-09 CN CN 200480006520 patent/CN1759607A/en active Pending
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| US6084638A (en) * | 1996-10-08 | 2000-07-04 | Hare; Charles S. | Computer interface extension system and method |
| CN1200626A (en) * | 1997-05-26 | 1998-12-02 | 松下电器产业株式会社 | Video signal player |
| CN1221260A (en) * | 1997-10-09 | 1999-06-30 | 索尼公司 | Transmitter and automobile audio apparatus using the same |
| CN1298585A (en) * | 1999-01-12 | 2001-06-06 | 索尼公司 | INformation distribution system |
| CN1326299A (en) * | 2000-03-01 | 2001-12-12 | 索尼公司 | TV signal distributor device, receiver device, transmitting system and method |
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| CN1394011A (en) * | 2001-06-28 | 2003-01-29 | 株式会社东芝 | Data broadcasting system, receiving terminal device, content providing server and method |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CN1759608A (en) | 2006-04-12 |
| CN1759606B (en) | 2010-05-05 |
| CN1762156A (en) | 2006-04-19 |
| CN1759606A (en) | 2006-04-12 |
| CN1759607A (en) | 2006-04-12 |
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