US20050020222A1 - Apparatuses and methods for tuning a frequency conversion device and processing a signal - Google Patents
Apparatuses and methods for tuning a frequency conversion device and processing a signal Download PDFInfo
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- US20050020222A1 US20050020222A1 US10/854,768 US85476804A US2005020222A1 US 20050020222 A1 US20050020222 A1 US 20050020222A1 US 85476804 A US85476804 A US 85476804A US 2005020222 A1 US2005020222 A1 US 2005020222A1
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
- H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
- H04N21/438—Interfacing the downstream path of the transmission network originating from a server, e.g. retrieving MPEG packets from an IP network
- H04N21/4382—Demodulation or channel decoding, e.g. QPSK demodulation
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
- H04N21/21—Server components or server architectures
- H04N21/222—Secondary servers, e.g. proxy server, cable television Head-end
- H04N21/2221—Secondary servers, e.g. proxy server, cable television Head-end being a cable television head-end
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
- H04N21/23—Processing of content or additional data; Elementary server operations; Server middleware
- H04N21/238—Interfacing the downstream path of the transmission network, e.g. adapting the transmission rate of a video stream to network bandwidth; Processing of multiplex streams
- H04N21/2383—Channel coding or modulation of digital bit-stream, e.g. QPSK modulation
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N7/00—Television systems
- H04N7/08—Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band, e.g. by time division
- H04N7/0806—Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band, e.g. by time division the signals being two or more video signals
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N7/00—Television systems
- H04N7/10—Adaptations for transmission by electrical cable
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Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/473,190, filed May 27, 2003, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to television systems.
- 2. Background Art
- Improvements in television (TV) technologies over the past half century have facilitated the development of different systems for providing TV signals. In addition to broadcast TV systems, such systems include community antenna TV (CATV) systems (i.e., cable TV) and direct-to-home (DTH) TV systems (i.e., satellite TV). Providers of broadcast and DTH TV signals must contend with the locations and the widths of the bands of frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum that have been allocated to them by the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Providers of CATV signals, which typically are conveyed via transmission lines, such as coaxial cables, can be limited by the lowpass filter characteristics of the transmission lines. For these reasons, the different systems generally operate over different bands of frequencies.
- Because broadcast TV systems were developed before CATV systems or DTH TV systems, a majority of TV receivers currently in use are configured to operate at the bands of frequencies assigned for broadcast TV signals. Providers of CATV signals and DTH TV signals typically furnish their users with frequency conversion devices, such as set-top boxes, so that their TV signals can be presented on these TV receivers. A TV receiver and a frequency conversion device usually are operated independently. For example, the switch that provides power to the TV receiver is different from the switch that provides power to the frequency conversion device. Likewise, each of the TV receiver and the frequency conversion device has its own tuner. Often each of the TV receiver and the frequency conversion device has a corresponding remote control unit. This can cause confusion for the user. Although universal remote control units are available that combine the functions of the TV receiver and the frequency conversion device remote control units, such a remedy entails having the user obtain a third remote control unit.
- Furthermore, it is also not uncommon that a broadcast TV channel with a given numerical designator (e.g., channel thirteen) is transmitted by a CATV system or a DTH TV system on a channel with a different numerical designator (e.g., channel nine). Here, the CATV channel or the DTH TV channel is merely a conduit for the broadcast TV channel. This situation can place the user in the position of having to remember two numerical designators for such a channel, particularly when a TV program (e.g., broadcast news) identifies the channel by the numerical designator of the broadcast TV channel. However, even when the broadcast TV channel and the CATV channel or DTH TV channel have the same numerical designator, it is not uncommon that these channels are transmitted within different bands of frequencies. For example, broadcast TV channel nineteen is transmitted at a band of frequencies centered at about 503 MHz while CATV channel nineteen is transmitted at a band of frequencies centered at about 153 MHz. Thus, there is a need for a method whereby a frequency conversion device can be tuned using a TV receiver tuner.
- Advancements in TV technologies have also facilitated the development of additional services that can be rendered via TV systems. Such services include, but are not limited to, more channels for TV programs, video on demand, and Internet communications. However, the ability to provide simultaneously several of these services to a user can be constrained by the widths of the bands of frequencies that are available for (e.g., assigned by the FCC) or capable of (e.g., the lowpass filter characteristics of transmission lines) providing TV signals. Because of these frequency constraints, expanding the number of services that TV systems can simultaneously provide depends upon an ability to increase the amount of data that can be transmitted within the given bands of frequencies.
- The development of digital formatted TV signals has been instrumental in increasing the amount of data that can be transmitted within the given frequency bands. A digital formatted TV channel consumes less bandwidth than a conventional analog formatted TV channel. Also, digital formatted TV channels can be multiplexed together for transmission. For these reasons, providers of TV signals have pursued a transition to digital formatted TV signals. Unfortunately, digital TV receivers continue to cost significantly more than their analog counterparts. Therefore, the rate of transition to digital TV receivers has lagged the rate of transition to digital formatted TV signals. Thus, there is also a need for a method whereby an analog TV receiver can receive both analog and digital TV signals.
- The present invention relates to television (TV) systems. In an embodiment, the present invention comprises an apparatus for tuning a frequency conversion device. The apparatus has a channel identifier, a channel cross-referencer, and a frequency conversion device tuner. The channel identifier is configured to identify a first channel to which a receiver is tuned. The channel cross-referencer is coupled to the channel identifier and is configured to cross-reference the first channel with a second channel. The frequency conversion device tuner is coupled to the channel cross-referencer and is configured to tune the frequency conversion device to the second channel. The first channel is defined by a first signal providing system and the second channel is defined by a second signal providing system.
- The channel identifier can identify a carrier frequency of the first channel from a leakage of an electromagnetic energy from a receiver tuner of the receiver. The leakage of the electromagnetic energy can be from a local oscillator of the receiver tuner. The channel identifier can comprise a second receiver, a processor, and an identifier. Optionally, the channel identifier can further comprise a converter. The second receiver can be configured to receive the leakage of the electromagnetic energy. The converter can be coupled to the second receiver and configured to convert the electromagnetic energy to a different format. The processor can be coupled to the second receiver and configured to derive a frequency domain distribution of the electromagnetic energy. The identifier can be coupled to the processor and configured to identify the carrier frequency from the frequency domain distribution.
- Alternatively, the channel identifier can identify a carrier frequency of the first channel from an electromagnetic signal transmitted from a remote control unit for the receiver. The channel identifier can comprise a second receiver, a processor, and an identifier. Optionally, the channel identifier can further comprise a converter. The second receiver can be configured to receive the electromagnetic signal. The converter can be coupled to the second receiver and configured to convert the electromagnetic signal to a different format. The processor can be coupled to the second receiver and configured to derive a frequency domain distribution of the electromagnetic signal. The identifier can be coupled to the processor and configured to identify the carrier frequency from the frequency domain distribution.
- The channel cross-referencer can comprise a port, a processor, and a memory. The port is coupled to the channel identifier and configured to receive first data that identifies the first channel. The processor is coupled to the port and configured to produce second data that identifies the second channel. The memory is coupled to the processor and configured to store the second data.
- In another embodiment, the present invention comprises an apparatus for processing a signal. The apparatus has an input port, a signal format identifier, a switch, a converter, an output port, and a bypass signal path. The input port is configured to receive the signal. The signal format identifier is coupled to the input port and configured to identify the signal as having a first format or a second format. The switch is coupled to the signal format identifier. The converter is coupled to the switch and configured to convert the signal from the first format to the second format. The output port is coupled to the converter and configured to produce the signal. The bypass signal path is coupled between the output port and the switch and configured to convey the signal. The first format is an analog format or a digital format. If the first-format is an analog format, then the second format is a digital format. If the first format is a digital format, then the second format is an analog format.
- The signal format identifier can determine if energy within a frequency band of the signal is greater than a threshold energy. The signal format identifier can comprise a filter, a comparer, and a controller. The filter can be configured to isolate the energy within the frequency band. The comparer can be coupled to the filter and configured to compare the energy within the frequency band with the threshold energy. The controller can be coupled to the comparer and configured to position the switch.
- Optionally, the apparatus can further comprise a mixer coupled to the output port and configured to convert the signal from being centered at a first frequency to being centered at a second frequency.
- Optionally, the apparatus can further comprise a demodulator and an encoder. The demodulator can be coupled to the converter and configured to demodulate the signal. The encoder can be coupled to the converter and configured to encode the signal. The apparatus can also optionally further comprise a mixer. The mixer can be coupled to the demodulator and configured to convert the signal from being centered at a first frequency to being centered at a second frequency. The apparatus can also optionally further comprise a demultiplexer and a filter. The demultiplexer can be coupled to the demodulator and configured to demultiplex the signal to a first channel and to a second channel. The filter can be coupled to the encoder and configured to isolate the first channel from the second channel. The apparatus can also optionally further comprise a combiner. The combiner can be coupled to the encoder and configured to combine the first channel with the second channel.
- In yet another embodiment, the present invention comprises a method for tuning a frequency conversion device. A first channel to which a receiver is tuned is identified. The first channel is cross-referenced with a second channel. The frequency conversion device is tuned to the second channel. The first channel is defined by a first signal providing system and the second channel is defined by a second signal providing system.
- To identify the first channel, a carrier frequency of the first channel to which the receiver is tuned can be identified from a leakage of electromagnetic energy from a receiver tuner of the receiver. The electromagnetic energy can be at a radio frequency. To identify the carrier frequency, the leakage of the electromagnetic energy can be received. Optionally, the electromagnetic energy can be converted to a digital format. A frequency domain distribution of the electromagnetic energy can be derived. The carrier frequency can be identified from the frequency domain distribution.
- Alternatively, to identify the first channel, a carrier frequency of the first channel to which the receiver is tuned can be identified from an electromagnetic signal transmitted from a remote control unit for the receiver. The electromagnetic signal can be at an infrared frequency, a radio frequency, or other frequency. To identify the carrier frequency, the electromagnetic signal can be received. Optionally, the electromagnetic signal can be converted to a digital format. A frequency domain distribution of the electromagnetic signal can be derived. The carrier frequency can be identified from the frequency domain distribution. To cross-reference the first channel with the second channel, first data that identifies the first channel can be received. The first data can be cross-referenced with second data that identifies the second channel. The second data can be produced.
- In still another embodiment, the present invention comprises a method for processing a signal. The signal is identified as having a first format or a second format. The first format is an analog format or a digital format. If the first format is an analog format, then the second format is a digital format. If the first format is a digital format, then the second format is an analog format. The signal can be a radio frequency signal. If the signal has the first format, then the signal is converted from the first format to the second format. Preferably, if the signal has the second format, then the signal is conveyed. Optionally, the signal can be converted from being centered at a first frequency to being centered at a second frequency.
- To identify the format of the signal, energy within a frequency band of the signal can be determined to be greater than a threshold energy. The frequency band can be within a channel of the signal. To determine if the energy within the frequency band is greater than the threshold energy, the energy within the frequency band can be isolated and compared with the threshold energy.
- Optionally, if the signal has the first format, then the signal can be converted from being centered at a first frequency to being centered at a second frequency, demodulated, encoded, or any combination of the foregoing. Optionally, if the signal has a first channel multiplexed with a second channel, then the signal can be demultiplexed to the first channel and to the second channel. Optionally, if the signal has a first channel and a second channel, then the first channel can be combined with the second channel. Optionally, if the signal has a first channel and a second channel, then the first channel can be isolated from the second channel.
- The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.
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FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a frequency conversiondevice tuning apparatus 100 of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment ofchannel identifier 102. -
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment ofchannel identifier 102. -
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an embodiment ofchannel cross-referencer 104. -
FIG. 5A is a block diagram of an embodiment of asignal processing apparatus 500 of the present invention. -
FIGS. 5B and 5C are graphs offirst format 516 andsecond format 518. -
FIG. 5D is a graph ofenergy 520 withinfrequency band 522. -
FIG. 6A is a block diagram of an embodiment of asignal processing apparatus 600 of the present invention. -
FIGS. 6B-6E are graphs ofsignal 514 as a function of frequency. -
FIG. 7A is a block diagram of an embodiment of asignal processing apparatus 700 of the present invention. -
FIGS. 7B-71 are graphs ofsignal 514 as a function of frequency. -
FIG. 8 shows a flow chart of amethod 800 for tuning a frequency conversion device in the manner of the present invention. -
FIG. 9 shows a flow chart of amethod 802 a for identifying a first channel to which a receiver is tuned. -
FIG. 10 shows a flow chart of amethod 802 b for identifying a first channel to which a receiver is tuned. -
FIG. 11 shows a flow chart of amethod 804 for cross-referencing the first channel with a second channel. -
FIG. 12 shows a flow chart of amethod 1200 for processing a signal in the manner of the present invention. -
FIG. 13 shows a flow chart of amethod 1202 for identifying the signal channel as having a first format or a second format. - The preferred embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the figures where like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Also in the figures, the left most digit of each reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number is first used.
- The present invention relates to television (TV) systems. Because broadcast TV systems were developed before community antenna TV (CATV) systems or direct-to-home (DTH) TV systems, a majority of TV receivers currently in use are configured to operate at the bands of frequencies assigned for broadcast TV signals. Providers of CATV signals and DTH TV signals typically furnish their users with frequency conversion devices, such as set-top boxes, so that their TV signals can be presented on these TV receivers. A TV receiver and a frequency conversion device usually are operated independently. For example, the switch that provides power to the TV receiver is different from the switch that provides power to the frequency conversion device. Likewise, each of the TV receiver and the frequency conversion device has its own tuner.
- It is also not uncommon that a broadcast TV channel with a given numerical designator (e.g., channel thirteen) is transmitted by a CATV system or a DTH TV system on a channel with a different numerical designator (e.g., channel nine). Here, the CATV channel or the DTH TV channel is merely a conduit for the broadcast TV channel. This situation can place the user in the position of having to remember two numerical designators for such a channel, particularly when a TV program (e.g., broadcast news) identifies the channel by the numerical designator of the broadcast TV channel. However, even when the broadcast TV channel and the CATV channel or DTH TV channel have the same numerical designator, it is not uncommon that these channels are transmitted within different bands of frequencies. For example, broadcast TV channel nineteen is transmitted at a band of frequencies centered at about 503 MHz while CATV channel nineteen is transmitted at a band of frequencies centered at about 153 MHz. The present invention is directed towards an apparatus and a method for tuning a frequency conversion device using a TV receiver tuner.
- Furthermore, the ability to provide simultaneously several services to a user via a TV system can be constrained by the widths of the bands of frequencies that are available for (e.g., assigned by the Federal Communications Commission) or capable of (e.g., the lowpass filter characteristics of transmission lines) providing TV signals. Because of these frequency constraints, expanding the number of services that TV systems can simultaneously provide depends upon an ability to increase the amount of data that can be transmitted within the given bands of frequencies. For this reason, providers of TV signals have pursued a transition to digital formatted TV signals.
- Unfortunately, digital TV receivers continue to cost significantly more than their analog counterparts. Therefore, the rate of transition to digital TV receivers has lagged the rate of transition to digital formatted TV signals. Accordingly, the present invention is also directed towards an apparatus and a method for receiving both analog and digital TV signals at an analog TV receiver.
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FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a frequency conversiondevice tuning apparatus 100 of the present invention.Apparatus 100 comprises achannel identifier 102, achannel cross-referencer 104, and a frequencyconversion device tuner 106.Channel identifier 102 is configured to identify afirst channel 108 to which areceiver 110 is tuned.First channel 108 is defined by a firstsignal providing system 112. For example, firstsignal providing system 112 can be, but is not limited to, a broadcast TV system. For example,receiver 110 can be, but is not limited to, a TV receiver.Channel cross-referencer 104 is coupled tochannel identifier 102 and is configured to cross-referencefirst channel 108 with asecond channel 114.Second channel 114 is defined by a secondsignal providing system 116. For example, secondsignal providing system 116 can be, but is not limited to, a CATV system or a DTH TV system. Frequencyconversion device tuner 106 is coupled tochannel cross-referencer 104 and is configured to tune afrequency conversion device 118 tosecond channel 114. For example,frequency conversion device 118 can be a set-top box. - If
first channel 108 of firstsignal providing system 110 has a given numerical designator (e.g., channel thirteen) is transmitted by secondsignal providing system 116 onsecond channel 114, which has a different numerical designator (e.g., channel nine), thenapparatus 100 can tunefrequency conversion device 118 using the tuner ofreceiver 110 so thatfirst channel 108 is identified by its given numerical designator (e.g., channel thirteen) even though second channel 114 (e.g., channel nine) is transmitted toreceiver 110. Likewise, iffirst channel 108 andsecond channel 114 have the same numerical designator (e.g., channel nineteen) but are transmitted within different bands of frequencies (e.g., bands of frequencies centered, respectively, at about 503 MHz and about 153 MHz), thenapparatus 100 can tunefrequency conversion device 118 using the tuner ofreceiver 110 so thatfrequency conversion device 118 convertsfirst channel 108 to the band of frequencies forsecond channel 114. -
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment ofchannel identifier 102.Channel identifier 102 can identify acarrier frequency 202 offirst channel 108 from a leakage of anelectromagnetic energy 204 from areceiver tuner 206 ofreceiver 110. Leakage of theelectromagnetic energy 204 can be, but is not necessarily, from alocal oscillator 208 ofreceiver tuner 206.Channel identifier 102 can comprise asecond receiver 210, aprocessor 212, and anidentifier 214. Optionally,channel identifier 102 can further comprise aconverter 216.Second receiver 210 can be configured to receive leakage of theelectromagnetic energy 204.Converter 216 can be coupled tosecond receiver 210 and configured to convert the electromagnetic energy to a different format. For example, if the electromagnetic energy has an analog format, thenconverter 216 can convert the electromagnetic energy to a digital format.Processor 212 can be coupled tosecond receiver 210 and configured to derive afrequency domain distribution 218 of the electromagnetic energy. For example,frequency domain distribution 218 can be derived as a Fast Fourier Transform of the digital formatted leakage of theelectromagnetic energy 204.Identifier 214 can be coupled toprocessor 212 and configured to identifycarrier frequency 202 fromfrequency domain distribution 218. For example, the electromagnetic energy atcarrier frequency 202 can be greater than the electromagnetic energy at other frequencies withinfrequency domain distribution 218.Processor 212,identifier 214, or both can be realized using hardware, software, firmware, or any combination of the foregoing. -
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment ofchannel identifier 102.Channel identifier 102 can identifycarrier frequency 202 offirst channel 108 from anelectromagnetic signal 302 transmitted from a remote control unit 304 forreceiver 110.Channel identifier 102 can comprise asecond receiver 306,processor 212, andidentifier 214. Optionally,channel identifier 102 can further compriseconverter 216.Second receiver 306 can be configured to receiveelectromagnetic signal 302.Converter 216 can be coupled tosecond receiver 306 and configured to convertelectromagnetic signal 302 to a different format. For example, ifelectromagnetic signal 302 has an analog format, thenconverter 216 can convertelectromagnetic signal 302 to a digital format.Processor 212 can be coupled tosecond receiver 306 and configured to derivefrequency domain distribution 218 ofelectromagnetic signal 302. For example,frequency domain distribution 218 can be derived as a Fast Fourier Transform of the digital formattedelectromagnetic signal 302.Identifier 214 can be coupled toprocessor 212 and configured to identifycarrier frequency 202 fromfrequency domain distribution 218. For example, the electromagnetic energy atcarrier frequency 202 can be greater than the electromagnetic energy at other frequencies withinfrequency domain distribution 218.Processor 212,identifier 214, or both can be realized using hardware, software, firmware, or any combination of the foregoing. - The skilled artisan recognizes alternative embodiments for
channel identifier 102. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the configurations ofchannel identifier 102 as depicted atFIGS. 2 and 3 . -
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an embodiment ofchannel cross-referencer 104.Channel cross-referencer 104 can comprise aport 402, aprocessor 404, and amemory 406.Port 402 is coupled tochannel identifier 102 and configured to receivefirst data 408 that identifiesfirst channel 108.Processor 404 is coupled toport 402 and configured to producesecond data 410 that identifiessecond channel 114.Memory 406 is coupled toprocessor 404 and configured to storesecond data 410. For example, in addition to identifyingfirst channel 108,first data 408 can also identify an address 412 inmemory 406 at whichsecond data 410 is stored.Processor 404 can receivefirst data 408 fromport 402.Processor 404 can access, inmemory 406, address 412 identified byfirst data 408 and producesecond data 410. Therefore,second channel 114 is transmitted toreceiver 110 even though it is tuned tofirst channel 108.Processor 404 can be realized using hardware, software, firmware, or any combination of the foregoing. The skilled artisan recognizes alternative embodiments forchannel cross-referencer 104. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the configuration ofchannel cross-referencer 104 as depicted atFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 5A is a block diagram of an embodiment of asignal processing apparatus 500 of the present invention.Apparatus 500 comprises aninput port 502, asignal format identifier 504, aswitch 506, aconverter 508, anoutput port 510, and abypass signal path 512.Input port 502 is configured to receive asignal 514.Signal format identifier 504 is coupled to inputport 502 and configured to identify signal 514 as having afirst format 516 or asecond format 518.First format 516 is an analog format or a digital format. Iffirst format 516 is an analog format, thensecond format 518 is a digital format (FIG. 5B ). Iffirst format 516 is a digital format, thensecond format 518 is an analog format (FIG. 5C ).Switch 506 is coupled to signalformat identifier 504.Converter 508 is coupled to switch 506 and configured to convert signal 514 fromfirst format 516 tosecond format 518.Output port 510 is coupled toconverter 508 and configured to producesignal 514.Bypass signal path 512 is coupled betweenoutput port 510 and switch 506 and configured to conveysignal 514. -
Signal format identifier 504 can determine if anenergy 520 within afrequency band 522 ofsignal 514 is greater than a threshold energy 524 (FIG. 5D ).Signal format identifier 504 can comprise afilter 526, acomparer 528, and acontroller 530.Filter 526 can be configured to isolateenergy 520 withinfrequency band 522.Comparer 528 can be coupled to filter 526 and configured to compareenergy 520 withinfrequency band 522 withthreshold energy 524.Controller 530 can be coupled tocomparer 528 and configured to positionswitch 506.Filter 526,comparer 528,controller 530, or any combination of the foregoing can be realized using hardware, software, firmware, or any combination of the foregoing. Furthermore,controller 530 can be realized using an electromechanical device or a microelectromechanical device. - For example, the National Television System Committee (NTSC) has established a technical standard for a broadcast TV channel for a TV signal having a conventional analog format. According to the NTSC technical standard, the carrier frequency for the video signal is 1.75 MHz less than the central frequency of the TV channel and the carrier frequency for the audio signal is 2.75 MHz greater than the central frequency of the TV channel. Most of
energy 520 for a TV channel having a conventional analog format according to the NTSC technical standard is at frequencies near to the carrier frequency for the video signal and at frequencies near to the carrier frequency for the audio signal. For a TV channel having a conventional analog format according to the NTSC technical standard, little ofenergy 520 is at the central frequency of the TV channel. In contrast, for a TV channel having a digital format, a substantial portion ofenergy 520 is at the central frequency of the TV channel. -
Threshold energy 524 can be set so that iffrequency band 522 has a width that is less than about 3.5 MHz and is located near the central frequency of the TV channel, thenenergy 520 isolated byfilter 526 is: (1) less thanthreshold energy 524 if the TV channel has a conventional analog format according to the NTSC technical standard and (2) greater thanthreshold energy 524 if the TV channel has a digital format. In this manner, the format of the TV signal can be identified as analog or digital. Preferably,filter 526 is tunable and configured so that it can be adjusted in conjunction with tuningfrequency conversion device 118.Frequency band 522 is not limited to the frequencies recited herein. - If the TV channel has an analog format, then
controller 530 positions switch 506 so that it couplesinput port 502 tooutput port 510 via signal formatbypass signal path 512. If the TV channel has a digital format, thencontroller 530 positions switch 506 so that it couplesinput port 502 tooutput port 510 viaconverter 508.Apparatus 500 can also be conversely configured so thatconverter 508 is an analog-to-digital converter andcontroller 530 positions switch 506 so that it couplesinput port 502 tooutput port 510 viabypass signal path 512 if the TV channel has a digital format, but couplesinput port 502 tooutput port 510 viaconverter 508 if the TV channel has an analog format. Switch 506 can be realized by any of a variety of means including, but not limited to a conventional switch, a relay, a transistor, and a microelectromechanical device. - The skilled artisan recognizes alternative embodiments for
signal format identifier 504. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the configuration ofsignal format identifier 504 as depicted atFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 6A is a block diagram of an embodiment of asignal processing apparatus 600 of the present invention.Apparatus 600 comprisesinput port 502,signal format identifier 504,switch 506,converter 508,output port 510, andbypass signal path 512.Apparatus 600 can further comprise any of afirst mixer 602, ademodulator 604, anencoder 606, and asecond mixer 608. Described below is an embodiment ofapparatus 600 that comprises all of these elements. However, the skilled artisan recognizes alternative embodiments that incorporate some, but not all, of these elements. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the configuration ofapparatus 600 as depicted atFIG. 6 . -
Input port 502 is configured to receivesignal 514.Signal format identifier 504 is coupled to inputport 502 and configured to identify signal 514 as havingfirst format 516 orsecond format 518.First format 516 is a digital format or an analog format. Iffirst format 516 is a digital format, thensecond format 518 is an analog format. Iffirst format 516 is an analog format, thensecond format 518 is a digital format.Switch 506 is coupled to signalformat identifier 504.First mixer 602 is configured to be coupled to switch 506 and to convert signal 514 from being centered at a first frequency 610 (FIG. 6B ) to being centered at a second frequency 612 (FIG. 6C ). For example, first frequency 610 can be a radio frequency and second frequency 612 can be a baseband frequency to facilitate format conversion. Preferably,first mixer 602 is tunable and configured so that first frequency 610 can be adjusted in conjunction with tuningfrequency conversion device 118. -
Demodulator 604 is coupled tofirst mixer 602 and configured to demodulatesignal 514. Iffirst format 516 is a digital format, then preferably such demodulation is quadrature amplitude demodulation. The skilled artisan is familiar with implementing quadrature amplitude demodulation.Encoder 606 is coupled todemodulator 604 and configured to encodesignal 514.Encoder 606 can comprise a video encoder (not shown), an audio encoder (not shown) (e.g., an encoder that complies with a Broadcast Television System Committee stereo encoding standard), and a combiner (not shown) to combine the results of the video encoder and the audio encoder. The skilled artisan is familiar with implementing such an encoding scheme. -
Converter 508 is coupled toencoder 606 and configured to convert signal 514 fromfirst format 516 tosecond format 518.Bypass signal path 512 is configured to be coupled to switch 506 and to conveysignal 514.Second mixer 608 is coupled toconverter 508 andbypass signal path 512 and configured to convert signal 514 from being centered at a third frequency 614 (FIG. 6D ) to being centered at a fourth frequency 616 (FIG. 6E ). Preferably,second mixer 608 is tunable and configured so that fourth frequency 616 can be adjusted in conjunction with tuningfrequency conversion device 118.Output port 510 is coupled tosecond mixer 608 and configured to producesignal 514. - For example, if
signal 514 received atinput port 502 has a digital format, then third frequency 614 can be a baseband frequency and fourth frequency 616 can be a radio frequency. In another example, ifsignal 514 received atinput port 502 has an analog format, then third frequency 614 can be a first radio frequency and fourth frequency 616 can be a second radio frequency. For instance, ifsignal 514 received atinput port 502 is second channel 114 (e.g., channel nineteen) provided by second signal providing system 116 (e.g., CATV), butreceiver 110 is configured to operate at the bands of frequencies assigned for first signal providing system 112 (e.g., broadcast TV), thensecond mixer 608 can be configured to convertsecond channel 114 centered at third frequency 614 (e.g., about 153 MHz) to first channel 108 (e.g., channel nineteen) centered at fourth frequency 616 (e.g., about 503 MHz). -
FIG. 7A is a block diagram of an embodiment of asignal processing apparatus 700 of the present invention.Apparatus 700 comprisesinput port 502,signal format identifier 504,switch 506,converter 508,output port 510, andbypass signal path 512.Apparatus 700 can further comprise any offirst mixer 602,demodulator 604, ademultiplexer 702,encoder 606, an encoder 704, acombiner 706, a filter 708, andsecond mixer 608. Described below is an embodiment ofapparatus 700 that comprises all of these elements. However, the skilled artisan recognizes alternative embodiments that incorporate some, but not all, of these elements. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the configuration ofapparatus 700 as depicted atFIG. 7 . -
Input port 502 is configured to receivesignal 514.Signal format identifier 504 is coupled to inputport 502 and configured to identify signal 514 as havingfirst format 516 orsecond format 518. Ifsignal 514 hasfirst format 516, then signal 514 has a first channel 710 a multiplexed with a second channel 710 b.First format 516 is a digital format or an analog format. Iffirst format 516 is a digital format, thensecond format 518 is an analog format. Iffirst format 516 is an analog format, thensecond format 518 is a digital format.Switch 506 is coupled to signalformat identifier 504.First mixer 602 is configured to be coupled to switch 506.First mixer 602 is configured to convert first channel 710 a from being centered at afifth frequency 712 to being centered at an sixth frequency 714 and to convert second channel 710 b from being centered at a seventh frequency 716 to being centered at an eighth frequency 718 (FIGS. 7B and 7C ). For example,fifth frequency 712 and seventh frequency 716 can be radio frequencies and sixth frequency 714 and eighth frequency 718 can be baseband frequencies to facilitate format conversion. -
Demodulator 604 is coupled tofirst mixer 602 and configured to demodulatesignal 514. Iffirst format 516 is a digital format, then preferably such demodulation is quadrature amplitude demodulation. The skilled artisan is familiar with implementing quadrature amplitude demodulation.Demultiplexer 702 is coupled todemodulator 604 and configured todemultiplex signal 514 to first channel 710 a (FIG. 7D ) and to second channel 710 b (FIG. 7E ).Encoders 606 and 704 are coupled todemultiplexer 702.Encoder 606 is configured to encode first channel 710 a; encoder 704 is configured to encode second channel 710 b.Combiner 706 is coupled toencoders 606 and 704 and configured to combine first channel 710 a with second channel 710 b. Filter 708 is coupled tocombiner 706 and configured to isolate first channel 710 a or second channel 710 b. Preferably, filter 708 is tunable and configured so that it can be adjusted in conjunction with tuningfrequency conversion device 118. For example, if first channel 710 a is centered at sixth frequency 714 and second channel 710 b is centered at eighth frequency 718 (FIG. 7F ), then filter 708 can be tuned to sixth frequency 714 to pass first channel 710 a and to block second channel 710 b (FIG. 7G ), or filter 708 can be tuned to eighth frequency 718 to pass second channel 710 b and to block first channel 710 a. -
Converter 508 is coupled to filter 708 and configured to convert signal 514 (i.e., first channel 710 a or second channel 710 b) fromfirst format 516 tosecond format 518.Bypass signal path 512 is configured to be coupled to switch 506 and to conveysignal 514.Second mixer 608 is coupled toconverter 508 andbypass signal path 512 and configured to convert signal 514 from being centered at a ninth frequency 720 (FIG. 7H ) to being centered at a tenth frequency 722 (FIG. 71 ). Preferably,second mixer 608 is configured so that tenth frequency 722 can be adjusted in conjunction with tuningfrequency conversion device 118.Output port 510 is coupled tosecond mixer 608 and configured to producesignal 514. - The format conversion function of
converter 508 can be performed before or after the channel isolation function of filter 708. Furthermore, ifapparatus 500 included a converter for each channel, then the conversion function of these converters can be performed before the combination function ofcombiner 706. -
FIG. 8 shows a flow chart of amethod 800 for tuning a frequency conversion device in the manner of the present invention. Inmethod 800, at astep 802, a first channel to which a receiver is tuned is identified. The first channel is defined by a first signal providing system. For example, the receiver can be a TV receiver. For example, the first channel can be channel nineteen as defined by a broadcast TV system (e.g., transmitted at a band of frequencies centered at about 503 MHz). At astep 804, the first channel is cross-referenced with a second channel. The second channel is defined by a second signal providing system. For example, the second channel can be channel nineteen as defined by a CATV system (e.g., transmitted at a band of frequencies centered at about 153 MHz). At astep 806, the frequency conversion device is tuned to the second channel. For example, the frequency conversion device can be a set-top box. - The first channel can be identified by identifying a carrier frequency of the first channel from a leakage of an electromagnetic energy from a receiver tuner of the receiver. For example, the electromagnetic energy can be at a radio frequency.
FIG. 9 shows a flow chart of amethod 802 a for identifying a first channel to which a receiver is tuned. Inmethod 802 a, at astep 902, the leakage of the electromagnetic energy is received. For example, leakage of the electromagnetic energy can be, but is not necessarily, from a local oscillator of a receiver tuner. Optionally, at astep 904, the electromagnetic energy can be converted to a digital format. At astep 906, a frequency domain distribution of the electromagnetic energy can be derived. For example, the frequency domain distribution can be derived as a Fast Fourier Transform of the digital formatted leakage of the electromagnetic energy. At astep 908, the carrier frequency can be identified from the frequency domain distribution. For example, the electromagnetic energy at the carrier frequency can be greater than the electromagnetic energy at other frequencies within frequency domain distribution. - The first channel can be identified by identifying a carrier frequency of the first channel from an electromagnetic signal from a remote control unit for the receiver. For example, the electromagnetic signal can be at an infrared frequency, a radio frequency, or other frequency.
FIG. 10 shows a flow chart of amethod 802 b for identifying a first channel to which a receiver is tuned. Inmethod 802 b, at astep 1002, the electromagnetic signal is received. Optionally, at astep 1004, the electromagnetic signal can be converted to a digital format. At astep 1006, a frequency domain distribution of the electromagnetic signal can be derived. For example, the frequency domain distribution can be derived as a Fast Fourier Transform of the digital formatted electromagnetic signal. At astep 1008, the carrier frequency can be identified from the frequency domain distribution. For example, the electromagnetic energy at the carrier frequency can be greater than the electromagnetic energy at other frequencies within frequency domain distribution. - The skilled artisan recognizes alternative methods for identifying a first channel to which a receiver is tuned. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the methods depicted at
FIGS. 9 and 10 . -
FIG. 11 shows a flow chart of amethod 804 for cross-referencing the first channel with a second channel. Inmethod 804, at astep 1102, first data that identifies the first channel is received. At astep 1104, the first data is cross-referenced with second data that identifies the second channel that corresponds to the first channel. At astep 1106, the second data is produced. For example, in addition to identifying the first channel, the first data can also identify an address in a memory at which the second data is stored. A processor can receive the first data, access in memory the address identified by the first data, and produce the second data. The skilled artisan recognizes alternative methods for cross-referencing the first channel with a second channel. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the method as depicted atFIG. 11 . -
FIG. 12 shows a flow chart of amethod 1200 for processing a signal in the manner of the present invention. Described below is an embodiment ofmethod 1200 that includes several optional steps. However, the skilled artisan recognizes alternative embodiments that incorporate some, but not all, of these several optional steps. Accordingly,method 1200 is not limited to the configuration that includes each of these several optional steps as depicted atFIG. 12 . - In
method 1200, at astep 1202, the signal is identified as having a first format or a second format. The first format is an analog format or a digital format. If the first format is an analog format, then the second format is an digital format. If the first format is a digital format, then the second format is an analog format. The signal can be a radio frequency signal. At astep 1216, if the signal has the first format, then the signal is converted from the first format to the second format. Preferably, at astep 1218, if the signal has the second format, then the signal is conveyed. Optionally, at astep 1220, the signal can be converted from being centered at a first frequency to being centered at a second frequency. For example, if the signal has a digital format, then the first frequency can be a baseband frequency (see below) and the second frequency can be a radio frequency. In another example, if the signal has an analog format, then the first frequency can be a first radio frequency and the second frequency can be a second radio frequency. For instance, if the signal is TV channel nineteen, then the first frequency can be about 153 MHz (e.g., CATV channel nineteen) and the second frequency can be about 503 MHz (e.g., broadcast TV channel nineteen). - If the signal has the first format, then several optional steps can be performed in addition to the signal being converted from the first format to the second format at
step 1216. If the signal has the first format, then optionally, at astep 1204, the signal can be converted from being centered at a third frequency to being centered at a fourth frequency. For example, the third frequency can be a radio frequency and the fourth frequency can be a baseband frequency to facilitate format conversion. If the signal has the first format, then optionally, at astep 1206, the signal can be demodulated. If the first format is a digital format, then preferably such demodulation is quadrature amplitude demodulation. The skilled artisan is familiar with implementing quadrature amplitude demodulation. - If the signal has a first channel multiplexed with a second channel, then optionally, at a
step 1208, the signal can be demultiplexed to the first channel and to the second channel. If the signal has the first format, then optionally, at astep 1210, the signal can be encoded. Such encoding can comprise video encoding and audio encoding. The skilled artisan is familiar with implementing such an encoding scheme. If the signal has a first channel and a second channel, then each channel can be encoded. If the signal has a first channel and a second channel, then optionally, at astep 1212, the first channel can be combined with the second channel. If the signal has a first channel and a second channel, then optionally, at astep 1214, the first channel can be isolated from the second channel. For example, if the first channel is centered at a fifth frequency and the second channel is centered at a sixth frequency, then a filter can be used to pass the first channel and to block the second channel. - The signal can be identified as having the first format or the second format by determining if an energy within a frequency band of the signal is greater than a threshold energy. The frequency band can be within a channel of the signal.
FIG. 13 shows a flow chart of amethod 1202 for identifying the signal channel as having a first format or a second format. Inmethod 1202, at astep 1302, the energy within the frequency band is isolated. At astep 1304, the energy within the frequency band is compared with the threshold energy. - For example, the NTSC has established a technical standard for a broadcast TV channel for a TV signal having a conventional analog format. According to the NTSC technical standard, the carrier frequency for the video signal is 1.75 MHz less than the central frequency of the TV channel and the carrier frequency for the audio signal is 2.75 MHz greater than the central frequency of the TV channel. Most of the energy for a TV channel having a conventional analog format according to the NTSC technical standard is at frequencies near to the carrier frequency for the video signal and at frequencies near to the carrier frequency for the audio signal. For a TV channel having a conventional analog format according to the NTSC technical standard, little of the energy is at the central frequency of the TV channel. In contrast, for a TV channel having a digital format, a substantial portion of the energy is at the central frequency of the TV channel.
- The threshold energy can be set so that if the frequency band has a width that is less than about 3.5 MHz and is located near the central frequency of the TV channel, then the isolated energy is: (1) less than the threshold energy if the TV channel has a conventional analog format according to the NTSC technical standard and (2) greater than the threshold energy if the TV channel has a digital format. In this manner, the format of the TV signal can be identified as analog or digital.
- The skilled artisan recognizes alternative methods for identifying the signal as having a first format or a second format. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the method as depicted at
FIG. 13 . - Conclusion
- While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.
Claims (38)
Priority Applications (1)
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US10/854,768 US20050020222A1 (en) | 2003-05-27 | 2004-05-27 | Apparatuses and methods for tuning a frequency conversion device and processing a signal |
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US47319003P | 2003-05-27 | 2003-05-27 | |
US10/854,768 US20050020222A1 (en) | 2003-05-27 | 2004-05-27 | Apparatuses and methods for tuning a frequency conversion device and processing a signal |
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US10/854,769 Expired - Fee Related US7233778B2 (en) | 2003-05-27 | 2004-05-27 | Apparatus and method for converting a signal from a first analog format to a second analog format |
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US8528034B2 (en) * | 2010-04-28 | 2013-09-03 | Comcast Cable Communications, Llc | Multi-mode modem |
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US7233778B2 (en) | 2007-06-19 |
US20050017882A1 (en) | 2005-01-27 |
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