Abstract: The invention provides a system and a method for providing a multiplexed sequence, the multiplexed sequence including at least one sequence of basic media data units/modified basic media data units, the system and method are responsive to at least one characteristics (such as quality, quality degradation, compression level and the like, a combination of at least two of the characteristics) of at least of some of the basic media data units.

Abstract: A separating device and method and a signal receiving device and method are presented. The separating device and method receive plural data streams and then separate and extract at least a portion of data from the received data streams. The signal receiving device and method receive plural data streams and then select, separate and extract at least a portion of the data from the data streams. Then the signal receiving device and method apply signal processing to the portion of the data that has been selected, separated and extracted.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for creating a Program Association Table (PAT) for a reduced portion of a multiplexed data stream, when the multiplexed data stream has been reduced, for example, to carry fewer services over a cable television plant. More particularly, the present invention provides methods and apparatus for creating a PAT for a desired combination of multiplexed data stream subgroups contained within an incoming data stream, when the incoming multiplexed data stream is reduced. The invention enables a new PAT to be output which correctly corresponds to the services in a reduced data stream (e.g., for cable-side transmissions). The present invention is particularly useful when reducing high data rate satellite television data streams for cable-side transmission.

Abstract: An information source management system 11 performs inventory management for CDs and a material information management progress programming system 12 performs programming. An material information registration system 13 compresses the musical numbers of the CDs for holding on a proprietary server and a proprietary server 121 of a multi-channel sending-out system 101. A large number of materials are held on the proprietary server 121 and read out from it. The read-out materials are converted in its format to a transmission format by a sending-out server 123 so as to be multiplexed by a multiplexer 141. The multiplexed data is QPSK-modulated by a modulator 142 and sent out via a selector 143. From the proprietary server 121 are read out data which is sent out via dedicated network 3 to a live PC where it is reproduced. This data is furnished again via dedicated network 3 and encoded by an MPEG encoder 129 so as to be sent out at the sending-out server 123.

Abstract: There is disclosed an MPEG decoder comprising: 1) a packetized elementary stream (PES) interface for receiving a plurality of packetized elementary streams associated with a single video program; 2) a presentation time stamp (PTS) detection circuit for detecting presentation time stamps in the packetized elementary streams and extracting the presentation time stamps therefrom; and 3) a selection circuit for selecting presentation time stamps associated with a first one of the plurality of packetized elementary streams and transmitting the selected presentation time stamps to a clock generation circuit, wherein the clock generation circuit generates a first reference clock signal used by a first decoder to decode the first packetized elementary stream.

Abstract: A two-way cable network offering high-speed broadband communications delivered via virtual private networks over a multi-channel shared media system. Bi-directional transmission of packet to ATM cell based communications is established between a head end communication controller and a number of subscriber terminal units, whereby individual cells are prioritized and routed according to a virtual connection. Virtual connections are organized to support multiple virtual private networks in a shared media CATV system. The virtual private network to which a particular STU belongs is user selectable and has the flexibility of handling multi up/downstream channels with different MAC domains. The present invention can also handle non-ATM MAC domains via the same common ATM switch. To overcome the limited number of addresses inherent to common ATM switches, a mapping/remapping function is implemented in the port cards. Furthermore, downstream as well as upstream traffic are filtered at each STU.

Abstract: A method of incorporating allocations of network access in a DOCSIS 1.0 compliant cable network, wherein users compete for bandwidth, includes limiting bandwidth consumed by a cable modem of a user to a value representative of that user's bandwidth allocation for a time interval. Preferably, the method includes the steps of: (a) generating cable modem configuration files, each of which limits bandwidth consumption by a cable modem of a user to a bandwidth allowance of that user equaling to the respective bandwidth allocation; (b) sending the configuration files to a Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) Server of the DOC Network; and (c) sending a command either to each user's cable modem, or to a cable modem termination system to which each user's cable modem is connected, to cause the cable modem to implement the respective new configuration file.

Abstract: A digital video recorder or similar apparatus implements a method of converting an input data stream having an MPEG-2 Program Stream (PS) format into an output data stream having an MPEG-2 Transport Stream (TS) format. The input data stream (PS) includes data of at least first and second elementary data streams (404, 406) formed and multiplexed in compliance with a PS decoder model. A scheduler (412) within the apparatus inhibits reading of a further data block from the input stream when, in the absence of a vacancy for data of an audio elementary stream within a target decoder model (418), a clock reference (SCR) of said input data stream advances beyond a clock reference of said output data stream by a predetermined waiting threshold.

Abstract: In a cable modem system, signals are transmitted upstream from a cable modem (CM) to a cable modem termination unit (CMTS) when the subscriber desires to communicate with the headend. The invention described herein is directed to a method and apparatus for increasing the communication channel between the CM and the CMTS. This is accomplished by providing a method and apparatus for increasing physical layer flexibility in cable modem systems. In this manner, the CMTS is capable of assigning burst profiles and granting mini-slots to the CMs according to the CMs' burst profile and robustness level.

Abstract: Content body and B-HTTP elements are broadcast to a user's system (20) by messages inserted into the vertical blanking intervals of a television signal. At the user's system, the messages are stored on the hard disk, and the messages are retrieved by using the information in the effective period start time element, which is one of the elements (S102). The browser (47) displays on the screen (47a) the content body among the messages (S107).

Abstract: A Modular Residential Multi-Media Distribution System provides a single centralized interface for all external Wide Area Networks (WANs) which are received into the home/office environment. The MRMDS allows extensive modular flexibility in re-provisioning new services via changing or adding removable interfaces. Each WAN is individually connected to a distributor in the MRMDS. The MRMDS distributor interfaces the external WANs to a multiple of home/office Home Network Interfaces for distribution to a multiple of communication devices.

Abstract: The present invention processes cable modem functions on a host computer. The cable modem receives hardware specific modem functions and transfers these functions to the host computer. An abstraction layer in the host computer receives the functions and converts the functions to/from hardware specific functions. The abstraction layer may be a DOCSIS abstraction layer. A firmware emulator (firmulator) then receives and processes the modem functions. The firmware emulator includes a plurality of state machines and networking protocol agents.

Abstract: The present invention allows routers in a digital communications network, such as the Internet, to be given the time awareness that is necessary for timely transfer of real time signals in the form of digital data packets. Timing information generated at the source of the signal is included in the packets in the form of first and second time stamps, which are used by network routers to establish dispatch deadlines by which the packets must be forwarded to ensure time-faithful reconstruction of the real time signal at the destination. The same timing information can be used at the destination to synchronize the clock for presentation of the real time signal to the source clock. The first and second time stamps (a differential time and a dispatch time) are derived by a transmitter unit (100) from a counter (118) that counts pulses from an oscillator (116) that most advantageously is locked to an integer multiple or a fraction of a universally available time measure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for elimination of clipping associated with VAD-directed silence suppression includes receiving a voice signal in a buffer during the delay between the start of voice activity and the detection of the voice activity. Then, the voice signal is played from the buffer in condensed form, e.g., by dropping packets or slightly accelerating playback of the signal from the buffer. After voice activity is detected, the voice signal may continue to be buffered and condensed until the buffer is completely depleted. The voice signal may then be transmitted directly, without being buffered or condensed.

Abstract: Methods for slice-based encoding of program guides and user interfaces. The program guides include multiple video streams for picture-in-picture and other applications. A method for encoding the program guide includes encoding a first set of slices for each of a plurality of graphics pages; and encoding a second set of slices for each of a plurality of video streams. The user interfaces are multi-functional and may be used for electronic commerce and other applications. A method of generating the user interface includes encoding a set of slices for each of a plurality of objects, each object being characterized by an identity, at least one attribute, and at least one operation. In one embodiment of this method, the plurality of objects include an electronic commerce object, where the electronic commerce object is attributed with a first hyper text markup language (HTML) page.

Abstract: A system and method for upstream transmission and the media access control of upstream transmission of groups of fixed sized cells, such as ATM cells in a point to multipoint optical network, such as a passive optical network. The upstream media access control scheme is responsive to grouping information reflecting a parameter of a group of fixed sized cells. The parameter may reflect the length of the relevant payload of the group the fixed sized cells.

Abstract: A network system has a plurality of electronic devices connected to a network. At least one of the electronic devices receives a broadcast signal including data relating to an electronic device. The network system has a processing circuit that collates data contained in the broadcast signal with inherent information of an electronic device connected to the network, and generates a signal for causing at least one of the electronic devices to execute predetermined processing according to a result of the collation.

Abstract: A method of providing secure multicast over a local access network by means of a network access unit having a channel request vetting function and a permitted channel list. Channel requests from a subscriber are vetted with respect to the permitted channel list and forwarded only if permitted. The permitted list may be dynamically updated under headend control to allow users to subscribe to, and unsubscribe from, services upon request.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing an end-user to control a display of a media unit sequence by filtering a media unit sequence from a multiplexed sequence comprising a live media unit sequence and a plurality of delayed media unit sequences. The method includes the steps of: (1) Receiving a live media unit sequence. (2) Delaying the live media unit sequence by a plurality of delay periods thereby providing a delayed media unit sequence for each of said plurality of delay periods. (3) Modifying each delayed media unit sequence such that each delayed media unit sequence is distinguishable from another delayed media unit sequence and from the live media unit sequence. (4) Multiplexing the live media unit sequence and the plurality of delayed media unit sequences to generate a multiplexed sequence. (5) Transmitting the multiplexed sequence to at least one end user.

Abstract: A method of assigning a channel identification (ID) of an audio signal by which it is possible to follow up and select the audio channel selected by a user even though a program or an audio data stream is changed in an audio/video (A/V) device for reproducing a program including a plurality of audio data streams, a method of selecting audio channels using the same, and an apparatus suitable therefor.

Abstract: ATM cells (131-133, 141-143) are encapsulated within a DVB satellite transmission environment (10) to provide satellite broadband capabilities (74). as shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, DVB multiplexing (as opposed to ATM multiplexing), either at the ground station (71) associated with a content provider (32-28) or within a satellite (12) itself, consolidates the use of a mapping function (170) between the Program Identity (PID) of an MPEG transport (data-) stream and an ATM physical layer (PHY). More particularly, robust packaging of full (131-133) and partial (134, 144) ATM, cells within a DVB transport stream packet (150) is supported by a system-wide association between PIDs and ATM PHYs, whereby an addressed terminal or subscriber unit (18-22) reassembles ATM cells (160-162) based on PID information contained in received DVB transport stream packets (150).

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering TS packets multiplexed with a plurality of programs and sending the filtered packets to decoders. A packet landing buffer is provided in a RAM used for a microprocessor for system control. After a channel is selected, the microprocessor filters video and audio data and performs a value added service process.

Abstract: A method of implementing real-time video-audio interaction by data synchronization in an Internet game. The inventive method establishes an Internet transmission channel between Internet game clients without connecting to the Internet game sever. First, the method retrieves real-time video and audio data and compresses it into video and audio data packets. Next, the video and audio data packets are packaged into a transmission package. A time stamp is attached to the transmission package for data synchronization. The transmission package is transmitted to other game client through the Internet transmission channel. Finally, the Internet game client receives the transmission package, decompresses the received transmission package into video and audio data, and executes data synchronization according to the time stamp and output thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a digital transmission system for localizing data in a digital network environment. The digital transmission system comprises a data transmitting means and a data localization means. The data transmitting means further comprise a transmit unit and means for providing a digital data stream and triggering data coupled to command information to a data localization means. The data localization means comprise receiving means for receiving the digital data stream and triggering data coupled to command information, means for detecting triggering data, triggering means, information transmission means, command processing means, operational processing means, and means for altering the received digital data stream in accordance with command(s).

Abstract: A system for Instant Messaging based control of the digital personal video stream manager (102), for example, to program a video recording device (114). The system includes a personal computer (110) having an Instant Messaging client (2202) and equipping the Instant Messaging client with a DPVSM control plug in (2204). The DPVSM control plug in (2204) is adapted to identify a special DPVSM control Instant Message (2301) which is then translated by the DPVSM control program (312). The digital personal video stream manager (102) then activates at the appropriate time to record the program.

Abstract: Content body and B-HTTP elements are broadcast to a user's system (20) by means of messages inserted into the vertical blanking intervals of a television signal. At the user's system, the messages are stored on the hard disk, and the messages are retrieved by using the information in the effective period start time element, which is one of the elements (S102). The browser (47) displays on the screen (47a) the content body among the messages (S107).

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus receives a signal train including image signals of a plurality of frames and additional signals added to the image signals on a frame unit basis for controlling the processes for the image signals, delays the received image signals in accordance with the additional signals, and processes the delayed image signals in accordance with the additional signals.

Abstract: A digital television translator includes a digital television receiver for receiving a first digital television signal at a first frequency and generating a digital transport stream from the first digital television signal. The digital transport stream can include original Program and System Information (PSIP) data having RX channel data that is indicative of the first frequency, the first major channel number, and/or the first minor channel number. The digital television translator also includes a PSIP update module for updating the original PSIP data in the digital transport stream by replacing the RX channel data with TX channel data. The TX data is indicative of a second frequency, a second major channel number, and/or a second minor channel number.

Abstract: Content body and B-HTTP elements are broadcast to a user's system (20) by messages inserted into the vertical blanking intervals of a television signal. At the user's system, the messages are stored on the hard disk, and the messages are retrieved by using the information in the effective period start time element, which is one of the elements (S102). The browser (47) displays on the screen (47a) the content body among the messages (S107).

Abstract: An apparatus and method of maintaining state information for a network device changing from a first channel (in communication with a first base unit) to a second channel (in communication with a second base unit) communicates with at least one of the first base unit and an intermediate network device to ascertain the state information. Once the state information is ascertained, it is applied to the communication of the network device with the second base unit. Both the first and second base units are independently operable network devices in a data transmission network.

Abstract: Systems and methods that provide satellite-based media processing are described. In one embodiment, a system that exchanges media may include, for example, a communications device that may be coupled to a network and to an antenna. The communications device may provide two-way communications with the network and may provide one-way communications with the antenna. The communications may receive media content from the antenna and/or the network.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for remultiplexing program bearing data. The remultiplexing method and system are applicable to MPEG-2 compliant transport streams carrying video programs. A descriptor based system is used for scheduling the timely output of transport packets wherein each descriptor records a dispatch time as well as a receipt time for each transport packet. The receipt time is used for estimating program clock reference adjustments, but final program clock reference adjustment is performed in hardware in relation to the precise output timing of each transport packets. A descriptor and transport packet caching technique is used for decoupling the synchronous receipt and transmission of transport packets from any asynchronous processing performed thereon. The descriptors can also be used for managing scrambling and descrambling control words (encryption and decryption keys). Remultiplexing functions may be distributed across a network.

Abstract: A multiple access communications network system in which a head-end controller (HC) broadcasts data and medium-access control (MAC) information over a set of downstream channels to several stations, and these stations send information to the HC over a shared upstream channel.

Abstract: A novel system and method for selecting and receiving multiple electronic programs employs an intelligent service node (ISN) and subscriber database normally associated with intelligent networked telephone systems to allow system subscribers to select from multiple stored or live-broadcast programs to be delivered to a remote reproduction device. The programs can be selected for later playback/broadcast using a variety of devices (such as telephones and PCs) to link to the ISN via a PSTN, the Internet or other means. In the preferred embodiment, the ISN delivers the programs to the reproduction devices, which may be radio receivers, mobile telephones, PCs, and others. The preferred embodiment also contains for each reproduction device, a customized broadcasting module for identifying the subscriber associated with the reproduction device and the program or bundle of programs selected (from those referenced in the subscriber database).

Abstract: A digital communications network system for multiple access has a head-end node and at least one station node at at least one other end node; the system comprises a head-end controller (3) capable of transmitting data and medium-access control information to at least one station (6), preferably a plurality of station means, over a set of downstream channels within a first frequency range, and receiving information from the station or stations over an upstream channel within a second frequency range; the upstream channel comprises at least one upstream subchannel, preferably a plurality of upstream subchannels; the system further comprises at least one connection, preferably a plurality of connections, for connecting the head-end controller with the station or stations; each station includes means for receiving data and medium-access control information from the head-end controller; further means are provided for sending a data stream at a first signal level over at least one upstream subchannel, preferably a

Abstract: A system and method according to an embodiment of the present invention for translating an electronic address is presented. The system and method comprises sending a first protocol specific address from a first device. A second protocol address is received by the first device, wherein the second protocol address has been determined to be associated with the first protocol specific address. Another system and method for translating an electronic address is also presented. The system and method comprises providing a first protocol specific address from a first device; determining a second protocol specific address associated with the first protocol specific address; and sending the second protocol address to the first device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for data packet transport in a wireless transmission system supporting broadcast transmissions. Broadcast streams are provided in IP packets routed to a subscriber group. The PDSN applies an outer header to each broadcast stream frame identifying the frame as part of a multi-cast transmission. The PDSN transmits the frames to at least on PCF, wherein the PCF duplicates the received frame for each user in the subscription group, alleviating the processing of the PDSN.

Abstract: The system enables bidirectional communication between a center and a plurality of users via the electric network and is characterized in that low and high speed communication can be established to provide multiple high-quality services to the users. The system comprises means to perform network and frequency time-sharing and/or orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA).

Abstract: A data transmission system comprising: a data distribution unit for distributing items of data to data terminals; and a plurality of data terminals capable of requesting items of data from the data distribution unit; a point-to-point communication system whereby each data terminal can transmit point-to-point messages from itself to the data distribution unit; and a broadcast communication system whereby the data distribution unit can broadcast data to all the terminals; the data terminals being arranged to transmit requests for items of data to the data distribution unit via the point-to-point communication system, and the data distribution unit being arranged to, in response to receiving such a request, retrieve the requested item of data and transmit it via the broadcast communication system. The serving device can detect frequently asked resources and initiate broadcast of such resources through the broadcasting device, eliminating all bandwidth usage for future requests of such resources.

Abstract: A Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) request message and a SIP response message which are each adapted for communication between a plurality of network elements located on a multi-media services provider system for processing requests for multi-media services. The SIP request message includes a header region and a body region. The body region of the SIP request message can include a number of information parameters, such as, a border element identifier, a charge number parameter, a local address and transport area, a carrier, a calling party number, a charge party station type and a collected address. The SIP response message also includes a header portion and a body portion. The body portion of the SIP response message includes a number of service specific information parameters, such as a collected address, primary and alternate routing addresses, an alternate routing condition, manipulated digits and recording instructions.

Abstract: The invention includes a mostly conventional digital television system (2000) to transmit compressed digital signals. A multiplexer (2004) receives a plurality of further input signals, assembles one or more transport streams and transmits compressed digital signals to a transmitter (2008) of the broadcast centre via linkage (2010). The transmitter (2008) transmits electromagnetic signals via uplink (2012) towards a satellite transponder (2014), where they are electronically processed and broadcast via notional downlink (2016) to earth receiver (2018). The signals received by receiver (2018) are transmitted to an integrated receiver/decoder (2020) connected to the end user's television set (2022). The receiver/decoder (2020) decodes the compressed MPEG-2 signal into a television signal for the television set (2022). A conditional access system (3000) is connected to the multiplexer (2004) and the receiver/decoder (2020), and is located partly in the broadcast centre and partly in the decoder.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for balancing distributed applications within a client/server network, such as a cable television network, is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, a method of balancing the load of distributed application client portions (DACPs) across various server portions (DASPs) and server machines is disclosed. Statistics are maintained by one or more software processes with respect to the available resources of the servers and their loading; new process threads and/or distributed application server portions are allocated across the servers to maintain optimal system performance as client device loading increases or changes. In another aspect of the invention, a novel object-oriented distributed application software architecture employing both vertical and horizontal partitions and “mutable” (i.e., transportable) objects is disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for processing SI data such as PSIP/PSI data in a digital TV environment are discussed. In the method for processing SI data from a plurality of input transport streams into at least one output transport stream for a digital broadcasting, SI data from the input transport streams are extracted and decoded, the decoded SI data are mapped by being reconfigured for the output transport stream, and the mapped SI data are merged and re-encoded to generate the output transport stream.

Abstract: So that listeners can compile their radio service on an individual basis, broadcasts are classified according to the respective information content, and the broadcasts in each information class are sent in a respective data stream at parallel times. At the reception end, the data streams are simultaneously picked up, are possibly buffer-stored, and are forwarded to a reproduction device according to individual stipulations.

Abstract: A multiplexing system (10) is provided which includes a plurality of encoders (12-15) which generates elementary streams, respectively, CPU (16), multiplexer (17), instruction memory (18), and a data memory (19) which stores a plurality of elementary data to be multiplexed. Each of the encoders (12-15) divides elementary data into units, and stores the data into the data memory (19). The CPU (16) generates, for each of the data units, instruction data having stated therein a storage location in the data memory (19) and stores the instruction data into the instruction memory (18). The multiplexer (17) reads the instruction data one by one from the instruction memory (18), and reads data units stated in the instruction data sequentially from the data memory (19), for generation of a multiplexed stream. Thus, the burden of processing to the controller can be lessened.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving a digital broadcast signal includes a tuner operable to select a desired transmission channel over which to receive the digital broadcast signal and demodulate a transport stream which is transmitted over the selected transmission channel. The receiving apparatus also includes a demultiplexer operable to extract a desired program from the demodulated transport stream; an interface operable to transmit the demodulated transport stream to, and receive a reproduced transport stream from, a reproducing apparatus; and a discriminator operable to determine whether the reproduced transport stream contains a multiplexed plurality of programs. A predetermined process is performed on the reproduced transport stream when the discriminator determines that the reproduced transport stream contains the multiplexed plurality of programs.

Abstract: The remultiplexing apparatus includes a control information selector that selects a packet containing program control information from the inputted bit stream, a program control information editor that edits contents of the selected program control information and generates new program control information corresponding to an outputted bit stream, and a remultiplexer for multiplexing again the packet containing media information in the inputted bit stream and the program control information generated by the program control information editor.

Abstract: In a cable television system a system for supporting SCU return in FTTB-MDU and FTTC/FTTcab configurations. Fiber, baseband transceiver and networking capabilities are shared with data and voice portions of the system for enabling communication from the SCUs to the HE over a packet based networking system. Return packets/upstream packets are passed into the network upstream channel only when a signal is present for eliminating transmission of upstream traffic that contains no signal for conserving upstream bandwidth.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to make the correction of video data taken by an imaging apparatus in accordance with its characteristics. A camera VTR server records an device ID for device identification to an omnidirectional camera manufactured by a camera VTR maker and then stores the device ID stored in the omnidirectional camera and meta data for video data correction unique to each model of the omnidirectional camera into a hardware data center server (HDC server). A broadcasting data server gets the meta data corresponding to the device ID of the omnidirectional camera owned by a broadcasting station from the HDC server. A transmitting apparatus multiplexes the video data taken by the omnidirectional camera and recorded to a VTR with the meta data owned by the broadcasting station server and broadcasts the multiplexed video data. A set-top box (STB) corrects the video data contained in the received broadcast by the multiplexed meta data and displays the corrected video data on a television receiver.

Abstract: When an error is detected in a received packet, a higher application is informed that the error occurred, and when no error is detected in the received packet, the higher application is informed that the packet has been received. If a next packet is received while a packet having the detected error is stored in a data storing region, an acknowledge signal indicating that the packet cannot be received is sent to a source node, and the packet having the detected error stored in the data storing region is invalidated by a request from the higher application. When the error is detected in a received packet, that packet stored in the data storing region is invalidated.