Abstract: A digital network delivers multiplexed channels to a customer premises. Each multiplexed channel contains a digitally multiplexed data stream including digitized broadband information relating to a number of programs. At the customer premise, a shared processing system includes several channel selectors and program selectors. Each channel selector selects one of the multiplexed channels, and each program selector selects digitized broadband information relating to a selected program from a selected channel. A multiplexer combines the selected digitized broadband information from the program selectors into a transport stream. A transmitter system, for example comprising a digital modulator, a spread spectrum modulator and a broadcast antenna, provides a wireless broadcast of the digital transport stream throughout the customer premise and possibly one or more near by premises.

Abstract: In order to dispatch a newspaper to subscriber households through satellite communication, a newspaper edit/dispatch system in the head office of a newspaper publishing company electronically creates each paper sheet of national news section as first newspaper data, and transmits the first newspaper data to the branch offices of the company through a communication satellite. In a newspaper edit/broadcast system installed in each of the branch offices, the received first newspaper data and second newspaper data of a local news section are combined and edited into third newspaper data, the third newspaper data are encrypted, and the sort of newspaper and the date of issue thereof are affixed to the encrypted newspaper data. Such newspaper data are broadcast through the communication satellite.

Abstract: A system and method of optimizing transmission of a program to multiple users over a distribution system, with particular application to video-on-demand for a CATV network. The system includes, at a head end of the CATV network a scheduling and routing computer for dividing the video program stored in long term fast storage or short term fast storage into a plurality of program segments, and a subscriber distribution node for transmitting the program segments in a redundant sequence in accordance with a scheduling algorithm. At a receiver of the CATV network there is provided a buffer memory for storing the transmitted video program segments for subsequent playback whereby, in use, the scheduling algorithm can ensure that a user's receiver will receive all of the program segments in a manner that will enable continuous playback in real time of the program.

Abstract: Only one or only a few channels are sent at a time from circuitry located in a curbside box, via a link such as either a coaxial or a fiber cable, into a customer's home TV set or personal computer. However, many more than a few channels are delivered to the curbside box, via a link such as a fiber or a coaxial cable, from a central office or a central bank of paid video-movies to be selected by the customers. Thus whereas the link from the central office or central bank is relatively broad-band (e.g. 500 MHz to 1,000 MHz), the cable from the curbside to the home (or any other kind of building) can be relatively narrow-band (e.g., 5 MHz to 50 MHz). The curbside box serves a multitude of homes--a separate (narrow-band) cable running to each home from the (same) curbside switch. Each channel can be a free radio or free TV channel, a stored or an on-line newspaper pay channel, or a pay TV channel, or a pay-per-view channel (i.e.

Abstract: A method for automatically changing programs broadcasted by a broadcast unit based on audience response. Responses from individuals comprising the audience are received and the program is automatically altered or changed based on such audience response. The altered or changed program then is broadcasted.

Abstract: In a picture distribution method and device, a picture supply device is connected to a network and serves to supply prescribed picture sources to plural subscriber terminals through the network. The picture sources can be supplied to any subscriber terminal just when a supply demand for a picture source is made from the subscriber terminal, and a single picture source can be supplied to a large number of subscribers with a simple control operation. The picture supply device includes a first file for storing the picture sources, plural second files for temporarily storing the picture sources, a copying unit for copying any picture source in the first file into the second files, and a read-out unit provided for each second file for reading out the picture source stored in the second file. A transmitting unit is provided for transmitting the output line of the read-out unit to the subscriber circuit connected to the subscriber terminal to transmit the picture source to the subscriber terminal.

Abstract: A system and devices for publication of newspapers and the like. The system uses an electronic memory/display unit (24) which preserves the convenience of printed material, but which has the advantages of a computer display. The system utilizes a cable television (CATV) network to distribute the information. Data are transmitted over the system from a newspaper publication facility (2). The newspaper publication facility is provided with a data processing facility (4) that transmits newspaper data (6) to a satellite transmitting facility (8). The transmitted data are provided to a cable television satellite receiving station (12) by way of satellite link (14). Signal generators (16) are coupled to the satellite link and provide appropriate signals to a CATV network transmission facility (18). Network transmission facility (18) transmits newspaper signals over a CATV line (20) to a plurality of subscriber facilities (22) with the electronic memory/display units.

Abstract: A system and method for Video-on-Demand (VOD) satisfying the desire of `surfers`. The process entails a server operating in a standard NVOD mode, whereby it continuously sends multiple copies of each program on separate channels. Each copy is delayed by a staggered time interval. The invention provides a way to fulfill a VOD user request asynchronous with the start of a NVOD transmission but which still makes primary use of the NVOD transmission for that requestor. The system and method combines independent server service satisfying an asynchronous request for only a short duration, usually less than or equal to the NVOD staggered time interval, and then aligns that requestor with an immediately previously commenced NVOD transmission.

Abstract: Monitoring and limiting data distribution is accomplished when a request for transportation of distribution data is received. Upon receiving the request, an attempt is made to identify a data distributor (105-108). If the data distributor (105-108) is identified, the request is routed to the distributor, such that the distributor may route the requested data to a requesting unit (116). Each transportation of data to a user is monitored and compiled into data use information by a monitoring apparatus (103). This information is routed to a data owner (109), who, upon reviewing the information, may provide instructions for future data transmissions.

Abstract: An access subnetwork provides broadcast access transport as well as selective allocation of resources for interactive communications sessions dedicated to individual end users. The access subnetwork has specified broadcast and interactive service interfaces, both for communications to and from an information provider and for communication to and from customer premises equipment. An Access Subnetwork Controller provides a single point of control contact within the access subnetwork. Any other subnetwork (typically an element of a higher level control subnetwork) needing a control function in the access subnetwork always sends the request for that function to the Access Subnetwork Controller. The primary responsibility of the Access Subnetwork Controller is to control resources, provide requested resources and monitor the use of resources within in the realm of the access subnetwork.

Abstract: An image information distribution system is provided which responds to a control signal from subscribers at high speed by efficiently using transmission lines. Further, an image information distribution system is provided which shortens the wait time caused by shortage of an image information source if a number of subscribers access the same image information. Image information is transmitted between an image information providing node and an image information distribution node at the ratio of 1:1 via ATM connection corresponding to the type of image information and is distributed from the image information distribution node to each subscriber accommodation node at the ratio of 1:N via ATM connection.

Abstract: A satellite broadcast receiving system in which, when each receiver transmits a control pulse to a change-over divider via a signal cable, the change-over divider selects a desired broadcast signal in response to the control pulse, which is led to its output terminal, then transmitted to each receiver via the signal cable.

Abstract: A network service system capable of providing economical services comprises a plurality of host computers connected to a network for providing services through the network and an information processing terminal connected to the network. The information processing terminal identifies a service identifier, provided in a storage medium for network service, for identifying a type of a network service when the storage medium is attached, connects the line to the host computer which corresponds to the identified service identifier and receives the network service from the line-connected host computer.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for conducting local wireless audio signal transmissions from a local audio signal source to a person within a local signal transmission area. In certain embodiments, the transmissions are conducted over the 900 MHz local transmission band to a portable receiver unit supported on the headband of a stereo headphone unit. The receiver unit serves to down convert the 900 MHz signal to a local frequency band which is received by an FM receiver of the receiver unit which serves to reproduce the audio signals therefrom which are, in turn, converted to acoustic signals by electroacoustic transducers of the headphone. A transmitter unit includes a ceramic resonator stabilized FM transmitter, as well a filter for suppressing high frequency noise in an audio modulation signal, a stereo audio multiplexing unit utilizing a 3f.sub.H subcarrier and an overmodulation detection unit.

Abstract: Set-top terminals utilized in broadband broadcast networks are becoming increasingly intelligent. Upgrading the operation of such terminals periodically requires upgrading the software, particularly the operating system, of the programmable processor which controls the terminal operation. To facilitate frequent upgrades, the network will carry a cyclic broadcast of a packetized data file containing the operating system. Periodically, a terminal will capture and store the broadcast operating system. In the preferred embodiment, the broadcast includes operating system files for a number of different terminal types and data identifying the current broadcast version of the operating system for each type of terminal. The terminal will check the broadcast version number for its terminal type operating system.

Abstract: An optical cable television system provides a large channel capacity and uses shared resources, whereby the more expensive hardware is shared over a large number of customers so as to minimize the cost per customer. A video switch network is provided which minimizes the temptation of subscribers to pirate signals since pay per view or on demand signals are provided only upon request of someone within a node corresponding to a neighborhood. An on demand program center continuously plays programs, such as movies, at time-staggered starts such that any subscriber will have only very minimal delays before seeing a particular program which is requested. A tuneable optical filter is provided in order to switch video signals onto an optical fiber going to the node in a particular neighborhood. An arrangement uses in-fiber grating in order to remove and insert different optical frequencies.

Abstract: An Operations Center for television entertainment systems that provide television programming to consumer homes is disclosed. The Operations Center organizes and packages television programming and program information for delivery to and from consumer homes. The Operations Center includes a computerized packaging system for creating a program control information signal.

Abstract: A base station includes a tuner and teletext decoder 32 which outputs baseband video, audio and raw text data at 36, 37 and 39, along a cabling infrastructure 40. A remote PC 41 has a capture card to receive and display the video picture and assemble the text data into a picture which is stored and displayed as required. The PC also displays a control application window which, by pointing and clicking with a mouse 45, allows control signals to be sent to the tuner 32 to select channels and pages via a microcontroller 34. The text information is subjected to an error checking and re-transmission protocol at the PC.

Abstract: A program identification system is provided to inform a user of an interactive viewing system of the identity of a program being viewed. The system may be implemented in an interactive television system in which a head end in two-way communication with multiple viewer stations provides a variety of programs over different channels to each viewer station. The programs may be video-based programs, computer executed applications, or other types of programs. Each viewer station can query the head end to learn the identity of a program, regardless of type, being viewed. The identity is then displayed to the user. Additional program specific information can also be obtained and displayed.

Abstract: Image and sound data stored in an optical disc unit having an medium auto-changer mechanism are read out and temporarily stored in a hard disk unit, after then supplied to a user's terminal unit via a memory which serves as an output buffer. The image and sound data are stored in the memory, by compressing and a time length required to read out the data is shorter than a reproduction time in the user's terminal unit, and therefore plural data are read out by a difference between a readout time and the reproduction time. Since write operation to the hard disk unit and readout operation from the hard disk unit to write to the main memory 3 are simultaneously carried out, plural hard disk units are disposed and accessed in parallel. Moreover, a unit of data in write operation is larger than a unit of data in readout operation in the hard disk unit.

Abstract: A modular solid-state mass data storage device providing high-density, high capacity storage of numerous full-length movies for video server applications. The mass data storage device employs a modular pipeline architecture in which a distributed array of controller/memory modules is arranged in parallel controller/memory channels on one or more controller/memory cards. The modular pipeline architecture, in which each controller/memory channel has multiple controller/memory modules connected in a serial chain by address, data and control buses, allows the number of controller/memory modules in each channel and the number of controller/memory channels to be selected to accommodate a desired storage size and transfer rate, without an undesirably high latency time. An asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switch allows multiple viewers to access the movies stored in the mass data storage device with independent video cassette recorder (VCR)-like control of the movie being watched.

Abstract: Connects a host computer system (such as a mainframe or host server system) to a large multimedia (MM) distribution network having wide scalability without being limited by bandwidth constraints in the host system or in any multimedia controller for controlling "on demand" viewing of movies at a large number of set-top-boxes (STBs) with TV sets. Connected to the host system is a network distribution arrangement comprised of a plurality of multimedia (MM) adapters, each MM adapter containing a plurality of MM controllers, each MM controller being connected to a multiplicity of MM pairs, each MM pair being connected to the network for controlling a direct distribution of movies to a large number of STBs. Each MM pair includes a disk adapter and a network adapter connected by a common MM pair bus for transmitting disk data blocks directly to the STBs. The disk adapter controls and receives data from one or more disk devices. The network adapter sends the disk data to the network.

Abstract: A television system for receiving a plurality of digitally-encoded television programs includes circuitry for selecting a particular digital data transmission channel from a plurality of digital data transmission channels containing a desired digitally-encoded television program in response to a control signal, at least one of the data transmission channels also including television program schedule data. The system also includes user-operable data entry circuitry for entering data, and a controller for generating the above-noted control signal in response to user-entered data. The controller selects a virtual channel from a plurality of virtual channels in response to user-entered data, each virtual channel being subject to reassignment to a different one of said a plurality of digital data transmission channels, the television program schedule data defining the relationship of each of the television programs to respective ones of the plurality of digital data transmission channels.

Abstract: A universal interactive control system for the downloading and playback of information and entertainment services from one or more network distribution centers, said one or more network distribution centers providing information and entertainment signals selected from video and audio programs, video catalogs, and data files, said universal interactive control system. The interactive control system includes: a controller circuit, a data distribution circuit controlled by the controller circuit, a data processor circuit controlled by the controller circuit, and a first plurality of interface connector circuits, with a first of the interface connector circuits for connecting the distribution circuit to a display device under control of the controller, and a second of the interface connector circuits for connecting the data distribution circuit to a storage device under control of the controller circuit.

Abstract: A method of multiplexed data reading and visual search, in which each video program is divided into a plurality of video data groups which are stored in a prescribed order among the memory devices, and m memory control units are connected with mxn input/output channels selectively and sequentially in units of time-slots such that each memory control unit is connected with each of input/output channel at least once within a prescribed period. Then, the reading operations of the video data groups stored in the memory devices are carried out by making accesses from m memory control units in parallel at each time-slot.

Abstract: Dynamic programming of a digital entertainment terminal (DET) facilitates operation of the terminal to offer a variety of functionally different broadband services. The terminal can be reprogrammed, as-needed, for each different service offered by one or more information service providers. The terminal includes a network interface module which couples the terminal to a specific type of communication network for receiving a digital broadband channel and providing two-way control signaling communication between the terminal and the network. The terminal also includes a control processor with a program memory. The control processor receives user inputs and controls operations of the terminal and sending and receiving of control signals over the two-way control signaling channel. The program memory stores data received over the digital broadband channel as software executable by the control processor.

Abstract: Various methods and associated apparatuses are provided for communicating data from a central station to a remote station over some form of communications path. The data, which together form at least one title, are stored on at least one storage device. The data forming that title are then retrieved as data blocks, from storage. Each data block is a sequential segment of the data. Finally, the retrieved data blocks are transmitted from the central station to the remote station. According to preferred embodiments, two types of storage devices are provided. The first type, preferably formed as an array of playback units, allows the data to be stored as data blocks and distributed accordingly over a plurality of storage devices. The second type, preferably formed as ring structures composed of solid state elements, provides a plurality of access points coupled to the storage medium, each of which is able to retrieve the data independently of other access points.

Abstract: A conducting housing for use in a coaxial cable distribution system is of larger length than width and defines an RF signal path therein. A part of the RF signal path is the inner conductor of inner and outer approximately coextensive conductors. The inner conductor except near its ends has only air separating it from the outer conductor. The outer conductor will usually be of a U-shape lying, in section, on three sides of the central conductor. The outer conductor may be structally combined with an insulating plate supporting the remainder of the RF circuit.

Abstract: A video game cartridge that can be plugged into a video game machine to enable a user to request and play a video game for a predetermined number of video frames. The cartridge has a receiver for receiving the video game program and the predetermined frame count in response to a request from the user. The program and frame count is then stored in a memory of the cartridge. Finally, the cartridge has a counter which changes its value when the user is actively playing the video game program. The counter ceases to change its value when the user is not playing the video game program. When the counter reaches a predetermined limit, the user is no longer authorized to play the video game program.

Abstract: A VOD scheduler maintains a queue of pending performance for each video. Using the notion of queue selection factor, a batching policy is devised that schedules the video with the highest selection factor. Selection factors are obtained by applying discriminatory weighting factors to the adjusted queue lengths associated with each video where the weight decreases as the popularity of the respective video increases and the queue length is adjusted to take defection into account.

Abstract: A transmitter apparatus for a mobile satellite communication terminal comprises a Nyquist filter having input to it two series of orthogonal data and equalizing them for a waveform, an envelope equalizer equalizing the output of the filter so that the distance of an envelope (locus) on an orthogonal axis is always constant from the origin, a phase modulator receiving the output signals from the envelope equalizer and phase-modulating them, and a power amplifier receiving the output of the phase modulator, and power-amplifying it at a high-frequency band. Thus, it becomes possible to eliminate the effects of AM-PM conversion distortion in the power amplifier.

Abstract: A system and method for providing interactive multimedia services to subscriber premises utilizing wireless and power line distribution within the subscriber premise. The service is provided via a communications link delivering to the subscriber premises broad band digital information including video and audio from a plurality of information providers and control signals in a multiplexed form. This multiplexed signal is then separated and processed on premise and distributed in a two-way fashion using frequency hopping code division multiple access (CDMA) spread spectrum using radio frequency signals preferably at UHF for the broadband downstream signal and power line carrier for the control signaling.

Abstract: A system and method for purchasing, customizing and modifying switch-based and Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) telephone services through the Broadband Network. The system and method utilize a Graphical User Interface (GUI), a remote control and a Set Top Terminal (STT). The GUI is operative to access both Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and non-PSTN telephone services. The remote control is similarly operative to navigate the GUI. Finally, the STT, which is provided in electrical communication with the GUI and the Broadband Network is provided for receiving downloaded video for display to the subscriber on the GUI and sending upstream signaling to the Broadband Network. The Graphical User Interface leads the telephone services subscriber through configuration options and permits the subscriber to easily purchase, customize and modify selected telephone services without direct interaction with service provider personnel.

Abstract: In a multimedia application where movie events are distributed on an on-demand basis, a multimedia server serves a subscriber requesting a movie event through either a high-demand process or a low-demand process. In a low demand process, a data stream representative of the movie is exclusively provided to the subscriber in accordance with a double-buffering technique. The server may switch many low-demand processes serving the same movie event into a high-demand process to effectively utilize limited resources. In the high-demand process, high-demand pointers are launched periodically and are associated with data streams representative of the movie event having different start times. Each data stream associated with a high-demand pointer may be shared by an unlimited number of subscribers. Service alterations of the movie including fast-forwarding, rewinding, and restarting after a pause are achieved by way pointer-hopping.

Abstract: An electronic program schedule system which includes a receiver for receiving broadcast, satellite or cablecast television programs for a plurality of television channels and a tuner for tuning a television receiver to a selected one of the plurality of channels. A data processor receives and stores in a memory television program schedule information for a plurality of television programs to appear on the plurality of television channels. A user control apparatus, such as a remote controller, is utilized by a viewer to choose user control commands and transmit signals in response to the data processor which receives the signals in response to user control commands. A television receiver is used to display the television programs and television program schedule information.

Abstract: A phase modulator circuit and method for generating an output signal having individually positionable edges is described. The phase modulator includes a programmable pulse generator, such as an interval counter, a delay, or a ring oscillator for producing the output signal, and a control value source, such as a memory, for delivering a sequence of control values to the generator. The control values determine the time between successive output pulses. A programmable interval counter includes a free running counter, the output of which is compared to a control value, preferably stored as a modulo data value, to generate an output pulse. A first programmable delay circuit includes a ring oscillator having plural delay lines for fine control of edge positioning. To fully synchronize the delay circuit to a coarse control interval counter, the clock input to the interval counter can be provided by the ring oscillator.

Abstract: A public switched telephone network for providing information from a multimedia information server to any one of a plurality of subscriber premises, comprises a central office receiving multimedia information signals from a multimedia information server and orders from a prescribed subscriber. The central office includes a gateway system for conveying routing data in response to subscriber orders and a switch for routing multimedia signals from the server to the prescribed subscriber in accordance with the routing data. An interface at the central office transmits and receiver audio telephone service signals, subscriber control signals and digital multimedia information signals on first, second and third signal channels. Each subscriber premises includes an interface for transmitting and receiving audio telephone service signals, subscriber control signals and digital multimedia information signals on the three signal channels.

Abstract: An interactive video services system for enabling store and forward distribution of digitized video programming is disclosed. In accordance with a feature of the present invention, encoded and compressed digital video signals are transmitted via satellite link from a centrally located uplink site to a plurality of hospitality establishments, where the digitized video programming is stored in the memory of a video server computer or is transmitted "real-time" to the hospitality establishment's customers. The establishment either has its own downlink facilities or shares downlink facilities with other hospitality establishments. The uplink facility and satellite can transmit a variety of video signals--including video signals for real-time viewing by customers, compressed video signals for storage and subsequent retrieval and viewing by customers, and other types of digitized data, such as advertisements and barker screens.

Abstract: A method and a circuit arrangement for controlling the transmission of information for interactive services are provided. The circuit arrangement includes a network structure having a network control center and into which at least one network node, at least one server, at least one connection unit connected to a plurality of network termination devices and to subscriber devices allocated thereto are inserted, wherein information between the at least one server and at least one of the plurality of subscriber devices is transmitted at least in sections in a uniform channel grid; and a peripheral control device provided in the at least one connection unit as well as in the network termination devices allocated to the respective subscriber device for controlling transmission of the information between the respective server and the respective subscriber device.

Abstract: A Video-On-Demand (VOD) system including a plurality of video storage devices; an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) telephony technology network connected to provide video data to a plurality of subscribers; and a unique video server coordinating the conversion and transfer of video data from computer technology devices to the ATM telephony technology network.

Abstract: An interactive audio-visual (A/V) transceiver is advantageously coupled to a television and/or telephone (T/T) cable, a TV, a video recorder (VCR), and other A/V devices. The A/V transceiver switches data between a program/service provider and the connected A/V devices. In one embodiment, the transceiver includes three primary modules, a main module including a CPU, a system bus, system memory, an infra-red (IR) control unit, an audio-visual bus, an A/V decoder, an A/V processor, and an A/V encoder, an A/V connect module including a number of tuner/demodulators and a switch, and an optional CD ROM module. The A/V transceiver hardware is complemented with an operating system and software program which supports the functions provided in the A/V user interface.

Abstract: A system and method for providing interactive multimedia services to subscriber premises utilizing in whole or in part the public switched telephone network. The service is provided using an existing twisted wire pair subscriber line with Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) technology. The ADSL connection provides a 1.5 mbits/s downstream video information channel, a two-way telephone connection, and a 16 kbits/s control channel. This multiplexed signal is then separated and processed on premise and distributed in a two-way fashion as a complex radio frequency signal. Multiple television sets and telephone stations may be simultaneously served and may conversely communicate commands upstream to the multimedia network. A complete installation may be made in an entire premise without the necessity for any significant installation of new wiring.

Abstract: A system and method for providing interactive multimedia services to subscriber premises utilizing wireless distribution within the subscriber premise. The service is provided via a communications link delivering to the subscriber premises broad band digital information including video and audio from a plurality of information providers and control signals in a multiplexed form. This multiplexed signal is then separated and processed on premise and distributed in a two-way fashion using frequency hopping code division multiple access (CDMA) spread spectrum using radio frequency signals preferably at UHF. Upstream control signals from the user installation are communicated from the individual user terminals in the same wireless manner.

Abstract: When a song data group of a requested song comes in the normal mode ("Yes" in S230, ) the terminal 5 picks up that song data D5 in S240. When the song data group of the requested song does not arrive ("No" in S230,) the terminal first judges in S250 whether or not it is necessary to rapidly obtain the song data of the requested song. If the terminal is presently playing a karaoke performance, it is unnecessary to rapidly obtain the song data of the requested song, and therefore the terminal waits for the song data that will come in the normal mode. If the terminal is not conducting a karaoke performance (i.e., "No" in S250), the terminal should be rapidly supplied with the requested song. When it is determined that the requested song will come soon ("Yes" in S290 or S300,) the terminal still waits for the song data that will come in the normal mode.

Abstract: Within a desired service area, multiple transmitters at separately located sites simultaneously broadcast the same multi-channel, multi-program signal. Broadcast waves from the transmitters propagate throughout substantially overlapping portions of the service area. At most receiving sites, the receiving antenna can receive a clear line-of-sight transmission from at least one and often two or more of the transmitters. Each broadcast channel carries a multiplexed digital data stream containing packets of information for a plurality of programs, e.g. television programs. A shared antenna system, typically including multiple receiving antennae aimed at a plurality of the transmitters, supplies received signals to terminals in a plurality of living units. The shared receiving system distributes selected channels of digitized data to terminals in different living units via the telephone wiring for those units.

Abstract: A digital switching network is described which accommodates a full range of broadband and narrowband digital technologies, including video, wideband data, narrowband data, video-on-demand and telephone channels in an integrated manner. Optical fiber connects information sources to the switching component of the network utilizing a standardized transport stream such as SONET OC-N. A broadband ATM switch, a digital cross-connect switch or other distribution mechanisms may be utilized to interconnect information sources and subscribers. A level 1 gateway is utilized to control access to all information resources on the network.

Abstract: Various methods and associated apparatuses are provided for communicating data from a central station to a remote station over some form of communications path. The data, which together form at least one title, are stored on at least one storage device. The data forming that title are then retrieved as data blocks from storage. Each data block is a sequential segment of the data. Finally, the retrieved data blocks are transmitted from the central station to the remote station. According to preferred embodiments, two types of storage devices are provided. The first type, preferably formed as an array of playback units, allows the data to be stored as data blocks and distributed accordingly over a plurality of storage devices. The second type, preferably formed as ring structures composed of solid state elements, provides a plurality of access points coupled to the storage medium, each of which is able to retrieve the data independently of other access points.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for processing an input signal related to streamed digital video data. The method is directed to an interactive media network employing a client-server architecture. The method begins with initializing a counter. The counter may represent an elapsed time or a frame number. Next, the client station receives streamed digital video data representing multimedia information. The counter is then updated and the multimedia information represented by the streamed digital video data is displayed. Next, the input signal representing a user request is received at the user station. An index based on the value of the counter is then determined, and the method concludes by transferring execution control based on the index. A system is also disclosed for processing the steps of the above-described method.

Abstract: An interactive image display system includes a user interface to select a portion of a wide-angle image sequence. An image processor processes the portion of the wide-angle image sequence selected by the user interface to produce a perspective corrected image sequence. A display device displays the perspective corrected image sequence produced by the image processor. An accounting system monitors a usage parameter associated with the interactive image display system. A controller selectively inhibits an operative feature provided by at least one of the user interface, the image processor, and the display device based upon the usage parameter.

Abstract: An information distribution system for a digital network, includes a master communications unit for establishing communications with the network in order to receive a synchronous digital signal, a distribution amplifier unit for receiving and dividing the synchronous digital signal into a plurality of synchronous signals and a plurality of communications units for establishing communications with a plurality of receiving stations. The system also includes a master controller for controlling the plurality of communications units from a central location. The invention alternatively relates to an information disseminating system for a digital network and includes a plurality of video clip storing units, each storing data related to a particular subject matter, a plurality of distribution amplifiers associated with the video clip storing units and a plurality of communications units which establish communications between the plurality of distribution amplifiers and the digital network.