Abstract: A cable modem has functions of packetizing a voice signal and transmitting/receiving the packetized voice signal to/from a connected communication device over an IP network. The cable modem includes a communication unit which transmits/receives a signal over the IP network, a detection unit which detects information on the connected communication device from the signal received by the communication unit, and a display unit which displays the information on the connected communication device included in the signal detected by the detection unit.

Abstract: A telecommunications system for providing telecommunication services to a plurality of users. The system includes a signal collection and transmission circuit or headend circuit for collecting and transmitting telecommunication signals to the user. In addition, the system comprises a signal distribution system or circuit operatively connected to the signal collection and transmission circuit for receiving and transmitting telecommunication signals therefrom and thereto. The system includes a user or customer interface device operatively connected to an associated signal distribution circuit for both receiving telecommunication signals from the associated signal distribution circuit and transmitting telecommunication signals to the associated signal distribution circuit. The signal distribution circuit is formed by a node having a plurality of output lines and a service module operatively connected to one of the node output lines.

Abstract: A method of and an arrangement for integrated telecommnunication via a Cable TeleVision (CaTV) network (3-14) in a first or downstream direction from a head-end section (2) to subscriber sections (20) and in a second or upstream direction from the subscriber sections (20) to the first or head-end section (2). First transmission equipment (18, 19, 23) serve downstream and upstream communication in accordance with the Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) standard. The first transmission equipment (18, 19, 23) comprises a plurality of radio access units arranged at distribution and/or district centers (11) of said CaTV network (3-14) operating at a low-end frequency sub-band of the CaTV network (3-14). Network Termination Units (20, 30, 43) are provided comprising DECT conversion means (39) for radio communication at the standard DECT frequency band.

Abstract: A cable modem with a function of packetizing voice information and transmitting/receiving the packetized voice information includes an interface for connection to an ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) telephone, a connection control unit which executes a connection control for the ISDN telephone connected via the interface, and a VoIP control unit which executes a VoIP-related protocol process for a voice call by the ISDN telephone that is connection-controlled by the connection control unit.

Abstract: A voltage controller increases a DC input voltage in response to a ring instruction received from a processor in a control signal. The increased voltage is converted to an AC ring signal that causes a telephone to ring. The ring signal voltage is generated at a battery high node (“VBH”) and may be routed to a SLIC before being sent to an on-hook telephone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control method of broadcasting system using a telephone and control device thereof The method comprises the steps of: connecting to a tone detector of the control system by switching a hook switch when a bell signal transmitted by a call of the subscriber is detected more than a set number; after the connection step, sending a previously recorded guidance voice to the subscriber under control of a central processing unit and detecting telephone button signals generated by a manipulation of the subscriber by frequency values of tone frequency; determining which broadcast region the subscriber wants based on the telephone button signals and driving corresponding relays; and connecting electrically the broadcasting system to a broadcast destination of the selected broadcast region to broadcast speech signals to the broadcast destination, the speech signals being sent from the subscriber.

Abstract: There is provided a controller capable of effectively using a camera in a TV telephone system and a technique related to the same.

Abstract: A system and method for provisioning cable telephone service in a cable communication system that is at least partially integrated with a telephone network. The cable communication system includes a head end Remote Digital Terminal (RDT) respectively communicating with a broadband network, a telephone switch and a customer premises Integrated Service Unit (ISU), and also includes an Order Management Center (OMC) associated with the RDT, the switch, or both. To implement telephone service to customer premises equipment adapted for communication with the ISU, the RDT is notified of a new service request by way of a service request message sent from the ISU to the RDT, and the switch is notified of the new service request by way of provisioning information sent from the OMC to the switch via an Element Management System (EMS) associated with the switch.

Abstract: An interactive voice control application for an interactive digital television system needs greater than the typical bandwidth provided in the digital interactive television system return path. One way to obtain greater bandwidth is to make greater utilization of existing bandwidth. The invention herein provides a modified Aloha protocol that can solve the problem of maximizing bandwidth utilization without requiring changes to deployed equipment. The preferred embodiment of the invention provides a method and apparatus for increasing bandwidth assignment latency in a data transmission scheme which employs the Aloha protocol, to improve channel utilization in a multi-carrier data transmission system which thereby improves bandwidth efficiency.

Abstract: The creation of “virtual telephony endpoints” within a subscriber's location allows for diverse types of telephone sets, connected via different types of communication networks (e.g., PSTN, Ethernet, power line connections, etc.), to be grouped together and perform as “extensions” as in the sense of traditional wired telephone networks, with a “virtual” telephone number assigned to each virtual telephony endpoint (VTEP). The grouping of the telephone sets within each VTEP can be configured and continuously re-configured by the subscriber, as can the number of separate VTEPs within a single location.

Abstract: In response to a request to establish video communication between a video-enabled (e.g., videophone) and non-video-enabled (e.g., cellular telephone) communication device, two-way audio communication is established between the two devices. One-way video communication is also established between a server and the video-enabled device. Video signals generated by the video-enabled device during the two-way audio communication are captured and cached within the server. The cached video signals may be subsequently retrieved and displayed by a computer terminal or video-enabled communication device.

Abstract: A request to establish video communication between a caller and a user of an interactive television system is detected. The caller is identified using information contained within the request. The user is prompted to accept or reject the request. In response to the user rejecting the request or not accepting the request within an established time interval, a pre-recorded video greeting is sent to the caller. Thereafter, a video message is recorded including a video signal received from the caller. While the video message is being recorded, the user may interrupt the recording to establish two-way video communication with the caller.

Abstract: In response to an incoming communication request or other interruption, a television signal being currently displayed by an interactive television system is buffered for subsequent playback. In one embodiment, the television signal is automatically buffered immediately upon detection of the request. Alternatively, buffering begins when the request is accepted. Playback of the television signal being buffered may commence, for example, when the request is rejected or after communication with a remote device is terminated.

Abstract: In response to an incoming communication request or other interruption, a television signal being currently displayed by an interactive television system is buffered for subsequent playback. In one embodiment, the television signal is automatically buffered immediately upon detection of the request. Alternatively, buffering begins when the request is accepted. Playback of the television signal being buffered may commence, for example, when the request is rejected or after communication with a remote device is terminated.

Abstract: A method for initializing a service unit in a communication system is provided. The method comprises receiving a synchronization signal from a head end at the remote unit, receiving an identifier specifying the remote unit and receiving an upstream frequency band and control channel designation at the remote unit. The frequency band includes a number of subbands with at least one control channel in each subband. The method further comprises tuning to the designated frequency band, transmitting a reference signal on a selected channel to the head end, receiving adjustment signals based on the reference signal transmitted to the head end to allow signals transmitted from the remote unit to be orthogonal at the head end to signals from at least one other remote unit and adjusting parameters at the remote unit based on the adjustment signals.

Abstract: A cable system having a splitter for coupling a drop interface to a cable modem and pass-through to a home interface. The pass-through is provided with an RF module having separate forward and return paths to selectively provide unimpeded, partially impeded and fully impeded cable service in the forward and return paths. Amplifiers in the forward and return paths are controlled to avoid excessive insertion loss and to provide power equalization in the return path to limit ingress noise to the home.

Abstract: In a wireless microcell distribution system, a method is provided for embedding reference and control signals within the channel utilized for carrying the telephony signals, thereby eliminating roll off and cable tilt issues which are the result of providing the reference and control signals below the forward CATV band. The elimination of the signals below the forward CATV band also eliminates additional cable spectrum and installation difficulties which are the result of cable tilt in which frequency dependent amplitudes require compensation through the utilization of equalization for each cable microcell integrator.

Abstract: A plurality of information streams are transferred in a broadcast manner from a host device 205 connected to a LAN 204 in a switching station 200. A host device 101 at a subscriber site 100 is placed within the same network as the LAN 204, and then receives the streams transferred over a subscriber line 300. Each of the streams is assigned with a socket using a destination port number. The host device 101 receives in real time, stores, or discard the streams based on the definition of the sockets at the host device.

Abstract: In a residential environment with more than one analog television set a residential gateway has a network interface module which receives signals from a telecommunications network. The signals contain compressed digital video information which is routed within the gateway to a video module for the generation of an analog video signal for a television set located near the residential gateway, and to a wireless module for transmission to a remote receiver using spread spectrum communications.

Abstract: A telephony service system employing a cable network and a telephony service method. The system includes a directory unit, a plurality of network segment units each including a headend unit, and a plurality of routers respectively formed in each network segment unit. The directory unit stores the IP address corresponding to a telephone number of a first cable phone. The plurality of network segment units each having a headend unit read IP addresses stored in the directory unit based on a received telephone number of a second cable phone, and determine a connection audio session using an Internet protocol from the read IP address to set a call path with the first cable phone. The plurality of routers set a call path between the network segment units. According to the cable network of a packet type, unlike a PSTN network of a switch network, the local call charge is reduced.

Abstract: A system switches multiple broadcast signals from satellite and cable for transmission through a single coaxial cable to television receivers while managing use of the broadcast signals through telephony signal insertion and passage of a telephony signal and an RF signal on the single coax between a multiswitch and a triplexer operable with the receiver. A telephony interface operates with the multiswitch through a data access arrangement (DM) device for bringing outside telephone signals to the multiswitch. The triplexer includes a subscriber line interface circuit (SLIC) for providing telephony information to the receiver. The multiswitch and telephony interface route telephony information to the receiver.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method manages the execution of one or more processes within a processing period, each process having a completion priority. The method includes determining an interval based on the number of processes currently executing on a processor; executing the one or more processes during the interval; upon reaching the end of the interval, determining a remaining processing time associated with one or more remaining processes; and if the remaining processing time exceeds the difference between the processing period and the interval, terminating one or more remaining processes based on the completion priority of each process.

Abstract: A packetized voice telephony system including a set top box including a cable modem front end for supporting cable television services to be provided to a television coupled to the set top box. Also included is a voice peripheral coupled to the set top box for supporting packetized voice telephony services provided via a cable link and through the set top box. In one variation, the voice peripheral supports Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). The voice peripheral is external to the set top box and couples to the subscriber's telephone equipment. In some variations, the voice peripheral includes a power source to provide backup power to the set top box and the subscriber's telephone equipment.

Abstract: Call agents methods and systems are provided for providing emergency services on a heterogeneous network, such as a cable system, having a bandwidth. A request for telephony service is received wherein the telephony service will be provided over the cable system. It is determined if a portion of the bandwidth of the cable system which is allocated to telephony is fully utilized and if the request for telephony service is a request for emergency service. A portion of the bandwidth of the cable system is obtained to provide the requested telephony service if the request for telephony service is a request for emergency service and the portion of the bandwidth of the cable system which is allocated to telephony is fully utilized. The requested emergency service is provided using the obtained portion of the bandwidth of the cable system.

Abstract: A system and method for providing signals to television receivers (60) of selected users within a television network (30) is disclosed. The system comprises an intercept unit (130) connected to a telephone network (110). The intercept unit (130) is arranged to obtain data on a telephone call being made to a user's telephone number and to communicate the data to the receiver (60) of the user. The receiver (60) is arranged to display the data on an associated television screen (70).

Abstract: A method of transmitting TV signals and bidirectional telephone communication signals on a single optical fiber, existing telephone twisted pair infrastructure, and existing coaxial cable infrastructure. In addition to allowing the downstream transmission of television channels as well as bidirectional telephone communication, the single optical fibers also provides for the upstream travel of television related signals while requiring minimal changes of the existing infrastructure.

Abstract: An interactive broadcast or cable television or radio system, consisting of a television or radio tuner data receiver for receiving telephone number or electronic address data, a memory for storing the telephone number or electronic address data, a visual display for indicating the telephone number or electronic address data is stored, a pushbutton or other activation device for activating retrieval from memory of the stored telephone number or electronic address data and output of the retrieved telephone number or electronic address data to an autodialer or other transmission device to be transmitted to an external location, uses a memory having dual port memory functionality in order for simultaneous or substantially simultaneous retrieval of stored telephone number or electronic address data and storing of newly received telephone number or electronic address data.

Abstract: A method of transmitting TV signals and bidirectional telephone communication signals on a single optical fiber, existing telephone twisted pair infrastructure, and existing coaxial cable infrastructure. In addition to allowing the downstream transmission of television channels as well as bidirectional telephone communication, the single optical fibers also provides for the upstream travel of television related signals while requiring minimal changes of the existing infrastructure.

Abstract: In order to operate a multimedia communications network having at least two endpoints and at least one registration unit, a more simple identification of the media connection for the purpose of bandwidth reservation and service quality assurance in the transport network is achieved in that, after the arrival or authorization of a call, a call status request message is transmitted by the registration unit to the endpoints respectively involved in the call, which call status request message includes a request to the endpoints to report, in a call status acknowledge message, the properties of a media and/or data connection which is set up between the endpoints in connection with the call.

Abstract: A method according to the invention includes the steps of sending one or more upstream signals, such as voice signals, as pulse code modulated data (201) without packet headers using an upstream cable protocol and sending one or more downstream signals, such as voice signals, as pulse code modulated data (405) without packet headers using a downstream cable protocol.

Abstract: A subscriber class leases and provides programming for a digital television channel using the two way communication capabilities of a digital set-top box. Programming content is uploaded by members of the subscriber class to a service provider using upstream communication such as a cable modem forming a part of the set-top box. A schedule arbiter schedules the programming and the programming is multicast to the class of subscribers for playback.

Abstract: A signal distribution network in which signals are distributed via a primary signal distribution path. Television signals are transmitted in a first frequency band, telephone signals are transmitted in a second frequency band, and data signals are transmitted in a third frequency band. Bidirectional terminal adapters are connected to each endpoint of the primary signal distribution path. The terminal adapters connect to end user devices which receive signals from the primary signal distribution path. In addition, the terminal adapters connect to signal sources which provide the signals to be distributed via the primary signal distribution path. In one embodiment, television signals received from a CATV television network are received by a television distribution module.

Abstract: A home entertainment system has a switching matrix having supply ports that are connected to a plurality of TV tuners and at least one video camera. Each TV tuner demodulates a high frequency carrier signal to provide a specific channel to a supply port. Control signals that change the channel output of each TV tuner are transmitted upstream from the supply port to a corresponding TV tuner. The switching matrix has consumer ports that connect to terminals with consumer devices such as TV monitors located in different rooms of the home, each terminal receiving a signal of baseband frequency (no demodulation required) that may represent a television channel or a camera view and each terminal having a control that delivers signals to the consumer port to select a TV channel or select the camera. The switching matrix enables different ports to be coupled together, so that, for example, a camera in baby's room can be coupled to a television monitor in another room.

Abstract: A novel mechanism is disclosed by which a sender can direct information such as an audiovisual signal to a particular recipient's audiovisual display device, such as a cable television set and, thereby, share information between the sender and the recipient. In one embodiment of the invention, a calling party originates a telephone call and associates that telephone call with audio-visual information that exists on the caller's personal computer or on an Internet server. The called party answers the call, and can tune an associated cable television to the appropriate channel in order to view the audio-visual information. The caller can modify the audio-visual information during the call. Accordingly, the current invention ties together the telephone, cable, and IP networks in a manner that does not require large investments from cable or telephone service providers.

Abstract: A CATV system in which a technician in the field requests via a field client that a node of the CATV system be tested for ingress. The CATV system includes a headend facility that is coupled to a CATV distribution network. The CATV distribution network includes a plurality of nodes through which upstream signals are transmitted to the headend facility. A method of ingress testing for use in the CATV system includes one step of receiving at the headend facility a first reverse telemetry signal transmitted by a first field client that is coupled to the CATV distribution network at a first location downstream from the headend facility. Another step of the method includes selecting at the headend facility a first test node from the plurality of nodes of the CATV distribution network, wherein the selection is based upon the received first reverse telemetry signal.

Abstract: A video and telephony signal distribution network is provided. The network includes a head end for transmitting to a plurality of remote units. The network further includes at least one optical/electrical converter unit that transmits to the remote units over at least two coaxial cables coupled to a common optical/electrical converter unit. Each remote unit transmits upstream electrical data signals over its associated coaxial cable to the optical/electrical converter unit using a common bandwidth. The optical/electrical converter unit converts and frequency shifts the upstream electrical data signals from at least one remote unit to form an optical upstream data signal for transmittal to the head end such that the frequency spectrum used for the upstream communications is simultaneously used on each of the coaxial cables of to optical/electrical converter unit.

Abstract: Wireless, telephone-based satellite-linked communication system for transmitting a present-time signal to any point on the earth. The telephone-based satellite-linked communication system comprises a digital-based wireless telecommunication system and a digital-based satellite-linked telecommunication system. The digital-based wireless telecommunication system obtains visual and auditory information of a present-time event at one point on the earth and produces a digital-based signal corresponding to the present-time event. The digital-based satellite-linked telecommunication system is receives the digital-based signal corresponding to the present-time event and transmits to substantially any other point on the earth the digital-based signal corresponding to the present-time event. The transmitted digital-based signal has an error-to-signal ratio sufficiently low as to be deemed substantially satisfactory to a select number of viewers.

Abstract: The present method provides a fixed bandwidth for communicating information by way of a DSL service over a circuit switched telephone network. It includes the steps of setting a transmission bandwidth at a transmitting end of a DSL service over a circuit switched telephone network; dividing out the desired transmission bandwidth into multiple data connections each corresponding to an available voice connection in the circuit switched telephone network; delivering information at the desired transmission bandwidth by way of the multiple data rate connections; and combining the multiple data connections at a receiving end of the DSL service to provide the information at the desired transmission bandwidth.

Abstract: A novel mechanism is disclosed by which a sender can direct information such as an audiovisual signal to a particular recipient's audiovisual display device, such as a cable television set and, thereby, share information between the sender and the recipient. In one embodiment of the invention, a calling party originates a telephone call and associates that telephone call with audio-visual information that exists on the caller's personal computer or on an Internet server. The called party answers the call, and can tune an associated cable television to the appropriate channel in order to view the audiovisual information. The caller can modify the audio-visual information during the call. Accordingly, the current invention ties together the telephone, cable, and IP networks in a manner that does not require large investments from cable or telephone service providers.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for supporting broadband communications services is provided, and more specifically, a broadband communications network interface unit and power source therefor, The broadband communications network interface unit of the present invention permits multiple services being provided to a subscriber to be combined and provided, supported, and controlled collectively by the network interface unit. Moreover, the present invention provides power for the network interface unit that permits lifeline services, such as telephone, to continue even during potential power outages to the system.

Abstract: A unified architecture for a multipoint VC session and interactive broadcasting system is provided that includes a server, one or more video accessing points, reflectors and client machines. The server sets up the video communication sessions (VC sessions), each of which is hosted by one video accessing point. The server downloads the A/V client software to client machines. Reflectors direct audio/visual signals to client machines. The reflectors are coupled to the video accessing point and receive a control signal from the video accessing point in order to direct the A/V signals from the client machines participating in the VC session. The client machines process all of the A/V signals. This system for distributing the VC session tasks across these components reduces any bottleneck effect from using a single, central control point to direct the VC session and route the A/V signals.

Abstract: Out of viewers of the same content, multi-user talking service is provided to only viewers who wish to enjoy the content in a large number of people. Only when an address of a terminal 4, 5 that has transmitted a request for participation in multi-user talking is registered in a viewer management DB (which manages viewers of contents), a content distribution/multi-user talking service center 1 registers the above-mentioned address into a participant management DB (which manages participants in multi-user talking) associating the address with identification information of a content that is registered in association with the address in question in the viewer management DB. Then, for each content, respective pieces of talking data received from addresses registered in association with identification information of said content in the participant management DB are synthesized to generate multi-user talking data, and generated multi-user talking data is transmitted to each of said addresses.

Abstract: A method for distributing broadband services which essentially provides for separating the broadband front end of a receiver from the rest of the circuit and placing it in the fiber node or in the utility closets of a building with connection to the coaxial cable; the front end is then connected to an ADSL modem or to a modulator or to an amplifier and the signal is transferred to an adder; the two signals are then carried, over the existing telephone wire pair, to an individual end user, where the signals are split to the telephone and to the television set.

Abstract: Cable TV providers have an infrastructure which is well suited for providing additional services such as telephone and data connections to their subscribers. Techniques are disclosed for improving the error detection, masking, and avoidance capabilities of such a system. Because the system can distinguish telephony from data traffic, alternate error masking techniques can be employed for each type of traffic. An erroneous telephony packet, for example, can be replaced by silence, because the ear is relatively insensitive to short voids. Additionally, the links to the data or telephony provider can be maintained by the cable provider during interim noise periods. Because the network is structured as a multiple access network, and the likelihood of simultaneous upstream messages from all subscribers is low, error monitoring can be implemented on underutilized equipment to effect error avoidance, both as a preventive measure as well as a corrective measure.

Abstract: A method for monitoring at least one telephony communication n-bit channel, wherein one of the bits is a parity bit, includes sampling the parity bit of the n-bit channel. A probable bit error rate is derived from the sampling of the parity bit. The probable bit error rate can be compared to a pre-determined bit error rate value to determine if the at least one telephony communication n-bit channel is corrupted. If the at least one telephony communication n-bit channel is corrupted, the at least one telephony communication n-bit channel is re-allocated to an uncorrupted and unallocated telephony communication n-bit channel. Further, at least one unallocated telephony communication channel can be periodically monitored and error data accumulated to indicate the quality thereof.

Abstract: A residential gateway for distributing video, data and telephony services is disclosed. The gateway has a MPEG bus connected from a network interface module to a first and a second video processors. A microprocessor controls the first and second video processors by sending control signals across a control bus.

Abstract: The distributed video communications system includes a plurality of nodes (10). Each of the nodes interfaces with a network that is comprised of a messaging layer (16) and a data transmission layer (14). Data is transmitted from each of the nodes to the data transmission layer in a multicast protocol such that all of the other nodes have access to the information transmitted thereto. Each of the nodes has configuration information stored in a conference configuration block (22) which is received through the messaging layer (16). A conference can be initiated by any of the nodes (10) by transmitting information as to the conferees in a conference to the other of the nodes in the conference. Each of the nodes (10) independently determines from the configuration information associated therewith the manner in which data is to be extracted from the messaging layer (14) and the manner in which it is displayed.

Abstract: A bidirectional multipoint-to-point communications system for sending payload information over a distribution network is provided. The system includes a head-end terminal coupled to the distribution network to a plurality of service units. The head-end terminal includes a head-end controller for sending payload data to and from an external communications network and for producing and processing control messages at the head-end terminal, a head-end multicarrier transmitting modem coupled to the head-end controller for modulating downstream payload information and downstream control messages onto multiple orthogonal carriers spread throughout substantially all of a first frequency band, and a head-end multicarrier receiving modem coupled to the head-end controller for demodulating multiple orthogonal carriers spread throughout substantially all of a second frequency band and carrying upstream payload information and control messages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the general matter of integration of Internet services and telephony services with a video display (e.g., a television set). In a preferred embodiment, the invention utilizes a personal computer for system intelligence with a connection from a set top box to receive enhanced feature requests originating from a user remote control device. The personal computer processes the requests and generates pop-up windows which are sent back to the set top box for insertion into the video image as interactive displays simultaneously with the entertainment content already found in the video image.

Abstract: According to the invention, channel surfers are aided by summary frames appearing on the screen along with the regular program. These summary frames are embedded in the broadcast and appear in a small window on the screen at some point in the future as the video is broadcast. The summary frames depict key scenes from the past which aid the viewer in quickly ascertaining the current plot or theme of the video program. In an interactive television environment, a short video segment may be associated with each shot such that when the shot is selected, the past video segment is played in a larger window on the screen complete with sound. Once the segment is viewed, the video program is rejoined in progress with the viewer having a better sense of what is going on in the video. Hence, a when a channel surfer arrives at a new channel, rather than only having what is currently playing to catch the eye, summary frames are also available to catch the surfer's attention and aid in understanding the programming.