Abstract: An audio/video distribution system that is cost-effective, highly flexible, and capable of being used over an extended area and without the need for a centralized switching and distribution mechanism. The audio/video distribution system includes a distribution bus, at least one audio/video transmitter, at least one receiver, and a digital director. The transmitter is configured to receive signals from at least one audio/video source while the receiver is connected to the distribution bus and configured to receive signals from the distribution bus. The digital director is connected to the distribution bus and configured to control the transmitter and receiver.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a gateway providing an open software interface to control in-home communications and to enable in-home devices of various divergent technologies to selectively access external communication features. An in-home communication network utilizes any one or more of several available in-home digital networking media to connect the gateway to device interfaces. The gateway comprises interfaces to a plurality of external communication networks, and one or more in-home communication media, a router coupled to the various interfaces and a controller. Each device specific accessing the in-home network connects to media through a device interface. There will be different interfaces for enabling access by different types of customer premises devices. Each device interface provides physical access to the media as well as functional interfacing, to enable operation with the particular type of customer premises device.

Abstract: A local network (10), forming part of a cable TV system, includes subscriber outlets (21), from which signals can be transmitted in the return direction to a head end (11) of the system within a predetermined carrier frequency band.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for repurposing a physical structure to enable the delivery of interactive services and, more specifically, to a method and system of creating a competitive gaming environment within a repurposed movie theater structure. The modification of existing facilities in accordance with the present invention creates an Interactive Services Facility with an operational environment capable of delivering interactive services, such as competitive gaming, to users. The operational environment is enabled by the present invention through novel systems and methods of modifying the infrastructure of an Existing Facility and providing novel operational systems for the delivery of interactive services.

Abstract: Systems and methods for integrating collaborative services with content. Collaboration services are provided to a user in the context of content such that the user may collaborate with other contacts or users within the context of the content. The collaborative services are accessed through a pane or window that initially displays a list of experts and peers as well as frequently asked questions links, availability data and configuration data. When a contact is selected, more details about the selected contact are provided to the user including a contact block that indicates how the user may collaborate with the selected contact. The contact block identifies modes of communication such as e-mail, instant messaging, video conferencing, threads, telephone, and the like. When a mode of communication is selected, the user may collaborate with the selected contact. The context of the content is often supplied to the selected contact to improve the collaboration.

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 for self-contained, low-power re-broadcast and reception of content signals at least contains a content signal transmitter adapted to transmit/re-broadcast a content signal which it has Frequency Modulated (FM), at least includes one receiver adapted to receive the FM content signal, a cable infrastructure with cables adapted for transmitting in-building content signals, and an antenna connected to a cable and placed in the effective range of the receiver, given predefined maximum antenna power limits (such as those defined by the Federal Communications Commission). Consequently, receivers which do not have (or have available) coaxial cable jacks, or those which do have coaxial cable jacks but are not physically reachable by coaxial can still receive re-broadcast content signals. In the preferred embodiment, an automatic gain control (AGC) circuit is connected between the cable and the antenna to maintain the signal transmitted power level close to the allowable maximum, while not exceeding it.

Abstract: A plurality of outlets has at least a first outlet coupled to an IR target for providing a first local comparatively low-frequency electrical IR signal in response to an IR signal received by the IR target. At least a second outlet is coupled to an IR emitter. A distribution module is coupled to each outlet by respective first and second cables, wherein each of the first and second cables is sufficient to carry both comparatively high-frequency signals and comparatively low-frequency electrical IR signals between a respective outlet and the distribution module. The distribution module combines all local electrical IR signals received from said outlets via said respective first cables into a combined electrical IR signal and transmits the combined electrical IR signal to the IR emitter via said second cable.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for using a computer as server for television sets. It consists of a module (4) connected to the decoder (1) of the television set (2) and to the computer (3) by digital links, and comprising a micro-electronic component (5) provided with enhanced filtering units and an interface for controlling the computer resources from a decoder by means of a specific software integrated therein. The invention concerns reception on a television set of data of all types, and in particular programs or data using coding by packets consisting of a set of data routed in blocks in a network, whether of the wireless type, by cable or satellite.

Abstract: A single subscriber multiple set top boxes linkage device has a real time video and audio compressor which provides a digitized payment signal, a subscriber management unit providing a subscriber pairing signal to a linkage control unit, which is responsible to the pairing, and a multiplexer. The set top boxes are classified as a master and at least two slaves. The master emits linkage control signals continuously to assure whether the pairing is correct. When the slave receives the linkage control signal, it is contrasted with the clock from the head end to assure a correct pairing. The mounting work is convenient without necessary to further add control signal wire or other dedicated accessories. Therefore, the cost is low. Moreover, a dynamic encryption is used in the present invention, which is highly reliable in safety and is very difficult to be decrypted.

Abstract: In a method for the transmission of audiovisual signals between at least one source node and at least one destination node of a home audiovisual network, said source node or nodes insert a piece of information, into said audiovisual signals, to control the copying and/or broadcasting of said audiovisual signals by said destination node or nodes.

Abstract: A multiple Interactive Program Guide (IPG) system provides different television programming and different IPGs to several different users respectively. A single set-top box is capable of providing programming and scheduling data to several different television sets. Each of the different IPGs share a common database. Therefore, a first IPG being viewed by a first user can display data added or modified via a second IPG by a second user of the system. Furthermore, the data added or modified by the second user can influence the viewing rights of the first user. Also, all the competing and conflicting requests for limited resources, such as VCR scheduled recordings, will be brought to the users' attention and will be displayed by the system.

Abstract: Entertainment content is delivered in an encrypted digital format from a home base via satellite to individual lodging properties (sites) having an in-room entertainment system. Each digital file containing content (such as a movie) is accompanied by a sites file which identifies the name of the content file and the sites to which the content file is being transmitted. Each site includes a host computer, a digital content receiver, a digital content server guest terminals in the guest rooms, and a distribution network for distributing content from the digital content server to the guest terminals. The digital content receiver receives the transmitted digital content and sites files, and provides the files to the digital content server for storage and later use.

Abstract: A communication method and system are provided which enables the communication of data and television signals on a residential gateway network while avoiding the degradation of VDSL signals. This invention employs a new directional coupler that permits coupling between input and output ports, but only limited coupling to a television port.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for patient point-of-care data management is provided. Patient point-of-care data is obtained in realtime or in substantially realtime and is made available to subscribers or authorized users on either a local computer display screen, a remote computer display screen, or both. In some embodiments, data associated with a plurality of patients is made available and is viewable simultaneously on a computer display screen. In some embodiments, patient point-of-care data from a plurality of hospitals is available.

Abstract: A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network including at least one bi-directional coaxial cable extending from a remote location to a location adjacent subscriber premises and carrying traffic in opposite directions along respective frequency spectra which are separated by a separation frequency band and at least one bi-directional coaxial cable extending from the location adjacent subscriber premises to at least one outlet at the subscriber premises and carrying traffic along the separation frequency band.

Abstract: A set-top electronics and network interface unit arrangement is connected to an internal digital network interconnecting devices in the home. The digital network operates on a single, nomodulated, baseband channel. Entertainment services are introduced into the network through network interface units that are coupled to an external network and to the internal network. The network interface units perform the necessary interfacing between the external and internal networks, and make the entertainment services available to all terminals connected to the internal network. Set-top electronics that are separate from the network interface units connect to the internal network and convert the information in the digital data stream for display, by a television, for example.

Abstract: A system for redistributing a broadband audio-visual-data signal to a multiplicity of receiver units within a multiple dwelling unit (MDU) includes a main receiving antenna that receives a broadband video/audio/data signal having a number of individual program multiplex signals therein and a transmodulator device that transmodulates a selected subset of the individual program multiplex signals associated with the broadband signal from a first modulation scheme to a second modulation scheme. The transmodulated signals are broadcast over a cable network, along with terrestrial signals, to individual receiver units at the MDU. The receiver units send requests for user-selected ones of the individual program multiplex signals to the transmodulator device, demodulate the transmodulated and/or terrestrial signals and provide user-specified channels to television sets for display.

Abstract: An in-home network for distributing data is provided comprising a set-top box for connecting the in-home network to the access network. The set-top box includes memory units for storing configuration data from the access network and is connected on the home side via a digital broadband matrix to a control unit.

Abstract: A set top box (STB) includes a trusted transactional cache and associated transactional protocol and enables e-commerce transactions to be securely committed to a remote server extremely quickly and with little network overhead. The invention does away with the user concern of whether the transaction was successful. The STB operates equally well on robust private networks as on unpredictable Internet or wireless networks, and avoids upsetting users who would otherwise have to wait in front of a display screen for confirmation of completion of the transaction after a temporary communication failure with the central site. The method may advantageously be used to provide cost-effective micro-payments solutions. The STB may include a dual headed display capability in which data and video maybe be directed to separate displays. The STB may feature an embedded ticket printer, as well as an embedded barcode scanner.

Abstract: User interface systems access media data stored in a database through a server that presents to the interface a selection menu for selecting media data. Upon selection of media data the server accesses the data from the database and transmits it to an in-room system. The media data may be transmitted by downloading the data to an intermediate system, playing the data at the intermediate system and outputting the data to the in-room system through a communications line. The media data may also be transmitted by streaming the data to the in-room system through a communications line. The server may present to the in-room system a purchase menu through which media data may be purchased, an activation menu through which communication between the in-room system and the server may be established for a fixed period of time and a radio menu through which programmed media-data channels may be accessed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing customers of hospitality facilities with the ability to access a variety of amenities and to interact with a video system in order to enable point-of-sale purchase of and payment for goods and services with a credit or debit card. In a preferred embodiment, the video services system comprises a plurality of card readers arranged in a distributed configuration, each of which are associated with a room terminal of a video services system. In a preferred embodiment, each the card readers may be powered using power provided by an associated TV and room terminal. Each room terminal functions as an interface between the systems control computer and the card reader associated with the room terminal.

Abstract: A universal cabling or prewiring system installed in a home or other building during construction, the system providing electronic communication between a multitude of electronic devices and electronic control devices, where the system can accommodate changes in location or type of equipment, can receive additional equipment not originally contemplated, can receive equipment not yet developed, such that any home design can be prewired in a generally standardized format.

Abstract: A local area network uses coaxial cable wiring for interconnection of terminal devices. A frequency selective network interface device is placed at the building point of entry or another point in the wiring to reflect network signals transmitted by terminal devices back into the building distribution to be received by other terminal devices. By reflecting network upstream signals back into the building as downstream signals, the network interface provides a path for terminal devices to transmit to and receive from other terminal devices.

Abstract: The construction of a receiving apparatus for receiving a broadcast from a plurality of broadcasting providers is simplified. In a receiving apparatus for receiving a broadcast from a plurality of broadcasting providers, of the function blocks which constitute the receiving apparatus, a block used in common irrespective of the broadcasting provider is formed as a common block, and a block different from one broadcasting provider to another is formed as an independent block. These blocks are connected to each other through an IEEE1394 interface, and the common block is shared among the plurality of blocks which are not used in common, so that a receiving process is performed.

Abstract: A hybrid communicator/remote control includes an integrated display screen configured to display a contact list. Each contact in the contact list includes an address, such as a network address, for establishing two-way communication with the contact. Moreover, each contact in the contact list includes a visual identifier, such as a name, picture, or the like, that identifies the contact. A user may select a contact from the contact list, after which a communication channel is established between the hybrid communicator/remote control and a device used by the selected contact, such as a telephone, Internet-accessible telephone, or another hybrid communicator/remote control.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for grouping targeted advertisements on an advertisement channel. The advertisements may be grouped at a head end, at a central location, and delivered as a time division or channel division multiplexed by the advertisement group to the one or more subscriber ends. In time-division multiplexing, the advertisements corresponding to the advertisement groups are temporarily grouped together when transmitted. In channel-division multiplexing, each advertising group is assigned to a different advertising channel and the STBs are instructed to download all the advertisements on the particular advertisement channel to which it corresponds. In particular, for ATM transport, encoded video streams may be sent on one or more channels such as Virtual Path Identifier/Virtual Channel Identifiers (VPI/VCIs). To achieve ad grouping, one or more dedicated channels (i.e., VPI/VCIs) may be created and assigned to carry only ads of a particular group.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multimedia system that delivers all of the traditional features of a video distribution system including access, control and monitoring of remote cameras, with added benefits for interactive visual communications, including video conferencing, multicasting, broadcasting, data collection and data transfer. There is no need for routing special cabling or additional wiring because the existing network cabling and equipment are utilized. Therefore, implementation costs are minimized. The present invention provides on-demand dial, control and view of multiple cameras. Additionally, the present invention provides on-board video conferencing capability, remote management capability and priority level and control management. Additionally, the present invention is standards based and provides real-time access of multiple cameras and maximizes the use of COTS.

Abstract: Disclosed is a personalized, network-based, distributed learning system. The system allows for the dynamic creation of teaching materials personally tailored for the needs of the individual striving to learn the material. The system additionally allows for learning assessment of the student's comprehension of the course material, and dynamic creation of additional course material representing a portion of the course material not comprehended by the student. Additionally disclosed are methods for caching course content and developing a course curriculum for educating a student about the course material.

Abstract: A hotel entertainment system adaptable to provide entertainment services to a large or small lodging facility is provided. The system comprises a master host and several slave subsystems, which communicate via a network backbone. The slave subsystems provide entertainment services to guest rooms, and the master host coordinates communications between the slave subsystems and other components of the hotel entertainment system. The master host can connect to a number of slave subsystems with the slave subsystems providing services to a subset of the guest rooms in a lodging facility, allowing the system to be scaled to provide entertainment services to lodging facilities of varying sizes. The master host contains a room map and a property management system daemon. The room map allows the master host to determine which guest rooms are by a particular slave subsystem, allowing accurate tracking of which guest room receives services.

Abstract: A tuning device comprises a tuner unit (1) generating a transport stream (TS) from a received service, and a storage unit (3) for storing at least a partial transport stream (PTS) generated from said transport stream (TS) and outputting said partial transport stream (PTS) upon request.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement and method are disclosed for providing a video signal to a video display from a selectable subset of a plurality of digital video data carried on a plurality of video data channels. The digital video data is generated from video signals from a plurality of video sources, and each video channel selectably carries either color or monochrome video data. A processor is configured and arranged to interpret display commands, and a selector circuit is coupled to the processor. The selector circuit is arranged for connection to the plurality of video data channels and selects digital video data from a subset of the channels responsive to an input selection signal from the processor. A video data sequencer is coupled to the selector circuit and decodes color and monochrome video data from the video channels responsive to configuration signals indicating selected data formats for the channels and merges the selected video data into frames of video data.

Abstract: A television signal distribution device comprises a plurality of downgoing cables (1-4) corresponding to signals received from various satellites (10-40). Signals received by terrestrial transmission (50, T) are added to each of these cables. Digital data signals received from different satellites are converted to a lower frequency in down-converters (DC1-DC5) and together brought to within the range of the terrestrial signals (T). For each group of users there is provided a converter (94) for putting the digital data signals into a customary frequency band which can be used by a standard satellite modem (95).

Abstract: A method for interfacing a digital set-top box with a digital television in accordance with Electronics Industries Association standard 775A. According to one embodiment, a multiple program transport stream is received and filtered. The filtering process produces a single program transport stream based on a program selected by a user. The single program transport stream is provided to the digital television over a 1394 bus in accordance with EIA standard 775A. The program association information associated with the single program transport stream is also provided to the digital television. In one embodiment, the invention contains a component performing on-screen display function for user interface information displayed on a DTV.

Abstract: In one aspect this invention provides a digital content distribution and viewing system that includes a source of at least one of pre-recorded or live digital content; a transport mechanism for distributing the digital content to a plurality of theater locations in combination with at least one script, where the theater locations enable the digital content to be viewed by an audience with theater equipment; at the theater locations, a store and forward server for receiving the digital content and the at least one script, and for executing the script for controlling actions of the theater equipment during the viewing of said digital content. A backchannel is provided for transporting to a central site a log that is descriptive of at least some of the actions, and an associated time stamp of when the action was performed. In another aspect the invention provides, at the plurality of theater locations, video cameras for generating live video of the audience for transport to one or more viewing locations.

Abstract: The present invention might is a large-screen electronic building directory system that also integrates advertising and non-commercial content and is positioned and deployed in various public spaces, such as commercial building lobbies, indoor shopping malls, airports or other commercial and transportation hubs. The system combines facility directory, facility services information, concessionaires and advertising sponsor information in a user interface suitable for use in the target environment. A self contained, computer integrated plasma display has a 16:9 aspect ratio and is subdivided into a 14:9 media window portion and a 2:9 control portion. Interaction is through touch-sensitive panel sections. Content establishment and updating is effected through a wide area network communication interface, which also supports bi-directional videophone communication between a system user and offsite service providers.

Abstract: A home network, in one embodiment including a home wiring system; a demarcation point unit in electrical communication with the home wiring system; and a home network module in electrical communication with the home wiring system. The home network module is adapted for connection to a home electronic device. The demarcation point unit passes data to and receives data from the home electronic device through the home network module.

Abstract: A cable broadcasting system having a simple structure, by which radio telephones can be used in good condition even inside a building, or at any other place where a subscriber's terminal is provided. An existing community receiving system for supplying, to a subscriber's terminal installed in each subscriber's home, broadcasting signals (90-1335 MHz) in VHF, UHF, and BS-IF bands received by respective outdoor antennas is provided with another outdoor antenna for radio waves in a radio telephone frequency band (1429.025-1919.45 MHz) used for cellular phones and PHS terminals, and a radio telephone repeater for transmitting/receiving the radio waves in the radio telephone frequency band. Furthermore, a head end unit in the system is provided with a mixer-extractor such that the signals transmitted/received by the radio telephone repeater can be relayed, via a tap device, to the subscriber's terminal.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing video programming information from a plurality of sources over a unitary set of channels comprising a notch filter, a video program information receiver, a modulator, and a composite video generator. The notch filter is configured to receive the receive video programming information from a first source over the unitary set of channels and provide notched video programming information comprising the received set of channels, except a selected channel. The video program information receiver is configured to receive other video programming information from a second source. The modulator is configured to modulate the other video programming information onto a channel corresponding to the selected channel, thereby to provide modulated other programming information.

Abstract: The invention is a transmitter for a personal wireless network. The transmitter includes an amplifier, a processor coupled to the amplifier, a network connection coupled to the processor, a power connection coupled to the amplifier; a transceiver bank coupled to both the amplifier and the processor, and a wireless communication software stored in a memory device, the memory coupled to the processor. The transmitter may be enabled to create packets, to process received packets, and to associate received data with a software program.

Abstract: A home digital assistant which, in one embodiment, is coupled by a local communication link to the receiver of an interactive television system. The home digital assistant is configured to enable a user to obtain information from and to interact with the interactive television system. The interactive television system includes a broadcast station and one or more receiving stations which are coupled to the broadcast station by a broadcast communication link. A broadcast signal which includes data targeted to the home digital assistant is transmitted from the broadcast station to the receiving stations over the broadcast link. The receiving stations separate the data targeted to the home digital assistant from the remainder of the signal and transmit this data to the home digital assistant over the local communication link. The data may be application code, raw data, streaming audio or video, triggers, control information, or other types of data.

Abstract: A home network connection system is disclosed. A plurality of plug boxes matching with the requirement of the 1394 communication protocol proposed by Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) are installed in each of small rooms within a space. Then the electronic or electric devices are connected to the plug boxes through wires. Proper connecting wires serve to connect these plug boxes for transmission. The home audio and video interoperability (HAVI) is used to confine the devices. Therefore, the electronic or electric devices of a home can be connected through the 1394 communication protocol so that the resources in the plug boxes are shared by all members of the home.

Abstract: A television control system for controlling different models of hospital televisions, has an input device for receiving an input from a person, and a controller for interfacing with hospital televisions. The controller generates command signal groups reflective of the input, and the command signal groups include a plurality of sequentially-generated, individual command signals for specific operational function of a plurality of different models of hospital televisions including ON/OFF, CHANNEL UP, CHANNEL DOWN, SELECT/MUSIC, PREVIOUS CHANNEL, MUTE, CLOSED CAPTION, and CHANNEL DIGIT operational functions.

Abstract: A system for distributing signals, in which a distribution module is coupled to each of a plurality of outlets by respective first and second cables. Each of the first and second cables is sufficient to carry both a first-type signal and a second-type signal between an outlet and the distribution module, the second-type signal comprising one of left-handed and right-handed polarized type signals. The first cable carries a combined first-type signal and one of a left-handed and right-handed polarized signal from the distribution module to the outlet. The second cable carries the other of the left-handed and right-handed polarized signal from the distribution module to the outlet and carries a local first-type signal from the outlet to the distribution module. The combined first-type signal is provided by the distribution module by combining the local first-type signal with a master first-type signal.

Abstract: Digital packets, defined by a sync byte and then 130 MPEG2 compressed QPSK signal bytes, from a satellite transponder are reformatted prior to transmission to television receivers in apartments in a building wired to distribute video signals. A side byte between such sync and signal bytes in each packet indicates (a) any QPSK packet uncorrectable error and (b) processing information which allows automatic reconfiguration at the settop box. Additional FEC bytes correct to 8 errors within a MPEG2QPSK packet. The system removes the FEC bytes and reframes the MPEG2QPSK packets into a superpacket by converting a first number of the MPEG2QPSK packets to a second number of MPEG2QAM packets. An added sync byte indicates the beginning of each such MPEG2QAM packet. The system adds side data bytes including any uncorrectable errors in each MPEG2QPSK packet and adds a new, less complicated FEC to each MPEG2QAM packet.

Abstract: A new and improved wireless cable box system is disclosed that allows video to transmit from a main transmitter box to a plurality of receivers via a low band signal. A cable would be connected to the main transmitter box, and the box would subsequently transmit a low band (video and sound) to the receivers. The receivers are attached to the input of their specific television.

Abstract: A method of in-waiting room health-care information services comprises providing a physician's waiting room with an in-waiting room video display unit. Video programming from a remote database of health-care information is continually played over the in-waiting room video display unit. Interested waiting-room parties can at least glance over the programming. Later on, such interested waiting-room parties can independently access the remote database over the Internet for deeper online research. Hence the in-waiting room display unit showcases the health-care information video programming to attract interested waiting-room parties into deeper online research so that patients might learn more clearly how to be involved in and comply with their prescribed regimen of treatment. The in-waiting room play of the programming serves to strengthen the patient-physician relationship by exemplifying the physician's interest in success and endeavor to be at the forefront of recent developments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing peer-to-peer communications between televisions wherein a query request is sent from any of the televisions to any other of the televisions. The query request is for information identifying content currently watched on the queried television including samples of the currently watched content. In operation, each television is first identified to each other television. The identifying information includes determining whether a given television may receive content identifying information from each other of the televisions. In some instances, the querying television may only be allowed to receive certain types of content identifying information from the queried television. The identifying of the television is performed by either the televisions or a mediator that is separate from each of the televisions. The televisions receive information identifying what content identifying information a given other television may receive from a user of the televisions.

Abstract: A system for redistributing a multiple input audio/video and data signals having a redistributing device equipped to receive signals in a multiple formats and redistribute a selected signal to a user's premises over conductors, preferably existing twisted-pair telephone wire. The redistributing device is in interactive communication with a communications interface located in the user's premises which receives user-input control signals and contains switching circuitry which routes the selected signal to the user's premises where it is received by the receiving unit such as a television receiver. A single redistributing device services an entire multi-user network from a common distribution point, and services multiple users independently. The system of the invention does not interfere with normal use of the telephone network, so users can interactively access services provided by the system and use the telephone at the same time.

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.