Patent Application
20070061854
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to cable television distribution networks, in general and to an enhanced apparatus, system and method for transmitting a dynamic bandwidth signal carrying dynamic content across a CATV distribution network, in particular.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Presently the signal transmitted across a standard cable television network infrastructure, from a head-end to a network subscriber, is modulated such as to have an operative bandwidth with a frequency range of from about 5 MHz to about 860 MHz. The signal carries diverse encoded information units, such as content, services and applications. Logically related and physically grouped information units are suitably modulated into distinct specifically allocated transmission channels. The channels are distributed across the available frequency range according to a predefined frequency plan. The number of potentially available downstream and upstream channels for the subscribers depends directly on the available bandwidth of the signal. The currently utilized signal with an about 5 to 860 MHz transmission bandwidth substantially limits the number of available downstream and upstream channels. Thus, in order to add new content to the existing programming mix the frequency range of the signal should suitably expanded.
The co-pending PCT patent application PCT/IL00/00655 describes and teaches a system and method for the substantial expansion of the operative bandwidth of a signal transported within a standard coaxial media-based cable television network. The system and method proposed by the above-mentioned patent application involves the installation and modification of a set of active and passive components along the signal transport path of the network in order to enable the transmission of a signal modulated across a frequency range of about 3 GHz and higher. The implementation of the proposed system and method specifically requires the upgrading of the CPE, such as the enhancement of the traditional set top boxes. The substantially expanded frequency range provides the option for the addition of a plurality of new channels to the existing programming mix. These channels would carry new content, information, services and applications in a bi-directional manner between the head end/hub stations and the network subscribers.
Presently all the subscribers linked to a specific head end or a specific hub station are provided with the entire set of available transmission channels allocated within the signal. Thus, if the signal having a particular bandwidth is transmitted along the transmission path while carrying 100 channels then the customer premises equipment of each of the associated subscribers will receive the same signal having the same bandwidth and carrying the same 100 channels. Although the subscriber is provided with the option of personalized programming, such as ordering, paying for and watching a specific package of desired channels only, the suitable filtering of the appropriate channels, such as the selection, the authorization and the de-coding of the requested channels are typically performed in a pre-determined manner within specific CPE units installed at the customer's premises. Note should be taken that in a realistic environment the majority of the customers are typically interested in receiving only a limited number of regularly supplied channels. Most customers are also interested in receiving periodically one or more channels on a temporary basis, such as, for example, a Video-on-Demand movie channel.
In accordance with the above-mentioned patent application, the set of components supporting the implementation of the system and method include several advanced subscriber interface units that have to be installed at the customer's premises. One such a component is a novel, enhanced and improved set top box that is designed to provide the option to the subscriber to tune to specifically selected channels located within the added frequency range portion of the extended bandwidth signal. The purchase of the technologically advanced customer premises equipment, specifically designed, developed and manufactured in order to support the substantially extended about 3 GHz transmission bandwidth, involves non-trivial expenses for the subscribers.
It would be easily understood by one with ordinary skills in the art that it would be advantageous to substantially expand the operational bandwidth of a cable television network for the purpose of adding new and useful content, information, services and applications for the network subscribers, while at the same time substantially preserving the existing configuration of the currently operating customer premises equipment and supporting the advanced operations through the existing components constituting the CPE configuration.
One aspect of the present invention regards a system for the transmission of a dynamic bandwidth signal across a transmission-tiered signal distribution network. The system comprises an at least one extended tap unit to receive a substantially extended bandwidth signal from an extended-bandwidth tier of the signal distribution network, to receive at least one control instruction transmitted from an at least one control interface associated with the signal distribution network, to generate a unique CATV-standard-bandwidth signal assembled specifically and selectively from frequency group elements constituting the received extended-bandwidth signal in accordance the at least one control instruction and to deliver the specifically and selectively generated CATV-standard-bandwidth signal to at least one targeted signal distribution network subscriber via an at least one CATV-standard-bandwidth transmission tier of the signal distribution network.
A second aspect of the present invention regards a method for the transmission of a dynamic bandwidth signal across a transmission-tiered signal distribution network. The method comprises the steps of; delivering via a CATV-standard-bandwidth transmission tier portion of a signal distribution network to an at least one extended tap unit a unique CATV-standard-bandwidth signal carrying at least one service request from at least one signal distribution network subscriber, converting the unique CATV-standard-bandwidth signal carrying the at east one service request into an extended-bandwidth signal by the at least one extended tap unit; delivering via an extended-bandwidth transmission tier portion of the signal distribution network to a network head-end or to a network hub station the extended-bandwidth signal carrying the at least one service request from at least one signal distribution network subscriber, generating suitable control information via a control interface associated with the network head-end or the network hub station, transmitting the generated control information from the network head-end or the network hub station; manipulating in accordance with the transmitted control information the operation of the at least one extended tap unit, controlling in accordance with the transmitted control information the customer premises equipment associated with the at least one network subscriber; generating at the network head-end or at the network hub station an extended-bandwidth signal selectively including frequency group elements associated with the services required by the at least one network subscriber, delivering the extended-bandwidth signal via the extended-bandwidth transmission tier of the signal distribution network to the at least one extended tap unit; frequency-converting and selectively filtering the extended-bandwidth signal into a unique CATV-standard-bandwidth signal in accordance with the received control information by the at least one extended tap unit; and delivering the unique CATV-bandwidth signal via the CATV-standard-bandwidth transnission tier of the signal distribution network to the at least one network subscriber.
The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:
PCT Patent application Serial No. PCT/IL00/00655 by Zeev Averbuch and Dr. Hillel Weinstein entitled “System and Method for Expanding the Operational Bandwidth of a Communication System”, within which a method and system for the substantial expansion of the usable bandwidth of a CATV network is disclosed, is incorporated herein by reference.
An apparatus, system and operating method for the transmission of a dynamic bandwidth dynamic content signal across a transmission-tiered communications network is disclosed. Although in the preferred embodiment of the present invention the transmission-tiered communications network is implemented in a cable television communications network (CATV) primarily distributing video and/or multimedia content it would be easily understood that in other preferred embodiments the proposed system and method could be applied to diverse other communications networks such as satellite communications networks, Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), or any other communications network involving the two-way delivery of information units between a central location and users located remotely in respect to the central location. The system and method proposed could also be utilized in a peer-to-peer network operative in the delivery of information units between remote or local users. The content delivered by the relevant communications networks could be of any distributable material, such as voice, images, video, data structures, graphics, executable code, rich media, text and the like.
The different transmission tiers of the proposed CATV distribution network are characterized by pre-defined frequency ranges of CATV signals carrying a set of pre-defined information units that are transported across pre-defined sections of the cable plant. The proposed apparatus, system and method involves the configuration of the CATV distribution network such that a first transmission tier enables the two-way transmission of an extended bandwidth signal carrying a full set of available information units while a second transmission tier enables the two-way transmission of one or more signals having a CATV-standard-bandwidth and carrying optionally different sub-sets of information units. Although in the preferred embodiment of the invention the CATV distribution network is constructed such as to have two transmission tiers in other preferred embodiments additional transmission tiers could be added where each transmission tier would be responsible for the two-way transportation of one or more CATV signals modulated across different frequency ranges and carrying optionally different information units. The interfacing of the transmission tiers is achieved by the linking thereof via specifically designed and developed signal processor/signal distributor units operative in the dynamically determined selective conversion of the signals by frequency-converting and selectively filtering selected portions of an input signal received from the first transmission tier having a wide frequency range and by the consequent dynamic allocating of the frequency-converted and selectively filtered selected frequency elements into selected frequency ranges of one or more output signals, which are fed into the second transmission tier.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a CATV network is provided with an extended-bandwidth-transmission-tier that extends from a network head-end or a hub station to a series of extended tap units. The extended-bandwidth-transmission-tier carries and maintains a signal that is modulated across a substantially extended frequency range of about 5-3000 MHz and above. This extended bandwidth signal is carried and maintained across the extended-bandwidth-transmission-tier of the CATV network by utilizing the system and method proposed by the above-mentioned related patent application. The extended-bandwidth signal is fed into the set of extended tap units installed across the cable plant and selectively processed therein. The extended tap units are linked to a set of network subscribers. Pre-defined frequency elements of the extended-bandwidth signal are dynamically frequency-converted and selectively filtered by specific components of the extended tap units in accordance with specific programming instructions transmitted from the head end/hub stations, in order to dynamically generate one or more signals carrying specifically defined information units where each specific signal is frequency-converted and selectively filtered across a CATV-standard frequency range of about 5-860 MHz. The signals modulated across the CATV-standard frequency range are fed from the extended tap units to a CATV-standard-bandwidth-transmission-tier section of the network. The CATV-standard-bandwidth-transmission-tier extends from the extended tap devices to the Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) associated with pre-defined set of network subscribers. The CATV-standard-bandwidth signal is carried and maintained across the CATV-standard-bandwidth-transmission-tier of the network by utilizing the standard components of the currently existing standard CATV distribution networks.
The following description of the preferred embodiment is meant to provide a ready understanding of the present invention. The embodiment-specific descriptions of the various components and operational methods are not meant to be limiting. The limits of the present invention will be defined only by the following claims.
Referring now to
The signal having a substantially expended frequency range is generated, delivered and maintained via the utilization of specific electronic components designed and developed according to the description and teachings of the above-mentioned related patent application. A more detailed description of the components operative in the handling of the substantially expanded signal, such as structure and functionality of the extended line amplifiers, is included in the text of the above-mentioned related patent application.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention the substantially expanded CATV signal is modulated across an about 5-3000 MHz frequency range. In other embodiments a wider frequency range could be provided. The network 10 is conceptually constituted of two transmission tiers where the different transmission tiers are characterized by different frequency ranges of the transmitted signal. Thus, the first transmission tier of the network 10 includes the head end/ hub station 11, the extended line amplifier 12, a first transmission tier component of the extended tap device 14, the second extended line amplifier 16, the first transmission tier component of the second extended tap device 18, and the coaxial cables interconnecting the first transmission tier elements. The infrastructure of the first transmission tier enables the two-way transmission of the extended bandwidth CATV signal modulated across the about 5-3000 MHz frequency range. The extended bandwidth CATV signal carries a plurality of transmission channels along the entire length of the cable plant backbone where the number of channels, the allocation plan of the channels within the frequency range and the content of the information units carried is non-changeable within the first transmission tier.
The second transmission tier of the CATV network 10 includes the second transmission tier component of the first extended tap device 14, the second transmission tier component of the second extended tap device 18, the first set of the CPE 20, 22, 24, 26 associated with the first set of network subscribers, the second set of the CPE 28, 30, 32, 34 associated of the second set of network subscribers and the coaxial cables interconnecting the operative elements of the second transmission tier. The infrastructure of the second transmission tier enables the two-way transmission of a set of signals modulated across modulated across the CATV-standard-bandwidth of about 5-860 MHz frequency range. The CATV-standard-bandwidth signals carry a sub-set of the transmission channels provided by the extended-bandwidth CATV signal fed from the first transmission tier to the second transmission tier. The number of channels, the frequency allocation plan and the content carried by the channels in the CATV-standard-bandwidth signal could optionally differ where each optionally different CATV-standard-bandwidth signal is fed to a specific CPE 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 and 34.
The interface between the first transmission tier and the second transmission tier within the network 10 is provided by specifically designed and developed signal processing components installed in the first extended tap device 14 and the second extended tap device 18. A more detailed description of the signal processing components implemented in the tap devices 14, 18 will be set forth herein under in association with the following drawings. In addition to the conversion of the extended-bandwidth signal to a set of CATV-standard signals the first extended tap device 14 and the second extended tap device 18 is responsible for the suitable distribution of the CATV-standard signals to the CPE 20, 22, 24, 26 and to the CPE 28, 30, 32, 34 respectively. The unique characteristics of the various CATV-standard-bandwidth signals distributed to the respective network subscribers are provided by specific programming instructions generated in the head end/hub station 11 of the network 10 and by the specific functionality of the processing components implemented in the extended tap devices 14 and 18. The instructions concerning the unique characteristics of the CATV-standard-bandwidth signals are initiated by specific requests submitted by the individual subscribers and are delivered from a specific control interface, such as the Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) interface implemented in head end/hub station 11 to the first extended tap device 14 and the second extended tap device 18. These instructions dynamically determine the appropriate content and associated frequency plan of the signals generated in the respective extended tap devices.
The structure of above-described network and the constituent components are exemplary only. An extremely simplified configuration is shown for the simplicity of the description and ready understanding of the underlying principles of the present invention. The network 10 could include a plurality of hub stations feeding a plurality of network subscribers via a plurality of distribution branches. For example, a single extended tap device could distribute a plurality of optionally unique CATV-standard-bandwidth signals to a plurality of CPEs associated with a plurality of network subscribers. Furthermore, the network 10 is shown in a substantially schematic manner such that diverse components operative in the proper transmission and distribution of the signals and for the appropriate operation of the network are not shown.
Referring now to
The above-described frequency plan of the signal 42 is exemplary only. In other embodiments of the invention different frequency allocations could be provided. Thus, the extended frequency range portion 48 could span a substantially wider frequency range, such as about 1200-3000 MHz, for example.
Referring now to
Referring now to
The above-described frequency plan of the signal 52 is exemplary only. In other embodiments of the invention different frequency allocation could be provided. Thus, the dynamically created about 48-68 MHz frequency range portion 56 could be frequency-converted and selectively filtered to a different frequency portion across the CATV-standard-bandwidth signal.
Referring now to
The configuration of above-described device is exemplary only. In other embodiments of the invention different components could be in configuration to provide for the substantially same principle of operation.
Referring now to
Still referring to
The configuration of above-described device is exemplary only. In other embodiments of the invention different components could be in configuration to provide for the substantially same principle of operation.
The optionally subscriber-specific CATV-standard-bandwidth signals generated by the subscriber-specific subscriber modules are fed into the CATV-standard-bandwidth transmission tier of the network, which extends from the extension tap device output port to the CPE of the customer. Since this tier is responsible for the transmission and maintenance of a CATV-standard-bandwidth signal the necessity of replacing or complementing equipment in the extension tap device-CPE network branch of the network is negated. As a result the installation costs associated with the implementation of the proposed apparatus and system are substantially reduced.
Referring now to
Both the CATV-standard-bandwidth signals in the second transmission tier of the network and the extended-bandwidth signal in the first transmission tier of the network are transported in a bidirectional manner in the downstream and in the upstream direction. Thus splitters are utilized as combiners when operating on the upstream signals. The extended tap devices receive the CATV-standard-bandwidth signals from the subscribers in the upstream, separate the about 5-42 MHz bands from the received signals and insert the subscriber-specific frequency bands into the about 5-42 MHz band of the extended-bandwidth signal in the upstream.
The method for the operation of the system will be described next. A network subscriber submits a request to the system for concerning the viewing of a VoD channel carrying an HDTV-formatted movie. The requests effects the generation of suitable control information by the standard about 5-860 MHz set top box and is transmitted upstream on the about 5-42 MHz return path. The control information is received by the CMTS in the head end/hub station, which consequently sends two messages in the downstream direction: 1) to the set top box to set the input channel to the HDTV service channel carried in the frequency range of about 54-68 MHz and/or any other designated channel, and b) to the extension tap device to set the specific subscriber tuner to the selected channel included in the 1200-1950 MHz range. The reception of the messages is then confirmed by both the set top box and the extension tap device where the confirmation messages are delivered upstream in the about 5-42 MHz frequency band. Consequently a specific information unit server device in the head end/hub station is activated and downloads the selected movie to the set top box of the requesting subscriber via the extension tap device. The information server activates an accounting module for the computation of the specific price for the download and the appropriate charging of the subscriber's account. The exclusive viewing of the movie by the specific subscriber only is achieved by the automatic programming of the associated set top box that affects the setting of the set top box to the selected channel. Optionally frequency hopping techniques and other security-related technologies could be used between the selected output and the input channels to provide for further security.
The proposed apparatus, system and method provides for the transmission, handling and maintenance of a dynamically manipulated CATV signal across different transmission tiers of the network where each tier handles a signal with differing characteristics. The characteristics involve different frequency ranges, differing frequency plans, and unique content in accordance with specific requests submitted by specific subscribers. Thus the main transmission path of the network transports an extended bandwidth signal that includes the entire set of available transmission channels while the diverse subscriber-specific transmission branches transport a CATV-standard-bandwidth signal, which is selectively generated from the extended bandwidth signal in accordance with a combination of pre-defined subscriber-specific frequency plan and specific demands concerning the delivery of particular content to a subscriber. The salient features of the proposed apparatus, system and method include the following: a) the requirement concerning the upgrading/replacement/complementing the equipment installed at the customers premises is negated, b) the delivery of a specific HDTV VoD channel is enabled to a specific subscriber in a dynamic manner in a secure manner by the automatic tuning of the set top box to a specific channel, c) the apparatus, system and method is fully compatible with the system and method proposed by above-mentioned related patent application, d) the CATV operator is provided with the option of selecting and implementing a unique frequency/channel allocation for a specific available service, e) optionally the entire set of the network subscribers are provided with the capability of an viewing HDTV VoD movie in an identical channel, f) no additional hardware components are needed to be installed at the head end/hub stations, g) standard DOCSIS (CMTS) control system and billing could be used, h) only the first transmission tier (cable plant backbone) should be upgraded to the about 5-3000 MHz signal delivery where the update involves the utilization of the components proposed by the above-mentioned related patent application, I) the low cost extension tap devices have the capability of supporting a diverse number of subscribers (4/6/8/16/32), j) low power consumption, k) easy installation, 1) the technology provides the option for the implementation of virtual node splitting, m) a delivery rate of 38 Mb/sec or 76 Mb/sec per subscriber is assured, and m) the technology enables a potential delivery of 220 HDTV VoD channels simultaneously in the first transmission tier.
The proposed apparatus, system, and method provides the option of selectively partitioning the transported media carried by a signal having a substantially extended frequency range both in the downstream and the upstream and the option of delivering the partitioned media to/from a specifically targeted, suitably configured and appropriately limited group of subscribers. The above options are achieved while maintaining the network's curb-to-subscriber infrastructure segments intact. Thus, the necessity of modifying, adding, or deleting any passive or active components, such as set top boxes, modes or the like within the network's curb-to-subscriber infrastructure segments is substantially negated.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims, which follow.
The present application is related to co-pending PCT application No. PCT/IL00/00655 by Zeev Averbuch and Dr. Hillel Weinstein entitled “System and Method for Expanding the Operational Bandwidth of a Communication System”, filed 16 Nov. 2000 which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IL02/00932 | 11/21/2002 | WO | 9/22/2005 |
