KR20050099959A - Apparatus, system and method for the transmission of a dynamic bandwidth signal across a catv network - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method for the transmission of a dynamic bandwidth dynamic content signal across a transmission- tiered communications network is disclosed. The network enables simultaneously the transmission of an extended-bandwidth signal carrying a full set of content information units and a set of unique CATV-standard- bandwidth signals carrying optionally different sub-sets of content information units selected specifically from the extended-bandwidth signal and delivered to targeted groups o subscribers. The unique CATV- standard-bandwidth signals are created by an extended signal-processing unit in response to specific control information generated in the network following particular requests submitted by the network the subscribers. Subsequently, the unique signals are transmitted to the subscribers via CATV-standard components.

Description

APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE TRANSMISSION OF A DYNAMIC BANDWIDTH SIGNAL ACROSS A CATV NETWORK}

The present invention relates generally to improved apparatus, systems, and methods for transmitting dynamic bandwidth signals with dynamic content over cable television (hereinafter referred to as 'CATV') distribution networks, more specifically CATV distribution networks.

Currently, signals transmitted from the head-end to network subscribers through a standard cable TV network infrastructure are modulated to have an operating bandwidth with a frequency range of about 5-860 MHz. This signal has various encoded information bodies such as content, service, and application. Logically related and physically grouped information bodies are modulated to suit different transport channels specifically assigned. The channel is distributed over the available frequency range in accordance with a predetermined frequency plan. The number of downstream and upstream channels available to the subscriber depends directly on the available bandwidth of the signal. Signals with a transmission bandwidth of about 5-860 MHz currently being used substantially limit the number of downstream and upstream channels available. Thus, in order to add new content to an existing programming mix, the frequency range of the signal must be appropriately extended.

The PCT patent application PCT / IL00 / 00655 of the same applicant describes a system and method for substantially extending the operating bandwidth of a signal transmitted into a standard coaxial medium-based CATV network. The system and method proposed by the aforementioned patent application involves installing and modifying a set of active and passive components along a signal transmission path of a network to enable transmission of modulated signals over a frequency range of about 3 GHz or more. . Implementing the proposed system and method requires, in particular, upgrading of customer premises equipment (CPE) (hereinafter also referred to as 'CPE'), such as performance improvement of conventional set top boxes. The substantially extended frequency range provides the option to add multiple new channels to an existing programming mix. The channels can deliver new content, information, services and applications in both directions between the head-end / hub station and the network subscriber.

Currently, all network subscribers connected to a particular head-end or a particular hub station are provided with a full set of available transport channels assigned within that signal. Thus, when a signal having a specific bandwidth is transmitted along a transmission path while maintaining 100 channels, each CPE of the subscriber concerned receives the same signal having the same bandwidth and the same 100 channels. Subscribers are provided with personal programming options, such as ordering, paying and watching only specific packages of the desired channels, but proper filtering of the appropriate channels, such as the selection, approval and decoding of the required channels, can be achieved within the specific CPE unit installed in the consumer premises. It is common to execute in a predetermined manner. It should be noted that in the real world, most of the consumers are interested in receiving a limited number of channels that are regularly supplied. In addition, most consumers have a desire to regularly receive one or more channels on an hourly basis, such as, for example, a Video-on-Demand (VOD) movie channel. I am interested.

According to the aforementioned patent application, the set of components supporting to implement the system and method includes several enhanced subscriber interface units that must be installed in the consumer premises. One such component is a new and improved set-top box designed to provide subscribers with the option to tune to any channel located within the added frequency range of the extended bandwidth signal. The cost of purchasing a technically advanced CPE, developed and manufactured with a special design to support a substantially extended transmission bandwidth of about 3 GHz, is a significant burden on subscribers.

Operation of the cable TV network to add new and useful content, information, services and applications for network subscribers, while substantially maintaining the structure of the current CPE and supporting enhanced operation through existing components including the CPE. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that it may be desirable to substantially extend the bandwidth.

1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary structure for a cable plant of a transmission-tiered CATV network (upgraded to 3 GHz bandwidth) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

2A is a diagram illustrating frequency allocation for CATV signals transmitted through an extension-bandwidth-transport layer of a CATV network of a transport layer structure according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

2B is a diagram illustrating frequency allocation of signals in a CATV-standard-bandwidth-transport layer of a CATV network of a transport layer structure according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an operative component that constitutes an exemplary extended tap device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary operation part constituting a subscriber module connected to an extension tap device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a perspective view of an expansion tab device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention, filed on November 16, 2000, by co-applicants of the present application, Jib Aberbach and Dr. Heilel Weinstein, filed under the name "System and Method for Expanding the Operational Bandwidth of a Communication System". As an application relating to PCT / IL00 / 00655, the disclosure content thereof is incorporated herein by reference.

One aspect of the invention relates to a system for transmitting a dynamic bandwidth signal through a signal distribution network of a transport hierarchy. The system receives a substantially extended bandwidth signal from an extended bandwidth layer of the signal distribution system, receives at least one control command transmitted from at least one control interface connected with the signal distribution system, and the at least one Generates a unique CATV-standard-bandwidth signal that is specific and selectively combined with the elements of the frequency group that make up the received extended bandwidth signal in accordance with a control command, and this particular and selectively generated CATV-standard-bandwidth signal At least one extension tap unit for delivering to the at least one signal distribution network subscriber of its destination via at least one CATV-standard-bandwidth transport layer of the signal distribution network.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a transmission method for transmitting a dynamic bandwidth signal via a signal distribution network of a transport hierarchy. This transmission method comprises a unique CATV-standard- having at least one service request from at least one signal distribution network subscriber via at least one extension tap unit via a CATV-standard-bandwidth transport layer portion of the signal distribution network. Delivering a bandwidth signal and converting a unique CATV-standard-bandwidth signal having at least one service request by the at least one extension tap unit into an extension bandwidth signal; Extended bandwidth with the at least one service request from at least one signal distribution network subscriber to a network head-end or network hub station via an extended bandwidth transport layer of the signal distribution network Transmitting a signal, generating appropriate control information via a control interface coupled to the network head-end or network hub station, and transmitting the generated control information from the network head-end or network hub station; Manipulating an operation of the at least one extended tap unit according to the transmitted control information, and controlling a consumer premises device connected to the at least one network subscriber according to the transmitted control information; A network head-end or network hub station generates an extended bandwidth signal, optionally including an element of a frequency group associated with the service requested by the at least one network subscriber, and converts the extended bandwidth signal into an extended bandwidth transport layer of a signal distribution network. Passing to at least one expansion tap unit via; Converting the extended bandwidth signal into a unique CATV-standard-bandwidth signal by frequency conversion and selective filtering in accordance with the received control information in at least one extended tap unit; Delivering said unique CATV-standard-bandwidth signal to said at least one network subscriber via a CATV-standard-bandwidth transport layer of said signal distribution network.

Reference is made herein to PCT Patent Application No. PCT / IL00 / 00655, filed by Jib Aberbuch and Dr. Hilel Weinstein, which discloses a method and system for the substantial extension of the available bandwidth of a CATV network. .

An apparatus, system, and method of operation for transmitting a dynamic bandwidth dynamic content signal in a communication network of a transport hierarchy are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transmission hierarchy communication network is primarily implemented in a cable television (CATV) communication network that distributes video and / or multimedia content, while in other preferred embodiments, the proposed system and method is a satellite communication. Network, local area network (LAN), telecommunications network (WAN), or any other communication network that realizes two-way transfer of information between a center and a user located remote to the center. It will be readily understood that there is. The proposed system and method can also be used in a pier-to-pier network for transferring information between remote or local users. The content supplied by the associated communication network may be any distributable such as voice, image, video, data structure, graphics, executable code, rich media, text, and the like.

The proposed CATV distribution network and other transport layers are characterized by a predetermined frequency range of the CATV signal carrying a predetermined set of information transmitted through certain sections of the cable plant. The proposed apparatus, system and method allows the bidirectional transmission of extended bandwidth signals carrying a full set of available information bodies, while the second transport layer has CATV-standard-bandwidth information. And a configuration of a CATV distribution network that enables bi-directional transmission of one or more signals that selectively carry different subsets of sieves. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the CATV distribution network is configured to have two transport layers in another preferred embodiment, but a transport layer may be added. However, each such additional transport layer may be bi-directionally transmitted of one or more CATV signals that are modulated over different frequency ranges to selectively carry different information bodies. The interface of the transport layer frequency transforms and selectively filters selected portions of the input signal received from the first transport layer with a wide frequency range, and consequently, second transmits the frequency transformed and selectively filtered selected frequency components. Linking the transport layer through a signal processor / signal distribution unit specifically designed and developed to operate to perform a dynamically determined selective conversion of a signal by dynamically assigning it to a selected frequency range of one or more signals provided to the layer. Is achieved.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the CATV network is provided with an extended bandwidth transport layer that extends from a network head-end or hub station to a series of extended tap units. The extended bandwidth transport layer carries and maintains a modulated signal in the substantially extended frequency range above about 5-3000 MHz. This extended bandwidth signal is transmitted and maintained at the extension-bandwidth-transport layer of the CATV network using the systems and methods proposed in the related patent application. The predetermined frequency component of the extended bandwidth signal is used to dynamically generate one or more signals with specifically defined information, each particular signal being frequency converted and optionally filtered in the CATV-standard frequency range of about 5-860 MHz. For this purpose, it is dynamically frequency-converted and optionally filtered by a particular component of the extension tap unit in accordance with a particular programming command sent from the head-end / hub station. The modulated signal in the CATV-standard frequency range is fed from the extension tap unit to the CATV-standard-bandwidth-transport layer section of the network. The CATV-standard-bandwidth-transport layer extends from an extended tap device to a CPE associated with a set of network subscribers. CATV-standard-bandwidth signals are carried and maintained at the CATV-standard-bandwidth-transport layer of the network using standard components of existing standard CATV distribution networks.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments will be described for understanding the present invention. The specific description of this embodiment with respect to various components and methods of operation should not be construed as limiting. The scope of the invention will be determined by the claims that follow.

1 shows an exemplary and simplified shape of a cable plant of a CATV network 10 in a transport hierarchy. Network 10 includes head-end / hub station 11, extension line amplifier set 12, 16, extension tap device set 14, 18 and CPE set 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34). The CATV signal modulated substantially over the extended frequency range is generated at the head-end / hub station 11 and transmitted through the cable plant in a bi-directional manner. The CATV signal carries a plurality of preset information, for example, information including control data, video / audio signals, programs, services, applications, and the like. The head-end / hub station 11 is connected via a coaxial cable, a first extension line amplifier 12 and a first extension tap device 14 to a first set of CPEs 20, 22 which are coupled with a first set of network subscribers. , 24, 26). The first expansion tap device 14 is also connected to the second expansion line amplifier 16 via a coaxial cable, which in turn is connected to the second expansion tap device 18. The second extension tap device 18 is connected to a second set of CPEs 28, 30, 32, 34 that are coupled with a second set of network subscribers. The CATV signal is coupled to the second set of CPEs 28, 30, 32, starting at the first extended tap device 14 and coupled to the second set of network subscribers via the second extended line amplifier 16 and the second extended tap device. 34). In addition, the second extension tap device 18 is continuously connected to the CATV network 19 and supplies CATV signals to additional extension line amplifiers, extension tap devices and additional CPE sets of the remaining CATV cable plant. Although the drawing being described shows two expansion line amplifiers, two expansion tap appliances and two sets of CPEs, in a practical environment the cable plant 10 has a plurality of expansion line amplifiers, a plurality of expansion tap appliances and a plurality of CPEs. It will be easy to see that it contains. In addition, the actual network structure will include a plurality of hub stations and additional hardware components in the transmission path.

Using specific electronic devices designed and developed in accordance with the description of the above-mentioned related patent applications, signals having a substantially extended frequency range are generated, transmitted and maintained. More detailed descriptions, such as the structure of the components that process the substantially extended signal and the function of the extended line amplifier, are included in the text of the above-mentioned related patent application.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the substantially extended CATV signal is modulated over a frequency range of about 5-3000 MHz. In still other embodiments, a wider range of frequencies may be provided. Conceptually, network 10 comprises two transmission tiers, each characterized by a difference in the frequency range of the transmission signal. Thus, the first transport layer of the network 10 is the head-end / hub station 11, the expansion line amplifier 12, the first transmission layer component of the expansion tap device 14, the second expansion line amplifier 16. And a coaxial cable for internal connection of the first transport layer component and the first transport layer element of the second extension tab device 18. The infrastructure of the first transport layer allows bi-directional transmission of modulated extended bandwidth CATV signals over a frequency range of about 5-3000 MHz. The extended bandwidth CATV signal carries a plurality of transmission channels along the backbone of the cable plant. At the heart of the cable plant, the number of channels, the channel allocation scheme within the frequency range, and the content of the information conveyed do not change within the first transport layer.

The second transport layer of the CATV network 10 is coupled with the second transport layer component of the first extension tap device 14, the second transport layer component of the second extension tap device 18, and the first set of network subscribers. Coaxial cable for internal connection of the first set of CPEs 20, 22, 24, 26, the second set of CPEs 28, 30, 32, 34 and the second transport layer in combination with the second set of network subscribers. It includes. With the infrastructure of the second transport layer, a signal set modulated over the CATV-standard-bandwidth in the frequency range of about 5-860 MHz can be carried in both directions. The CATV-standard-bandwidth signal carries a subset of the transport channels provided by the extended bandwidth CATV signal supplied from the first transport layer to the second transport layer. The content, frequency allocation scheme, and number of channels that a channel carries in a CATV-standard-bandwidth signal may be different by selection. Optionally each different CATV-standard-bandwidth signal is fed to a particular CPE 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34.

The interface of the first transport layer and the second transport layer in the network 10 is provided by specially designed and developed signal processing elements, which are provided by the first extended tap device 14 and the second. It is installed in the expansion tap device 18. In the following, a more detailed description of the signal processing element installed in the tap devices 14, 18 will be described with reference to the corresponding figures. The first extended tap device 14 and the second extended tap device 18 not only convert the extended bandwidth signal into a CATV standard signal set, but also convert the CATV standard signal into the CPEs 20, 22, 24, 26 and CPE 28. , 30, 32, and 34). The inherent characteristics of the various CATV-standard-bandwidth signals distributed to each network subscriber are the processes installed in the specific programming commands and extension tap devices 14, 18 in the head-end / hub station 11 of the network 10. It is determined by the specific function of the device. Programming commands relating to the inherent characteristics of CATV-standard-bandwidth signals are initiated according to specific requirements by individual subscribers, and from specific control interfaces such as cable modem transmission system (CMTS) interfaces installed in the head-end / hub station 11. Delivered to the first extended tap device 14 and the second extended tap device 18. These commands dynamically determine the associated frequency scheme and unique content generated at each tap device.

The structure and components of the network described above are just examples. In order to easily understand the basic principles of the present invention and simplify the explanation, examples of simplified configurations are shown. The network 10 may include a plurality of hub stations. This hub station signals a plurality of network subscribers through a plurality of distribution branches. For example, a single extended tap device may optionally distribute a plurality of unique CATV-standard-bandwidth signals to a plurality of CPEs associated with a plurality of network subscribers. In addition, network 10 is schematically illustrated, with various components not shown for proper transmission and distribution of signals and proper operation of the network.

In FIG. 2A, the extended bandwidth signal 42 is modulated over a frequency range of about 5-1950 MHz. The frequency design of the signal 42 allocates a frequency region 44 of about 5-42 MHz for the transmission of upstream traffic typically generated by the CPE, automatically and / or manually by the network subscriber. Frequency region 46 of about 54-860 MHz carries downstream traffic having a plurality of standard transport channels from the headend / hub station to the subscriber. The 1200-1950 MHz frequency region 48 includes an additional transmission channel modulated with an extended bandwidth signal at the headend / hub station. These additional transport channels will provide additional services and applications. Such additional services and applications include VOD movie channels, data communication network access and delivery channels. The extended bandwidth signal is generated at the headend / hub station using various external or local information sources and delivered in a bidirectional manner through the first transport layer of the CATV network. The expansion bandwidth signal 42 is supplied to expansion tap units installed at predetermined intervals along the cable plant. The expansion tap device receives the expansion bandwidth signal and optionally processes the signal so that the original expansion bandwidth signal continues to be provided to the cable plant, during which the same signal is re-divided so that each CPE processed by the expansion tap unit is Are handled dynamically and separately.

The frequency design of the signal 42 described above is just one example. Other embodiments of the present invention are also possible which allow for different frequency assignments. That is, the extended frequency region 48 may have a substantially wider frequency range, such as about 1200-3000 MHz.

In FIG. 2B, the particular CATV-standard-bandwidth signal 52 is modulated in the CATV standard frequency range of about 5-860 MHz. The frequency placement of signal 52 allocates a frequency region 54 of about 5-42 MHz for the transmission of upstream traffic generated by the network subscriber. The frequency region 58 of about 88-860 MHz carries downstream traffic including a standard package of predetermined CATV channels transmitted from the headend / hub station to subscribers of a typical CATV network. Signal 52 is a dynamically allocated frequency range 56 of about 48-68 MHz that carries subscriber-specific information, such as a On-demand (VoD) transmission channel, that delivers a movie that the subscriber specifically wants to watch in HDTV format or the like. It includes.

2A and 2B, the configuration of the signal 52 shown in FIG. 2B is generated in the extension tap unit through appropriate frequency conversion and selective filtering of the signal 42 shown in FIG. 2A. This signal 42 is processed by the expansion tap unit so that a predetermined frequency region of the signal 42 is inserted into the signal 52, during which the signal (information transmitted by the subscriber which is the target of the service) is transmitted ( Another frequency region of 42) is inserted into signal 52 and frequency-converted dynamically and optionally filtered in accordance with appropriate programming instructions received from the CMTS interface implemented at the headend / hub station.

The frequency arrangement of the signal 52 described above is just an example. Embodiments of the invention are also possible which may vary the frequency allocation. That is, the dynamically generated frequency region 56 of about 48-68 MHz may be frequency transformed into the different frequency regions across the CATV-standard-bandwidth signal and optionally filtered.

In Fig. 3, the expansion tap device 62 includes an input port 64, a splitter 66, an output port 68, a CMTS transponder 72, a frequency selection circuit 70, a splitter device 74, 76, 78, subscriber modules 80, 82, 84, 86, and output ports 88, 90, 92, 94. An extended bandwidth signal having a frequency range of about 5-3000 MHz is supplied from the cable plant to the expansion tap unit 62 through the input port 64. This signal is split at splitter 66 and continues to be supplied to cable plant via output port 68. This signal is supplied at substantially the same time to the processing section of the expansion tap device 62. The frequency selection circuit 70 separates the downstream control channel from this signal. The downstream control channel contains CMTS commands sent from the CMTS interface of the headend / hub station. This command is supplied to the CMTS transponder 72, which decodes it and provides each subscriber module to the subscriber units 80, 82, 84, 86 associated with the particular subscriber. An extended bandwidth signal of about 5-3000 MHz is split by splitter 74 and provided by splitter 76, 78 to subscriber module 80, 82, 84, 86. The extended bandwidth signal is processed in a unique manner in accordance with the CMTS instruction provided to the module from the CMTS transponder 72 at the subscriber module 80, 82, 84, 86. Subscriber modules 80, 82, 84, 86 optionally generate four unique CATV-standard-bandwidth signals with a frequency range of about 5-860 MHz, and output these signals to output ports 88, 90, 92, 94. ) To each CPE of each network subscriber. It will be readily appreciated that the extended tap device 62 can generate four or more unique output signals. According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, 16, 32 or more subscriber modules and associated output ports can be implemented and 16, 32 or more optional unique CATV-standard-bandwidth output signals can be generated. .

The configuration of the above-described apparatus is only an example. In other embodiments of the present invention, other components may be configured to provide substantially the same principle of operation.

Referring to FIG. 4, the subscriber module 96 generates a subscriber-specific CATV-standard-bandwidth singal that transmits unique information requested by a particular subscriber. The module 96 is a specially designed and developed hardware device such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) implemented as an extended tap unit. A separate subscriber unit 96 is implemented for each subscriber connected to the extended tap device. Each subscriber module 96 is generated by submission of subscriber requests at the head-end / hub station and upstream transmission to the CMTS, and operates in a unique manner in accordance with specific programming instructions sent to the subscriber module 96 downstream from the CMTS. do.

The subscriber module 96 includes a first input port 102, a second input port 103, a diplexer 99, a triplexer 121, a band pass filter 116, Output port 122, PLL microcontroller device 108, mixers 104, 144, and voltage controlled oscillators (VCOs) 106, 112. The diplexer 99 includes a low pass filter 98 and a high pass filter 100. The triplexer circuit 121 includes a low pass filter 120, a high pass filter 123, and a low pass filter 118. An extended-bandwidth signal is supplied to the diplexer 99 through the input port 102. The low pass filter 98 of the diplexer 99 separates the 5-5-MHz and about 88-860 MHz bands of the signal and divides the low-pass filter unit 120 of the triplexer 121 into the separated band. The high frequency filter unit 123 is supplied. The about 1200-1950 MHz band of the extended bandwidth signal is separated by the high pass filter portion 100 of the diplexer 99 and supplied to the mixer 104. Control data 110 from the CMTS is supplied to the PLL controller 108 via an input port 103. The controller 108 in turn controls the voltage controlled oscillators 106 and 112 that control the mixers 104 and 114. In general, a dynamically selected about 48-68 MHz frequency band containing the subscriber's requested transmission channel passes through the low pass filter 118 of the triplexer 121. The about 5-42 MHz band and the about 88-860 MHz band are combined by the about 48-68 MHz band and fed to a particular subscriber through output port 122.

Still referring to FIG. 4, the PLL microcontroller 108 operates a voltage controlled oscillator / mixer to select a particular frequency range in the about 1200-1950 MHz band that carries a particular transmission channel. The selected frequency band overlays the about 5-860 frequency band so as not to interfere with the transmission of the standard programming package of the channel within the about 5-860 MHz band.

The configuration of the above-described apparatus is only an example. In other embodiments of the present invention, other components may be configured to provide substantially the same principle of operation.

Any subscriber specific CATV-standard-bandwidth signal generated by the subscriber specific subscriber module is provided to the CATV-standard-bandwidth transport layer of the network, extending from the output port of the extension tap device to the consumer's CPE. Since this layer is responsible for the transmission and maintenance of CATV-standard-bandwidth signals, there is no need for replacement or complementary equipment of the extended tap device-CPE network branch of the network. Thus, the installation costs associated with the implementation of the proposed apparatus and system are substantially reduced.

Referring to FIG. 5, the extended tap device 130 includes a device body 132 for receiving an operating component installed inside the device 13. Connector element sets 136, 138, 140 and 142 are installed on the lower outer surface of the main body. The connectors 136, 138, 140 and 142 are used for the reception of extended bandwidth signals transmitted from the head-end / hub station of the cable plant and the subsequent transmission of the signals to the cable plant. Connector sets 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156 and 158 are installed on the upper outer surface of the device body to provide any set of unique CATV-standard-bandwidth output signals to the set of CPEs connected to the set of connected network subscribers. . Although only a limited number of output connectors are shown in the figure that is being described, it is readily apparent that in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, multiple output connectors may be installed to provide multiple CATV-standard-bandwidth signals to multiple associated network subscribers. Can be.

Both the CATV-standard-bandwidth signal of the second transport layer of the network and the extended bandwidth signal of the first transport layer of the network are transmitted in the downstream and upstream directions in a bidirectional manner. Thus, the splitter is used as a combiner when operating on upstream signals. The extension tap device receives the CATV-standard-bandwidth signal upstream from the subscriber, separates the approximately 5-42 MHz band from the received signal and inserts the subscriber specific frequency band into the approximately 5-42 MHz band of the upstream extended bandwidth signal. do.

The operation method of the system is described next. The network subscriber submits to the system a request for viewing a VOD that delivers a movie in HDTV format. This request causes the generation of suitable control information by the set top box standard of about 5-860 MHz and is transmitted upstream on the about 5-42 MHz return path. Control information is received by the CMTS of the head-end / hub station, which in turn transmits two messages in the downstream direction: 1) HDTV service channel and / or transmitted in the about 54-68 MHz frequency range 2) to set-top boxes to set up input channels for other specified channels, and 2) to extended tap devices to set up specific subscriber tuners for selected channels included in 1200-1950 MHz. If an acknowledgment message is delivered upstream in the approximately 5-42 MHz frequency band, the receipt of the message by both the set-top box and the extension tap device is confirmed.

Finally, a predetermined information server in the head end / hub station is activated and the selected movie is downloaded to the subscriber's set top box via the expansion tap device. The information server runs an account module for the calculation of a given price for download and proper billing of the subscriber's account. Exclusive viewing of a movie by a particular subscriber is realized by automatic programming of the associated set top box in which the setting of the set top box affects the selected channel. Frequency hopping techniques and other security related techniques may be selectively used between the selected output and input channels to provide enhanced security.

The proposed apparatus, system and method provide signals across different transport layers of a network that handle signals with varying characteristics of each layer for the transmission, handling and maintenance of dynamically manipulated CATV. The characteristics include different frequency ranges, changing frequency designs, and unique content in accordance with certain needs filed by a particular subscriber. Therefore, the main transmission path of the network transmits an extended bandwidth signal that includes the entire set of available transmission channels, while the transmission branch of another given subscriber is certain about the frequency design of the given subscriber and the delivery of certain content to the subscriber. Transmit CATV-standard-bandwidth signals selectively generated from the extended bandwidth signal according to the order combination. The proposed apparatus, system and method have the following salient features. a) There is no need for upgrades / replacements / repairs of consumer premises equipment. b) It is possible to provide a particular HDTV VOD channel to a particular subscriber in a secure, dynamic manner by automatically tuning the set top box to a given channel. c) The apparatus, system and method are fully compatible with the system and method proposed by the above-mentioned related patent application. d) CATV operators are provided with options for selecting and assigning unique frequency / channel assignments for any available service. e) allows all of the network subscribers to selectively watch HDTV VOD on the same channel. f) No additional hardware components need to be mounted at the head end / hub station. g) Standard DOCSIS (CMTS) control systems and billing may be used. h) Only the first transport layer (the backbone of the cable plant) is upgraded to about 5-3000 MHz, the update involving the use of parts proposed by the relevant patent application mentioned above. i) Low cost expansion tap devices can support various subscriber numbers (4/6/8/16/32). j) low power consumption. k) Easy to install l) The technique provides an option for the utilization of virtual node splitting. m) Distribution rates of 38 Mb / sec or 76 Mb / sec per subscriber are guaranteed. n) The technique enables the potential distribution of 220 HDTV VODs simultaneously in the first transport layer.

The proposed apparatus, system and method provide the option of selectively distinguishing media transmitted by signals having a substantially extended frequency range in both downstream and upstream, and the distinction among subscribers with a particular subject, appropriate configuration and appropriately defined group. Provides the option to distribute distributed media. The aforementioned option is realized as long as the track-subscriber facilities of the network are not damaged. Therefore, no change, addition or removal of passive or active components, such as set-top boxes, modes or track-subscriber facilities in the network, is substantially necessary.

Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to those shown and described herein. The scope of the invention is defined only by the claims.

Claims (18)

A transmission system for transmitting a dynamic bandwidth signal through a transmission-tiered signal distribution network of a transmission hierarchy, Receive substantially an extended bandwidth signal from the extended bandwidth layer of the signal distribution system, receive at least one control command sent from at least one control interface coupled with the signal distribution system, and in accordance with the at least one control command, Generate a unique CATV-standard-bandwidth signal by combining specific and selectively elements of the frequency group constituting the received extended bandwidth signal, and generating the specific and selectively generated CATV-standard At least one extended tap unit for delivering a bandwidth signal to at least one signal distribution network subscriber at its destination via at least one CATV-standard-bandwidth transport layer of the signal distribution network. Transmission system. The method of claim 1, Downstream, the extended bandwidth signal is generated and provided, and upstream, the tap unit is generated by elements of a frequency group of at least one CATV-standard-bandwidth signal generated by a network subscriber. At least one signal distribution network head-end or at least one signal distribution network hub station for receiving, processing and manipulating bandwidth signals; At least one extended line amplifier that maintains the characteristics of the extended bandwidth signal transmitted both downstream and upstream; And Receive, process and utilize the specific and selectively generated unique CATV-standard-bandwidth signals provided from the extension tap unit downstream, generate characteristic unique CATV-standard-bandwidth signals for upstream, and upstream At least one consumer premises device for providing the extended tap unit with this unique CATV-standard-bandwidth signal generated by Transmission system further comprising. The method of claim 1, The expansion tap unit, At least one input port for receiving the extension bandwidth signal downstream and transmitting the extension bandwidth signal upstream; At least one network output port for transmitting the extension bandwidth signal downstream and receiving the extension bandwidth signal upstream; At least one control instruction interface transponder, decoding at least one command received from the control command interface and providing the decoded command to the network subscriber module; At least one splitter device for splitting the extended bandwidth signal downstream and combining the extended bandwidth signal upstream; Selectively and specifically generating a unique CATV-standard-bandwidth signal programmed to be provided downstream to its destination network subscriber and receiving the unique CATV-standard-bandwidth signal generated by the network subscriber upstream. At least one network subscriber module; And At least one output port for transmitting the unique CATV-standard-bandwidth signal downstream to the network subscriber and receiving the unique CATV-standard-bandwidth signal generated by the network subscriber upstream Transmission system comprising a. The method of claim 1, And said extended bandwidth signal is modulated over a frequency range of about 5-3000 MHz. The method of claim 1, And the CATV-standard-bandwidth signal is modulated over a frequency range of about 5-860 MHz. The method of claim 1, And the signal distribution network is a CATV network. The method of claim 1, And the signal distribution network is a topological communication network. The method of claim 1, And the signal distribution network is a local area network. The method of claim 2, And said control interface coupled to said signal distribution network is a cable modem termination system (CMTS) interface. The method of claim 2, Wherein said consumer premises device comprises a standard CATV component. The method of claim 2, The component constituting the consumer premises device operates to steer a modulated CATV-standard-bandwidth signal over a frequency range of about 5-860 MHz. The method of claim 3, The network subscriber module, A first input port for receiving an extended bandwidth signal downstream and providing the extended bandwidth signal upstream; A second input port for receiving at least one control command transmitted from the control interface; And A diplexer unit for separating the extended bandwidth signal downstream or for combining the extended bandwidth signal upstream; A triplexer unit combining the CATV-standard-bandwidth signal downstream and separating the CATV-standard-bandwidth signal upstream; An output port for providing the unique CATV-standard-bandwidth signal downstream to the network subscriber and receiving the unique CATV-standard-bandwidth signal from the network subscriber upstream; A phase locked loop (PLL) having a microcontroller device for controlling the operation of at least two voltage controlled oscillators (VCOs) in accordance with the control command received from the second input port; And At least two mixer units for controlling the operation of the voltage controlled oscillator Including,   The deflector unit,   A low pass filter for separating or combining the extended bandwidth signal with elements associated with an upstream portion and a standard CATV portion; And   A high pass filter that separates or combines the extended bandwidth signal with elements associated with the extended segment   Including; This makes it possible to select at least one specific frequency range with at least one specific transmission channel from the extended frequency range segment of the extended bandwidth signal, and that the CATV-standard-bandwidth signal with the selected frequency range segment is obtained. Characterized by a transmission system. A transmission method for transmitting a dynamic bandwidth signal through a signal distribution network of a transmission hierarchy, Passing a unique CATV-standard-bandwidth signal having at least one service request from at least one signal distribution network subscriber to at least one extension tap unit via the CATV-standard-bandwidth transport layer of the signal distribution network. step; Converting, by the extended tap unit, the unique CATV-standard-bandwidth signal having the service request into an extended bandwidth signal; Forwarding the extended bandwidth signal with the service request from a network subscriber to a network head-end or network hub station via an extended bandwidth transport layer of a signal distribution network; Generating appropriate control information via a control interface coupled to the network head-end or network hub station; Transmitting the generated control information from the network head-end or network hub station; Manipulating an operation of the extended tap unit according to the transmitted control information; Controlling a consumer premises device connected to the network subscriber in accordance with the transmitted control information; Generating an extended bandwidth signal at the network head-end or network hub station, optionally including an element of a frequency group associated with a service requested by the network subscriber; Delivering the extended bandwidth signal to the extended tap unit via an extended bandwidth transport layer of a signal distribution network; Converting the extended bandwidth signal into a unique CATV-standard-bandwidth signal by frequency conversion and selective filtering in accordance with the received control information in the extended tap unit; Delivering the unique CATV-standard-bandwidth signal to the network subscriber via the CATV-standard-bandwidth transport layer of the signal distribution network. Transmission method comprising a. The method of claim 13, Controlling the consumer premises device, Establishing an input channel of a service carried in said unique CATV-standard-bandwidth signal. The method of claim 13, Manipulating the operation of the expansion tap unit, Tuning the subscriber module to the selected service channel that is frequency converted and optionally filtered in the extended bandwidth signal; And Programming the subscriber module to be modulated with the unique CATV-standard-bandwidth signal for the selected service channel. Transmission method comprising a. The method of claim 13, The service requested by the network subscriber and delivered by the signal distribution network is a video-on-demand (VOD) service. The method of claim 13, And acknowledging the control command by the consumer premises device and the extended tap unit. The method of claim 13, Running an accounting module for the calculation of a particular fee for the provided service and for the proper charging of the account of the network subscriber.