CA2351732C - Logical node identification in an information transmission network - Google Patents

Logical node identification in an information transmission network Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2351732C
CA2351732C CA2351732A CA2351732A CA2351732C CA 2351732 C CA2351732 C CA 2351732C CA 2351732 A CA2351732 A CA 2351732A CA 2351732 A CA2351732 A CA 2351732A CA 2351732 C CA2351732 C CA 2351732C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
remote station
logical
identifier
remote
program
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
CA2351732A
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
CA2351732A1 (en
Inventor
Yong Ho Son
Nikhil Rajdev
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Adeia Media Holdings LLC
Original Assignee
Comcast IP Holdings I LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Comcast IP Holdings I LLC filed Critical Comcast IP Holdings I LLC
Publication of CA2351732A1 publication Critical patent/CA2351732A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2351732C publication Critical patent/CA2351732C/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2801—Broadband local area networks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L49/00—Packet switching elements
    • H04L49/10—Packet switching elements characterised by the switching fabric construction
    • H04L49/103—Packet switching elements characterised by the switching fabric construction using a shared central buffer; using a shared memory
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L65/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
    • H04L65/1066—Session management
    • H04L65/1101—Session protocols
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L65/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
    • H04L65/60—Network streaming of media packets
    • H04L65/61—Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio
    • H04L65/613—Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio for the control of the source by the destination
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/23—Processing of content or additional data; Elementary server operations; Server middleware
    • H04N21/238—Interfacing the downstream path of the transmission network, e.g. adapting the transmission rate of a video stream to network bandwidth; Processing of multiplex streams
    • H04N21/2385—Channel allocation; Bandwidth allocation
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client 
    • H04N21/63—Control signaling related to video distribution between client, server and network components; Network processes for video distribution between server and clients or between remote clients, e.g. transmitting basic layer and enhancement layers over different transmission paths, setting up a peer-to-peer communication via Internet between remote STB's; Communication protocols; Addressing
    • H04N21/64—Addressing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client 
    • H04N21/63—Control signaling related to video distribution between client, server and network components; Network processes for video distribution between server and clients or between remote clients, e.g. transmitting basic layer and enhancement layers over different transmission paths, setting up a peer-to-peer communication via Internet between remote STB's; Communication protocols; Addressing
    • H04N21/643—Communication protocols
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
    • H04N7/173—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
    • H04N7/17309—Transmission or handling of upstream communications
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L49/00—Packet switching elements
    • H04L49/20—Support for services
    • H04L49/201—Multicast operation; Broadcast operation

Abstract

A system for generating and sending a Logical Node identification signal as part of a data stream is disclosed. The system also includes subscriber stations capable of receiving and extracting Logical Node identification information from a data stream. The subscriber stations create new messages including the Logical Node identification signal and send the message to the transmission network system control such that switching of data streams to appropriate channel over the information transmission network is done consistent with the network topology.

Description

LOGICAL NODE IDENTIFICATION IN AN
INFORMATION TRANSMISSION NETWORK
Background of the Invention 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to the field of information transmission networks and more specifically to Logical Node identification of such networks. More particularly, the present invention relates to Logical Node identification of such networks supporting session-based routing/switching of information flow in heterogeneous networks.
2. Description of the Background Art In the field of information transmission, routing and switching of information to the destination node is most commonly accomplished in one of two approaches: (1) symmetric switched virtual paths/circuits (i.e., ATM) or (2) packet-based routed networks (i.e. Internet). A third type of information routing/switching network exists in many forms that can be better supported through a 'variant of the two approaches with asymmetric switched virtual paths/circuits or asymmetric packet based routing.
This third area can be classified into two categories: first, the set of information transmission networks that require a combination of the packet routed networks tightly coupled with asymmetric switched networks (i.e. interactive multimedia content delivery such as in video-on-demand that requires a streaming network flow for video and audio and usually an Out Of Band IP network to handle the interactivity between the source and destination); second, the set of information transmission networks that can improve network latency by taking advantage of the knowledge of the point of access in packet based networks (i.e., dynamic routing changes necessary to support unique roving lap top computers). The present application will address this first case.
The former category of information transmission networks is what the present invention will address in detail. In particular, the interactive multimedia service of video-on-demand over Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC) networks is currently in existence for cable services. In this case, there exists unidirectional content streaming (QAM
modulated video and audio streaming of content to the digital set top box in the home) and IP based interactivity (via Out Of Band downstream to the home and a varied Return Path packet forwarding connectivity from the subscriber's set top box to the cable headend equipment). This same solution can be used for satellite broadcast (content delivery) with wireless (cell phone) or telephone modem for interactivity, as well as for terrestrial broadcast systems (e.g. MMDS, LMDS). It is also noted that the control session via the Out Of Band could also be multiplexed into the streaming link in the In Band.
A technique to increase the number of video-on-demand programs that can be concurrently transmitted is by channel reuse, where programs are assigned to channels at an intermediate node (typically referred to as a "remote headend" or "hub") where lines from individual subscriber stations are coupled to the main CATV
network. For the purposes of the present invention, the term "headend" is defined as any physical site where modulation, demodualtion, and processing (controlling, monitoring, etc.) equipment are kept and operated whether they be staffed with human operators or unstaffed sites that are remotely monitored whether they relate specifically to Cable or other transmission means such as MMDS. This technique allows the same channels to be assigned to different programs at different nodes (known as spectrum reuse through physical media partitioning). Thus, dedicated video-on-demand channels can transmit programs to one set of subscriber stations coupled to a first hub, while the same channels can be used to transmit a different set of programs to another set of subscriber stations coupled to a second hub.
Typically, provision of video-on-demand services is implemented by assigning a session control manager (SCM) to one or more hubs. The SCM is responsible for receiving requests from set-top boxes at associated hubs and providing the requested services. Each SCM must then be informed of the subscriber stations corresponding to the assigned hub. Based on this topological information, the SCM provides the information for the creation of a virtual circuit from the video server to the QAM
modulator, and thus an access mechanism to the video and audio stream from the set top box. The SCM also tells the set top box which frequency to tune the demodulator and which packet identification numbers (PIDs) to filter for the video and audio streams.
If subscriber stations are added or deleted, such as by new or canceled subscriptions, then the mapping between SCMs, hubs, and set top boxes may need to change. For example, a set of QAM channels can only accommodate a certain number of subscriber stations. If the number of subscriber stations on a hub exceeds the capacity of the allocated stream, then further Logical Node partitioning may occur on the hub. While such changes can be made to the mapping information in the headend
3 manually, it is desirable to have a more efficient and automated method for re-assigning channels for node usage.
Summary of the Invention In a principal aspect, the present invention provides automatic transmission to subscriber stations of information about corresponding session control managers and coupling of channel groups defined as nodes.
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a video-on-demand (VOD) system includes a plurality of session control managers to cause transmission of a requested program to a requesting subscriber station. The video-on-demand system is coupled to a plurality of subscriber stations by a network capable of spectrum reuse between the subscriber station and a corresponding one of a plurality of nodes disposed between the video-on-demand system and the subscriber station.
The video-on-demand system comprises a Logical Node assignor that assigns a logical identification to each of the nodes to identify a correspondence between each of the nodes and a corresponding one of the session control managers. For example, a Logical Node for HFC is defined as the group of Fiber Nodes that share the same QAM modulation spectrum (i.e., same streams in VOD channels).
In accordance with further aspects of the invention, the Logical Node assignor periodically transmits node assignment information to each of the nodes in the network to uniquely identify the Logical Node and also identify a corresponding session control manager for each of the nodes. This allows for the subscriber stations tune to this digital channel at any time and get this information on a timely basis.
Advantageously,
4 such techniques allow automatic dissemination of information regarding mapping between session control managers, Logical Nodes, and subscriber stations. The result is reduced complexity and overhead in managing a video-on-demand system, thereby reducing overall costs.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides in a network characterized by channel reuse in transmission between intermediate nodes of the network and corresponding remote stations, a method of transmitting a requested program in response to a request by a remote station, the method comprising the steps of:
responding to a request for said requested program by transmitting, from said intermediate node, a network address of said requesting remote station to a control module;
assigning a channel between said requesting remote station and said intermediate node for transmission of said requested program; transmitting, for receipt by the requesting remote station, a program identifier, which uniquely identifies the requested program; assigning a logical identifier based on spectrum reuse, independent of physical organization of said remote stations on said network, to said intermediate node; and causing transmission of said requested program with information indicative of said program identifier and said logical identifier.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for causing transmission, over a network, of programming requested by a remote station coupled to the network by way of a network controller located at a central station that assigns a channel for transmission of requested programming from said network controller to said requesting remote station, said network characterized by a first bandwidth between said apparatus and said network controller, and characterized by a second bandwidth between said network controller and said remote station, said second bandwidth being lower than
5 . , said first bandwidth, said apparatus responding to a request by said requesting remote station for a requested program by causing transmission, for receipt by said requesting remote station, of a program identifier which uniquely identifies said requested program, and causing transmission, for receipt by said network controller of a logical identifier which uniquely identifies said network controller located at the central station as a corresponding network controller and which is independent of physical organization of said remote stations on said network, said apparatus further causing transmission, for receipt by said requesting remote station, of said requested program, in response to receiving said logical identifier transmitted by said requesting remote station.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides in a network characterized by channel reuse in transmission between intermediate nodes of the network and corresponding remote stations, a method of transmitting a requested program in response to a request by a remote station, the method comprising the steps of:
responding to a request for said requested program by transmitting, from said intermediate node, a network address of said requesting remote station to a control module;
assigning a channel between said requesting remote station and said intermediate node for transmission of said requested program; transmitting, for receipt by the requesting remote station, a program identifier, which uniquely identifies the requested program; assigning a logical identifier based on spectrum reuse, independent of physical organization of said remote stations on said network, to said intermediate node; causing transmission of said requested program with information indicative of said program identifier and said logical identifier; and receiving, at the control module, the program identifier and the logical identifier transmitted from the requesting remote station.
5a In a further aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for causing transmission of video programs over a network in response to requests for said video programs from remote stations coupled to said network by a corresponding one of a plurality of hubs, said apparatus comprising: a plurality of control modules, each of said control modules controlling transmission of requested programs to a plurality of remote stations; a node identifier for assigning a node identification value to said hub, said node identification value indicative of a correspondence between said hub and a corresponding one of said control modules; a master control module for assigning said control modules to at least a first corresponding one of said hubs; and wherein the master control module receives the node identification values transmitted from a first remote station.
In a still further aspect, the present invention provides in a network characterized by channel reuse in transmission between a central station, the central station having a plurality of modulators, and a plurality of remote stations, a method for identifying a modulator communicating with a first remote station, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a plurality of logical node identification numbers; assigning a logical node identification numbers to a data stream; transmitting the assigned logical node identification number along with a data stream from the central station using one of the plurality of modulators to a first remote station; receiving, at the central station, the logical node identification number and information identifying the first remote station sent from the first remote station; and using the logical node identification number from the first remote station to identify a sending modulator from the plurality of modulators that is communicating with the first remote station.
5b In a further aspect, the present invention provides in a video-on-demand system having a central station which may be put in communication with a remote device via an intermediate node, a method for communication between the central station and the remote device, comprising: providing first identification information from the central station into a first datastream, the first identification information for routing communication to the central station; providing the first datastream to the intermediate node; providing the first datastream from the intermediate node to the remote device; in response to receiving the first datastream at the remote device, using the first identification information in the first datastream to provide a second datastream for the central station having second identification information, the second identification information for routing communication to the remote device; providing the second datastream to the intermediate node; providing the second datastream from the intermediate node to the central station;
and establishing a session between the central station and the remote device in response to the central station receiving the second identification information in the second datastream.
In a still further aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for responding to a program request, comprising: a logical node generator; a modulator; and a session control manager; wherein the logical node generator is configured to periodically provide a Logical Node identifier for identifying a correspondence between a hub, having a plurality of corresponding remote stations including a requesting remote station, and the session control manager, and wherein the session control manager, responsive to the program request from the requesting remote station, is configured to provide frequency and Packet Identification Numbers (PIDs), indicative of a requested program, to the 5c requesting remote station, and wherein the modulator is configured to transmit the requested program for receipt by the requesting remote station, and wherein the session control manager is configured to receive the logical node identifier from the requesting remote station.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides method for logical node identification in a heterogeneous network supporting session-based routing or switching of information flow, said network having a source, a plurality of logical nodes and a plurality of devices, said method being performed by an information distributor and comprising:
receiving from said source a signal having associated with it at least one logical identifier indicative of one of said plurality of logical nodes; transmitting said signal toward at least one device of said plurality of devices associated with a logical node corresponding to said at least one logical identifier; receiving from each of said at least one device a message identifying said at least one device and said at least one logical identifier;
and transmitting said message towards said source, said message being adapted to enable the assigning of said at least one logical identifier to said at least one device, independent of a physical organization of said at least one device on said network and to enable configuration of said network.
In a still further aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus operable to identify logical nodes in a heterogeneous network supporting session-based routing or switching of information flow, said network having a source, a plurality of logical nodes and a plurality of devices, said apparatus comprising: an information distributor configured to: receive from said source, a signal comprising at least one logical identifier indicative of one of said plurality of logical nodes; transmit said signal to at least one of 5d said plurality of devices associated with said logical node corresponding to said at least one logical identifier; receive from each of said at least one of said plurality of devices a message identifying the device and said at least one logical identifier; and transmit said message towards said source, said message being adapted to enable the assigning of said at least one logical identifier to said at least one device, independent of a physical organization of said at least one device on said network, and to enable configuration of said network.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for responding to a program request, the apparatus comprising: a modulator; a session control manager; a processor; and memory storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to periodically provide a logical node identifier to a plurality of remote stations including a requesting remote station, wherein the logical node identifier identifies a correspondence between a hub having the plurality of remote stations and the session control manager, and wherein the session control manager, responsive to the program request from the requesting remote station, is configured to provide frequency and packet identification numbers (PIDs), indicative of a requested program, to the modulator, and wherein the modulator is configured to transmit the requested program for receipt by the requesting remote station, and wherein the session control manager is configured to receive the logical node identifier from the requesting remote station.
In a still further aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus comprising: a processor; and memory storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to: receive, from a remote station coupled to the apparatus by a network, a request for a program; assign a channel for transmission of the requested program to the requesting remote station; transmit, to the requesting remote station, a unique identifier for the requested program; transmit, to the requesting remote station and a network controller, a logical identifier that uniquely identifies the network controller as the network controller corresponding to the requesting remote station; and transmit, to the requesting remote station, the requested program in response to receiving, from the requesting remote station, a message indicating the logical identifier, wherein, the apparatus is configured to connect to the network controller via at least one channel having 5e a first bandwidth and a second bandwidth, the second bandwidth being lower than the first bandwidth.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method comprising:
providing a logical node identifier to a plurality of remote stations including a requesting remote 35 station, wherein the logical node identifier identifies a correspondence between a hub having the plurality of remote stations and a session control manager;
responsive to a program request from the requesting remote station, transmitting, by a computing device having at least one processor, frequency and packet identification numbers (PIDs) to the requesting remote station, wherein the frequency and PIDs are indicative of the requested 40 program; receiving the logical node identifier from the requesting remote station; and transmitting the requested program for receipt by the requesting remote station.
In a still further aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus comprising: a processor; and memory storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to: assign a channel for transmission of a program to a 45 remote device; transmit, to the remote device, a unique identifier for the program; transmit, to the remote device and a network device, a logical identifier that uniquely identifies the network device as the network device corresponding to the remote device; and transmit, to the remote device, the program in response to receiving, from the remote device, a message comprising the logical identifier.
50 In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method comprising: providing a logical node identifier to a plurality of remote devices, wherein the logical node identifier identifies a correspondence between the plurality of remote devices and a session control manager; responsive to a program request from a remote device of the plurality of remote devices, providing, by a computing device having at least one processor, packet 55 identification information to the remote device, wherein the packet identification infoimation is indicative of the requested program; receiving the logical node identifier from the remote device; and providing the requested program for receipt by the remote device.
5f 60 The principles of the present invention are particularly advantageous in Hybrid Fiber Coaxial (HFC) systems used for transmission of video programming.
However, the principles described herein may also be used in direct broadcast satellite (DBS) systems, Local Multi-Point Distribution Services (LMDS), and Multi-channel Multiunit Distribution Systems (MMDS).
65 One particular advantage of the present invention, is that because of the automatic identification of the Logical Node to which each subscriber station is associated, the present invention allows for switching the unicast VOD stream to the correct QAM
modulator that modulates to the Logical Node for receipt by the subscriber station. This is particularly advantageous as new Logical Nodes can be created or existing nodes are 70 divided because of increasing demand for subscription and service.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention may be better understood by considering the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention. In the course of this description, reference will frequently be made to the attached drawings.
5g _ Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a block diagram of a general embodiment of a system employing the principles of the present invention.
Figure 2A is a block diagram of a first embodiment of the system employing the principles of the present invention where a broadcast satellite is used as a portion of the transmission network.
Figure 2B is a block diagram of a second and preferred embodiment of the system employing the principles of the present invention where a video-on-demand network is used as the transmission network.
Figure 3 is a high-level block diagram showing a headend including session control mangers, the hubs and the subscriber stations of the second embodiment in more detail.
Figure 4 is a high-level block diagram showing the session control manger% the hubs and the subscriber stations of Figure 3 and the Logical Nodes into which they are divided in more detail.
Figure 5 is a flowchart of a general method for transmitting Logical Node identification signals and using them to configure the system and transmit data signals.
Figures 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing operation of the system in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
6 PCT/US99/27492 _ Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments Referring now to Figure 1, a preferred embodiment of a system 100a constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown. The system 100a preferably comprises: a Logical Node Identification (ID) generator 102, a signal source 104, a combiner 106, an information transmission network 108, and an information distributor 110. The present invention is particularly advantageous because it inserts a Logical Node identification signal into the data stream. This Logical Node identification signal is transmitted through the network 108, and then retransmitted back to the SCM 224 (See Figure 2B) for determining the precise configuration of the system 100a.
This first embodiment illustrates the most general implementation of the present invention, and therefore, will be described here in only general terms. Figures 2A and 2B illustrate more particular embodiments of the present invention for specific transmission networks and will be described with more particularity.
The Logical Node ID generator 102 produces at least one unique Logical Node identification number and transmits the unique identification number as a signal at the output of the Logical Node ID generator 102. Preferably, the Logical Node ID
generator 102 produces plurality of unique identifiers which are sent to the combiner 106 and combined with other information according to which node or location to which the information is being transmitted. The output of the Logical Node generator 102 is coupled to an input of the combiner 106. A signal source 104 providing video, sound or data signals such as in a digital video signal is provided at the output of the
7 PCT/US99/27492 _ signal source 104, and also provided to the combiner 106. The output of the signal source 104 is coupled to the second input of the combiner 106.
The combiner 106 has one more outputs coupled to an information transmission network 108 for transmitting a combined signal that includes an address for the information, content from the signal source 104, and the Logical Node ID
signal from the Logical Node ID generator 102 to the information distributor coupled at the remote end of the transmission network 108. In the preferred embodiment, the transmission network 108 includes one or more stream channels for transmitting information from the combiner 106 to the devices downstream on the remote end of the information transmission network 108. The information transmission network 108 also includes configuration control channels 204 for sending signals along a reverse path between the information distributor 110 and combiner 106.
The information distributor 110 is coupled to send and receive signals over the information transmission network 108. The information distributor 110 is also coupled to a plurality of devices (not shown) such as set top boxes by a plurality of signal lines 120-132. The information distributor 110 receives the streaming channels and sends the source signal and the Logical Node ID down a corresponding one or more signal lines 120-132 according to the node ID number. For example, a group of signals sent over the information transmission network 108 and received by the information distributor 110 having video content and a Logical Node ID number of 1 would be transmitted only over signal line 120. Such video content and a Logical Node ID are not transmitted over other signal lines 122-132 for nodes 2-n. Other combined signals would be similarly sent over the respective signal lines 122-132 corresponding to their
8 Logical Node identification number. As shown, an individual Logical Node identification number such as Logical Node 4 may correspond to a plurality of signal lines such as signal lines 126, 128, 130. In one embodiment, the signal lines may be constructed of hybrid/fiber coax. Thus, the information distributor 110 effectively separates the data streamed over the streaming channels 202 for distribution over individual signal lines or groups of signal lines consistent with channel reuse.
The information distributor 110 also receives a plurality of signals sent upstream by devices (not shown) to the information distributor 110. The information distributor 110 in turn sends the signals over the configuration and control channels 204 to the combiner 106. In this manner, a particular set top box (STB 220 see Fig 2B) or subscriber station can receive a signal including the Logical Node ID, incorporate the Logical Node ID along with a signal identifying the subscriber station, and send the incorporated signal upstream through the information distributor 110 and configuration and control channels 204 to the combiner 106. Using this information, the SCM 224 determine the exact configuration of the network and nodes, make necessary changes (e.g. create new nodes, eliminate node or combine nodes) to maximize the usage of the network bandwidth.
Referring now to Figure 2A, a second embodiment 100b of the system constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown. In the second embodiment 100b, like components having the same functionality have been labeled with like reference numeral for ease of understanding and convenience. The second embodiment 100b includes the Logical Node Identification (ID) generator 102, the signal source 104, the combiner 106, and a transmission network in the form of a
9 PCIMS99/27492 _ streaming channel 202a and a return channel 204a. The information distributor takes the form of a receiver and descrambler 210a, and a telephone 214a.
The Logical Node Identification (ID) generator 102, the signal source 104, the combiner 106 are the same as has been described above with reference to Figure 1.
However, in this embodiment, the combiner 106 transmits the combined signal to a one or more base satellite stations for uploading to a satellite. The satellite in turn receives and transmits the combined signal including the Logical Node ID to the receiver and descrambler 210a. While only one receiver and descrambler 210a is shown per satellite, those skilled in the area will realize that there are preferably many receivers and descramblers 210a for each satellite.
The receiver and descrambler 210a receives the combined signal from the satellite, descrambles the signal and sends the combined signal to one or more devices 212a coupled to the receiver and descrambler 210a. The receiver and descrambler 210a is also coupled by a telephone 214a-214n and a phone line 204a-204n to the combiner 106. The path through the telephone and a public switched network provides the return path. Those familiar in the art will recognize that the telephone 214a-214n and phone line 204a-204n could be a cell or wireless telephone. Thus, the receiver and descrambler 210a is able to communicate with the devices 212a to determine channel selection and node ID and send that information back to the combiner 106 via the telephone line 204a-204n. In this manner, the system 100b may define a plurality of Logical Nodes, change or modify the nodes as desired and confirm the network configuration through use of the Logical Node ID signal inserted by the combiner 106 and returned by the device 212a-212n and the receiver and descrambler 210a-21On.

PCT/US99/27492 _ Referring now to Figure 2B, a third and preferred embodiment of a system 100c constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown. The third embodiment 100c uses the capabilities of a traditional cable system to provide the streaming channel 202b and the return channel provided with video-on-demand systems as the return path. The third embodiment 100c preferably comprises a Logical Node Identification (ID) generator 102b, a video server 104b as the signal source, a combiner in the form of a digital video modulator (DVM) module I06b, the optical fiber 202b as the transmission network, a control channel modem (CCM) 222 and a session control manager (SCM) 224 providing the return path 204b, and an information distributor 110b. The system 100c advantageously uses a plurality of DVMs 106b and each has a plurality of channels. Each DVM 106b preferably provides the video streams to different Logical Nodes. Thus, the automatic identification of the Logical Node in the return channel, allows the SCM 224 to determine which video stream and channel provided by which DVM corresponds to a particular set top box 220. This is particularly advantageous because there is routinely a need to re allocated the set top box 220 among Logical Nodes and DVM
channels.
The DVM module 106b receives video signal from the video server 104b and node ID signals from the Logical Node Identification (ID) generator 102b. The DVM
module 106b combines these signals and transmits them over the transmission channel 202b to the information distributor 110b. The SCM 224 controls the mixing of content provided by the video server 104b and receives communication over the back or return path 204b via CCM 222. For example, some of these components may be found at a headend in a typical on-demand cable system. The information distributor 110b PCT/US99/27492 _ divides the signals received from the DVM module 106b and outputs them over respective signal lines 120-132 according to the Logical Node ID assigned to each signal. For example, a plurality of set top boxes 220a-220n is coupled to line 120 and form Logical Node 1. Each of the other signal lines 122-132 or groups of the signal lines are coupled in similar fashion to form Logical Nodes of the network.
Such any exemplary system is described in more detail in pending U.S. patent application no.
08/984,710, entitled "System For Interactively Distributing Information Services,"
filed December 4, 1997, which is incorporated herein by reference.
In this third embodiment 100c, the Logical Node generator is preferably part of a transport processing module 102b. The transport processing module (TPM) 102b adds control signals and data to the streams generated by the DVMs 106b. The TPM
102b is preferably coupled to the session control manager 224 and to the CCMs through the VME bus architecture. The TPM 102b is also coupled to the DVM
module 106b to provide for in-band communication. More specifically, the TPM
102b also adds identification information to the video and audio content provided by the server 104b such as program specific information (PSI) and packet identification numbers (PIDs).
In Figure 3, a plurality of subscriber stations 305-308 are coupled by an information transmission network 302 to a cable headend 304 for receiving video programming services. The subscriber stations 305-308 preferably take the form of a digital set-top box capable of requesting video programming from the headend 304.
However, the subscriber stations 305-308 can take other forms to provide information from network 302 to different types of output devices, e.g. cable modems with personal computers and ADSL modems with set top boxes. The subscriber stations 305-308 are shown generally and each shown subscriber station 305-308 represents a plurality of subscriber stations.
The headend 304, which is shown only in very general form, includes the necessary equipment and capability to provide subscriber stations 305 - 308 with on demand services such as, for example, video-on-demand services where a user requests a particular movie through a subscriber station and the headend 304 responds by transmitting data representing the movie to the requesting subscriber station for viewing by the user. Included within the headend 304 are a plurality of session control managers (SCMs) 314, 315, 316 and 317. The SCMs perform various system command and control functions as well as communicating the requested programming in the form of a data stream to the transmission network 302. The SCMs 314, 315, 316 and 317 have capability to address the streams to be propagated to the subscribers in broadcast, multicast or unicast modes. As used herein, the term "broadcast"
means transmission of data for receipt by all subscriber stations on the network.
"Unicast"
means transmission of data for receipt by only a single subscriber station on the network, and "multicast" means transmission of information for receipt by more than one but less than all subscriber stations on the network.
Specifically, each SCM 314 - 317 transmits video signals to the subscriber stations over an information channel in network 302 by modulating a base band data stream onto a carrier signal and up converting the signal to a transmission frequency that complies with a conventional CATV frequency spectrum. By way of example, a downstream data modulation performed by a SCM can be a 64-ary Quadrature PCT/US99/27492 _ Amplitude Modulation (QAM) and the transmission frequency can be in the range of 54 - 860 MHz. These techniques are merely exemplary of a typical transmission mechanism and other modulation types and frequency bands may be used.
The SCMs 314 - 317 transmit control information to the subscriber stations 305-308 via a downstream command channel in transmission network 302. By way of example, such control information can be frequency multiplexed with the inforniation channel to effect transmission on a carrier in the range of 54 - 860 MHz using a 1 MHz bandwidth. The subscriber stations 305-308 communicate with a corresponding SCM
314 - 317 via a reverse (back or upstream) channel. In an exemplary embodiment, each SCM 314 - 317 supports 16 such reverse channels. Each reverse channel carries, for example, a BPSK modulated signal on a carrier in the range of 5-42 MHz, where the channel capacity is approximately 64 Kbps. The exact frequency ranges, modulation types or channel capacities are not critical and can be varied.
Further details of the operation of the SCMs 314 - 317 and other components of the headend 304 to provide VOD services are described in pending U.S. patent application filed December 4, 1997 having Serial Number 08/984,710, and entitled "System for Interactively Distributing Information Services", and assigned to the assignee of the present application, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
The transmission network 302 preferably takes the form of a Hybrid Fiber Coaxial (HFC) network in which the headend 304 is coupled to the hubs 309-312 by fiber optic cabling. The hubs 309-312 are coupled to corresponding subscriber stations by coaxial cabling. Each hub 309-312 typically has capability to support hundreds to PCT/US99/27492 _ thousands of subscriber stations. The hubs 309-312 are preferably of conventional type.
The VOD service employs a number of predetermined channels in the information channel to transmit the requested video programs. By way of example, the number of channels available for use by the VOD service can be 2, 4, or 8 analog channels. The network 302 and headend 304 implement spectrum reuse at the hubs 309-312 to increase the number of channels available for the VOD service.
Each of the ¨Logical Nodes (VOD channels per hubs 309-312) have a capability to service a limited number of subscriber stations. The number of Logical Nodes required is therefore roughly proportional to the number of subscribers being serviced by the system 100c. By way of example, each 64-QAM channel typically can service up to 80 subscribers. Depending upon the number of subscriber stations coupled to a particular hub 309-312, a particular Logical Node may service only a portion of the subscriber stations on a hub, may service all of the subscriber stations on a hub but no more, or may service subscriber stations on more than one hub.
Each of these scenarios is shown in Figure 3. For example, SCM 314 services subscriber stations on hubs 309 and 310. This would typically occur in a situation where the hubs 309 and 310 are not fully populated with subscriber stations 305, 306 or where initial service penetration is low. SCM 315 services only subscriber stations 308 on hub 312.
Hub 311 has associated therewith SCMs 316 and 317 for servicing subscriber stations 307. This situation arises where a hub has coupled thereto, a number of subscriber stations that exceed the capacity of a particular SCM and requires many Logical Nodes. As the number of subscriber stations increases or decreases for a particular hub, the mapping between SCMs Logical Nodes, and subscriber stations may need to change. For example, this may happen if new homes are built or if existing subscribers cancel subscriptions to services offered by headend 304 or if new subscribers are added.
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, SCMs 314-317 can be automatically allocated to subscriber stations 305-308 based on the changing topology of the network 302 and its associated subscriber stations.
Advantageously, this is performed by determining the number of subscriber stations coupled to each hub, and transmitting a Logical Node identifier (ID) to each subscriber station. The Logical Node ID provides a correspondence between an SCM and corresponding subscriber stations. For example, in Figure 4, subscriber stations 305 and 306 correspond to a first Logical Node from nodes 1-4, subscriber stations 307 correspond at least two (third and fourth) Logical Nodes and from nodes 11-20 and the other from nodes 21-n, and subscriber stations correspond to a second Logical Node from nodes 5-10.
The Logical Node IDs for the subscriber stations on the network 302 are preferably determined periodically and periodically transmitted to the subscriber stations. Preferably the Logical Node ID is transmitted as an MPEG-II (Motion Pictures Expert Group, Type II) packet that contains appropriate header information together with the Logical Node ID. MPEG type encoding is a common protocol for encoding video data and is therefore a convenient protocol for encoding of the Logical Node ID. However, the exact manner in which the Logical Node ID is encoded for transmission is not critical and other encoding techniques can be used within the principles of the present invention.
Figure 4 of the drawings illustrates, by way of the example shown in Figure 3, the manner in which the Logical Node IDs are transmitted. In Figure 4, subscriber stations 305 and 306 are part of a first Logical Node. This information is provided to subscriber stations 305-306 by transmitting Logical Node ID 1 from headend 304 to subscriber stations 305-306. Subscriber stations 308 are part of second Logical Node.
This information is provided to subscriber stations 308 by transmitting Logical Node ID for this second Logical Node from headend 304 to subscriber stations 308.
Subscriber stations 307 are either part of a third Logical Node or fourth Logical Node.
The corresponding node information (third Logical Node ID or fourth Logical Node ID) is transmitted to the appropriate subscriber stations 307.
The introduction of the Logical Node ID into the video stream and its use to identify the channels servicing a particular subscriber station are particularly advantageous. The provision of Logical Node ID signals in the video stream allow the subscriber stations to be moved anywhere in the network and get the video streams switched to the subscriber station based on a new Logical Node ID. For example, a particular subscriber station may be initially connected to the network and assigned to Logical Node ID 1. All the information for the subscriber including information particular to the subscriber station is provided. However, the user may move geographically, take the subscriber station and attempt to gain access from a new location being service by a different Logical Node. Since the ID of the different Logical Node is part of the stream, once it is provided to the relocated subscriber PCT/US99/27492 _ station, the headend 304 will know which channels to provide signals intended for the user. This eliminates any manual reconfiguration of the network that is required in the prior art. Rather with the present invention, the service can be updated by simply updating channel and DVM information in the SCM:. Other examples where the provision of the Logical Node ID is particularly advantageous is where new nodes are created or eliminated by changes in the number of subscribers using particular channels. The use of Logical Node ID eliminates the need for any changes in manual configurations.
Referring now to Figures 5-7, the methods of the present invention for sending and using a Logical Node ID signal as part of streaming data will be described in more detail. The general method will first be discussed with reference to Figure 5.
Then a method for using the Logical Node ID to determine the appropriate channel on which to transmit a requested program is described in two embodiment with reference to Figures 6 and 7.
As shown in Figure 5, the method for inserting, transmitting and using the Logical Node ID in accordance with the present invention is shown. The process begins in step 502 by generating a unique Logical Node ID for each node and inserting such Logical Node ID into the data stream. Then in step 504, the Logical Node ID
signal is transmitted as part of the data stream over the information network 108.
Next, in step 506, the data stream including the Logical Node ID is received at a subscriber station. Then in step 508, the subscriber station uses the Logical Node ID
received to create a new message that includes the Logical Node ID. The message created in step 508 is then sent in step 510 to the headend. The combiner or headend PCT/US99/27492 _ sets the Logical Node membership using this message in step 512, and thus, the topology of the network is known by the system 100c. The system 100c can then use the information stored at the headend to switch data streams using the TPM
102b and DVM module 106b such that programs will be corrected routed even though changes may have been made to the network manually or automatically. In other words, using the Logical Node ID the TPM 102b and DVM module 106b can be assured to send data to the appropriate subscriber stations.
Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an embodiment where the role of the master SCM in identifying the corresponding SCM and the role of the hub in providing the channel allocation information to the subscriber station are eliminated.
Advantageously, elimination of such actions reduces the amount of time (and accompanying bandwidth) required to initiate VOD service. These steps are eliminated by storing the address of the corresponding SCM together with the channel allocation information in the subscriber station. This information can be stored in the subscriber station in a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory as typically found on subscriber stations such as digital set-top boxes.
Turning to Figure 6, at step 602, the user requests VOD by way of the corresponding subscriber station. At step 604, the subscriber station reads the Program Map Table (PMT) and at step 604 receives the periodic transmission of the Logical Node ID. At step 608, the IP address of the SCM, which is stored in the subscriber station and its listener port number are used to make a User Datagram Protocol (UDP
or TCP ¨ Transmission Control Protocol) connection between the SCM and the _ subscriber station. At step 610, the program transmission occurs until termination at step 612.
Figure 7 is a flowchart showing communication between a set-top box (portion of a subscriber station) and the headend 304 to request and to receive video-on-demand (VOD) services, such as transmission of movies or other video programs. At step 702, the user requests VOD services, by entering appropriate inputs into the set-top box. At step 704, the corresponding hub responds to the request for VOD service by identifying, from information stored in the hub, an SCM that is functioning as a master SCM. At step 708, the subscriber station initiates communication with the master SCM to establish a connection between the master SCM and the subscriber station.
This connection is preferably established in accordance with the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) of the TCP/IP suite of protocols. At step 710, the hub allocates a channel for transmission of the requested video program from the corresponding hub to the subscriber station. Also at step 710, the master SCM allocates a program identifier (PID) to uniquely identify the requested program. Transmission of the Logical Node ID at step 712 is performed periodically; such as for example, every one-tenth of a second, and the Logical Node ID can therefore be expected to be received by the subscriber station. In an alternate embodiment shown in Figure 7 by dashed lines, the channel for transmission of the requested video program from the corresponding hub to the subscriber station, and the program identifier (PID) may be predefined (step 730). For example, a copy of a distributed packet having the predefined channel and PID may be stored at the subscriber station using local storage to reduce the latency in starting interactive sessions where the contents provide temporary copies of the information contained in the distributed packet. In such a case, steps 700-710 may be replaced with the single step 730 of identifying the predefined channel and PD
after which the method continues with that information in step 714.
Once the subscriber station receives the Logical Node ID, it has the necessary information to communicate with the corresponding SCM, and at step 714 the UDP

connection between the master SCM and the subscriber station is terminated. At step 716, a UDP connection is established between the identified SCM and the subscriber station.
Once established at 716, transmission of the requested program by the SCM to the requesting subscriber station occurs 718 until the transmission is terminated at step 720.
It is to be understood that the specific mechanisms and techniques that have been described are merely illustrative of one application of the principles of the invention.
Numerous additional modifications may be made to the methods and apparatus described without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. ln a network characterized by channel reuse in transmission between intermediate nodes of the network and corresponding remote stations, a method of transmitting a requested program in response to a request by a remote station, the method comprising the steps of:
responding to a request for said requested program by transmitting, from said intermediate node, a network address of said requesting remote station to a control module;
assigning a channel between said requesting remote station and said intermediate node for transmission of said requested program;
transmitting, for receipt by the requesting remote station, a program identifier, which uniquely identifies the requested program;
assigning a logical identifier based on spectrum reuse, independent of physical organization of said remote stations on said network, to said intermediate node; and causing transmission of said requested program with information indicative of said program identifier and said logical identifier.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of transmitting from the requesting remote station to the control module the program identifier and the logical identifier.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising the step of switching the transmission of the requested program to a Logical Node and the program identifier transmitted from the requesting remote station to the control module.
4. An apparatus for causing transmission, over a network, of programming requested by a remote station coupled to the network by way of a network controller located at a central station that assigns a channel for transmission of requested programming from said network controller to said requesting remote station, said network characterized by a first bandwidth between said apparatus and said network controller, and characterized by a second bandwidth between said network controller and said remote station, said second bandwidth being lower than said first bandwidth, said apparatus responding to a request by said requesting remote station for a requested program by causing transmission, for receipt by said requesting remote station, of a program identifier which uniquely identifies said requested program, and causing transmission, for receipt by said network controller of a logical identifier which uniquely identifies said network controller located at the central station as a corresponding network controller and which is independent of physical organization of said remote stations on said network, said apparatus further causing transmission, for receipt by said requesting remote station, of said requested program, in response to receiving said logical identifier transmitted by said requesting remote station.
5. The apparatus as set forth in claim 4, further comprising a master control module, responsive to said request by said requesting remote station for said requested program, configured to assign one of a plurality of other control modules to cause transmission of said program identifier, said logical identifier and said requested program.
6. In a network characterized by channel reuse in transmission between a central station, the central station having a plurality of modulators, and a plurality of remote stations, a method comprising the steps of:
providing a plurality of logical node identification numbers;
assigning a logical node identification number to a data stream;
transmitting the assigned logical node identification number along with a data stream from the central station using one of the plurality of modulators to a first remote station.
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising the steps of:
sending the logical node identification number and information identifying the first remote station from the first remote station to the central station; and using the logical node identification number from the first remote station to identify a sending modulator from the plurality of modulators that is communicating with the first remote station.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein the central station includes a digital video modulator that uses DVM quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM).
9. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of identifying a predefined channel and a packet identification number from a copy of a distributed packet stored at a second remote station.
10. ln a network characterized by channel reuse in transmission between a central station, the central station having a plurality of modulators, and a plurality of remote stations, a method for identifying a modulator communicating with a first remote station, the method comprising the steps of:
connecting the first remote station for communication with the network at a first location;
receiving a logical node identification number along with a data stream at the first remote station;
sending the logical node identification number and first station identification information to the central station;
using the logical node identification number to identify a sending modulator that is communicating with the first remote station.
1 1 . The method of claim 6, further comprising the steps of:
disconnecting the first remote station from communication with the network at a first location;
re-connecting the first remote station for communication with the network at a second location;

receiving by first remote station a logical node identification number along with a data stream;
sending the logical node identification number and a first station identification information to the central station;
using the logical node identification number to identify a new sending modulator that is communicating with the first remote station.
12. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of:
receiving, at the control module, the program identifier and the logical identifier transmitted from the requesting remote station.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of switching the transmission of the requested program to a Logical Node and the program identifier transmitted from the requesting remote station to the control module.
14. An apparatus for causing transmission of video programs over a network in response to requests for said video programs from remote stations coupled to said network by a corresponding one of a plurality of hubs, said apparatus comprising:
a plurality of control modules, each of said control modules controlling transmission of requested programs to a plurality of remote stations;
a node identifier for assigning a node identification value to said hub, said node identification value indicative of a correspondence between said hub and a corresponding one of said control modules;
a master control module for assigning said control modules to at least a first corresponding one of said hubs; and wherein the master control module receives the node identification values transmitted from a first remote station.
15. The apparatus as set forth in claim 14 wherein said node identifier assigns said node identification value by periodically causing transmission of node identification values to each of said hubs in said network.

16. The apparatus as set forth in claim 14 wherein said master control module responds to a request from anyone of said remote stations by identifying a corresponding one of said control modules to said requesting remote station.
17. The apparatus as set forth in claim 16 wherein said node identification value comprises a single packet for all hubs.
18. The apparatus as set forth in claim 14 wherein said master control module causes a corresponding one of the control modules to transmit requested programs to the first remote station using the node identification values transmitted by the remote station to the master control module.
19. The apparatus as set forth in claim 14 wherein said master control module selects a Digital Video Modulator (DVM) and a channel for transmitting requested programs to the first remote station using the node identification values transmitted by the remote station to the master control module.
20. The method of claim 6 further comprising the steps of:
receiving, at the central station, the logical node identification number and information identifying the first remote station sent from the first remote station; and using the logical node identification number from the first remote station to identify a sending modulator from the plurality of modulators that is communicating with the first remote station.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the central station includes a digital video modulator that uses DVM quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM).

22. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of identifying a predefined channel and a packet identification number from a copy of a distributed packed stored at a second remote station.
23. The method of claim 20, further comprising the steps of:
disconnecting the first remote station from communication with the network at a first location;
re-connecting the first remote station for communication with the network at a second location;
receiving by first remote station a logical node identification number along with a data stream;
sending the logical node identification number and the first station identification information to the central station; and using the logical node identification number to identify a new sending modulator that is communicating with the first remote station.
14. An apparatus for responding to a program request, comprising:
a logical node generator;
a modulator; and a session control manager;
wherein the logical node generator is configured to periodically provide a Logical Node identifier for identifying a correspondence between a hub, having a plurality of corresponding remote stations including a requesting remote station, and the session control manager, and wherein the session control manager, responsive to the program request from the requesting remote station, is configured to provide frequency and Packet Identification Numbers (PIDs), indicative of a requested program, to the requesting remote station, and wherein the modulator is configured to transmit the requested program for receipt by the requesting remote station, and wherein the session control manager is configured to receive the logical node identifier from the requesting remote station.
25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the session control manager is configured to select a channel on which the requested program is transmitted using the logical node identifier received from the requesting remote station.
26. The apparatus of claim 25, further comprising memory storing a mapping between the requesting remote station and the selected channel on which the transmission of the requested program occurs.
27. The apparatus of claim 24, further comprising:
a combiner configured to determine the correspondence between the hub corresponding to the requesting remote station and the session control manager using the logical node identifier received from the remote station.
28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the session control manager, responsive to another program request from the requesting remote station, is configured to provide frequency and PIDs indicative of the another requested program to the requesting remote station using the correspondence between the hub corresponding to the requesting remote station and the session control manager.
29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the modulator is configured to transmit the another requested program for receipt by the requesting remote station using the correspondence between the hub corresponding to the requesting remote station and the session control manager.
30. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a master control module configured to receive the logical identifier transmitted by the requesting remote station and associate the requesting remote station with a logical node identified by the logical identifier.

31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the master control 'nodule is configured to cause a corresponding one of the other control modules to transmit requested programs to the requesting remote station using the logical identifier transmitted by the remote station to the master control module.
32. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the master control module is configured to select a modulator and a channel for transmitting requested programs to the remote station using the logical identifier transmitted by the remote station to the master control module.
33. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the master control module is configured to switch, using the logical identifier transmitted by the remote station to the master control module, from a first modulator and a first channel for transmitting requested programs to the remote station to a second modulator and a second channel for transmitting requested programs to the remote station.
34. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising:
a transport processing module configured to provide the program identifier which uniquely identifies the requested program;
a logical node identification generator configured to generate the logical identifier transmitted to the remote station; and a combiner configured to combine the program identifier and the logical identifier for transmission of the program identifier and the logical identifier for receipt by the remote station.
35. A method comprising:
providing a logical node identifier to a plurality of remote devices, wherein the logical node identifier identifies a correspondence between the plurality of remote devices and a session control manager;

responsive to a program request front a remote device of the plurality of remote devices, providing, by a computing device having at least one processor, packet identification information to the remote device, wherein the packet identification information is indicative of the requested program;
receiving the logical node identifier from the remote device; and providing the requested program for receipt by the remote device.
36. The method of claim 35, further comprising:
selecting a channel for providing the requested program using the logical node identifier received from the remote device.
37. The method of claim 36, further comprising:
storing a mapping between the remote device and the selected channel.
38. The method of claim 35, further comprising:
determining the correspondence between the plurality of remote devices and the session control manager using the logical node identifier received from the remote device.
39. The method of claim 38, further comprising:
responsive to another program request from the remote device, providing packet identification information indicative of the another requested program to the remote device using the correspondence between the plurality of remote devices and the session control manager.
40. The method of claim 39, further comprising:
.30 providing the another requested program to the remote device using the correspondence between plurality of remote devices and the session control manager.
41. A method for logical node identification in a heterogeneous network supporting session-based routing or switching of information flow, said network having a source, a plurality of logical nodes and a plurality of devices, said method being performed by an information distributor and comprising:
receiving from said source a signal having associated with it at least one logical identifier indicative of one of said plurality of logical nodes;
transmitting said signal toward at least one device of said plurality of devices associated with a logical node corresponding to said at least one logical identifier;
receiving from each of said at least one device a message identifying said at least one device and said at least one logical identifier; and transmitting said message towards said source, said message being adapted to enable assigning of said at least one logical identifier to said at least one device, independent of a physical organization of said at least one device on said network and to enable configuration of said network.
42. The method of claim 41, wherein said source of said signal is part of a central station of said network.
43. The method of claim 41, wherein at least one of said at least one devices is a requesting remote station.
44. The method of claim 43, further comprising:
switching transmission of said signal to a logical node; and switching said message from said requesting remote station to a control module.
45. The method of claim 41, wherein said network acts as an intermediary between said information distributor and said source of said signal.

46. The method of claim 41, wherein said information distributor comprises:
a receiver; and a telephone.
47. The method of claim 41, wherein said signal is received from at least one satellite base station via a corresponding satellite.
48. The method of claim 43, further comprising:
providing said at least one logical identifier;
assigning each of said at least one logical identifiers to said signal; and transmitting each of said assigned logical identifiers and said signal from said source using one modulator of a plurality of modulators communicating with said requesting remote station, towards said requesting remote station.
49. The method of claim 48, wherein said message receiving step comprises:
sending said logical identifier and information identifying said requesting remote station from said requesting remote station towards said source; and using said at least one logical identifier received from said requesting remote station to identify said given modulator in said plurality of modulators.
50. The method of claim 48, wherein said source includes a digital video modulator configured to use DVM quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM).
51. The method of claim 48, further comprising identifying a pre-defined channel and a packet identification number from a copy of a distributed packet stored at said requesting remote station.
52. The method of claim 41. further comprising:
connecting a first device for communication with said network at a first location;
receiving a logical identifier along with a data stream at said first device;

sending said received logical identifier and first device identification information towards said source; and using said message to identify a sending modulator that is communicating with said first device.
53. The method of claim 41, further cornprising:
disconnecting said at least one device frorn communication with said network at a first location;
re-connecting said at least one device for communication with said network at a second location;
transmitting said signal from said source towards said at least one device, a data stream of said signal comprising said at least one logical identifier associated with said signal;
receiving a new message from said at least one device, said new message being adapted to subsequently identify a new sending modulator that is communicating with said at least one device; and transmitting said new message towards said source.
54. An apparatus operable to identify logical nodes in a heterogeneous network supporting session-based routing or switching of information flow, said network having a source, a plurality of logical nodes and a plurality of devices, said apparatus comprising:
an information distributor configured to:
receive from said source, a signal comprising at least one logical identifier indicative of one of said plurality of logical nodes;
transmit said signal to at least one of said plurality of devices associated with said logical node corresponding to said at least one logical identifier;
receive from each of said at least one of said plurality of devices a message identifying the device and said at least one logical identifier; and transmit said message towards said source, said message being adapted to enable assigning of said at least one logical identifier to said at least one device, independent of a physical organization of said at least one device on said network, and to enable configuration of said network.
55. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein said plurality of devices comprises a plurality of remote stations.
56. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein said information distributor forms a part of a central station of said network.
57. The apparatus of claim 54 or 55, wherein said network acts as an intermediary between said information distributor and said source.
58. The apparatus of claim 54 or 55, wherein said network comprises at least one base station communicative with at least one satellite.
59. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein said information distributor comprises:
a receiver; and a telephone.
60. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein said information distributor is further configured to transmit video programs over said network in response to program requests from said plurality of remote stations, said at least one remote station being coupled to said network by a corresponding one of a plurality of hubs, said apparatus further comprising:
a plurality of control modules in said source, each of said control modules controlling transmission of requested programs to said plurality of remote stations and having a node identifier configured to generate said at least one logical identifier, said at least one logical identifier being indicative of a correspondence between said hub that couples said at least one remote station to said network and a corresponding one of said control modules.

61. The apparatus of claim 54 or 60, wherein said node identification value comprises a single packet for all hubs.
62. The apparatus of claim 60 or 61, wherein said node identifier assigns said at least one logical identifier by periodically causing transmission of said logical identifier to a corresponding one of said plurality of hubs.
63. The apparatus of any one of claims 60 to 62, wherein each of said plurality of hubs is configured to couple coaxial portions of said network to fibre portions of said network and wherein at least a first channel and a second channel are allocated between each of said hubs and corresponding ones of said plurality of remote stations, said apparatus further comprising:
program identifying means, responsive to a program request from one of said plurality of remote stations by providing the one of said plurality of remote stations with frequency information and a program identifier (PID) indicative of a program corresponding to said program request; and transmission means, responsive to said program identifying means, to cause transmission of said program to the one of said plurality of remote stations that sent said program request.
64. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein said network comprises a network controller configured to assign to one of said plurality of remote stations, a channel for transmission of a requested program, said network being characterized by having a first bandwidth between said source and said network controller and a second bandwidth between said network controller and each of said plurality of remote stations such that said second bandwidth is lower than said first bandwidth and wherein said at least one logical identifier uniquely identifies said network controller as a corresponding network controller and said program identifier (PID) uniquely identifies said requested program.

65. The apparatus of claim 60 or 63, further comprising:
a master control module configured to assign each of said plurality of control modules to at least a first corresponding one of said plurality of hubs.
66. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein said master control module is further configured to respond to a request from any one of said plurality of remote stations by identifying said requesting remote station with a corresponding one of said control modules.
67. The apparatus of claim 65 or 66, wherein a first remote station of said plurality of remote stations transmits said at least one logical identifier to said master control module.
68. The apparatus of claim 67, wherein said master control module is further configured to cause a corresponding one of said plurality of control modules to transmit requested programs to said first remote station using said at least one logical identifier transmitted by said first remote station to said master control module.
69. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein said master control module is further configured to select a digital video modulator and a channel for transmitting requested programs to said first remote station using said at least one logical identifier transmitted by said first remote station to said master control module.
70. An apparatus for responding to a program request, the apparatus comprising:
a modulator;
a session control manager;
a processor; and memory storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to periodically provide a logical node identifier to a plurality of remote stations including a requesting remote station, wherein the logical node identifier identifies a correspondence between a hub having the plurality of remote stations and the session control manager, and wherein the session control manager, responsive to the program request from the requesting remote station, is configured to provide frequency and packet identification numbers (PIDs), indicative of a requested program, to the modulator, and wherein the modulator is configured to transmit the requested program for receipt by the requesting remote station, and wherein the session control manager is configured to receive the logical node identifier from the requesting remote station.
71. The apparatus of claim 70, wherein the session control manager is configured to select a channel on which the requested program is transmitted using the logical node identifier received from the requesting remote station.
72. The apparatus of claim 71, further comprising:
memory storing a mapping between the requesting remote station and the selected channel on which the transmission of the requested program occurs.
73. The apparatus of claim 70, further comprising:
a combiner configured to determine the correspondence between the hub corresponding to the requesting remote station and the session control manager using the logical node identifier received from the remote station.
74. The apparatus of claim 73, wherein the session control manager, responsive to another program request from the requesting remote station, is configured to provide frequency and PIDs indicative of the another requested program to the requesting remote station using the correspondence between the hub corresponding to the requesting remote station and the session control manager.

75. The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the modulator is configured to transmit the another requested program for receipt by the requesting remote station using the correspondence between the hub corresponding to the requesting remote station and the session control manager.
76. An apparatus comprising:
a processor; and memory storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to:
assign a channel for transmission of a program to a remote device;
transmit, to the remote device, a unique identifier for the program;
transmit, to the remote device and a network device, a logical identifier that uniquely identifies the network device as the network device corresponding to the remote device; and transmit, to the remote device, the program in response to receiving, from the remote device, a message comprising the logical identifier.
77. The apparatus of claim 76 wherein the memory storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to:
receive the message comprising the logical identifier and associate the remote device with a logical node, wherein the logical node is identified by the logical identifier.
78. The apparatus of claim 76, wherein the memory storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to:
assign one of a plurality of other control modules to cause transmission of the unique identifier for the program, the logical identifier, and the program in response to receiving a request for the program from the remote device.

79. The apparatus of claim 78, wherein the memory storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to:
cause a corresponding one of the other control modules to transmit programs to the remote device using the logical identifier indicated in the message received from the remote device.
80. The apparatus of claim 78, wherein the memory storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to:
select a modulator and a channel for transmitting programs to the remote device using the logical identifier indicated in the message received from the remote device.
81. The apparatus of claim 78, wherein the memory storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to:
switch, using the logical identifier indicated in the message received from the remote device, from a first modulator and a first channel for transmitting programs to the remote device to a second modulator and a second channel for transmitting programs to the remote device.
82. The apparatus of claim 76, wherein the memory storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to:
provide the unique identifier for the program;
generate the logical identifier transmitted to the remote device; and combine the unique identifier and the logical identifier for transmission to the remote device.
83. The method of claim 35, wherein providing a logical node identifier to a plurality of remote devices, wherein the logical node identifier identifies a correspondence between the plurality of remote devices and a session control manager comprises:

providing the logical node identifier to a plurality of remote stations including a requesting remote station, wherein the logical node identifier identifies a correspondence between a hub having the plurality of remote stations and the session control manager;
wherein responsive to a program request from a remote device of the plurality of remote devices, providing, by a computing device having at least one processor, packet identification information to the remote device, wherein the packet identification information is indicative of the requested program comprises:
responsive to the program request from the requesting remote station, transmitting, by the computing device having at least one processor, frequency and packet identification numbers (PIDs) to the requesting remote station, wherein the frequency and PIDs are indicative of the requested program;
wherein receiving the logical node identifier from the remote device comprises:
receiving the logical node identifier from the requesting remote station; and wherein providing the requested program for receipt by the remote device comprises:
transmitting the requested program for receipt by the requesting remote station.
84. The method of claim 83, further comprising:
selecting a channel for transmitting the requested program using the logical node identifier received from the remote station.
85. The method of claim 84, further comprising:
storing a mapping between the requesting remote station and the selected channel.
86. The method of claim 83, further comprising:
determining the correspondence between the hub corresponding to the requesting remote station and the session control manager using the logical node identifier received from the remote station.

87. The method of claim 86, further comprising:
responsive to another program request from the requesting remote station, transmitting frequency and PIDs indicative of the another requested program to the requesting remote station using the correspondence between the hub corresponding to the requesting remote station and the session control manager.
88. The method of claim 87, further comprising:
transmitting the another requested program to the requesting remote station using the correspondence between the hub corresponding to the requesting remote station and the session control manager.
89. The apparatus of claim 76, wherein the memory storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to:
receive, from a remote station coupled to the apparatus by a network, a request for a program, wherein assign a channel for transmission of a program to a remote device comprises:
assign a channel for transmission of the requested program to the requesting remote station, wherein transmit, to the remote device, a unique identifier for the program comprises:
transmit, to the requesting remote station, a unique identifier for the requested program, wherein transmit, to the remote device and a network device, a logical identifier that uniquely identifies the network device as the network device corresponding to the remote device comprises:
transmit, to the requesting remote station and a network controller, a logical identifier that uniquely identifies the network controller as the network controller corresponding to the requesting remote station, and wherein transmit, to the remote device, the program in response to receiving, from the remote device, a message comprising the logical identifier comprises:
transmit, to the requesting remote station, the requested program in response to receiving, from the requesting remote station, a message indicating the logical identifier, wherein, the apparatus is configured to connect to the network controller via at least one channel having a first bandwidth and a second bandwidth, the second bandwidth being lower than the first bandwidth.
90. The apparatus of claim 89, further comprising:
a master session control manager configured to receive the message indicating the logical identifier and associate the requesting remote station with a logical node, wherein the logical node is identified by the logical identifier.
9 l. The apparatus of claim 89, further comprising:
a master session control manager configured to assign one of a plurality of other session control managers to cause transmission of the program identifier, the logical identifier and the requested program in response to receiving the request for the program.
92. The apparatus of claim 89, wherein the master session control manager is configured to cause a corresponding one of the other session control managers to transmit requested programs to the requesting remote station using the logical identifier indicated in the message received from the remote station.
93. The apparatus of claim 91, wherein the master session control manager is configured to select a modulator and a channel for transmitting requested programs to the remote station using the logical identifier indicated in the message received from the remote station.

94. The apparatus of claim 91, wherein the master session control manager is configured to switch, using the logical identifier indicated in the message received from the remote station, from a first modulator and a first channel for transmitting requested programs to the remote station to a second modulator and a second channel for transmitting requested programs to the remote station.
95. The apparatus of claim 89, wherein the memory storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to:
provide the unique identifier for the requested program; and generate the logical identifier transmitted to the remote station, wherein the apparatus further comprises a combiner configured to combine the unique identifier and the logical identifier for transmission to the remote station.
96. The method of claim 35, wherein providing a logical node identifier to a plurality of remote devices, wherein the logical node identifier identifies a correspondence between the plurality of remote devices and a session control manager comprises:
providing the logical node identifier for identifying a correspondence between a hub, having a plurality of corresponding remote stations including a requesting remote station, and the session control manager, wherein responsive to a program request from a remote device of the plurality of remote devices, providing, by a computing device having at least one processor, packet identification information to the remote device, wherein the packet identification information is indicative of the requested program comprises:
providing frequency and packet identification numbers (PIDs), indicative of the requested program, to the requesting remote station responsive to the program request from the requesting remote station;
wherein providing the requested program for receipt by the remote device comprises:

transmitting the requested program for receipt by the requesting remote station; and wherein receiving the logical node identifier from the remote device comprises:
receiving the logical node identifier from the requesting remote station.
97. The method of claim 96, further comprising:
selecting a channel for transmitting the requested program using the logical node identifier received from the remote station.
98. The method of claim 97, further comprising:
storing a mapping between the requesting remote station and the selected channel.
99. The method of claim 96, further comprising:
determining the correspondence between the hub corresponding to the requesting remote station and the session control manager using the logical node identifier received from the remote station.
100. The method of claim 99, further comprising:
responsive to another program request from the requesting remote station, providing frequency and PIDs indicative of the another requested program to the requesting remote station using the correspondence between the hub corresponding to the requesting remote station and the session control manager.
101. The method of claim 100, further comprising:
transmitting the another requested program for receipt by the requesting remote station using the correspondence between the hub corresponding to the requesting remote station and the session control manager.
CA2351732A 1998-11-20 1999-11-19 Logical node identification in an information transmission network Expired - Lifetime CA2351732C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10934198P 1998-11-20 1998-11-20
US60/109,341 1998-11-20
US09/436,934 US6697376B1 (en) 1998-11-20 1999-11-08 Logical node identification in an information transmission network
US09/436,934 1999-11-08
PCT/US1999/027492 WO2000031921A2 (en) 1998-11-20 1999-11-19 Logical node identification in an information transmission network

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2351732A1 CA2351732A1 (en) 2000-06-02
CA2351732C true CA2351732C (en) 2014-05-27

Family

ID=26806880

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA2351732A Expired - Lifetime CA2351732C (en) 1998-11-20 1999-11-19 Logical node identification in an information transmission network

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (4) US6697376B1 (en)
EP (1) EP1131981B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4653888B2 (en)
AT (1) ATE272931T1 (en)
CA (1) CA2351732C (en)
DE (1) DE69919200T2 (en)
WO (1) WO2000031921A2 (en)

Families Citing this family (107)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6697376B1 (en) * 1998-11-20 2004-02-24 Diva Systems Corporation Logical node identification in an information transmission network
US7213061B1 (en) * 1999-04-29 2007-05-01 Amx Llc Internet control system and method
US7540012B1 (en) * 1999-06-08 2009-05-26 International Business Machines Corporation Video on demand configuring, controlling and maintaining
US6657646B2 (en) * 1999-06-08 2003-12-02 Amx Corporation System and method for multimedia display
US7150031B1 (en) * 2000-06-09 2006-12-12 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. System and method for reminders of upcoming rentable media offerings
US7010801B1 (en) 1999-06-11 2006-03-07 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. Video on demand system with parameter-controlled bandwidth deallocation
US7992163B1 (en) * 1999-06-11 2011-08-02 Jerding Dean F Video-on-demand navigational system
US6817028B1 (en) * 1999-06-11 2004-11-09 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. Reduced screen control system for interactive program guide
US6986156B1 (en) * 1999-06-11 2006-01-10 Scientific Atlanta, Inc Systems and methods for adaptive scheduling and dynamic bandwidth resource allocation management in a digital broadband delivery system
US20060059525A1 (en) * 1999-12-13 2006-03-16 Jerding Dean F Media services window configuration system
BR0107620A (en) * 2000-01-13 2004-06-15 Ncube Corp Method and apparatus for identifying a signal path for delivering video on demand to a subscriber terminal
US7310671B1 (en) * 2000-02-10 2007-12-18 Paradyne Corporation System and method for a trouble shooting portal to allow temporary management access to a communication device
BR0108714A (en) * 2000-03-02 2002-11-26 Scientific Atlanta Apparatus and method for providing a plurality of initial interactive program guide arrangements
US7200857B1 (en) * 2000-06-09 2007-04-03 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. Synchronized video-on-demand supplemental commentary
US7975277B1 (en) * 2000-04-03 2011-07-05 Jerding Dean F System for providing alternative services
US8516525B1 (en) 2000-06-09 2013-08-20 Dean F. Jerding Integrated searching system for interactive media guide
US20020007485A1 (en) * 2000-04-03 2002-01-17 Rodriguez Arturo A. Television service enhancements
US7934232B1 (en) * 2000-05-04 2011-04-26 Jerding Dean F Navigation paradigm for access to television services
US8069259B2 (en) * 2000-06-09 2011-11-29 Rodriguez Arturo A Managing removal of media titles from a list
US7096257B2 (en) 2000-06-15 2006-08-22 Forster Energy Llc Automatic assignment of addresses to nodes in a network
US7962370B2 (en) * 2000-06-29 2011-06-14 Rodriguez Arturo A Methods in a media service system for transaction processing
US7340759B1 (en) * 2000-11-10 2008-03-04 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. Systems and methods for adaptive pricing in a digital broadband delivery system
US20020129359A1 (en) * 2000-11-27 2002-09-12 Lichner Randall Manton Cross platform system and method for the management and distribution of pay per view video on demand
US7346918B2 (en) * 2000-12-27 2008-03-18 Z-Band, Inc. Intelligent device system and method for distribution of digital signals on a wideband signal distribution system
US7627887B2 (en) * 2001-04-30 2009-12-01 Scientific- Atlanta, Inc. System and method for multicasting packets in a subscriber network
US7603033B1 (en) 2001-06-28 2009-10-13 Netapp, Inc. Fault tolerant optical data communication network
US7512964B2 (en) 2001-06-29 2009-03-31 Cisco Technology System and method for archiving multiple downloaded recordable media content
US8006262B2 (en) 2001-06-29 2011-08-23 Rodriguez Arturo A Graphic user interfaces for purchasable and recordable media (PRM) downloads
US7526788B2 (en) 2001-06-29 2009-04-28 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. Graphic user interface alternate download options for unavailable PRM content
US7496945B2 (en) * 2001-06-29 2009-02-24 Cisco Technology, Inc. Interactive program guide for bidirectional services
US7346332B2 (en) * 2002-01-25 2008-03-18 Ksc Industries Incorporated Wired, wireless, infrared, and powerline audio entertainment systems
US7853341B2 (en) * 2002-01-25 2010-12-14 Ksc Industries, Inc. Wired, wireless, infrared, and powerline audio entertainment systems
US8103009B2 (en) * 2002-01-25 2012-01-24 Ksc Industries, Inc. Wired, wireless, infrared, and powerline audio entertainment systems
US7334251B2 (en) * 2002-02-11 2008-02-19 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. Management of television advertising
US7373414B2 (en) * 2002-08-29 2008-05-13 Amx Llc Multi-media system and method for simultaneously delivering multi-media data to multiple destinations
US7219367B2 (en) * 2002-09-09 2007-05-15 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. Backup communication modes
US7224366B2 (en) * 2002-10-17 2007-05-29 Amx, Llc Method and system for control system software
US20040210927A1 (en) * 2003-04-21 2004-10-21 Bahr Charles C. Multicasting systems using distributed user authentication
US7839860B2 (en) * 2003-05-01 2010-11-23 Genesis Microchip Inc. Packet based video display interface
US8068485B2 (en) 2003-05-01 2011-11-29 Genesis Microchip Inc. Multimedia interface
US7088741B2 (en) * 2003-05-01 2006-08-08 Genesis Microchip Inc. Using an auxilary channel for video monitor training
US20040218599A1 (en) * 2003-05-01 2004-11-04 Genesis Microchip Inc. Packet based video display interface and methods of use thereof
US7424558B2 (en) * 2003-05-01 2008-09-09 Genesis Microchip Inc. Method of adaptively connecting a video source and a video display
US20040218624A1 (en) * 2003-05-01 2004-11-04 Genesis Microchip Inc. Packet based closed loop video display interface with periodic status checks
US20040221312A1 (en) * 2003-05-01 2004-11-04 Genesis Microchip Inc. Techniques for reducing multimedia data packet overhead
US8204076B2 (en) * 2003-05-01 2012-06-19 Genesis Microchip Inc. Compact packet based multimedia interface
US7068686B2 (en) * 2003-05-01 2006-06-27 Genesis Microchip Inc. Method and apparatus for efficient transmission of multimedia data packets
US6992987B2 (en) * 2003-05-01 2006-01-31 Genesis Microchip Inc. Enumeration method for the link clock rate and the pixel/audio clock rate
US7620062B2 (en) * 2003-05-01 2009-11-17 Genesis Microchips Inc. Method of real time optimizing multimedia packet transmission rate
US7733915B2 (en) * 2003-05-01 2010-06-08 Genesis Microchip Inc. Minimizing buffer requirements in a digital video system
US7405719B2 (en) * 2003-05-01 2008-07-29 Genesis Microchip Inc. Using packet transfer for driving LCD panel driver electronics
US20040221315A1 (en) * 2003-05-01 2004-11-04 Genesis Microchip Inc. Video interface arranged to provide pixel data independent of a link character clock
US7567592B2 (en) * 2003-05-01 2009-07-28 Genesis Microchip Inc. Packet based video display interface enumeration method
US8059673B2 (en) * 2003-05-01 2011-11-15 Genesis Microchip Inc. Dynamic resource re-allocation in a packet based video display interface
US7800623B2 (en) * 2003-09-18 2010-09-21 Genesis Microchip Inc. Bypassing pixel clock generation and CRTC circuits in a graphics controller chip
US7487273B2 (en) * 2003-09-18 2009-02-03 Genesis Microchip Inc. Data packet based stream transport scheduler wherein transport data link does not include a clock line
US7613300B2 (en) * 2003-09-26 2009-11-03 Genesis Microchip Inc. Content-protected digital link over a single signal line
US7634090B2 (en) * 2003-09-26 2009-12-15 Genesis Microchip Inc. Packet based high definition high-bandwidth digital content protection
US9247207B2 (en) * 2003-11-13 2016-01-26 Arris Enterprises, Inc. System to provide index and metadata for content on demand
US8161388B2 (en) * 2004-01-21 2012-04-17 Rodriguez Arturo A Interactive discovery of display device characteristics
US7483538B2 (en) 2004-03-02 2009-01-27 Ksc Industries, Inc. Wireless and wired speaker hub for a home theater system
US20070211691A1 (en) * 2004-09-09 2007-09-13 Barber Ronald W Method, system and computer program using standard interfaces for independent device controllers
WO2006029391A2 (en) * 2004-09-09 2006-03-16 Amx Corporation Method, system and computer program using standard interfaces for independent device controllers
US20060087047A1 (en) * 2004-10-22 2006-04-27 Mathur Ashok N Fluid mixing apparatus
US7342584B2 (en) * 2004-11-18 2008-03-11 Amx, Llc Method and computer program for implementing interactive bargraphs of any shape or design on a graphical user interface
US8214465B2 (en) * 2005-04-27 2012-07-03 Comcast Cable Holdings, Llc Method and system of transporting media signals and allocating assets
KR101171180B1 (en) * 2005-07-15 2012-08-20 삼성전자주식회사 Liquid crystal display
US20070022459A1 (en) * 2005-07-20 2007-01-25 Gaebel Thomas M Jr Method and apparatus for boundary-based network operation
US8074248B2 (en) 2005-07-26 2011-12-06 Activevideo Networks, Inc. System and method for providing video content associated with a source image to a television in a communication network
US8441963B2 (en) * 2005-08-04 2013-05-14 General Instrument Corporation IP multicast management and service provision system and method
US8189472B2 (en) * 2005-09-07 2012-05-29 Mcdonald James F Optimizing bandwidth utilization to a subscriber premises
US9063739B2 (en) 2005-09-07 2015-06-23 Open Invention Network, Llc Method and computer program for device configuration
EP2105019A2 (en) * 2006-09-29 2009-09-30 Avinity Systems B.V. Method for streaming parallel user sessions, system and computer software
US20080201736A1 (en) * 2007-01-12 2008-08-21 Ictv, Inc. Using Triggers with Video for Interactive Content Identification
US9826197B2 (en) * 2007-01-12 2017-11-21 Activevideo Networks, Inc. Providing television broadcasts over a managed network and interactive content over an unmanaged network to a client device
WO2008088741A2 (en) 2007-01-12 2008-07-24 Ictv, Inc. Interactive encoded content system including object models for viewing on a remote device
US8522281B1 (en) * 2007-04-30 2013-08-27 Google Inc. Head end generalization
US20090094658A1 (en) * 2007-10-09 2009-04-09 Genesis Microchip Inc. Methods and systems for driving multiple displays
US20090219932A1 (en) * 2008-02-04 2009-09-03 Stmicroelectronics, Inc. Multi-stream data transport and methods of use
US20090262667A1 (en) * 2008-04-21 2009-10-22 Stmicroelectronics, Inc. System and method for enabling topology mapping and communication between devices in a network
JP2011526134A (en) * 2008-06-25 2011-09-29 アクティブビデオ ネットワークス， インコーポレイテッド Provision of interactive content to client devices via TV broadcast via unmanaged network and unmanaged network
EP2329668B1 (en) * 2008-09-26 2018-04-18 Collision Communications, Inc. Media access control protocol for multiuser detection enabled ad-hoc wireless communications
US20110264155A1 (en) 2008-10-14 2011-10-27 Cochlear Americas Implantable hearing prosthesis
US20100183004A1 (en) * 2009-01-16 2010-07-22 Stmicroelectronics, Inc. System and method for dual mode communication between devices in a network
US8156238B2 (en) 2009-05-13 2012-04-10 Stmicroelectronics, Inc. Wireless multimedia transport method and apparatus
US8760461B2 (en) 2009-05-13 2014-06-24 Stmicroelectronics, Inc. Device, system, and method for wide gamut color space support
US8429440B2 (en) * 2009-05-13 2013-04-23 Stmicroelectronics, Inc. Flat panel display driver method and system
US8860888B2 (en) * 2009-05-13 2014-10-14 Stmicroelectronics, Inc. Method and apparatus for power saving during video blanking periods
US8582452B2 (en) 2009-05-18 2013-11-12 Stmicroelectronics, Inc. Data link configuration by a receiver in the absence of link training data
US8468285B2 (en) * 2009-05-18 2013-06-18 Stmicroelectronics, Inc. Operation of video source and sink with toggled hot plug detection
US8370554B2 (en) * 2009-05-18 2013-02-05 Stmicroelectronics, Inc. Operation of video source and sink with hot plug detection not asserted
US8291207B2 (en) * 2009-05-18 2012-10-16 Stmicroelectronics, Inc. Frequency and symbol locking using signal generated clock frequency and symbol identification
US9237381B2 (en) * 2009-08-06 2016-01-12 Time Warner Cable Enterprises Llc Methods and apparatus for local channel insertion in an all-digital content distribution network
US9635421B2 (en) 2009-11-11 2017-04-25 Time Warner Cable Enterprises Llc Methods and apparatus for audience data collection and analysis in a content delivery network
US8671234B2 (en) 2010-05-27 2014-03-11 Stmicroelectronics, Inc. Level shifting cable adaptor and chip system for use with dual-mode multi-media device
WO2012051528A2 (en) 2010-10-14 2012-04-19 Activevideo Networks, Inc. Streaming digital video between video devices using a cable television system
US8930979B2 (en) 2010-11-11 2015-01-06 Time Warner Cable Enterprises Llc Apparatus and methods for identifying and characterizing latency in a content delivery network
US10148623B2 (en) 2010-11-12 2018-12-04 Time Warner Cable Enterprises Llc Apparatus and methods ensuring data privacy in a content distribution network
EP2695388B1 (en) 2011-04-07 2017-06-07 ActiveVideo Networks, Inc. Reduction of latency in video distribution networks using adaptive bit rates
EP2815582B1 (en) 2012-01-09 2019-09-04 ActiveVideo Networks, Inc. Rendering of an interactive lean-backward user interface on a television
US9123084B2 (en) 2012-04-12 2015-09-01 Activevideo Networks, Inc. Graphical application integration with MPEG objects
US10275128B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2019-04-30 Activevideo Networks, Inc. Multiple-mode system and method for providing user selectable video content
US20140334336A1 (en) 2013-05-10 2014-11-13 Relay2, Inc. Multi-Tenant Virtual Access Point- Network Resources Virtualization
US9294785B2 (en) 2013-06-06 2016-03-22 Activevideo Networks, Inc. System and method for exploiting scene graph information in construction of an encoded video sequence
US9219922B2 (en) 2013-06-06 2015-12-22 Activevideo Networks, Inc. System and method for exploiting scene graph information in construction of an encoded video sequence
US9326047B2 (en) 2013-06-06 2016-04-26 Activevideo Networks, Inc. Overlay rendering of user interface onto source video
US9972682B2 (en) * 2016-01-22 2018-05-15 International Business Machines Corporation Low resistance source drain contact formation

Family Cites Families (32)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3378130A (en) * 1966-10-12 1968-04-16 Wallace Systems Inc W J Unloading machine for tankers or the like
US5412720A (en) * 1990-09-28 1995-05-02 Ictv, Inc. Interactive home information system
US5434678A (en) * 1993-01-11 1995-07-18 Abecassis; Max Seamless transmission of non-sequential video segments
JP2761356B2 (en) * 1993-06-25 1998-06-04 松下電工株式会社 Hub self-number setting method
US5481542A (en) * 1993-11-10 1996-01-02 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. Interactive information services control system
JPH07193594A (en) * 1993-12-27 1995-07-28 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Inter-network connection controller
JPH07274154A (en) * 1994-03-28 1995-10-20 Sumitomo Electric Ind Ltd Video demand system for catv system and video demand controller
US5539920A (en) * 1994-04-28 1996-07-23 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc. Method and apparatus for processing an audio video interactive signal
JP2601189B2 (en) 1994-05-20 1997-04-16 日本電気株式会社 Video on demand system
JPH07336460A (en) * 1994-06-03 1995-12-22 Hitachi Ltd Data communication equipment
US5619249A (en) * 1994-09-14 1997-04-08 Time Warner Entertainment Company, L.P. Telecasting service for providing video programs on demand with an interactive interface for facilitating viewer selection of video programs
US5650994A (en) 1995-05-16 1997-07-22 Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc. Operation support system for service creation and network provisioning for video dial tone networks
EP0873638B1 (en) * 1995-06-22 2010-08-04 Scientific Atlanta, Inc. Hybrid fiber coax communications system
US5594702A (en) * 1995-06-28 1997-01-14 National Semiconductor Corporation Multi-first-in-first-out memory circuit
US5734652A (en) * 1995-09-27 1998-03-31 Microsoft Corporation ATM extended autoregistration and VPI/VCI assignment in a hybrid fiber-coax cable network
US5671217A (en) 1995-12-14 1997-09-23 Time Warner Entertainment Co. L.P. Scalable communications network employing shared logical nodes
US5835723A (en) * 1995-12-28 1998-11-10 Intel Corporation Dynamic assignment of multicast addresses
US5999970A (en) * 1996-04-10 1999-12-07 World Gate Communications, Llc Access system and method for providing interactive access to an information source through a television distribution system
JPH09284748A (en) * 1996-04-19 1997-10-31 Sony Corp System and method for two-way information transmission
US5841468A (en) * 1996-04-26 1998-11-24 Convergence. Com System and method for routing data messages through a cable transmission system
US5905726A (en) * 1996-05-21 1999-05-18 Cisco Technology, Inc. Broadband communication system having a virtual circuit space switch
US5878325A (en) * 1996-07-12 1999-03-02 At&T Corp Hybrid fiber-coax system having at least one digital fiber node
JP3549676B2 (en) * 1996-07-24 2004-08-04 富士通株式会社 Terminal ID automatic assignment method
JP3557058B2 (en) * 1996-11-27 2004-08-25 株式会社東芝 Communication device
US6253375B1 (en) * 1997-01-13 2001-06-26 Diva Systems Corporation System for interactively distributing information services
US6324267B1 (en) * 1997-01-17 2001-11-27 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. Two-tiered authorization and authentication for a cable data delivery system
US6295298B1 (en) * 1997-04-11 2001-09-25 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. Method of dynamically assigning a logical network address and a link address
DE19741885A1 (en) * 1997-09-23 1999-03-25 Cit Alcatel Device for assigning transmission channels at the end points of a service-on-demand system
US6378130B1 (en) 1997-10-20 2002-04-23 Time Warner Entertainment Company Media server interconnect architecture
JP3886243B2 (en) * 1998-03-18 2007-02-28 富士通株式会社 Information distribution device
US7103065B1 (en) * 1998-10-30 2006-09-05 Broadcom Corporation Data packet fragmentation in a cable modem system
US6697376B1 (en) 1998-11-20 2004-02-24 Diva Systems Corporation Logical node identification in an information transmission network

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE272931T1 (en) 2004-08-15
US8918824B2 (en) 2014-12-23
EP1131981B1 (en) 2004-08-04
US20130024899A1 (en) 2013-01-24
JP2002531001A (en) 2002-09-17
US20040062270A1 (en) 2004-04-01
JP4653888B2 (en) 2011-03-16
EP1131981A2 (en) 2001-09-12
DE69919200D1 (en) 2004-09-09
US8289993B2 (en) 2012-10-16
WO2000031921A8 (en) 2000-10-05
WO2000031921A3 (en) 2000-11-16
DE69919200T2 (en) 2005-08-18
CA2351732A1 (en) 2000-06-02
US6697376B1 (en) 2004-02-24
US20070147418A1 (en) 2007-06-28
WO2000031921A2 (en) 2000-06-02
US7203201B2 (en) 2007-04-10

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2351732C (en) Logical node identification in an information transmission network
CA2682364C (en) Bandwidth sensitive switched digital video content delivery
EP1442386B1 (en) Mechanism for implementing network discovery in a cable network
CA2680851C (en) Switched digital video client reverse channel traffic reduction
EP1264478B1 (en) Method and apparatus for identifying a signal route for delivery of video-on-demand to a subscriber terminal
EP1949688B1 (en) Atomic channel changes in a switched digital video system
CA2629313C (en) Channel changes between services with differing bandwidth in a switched digital video system
CA2629310C (en) Quality of service management in a switched digital video environment
US9871687B2 (en) Method, cable modem and a device for providing video to a customer premises equipment
US20020108119A1 (en) Method and apparatus for two-way internet access over a CATV network with channel tracking
US20030074670A1 (en) Propagation of dynamic network information
US20100050215A1 (en) System and method for bandwidth handling
US7535888B1 (en) System and method for providing in-band timing information to digital home communication terminals
KR101517501B1 (en) The method and system for providing IPTV(internet protocol television) service

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
EEER Examination request
MKEX Expiry

Effective date: 20191119