Advertisement addressing device and data processing device related to advertisements in programs, and advertisement addressing method

This application is a continuation-in-part application 07/991074, filed December 9, 1992, entitled "System of formation of packages and transmission of television programs with the ability to access the call through the menu." Below are other applications in a continuation, also based on the above application and included in the text of the present application by reference: 08/160281, PCT / US 93/11708 "programmable terminal guidance programs offered by television broadcasting system" dated December 2, 1993 ., 08/160282, PCT / US 93/11616 "The operational center of the system and the formation of a package of television broadcasting" on December 2, 1993, 08/160193, PCT / US 93/11618 "user terminal for cable television systems" on December 2, 1993, 08/160194, PCT / US 93/11606 "Enhanced user terminal for cable television systems" on December 2, 1993, 08/160283, PCT / US 93/11615 "digital headend system for cable TV" on December 2, 1993

Field of application The present invention relates to television entertainment systems for television programs to the homes of subscribers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a network controller that controls communication network television programs and manages the headend to the cable television network.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The development of television broadcasting has been caused mainly by the development of technology. In 1939, the improvement in picture tube Vladimir Zworykin was the impetus for Al Bee Xi to the top of its first regular broadcasts. In 1975, thanks to advances in satellite technology, viewers were able to make their homes a large number of programs.

Many of the technological advances have led to the development of systems inconvenient for the user. One example is a house with all the well-known three different and separate remote controls - one for the television receiver, the receiver of cable television and VCR. After some time, technological advances have made it possible to subscribers of cable television systems in some parts of the country to accept 100 channels of TV programming. This is the number of channels exceeds the capabilities of many subscribers to use them effectively. Subscribers do not offer any way to optimize the choice of programs.

Subscribers need to further achievements in the field of television broadcasting, in particular the program and the possibility of their choice presented to the user in a "friendly" manner. In the next 20 years on the market of television broadcasting will have a major influence consumer preferences, rather than technological breakthroughs. Similarly, sellers of computers have moved from the marketing of new technologies in the field of hardware to enhance the usefulness of marketing, interfaces and services, and broadcasting industry will move from the market defined by the new technologies to the market, to determine the usefulness of the viewer.

The consumer wants to receive products containing a new technologies and carrying useful functions and will not purchase new technology for the sake of novelty or prestige. Features sophisticated devices, acquired as a result of technological advances are beginning to exceed the ability of the average consumer to use them. To entertainment products, which use new technologies become useful and desirable to consumers, require careful engineering study.

To new products related to TV entertainment, have had success, they must meet the requirements of customers. Viewers want to move from a limited selection of programs to an expanded choice with full control of broadcast programs. Viewers want to move from cumbersome and inconvenient television to easy to use and convenient television while maintaining its low cost. Spectators are not willing to pay for one hundred channels broadcast in the absence of information on the programs, they rarely, if ever, watch the program on so many channels. Viewers want programs individualized and targeted to their needs and tastes.

Concept of interactive television, high definition television and 300 channel cable systems in the homes of viewers will not be in demand, if they are not combined into a single package and will not be delivered and presented in a form that consumers deem useful. Consumers have offered a variety of options programs, "free" cable channels, subscriber cable channels and programs pay for the actual time viewing. Any further expansion of TV entertainment options without the use of a user-friendly approach will lead to the fact that the consumer is completely confused in the provided him the opportunity of choice.

Television has traditionally placed on the market and sold its programs to consumers in the form of packets, such as a continuous broadcasting and long-term subscriptions to channels that broadcast movies. Television is unable to sell their programs in large numbers to pay for each program separately. Consumers prefer this approach because it reduces their costs and allows the viewer to watch programs more selectively.

In today's world of television scheduling broadcast on individual channels operated a network of transmitters. Each network analyzes ratings of television shows and determines the appropriate schedule or broadcasting network in order to capture market share and advertising revenue. The ratings are determined using the software test group of viewers and statistical analysis methods. Since each channel is in competition with every other channel, coordinated arrangements for the broadcasting network, is arranged in the first place the viewer is taken.

Advertising has also become annoying, and the audience "impose" viewing television advertising of goods and services, which they do not want, and they do not need. As a result, viewers are unsatisfied with modern systems of television. In addition, modern TV broadcasting system does not have the capacity and resources to operate in the digital environment. Consequently, the digital technology cause the need for a new system of broadcasting television programs capable of meeting the changing needs of viewers and consumers.

Existing cable television head-end systems do not have the equipment for the transition to digital systems. These headends cable TV systems lack the means to monitor and manage large numbers of program signals and advertisements that eventually sent the audience and consumers. These headends cable TV systems do not have the equipment of the accounts and accounting information for billing the user terminals without the use of telephone lines. In addition, such headend cable television systems did not have the means to target advertising directed to specific consumers and viewers.

Thus, there is a need for a digital controller network headend cable television system.

There is a need for a multi-function controller for the network headend cable television system.

There is a need for a network controller to the headend cable television system, having the opportunity to work in both digital and analog environment.

There is a need for certain components of the network controller headend cable television system.

There is a need for a network controller capable of controlling a plurality of signals of audio / video programs received by the headend of a cable television from a satellite transponder.

There is a need for a network controller capable of managing the routing and analog and digital audio / video programs between the headend cable television and viewers houses.

There is a need in the component controller network headend cable television systems, control by combining a variety of digital audio / video signals.

There is a need for a network controller, the ability to create a set of programs by combining a variety of audio / video signals.

There is a need for a network controller to the headend cable television systems operating in different frequency bands between the headend and certain houses audience.

There is a need for a network controller to the headend cable television system, capable of modifying program control information received from an external source.

There is a need for a network controller to the headend cable television system capable of sending video to the audience.

There is a need for a network controller to the headend cable television system capable of direct television advertising to consumers: the audience.

There is a need for a controller to the headend cable television system capable of generating information about programs; view audience.

There is a need for an improved method of ranking programs.

There is a need for a network controller, capable of processing accounting information.

The present invention addresses these needs.

Summary of the Invention The present invention provides a network controller for the TV broadcasting system. The network controller is the central component that provides monitoring and control of subscriber stations in television broadcasting system. The network controller of the present invention has significantly enhanced capabilities and increased flexibility compared with the existing control equipment headend cable television systems.

The network controller according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention performs all the functions to control the cable network and managing subscriber terminals within the headend cable television system. The headend receives and processes the multiplexed digital signals ways programs before they are relayed to each subscriber terminal. Each headend cable television system provided with a plurality of receiving antennas parabolic satellite communications and signal processor.

As an intermediary between the user terminals and the operations center of the television broadcast (or another remote terminal) headend uses a network controller to perform key operations of the cable system. In particular, the network controller provides the regional needs in the programs by working together with other components of the headend. The network controller also performs the system control functions of the cable network.

The primary function of the network controller is to manage the configuration of user terminals, and to process the signals received from the subscriber terminals. In a preferred embodiment, the network controller monitors, among other things, automatic poll response to requests from remote subscriber terminals located in the home of each subscriber. Acquisition cycle and automatic response is repeated often enough so that the network controller is able to keep accurate records and accounting information to monitor authorized channel access.

In the simplest embodiment, information to be sent to the network controller, is stored in the RAM and each user terminal is only selected when polling by the network controller. Such sampling may be carried out, for example, daily, weekly or monthly. The network controller allows the system to be fully informed of all programs viewed on the particular user terminal.

The network controller is also able to respond to the current demands of the subscriber terminal or group of subscriber terminals. The network controller can modify a program signal received from the operations center TV broadcasting system before it is sent to the user terminal. Thus, the network controller allows the system to adapt to broadcast the specific needs of the individual user terminals, if information on these requirements can not be transferred to the operations center in advance. In other words, the network controller is capable of performing rapid changes in the broadcasting schedule. With this capability, the network controller can meet the various needs of the local programs, such as interactive TV service, multiscreen video transmission and multilingual soundtrack of the same footage. In addition, the network controller controls all compression and decompression system and controls their operation.

The network controller uses several programs to facilitate the implementation of the basic functions of the controller. One of the main routines helps network controller to modify the program control information so that you can make changes and additions to the order of broadcast programs and advertisements. These amendments include authorization and cancellation of authorization to access the subscriber terminal.

Sub gather information about the user terminal allows the controller to the network plan and carry out a survey of all user terminals operating in the system. This routine is also a means for generating status reports sent by the subscriber terminal in response to the polling request.

Sub-target broadcast use demographic information about viewers and their viewing habits to determine the advertising, the most interesting for this particular audience. This subroutine generates advertising packages, addressed to each individual viewer.

Finally, another subroutine performs a correlation between the selected programs and information on tariffs to generate invoices for each user terminal and sent over the network cable broadcast. In addition to this sub network controller has other methods of accounting information, for example, via remote terminals billing.

The present invention is not only capable of working in a digital environment but introduces many new features in the broadcast TV programs and manage the headend cable television systems.

The present invention is to provide a network controller for TV broadcasting system.

The present invention is to provide a network controller for a digital headend cable television system.

The aim of the present invention is to provide certain necessary components of a network controller for a digital cable television system head.

The present invention is to provide a multifunction network controller to the headend cable television system.

The present invention is to provide a network controller for cable headend capable of operating in the digital and analog environment.

The present invention is to provide a network controller, having the ability to control a plurality of signals of audio / video programs received by the headend cable television system.

The aim of the present invention to provide a network controller that has the ability to control routing and analog and digital audio / video programs between the headend of a cable television viewers and houses.

The aim of the present invention to provide a component of the network controller to the headend cable television system having the ability to control by combining digital audio / video signals.

The present invention is to provide a network controller that creates tiered program by combining various digital audio / video signals.

The aim of the present invention to provide a network controller to the headend cable television system capable of operating in different frequency bands between the headend and certain houses audience.

The aim of the present invention to provide a network controller that has the ability to modify the control program information received from an external source.

The aim of the present invention to provide a network controller that has the ability to send specific audio / video information to specific audiences.

The aim of the present invention to provide a network controller that has the ability to direct television advertising to specific consumers and viewers.

The aim of the present invention to provide a network controller that has the ability to gather information stored on the user terminals.

The present invention is to provide a network controller, having the ability to handle accounting information.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, where: Figure 1 - scheme of main components of TV broadcasting system, 2 - scheme of the TV broadcasting system, 3 - scheme of major system components, FIG. 4 - diagram of the main components of the headend cable television system, FIG. 5 - circuit headend cable television system, showing the main components of the network controller, FIG. 6a - diagram of the base headend cable television system, equipped with a network controller 6b - diagram of an alternative embodiment of Figure 6, Fig. 7 - a detailed diagram of components of the headend cable television system, FIG. 8a - Picture menu TV broadcast displayed on the screen of the user terminal, FIG. 8b - Picture menu popular movies on the screen of the user terminal, FIG. 8c - picture menu descriptions popular movies on the screen of the user terminal, FIG. 9a - circuit-band two-way transfer of data to the digital to analog headend FIG. 9b - circuit bandpass two-way transfer of data to the digital / analog headend 10a - the format of the request message in the survey, 10b - the format of the response message in the survey, FIG. 11 - diagram of the network controller CPU and associated components, 12 - a diagram of the database structure of the network controller, 13 - the relationship between the basic routines FIG. 14 - a block diagram subroutine for modifying the program control information, Figure 15 - a flowchart subroutine poll 16 - diagram of the sample matrix viewed programs 17 - flowchart base addressing subroutine advertising FIG. 18 - a block diagram of the matrices processing subroutine programs viewed by the correlation algorithm, Fig. 19 - a flowchart subroutine determining end groups of subscriber terminals 20a - diagram of an exemplary distribution of advertising channels to groups of subscriber terminals to view specific category of programs FIG. 20b - scheme of allocation of available frequency channels for different advertising channels, FIG. 21 - chart the alternative basic routines addressing advertising Figure 22 - chart routines accounting FIG. 23 - diagram of an embodiment that uses remote terminals statistics and billing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION A description of television coat rack 1. Figure 1 shows the present invention as part of an expanded cable television system 200 that dramatically expands the capabilities of the programs broadcast by the use of sealed transmission of television signals. Developments in digital bandwidth compression technology now allow much greater number of transmit television signals over existing or slightly modified channels. Featured broadcasting system 200 provides for user "user-friendly" interface through which a user can access a number of programs, six times greater than modern.

Subscribers have access to the expanded package of television programs and view selected programs, with access through a menu that allows each subscriber to select individual programs, "flipping" menu sequence. Scrolling through the menu by the user with a simple alphanumeric and pictographic representations of characters, or by moving the mark or highlight the row on the TV screen to select the desired program, and the program is called by a single touch of a button instead of having to call up and enter the actual two or more digit number assigned to the selected program. Thus, by pressing a single button, the subscriber can navigate from one menu to the next. In this way the user can scroll through menus and select a program from these menus. Programs thematically grouped so that similar program can be found in the same menu.

2. Major System Components In its most basic form, the system uses a television broadcasting system 200 in conjunction with a conventional system 210 is connected CATV. System 200 broadcast television generally comprises (i) one operations center (202), which is made forming packages and creating management information, which are then combined in the form of digital data, (ii) a system of digital multiplexing in which digital data is compacted, combined / multiplexed, encoded, and mapped into digital signals for transmission by satellite to headend (208), cable television systems, and (iii) set demultiplexes devices.

Television broadcast system 200 transports the digital signals to the headend 208, which are transmitted by a connected cable television system 210. At the headend 208, the received signals may be decoded, demultiplexed and processed in the local central distribution and switching circuits, combined and then transmitted over the cable system 210 to the subscriber terminal 220 located in each subscriber's home. While connected cable systems 210 are the most common channels of communication with homes, a television broadcasting system 200 can be interchangeably used telephone lines, cellular networks, fiber-optic cables, network personal communications and similar technologies.

The broadcasting system 200 has a portion 207 receiving decompression functions. These functions are performed by decompressor installed in the subscriber terminal in each subscriber's home. The decompressor remains transparent from the subscriber's point of view and allows demultiplexed and individually sealing select any signal from the combined data stream and then individually decompressed by his choice of the subscriber. Decompressed video signals are converted into analog signals for television display. Such analog signals include NTSC format for use by a standard television receiver. Likewise allocated and demultiplexes the control signal which is then either immediately processed or administered in a local storage device such as RAM. To decompress video and control signals can be used multiple sets of equipment decompresses. Then, the user terminal 220 may impose or combine different signals to form the desired image on the subscriber's television receiver. Examples of such graphics images are superimposed on the video image or superimposed on another image.

Although it is possible to use a single digital signal compression standard (e.g., MPEG) system 200 for a television broadcast and connected to a cable television system 210, sealing means in these two systems may be different. If the two channels use different standards seals signals received headend 208 must be decompressed before retransmission from the headend 208 to the subscriber terminals. Consequently, headend 208 must recompress and transmit the signals to the subscriber terminals 220, which are then decompact them in accordance with a specific decompression algorithm.

The video signals and program control signals received by the subscriber terminal 220 correspond to specific television programs and menu items to which the user has access through a subscriber interface. The subscriber interface is a device with buttons in the user terminal 220 or on a portable remote control 900. In the preferred embodiment of the subscriber interface is a combined alpha-numeric and icon-based remote control 900, which provides direct or via the menu access to programs. The preferred subscriber interface along with numbers, letters and pictographic buttons also contains cursor buttons and buttons for entering commands. This subscriber interface and providing access through the menu allows subscribers consistently "scroll" menu, performing a selection of various menu items that appear on the TV screen. In addition, the user can bypass several menu screens and immediately choose a program by selecting the appropriate combination of alphabetic, numeric characters, or icons on user interface. In a preferred embodiment, the user terminal 220 generates the menus that are displayed on the TV screen by creating sets of templates specific menu, and the user terminal 220 displays a specific menu item at various levels for each available video signal.

3. Operations Center and Digital System seal operations center 202 performs two main functions - packages the television programs and generating the program control information signal. At the operations center 202, television programs are received from external sources both in digital and analog form. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the operations center receiving signals from various external sources 212. Examples of the external program sources are sporting events, children's programs, specialty channels, news or any other sources that can send audio and video signals. Upon reception of programs from external sources operations center 202 digitizes (and preferably compresses) any signals received in analog form. The operations center 202 may also store a library and internal programs. Internal program library can be stored in analog or in digital form and as a permanent, and the energy-storage media including magnetic tape and a RAM. After receiving the programs the operations center 202 produces software packages for groups and categories which provide the optimal marketing of the programs to subscribers. For example, the operations center 202 may include the same program packages and menus for the various categories of working days for mass viewing time for Saturday night. In addition, the operations center 202 generates packages of television programs so that the menus can easily represent the programs and the subscribers could easily choose the programs menu.

Formation of a package of digital signals in the operations center is typically carried out with an automatic batching (SAFP). SAFP usually contains at least one computer monitor, keyboard, manipulator "mouse", and standard video editing equipment. A programmer packages the signals by forming at SAFP input certain information. This information includes the date, time slot, and category for the various programs. Programmer SAFP and the formation of packages using demographic data and ratings. After the programmer will select different program from the available sets of programs and enters the necessary information, he can choose via SAFP price and allocate transponder space for the various programs. After completing this process, SAFP displays draft menus or program schedules that correspond to the information entered by the programmer. SAFP can display a graphical representation of the distribution of transponder space. The programmer has the ability to edit multiple menus and transponder space allocated until it achieves a satisfactory program schedule. During editing, the programmer can define the exact location of any program name from the menu by typing in simple commands SAFP.

In the process of formation of packages also takes into account the formation of any desired groups of satellite transponders. The operations center 202 may send different groups of programs to different headends 208 cable TV systems and / or user terminals 220. The operations center 202 may accomplish this task, in particular by sending various software packages to each transponder. After that, each transponder, or set of transponders relays a specific program package to specific headend 208 and / or user terminal 220. The distribution of transponder space is an important task performed by the operations center 202.

The operations center 202 may also "insert" in the signal generated by the package instructions on filling certain local broadcast time so that the local cable and television companies to fill the time broadcast local advertising and / or local programs. Thus, local headends 208 cable TV systems are not limited to only display programs transmitted from the operations center 202. The new subscriber converters can receive both analog and digital signals. Consequently, headend 208 may combine analog and digital signals before passing them to the user terminals 220.

After SAFP will form a package, it creates a program control information signal, which is transmitted along with the software package at the headend 208 and / or user terminal 220. This program control information signal carries a description of the contents of the software package, teams that have be transmitted to the headend cable television system 208 and / or subscriber terminal 220, and other information relevant to the signal transmission.

In addition to forming packages signals operations center 202 employs digital compression techniques to increase permeability of the satellite transponder in a proportion of at least 4: 1, giving a fourfold increase in number of skip programs. Currently, there are several algorithms for digital compression, which allows to achieve increase transmittance and improve the quality of the signal to the required system. These algorithms use one or more of three basic digital compression techniques: intraframe compression, interframe compression and compression in the carrier.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention uses MPEG compression method 2. After digital compression signals are combined (multiplexed) and encoded. The combined signals are then transmitted to the various communication station "Earth satellite" 204.

Each operations center 202 may use a single communication station "Earth satellite" 204 or a plurality of stations (indicated at 204 'and shown in phantom in Figure 1). Communication stations "Earth satellite" 204 can be located in the same geographical location as the operations center 202, or can be removed from it. After transmitting the combined signal to the communication station "Earth-satellite" signal 204 may be multiplexed with other signals, modulated, converted and amplified for transmission to the satellite. Such transfers can take many headends 208 cable TV systems.

In addition to many communication stations "Earth satellite" broadcast system 200 may have multiple operational centers. The preferred method for using multiple operations centers is to appoint one of them head the operations center and the others - subordinates operational centers. In this configuration, the head operations center coordinates various functions subordinate to the operational centers, for example synchronizes simultaneous transmission and effectively distribute the workload.

4. headend cable television After the operations center 202 will compress and encode the signals of programs and peredact these signals to the satellite headend cable television system 208 receives and further processes the signals before they are relayed to each of the subscriber terminals 220 . Each headend equipped with a plurality of receiving antennas parabolic satellite TV system. Each receiving antenna is configured to receive a plurality of transponder signals from a single satellite and sometimes from multiple satellites.

As an intermediary between user terminals 220 and the operations center 202 (or other remote device) 208 headend cable television system has two main functions. Firstly, the headend 208 acts as a distribution center, or signal processor, by relaying the program signals to the subscriber terminal 220 located in each subscriber's home. Additionally, headend 208 acts as a network controller 214, receiving information from each subscriber terminal 220 and transmitting the information to the information collection center, such as the operations center 202.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment where the headend 208 and cable TV subscriber home are connected to some communication channel 216. In this particular embodiment, the channel 216 are sent and received analog signals, the signals are subjected to digital compression, and other digital signals, the signals transmitted to the satellite, and interactivity signals. The headend 208 has the capability to perform their dual function signal processor 209 and network controller 214.

As a signal processor 209 headend 208 prepares the program signals received by it for transmission to each subscriber terminal 220. In the preferred embodiment, the system processor 209 switches the signal or demultiplexes and recombines the signals and digital information received from the operations center 202 and allocates different portions It signals in different frequency bands. Headends 208 cable TV systems which offer different subscribers different sets of programs may vary to distribute the signals received from the operations center 202, to meet the needs of different audiences. The signal processor 209 may also be incorporated into the program signal local programming and / or local advertisements and send the received signal to the subscriber terminals 220. In order to implement this function, the signal processor 209 must combine the local signal in digital or analog form with the program signals taken from the operations center. If the local cable system uses a compression standard that differs from the operations center 202 is used, the signal processor 209 must also to disconnect a and recompress incoming signals so that they have the correct format for transmission to the subscriber terminal 220. This process loses its value as adoption common standards (for example, MPEG 2). In addition, the signal processor 209 performs any necessary encoding and / or decoding signals.

As a network controller 214 headend 208 performs the system control functions. The primary function of the network controller 214 is to manage the configuration of user terminals 220 and process signals received from the subscriber terminals 220. In the preferred embodiment, the network controller 214 monitors, among other things, automatic poll responses to user terminals 220 located in each subscriber's home. Acquisition cycle and automatic response is carried out frequently enough to ensure that the network controller 214 could keep accurate records of the financial information and monitor cases of unauthorized access to channels. In the simplest embodiment, information that should be sent to the network controller 214 is stored in the RAM 220 in the user terminal of each subscriber and is selected only when polling by the network controller 214. Such sampling may, for example, daily, weekly or monthly. The network controller 214 allows the system to have full information about all programs viewed on a specific user terminal.

Network controller 214 has the ability to respond to requests from the user terminal 220 by modifying a program control information signal received from the operations center 220. Therefore, the controller 214 allows the network broadcasting system adapted to the specific needs of the individual user terminal 220, when the information such needs can not be transferred to the operations center 202 in advance. In other words, the network controller 214 is able to perform rapid change programs. With this capability, the network controller 214 is able to meet the needs of a variety of local programs, such as, for example, interactive television, multi-screen TV and a selection of audio in different languages ​​for the same video. In addition, the network controller 214 controls all sealing device / decompression system and manages them.

The broadcasting system 200 and digital compression of the preferred embodiment of the present invention make it possible to create a unidirectional channel from the operations center 202 to the headend 208 and cable TV. Information on the status and accounting information sent from the user terminal 220 to the controller 214 in the network 208 headend cable television system, rather than directly to the operations center 202. Thus, the control and management software programming choices are made only at the headend 208 cable TV systems local cable TV company and its decentralized network controllers 214 (ie, decentralized relative to the operations center 202, which is the central broadcasting system 200). Local cable television companies, in turn, is in communication with the operations center 202 or a regional control center (not shown) which stores received from the subscriber terminals 220 information for statistical or accounting purposes. In an alternative embodiment, the operations center 202 and the centers of collection of statistical and financial information are combined. In addition, for the transmission of information from the user terminals 220 on the centers of collection of statistical and accounting data used phone lines and modems.

5. User terminals subscriber terminal 220 is a component of the broadcast system 200, which is located in the subscriber's home. The subscriber terminal 220 is usually located above or below the subscriber's television set, but may be installed anywhere in the subscriber's home or next to it, but so that it is within range of the remote controller 900 of the called party. In some aspects, the subscriber terminal 220 may resemble blocks converters already used by many cable television systems, for example, each subscriber terminal 220 may perform different functions of error detection, coding and encryption, encoding such unauthorized connections. However, the following description will be obvious that the subscriber terminal 220 can perform many of the functions that a normal converter is not available.

The user terminal 220 has a plurality of input-output ports, allowing for connection to a variety of local and remote devices. The subscriber terminal 220 has an input port that receives information from the headend 208 and cable TV. Furthermore, this block has at least two output ports, through which the connection between the subscriber terminal 220 and the television receiver and VCR. Certain menu items may cause the user terminal 220 to send control signals directly to a VCR for automatic programming or operation. Furthermore, user terminal 220 includes a phone jack which can be used for maintenance, diagnostics, reprogramming and perform additional functions. The user terminal 220 may also include terminals stereo / audio output port and connect the receiving parabolic antenna and satellite TV.

Functionally, the user terminal 220 is the last component of the television broadcast. The subscriber terminal 220 receives the despread signals and control signals from the headend cable television system 208 (or, in some cases, directly from the operations center 202). Once the subscriber terminal will individually compressed program signals and control signals, the signals are demultiplexed, decompresses, converted to analog signals (if necessary) and either enter into the local memory (of which it is possible to create a menu template), or executed immediately, or sent directly to a TV.

After processing certain signals received from the headend 208 cable TV systems, the user terminal 220 has the ability to enter into the memory menu templates for creating menus that are displayed on the television screen of the called party using the matrix menu. Before you can create a menu, you must create menu templates and send them to the user terminal 220 for input to the storage device. A microprocessor for generating menu templates entered into the memory, uses the control signals coming from the operations center 202 or the headend 208. Each menu template may be stored in volatile memory in the subscriber terminal 220. When the subscriber terminal receives template information it demultiplexes the control program signals received from the headend 208 cable system into four main categories: video, graphics, program logic and text. Each menu template represents a different part of the full menu, such as a menu background, television logo, cursor light mark or a variety of other elements needed to build a menu. The menu templates may be erased or modified using control signals received from the operations center 202 or 208 headend cable television system.

Once the menu templates are introduced into the storage device, the subscriber terminal 220 can generate the appropriate menus. In a preferred embodiment, the basic menu format information is stored in a memory located in the subscriber terminal 220 so that the microprocessor can perform local access to information stored in the user terminal, instead of removing it from the incoming signal. Next, the microprocessor generates the template and other information stored in the storage device corresponding to the menu. Then, the subscriber terminal 220 displays on the TV screen subscriber specific menus that correspond to the inputs of which the subscriber selects.

If the subscriber selects a specific program from a menu, the user terminal 220 determines on which channel the program is broadcast, demultiplexes and extracts the single channel, broadcast headend 208 cable TV systems. The user terminal then decompresses the channel and, if necessary, converts the program signal to an analog signal of the NTSC system so that the viewer can view the selected program. The subscriber terminal 220 can be equipped with devices enabling signals to disconnect a number of programs, but is unnecessarily increase the cost of the device as a subscriber at any given moment, as a rule, only one program looking. However, the possibility to create multiscreen display ("picture-in-picture") for demultiplexing the control signals, the system of accelerated change channels or other similar functions may require two or three device decompresses.

In addition to information on the menu, the user terminal 220 may also store text transmitted from the headend 208 CATV system or the operations center 202. The text may contain information for the subscriber about upcoming events, financial calculations, new subscription channels or other relevant information.

The text is stored in the corresponding addresses of the memory devices, depending on the frequency and duration of calls to text messages.

Additionally, there are optional modification that would increase the possibility of the subscriber terminal 220. These modifications can comprise cartridges or computer card (not shown) which can be inserted into an expansion slot of the user terminal (220) or is a feature offered by the headend 208 or the CATV system the operations center 202, and a user can subscribe. These modifications include online access to databases, interactive multimedia services, access to digital radio channels and other services.

In the simplest embodiment, existing blocks converters, such as manufactured by General Instruments or Scientific Atlanta, may be modified to perform the functions of the subscriber terminals 220. A preferred modification element is a network card with a microprocessor which is inserted into the converter or connected to it electrically.

6. Remote Control The main means of communication between the subscriber and the subscriber remote subscriber interface 220 is preferably a remote control 900. Through this interface, user can select the desired program or through the menu map, the control system or directly causing specific channels by entering the channel number. Using this interface, the user can scroll through a sequence of informative program selection menus. With access through the menu icons or alphanumeric input, the subscriber can call the desired program simply pressing a button instead of having to remember and then enter the real channel number. The subscriber can call conventional broadcasters or basic cable television stations by using either the numeric keys on the remote control 900 (pressing the corresponding channel number), or select the menu icon.

In addition to facilitating communication with subscriber cable system 200 physical characteristics of the subscriber interface 900 provides user-friendly system to the user. The remote control 900 should easily fit in the palm of the user. The buttons of the preferred embodiment of the remote control 900 contain pictorial symbols that are easily identified by the subscriber. Also, buttons that perform similar functions may be color highlighted and have a characteristic texture, which improves the user friendliness of the system.

7. Selecting programs using the menu system allows the user to one-step access to all major menus - from movies to sports-fighters reports and specialized programs. From any of the main menu, the subscriber can in turn cause a sub menu and junior level using the mouse or alphanumeric access.

In a preferred embodiment, there are two basic types of menus - the menu "Program selection" and menu "While watching a program." The first sequence of the menu - "Set Program" - contains an introductory menu, a home menu, the main menu and submenus. The second series of menus - "While watching the program" - a menu of two basic types - the hidden menu and imposed on the program.

Immediately after the subscriber user terminal 220 introductory menu welcomes the subscriber. Introductory menu can display important announcements from the local cable company, advertisements from the owner of the cable network or other type of message. In addition, the introductory menu can inform the subscriber that the headend 208 has sent a cable television subscriber of the user terminal 220 a private message.

After displaying the introductory menu, user can move to the next menu level, namely to the home menu. In a preferred embodiment, after a certain time, the cable system will automatically default to the home menu. From the home menu, the subscriber has access to all programs. A user can select a program or directly by entering the desired channel number on the remote control or scrolling menu items, ranging from the home menu. The home menu lists categories that correspond to the first level, called the main menu.

If the subscriber chooses to scroll through the following menu, you will see the main menu corresponding to the category that a user selects the home menu. The main menu allows you to narrow the search field for the subscriber, and help him to reach the desired position.

From the main menu, the subscriber can come in several sub-menus. From each submenu, the subscriber can call other submenus as long as he does not find the desired TV program. Like the main menu, each successive level submenu increasingly narrows the search field for the subscriber. The system also enables the subscriber to skip certain menus or submenus and directly go to a specific menu or television program by entering the appropriate command from the remote control 900.

Menu displayed during viewing of the program (including Hidden Menus and menu superimposed on the program), the user terminal 220 is displayed on the screen only after the subscriber has selected a television program. In order not to distract the subscriber, the subscriber terminal 220 does not display the hidden menu until user enters the appropriate command to display the hidden menu. The hidden menu contains items related to the program selected by the subscriber. For example, a hidden menu can contain items that allow subscribers include an interactive mode or escape from the selected program.

Menu imposed on the program, similar to the hidden menu as they arise during the demonstration program and related to the program demonstrated. However, the menu superimposed on the program are displayed together with the program selected by the subscriber. Most of the menus superimposed on the program on the screen occupy a small enough space, so the viewer can comfortably watch the selected program.

B. Description of the network controller 1. Manage user terminals and control of Figure 4 shows the network controller 214 of the present invention as part of a digital headend 208 cable television systems in the expanded cable television broadcasting system 200. The network controller 214 monitors the program selector the homes of subscribers is accurate accounting and authorize subscribers to access both channels and job-specific user terminals 220 in system.

Controller 214 performs network monitoring and control functions, working with other system components, arranged in part by the headend 208 cable TV systems. These components include a receiver headend cable television system 203 and processor 209 signals. As shown in Figure 4, high-frequency digital program signals 205 are received and processed for further relay in the subscriber's home via the user terminal 220. The program signals 205 are digitally compressed and multiplexed and can either be processed at the headend cable television system 208, or simply relayed by cable network. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the program signals 205 received by the receiver 203 headend cable television system, and transmitted to the processor 209 signal.

The processor 209 signals 205 prepares the program signals received headend cable television system 208 for transmission to each CALLER ntsky terminal 220. In the preferred embodiment, system controller 214 monitors the network and, in some cases, the processor 209 provides command signals for commutating signals. Thus, the network controller 214 and signal processor 209 together perform basic control functions in the cable television broadcasting system 200. Typically, this work is performed by transmitting the control information, indicated at 211, between the network controller 214 and signal processor 209.

Although it is preferable to place the processor 209 signals controller 214, the network at the headend 208 CATV system controller 214, the network can be located remotely from the headend 208, if it maintains communication with a signal processor 209 that need to exchange control information 211.

In many cases, the program signals 205 received from the operations center 202 before sending to the subscriber terminals 220 need to be modified. This modification of the control information 211 is executed by the controller 214 network, working in conjunction with the processor 209 signals to control the flow of information sent by the subscriber terminal (PIUAP). From the processor 209 signals the network controller 214 receives signals 205 programs that contain specific to this cable company information entered by the operations center 202. The network controller 214 modifies the signals if necessary and the program 205 returns the new information back to the signal processor 209. The signal processor 209 then transmit the information to the user terminal 220 in the form of PIUAP shown by the arrow 215. In most cases, the network controller 214 modifies the signals 205 programs, by introducing additional information, however, the signals 205 programs can be transmitted through the headend cable television system 208 to the user terminal 220 with- out changes.

And the signal processor 209 and network controller 214 are able to enter a simple local tie-ins (eg, local advertisements) into the signal sent to the subscriber terminal 220. The network controller 214 in addition is able to meet the needs of more complex programs, such as address transfer video advertising, information, interactive programs, and to provide some information services. Network controller 214 receives all electronic signals sent by the subscriber terminal 220, including those sent in response to interactive service requests and some requests for information services. The network controller 214 coordinates the necessary switching and access to the subscriber can use these services.

The network controller 214 has the ability to change the operational programs implementing (i) masking portions subscriber television screens (split screen TV), (ii) selecting different audio signals for the same video (foreign languages) and (iii) interactive features.

In addition, the network controller 214 is able to introduce changes in the broadcasting network. To change the visible "at the last minute" (for example, for local emergency communications or to highlight important regional events), the operator using the controller 214, the network can change the signals 205 program "on the fly" and change menus, has access to the subscriber. This allows you to make immediate changes to software packages that can not be made in the operations center 202 in advance.

To implement the methods multiscreen television for advertising and demonstration video (which will be described below) unwanted video portions of the television screen or menu screen can be masked. Network controller 214 may send control information necessary for causing communication terminal 220 to mask a specific portion of the video channel. For example, a video channel with a split-screen image showing four separate video will require 3/4 mask to focus the viewer's attention on a particular video.

Tiered programs allow different users to view different video even if they are "tuned" to the same channel. For example, the network controller 214 may be demographic information about its subscribers, the information in the database created, in part, from the choice of frequency of previous programs for interactive choice, or by other means. Using this demographic information, the network controller 214 can address advertising to the right audience by showing different commercials to subscribers with different demographics. To address the advertising and information can be used to view channels. Even if viewers feel that they are tuned to the same channel, they switch to other channels to display multi-level programs, and targeted advertising. Alternatively, individual viewers can be offered a menu with options for advertising, from which they can choose.

For customer service, speaking foreign languages, television programs might have multilingual audio. The subscriber may be shown menus of programs being conducted in the native language of the subscriber. The function of choosing the right sound corresponding to the selected language, can be done either by the user terminal 220 or the network controller 214 depending on the configuration. Network controller 214 may provide local programming in several languages ​​or additional audio channels allocated for translation into foreign languages ​​of popular television programs. Using the "Picture-in-picture", you can easily translate into sign language for hearing-impaired users. Such sign language may be transmitted to the user terminal 220 on a separate channel. Furthermore, the bottom of the screen to subscribers with impaired hearing can easily enter titers. Control signals to show titles can handle the network controller 214.

In other embodiments, the controller 214, the network can act as a central computer and provide to the user terminals 220 interactive games, play games involving multiple user terminals to perform services such as electronic bulletin boards, send messages (e-mail) and so on. For example, the user can to play in the war with six other (anonymous) subscribers, each of whom in his own home runs his own tank. The network controller 214 gathers the players using the communication capabilities of subscriber terminals 220, and acts as a judge. The controller software 214 Network "plays" the game and generates control video signals transmitted to the subscriber terminals 220. From these control video user terminal 220 generates a view of the playing field and shows movement of the tanks. Using a similar method for enthusiasts, you can create a bulletin board or a messaging system to exchange views on a particular program, such as "Twin Peaks, Who did this?".

2. Monitoring and control signal processor headend Figure 5 shows the main components of the network controller, and their relation to other components of the system 200, cable television broadcasting. The internal components include a network controller CPU 224 of the network controller, the database 226, control receiver 228, local memory 230 and telephone modem 232. Access to CPU 224 and databases 226 may be implemented using the control panel of the operator, which may comprise various peripheral device, such as a computer workstation, display on CRT and printer, which are represented by the workstation 234.

Information necessary for the controller 214, the network is stored in databases 226 and local memory 230 (or in RAM, ROM, or a magnetic or optical media) at the headend 208 cable television systems, and also in memory units (ROM and / or RAM) for each user terminal 220. In a preferred embodiment, two-way communications between the network 214 and user terminal 220 is carried by cable lines. The present invention may use other means of communication, including those which do not require cables or wires. With two-way communication via the network controller 214 may be provides interactive presentation of television programs. In addition, the preferred network controller 214 has the capability to communicate with subscriber terminals 220 via phone lines for diagnostics, or perform specific functions for a complex reprogramming.

The CPU 224 controls the network interface controller, designated by numeral 211, between the network controller 214 and signal processor 209. 211 This interface allows the exchange of management information between the two components of the headend 208 cable TV systems. For this purpose one can use standard channels RS-232, RS-422, IEEE-488 bus or other interface means. In the standard operation management information software passes through the interface 211 signals from the CPU 209 to the CPU 224 of the network controller (ie, control information is sent to the program processor 209 signals via satellite from the operations center 202 in the form of high-frequency signals 205 programs, which are not shown in Figure 5). The CPU 224 of the network controller processes the control information based on the data stored in the databases of the network management. By this treatment is the modification control information to meet the needs of the regional programs.

After processing, the CPU 224 of the network controller transmits control information back to the program processor 209 signals for distribution system 200 via cable 236. Thus, the network controller 214 instructs the transmission of programs and management of the network to the subscriber terminal 220 through the processor 209 signals.

When processing data control program by the CPU 224 of the network controller can be used any data from control receiver 228 of the network controller. This receiver 228 is a microprocessor-based device that receives "status report" directly from the subscriber terminals 220. The status response received by receiver 228, contain information that allows the network controller 214 to track, among other things, the history of access to programs of the called party, as described below. Receiver 228 can store status reports in the internal memory and transfer them to the CPU 224 of the network controller network. Typically, a receiver 228 connected via the interface with the central processor of the network controller 224 using standard channel RS-232, RS-422, IEEE-488 bus and etc.

In a preferred embodiment, the CPU 224 of the network controller 228 polls the receiver with a predetermined frequency (e.g., every few seconds) to initiate transmission of status reports. After this transfer, the CPU 224 of the network controller enters the data and control information contained in the reports on the status, in the database 226 network management by checking changes in comparison with the previously received information and updates the corresponding parameters in the database of network management. Network controller 214 processes the information stored in its databases on the basis of either the program control information transmitted via the signal processor 209 from the operations center 202, a broadcast system. Such a function of information processing controller 214 allows the network to modify the control signals come and create new ones. Network controller 214 and transmits the modified and unmodified control signals, along with any local combined program signals 205 to signal processor 209 for combining with other program signals 205 for distribution over the cable system 200.

3. Modification of the signal program control information in Table A-C is an example of some of the information that can be sent in a signal program control information to the subscriber terminal 220. The program control information signal is generated by the operations center 202, it contains information about the schedule and description of programs. This signal may be sent through the network controller 214 or, in an alternate configuration, directly to the subscriber terminals 220 to demonstrate the subscriber. In a preferred embodiment, the program control information signal is stored and modified by the network controller 214 and sent to the user terminal 220 in the form of flow control information the subscriber terminal (PIUAP). This configuration allows, inter alia, to take into account differences between individual cable systems and possible differences in the devices of user terminals 220.

The subscriber terminal 220 integrates either the program control signal or control information flow by the subscriber terminal with data stored in the memory of the subscriber terminal 220 to generate on-screen menu to help the subscriber make a selection of programs to view. (As used herein, the term "program control information" is used to indicate control information coming from the headend 208 CATV system to the user terminal 220, regardless of if it is directly from the Operations Center 202, processed if it is the network controller 214 and then transmitted to the user terminal unit (PIUAP), or transmitted over telephone lines).

The types of information that can be sent to the signal control program include the number of program categories, names of program categories, distribution channels by categories (such as special channels), names of channels, names of programs on each channel, program start time, the duration of programs, description of programs , the distribution of each of the programs in the menu, the price tag advertising clip programs and any other information about the programs menu or products. In addition, the program control information signal may be periodically used to reprogram or reconfigure the user terminal 220 or group of subscriber terminals 220 (described in more detail in the application PCT / US 93/11708 "programmable terminal guidance programs offered by the transmission system of television programs," filed by the same applicant as the present application).

The aim of the system 200 program selection from the menu is to provide the subscriber to choose a program by flipping through a series of menus using the remote control 900 (3) or the like, which provides cursor movement. The final choice in the menu sequence define one particular channel and one time for activation of that channel. After receiving information about the channel and on-time, the user terminal 220 can display the selected program on the screen for viewing. To achieve this, in one embodiment, each program is assigned an intelligent alpha-numeric code. This alpha-numeric code identifies the category of the program, the menu in which the program should reflect its broadcast time and position of the menu, which should show the program.

In this embodiment, the program control information, including menu codes, is transmitted continuously from the operations center 202 to the network controller 214, and ultimately, to the user terminal 220. For example, using the information shown in Tables A-C, with the program control information signal can be continuously four o'clock to send the information about the programs.

Table A shows the basic information on programs that can be sent to the subscriber terminals 220. The illustrated description of the program is coded abbreviation. For example, C is a comedy, N - news, S - sports, and - cartoons, and TX - text. If there is a textual description of the program, such as "movie", it may be given after a coded description of the program or may be transmitted after a four-hour package of information about the programs. As shown in the coded list, program descriptions that are longer than half an hour, is not required to re-transmit (every half hour). Code Description video mode informs the user terminal 220 for direct transmission or recording, so that you can advertise this program.

For example, sports programs can be assigned a code V35-010194-1600-3.25- Michigan St vs. USC. The letter in the program will translate into the category of B - sport. The second digit, "3" takes the program to the third menu category "sports". The third level, the number "5" program allocates the fifth position in the third menu. The following six bits determine the date - January 1, 1994. The following four digits 1600 represent the start time, followed by the length of the program and the program name. This code is a sports report, soccer tournament between teams of colleges, which will be broadcast at 16:00 January 1, 1994.

Table A in the part relating to the 12:30 in the line of channel 1 in the column menu shows two code. Thus, programs that can be attributed to both the two categories can be shown in two different subscriber menus. With this minimum information is regularly transmitted to the user terminal 220, the subscriber terminal can determine the desired position for each menu, and a desired program time and channel to activate the program after the user selects it.

Table B shows an example of "event table" that can be downloaded to the user terminal using a "Event data" that contains information about events and prices. As shown in this example, three columns of the table contain fields 1 through 11. The middle column contains the parameters of the field, including event type, event ID, global channel ID, price, start time, end time, start date and end date, the icon name and description. The third column contains relevant information about the type of field. As shown in this column, such information is typically an integer having no mark; hours, minutes and seconds; month and year and ID badge ASCII.

Table C shows an example of a file "data about the event." In particular, Table C shows two data streams corresponding to two event types. The first stream of data indicates YCTVTM event in the first field. The second stream of data indicates the identifier of the event, which in this example is 1234. The third field includes the global channel ID (2). The fourth field specifies the price of viewing the event (50 cents). The fifth and sixth fields indicate respectively the start and end time - from 3:00 am to 3: 00 pm, respectively. The seventh and eighth fields show the start and end dates - August 25, 1993 and August 27, 1993, respectively. The ninth field specifies the icon contained in a graphic file PBS.PCX. Finally, tenth and eleventh fields contain the name of the event and its description, in this case, "Sesame Street" (the name of the show) and "Barney" (host name). The second data stream file in Example EVENT. DAT contains similar information for the film "Terminator IV", which is designated as an event, paid for actual viewing.

Program control information signal may be formed in various ways, and on-screen menus can be generated in different ways. For example, if the program control information signal carries no menu format information, the format to create a menu can be recorded in the ROM of the user terminal 220. This method allows to reduce the amount of information in the signal, but it is the least flexible, since the menu formats can not be changed without physically rewriting the ROM, which contains information about the format of the menu.

In a preferred embodiment, the menu format information is stored in the user terminal 220 in temporary memory such as a RAM or EPROM. This configuration provides the necessary flexibility in the formatting menu at the same time will reduce the amount of information to be transmitted via the program control information signal. New menu format information can be sent either via the program control information signal or through PIUAP to the subscriber terminal 220 every time you want to change the format of the menu.

In the simplest version of the menu remains unchanged and only the text changes. Therefore, the program control information signal can be limited in the first place at the subscriber terminal 220 can use the text generator. This simplest version to avoid appreciation of the subscriber terminal 220 and limit the bandwidth needed to transmit information management program. In another simple embodiment for transmitting only the information menu is used a permanent channel (broad band).

4. The signal processing program control information FIG. 6a and 6b shows a more detailed diagram of the components of the headend 208 cable TV systems, with an emphasis on the interaction between the controller 214 and the network core hardware components CPU 209 signals. The controller 214 uses the network in addition to the other components of the signal processor 209 to implement its monitoring and control functions. Although the network controller 214 of the present invention operates with almost any signal processing apparatus applicable to headends of cable television systems, it is preferable that such equipment be modern, capable of processing image information has been digitally compressed.

6a shows a variant of the basic signal processing functions of the headend 208 and cable TV systems is shown connected to the controller 214, the network components. As shown in this figure, cable RF signals 205 are received headend 208 through a bank of integrated receiver-demodulator (IPD) 240. Each IPD 240 includes conventional processing apparatus the high-frequency signal including a low noise amplifier, a demodulator and other filtering devices (not shown). As each RF input passes through a separate IAP 240, the signals are combined and transmitted to the demultiplexer and other signal processing units for further processing. The demultiplexer 242 separates each television signal on its corresponding video and audiosostavlyayuschie. Furthermore, the demultiplexer 242 extracts data from the cable television signals and inputs these data to the control CPU 244.

Control CPU 244 exchanges control information with the network controller 214 as shown at 211. This information exchange occurs between the CPU control signal processor 244 and central processor 224 of the network controller. In particular, the network controller 214 and signal processor 209 pass control information through the interface linking the two CPUs in order to perform any changes in the program control information signal. The CPU 224 controls the network controller such changes when applying for information to various databases 226 Network Management for instructions on management processor 209, when combined signals and / or input signals of programs and advertisements for transmission to the subscriber terminal 220.

Local 246 component input signal processor 209 allows you to control the CPU to execute commands received from the controller 214, the network, and paste any local programming and advertising. After inserting such regional programming and advertisements local component 246 sends various signals input to the multiplexer, which combines the signals of the different programs and commercials. The output from the multiplexer 248 is sent to the RF modulator 250, which sends the full video and audio signals to the user terminals 220. The data extracted from the cable television signals by the demultiplexer 242, which are also sent to the manager of the CPU 244 is transmitted to the user terminal 220 via a separate RF modulator 250.

Network controller 214 performs two-way communication with the high-frequency subscriber terminals 220. The data transmitted from the subscriber terminal 220 receives a control receiver 228 of the network controller. This possibility of receiving data described in more detail below.

Figure 6b is a diagram of another embodiment of a base 208 headend cable television system, having a network controller 214 and more sophisticated signal processing equipment. And here the cable TV signals high 205 arrive at the bank SDI 240, as described above. These signals 205 are demultiplexed into individual video and audio components, and the data is extracted and sent to the manager of the CPU 244. These individual video and audio components are fed to a digital logic circuit 256, which is flexible enough to select individual video and audio signals to re-form packets. The controller 214, the network control is re-shaping package by (i) receiving the program control information from the control CPU 244, (ii) changing the signal or manipulating it as required and (iii) passing the modified signal to the program control information back to the control the CPU 244.

According to commands from the controller 214, the network manager, the CPU 244 can insert local programs in digital logic system 256 and make a choice of various options of individual video and audio signals for transmission to the subscriber terminals 220. After the selection of individual audio and video, and the introduction of all of them local programs and advertising digital output of the logic circuit 256 is supplied to the inverter 258, which again combines the signals into a specific format series. Consistently formatted signals, in turn transmitted to the RF modulator 250 for the distribution of the cable network 200. The components of signal processing equipment, carrying out the selection and recombination, described in more detail in the patent application PCT / US 93/11615 "digital headend system for cable TV" . However, such complex combining circuit are not necessary for operation of the controller 214 network. Instead they can use a simple signal processing system.

In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 6a and 6b, the signal processor 209 may, acting alone or in conjunction with control instructions from the network controller 214, incorporate local programming and / or local advertisements into the program signals and pass these modified signals to user terminals 220. To embed this local programming signal processor 209 must combine the local signal comes in digital or analog form, the signals 205 programs coming from the operations center 202. If the local cable system uses an algorithm or a compression standard that is different from the operations center used 202 , the signal processor 209 must recompress and to disconnect a input signals so that they may be properly formatted for transmission to the subscriber terminals 220. Also, the signal processor 209 performs any necessary encryption and decryption of signals.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the digital / analogue headend 208 cable TV systems. In particular, this option is the possibility of decompression and re-compression, and the figure shows the components that you can manage the network controller 214. As shown in Figure 7, the receiving portion 260 headend 208 demodulates the received transponder signals 205, which may contain four, six or more audio / video channels of information, into a digital bit-stream of multiplexed digitized MPEG video standard or MPEG 2. The processor 209 signals It receives the multiplexed signals and initially performs any demultiplexing required to process the received signals. Demultiplexers 242 divide the multiplexed signals into individual digital channels of MPEG or MPEG 2. Depending on the transponder signal received from the demultiplexer 242 may have four, six or more connections to combine overlapping unit 264. The terminals of the demultiplexers 242 are selectively activated by control CPU 244. Activated conclusions Multiplexer 248 serves to combine the signals on the block.

It may require decoding, which can be a separate decoder 262, which is an internal component of the signal processor. Managing the CPU 244 signal processor can be operated from a remote control center (such as the national center) via modem or with a similar channel 266. Then the remote center can control terminals of the demultiplexers 242. Alternatively, managing the CPU 244 instead of activating terminals of the demultiplexers 242 may select entries combining unit 264. By activating or selecting the conclusions of the multiplexer 248, managing the CPU 244 is able to control the transfer of combining and viewers of television programs.

Combining unit 264 combines the enabled or selected terminals of the demultiplexers 242 into the desired format and outputs the signals through the compression device 268 and device 270 need encryption. Modulator 272 outputs a modulated RF carrier combined with other carriers onto the cable distribution network 236. The user terminals 220 in subscribers homes select and demodulate a particular channel selected by the user. When you select a channel the subscriber terminal 220 stores the information in the selected program and enters it in its local storage for onward transmission to the controller 214, the network at the headend 208 cable TV systems.

5. Change the contents of the menu by modifying the program control information signal FIG. 8A-8C are examples of the menu screens, generated by the subscriber terminal 220 using the program control information signal. 8 shows a menu that allows the user to select a category of programs of the eight categories in 1048 programs. 8b shows the menu 1050, which allows the user to select a movie-thriller from 1052. In the ten films 8c a menu 1054, which provides information about the film and which allows the user to order a movie to view.

FIG. 8a-8c show text generated by the user terminal 220. This text is generated based on information received via the program control information signal, text generator (not shown) in the subscriber terminal 220. Those portions of the text that generally remain the same, may be stored in the EEPROM or other local storage. For example, the text "movies-fighters from the" 1056 consistently appears in the main menu of each film-fighters. This text can be entered in EEPROM or other local storage. Further, a text that is shown at the bottom of the screen - "Click here to return to cable TV" 1058, there are many times when scrolling through the menu. This text may also be stored locally in a user terminal 220.

The text, which changes regularly, such as movie titles 1052 (or the names of other programs), is transmitted to the user terminal 220 or the operations center 202 or 208 headend cable television system. Thus, the headend 208 cable television can change any menu item by modifying the program control information signal sent by the operations center 202, and transferring the change.

Preferably, the text 1048, 1052, 1056, etc. generated at the subscriber terminal separately from the graphics because the text can be stored locally in a more compact form and require less memory resources on the user terminal 220. In addition, it makes it easy to transmit any text changes from the operations center 202 or 208 to the headend cable television system to mobile terminals 220.

FIG. 8a-8c shows the application menu information 1060 on day of week, number and time. This information can be obtained in different ways. About 1060 on the day of the week, including the time and may be sent from the operations center 202, a headend 208 (signal processor 209 or network controller 214), space communications station 204 or generated by internal devices of the user terminal 220. Each method of generating information in 1060 on the day of the week , including time and has its own advantages and disadvantages, which can vary depending on the particular embodiment and costs.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the data of the day of the week, the number and time are generated centrally, for example in the operations center 202 and are adjusted for the local time at the headend 208 and cable TV. In particular, the network controller changes the signal information management program (IPM) to enter the regional information about the day of the week, including the time, as well as changes and additions to the programs and advertising. Such modifications are automatically processed by the CPU 224 of the network controller at startup subroutine "Modification FTI" as will be described below. In an alternative embodiment, the remote operator control of the network controller can manually input modifications programs, advertising and menu.

6. Receiving information from the subscriber terminals network controller 214 is adapted to receive regular and random information from user terminals 220. Figures 9a and 9b are illustrations of various embodiments of data transmission from the subscriber terminals to a digital to analog headend 208 and cable TV. In particular, FIG. 9a is a diagram of-band two-way data communication system 280, in which the external signals received from the satellite 282 at the headend 208 lots of 284 satellite receivers and equipment 286 for digital signal processing. 284 satellite receivers are used to receive analog broadcasts and digital equipment 286 is used for digital signal processing software. Analog channels leads them to satellite receivers 284 and to the sequence of the modulators and scramblers 288, and the output of modulators and scramblers 288 is sent to the RF unit 290 combines.

The data transmitter (Data Tx) 292 uses the control information transmitted on the equipment for processing signals from the controller 214 network. This data transmitter enters data into a high frequency combining unit 290. By using a separate data transmitter any outgoing data stream may be sent to the subscriber terminal 220 for out of band frequency (i.e., outside the band used for transmission of video signals).

Digital signals from the equipment 286 digital signal processing are also provided to high-combining unit 290. These digital signals are typically plant for individual frequency bands. Once the data signals, analog and digital signals are combined in block 290 combines the high frequency, the total signal is further processed at the headend 208 of a cable television distribution network via cable. This further processing is used dipless filter 294, which provides two-way communication on the high-frequency cable distribution network.

Dipless filter 294 requires that the various sets of signals allocated to different frequency bands. Typically, the signals going to the homes of subscribers are transmitted by outgoing range that begins with the 45 MHz and currently typically reaches 550 MHz. However, in the embodiment shown in Figure 9a can be easily used, and other systems that use a maximum frequency of - more or less than 550 MHz. Outgoing flows may include TV channels, FM radio, digital audio, and a variety of control flow and data.

The incoming information from the user terminal 220 is typically sent in the frequency range between 5 and 50 MHz. However, in special cases it is possible to use other frequency border. For example, currently the industry moves to the 5-42 MHz range for the incoming data streams.

Although dipless filter 294 is by definition not a bidirectional device, it can be made bidirectional by dividing the frequency spectra between outgoing and incoming signals, as described above. Dipless filter 294 Po essentially becomes bi-directional transmission of signals by the upper range in the outbound direction, and the lower range of signals in the incoming direction. In order that signals can be transmitted in the outgoing direction, all signals of the frequency range 50-550 MHz directed to fiber-coaxial converter 300.

In fiber-coaxial converter 300, optical energy is transmitted to a plurality of optical nodes 304. The distribution of optical energy typically involves the division of optical energy between the nodes 304 and transporting the energy in the outgoing direction at one or more outgoing fiber-optic cables. In addition, coaxial cables sends electrical signals passing through a series of amplifiers 306 along the cable set, for distribution to individual subscribers. Individual subscribers to receive programs and outgoing data signals are simply connected to amplifiers installed along the route of the coaxial cable.

The incoming data is transmitted to the headend cable television system 208 from each optical node 304 over fiber-optic cable and introduced into the high-frequency unit 308 combines the headend. The incoming streams are transmitted using a cable carrier belonging to the lower frequency range. Such incoming data coming through the coaxial cable, threaded through dipless filter 294, which filters out all the frequencies of the upper band and passes all frequencies of the lower band. Further, dipless filter 294 transmits the low frequency range to a high frequency combining unit 308. The high-combining unit 308 combines all coming from the subscriber terminal 220 delivers the complete data and data signals to the input of the network controller 214 for further processing.

FIG. 9b shows an alternative embodiment of the device according to Figure 9a. In particular, FIG. 9b shows the same overall configuration as that of the above-described embodiment (with the same symbols), although the outgoing data from the headend cable television system 208 to subscriber terminals 220 transmitted by the inband talkback. Thus, the primary difference between devices by 9a and 9b is that the latter embodiment uses a method of entering data into outgoing signals themselves for distribution of programs over the cable network to the subscriber terminals 220.

In general, data is entered into the program signals from a plurality of input units 312, which are electrically connected to each modulator and scrambler component 288. In this way, data can be entered in the selected range, along with the video and audio signals to modulate them on the same respective carrier used video and audio signals. Thus, the input data is combined with video and audio signals are input, and combining the high-frequency block 290 for transmission as outgoing flow. As described above, digital signals are also combined using the RF combining unit 290 and are distributed over the cable network. Transfer incoming information is carried in the manner described above with reference to Figure 9a.

The incoming information received from the subscriber terminals 220 typically includes, for example, data on access to programs, collected from each subscriber terminal 220. Such information may be transmitted to the network controller 214 in various ways: by cyclical surveys by random access and use of telephone modems . Cyclic polling methods and random access system using two-way RF communication illustrated in Figures 9a and 9b.

As will be described below, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention uses a cyclic polling method. Although the present invention may operate different schemes of the survey, a sequential polling is preferred over others, such as the survey on the principle of "first ready - the first answers" or relay poll as serial polling provides the greatest degree of centralized control.

In this preferred method, information about access to the program stored in each user terminal 220, as long as it is ejected through the network controller 214 requesting message 920, whose format is shown in Figure 10a. This frame format 920 can include information management program, shown in Tables A to C, and usually consists of six fields: (1) a leading flag 922 at the beginning of the message, (2) an address field 924, (3) the area code of the called party 926 ( 4) identification of the subscriber terminal 928 that contains a 930 bit command / response to the poll (or P / F), (5) an information field 932, and (6) the final flag 934 at the end of the message.

An eight-bit flag at the beginning and end of the frame 922, and 934, respectively, is used for synchronization. This flag is usually contains a sequence of bits of "01111110". The address field 924 designates a 4-bit address of the user terminal 220. The subscriber region code 926 is a 4-bit field that indicates the geographical region in which the subscriber terminal is 220. The ID 928 of the user terminal is a 16-bit field that uniquely identifies a subscriber terminal 220, while a 15-bit code follows the additional bit P / F 930. Although this example shows the dimensions of the fields in the present invention may use a variety of sizes. Bit F / F 930 is used to transmit commands to the response to the poll addressed to the user terminal 220, as will be described below. Frame format 920 also uses information field 932 of variable length for the transmission of other data, such as information about the modifications of the system. The frame format 920 ends with an 8-bit flag 934 (or end flag) that is identical to the initial flag 922 described above. Those skilled will know of other frame formats, which can be easily adapted for use in the present system.

Using any such message format 920 of the poll, the network controller 214 interrogates each user terminal 220 at a time. With this strategy, the access network controller 214 is the central controller of the cable broadcast network 200 and is responsible for managing the communication channels between itself and user terminals 220. This control includes issuing commands to the subscriber terminals 220, and receive responses from them.

In general, the controller 214 instructs the network processor 209 to transmit signals to each user terminal 220 request that asks whether there is a user terminal 220 for any information to be transmitted. User terminals are addressable by a unique address identifier and each user terminal 928 220. Preferably, the subscriber terminal 220 transmit information and messages to the network controller 214 only if authorized to do so issued by the network controller 214.

If, for example, since the last survey was carried out access to special programs, the subscriber terminal 220 is given permission to transmit a response to the survey in the form of the status report, which includes any such access information. Managing the network controller 228 of the receiver is responsible for receiving survey responses or status reports from the subscriber terminals 220. Thus status reports typically contain information that allows the network controller 214 to track the history of access to the programs of the subscriber. As described above, the control unit can be administered status reports in the local storage and / or transfer them to the CPU 224 of the network controller.

The central processor of the network controller 224 immediately processes each polling response as they are received from each user terminal. The CPU 224 of the network controller updates the corresponding database 226 based on the information and then queries the following user terminal 220, which is in its list. The user terminal 220 has no information to transmit reports this in its response to the controller 214 network. After all of the subscriber terminals 220 will receive permission to transmit status reports, a cycle is completed and a new cycle begins.

Using polling cycle network controller 214 gathers the information needed to operate the system 200. During this cycle, the network controller 214 sends signals to the user terminals 220 to authorize both their operation and access to specific channels. For example, if the subscriber does not pay the invoice, the network controller 214 may disable the terminal 220 of the subscriber. Similarly, when the subscriber orders a specific program or channel controller 214 checks the state of the network subscriber's account by reading information from the corresponding database file. After checking the network controller 214 either authorizes or denies access to the subscriber terminal 220 using the data transmitted in a modified program control information signal. As a result, for the cycle required to perform a sequence of requests and responses.

10b shows an example of frame format 920 for the status reports received from the subscriber terminals 220 during the polling cycle. The format of this frame is substantially identical to the request message 920 (Figure 10a) and comprises (1) an initial flag at the beginning of the message, (2) an address field, (3) area code of the called party, and (4) an identifier of the user terminal, including bit command / response on the query (or P / F), (5) an information field, and (6) in the final end of the message flag, each of which is designated the same reference numeral as in Figure 10a, but with a "comment".

Again, the information field 932 'has a variable length, so that the frame can include information on programs viewed indefinite amount as indicated at 933'. Thus, the length of the control request message stored minimal since the network controller 214 does not transmit such access information. After the answer of the subscriber terminal 220 a control message length increases in proportion to the number of viewed programs.

When sending P / F bit 930, 930 'is used to carry out the functions of the survey. In particular, the P / F bit 930, 930 'translates to "1" to transmit commands to the response from the user terminal 220, which is specified in the frame 928. The addressable subscriber terminal 220 has to respond to a command for the same bit P / F 930' , to save the state "1". Response includes the number of programs viewed and their respective identification numbers, as shown in Figure 10b numeral 933 '. In cases where, since the previous poll the subscriber terminal 220 does not refer to a single program, the subscriber terminal answers retaining P / F bit to "1", but the access unit is indicated to the program number zero viewed programs.

A second method of obtaining network information by the controller 214 from the subscriber terminal 220 is a random access scheme is used. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which the method is applied, the individual subscriber terminals 220 can be sent to the controller 214, network messages related to management without polling. This scheme is particularly useful in networks where regions contain potentially a large number of subscribers. High concentrations of subscribers may be, for example, in large metropolitan areas. In such cases, the polling cycle can be replaced by a more complex strategy of random access, such as conflict-concurrent access to carrier-sense (carrier-sence multipe access with collision detection, CSMA / CD). In this scheme, each subscriber station 220 before you begin the transfer, must "listen" and start transmitting only after it detects a free channel. When the return channel data to available network controller 214, the user terminal can start transmission. Any messages sent from a subscriber terminal to the network controller 214 comprise bit P / F, translated to "0", which means that the message is not in response to any command or request. In addition to the CSMA / CD system can be used, and other random access schemes, such as CDSL.

A third method of obtaining network information by the controller 214 from the subscriber terminal 220 is the use of telephone modems. Alternatively, the user terminals 220 transmit information on access to programs and orders for the network controller 214 using telephone modems. In this embodiment, user terminals 220 are equipped with a modem port to facilitate performance of such operations. Thus, when the cable or other primary channel is congested, data communication between the subscriber terminal 220 and the network controller 214 may be installed on telephone lines. A preferred method of using telephone modems is a combination of a control, or "run" signal from the controller 214 network. Group (or area) of user terminals 220 simultaneously receives the cable a "trigger" signal from the controller 214 network. With controller 214, a network telephone modem bind only those user terminals in the group that have information to be communicated to the network controller 214. The controller is equipped with a network of 214 bank of modems (organized with the possibility of switching telephone calls) to answer incoming calls.

Among the three methods described controller 214 receiving information from the network user terminals preferably use the cyclic polling scheme illustrated in FIG. 10a and 10b. The survey is preferable because it allows the network controller 214 implement and monitor communication with the user terminals 220 over the cable network orderly. In particular, the network controller 214 can use the schedule information collection alternate polling of subscriber terminals 220. The random access method, on the other hand, does not allow the network controller 214 to carry out such orderly communications. Instead, the network controller 214 receives data from the user terminals 220 at random, depending on the load of the cable channels. Such an arbitrary receiving data reduces the degree of control transmission of subscriber terminals 220 214 controller network. Likewise, the third method, which uses telephone modems, is less desirable than the polling method since does not allow to realize the function by the interactive terminal via cable channels.

7. The processing of information obtained from the subscriber terminals Regardless of the scheme used to access the subscriber terminal 220 to the network controller 214, any responses to the questions and interactive control signals from the user terminals come to control receiver 228 of the network controller, as shown in Figure 11, illustrating components of the control receiver 228, which includes a demodulator 210 and demultiplexer 313 to demodulate and demultiplex transmissions received from any user terminal 220 in the cable distribution network 200. As described above, the control receiver 228 through the driving buffer 315 transmits the received information to the central processor 224 of the network controller for processing.

Processing performed by the CPU 224 of the network controller. Teams operator entered the CPU 224 of the network controller to the operator workstation 234, which contains, for example, a computer - workstation with a display on a cathode ray tube, a printer and other peripherals. To control operations can use a variety of workstations 234.

May use regional operator workstations (not specifically shown, but substantially indicated at 234), which may have a plurality of workstations, each of which is allocated to a particular subscriber region corresponding to a geographic region in which the subscriber terminals are situated 220. Thus, each Regional operator workstation allotted subscriber region in which it carries out monitoring and control functions. All regional program control information is transmitted to the CPU 224 of the network controller for processing as in the case of a single workstation 234 operator. Similarly, at processing portion can be updated management data bases 226 network.

For 214 of the controller network to perform its functions do not require any fixed number of 226 database data; it may use a single temporary database. However, in a preferred embodiment, the network controller 214 uses several databases (indicated generally at 226) to which it is drawn when performing network management. These databases are shown in Figure 11 and include (1) the distribution of viewers database 314, (2) accounting database 316, (3) the Program Library database 318, (4) the program schedule database 320, (5) library database 322 and advertising (6) database 324 advertising schedules.

FIG. 12 shows one example of the basic structure of the network controller database, including databases that are listed above. Data stored in these databases are not simple raw data. Such data can be processed, correlated and indexed to create a true relational database 226.

As shown in Figure 12, the database 314 comprises a distribution of viewers (i) the file identifiers of subscriber terminals, (ii) subscriber file region, (iii) a file identifier customers and (iv) log viewers, the latter three files indicated as a group of files 332. The file identifiers of subscriber terminals 330 is common to all databases that form the base of data of the network controller 226, and contains a record of subscriber converters, each entry represents a single user terminal 220. Examples of the information stored in this file, include the type user terminal, software version and identification / serial number of the user terminal. File identifiers of subscriber terminals 330 comprises key information that links each relational database with one another, as will be described below.

File subscriber region 332 contains information about the selected headend 208, a dedicated management workstation regional operator and the subscriber designation of the geographic region. Files customer IDs and registration spectators are part of a group of files 332 contain information about the identity of the subscriber, such as his name, address and telephone number, information about connecting to the cable system for each user, as well as a personal profile for each viewer.

The personal profile consists of demographic information that may be collected in different ways. The user terminal 220 generates a personal profile for each viewer and stores the information in a file by the name of the viewer. To create a personal profile in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the viewer answers a series of questions outputted menu screens. In such menu screens, the viewer is asked to enter information such as name, sex, age, place of birth, place of primary education, occupation, level of education, the number of television programs viewed per week, and the number of shows in particular categories that the viewer looked at this week, such as sports, movies, documentaries and so on. It can be any demographic information that will help subscriber terminal addressed advertising.

In addition to gathering demographic information from the personal profile of the user terminal can be determined in other ways. For example, you can collect information using questionnaires sent by mail, and then enter information into the database 314 from the workstation operator of the network controller.

Alternatively, the collection of demographic information can be created simulating profile using an algorithm similar to that described below and that analyzes access history and viewing habits. Using test information generated by a statistically significant number of viewers, the algorithm simulating the profile evaluates age, educational level, gender spectators and other necessary information. This analysis requires an examination of the programs viewed by the audience and the audience viewed the comparison of statistical programs to the test group. Furthermore, the algorithm can place the subscriber or viewer in the corresponding category of viewers. Such an analysis from the perspective of the subscriber is transparent and makes an attempt to pinpoint the profile of the viewer. Then, the different categories of viewers or spectators can be addressed to different advertising.

Accounts database 316 includes (i) image identifiers of subscriber terminals 330, (ii) an accounting file, and (iii) the invoices file, the latter two files indicated at 338. The file identifiers of subscriber terminals 330, as described above, contains information specific for each subscriber, including the type of the user terminal, the software version and the identification / serial number of the subscriber terminal. Accounting file and invoices contain information about financial settlements with each subscriber and information about the last billing, including the date by which the next report to be generated on the basis of which will be billed.

Database 318 software library contains (i) the file identifiers of subscriber terminals 330, (ii) file programs, (iii) preview file, (iv) file the categories of programs, (v) image price categories and (vi) the file service, and the the last five files indicated at 344. As usual, the file identifiers of subscriber terminals contains identification numbers for each subscriber terminal 220. The program file contains information about each program, the proposed system. File preview contains information about the preview of each specific program stored in the program file. The file contains a set of categories of software categories, which you can add programs, such as movies, sports, science fiction and news. File price categories contains information about the prices for the various categories of programs and includes programs and services on price categories. File service provides information about the various services provided by the cable system 200.

Database program schedule 320 includes (i) the file identifiers of subscriber terminals 330, (ii) the history file access, (iii) file matrices viewed programs and (iv) the library program schedule, with the last three file reference numeral 350. The history file contains access information on programs which selects the user terminal 220, and the file matrices viewed program contains information on the number of programs in this category, viewed at different times of the day. Matrix View programs, corresponding to this file is shown in Figure 16 and described in more detail below. File program schedule contains information on the time of day and the programs offered for viewing at each subscriber location.

Library database 322 includes advertising (i) the file identifiers of subscriber terminals 330, (ii) image advertising and (iii) image advertising category, the latter two files indicated at 354. The advertisement file includes advertisement information about each of the system, including name, the duration and type of advertising, and the file contains a set of categories of advertising categories, which you can place each advertisement.

The database contains 324 advertising schedule (i) the file identifiers of subscriber terminals 330, (ii) select a file of advertising and (iii) file addressing advertising, with the latter two files indicated at 358. The file contains a selection of advertising information on advertising offered to each subscriber, and maintains a record of the selected advertisements. File addressing the program contains information on the advertisements and advertising categories, which are selected by the system as the most interesting for the user.

Databases 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, 324, the network management data forming a database 226 are relational databases, is usually tied to information in a single file. More specifically, the relational key is an identification number of the subscriber terminal 220 that is stored in the subscriber identity terminal 330, as shown in Figure 11. This identification number of the user terminal allows the database to communicate with each other files that correspond to a particular user for general reference. In other words, the databases are structured such that subscribers are determined in each database file for unambiguous identification number of the user terminal. Thus, using the identification number of the subscriber terminal, the central processor of the network controller 224 can select and process information pertaining to that subscriber from any of the above described database files. In a configuration in which a single customer (or home ownership) allocated to a plurality of subscriber terminals 220 to the database 226 can add the called party identification number to group the mobile terminals 220 by customer. When you save the ID of the user terminal as a key, you can create a lot of additional databases that correlate and store pieces of information about subscribers, selected from six of these databases and related files.

8. Description of the control routines 13 shows the basic control subroutine is started and executed by the CPU 224 of the network controller. These sub-programs include (1) subroutine 370 modification program control information, (2) sub-program 372 polling cycle, (3) addressing the subroutine 374 advertising and (4) sub-program accounting 376. Together these routines, along with input functions 380 and 382 update information OPERATOR allow the network controller 214 to perform its main function.

370 Sub-modification information management software is a software tool that allows the network controller 214 to change the information signal control programs (IPM) received from the CPU 209 signals. This routine generally allows the CPU to the network controller 224 to change the content of the signal IFM so that you can make changes and additions to the set of programs and advertising. Such changes and additions include access authorization and a ban on access in the form of posts to authorize or ban.

Sub 372 polling cycle is a software tool that interactively performs the polling cycle and allows the controller 214, the network plan and carry out a survey of all the subscriber terminals 220 operating in system 200. This tool also allows the network controller 214 processing means status reports received from the subscriber Terminal 220 in response to requests sent in the survey. For a random access system (not shown) routine 372 should be changed.

374 Sub-addressing advertising is a software tool that generates packages of television commercials, directed to specific audiences, and use demographic information about the audience and about viewing habits to determine those commercials that will be most interested in a particular audience. This sub-program 374 displays advertising packages addressed to each viewer.

Accounting subroutine 376 is the software that runs the central processor 224 to generate billing reports for each user terminal 220. In general, the routine 376 correlates to generate reports about access to the program with price information.

9. Sub-modification IPM 14 is a flowchart of a subroutine modifying IPM 370 of the network controller. Sub (or sequence) modification IPM (block 384) is run by the CPU 224 of the network controller automatically when a signal is received the program management information (RMI) from the processor 209 signals. Once the network controller 214 receives a signal IFM, the CPU 224 of the network controller begins processing the signal by reading data FTI which carries this signal (block 386).

When reading data, the CPU 224 of the network controller calls other routines for interactive processing and modification process continues for each user terminal 220. Firstly, the CPU 224 of the network controller 372 calls the subroutine polling cycle (block 388) in order to request data, stored in the user terminal 220. Such information includes data on programs viewed and programs ordered for later viewing. After receiving the response to the request from the user terminal 220, the CPU 224 of the network controller causes (block 390), routine 374 addressing of advertising that is generally allocates groups of commercials for different subscribers based, in particular, to demographic information about the audience and on the history of access to programs.

Next, the CPU 224 causes the network controller (block 392), accounting for the routine processing of all requests for access to channels and programs. This routine determines, among other things, the state of the subscriber's account, check the last payment of invoices and monitors access authorization. After the completion of the verification process on a workstation, the operator of the network controller 234 is sent a message about access.

In a preferred embodiment, the access authorization code can be automatically processed by the CPU 224 of the network controller and added to the signal IFM originally received from the CPU 209 signals. Then, a modified signal IPM and access authorization code back to the processor 209 signals for transmission to the user terminals 220.

Without reference to Figure 14, in an alternative embodiment of the present invention which uses subroutine 370 FTI modifications in blocks 394 and 396, the operator manually enters any changes in programming and menu content, and code authorizing access to the program schedule database. Manual entry of program content and menus in blocks 394, 396 in this embodiment requires the operator to access information database compiled and updated by other routines, and make necessary changes to the database program schedule. The CPU 224 reads the network controller updates the database and sends (block 398), the signal processor 209 signals.

If the subscriber's account is exhausted, authorization to access any new programs or channels will be issued. Instead, the central processor 224 of the network controller denies access and generates a failure message, which should be included in the signal IFM, which is returned to the processor 209 for transmitting signals to mobile terminals. Alternatively, the CPU 224 of the network controller generates an account of exhaustion, which is displayed on the display 234 of the operator workstation network controller. After reading the message, the operator can manually enter the text of the message that will be included in the IEP and signal that informs the subscriber of the exhaustion of the account.

10. Sub-polling cycle 15 is a flowchart of a subroutine 372 polling cycle network controller that communicates interactively with many respondents subscriber terminals 220. The CPU 224 of the network controller periodically run a subroutine on a predetermined base (block 400). Typically, such a periodicity set by the operator workstation to the network controller 234 as "daily", although it can also use other frequency (eg, several times a day or every week).

After start sequence 400, as shown in function block 402, the CPU 224 of the network controller reads the file identifiers of subscriber terminals 330 and starts generating unit 404, a request to poll frame (shown in Figure 10 and described above) of the first user terminal 220 contained in the file 330. After be gathered all the necessary information for the request frame is transmitted to the CPU 224 via the CPU interface signals between controller 214 and network processor 209 signals. After delivery to the processor 209 signal frames may be transmitted to user terminals 220 (block 406). At the same time managing the network controller 228 of the receiver into the standby mode appropriate responses.

After receiving the request, as indicated by block 408, the CPU 224 of the network controller reads the information from the control buffer 315. The network controller 214 reads the information field of the polling request frame, as described above. The CPU 224 of the network controller processes, indexes and stores the data in an appropriate format, updating the corresponding database files received information (block 410). Processing and indexing the raw data in the database 226 is an important operation for the network controller has the ability to quickly take appropriate action to address such advertising without spending a long time to process. Sub scan cycle is then returned to the file identifiers of subscriber terminals 330, as shown in decision block 412, to continue the polling cycle for the next user terminal 220 identified in the file 330. When the routine 372 reaches the last user terminal 220, the polling cycle is complete and execution subroutine 372 is stopped until the next polling period.

Most often during a polling cycle requires an update history files access and matrices viewed programs, joint position 350 shown in FIG. 12 and a book file 338. Figure 16 shows an example of a 30-day programs viewed matrix, indicated at 351, for one subscriber terminal (not shown in Figure 16). Matrix 351 is divided into six lines, corresponding to the six four-hour time slots. The columns of the matrix are divided as appropriate into categories of programs available for viewing. Each entry in the matrix 351 denotes the number of programs viewed by a particular category, and for a specific time.

After receiving a report on the status of each user terminal subroutine 220 responded to the survey (see para. 10a and 10b) determines which numbers in the time slots and program categories matrix 351 should be increased. Thus, the entry in the matrix 351 are updated upon receipt of each user terminal 220 status report in response to a request, thus constantly updating the amount of the total number of programs viewed. For example, the matrix 351 shows that in the period 08: 00-12: 00 subscriber terminal used in the past month, 10 for viewing movies. Preferably, the matrix in the file viewed programs in addition to the total number of viewed programs stored identification information viewed programs. Using the Matrix View programs described in more detail in the next section in the sub-program addressing advertising.

11. addressing the basic routines advertising FIG. 17 shows the seven major functions of the basic routines addressing advertising. The objective of this sub-program is addressing video to mobile terminals 220 on the basis of data on your browsing history and other information available in the network controller 214. By addressable ads include video clips, ads and informational materials and informational materials are video segments of variable length (for example, thirty seconds, fifteen minutes).

When you start (block 420), the first sub-program, a functional block 422, refers to the matrix programs viewed (for example, the matrix 351), which is stored in the matrix viewed programs in the data base 320 program schedule. This subroutine uses the identifier of the user terminal to access a specific matrix for one subscriber terminal. These matrices are created and updated routine response to the survey.

The second subroutine (function block 424), which develops other matrices based on other available information, the subroutine is optional and not required for the functioning of the system. For groups of subscriber terminals 220 or for each individual subscriber station 220 can develop a matrix based on the demographic information, billing information, pricing information, age and other information that may be stored in the databases of the network controller 214.

The third subroutine, block 426, processes all matrices on a set of algorithms correlation. In particular, the sub-program 426 refers to the matrix developed by the first two subroutines and processes them until it reaches the final matrix.

FIG. 18 shows an embodiment of the matrices processing subroutine 426 which is called advertising addressing sequence shown in Figure 17. As shown in FIG. 18, the routine 426 is started (427) and then accesses or queries (block 428) file View programs and collects information about any individual subscriber or group of subscribers. Thus, this software can collect information about the programs viewed or individual subscribers or groups of subscribers.

After removal from the database information about viewed programs routine 426 selects and groups (functional block 430) for viewing programs on the program categories and time of day. This tool first takes each program category (eg, sports, news, movies, etc.), And sets the number of programs viewed in a given time interval. Time intervals can be set to any length, including, for example, intervals of one, two, three and four hours. This tool performs a cycle count for each group and timeslot and then proceeds to build a matrix viewed program (block 432) based on program categories and time slots. Essentially, all programs that have been viewed in the particular category in a given time interval are entered into the matrix viewed programs. After the construction of the matrix subroutine 426 processes the matrix for a given subscriber or group (unit) subscribers correlation algorithm.

For weighing each selected group of program categories, you can use several algorithms correlation. For example, as shown by block 434, to determine the weighting algorithm can use the sum of squares. After weighing the suspended group correlated (block 436) with various advertisements stored in the databases of network management. This tool can select a set of the most difficult to transmit advertisements to subscribers or groups of subscribers via node cable network broadcasting. After determining the weight of each group, respectively, and distributed among the priority groups, the routine transfers control (block 438), the subroutine 347 for 17 addressing advertising.

Returning to FIG. 17, the fourth subroutine, represented by function block 428, uses the final matrix created by the correlation and weighing algorithm described above, to select the groups (or selective filter) for each user terminal 220. The final group of advertisements that can be sent to a subscriber terminal 220 or node user terminals 220 may use a subroutine as shown in Figure 19.

Sub 428, shown in Figure 19, is called or subroutine 374 starts addressing advertisements to determine the final groupings. Basically, this subroutine selects a set of commercials that will be used in selected groups (block 444). The process of selection is usually covers the advertising clips of different advertising categories (from a variety of advertisers, to buy "air time"). Every advertisement is then allocated the number of repetitions in a given time interval (block 446). This repetition frequency can be determined by various factors, including the number of requests and the amount paid by advertisers for display advertising. These factors are taken into account in the next step of the subroutine (block 448), which assigns a weight to specific commercials in each category or group. These weights are used to construct the priorities for commercials that will be sent to individual subscriber terminals 220 or nodes 220 subscriber terminals.

After weighing, the advertising clips, the facility performs the correlation algorithm 450, using selected criteria (i.e., the various factors used for weighting advertisements) along with the output of each array viewed programs. For weighting each selected program category group can use multiple algorithms correlation algorithm including weighting a sum of squares, as described above.

As a result of correlation algorithm defined promotional videos and program material which is sent to the signal processor 209 for broadcast on the cable network, as indicated by block 452. Once the subroutine 428 performs these steps, the CPU 224 of the network controller updates the accounting-based database advertising, which is sent to the processor 209 signals to broadcast to subscribers, as indicated by block 454. These updates accounting database allows advertisers to monitor the cost and frequency of advertising aimed at specific user terminals 220 or nodes of subscriber terminals 220. After the upgrade, the subroutine returns to the sequence of address Advertising shown in Figure 17, block 456.

20 shows a group of subscriber terminals (A to F) 460. The number of available groups is determined by the bandwidth allocated for transmitting advertisements. The bandwidth of the system limits the number of commercials which can be sent to the user terminal 220 at any given time.

Returning to Figure 17, a fifth sub-program, provided the function block 466, grouped prepares information for transmission to the subscriber terminal 220. The subroutine 466 modifies the signal includes IPM and grouped information in the information field of the frame previously issued. The following describes the various ways of transmitting the group information to the user terminals 220.

The sixth sub-program 468 selects the video and addressed to a final decision-making process when addressing the audience, and advertising can be done on the user terminal 220 and the network controller 214. Preferably, the last step is the user terminal 220 by correlating (or combining) programs; view audience, with a bundle of information previously sent by the controller 214, the network, and then demonstrates how advertising is addressed, as indicated by block 470. Figure 20 shows an example of a table combining groups of subscriber terminals 460 and the categories to view a program with a dedicated channel (continuously) showing commercials. Advertising channels are shown in the 20b position 474, for example, they are assigned numbers, designated by Roman numerals I to X. The number of groups of subscriber terminals and advertising channels may vary. On 20b shows the division of available bandwidth so as to carry video channels 10 and 10 of advertising channels. In this example, the channels 474 shown at 101-110.

The controller 214 transmits the grouped data network to mobile terminals, shown in column 460 to 20a. The controller 214 also transmits the data network, which informs the subscriber terminal 220, any of a plurality of advertising channels 474 are allocated to the category of television programs that are displayed in the column 470 on Figure 20a. Each user terminal requires only those data which belong to a group (or row), which are assigned to the subscriber terminal. For example, the subscriber terminal 20A of group A (line A) receives data about the advertising channels, which are distributed as follows: for sports - I, for children's programs - IV, for the movies - III. Thus, each user terminal 220 needs to store only the information that is associated with its own group. Consequently, the subscriber terminal 220, referred to the group A only needs to store information related to group A, which is shown in row A in Figure 20a. This information carries the information about the allocation of advertising channel for each of the eight program categories. Using this information, the user terminal first determines the category currently being watched TV program, and then can quickly determine which channel to switch the viewer when, during the broadcast of the program there is a commercial break.

Network controller 214 may also perform step correlation category of program watched with a group of 460 470 subscriber terminals to select targeted advertising. To the network controller 214 may perform this function, it must have information on the currently displayed program. To obtain such information interrogation system must operate in real time (e.g., every 10 minutes).

During the selection process, targeted advertising, if the subscriber terminal will lose any information necessary to determine on which of the continuously broadcasted advertising channels to be switched to, it stores the default advertisement in the program transmitted. In alternative embodiments, the standard advertising, through the normal channel of the program, is correlated with a selected group of subscriber terminals and program categories. 20a numeral 478 shows that the group with the user terminal for the categories "children's programs" and "entertainment" is assigned to the standard advertising.

The three preferred methods to transmit targeted advertising subscriber terminal 220 are (1) a method of further bands (or individual video access), (2) a method of a plurality of channels, and (3) multiscreen method.

Each of these methods has advantages and disadvantages. The method further provides the greatest flexibility in bandwidth due to more accurate addressing of advertising before the advertisement is transmitted to the subscriber terminals 220. However, it requires additional spectrum in a broadcasting system. It is difficult to implement in a cable system 200 but possible when used for transmitting advertisements to the subscriber terminals 220 of telephone systems or personal communications.

The method further allows the controller bandwidth network 214 to perform specific user terminal and correlation algorithms to address specific advertising clips, selected from several hundred to each user terminal 220. This method allows most accurately address the advertising and allows the use of the largest set of commercials for the show. Transmission of advertising is only after a particular subscriber terminal 214, network controller 220 selects advertising clip.

The method requires a plurality of channels to user terminals 220 "transparently" to change channels during a scheduled transmit advertising viewed channel to the channel that carries the targeted advertising. Although this method of handoff may be transparent to the viewer, it creates difficulty in the scheduling of synchronization and the start and end of commercials during the commercial breaks in the normally scheduled program. Channel switching is performed by the user terminal 220 by using the existing tuner (tuners) (not shown). Alternatively, if user terminal 220 is equipped with two tuners, the terminal can use the second tuner to tune to advertising channel. (User terminal with two tuners described in PCT / US 93/11606 "Enhanced user terminal for cable television systems"). Again, the channel switching is transparent to the viewer, who believes that continuously looks the same channel. A drawback of the plurality of channels is that it requires a sufficient number of additional channels (with a narrower band than in the method an additional band).

Multiscreen method transmits multiple commercials on a single channel using split screen technology. Promotional videos are recorded and prepared to transfer to the subscriber terminals 220. Although a single channel can transmit a lot of commercials, in a preferred embodiment of this method are shown only four advertising. As the number of commercials size and number of the video information for each commercial decreases proportionately (i.e., 6, 8, 12, etc.). Using the split screen technique to station 220 for display advertising, it is necessary to use a method of masking, or zooming and moving video images. Methods masking and pan / zoom more fully described in Application PCT / US 93/11618 "subscriber terminal for CATV" by the same applicant as the present application. A method of zooming and moving the advertising gives better quality but requires expensive equipment at subscriber terminals 220. The user terminal 220 using the split screen method provides switching of audio channels for the selection of the desired sound.

12. Alternative basic routines addressing advertising FIG. 21 is a block diagram 490 of software agents, is an alternative to the basic routines addressing advertising network controller 374 shown in Figure 17. The alternative program 490 can address specific advertising for each individual subscriber terminal 220 and starts automatically (block 492), the CPU 224 of the network controller after receiving the response to the survey from each user terminal 220. For example, when the network controller 214 receives from the user terminal 220 access information programs, the CPU 224 of the network controller begins the process of selecting a package of advertising on the basis of, inter alia, demographic information about spectators and browsing history.

After receiving from the user terminal 220 responded to the survey, the CPU 224 of the network controller responded to the survey (or status report) reads the ID 494 and the ID of the user terminal 496 selected program. The network controller 214 records information about the selected program to the database 320 program schedule, updating the access history file, containing a list of all programs viewed in the past week, month or year.

As shown in Figure 21, the CPU 224 of the network controller further causes a sort subroutine programs caused by category (block 498). In turn, the program categories are sorted (block 500) by the number of calls to programs in each category. When sorting subroutine determines and ranks the program and the categories of programs that are most often visible in this user terminal 220.

This subroutine can interactively carry out ranking for different time slots in a given day. Thus, different grades may reflect different audience preferences in different time slots for a single user terminal 220. For example, if necessary, obtaining the ranking for eight three-hour time slots routine determines rankings of programs and program categories for each three-hour time interval. So you can get a different ranking for the morning and evening time slots. All rankings of programs and program categories for that user terminal 220 is recorded in the database 314 of audience profile update log file viewers (function block 502).

Next, the CPU 224 of the network controller calls a subroutine that correlates the updated log file viewers with advertising categories in the database library data 322 advertisements (504). By correlating these two files with one another subroutine allocates or correlates various categories of television commercials every rank programs or categories of programs in the log viewers. Categories of television advertisements that may be so assigned, in the file categories of advertisements, indicated generally at 354 as part of the library 322 and may include: (1) the goods / household products, (2) materials for repair and reconstruction of buildings, (3) Personal Care Products (4) Entertainment (objects and events), (5) Sporting Goods and Events, (6) cars and related products (7) Food and Beverages (8) other. If, for example, a viewer watching a sporting event, for that particular sport programs / events and programs for the category "Sports" you can select the category "Sporting Goods and Events," "Materials for the repair and reconstruction of houses" and "food and drink".

Once the programs and program categories, ranked in the log viewers, will be correlated with the categories of advertising in the file categories of advertising, the subroutine calls the subroutine sorting, which ranks the group of advertising categories correlated based on other information stored in the database files. In a preferred embodiment, this ranking is primarily based on data contained in the updated log file viewers, as shown in function block 596. Using the data on the last selected viewer programs, as well as demographic information, this subroutine ranks the correlated categories of advertisements in accordance with the probable the greatest interest on the part of the viewer.

After sorting and ranking of categories of advertising subroutine selects the top three categories of advertising as addressable categories for this time interval and viewer (block 508). After that, the file selected adverts individual movie clips, and the selection is made from the addressable categories (510). Selected advertisements stored in a file addressing advertising, from which you can make advertising packages (function 512) for transmission to the subscriber terminal 220. Such packages are generated by the CPU 224 of the network controller, which refers to a file, and includes addressing advertising targeted advertising to the signal IFM. Implementation of the whole program is repeated for each user terminal 220 and, alternatively, for each viewer.

13. The accounting routine 22 is a block diagram of the accounting subroutine network controller 376, which is triggered automatically (block 520), the CPU 224 of the network controller after receiving each answer to the interrogation of the subscriber terminal 220. Upon receiving such a response, the CPU 224 of the controller Network responded to the survey determines the identifier of the user terminal (block 522). From the survey responses also read block access to programs (function 524), and the history file access updated information received (function 526). The subroutine then calls a subroutine that correlates the updated information of the file with the file access history of price categories in the database software library (block 528). After all the programs reviewed since the last polling cycle, will be distributed by price categories, pricing information of each category is recorded in the accounting file, updating it (block 530). The CPU 224 of the network controller generates a billing report for each user terminal 220 based on the updated accounting file (function 532). The report may be sent to the subscriber terminals in the request for poll. More specifically, in one embodiment, the information field of the frame format shown in Figure 9a is used to send the subscriber terminal 220 billing information.

Account information for each user terminal can be viewed via the menu view monthly bills. The accounting information needed to create a menu, view monthly bills can be stored either in the memory of the user terminal 220 or in the remote memory storage device that communicates with the user terminal 220. In the simplest embodiment, the user terminal locally registers the subscriber's choice, and counts on the monthly bill based on the programs that require payment for viewing. This monthly account information is stored locally and sent to the controller network 214 in the survey.

The financial sub-program has the ability to process information about the account and billing generated by other embodiments of the present invention. For example, in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the information about the programs viewed and billing can be continuously stored in the network controller 214 or at a remote location, communication channels connected with the headend 208 and cable TV. Controller 214 network or remote location must transmit regularly to the monthly account information to the user terminal 220.

Each option, such as the local storage of account information to the user terminal 220, the controller 214 billing or invoicing network remote location has its advantages and disadvantages. If the account information is stored locally and its treatment also produced locally, each user terminal 220 must be equipped with a storage device and the necessary means in order to keep a record. This significantly increases the cost of the user terminal 220. If the account information is stored remotely, the remote site must maintain regular contact with each user terminal 220 to guide the subscriber billing information. In homes with multiple viewers two or more user terminals may be allocated to a single account or a single user terminal may enter a jiffy.

FIG. 23 shows another embodiment in which billing may be carried out through remote or statistical accounting items (SBP). In this embodiment, the statistical and accounting information from separate groups of subscriber terminals 1750 is transmitted through the cable headends to 1730. Regional Regional SBP SBP can serve multiple headends, indicated at 1732. This regional SBP 1730 calculates the accounting and statistical information, and returns the necessary information on billing controller 214 through the network at the headend 208 to the corresponding user terminal 220 in the subscriber's home. In addition, the regional CAP 1730 transmits the received accounting and statistical information about viewing programs in central SBP 1740.

Central SBP 1740 collects data received from many regional SBP, and calculates the national statistical and accounting information. In a preferred embodiment, the regional CAP prints and sends bills to subscribers. Central SBP can expect the ratings of programs, and their share of the statistics on the use of television nationally and by region. Information from the interactive television program can give depth statistical information collected by the network head-end controllers.

Such an organization of accounting and statistical information system gives operators the opportunity to benefit from the distribution processing.

If you connect each headend 208 cable TV systems in the region, a country with one regional accounting item, the remote accounting items will serve the regions of the country. Information from the remote accounting items can be transmitted to the operations center 202 or the central accounting item is not as often. This method of distributed processing of financial information allows the central accounting receive fewer messages and work more efficiently. In addition, the channels of communication between the controller 214, the network head-end, and regional offices will have a length of less than links from the headend 208 to the operations center 202. This enables cost reduction of operating system.

Link of regional statistics and accounting, however, can be avoided, and all messages from the headend 208 can be sent to the central SBP 1740. In fact, the central SBP may be in the operations center 202 and all functions can be performed at one central location. If the system of formation of packages and television broadcasting is created only in one area, all the statistical and accounting procedures may be performed by the controller 214 network.

The terms and descriptions given above are purely illustrative and do not limit the scope. Specialists will be able to make various modifications without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims.