JPH0621907A - Multimedia transmission network method and apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] (Modified) [Purpose] To provide a communication system that sends customized consumer, commercial, entertainment, educational and advertising information from a central location to any number of locations at low cost and reliably. Arrangement: Remote locations 32, 33 for customizing video and audio presentations are provided. The studio processor produces the content data signal, the schedule processor produces the schedule data signal, the network processor produces the communication signal, and the transmitter transmits it. At the remote location, the communications processor selects a first content data signal from the content data signals,
The video processor mixes it with the video signal, and the queue processor responds to this by controlling the matrix switch and multiplexing the video signal with other information from the content data signal. Direct the media signal to the network communication channel.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a television system, and more particularly to a communication distribution system capable of customizing a video presentation in each terrestrial terminal.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the 1980s, equalization was found among television sectors. Networks, independence, cables, government assistance, pay and direct broadcast satellites have all merged into "television." Viewers favor each medium on the basis of perceptual value versus cost, a direct cash cost or an incremental cost.

An equally important trend is the demand by consumers whose television content is more directly related to their audience. In local culture, the importance of content related to individual consumer interests has increased. Such a tendency is that the state of the viewers of the network is depressed, and the vertical and
Documented as Cal's subscription increases.

[0004]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] The number of applications for "television" increases with the content of being "local" and "pertinent". Then, the following new demands are provided to the television industry. 1. Viewers need to easily know what is broadcast on television and what content belongs to each group. 2. Viewers request content including consumer, commercial, entertainment, educational information and local and relevant advertising.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a communication system that inexpensively and reliably delivers customized consumer, commercial, entertainment, educational and advertising information from a central location to any number of locations in a geographical area. To provide.

Another object of the present invention is for each remote consumer,
The purpose is to organize commercial, entertainment, educational and advertising communications in unique ways to provide appropriate services for a particular market.

Another object of the present invention is remote from the central location by a downlink computer which receives a content data signal containing consumer, commercial, entertainment, educational and advertising information specific to the particular remote location. To control the place. Yet another object of the present invention is to customize and customize remote consumer, commercial, entertainment, educational and advertising information using downlink computers and content data signals. The content data signal obtained by the above method is combined with the locally obtained content data signal.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a system for customizing a video signal having a central location and a remote location. The system comprises a communication channel, a studio processor means located at the central location for generating a plurality of content data signals, and a plurality of content data located at the central location and connected to the studio processor. A schedule processor means for generating a schedule data signal and a control data signal in response to each of the data signals, and a plurality of content data signals, control data arranged at said central location. -Signal and schedule-
Network processor means for generating a communication signal by formatting the data signal with a video signal, and transmission means arranged at the central portion for transmitting the communication signal through the communication channel, Located at said remote location, receiving a communication signal and selecting a first content data signal directed from said plurality of content data signals to said remote location using a control data signal. Communication processor means for activating, and first means located at said remote location and connected to said communication processor for storing video signals.
Second means located at said remote location and connected to said communications processor means for storing a first content data signal; and located at said remote location and connected to said first means And a video processor means for mixing the first content data signal with the video signal in response to the schedule data signal.

According to the present invention, there is further provided a central office device for customizing a television signal having a video signal. This device has at least one content data
Studio processor means for generating a data signal, means for storing each content data signal, and a schedule connected to the studio processor for generating a schedule data signal in response to each content data signal. Processor means, network processor means for generating a communication signal from a plurality of content data signals and schedule data signals, a transmitter for transmitting the communication signals, the studio processor means, the schedule processor Means and a control processor for integrally adjusting the operation of the network processor means.

In accordance with the present invention, there is also provided a central office device that uses a video signal to customize advertisements for television. The apparatus generates at least one content data signal and generates a schedule data signal in response to each content data signal, while at the same time providing each content data signal and the schedule data signal. The present invention relates to a configuration characterized by comprising processor means for generating a communication data signal by forming a format and a transmitter for transmitting a communication signal.

Further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method of customizing a television signal having at least one video signal using a processor and a transmitter. This method comprises the steps of generating a plurality of content data signals, generating a schedule data signal, and generating a communication signal from the plurality of content data signals and the schedule data signal. And a step of transmitting a communication signal via a communication channel.

Also according to the invention, at least one content data signal, a schedule data signal and a control data signal.
A remote location device is provided for customizing a television signal using a digital signal. The apparatus includes a communications processor means for selecting a first content data signal directed to a remote location device in response to a control data signal and a second storage means for storing the first content data signal. Means and video processor means for mixing the first content data signal with the video signal in response to the schedule data signal.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a remote location device for customizing a television signal having at least one content data signal. This device is
Communication means for selecting the first content data signal, second means for storing the first content data signal, and video processor means for mixing the first content data signal with the video signal. The present invention relates to a configuration including:

Further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a remote location device for customizing a television signal using a video signal and at least one content data signal.
The apparatus includes a communication processor means for receiving a communication signal and selecting a first content data signal, and a second processor connected to the communication processor means for storing the first content data signal.
Means, video processor means connected to said communication processor means and said second means for mixing a first content data signal with a video signal, said communication processor means, said second storage means and said video. And a control processor for integrally adjusting the operation of the processor means.

Further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a remote location device for customizing a video presentation using a communication signal having a video signal and a content data signal. The apparatus comprises communication processor means for receiving a communication signal and separating the content data signal from the communication signal, and video processor means connected to the communication processor means for mixing the content data signal with a video signal. The present invention relates to a configuration characterized by integrally adjusting the operations of the communication processor means and the video processor means, and comprising the communication processor and a control processor connected to the video processor means.

According to the present invention, further, at least the content data
A remote location device is provided for customizing a video presentation having a video signal. This apparatus includes processor means for mixing a first content data signal with a video signal, a matrix switch connected to the processor means and a plurality of consumer channels, and controlling the matrix switch and the video signal. And matrix switch processor means for routing the content data signal to a particular consumer channel.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a remote location device for customizing a video signal using a first content data signal. This apparatus comprises a first means for storing a video signal and a second means for storing a first content data signal.
Means, a video processor means connected to the first storage means and the second storage means for mixing a first content data signal with a video signal, the first storage means and the second storage means. Storage means and a control processor for integrally adjusting the operation of the video processor means.

According to the invention, there is also provided an apparatus for customizing a video signal having a central location and a remote location. This apparatus comprises a communication channel, a studio processor means for generating a content data signal, a schedule processor means for generating a schedule processor signal, a video signal, a content data signal and a schedule signal. Network processor means for generating a communication signal, means for transmitting the communication signal via said communication channel, and means for receiving the communication signal and video signal and content data.
A communication processor means for selecting a data signal, a first means for storing a video signal, a second means for storing a first content data signal, and a first content data signal for a video signal. And a video processor means for mixing.

Further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for customizing a video signal having a central location and a remote location. The apparatus includes a communications channel, studio processor means located at the central location for generating content data signals, and a communications signal located at the central location including video and content data signals. Network
Processor means, means for transmitting communication signals via the communication channel located at the central location, and communication processor means for receiving communication signals and selecting content data signals located at the remote location. And a video processor means disposed at the remote location for mixing the content data signal with the video signal.

Furthermore, according to the invention, at least 1
A method of using a processor to customize one content data signal and a video signal is provided. The method comprises the steps of receiving a communication signal and selecting a first content data signal from a plurality of content data signals, and a first content data signal.
Storing the data signal, mixing the first content data signal with the video signal to generate a multimedia signal, and routing the multimedia signal to a particular consumer channel. The present invention relates to a configuration characterized by

Still further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method of using a processor to customize content data signals and video signals. The method comprises the steps of mixing the content data signal with a video signal, and routing the first content data signal and the mixed video signal to a particular consumer channel. According to the configuration.

[0022]

As described above, the system of the present invention includes a central location having a headend device and consumer, commercial, entertainment, television, and other display media using video signals.
A remote location with a downlink device for customizing educational and advertising information. This system
As described above, the communication channel, the schedule processor means, the network processor means, the transmission means, the communication processor means, the first storage means, the second storage means, the input source, Audio processor means,
It comprises video processor means, matrix switch, queue processor means and matrix switch processor means. The matrix switch and matrix switch processor means are optional and are used when multiple sources and / or multiple outputs are used.

At the central location, the studio processor means generate a plurality of content data signals. Content data signals can include analog or digital signals, phototext signals and / or audio signals. The content data signal is stored in the content database. The schedule processor means is centrally located and connected to the studio processor means. Schedule processor means generates a schedule data signal for each of the plurality of content data signals. The schedule data signal has a unique identifier, calculation, management and schedule data. The network processor means is centrally located and includes a plurality of content data signals and a schedule data signal and generates a communication signal which can be formatted with a video signal. The transmission means is arranged at the central portion and transmits the communication signal through the communication channel.

At the remote location, the communication processor means receives the communication signal and uses the control data signal to direct the first content data from the plurality of content data signals to the remote location. Select a signal. The first storage means is connected to the communication processor means. The first storage means stores the video signal. The second storage means is connected to the communication processor means. The second storage means stores the first content data signal. An optional input source is an audio signal source. The audio processor means is connected to the second storage means and the input source. The audio processor means mixes the audio signal with the first content data signal to generate an output content signal. The video processor means is connected to the first storage means and the audio processor means. The video processor means mixes the video signal with key graphic or textual information. Matrix switch is a video processor means,
It is connected to the audio processor means and a plurality of network communication channels. The queue processor means is connected to the network feed channel via a matrix switch. In response to the detection of the network queue signal, the queue processor generates an insert queue signal. The matrix switch processor means is connected to the matrix switch. The matrix switch processor means uses the insert queue signal to control the matrix switch, video and audio signal routing, output content signals, and sync signals to the network communication channel.

[0025]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described with reference to the preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like elements.

The present invention comprises a central site and any number of remote sites. The present invention can utilize broadcast protocols, i.e. band edges, sub-carriers and vertical blanking intervals. The transmission rate can be arbitrary,
In one preferred embodiment, the speed is 9,6 per second.
It can vary between 00 bits and 1,550,000 bits per second. Which protocol and therefore which speed to use depends on the cost of the communication processor, the reliability of the transmission required and the content data signal.
signal).

FIG. 1 shows a multimedia transmission network of the present invention.
The general outline of the network (multiple medium delivery network) is shown. A multimedia delivery network is a television from a central location to a remote location from a communication channel such as a satellite network, cable network, fiber optic network, radio network or other communication channel. And distributes customized videos and audio presentations. That is, the multimedia delivery network is
Commercial, entertainment, educational and / or advertising signals can be distributed and these signals can be customized from a central location to one or more remote locations. For example, central office London 31 generates television commercials for transmission over a communication channel such as satellite 30 and for delivery to remote offices. The remote locations are, for example, facilities such as the Birmingham remote location 32 and the Zurich remote location 33. The central office can also function as a remote office. The remote office is
Cable system, VHF or UHF channel,
It can be coupled to fiber optic networks, hotels, and other rebroadcast systems. The remote department is
The signal is used to tag each signal emitted from the central office. Signal labeling takes a primary signal, such as a video signal, and gives the primary signal a specific content data.
The signal is converted to a signal for a specific part, that is, customized by adding a digital signal. The content data signal can include graphics, text, photographs or audio tracks. The labeled presentation or signal looks like a local presentation or signal and is automatically inserted into the communication network.

The distributed video presentation is
It can be marked with a satellite footprint such as North American or Pan European. The distributed video presentations are also by language, as in the whole French domain, by country as in Germany,
It can be marked by areas of dominant influence such as Washington DC, by hotels such as Savoy, or by any other desired criteria.

The multimedia delivery network of the present invention adds text in any language, graphics, and
The television track and video content can be customized by replacing the dittrack with another language or adding a full screen indicator.
Customization can generally be done using a computer, although specialized processors can be built to perform the same means and functions. Signs, or customizations, are all
It can be digital or analog format. Customization occurs at each remote location when the content data signal is applied to a full motion analog or digital commercial. As used herein, video content refers to video signals such as those used in televisions, computers and other video interface media.

The multimedia transmission network of the present invention transmits a customized multimedia signal to a satellite network.
Insert into A central scheduling system determines which multimedia signal will act on which network, when, at which cable / hotel, and so on. The computer at each remote location executes its schedule. The actual insertion of the customized content data signal is, for example, the data queue initiated by each satellite network.
Triggered by (data cue). Afi id
avit) is automatically recorded and transmitted back to the central part,
"ONE BUY, ONE BILL" operation can be performed.

As shown in FIG. 2, the multiplex delivery network structure may have a central location that is connected to remote locations via communication channels, shown as satellites 30. Generally, the central location comprises a plurality of video storage devices, shown as video tape recorders 37, a headend computer 36, a studio 38 and a headend antenna 35.
The video storage device may be an analog type recorder or a digital storage device such as a digital tape, disc, laser disc, or the like. A plurality of video tape recorders 37 and a studio 38 are connected to the headend computer 36. The headend computer 36 is connected to the headend antenna 35. The video tape recorder 37 provides video content, such as a video signal, which may be a full-motion analog or digital version of the television signal. The video signal may provide a consumer business for displaying and listening to entertainment and / or educational information. However, other devices can be used to provide a full-motion analog or digital version of the television signal.

Content data signals, which are customized material for video content, are generated at studio 38. Content data signals allow the subscription of text in any language, the subscription of graphics, the exchange of audio tracks of video content for video subscribed or exchanged in another language, and the subscription of full-scale displays. Including, but not limited to. The studio is a schedule
The data signal is added as a digital indicator to the content data signal.
The headend computer 36 generally formats the data signal with a video signal for transmission as a communication signal through the satellite 30 via the headend antenna 35. Alternatively, the content data signal is generated at a central location remote from the location where the video signal is generated,
It is also possible to transmit at a different time from a different communication channel than that used for the video signal. Thus, the communication signal may include content data signals and / or video content.

In the illustrated illustrated configuration, the remote location of FIG. 2 includes one or more video tape recorders 43, a matrix switch 44, a universal system platform 42, and a downlink. ) An antenna and a receiver 41 are provided. Video tape
The switch 43 is connected to the universal system platform 42 and the matrix switch 44. The universal system platform is connected to the downlink antenna and receiver 41.

Downlink antenna and receiver 41
Receives a communication signal from the satellite 30. The communication signal reaches the universal system platform 42 and is processed by the communication processor. The video signal portion of the communication signal passes through the universal system platform 42 and is recorded on the magnetic tape by the video tape recorder 43. Communication signal content data signal and schedule data
The signal section is the universal system platform 42.
Is processed by the communication processor. The content data signal is inserted into the proper video content and the video content is stored in a video storage device, shown as video tape recorder 43.

In operation, the multimedia delivery network of the present invention, at a central location, considers full-motion analog or digital video content as a video signal to form the content data signal of the video signal. Content data
The data signal can be either analog or digital and can include text, graphics, full screen indicators and new audio tracks. Content data signals and video signals are sent to each univer
Sent to the monkey system platform. The communication processor of the universal system platform has a content data
The data signal is received and the content data signal is stored on disk. At a given time, a full-motion video signal, which is a consumer, educational, entertainment, commercial or other program of analog or digital video content, can
Data is transmitted to each universal system platform. The communications processor of each universal system platform receives each video signal and provides a unique indicia to produce customized video content. The video content is stored in a storage device such as a video tape recorder or a compact disc read only memory or other device. The universal system platform is responsive to the receipt of the queue signal for scheduling.
The modified signal is converted into a local network.

Headend Structure FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the headend device. The head end device is a local area network (local a
It incorporates a series of devices connected to a rea network) 51. The heart of interconnected systems is the content database.
It's 76. All content data signals are tracked from the point of reception until broadcast on the communication network.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the central portion for customizing the video content for video presentation using the video signal, there are studio processor means, schedule processor means and network processor means.
A processor means and a transmission means are provided. Studio processor means, schedule processor means,
The network processor means and the transmission means are studio processors 73, 74 and 75, and a schedule, respectively.
Are embodied as a local processor 71, a network processor 83 and a transmitter 84.

The studio processor 73 is located in the central studio and produces a plurality of content data signals.
The studio processor 73 digitizes photos, provides photographic enhancement, adds text and graphics, and provides a storyboard of content.
g) manage. The audio subsystem digitizes the audio, allowing the creator to integrate the digital audio with the stripe.

The schedule processor 71 is arranged at the central portion, and is connected to the studio processor 73 and the schedule data base 7 via the local area network 51.
2 is connected to. Corresponding to each of the plurality of content data signals, the schedule processor 71 generates a schedule data signal, which is stored in the schedule data base 72. Schedule data table
Space 72 contains schedule information for merging the content data signal with the video signal. The schedule processor 71 records each received content data signal, gives a unique identifier, records accounting, management data and schedule, and if necessary. ,
Schedule creative activities. Network scheduling is based on network availability.

The quality control processor 81 simulates a downlink system in the field. Each content data signal is assembled, scheduled and then displayed. The rejected video content is returned to the appropriate creative department. Approved video content is double checked to ensure schedule and control accuracy. Once each piece of video content has been approved as a whole,
The quality control processor 81 puts the video content into the live data base 82 as a content data signal.

The network processor 83 is arranged at the central portion and has a plurality of content data signals and a schedule data.
A communication signal is generated by formatting the video signal and the video signal. The network processor 83 is
The contents data signal and the schedule data signal are automatically extracted from the live data base 82, formatted and packetized, and the contents data signal and the schedule data signal are digitalized. It is transmitted to the modulator 85 as a data stream. The modulator formats the content data signal and the schedule data signal as a communication signal.
The communication signals can include video signals, content data signals and / or schedule data signals.

The transmitter 84 is arranged at the central portion and is connected to the modulator 85, and transmits a communication signal through the communication channel.

The control processor 78 provides overall control of the system, sends work to other processors, and coordinates the operation of the other processors. It operates in a fully automated mode and requires no local intervention. The control processor 78 also provides a master control station 79, 8 which issues remote commands to each remote location.
Drive 0.

A head end functional schedule and control function 50 is constructed as shown in FIG. 4, which performs recording of each television signal as it is received, and the Includes get listener, display time frame, creative instructions, customization programs, calculations and special instructions.

The creative function is the mastering 60 of the full-motion video 59 for the laser disc.
including. A unique identification is made for each piece of content data. The master is shown to the duplicating device, which presents the laser disk on the downlink at each remote location. The label contains clear instructions as to when and in which machine the disc will be inserted. Alternatively, full-motion video can be transmitted as a video signal from a central location to a remote location.

A series of studios are connected via a local area network 51. Photo text (p
The content data signal with hototext) is created using the photo 52 and the studio 53. Upon completion of each content data signal with phototext, the content data database
It is transmitted to the memory 61 and stored.

Content data signals having digital audio are generated from audio script 56 of sound studio 57 using conventional audio equipment. When the audio track "lays down" on the tape, the tape is directed to the digitizer 58 and then to the studio where it is combined with the phototext 55 or content data. -Sus 61.

The quality control function unit 62 at the central portion has each content data signal displayed in the quality control station. Content data signals are sent for review if requested by the content provider. The approval process can be performed by transmitting the content to a remote location equipped with a preliminary review device. After approval, quality control confirms the final schedule and control database.

The live database 63 directly supplies the content to the modulator via the network management unit 64, and the modulator inserts the content into the video signal and transmits it to the satellite.

The schedule and control function 50 provides the headend device with a master control station that allows the operator to dial directly to the downlink device at each remote location via a standard telephone line. There is. Once connected, the master control station controls the downlink device at a remote location. The remote diagnostics system checks all functions in the downlink and reports the results to the central headend device. Correct commands can be issued from the master control station, including complete loading of system software, contents, schedules and commands. When hardware failure is detected,
The headend operator calls the downlink with specific instructions on how to remove the failed hardware. The master control station is also used to derive computational information from each downlink.

Downlink System Structure FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a processing subsystem that creates a downlink operating environment. It is a real time process control computer system having a series of parallel processing elements controlled by a master control program running in control processor 109. In the preferred embodiment, the configuration allows 3 to 16 megabytes of high speed main memory for the processor. Further, the system can be supported by expandable 60 megabytes of disk memory. The structure of this system enables powerful asynchronous processing with independent functions by making various processors into a single system structure, so that sufficient processing output is provided over the entire range of system loading. And redundancy can be secured.

As shown in FIG. 5, the remote site downlink device of the present invention comprises a communication processor means, a first storage means, a second storage means, an audio processor means and a video processor means. , A queue processor means, and a matrix switch processor means, which are respectively the communication processor 103 and the first processor.
Storage device 107, second storage device 105, 108, audio processor 114, 115, video processor 111, 112, 113, queue processor 116 and matrix switch processor 117.

The communication processor 103 receives the communication signal at the remote location and uses the control data signal to provide a plurality of first content data signals intended for the remote location device. Select from data signals. The communication processor 103 is a communication front end of the system.
nd) is provided. The communication processor 103 receives all incoming communication from the communication data feed and sorts out the necessary parts for a particular remote location, so that the data is properly formatted and downlinked. Make it remembered by the system.

All data is error-detected and communication processor 103 prior to making it available to other parts of the system for use in other processing.
The correction is made at. Further, the remote control device 102
Is provided via telephone modem communication to allow overall control of the downlink system from a headend device or other remote location via communication processor 103. This remote control structure has the following advantages: 1. Since the remote control can be performed from any place, the system can be placed in an unmanned place. 2. Remote diagnosis analysis can be performed directly from the headend device in case of malfunction. 3. Since the system can be periodically and integrally checked from the headend device, proper operation can be performed. The advantage is that calculation and recording data can be read periodically.

The first storage device 107 is arranged at a remote location and is connected to the communication processor 103. First storage device 1 which can be embodied as a video tape
07 stores the video signal passing through the communication processor 103.

The second storage means is arranged at a remote location,
It is connected to the video processor 113. The second storage means stores the first content data signal. As shown in FIG. 5, when the content data signal is text and phototext, the second storage means can be embodied as text and phototext database 105. If the content data signal is digital audio, the second storage means may be embodied as digital audio database 108.

The input source can be located at a remote location to provide an audio signal source. Audio processor 11
4 and 115 are located at remote locations and are connected to a second storage means and an input source. Audio processor 11
4 and 115 mix the audio signal with the first content data signal to produce an output content signal. The output content signal is generally an analog signal. The audio processors 114 and 115 also perform all the processing necessary to generate digital audio and / or mix the digital audio with a combination of successive analog audio sources. Audio processor 114
And 115 receive input data from an audio database or an analog source. Oh
Dio, through the system matrix switch 11
8 is output.

Video processors 111, 112 and 1
13 is located at a remote location and is connected to the first storage device 107. Video processors 111, 112 and 1
13 mixes live video field with keyed graphic or character information, and
Do all the processing necessary to generate Cull Video in the form of Phototext. Video processor 111, 11
2 and 113 also provide video in the form of phototext. Video processors 111, 112 and 1
13 also performs various special functions and produces local video in the form of phototext.
The video processors 111, 112, and 113 also provide various specialized functions such as animation, as well as significant memory caching to allow multiple video images to operate simultaneously.
g) Each of the video processors 111, 112 and 113 can receive input data from a video database or full motion video from a laser disk, video tape or live channel field. The output of video to the system is via matrix switch 118.

Alternatively, video processors and audio processors are used to mark the video and content data signals as they are being recorded on the video tape. Such a signal can later be replayed and ready for insertion into a network or other channel. Matrix switch 118 and matrix switch processor 117 are optional and will be used if multiple sources and / or multiple outputs are used. Similarly, the queue decoding processor 116 includes a matrix switch 118 and a matrix switch processor 11.
Required if 7 is used.

The matrix switch 118 is located at a remote location and is a video processor 111, 112 and 1.
13, connected to audio processors 114 and 115 and a plurality of network communication channels.

The cure code processor 116 is located at a remote location and is connected to the network feed channel via the matrix switch 118. The queue decoding processor 116 is a network queue.
An insert queue signal is generated in response to the detection of the signal. Cue Decode Processor 116 provides all of the supplied audio and / or data signals, including detection and identification of coded dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) and other information. Performs all the processing required to analyze network signals. In this way, a valid network queue signal is detected in real time to schedule insertion activity and matrix switch 118.
Is directed to the control processor 109 to activate the.

Matrix switch processor 117
Is located at a remote location and is a matrix switch 118.
It is connected to the. Matrix switch processor 1
Reference numeral 17 is for controlling the matrix switch in response to the insertion queue signal and routing the synchronizing signal supplied from the video signal, the output content data signal and the network feed signal to the consumer channel. ) Control. The matrix switch processor 117 is used to perform a complete status check and control the path indication of video, audio and sync signals and the timing of VBI switching.
8 is controlled. In addition to switching the consumer channel to alternating insertion fields of various combinations, various options for headend monitoring can be made. By performing error detection of the video signal and error detection of the output, the matrix switch processor 117 allows the network satellite feed to, for example, in the case of "no signal" or output loss. Directly to the cable channel, the channel can be protected from dead air. In the downlink, the invention may further comprise system monitoring means, which may be embodied as system monitor 512. As shown in FIG. 5, the system monitor is a video processor 11.
It may be connected to any one of the outputs of 1, 112, 113 and / or the output of the audio processor 114, 115. The system monitor monitors the output video or audio so that quality control errors at remote locations can be automatically corrected and / or reported to the central location. Used to.

The downlink functional content data signal is transmitted from the central location to the remote location on an on-going basis. The communications processor 103 at each remote location monitors the continuous stream of data, selects the data that is destined for a particular remote location, and stores this data.
The content data signal can be inserted into any number of networks. A particularly important factor is that by having all networks perform video synchronization prior to switching,
The ability to provide full VBI switching even when more than one network is being covered at the same time. Two laser disk drives 104 and 106, provided, provide "nationally-interesting" full-motion video and audio, with disks regularly distributed, eg, from the headend. If desired, a video tape recorder 107 can be provided to insert the locally obtained content or to store and send the content as described above. Furthermore, the insertion of phototext of the content formed in the standard system can be used for local insertion. The primary function of the downlink is for the system to operate as a storage and delivery system that combines the data storage of laser disks, tapes and system disks.

Main communication is performed via the communication receiver system and the communication processor 103. As shown in FIG. 6, the next communication function 92, namely 1. Receive and memorize the schedule data, 2. Receives and stores a digital audio used to generate local audio,
3. 3. Receive and store video data used to generate local video and phototext. Receive and store text data for screen display, and 5. All system software is downloaded.

The remote control function 93 controls the entire downlink system from the headend system. That is, the following remote control functions: 1. Remote diagnosis of the local downlink system from the headend, 2. Low
Cull system operation control, 3. All recording and reading of calculation information is performed.

The process control function 94 is performed by the control processor. The functions performed are 1. 1. Management of schedule data for proper scheduling of insertions into local and national slots. 2. System resource allocation for matching insertion resources to the need to meet channel content requirements; 3. 3. Resource recognition and allocation available. 4. Control of matrix switches to specially switch the contents to the covered network at the appropriate time. Laser disk control for accurate positioning and operation of available laser disks, 6. VTR control for accurate tape positioning and VTR operation, 7. 7. Generation of digital audio for mixing with independent audio or live network audio. Phototext generation for keying via independent audio or live video.

Recording and calculation function 95 is provided to track system activity and record billable content insertions. It performs the following specific functions: 1. Keep records of system activity, 2. A record of the individual content inserts that are successively provided to all covered networks.

All the functions described above interact with the memory manager 91.

The multimedia delivery network of the present invention is a computer-based digital communication system. The main emphasis is the transmission of content data signals and associated schedule data signals for command and control data. The sample content data signal is
Cross channel cable promotion
, Advertising, program guides, news and information programming.

The present invention differs from conventional television etwork because the content data is preferably distributed in digital format versus analog. This allows the content data signal to be transmitted at any time, stored in the receiving computer at a remote location, and displayed on one or more channels. Because each remote location is uniquely identified, the content data signal is customized to the geographic area in which the content data signal is displayed. For example, cable promotion can announce new programs, and the computer can customize promotion with the number of local channels and time. In the same manner, a standard Ford car advertisement can be customized with a computer having a map of the local soundtrack and the dealer in the closest foreground. Both cable promotion and road vehicles can be inserted into any number of networks via switches.

The multimedia delivery network of the present invention comprises a video head-end device frame, video, digitizing audio, text information stream, local display schedule, laser disk. And a control system for video tape and variable text that can be added to the actual software driving the downlink at each remote location. Transmission plans vary in speed, but each alternative requires only a small portion of the capacity of the satellite transponder,
It is possible to reduce the cost of the video portion to less than 5% of the conventional video network.

Promotions, advertisements, news and other contents are sent to the hard end device in the central part electrically or as a hard copy. Full-motion video is mastered and laser discs are displayed or transmitted via communication channels to each remote location. Content data signals with phototext are created using the studio. Each content data signal indicates a different parameter, i.e. when and to what demographic audience the content is presented, what the other content is, and what the content is by the downlink computer. Is customized and the display of the content is calculated, as well as supplied to the schedule and control system.

The multimedia delivery network of the present invention is a customized system where the system displays full-motion video and audio, converts the current audio track to another language analog or digital audio. It is unique in that it overlays the full text on the full-motion video or phototext content and automatically customizes the phototext content on each downlink. The content, whether in full motion, phototext, digital audio or any combination, is qualitatively "clean" broadcasted and automatically synchronized to the video signal. If the content provider is a cable network, an advertisement, a news program or a television listing service, then the content is customized exactly and displayed to the correct demographic audience. And, one calculation of the use of the content can be made.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various changes can be made to the multimedia delivery network of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. The invention includes modifications and variations of the multimedia delivery network included in the claims and their equivalents.

[0075]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it is possible to inexpensively and reliably send customized information from the central part to any number of places belonging to the geographical area. At the same time, it can constitute consumer, commercial, entertainment, educational and advertising communications at each remote location, and can provide appropriate services for the market.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall view of a multimedia network of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a multimedia delivery network.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the structure of a head end of a multimedia sending network.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing functions of a head end.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a multimedia transmission network downlink structure.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing downlink functionality.

[Explanation of symbols]

 30 Satellite 32, 33 Remote Area 35 Head End Antenna 36 Head End Computer 37 Video Tape Recorder 38 Studio 41 Downlink Antenna and Receiver 42 Universal System Platform 44 Matrix Switch 50 Schedule and Control function 51 Local area network 53 Studio 54 Phototext 55 Studio 59 Full motion video 61 Content database 62 Quality control function 71 Schedule protocol processor 72 Schedule data database 73, 74, 75 Studio processor 76 Content database 78 Control processor 81 Quality control processor 83 Network processor 102 Remote control device 103 Communication processor 105 Second storage device 107 First storage Device 108 Second storage device 109 Control processor 111, 112, 113 Video processor 114, 115 Audio processor 116 Cue processor 117 Matrix switch processor 118 Matrix switch

Claims (28)

[Claims] 1. A system for customizing a video signal comprising a central location and a remote location, a communication channel, and studio processor means disposed at said central location for generating a plurality of content data signals. Schedule processor means disposed in the central portion and connected to the studio processor for generating a schedule data signal and a control data signal in response to each of a plurality of content data signals. A network processor which is arranged at the central portion and generates a communication signal by formatting a plurality of content data signals, control data signals and schedule data signals with a video signal. And a transmission unit arranged at the central portion for transmitting a communication signal via the communication channel, and arranged at the remote portion for receiving a communication signal. And a communication processor means for using the control data signal to select a first content data signal to be directed to the remote location from a plurality of content data signals, and located at the remote location. First means connected to said communication processor for storing a video signal and located at said remote location and connected to said communication processor means for storing a first content data signal. Second means, located at the remote location and connected to the first means, and responsive to the schedule data signal for mixing the first content data signal with the video signal. A video signal customizing system comprising: a video processor means. 2. A central unit for customizing a television signal having a video signal, studio processor means for generating at least one content data signal, means for storing each content data signal, Schedule processor means connected to the studio processor for generating a schedule data signal in response to each content data signal, and a communication signal from the plurality of content data signals and the schedule data signal. Network processor means for generating, a transmitter for transmitting a communication signal, and a control processor for integrally adjusting the operations of the studio processor means, the schedule processor means and the network processor means. Central office device. 3. The central office unit of claim 2, further comprising a quality control processor that simulates a downlink system by assembling and displaying a content data signal with a video signal. 4. A central location device for customizing television advertisements using video signals to generate at least one content data signal and to schedule data in response to each content data signal. -Providing processor means for generating a data signal and for generating a communication data signal by formatting each content data signal and a schedule data signal, and a transmitter for transmitting the communication signal Central device. 5. A method of customizing a television signal having at least one video signal using a processor and a transmitter, the method comprising: generating a plurality of content data signals; and generating a schedule data signal. And a step of generating a communication signal from a plurality of content data signals and a schedule data signal, and a step of transmitting the communication signal via a communication channel. Customizing method. 6. A remote control unit for customizing a television signal using at least one content data signal, a schedule data signal and a control data signal. Communication processor means for selecting a first content data signal directed to a remote location device in response to a first content data signal, and second means for storing the first content data signal; and a schedule data signal. A remote location device responsive to the first content data signal for mixing the first content data signal with the video signal. 7. A remote location device for customizing a television signal having at least one content data signal, comprising: communication processor means for selecting a first content data signal; and first content data. A remote station device comprising second means for storing signals and video processor means for mixing the first content data signal with the video signal. 8. The remote unit according to claim 7, wherein the second storage means comprises a data recording device. 9. The remote location device of claim 7, further comprising a control processor for integrally coordinating operation of the communications processor means, the second storage means and the video processor means. 10. A remote area network according to claim 9, further comprising a local area network connecting said control processor, said communication processor means, said second storage means and said video processor means. Department equipment. 11. The remote site device according to claim 7, further comprising a remote control device for controlling the remote site from a central site. 12. A video signal and at least one content data.
A remote station device for customizing a television signal using a data signal and a communication processor means for receiving a communication signal and selecting a first content data signal; Means for storing the content data signal of, and a video processor means for mixing the first content data signal with a video signal, the communication processor means being connected to the communication processor means and the second means; Means, a second processor, and a control processor for coordinating the operation of the video processor means. 13. The remote unit according to claim 12, wherein the second storage means comprises a data recording device. 14. A remote area network as set forth in claim 12, further comprising a local area network communicating said control processor, said communication processor means, said second storage means and said video processor means. Department equipment. 15. A remote control device for controlling the remote part device from a central part is further provided.
The remote office device according to item 2. 16. A remote location device for customizing a video presentation using a communication signal comprising a video signal and a content data signal, wherein the communication signal is received and the content data signal is separated from the communication signal. Communication processor means, a video processor means connected to the communication processor means for mixing a content data signal with a video signal, an integrated adjustment of the operations of the communication processor means and the video processor means, and the communication processor A remote processor comprising a control processor connected to said video processor means. 17. The remote location system of claim 16 further comprising a local area network connecting said communication processor means and said video processor means. 18. The remote location device of claim 16, further comprising a remote control device for controlling the remote location device from the central location. 19. A remote unit for customizing a video presentation having at least a content data signal, processor means for mixing a first content data signal with a video signal, said processor means and a plurality of means. A matrix switch connected to the consumer channel; and matrix switch processor means for controlling the matrix switch and routing the video and content data signals to a particular consumer channel. Remote office equipment. 20. The remote office device according to claim 19, further comprising a remote control device for controlling the remote office device from the central office. 21. In a remote location device for customizing a video signal using a first content data signal, first means for storing the video signal and storing the first content data signal. Second means; video processor means connected to the first storage means and the second storage means for mixing a first content data signal with a video signal; the first storage means; A remote location device comprising a second storage means and a control processor for coordinating the operation of the video processor means. 22. A local area network for connecting the communication processor means, the first storage means, the second storage means and the video processor means, further comprising: The remote unit described. 23. The remote location device of claim 21, further comprising a remote control device for controlling the remote location device from the central location. 24. An apparatus for customizing a video signal having a central location and a remote location, a communication channel, studio processor means for generating content data signals, and a schedule for generating schedule processor signals. -Processor means, network processor means for generating communication signals from video signals, content data signals and schedule signals, means for transmitting communication signals via said communication channel, and reception of communication signals And a communication processor means for selecting the video signal and the content data signal, a first means for storing the video signal, a second means for storing the first content data signal, and a first content. A video signal customizing device comprising video processor means for mixing a data signal with a video signal. 25. An apparatus for customizing a video signal, comprising a central location and a remote location, a communication channel, studio processor means disposed at said central location for generating content data signals, said central location. Network processor means located at a central location for generating a communication signal having a video signal and content data signal; means located at the central location for transmitting the communication signal through the communication channel; and the remote location. Is located in place to receive communication signals and
A video signal customizing device comprising: a communication processor means for selecting a data signal; and a video processor means arranged at the remote location for mixing the content data signal with the video signal. 26. A matrix switch connected to said video processor means and a plurality of consumer channels; controlling said matrix switch in response to an insert queue signal; and transmitting a video signal to a first content data signal. 26. The apparatus of claim 25, further comprising matrix switch processor means for routing to a particular consumer channel. 27. A method of using a processor to customize at least one content data signal and a video signal, wherein a communication signal is received and a first content data signal is from a plurality of content data signals. A step of selecting, a step of storing the first content data signal, a step of mixing the first content data signal with a video signal to generate a multimedia signal, and a specific consumption of the multimedia signal. Providing a route to a user channel. 28. A method of using a processor to customize a content data signal and a video signal, the method comprising: mixing a content data signal with a video signal; mixing with a first content data signal. Routing the video signal to a particular consumer channel.