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United States Patent6160989
Hendricks , ; et al.December 12, 2000
Title
Network controller for cable television delivery systems
Abstract
A novel network controller for use with a digital cable headend capable of monitoring and controlling set top terminals in a television program delivery system is described. The invention relates to methods and apparatus for a network controller that manages a configuration of set top terminals in a program delivery system. The invention is particularly useful in program delivery systems with hundreds of channels of programming, a menu driven program selection system, and a program control information signal that carries data and identifies available program choices. Specifically, the invention modifies a program control information signal at the cable headend before the modified signal is transmitted to each set top terminal. This signal is used with polling methods to receive upstream data from the set top terminals. The invention initiates such upstream data retrieval, gathers all data received and compiles viewer demographics information and programs watched information. The invention processes this data and information to generate packages of advertisements, as well as account and billing reports, targeted towards each set top terminal. The invention uses upstream data reception hardware, databases and processing hardware and software to accomplish these functions.
Inventors:Hendricks; John S. (Potomac, MD), Bonner; Alfred E.  (Bethesda, MD)
Assignee:Discovery Communications, Inc. (Bethesda, MD)
Appl. No.:735552
Filed:October 23, 1996
Current U.S. Class:725/36 725/127 725/128 
Field of Search:348/6,9,10,11,12,13,7,14,15,16,17,18,1,2,3 455/4.2,5.1,6.1,6.2,6.3
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Primary Examiner: Grant; Chris
Attorney, Agent or Firm:Dorsey & Whitney LLP
Parent Case Text


RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08,160,280, filed Dec. 2, 1993 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,600,364 which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 07/991,074 filed Dec. 9, 1992 entitled TELEVISION PROGRAM PACKAGING AND DELIVERY SYSTEM WITH MENU DRIVEN SUBSCRIBER ACCESS. The following other continuation-in-part applications, also based on the above-referenced patent application, are incorporated herein by reference:

Ser. No. 08/160,281, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,798,785, entitled REPROGRAMMABLE TERMINAL FOR SUGGESTING PROGRAMS OFFERED ON A TELEVISION PROGRAM DELIVERY SYSTEM

Ser. No. 08/160,281, now U.S. Pat No. 5,659,350, entitled AN OPERATIONS CENTER FOR A TELEVISION PROGRAM PACKAGING AND DELIVERY SYSTEM

Ser. No. 08/160,193, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,734,853, entitled SET TOP TERMINAL FOR CABLE TELEVISION DELIVERY SYSTEMS

Ser. No. 08/160,194, Now U.S. Pat. No. 5,990,927, entitled ADVANCED SET TOP TERMINAL FOR CABLE TELEVISION DELIVERY SYSTEMS

Ser. No. 08/160,283, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,682,195, entitled DIGITAL CABLE HEADEND FOR CABLE TELEVISION DELIVERY SYSTEM
Claims

What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for providing digital program signals to subscriber locations, capable of inserting local availability signals and selecting digital program signals received from outside sources, comprising:
a means for receiving digital program signals;
digital logic circuitry, connected to the receiving means, wherein digital program signals may be inserted and wherein digital programs may be selected;
a processor, operably connected to the digital logic circuitry, wherein insertion of local availability signals are controlled and wherein the selection of digital program signals are controlled; and
means for sending programs, operably connected to the digital logic circuitry, wherein digital program signals are sent to subscriber locations, and wherein digital program signals that have been inserted or selected are sent to subscriber locations.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the digital logic circuitry comprises a combiner, wherein digital program signals are combined.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the digital logic circuitry comprises a local inserter, wherein local availability signals are inserted to be sent to subscriber locations.

4. The apparatus of claim wherein the receiving means comprises an integrated receiver decoder.

5. An apparatus for providing digital program signals to subscriber locations, capable of inserting local availability signals and selecting digital program signals received from outside sources, comprising:
a means for receiving digital program signals;
digital logic circuitry, connected to the receiving means, wherein digital program signals may be inserted and wherein digital programs may be selected;
a processor, operably connected to the digital logic circuitry, wherein insertion of local availability signals are controlled and wherein the selection of digital program signals are controlled;
means for sending programs, operably connected to the digital logic circuitry, wherein digital program signals are sent to subscriber locations, and wherein digital program signals that have been inserted or selected are sent to subscriber locations; and
wherein the sending means comprises a serializer wherein the serializer serializes digital program signals.

6. An apparatus for use in a cable television system using signals having parts that contain data on programs comprising:
an integrated receiver demodulater comprising:
a means for receiving an RF signal;
a means for amplifying the received RF signal, wherein the means for amplifying minimizes the amount of noise amplified;
a means for demodulating the amplified signal;
means for filtering the demodulated signal; and
a means for transmitting the demodulated signal; and
a demultiplexer comprising:
a means for splitting the transmitted signal into component parts wherein each component contains video and audio data on a single program; and
a means for extracting data from the transmitted signal.

7. An apparatus for use in a program delivery system having a plurality of program signals, wherein the apparatus receives directions for local insertion from a remote source, comprising:
a receiver, wherein directions for local insertion from a remote source are received;
a processor, operably connected to the receiver, wherein the directions from the remote source are processed to generate a processed signal;
a local inserter, connected to the processor, wherein local programming is inserted into a program signal using the processed signal from the processor; and
a modulator, wherein a plurality of program signals including the program signal carrying the inserted local programming is modulated; and
wherein the receiver receives selecting directions on a subset of programs from the plurality of programs to be selected from a remote source, the processor processes the selecting directions, and wherein the local inserter comprises:
digital logic, wherein the digital logic selects programs using the processed directions, and wherein the modulator modulates the selected programs.

8. An apparatus for a program signal delivery system wherein digital program signals are used comprising:
a receiver, wherein program signals are received;
a demultiplexor, connected to the receiver, wherein program signals are demultiplexed for processing;
digital logic, connected to the demultiplexer, wherein demultiplexed signals are processed;
a control processing unit, operably connected to the digital logic, wherein the processing of the demultiplexed signals in the digital logic is controlled;
multiplexor, connected to the digital logic, wherein processed signals are multiplexed; and
a modulator, connected to the multiplexer, wherein multiplexed signals are modulated and wherein the modulated signal is forwarded to subscribers.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the processing of signals includes local insertion of program signals.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the processing of signals includes selection of certain demultiplexed signals.

11. An apparatus for use with a network having subscribers that uses two-way communications allowing upstream data transmission from the subscriber comprising:
a two-way communication system comprising
one or more diplex filters, wherein the diplex filters facilitate upstream data transmissions;
a signal processor, operably connected to the two-way communication system, wherein signals are processed before being sent downstream to subscribers;
an RF combiner, connected to the two-way communication system, wherein upstream data transmissions are received front the two-way communication system; and
a network controller, connected to the RF combiner, wherein upstream data transmissions are received from the RF combiner and wherein program control information is used, and the network controller comprises a processing unit, wherein program control information is processed.

12. An apparatus for use with a network having subscribers that uses two-way communications allowing upstream data transmission from the subscriber comprising:
a two-way communication system comprising
one or more diplex filters, wherein the diplex filters facilitate upstream data transmissions;
a signal processor, operably connected to the two-way communication system, wherein signals are processed before being sent downstream to subscribers;
an RF combiner, connected to the two-way communication system, wherein upstream data transmissions are received from the two-way communication system; and
a network controller, connected to the RF combiner, wherein upstream data transmissions are received from the RF combiner and wherein the network controller comprises memory and a processing unit, wherein programs watched information received from the RF combiner is processed by the processing unit and stored in the memory.

13. An apparatus for use with a network having subscribers that uses two-way communications allowing upstream data transmission from the subscriber comprising:
a two-way communication system comprising
one or more diplex filters, wherein the diplex filters facilitate upstream data transmissions;
a signal processor, operably connected to the two-way communication system, wherein signals are processed before being sent downstream to subscribers;
an RF combiner, connected to the two-way communication system, wherein upstream data transmissions are received from the two-way communication system; and
a network controller, connected to the RF combiner, wherein upstream data transmissions are received from the RF combiner and wherein the network controller comprises:
a memory, wherein an interactive game program is stored; and
a processor, operably connected to the memory, wherein the processor executes an interactive game program.

14. A computer system for a network which is capable of controlling video and audio delivery to subscriber locations and other computer network control functions, wherein signal processing equipment is used, comprising:
a network connecting subscriber locations;
a plurality of terminals, connected to the network, to allow subscribers at subscriber locations to access the network;
a processor, connected to the network, wherein the processor generates control signals to control the distribution of video and audio signals to the plurality of terminals located at subscriber locations; and
an interface, connected to the processor, wherein the interface is connected to signal processing equipment; and
wherein subscribers interact with other subscribers on the network and the processor processes subscriber requests to interact with other subscribers and wherein the means to allow subscribers to interact with other subscribers comprises an interactive game, wherein more than one subscriber plays the same game.

15. A network controller for use in a cable system for choosing text overlays, wherein a subscriber may request a text overlay representing the audio associated with the video to a program, wherein a set top terminal transmits the subscriber requests comprising:
a means for receiving subscriber requests;
a processor to identify the subscriber request for text overlays from a plurality of subscriber requests;
a means for choosing the corresponding text overlay from a plurality of text overlays; and
a means for transmitting text overlay to the set top terminal for display.

16. The network controller of claim 15 further comprising:
means for receiving control signals with text overlay;
means for processing the received control signals for text overlay.

17. The network controller of claim 15 wherein programs may have sign language video associated with the program wherein the sign language video is displayed.

18. The network controller of claim 17 wherein the sign language video is transmitted on a separate channel to the subscriber.

19. A system for choosing audio channels, wherein more than one audio channel may exist for a video, comprising:
a signal processor, wherein a plurality of video and audio channels are received, and wherein a received video may have multiple audio channels;
a controller, wherein the controller selects one or more received audio channels, wherein one or more audio channels that correspond to a received video are selected; and
a distribution system, operably connected to the controller, wherein the selected audio channels are distributed and a listener receives one or more audio channels; and
wherein a program control information signal is used by the controller to select one or more received audio channels.

20. The system of claim 19 wherein the program control information signal is received by the signal processor, further comprising an interface connecting the signal processor and the controller, wherein the program control information signal is passed between the signal processor and controller using the interface.

21. An apparatus for use in a program delivery system having a plurality of program signals, wherein the apparatus receives directions for local insertion from a remote source, comprising:
a receiver, wherein directions for local insertion from a remote source are received;
a database, containing information on the plurality of programs;
a processor, operably connected to the receiver and database, wherein the directions from the remote source are processed to generate a processed signal;
a local inserter, connected to the processor, wherein local programming is inserted into a digital program signal using the processed signal from the processor; and
a modulator, wherein a plurality of program signals including the program signal carrying the inserted local programming is modulated.

22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the local programming is advertising and the directions for local insertion are directions for inserting advertisements.

23. The apparatus of claim 21 further comprising:
a signal processor, operably connected to the modulator, wherein the signal processor receives a plurality of program signals from the remote source.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to television entertainment systems for providing television programming to consumer homes. More particularly, the invention relates to a network controller that monitors, controls and manages a television program delivery network from a cable headend.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Advances in television entertainment have been primarily driven by breakthroughs in technology. In 1939, advances on Vladmir Zworykin's picture tube provided the stimulus for NBC to begin its first regular broadcasts. In 1975, advances in satellite technology provided consumers with increased programming to homes.

Many of these technology breakthroughs have produced inconvenient systems for consumers. One example is the ubiquitous three remote control home, having a separate and unique remote control for the TV, cable box and VCR. More recently, technology has provided cable users in certain parts of the country with 100 channels of programming. This increased program capacity is beyond the ability of many consumers to use effectively. No method of managing the program choices has been provided to consumers.

Consumers are demanding that future advances in television entertainment, particularly programs and program choices, be presented to the consumer in a user friendly manner. Consumer preferences, instead of technological breakthroughs, will drive the television entertainment market for at least the next 20 years. As computer vendors have experienced a switch from marketing new technology in computer hardware to marketing better useability, interfaces and service, the television entertainment industry will also experience a switch from new technology driving the market to consumer useability driving the market.

Consumers want products incorporating new technology that are useful, and will no longer purchase new technology for the sake of novelty or status. Technological advances in sophisticated hardware are beginning to surpass the capability of the average consumer to use the new technology. Careful engineering must be done to make entertainment products incorporating new technology useful and desired by consumers.

In order for new television entertainment products to be successful, the products must satisfy consumer demands. TV consumers wish to go from limited viewing choices to a variety of choices, from no control of programming to complete control. Consumers wish to advance from cumbersome and inconvenient television to easy and convenient television and keep costs down. Consumers do not wish to pay for one hundred channels when due to lack of programming information, they seldom, if ever, watch programming on many of these channels. Viewers wish their programming to be customized and targeted to their needs and tastes.

The concepts of interactive television, high definition television and 300 channel cable systems in consumer homes will not sell if they are not packaged, delivered and presented in a useable fashion to consumers. Consumers are already being bombarded with programming options, numerous "free" cable channels, subscription cable channels and pay-per-view choices. Any further increase in TV entertainment choices, without a user friendly presentation and approach, will likely bewilder viewers with a mind-numbing array of choices.

The TV industry has traditionally marketed and sold its programs to consumers in bulk, such as continuous feed broadcast and long-term subscriptions to movie channels. The TV industry is unable to sell its programming in large quantities on a unit per unit basis, such as the ordering of one program. Consumers prefer a unit sales approach because it keeps costs down and allows the consumer to be more selective in their viewing.

In today's television world, networks manage the program lineup for individual channels. Each network analyzes ratings for television shows and determines the appropriate schedule or program lineup to gain market share and revenue from advertising. Program ratings are determined using a test group of viewers and statistical analysis methods. Since each channel is in competition with every other channel, there is no coordinated effort to organize television programming in a manner that primarily suits the viewers.

Advertising has become equally annoying, with viewers being "forced" to watch television commercials for goods and services that are neither needed nor desired. As a result, consumers have become impatient and dissatisfied with today's television delivery systems. Equally problematic, these television delivery systems do not have the capabilities or features necessary to operate in the digital environment. Consequently, advances in digital technology call for a new television program delivery system that is capable of satisfying varying consumer and viewer needs.

Existing cable headends are unequipped for the transition to a digital system. These cable headends have no means for monitoring and controlling the large numbers of program signals and advertisements that will eventually be passed on to both consumers and viewers. These cable headends are unequipped to manage account and billing information for set top terminals without relying on telephone lines. In addition, these cable headends have no means for targeting advertisements to particular consumers and viewers.

What is needed is a network controller for a digital cable headend used in a television delivery system.

What is needed is a versatile network controller for a cable headend.

What is needed is a network controller for use in a cable headend that is capable of operating in both the digital and analog environment.

What is needed is certain components of a network controller for a digital cable headend used in a cable television delivery system.

What is needed is a network controller capable of controlling multiple video/audio program signals received by a cable headend from a satellite transponder.

What is needed is a network controller that can control the routing of both analog and digital video/audio program signals from cable headend to viewer homes.

What is needed is a network controller component for a cable headend that controls the combining the digital video/audio signals.

What is needed is a network controller that creates tiered programming by combining various digital video/audio signals.

What is needed is a network controller for a cable headend that accommodates different bandwidth availability between cable headend and certain viewer homes.

What is needed is a network controller capable of modifying program control information received from an external source.

What is needed is a network controller capable of targeting video to viewers.

What is needed is a network controller capable of targeting television commercials to specific consumers and viewers.

What is needed is a network controller capable of gathering information on programs watched by viewers.

What is needed is a better method of determining program ratings.

What is needed is a network controller capable of managing account and billing information.

The present invention is addressed to fulfill these needs.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention is a network controller for a television delivery system. The network controller is the central component that provides monitoring and control of set top terminals in a television delivery system. The network controller is a key component of a digital cable television delivery system. The network controller of the present invention provides much greater capability and flexibility than existing cable headend control equipment.

The network controller of the preferred embodiment performs all its cable network monitoring and control of set top terminals within the cable headend. The cable headend receives and processes digitally compressed program signals before the signals are relayed to each set top terminal. Each cable headend site is equipped with multiple satellite receiver dishes and a signal processor.

As an intermediary between the set top terminals and the program delivery system's operations center (or other remote site), the cable headend relies on the network controller to perform key cable system operations. In particular, the network controller accommodates regional programming needs by working with other cable headend components. The network controller also performs the system control functions for the cable system.

The primary function of the network controller is to manage the configuration of set top terminals and process signals received from the set top terminals. In the preferred embodiment, the network controller monitors, among other things, automatic poll-back responses from the set top terminals remotely located at each subscribers' home. The polling and automatic report-back cycle occurs frequently enough to allow the network controller to maintain accurate account and billing information as well as monitor authorized channel access.

In the simplest embodiment, information to be sent to the network controller will be stored in RAM within each subscriber's set top terminal and will be retrieved only upon polling by the network controller. Retrieval may, for example, occur on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. The network controller allows the system to maintain complete information on all programs watched using a particular set top terminal.

The network controller is also able to respond to the immediate needs of a set top terminal, or a group of set top terminals. The network controller can modify a program signal received from the program delivery system's operations center before the program signal is transmitted to the set top terminal. Therefore, the network controller enables the delivery system to adapt to the specific requirements of individual set top terminals when information on these requirements cannot be provided to the operations center in advance. In other words, the network controller is able to perform "on the fly programming" changes. With this capability, the network controller can handle sophisticated local programming needs such as interactive television services, split screen video, and selection of different foreign languages for the same video. In addition, the network controller controls and monitors all compressors and decompressors in the system.

The network controller makes use of a number of software routines that assist the network controller to perform its major functions. One of the major routines assists the network controller to modify the program control information so that changes and additions in programming and advertisements can be accommodated. Such changes and additions include set top terminal access authorizations and deauthorizations.

A set top terminal data gathering routine allows the network controller to schedule and perform polling of all set top terminals operating in the system. The software also provides the network controller with a means of processing status reports received from set top terminals in response to polling requests.

A video targeting routine makes use of a viewer's demographic information and viewing habits to determine those advertisements that are of most interest to that particular viewer. In so doing, the routine generates packages of advertisements targeted towards each viewer.

Finally, an additional routine correlates the programs accessed with pricing information to generate billing reports that can be sent to a given set top terminal over the cable distribution network. Aside from this routine, the network controller accommodates other methods of billing and account maintenance, such as through the use of remote billing sites.

The present invention is not only able to operate in the digital environment but also introduces many new features to television program delivery and cable headend control.

It is an object of this invention to provide a network controller for a television delivery system.

It is an object of this invention to provide a network controller for a digital cable headend used in a cable television delivery system.

It is an object of this invention to provide certain needed components of a network controller for a digital cable headend used in a cable television delivery system.

It is an object of this invention to provide a versatile network controller for a cable headend.

It is an object of this invention to provide a network controller for use in a cable headend that is capable of operating in both the digital and analog environment.

It is an object of this invention to provide a network controller capable of controlling multiple video/audio program signals received by a cable headend.

It is an object of this invention to provide a network controller that can control the routing of both analog and digital video/audio program signals from cable headend to viewer homes.

It is an object of this invention to provide a network controller component for a cable headend that controls the combining the digital video/audio signals.

It is an object of this invention to provide a network controller that creates tiered programming by combining various digital video/audio signals.

It is an object of this invention to provide a network controller for a cable headend that accommodates different bandwidth availability between cable headend and certain viewer homes.

It is an object of the invention to provide a network controller capable of modifying program control information received from an external source.

It is an object of the invention to provide a network controller capable of targeting specific video/audio to specific viewers.

It is an object of the invention to provide a network controller capable of targeting television commercials to specific consumers and viewers.

It is an object of the invention to provide a network controller capable of retrieving data gathered at set top terminals.

It is an object of this invention to provide a network controller capable of managing account and billing information.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become obvious to those skilled in the art upon review of the following description, the attached drawings and appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of the primary components of the television delivery system.

FIG. 2 is an overview of the television delivery system operations.

FIG. 3 is a schematic of the operation of the primary components of the system.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of the primary components of the cable headend.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of the cable headend showing the primary components of the network controller.

FIG. 6a is a schematic of a basic cable headend having network controller components.

FIG. 6b is a schematic of an alternative embodiment of FIG. 6a.

FIG. 7 is a detailed diagram of the components of the cable headend.

FIG. 8a is a drawing of a broadcast television menu screen to be displayed on a set top terminal.

FIG. 8b is a drawing of a hit movie menu screen to be displayed on a set top terminal.

FIG. 8c is a drawing of a hit movie description menu screen to be displayed on a set top terminal.

FIG. 9a is a diagram for out-of-band two-way data transmission for a digital/analog headend.

FIG. 9b is a diagram for in-band two-way data transmission for a digital/analog headend.

FIG. 10a is a diagram of the polling request message format.

FIG. 10b is a diagram of the polling response message format with an expanded view of the programs accessed block field.

FIG. 11 is a diagram of the network controller CPU and its relational components.

FIG. 12 is diagram of the network control database structure.

FIG. 13 is a diagram of the relationship between the major software routines.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the software flow chart for the Modifying PCI routine.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of the software flow chart for the Polling Cycle routine.

FIG. 16 is a diagram of a sample programs watched matrix.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of the software flow chart for the Basic Advertisement Targeting routine.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of the subroutine flow chart for processing programs watched matrices through correlation algorithms.

FIG. 19 is a diagram of the subroutine flow chart for determining final groupings of set top terminals.

FIG. 20a is a diagram showing a sample assignment of advertising channels to set top terminal groups watching particular categories of programs.

FIG. 20b is a diagram assigning available bandwidth for multiple advertising channels.

FIG. 21 is a diagram of the software flow chart for an alternative to the Basic Advertisement Targeting routine.

FIG. 22 is a diagram of the software flow chart for the Account/Billing routine.

FIG. 23 is a diagram of an embodiment that uses remote statistical and billing sites.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A. Television Program Delivery System Description

1. Introduction

FIG. 1 shows the present invention as part of an expanded cable television program delivery system 200 that dramatically increases programming capacity using compressed transmission of television program signals. Developments in digital bandwidth compression technology now allow much greater throughput of television program signals over existing or slightly modified transmission media. The program delivery system 200 shown provides subscribers with a user friendly interface to operate and exploit a six-fold or more increase in current program delivery capability.

Subscribers are able to access an expanded television program package and view selected programs through a menu-driven access scheme that allows each subscriber to select individual programs by sequencing a series of menus. The menus are sequenced by the subscriber using simple alpha-numeric and iconic character access or moving a cursor or highlight bar on the TV screen to access desired programs by simply pressing a single button, rather than recalling from memory and pressing the actual two or more digit numeric number assigned to a selection. Thus, with the press of a single button, the subscriber can advance from one menu to the next. In this fashion, the subscriber can sequence the menus and select a program from any given menu. The programs are grouped by category so that similar program offerings are found on the same menu.

2. Major System Components

In its most basic form, the system uses a program delivery system 200 in conjunction with a conventional concatenated cable television system 210. The program delivery system 200 generally includes (i) at least one operations center 202, where program packaging and control information are created and then assembled in the form of digital data, (ii) a digital compression system, where the digital data is compressed, combined/multiplexed, encoded, and mapped into digital signals for satellite transmission to the cable headend 208, and (iii) a set of in-home decompressors. The program delivery system 200 transports the digital signals to the cable headend 208 where the signals are transmitted through a concatenated cable television system
210. Within the cable headend 208, the received signals may be decoded, demultiplexed, managed by a local central distribution and switching mechanism, combined and then transmitted to the set top terminal 220 located in each subscriber's home over the cable system 210. Although concatenated cable systems 210 are the most prevalent transmission media to the home, telephone lines, cellular networks, fiberoptics, Personal Communication Networks and similar technology for transmitting to the home can be used interchangeably with this program delivery system 200.

The delivery system 200 has a reception region 207 with an in-home decompression capability. This capability is performed by a decompressor housed within a set top terminal 220 in each subscriber's home. The decompressor remains transparent from the subscriber's point of view and allows any of the compressed signals to be demultiplexed and individually extracted from the composite data stream and then individually decompressed upon selection by the subscriber. The decompressed video signals are converted into analog signals for television display. Such analog signals include NTSC formatted signals for use by a standard television. Control signals are likewise extracted and decompressed and then either executed immediately or placed in local storage such as a RAM. Multiple sets of decompression hardware may be used to decompress video and control signals. The set top terminal 220 may then overlay or combine different signals to form the desired display on the subscriber's television. Graphics on video or picture-on-picture are examples of such a display.

Although a single digital compression standard (e.g., MPEG) may be used for both the program delivery system 200 and the concatenated cable system 210, the compression technique used may differ between the two systems. When the compression standards differ between the two media, the signals received by the cable headend 208 must be decompressed before transmission from the headend 208 to the set top terminals 220. Subsequently, the cable headend 208 must recompress and transmit the signals to the set top terminal 220, which would then decompress the signals using a specific decompression algorithm.

The video signals and program control signals received by the set top terminal 220 correspond to specific television programs and menu selections that each subscriber may access through a subscriber interface. The subscriber interface is a device with buttons located on the set top terminal 220 or on a portable remote control 900. In the preferred system embodiment, the subscriber interface is a combined alpha-character, numeric and iconic remote control device 900, which provides direct or menu-driven program access. The preferred subscriber interface also contains cursor movement and go buttons as well as alpha, numeric and iconic buttons. This subscriber interface and menu arrangement enables the subscriber to sequence through menus by choosing from among several menu options that are displayed on the television screen. In addition, a user may bypass several menu screens and immediately choose a program by selecting the appropriate alpha-character, numeric or iconic combinations on the subscriber interface. In the preferred embodiment, the set top terminal 220 generates the menus that are displayed on the television by creating arrays of particular menu templates, and the set top terminal 220 displays a specific menu or submenu option for each available video signal.

3. Operations Center and Digital Compression System

The operations center 202 performs two primary services, packaging television programs and generating the program control information signal. At the operations center 202, television programs are received from external program sources in both analog and digital form. FIG. 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 program source that can provide audio or visual signals. Once the programs are received from the external program sources, the operations center 202 digitizes (and preferably compresses) any program signals received in analog form. The operations center 202 may also maintain an internal storage of programs. The internally stored programs may be in analog or digital form and stored on permanent or volatile memory sources, including magnetic tape or RAM. Subsequent to receiving programming, the operations center 202 packages the programs into the groups and categories which provide the optimal marketing of the programs to subscribers. For example, the operations center 202 may package the same programs into different categories and menus for weekday, prime-time viewing and Saturday afternoon viewing. Also, the operations center 202 packages the television programs in a manner that enables both the various menus to easily represent the programs and the subscribers to easily access the programs through the menus.

The packaging of the digital signals is typically performed at the operations center 202 by computer assisted packaging equipment (CAP). The CAP system normally includes at least one computer monitor, keyboard, mouse, and standard video editing equipment. A programmer packages the signals by entering certain information into the CAP. This information includes the date, time slot, and program category of the various programs. The programmer and the CAP utilize demographic data and ratings in performing the packaging tasks. After the programmer selects the various programs from a pool of available programs and inputs the requisite information, the programmer, with assistance from the CAP, can select the price and allocate transponder space for the various programs. After the process is complete, the CAP displays draft menus or program schedules that correspond to the entries of the programmer. The CAP may also graphically display allocation of transponder space. The programmer may edit the menus and transponder allocation several times until satisfied with the programming schedule. During the editing, the programmer may direct the exact location of any program name on a menu with simple commands to the CAP.

The packaging process also accounts for any groupings by satellite transponder which are necessary. The operations center 202 may send different groups of programs to different cable headends 208 and/or set top terminals 220. One way the operations center 202 may accomplish this task is to send different program packages to each transponder. Each transponder, or set of transponders, then relays a specific program package to specific cable headends 208 and/or set top terminals 220. The allocation of transponder space is an important task performed by the operations center 202.

The operations center 202 may also "insert" directions for filling local available program time in the packaged signal to enable local cable and television companies to fill the program time with local advertising and/or local programming. Consequently, the local cable headends 208 are not constrained to show only programs transmitted from the operations center 202. New set top converters will incorporate both digital and analog channels. Therefore, the cable headend 208 may combine analog signals with the digital signals prior to transmitting the program signals to the set top terminals 220.

After the CAP packages the programs, it creates a program control information signal to be delivered with the program package to the cable headend 208 and/or set top terminal 220. The program control information signal contains a description of the contents of the program package, commands to be sent to the cable headend 208 and/or set top terminal 220, and other information relevant to the signal transmission.

In addition to packaging the signal, the operations center 202 employs digital compression techniques to increase existing satellite transponder capacity by at least a 4:1 ratio, resulting in a four-fold increase in program delivery capability. A number of digital compression algorithms currently exist which can achieve the resultant increase in capacity and improved signal quality desired for the system. The algorithms generally use one or more of three basic digital compression techniques: (1) within-frame (intraframe) compression, (2) frame-to-frame (interframe) compression, and (3) within carrier compression. Specifically, in the preferred embodiment, the MPEG 2 compression method is used. After digital compression, the signals are combined (multiplexed) and encoded. The combined signal is subsequently transmitted to various uplink sites 204.

There may be a single uplink site 204 or multiple uplink sites (represented by 204', shown in phantom in FIG. 1) for each operation center 202. The uplink sites 204 may either be located in the same geographical place or may be located remotely from the operations center 202. Once the composite signal is transmitted to the uplink sites 204, the signal may be multiplexed with other signals, modulated, upconverted and amplified for transmission over satellite. Multiple cable headends 208 may receive such transmissions.

In addition to multiple uplinks, the delivery system 200 may also contain multiple operations centers. The preferred method for using multiple operations centers is to designate one of the operations centers as a master operations center and to designate the remaining operations centers as slave operations centers. In this configuration, the master operations center coordinates various functions among the slave operations centers such as synchronization of simultaneous transmissions and distributes the operations workload efficiently.

4. Cable Headend

After the operations center 202 has compressed and encoded the program signals and transmitted the signals to the satellite, the cable headend 208 receives and further processes the signals before they are relayed to each set top terminal 220. Each cable headend site is generally equipped with multiple satellite receiver dishes. Each dish is capable of handling multiple transponder signals from a single satellite and sometimes from multiple satellites.

As an intermediary between the set top terminals 220 and the operations center 202 (or other remote site), the cable headend 208 performs two primary functions. First, the cable headend 208 acts as a distribution center, or signal processor, by relaying the program signal to the set top terminal 220 in each subscriber's home. In addition, the cable headend 208 acts as a network controller 214 by receiving information from each set top terminal 220 and passing such information on to an information gathering site such as the operations center 202.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment where the cable headend 208 and the subscriber's home are linked by certain communications media 216. In this particular embodiment, analog signals, digitally compressed signals, other digital signals and up-stream/interactivity signals are sent and received over the media 216. The cable headend 208 provides such signaling capabilities in its dual roles as a signal processor 209 and network controller 214.

As a signal processor 209, the cable headend 208 prepares the program signals that are received by the cable headend 208 for transmission to each set top terminal 220. In the preferred system, the signal processor 209 re-routes or demultiplexes and recombines the signals and digital information received from the operations center 202 and allocates different portions of the signal to different frequency ranges. Cable headends 208 which offer different subscribers different program offerings may allocate the program signals from the operations center 202 in various manners to accommodate different viewers. The signal processor 209 may also incorporate local programming and/or local advertisements into the program signal and forward the revised signal to the set top terminals 220. To accommodate this local programming availability, the signal processor 209 must combine the local signal in digital or analog form with the operations center program signals. If the local cable system uses a compression standard that is different than the one used by the operations center 202, the signal processor 209 must also decompress and recompress incoming signals so they may be properly formatted for transmission to the set top terminals 220. This process becomes less important as standards develop (i.e., MPEG 2). In addition, the signal processor 209 performs any necessary signal decryption and/or encryption.

As a network controller 214, the cable headend 208 performs the system control functions for the system. The primary function of the network controller 214 is to manage the configuration of the set top terminals 220 and process signals received from the set top terminals 220. In the preferred embodiment, the network controller 214 monitors, among other things, automatic poll-back responses from the set top terminals 220 remotely located at each subscribers' home. The polling and automatic report-back cycle occurs frequently enough to allow the network controller 214 to maintain accurate account and billing information as well as monitor authorized channel access. In the simplest embodiment, information to be sent to the network controller 214 will be stored in RAM within each subscriber's set top terminal 220 and will be retrieved only upon polling by the network controller 214. Retrieval may, for example, occur on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. The network controller 214
allows the system to maintain complete information on all programs watched using a particular set top terminal 220.

The network controller 214 is also able to respond to the immediate needs of a set top terminal 220 by modifying a program control information signal received from the operations center 202. Therefore, the network controller 214 enables the delivery system to adapt to the specific requirements of individual set top terminals 220 when the requirements cannot be provided to the operations center 202 in advance. In other words, the network controller 214 is able to perform "on the fly programming" changes. With this capability, the network controller 214 can handle sophisticated local programming needs such as, for example, interactive television services, split screen video, and selection of different foreign languages for the same video. In addition, the network controller 214 controls and monitors all compressors and decompressors in the system.

The delivery system 200 and digital compression of the preferred embodiment provides a one-way path from the operations center 202 to the cable headend 208. Status and billing information is sent from the set top terminal 220 to the network controller 214 at the cable headend 208 and not directly to the operations center 202. Thus, program monitoring and selection control will take place only at the cable headend 208 by the local cable company and its decentralized network controllers 214
(i.e., decentralized relative to the operations center 202, which is central to the program delivery system 200). The local cable company will in turn be in communication with the operations center 202 or a regional control center (not shown) which accumulates return data from the set top terminal 220 for statistical or billing purposes. In alternative system embodiments, the operations center 202 and the statistical and billing sites are collocated. Further, telephone lines with modems are used to transfer information from the set top terminal 220 to the statistical and billing sites.

5. Set Top Terminal

The set top terminal 220 is the portion of the delivery system 200 that resides in the home of a subscriber. The set top terminal 220 is usually located above or below the subscriber's television, but it may be placed anywhere in or near the subscriber's home as long as it is within the range of the subscriber's remote control device 900. In some aspects, the set top terminal 220 may resemble converter boxes already used by many cable systems. For instance, each set top terminal 220 may include a variety of error detection, decryption, and coding techniques such as anti-taping encoding. However, it will become apparent from the discussion below that the set top terminal 220 is able to perform many functions that an ordinary converter box cannot perform.

The set top terminal 220 has a plurality of input and output ports to enable it to communicate with other local and remote devices. The set top terminal 220 has an input port that receives information from the cable headend 208. In addition, the unit has at least two output ports which provide communications from the set top terminal 220 to a television and a VCR. Certain menu selections may cause the set top terminal 220 to send control signals directly to the VCR to automatically program or operate the VCR. Also, the set top terminal 220 contains a phone Jack which can be used for maintenance, trouble shooting, reprogramming and additional customer features. The set top terminal 220 may also contain stereo/audio output terminals and a satellite dish input port.

Functionally, the set top terminal 220 is the last component in the delivery system chain. The set top terminal 220 receives compressed program and control signals from the cable headend 208 (or, in some cases, directly from the operations center 202). After the set top terminal 220 receives the individually compressed program and control signals, the signals are demultiplexed, decompressed, converted to analog signals (if necessary) and either placed in local storage (from which the menu template may be created), executed immediately, or sent directly to the television screen.

After processing certain signals received from the cable headend 208, the set top terminal 220 is able to store menu templates for creating menus that are displayed on a subscriber's television by using an array of menu templates. Before a menu can be constructed, menu templates must be created and sent to the set top terminal 220 for storage. A microprocessor uses the control signals received from the operations center 202 or cable headend 208 to generate the menu templates for storage. Each menu template may be stored in volatile memory in the set top terminal 220. When the set top terminal receives template information it demultiplexes the program control signals received from the cable headend 208 into four primary parts: video, graphics, program logic and text. Each menu template represents a different portion of a whole menu, such as a menu background, television logo, cursor highlight overlay, or other miscellaneous components needed to build a menu. The menu templates may be deleted or altered using control signals received from the operations center 202 or cable headend 208.

Once the menu templates have been stored in memory, the set top terminal 220 can generate the appropriate menus. In the preferred embodiment, the basic menu format information is stored in memory located within the set top terminal 220 so that the microprocessor may locally access the information from the set top terminal instead of from an incoming signal. The microprocessor next generates the appropriate menus from the menu templates and the other menu information stored in memory. The set top terminal 220 then displays specific menus on the subscriber's television screen that correspond to the inputs the subscriber selects.

If the subscriber selects a specific program from a menu, the set top terminal 220 determines on which channel the program is being shown, demultiplexes and extracts the single channel transmitted from the cable headend 208. The set top terminal
220 then decompresses the channel and, if necessary, converts the program signal to an analog NTSC signal to enable the subscriber to view the selected program. The set top terminal 220 can be equipped to decompress more than one program signal, but this would unnecessarily add to the cost of the unit since a subscriber will generally only view one program at a time. However, two or three decompressors may be desirable to provide picture-on-picture capability, control signal decompression, enhanced channel switching or like features.

In addition to menu information, the set top terminal 220 may also store text transmitted from the cable headend 208 or the operations center 202. The text may inform the subscriber about upcoming events, billing and account status, new subscriptions, or other relevant information. The text will be stored in an appropriate memory location depending on the frequency and the duration of the use of the textual message.

Also, optional upgrades are available to enhance the performance of a subscriber's set top terminal 220. These upgrades may consist of a cartridge or computer card (not shown) that is inserted into an expansion slot in the set top terminal 220
or may consist of a feature offered by the cable headend 208 or operations center 202 to which the user may subscribe. Available upgrades may include on line data base services, interactive multi-media services, access to digital radio channels, and other services.

In the simplest embodiment, available converter boxes such as those manufactured by General Instruments or Scientific Atlanta, may be modified and upgraded to perform the functions of a set top terminal 220. The preferred upgrade is a circuit card with a microprocessor which is electronically connected to or inserted into the converter box.

6. Remote Control Device

The primary conduit for communication between the subscriber and the set top terminal 220 is through the subscriber interface, preferably a remote control device 900. Through this interface, the subscriber may select desired programming through the system's menu-driven scheme or by directly accessing a specific channel by entering the actual channel number. Using the interface, the subscriber can navigate through a series of informative program selection menus. By using menu-driven, iconic or alpha-character access, the subscriber can access desired programs by simply pressing a single button rather than recalling from memory and pressing the actual channel number to make a selection. The subscriber can access regular broadcast and basic cable television stations by using either the numeric keys on the remote control 900 (pressing the corresponding channel number), or one of the menu icon selection options.

In addition to enabling the subscriber to easily interact with the cable system 200, the physical characteristics of the subscriber interface 900 should also add to the user friendliness of the system. The remote control 900 should easily fit in the palm of the user's hand. The buttons of the preferred remote control 900 contain pictorial symbols that are easily identifiable by the subscriber. Also, buttons that perform similar functions may be color coordinated and consist of distinguishing textures to increase the user friendliness of the system.

7. Menu-Driven Program Selection

The menu-driven scheme provides the subscriber with one-step access to all major menus, ranging from hit movies to sport specials to specialty programs. From any of the major menus, the subscriber can in turn access submenus and minor menus by cursor or alpha-character access.

There are two different types of menus utilized by the preferred embodiment, the Program Selection menus and the During Program menus. The first series of menus, Program Selection menus, consists of an Introductory, a Home, Major menus, and Submenus. The second series of menus, During Program menus, consists of two primary types, Hidden menus and the Program Overlay menus.

Immediately after the subscriber turns on the set top terminal 220, the Introductory menu welcomes the subscriber to the system. The Introductory menu may display important announcements from the local cable franchise, advertisements from the cable provider, or other types of messages. In addition, the Introductory menu can inform the subscriber if the cable headend 208 has sent a personal message to the subscriber's particular set top terminal 220.

After the Introductory menu has been displayed the subscriber may advance to the next level of menus, namely the Home menu. In the preferred embodiment, after a certain period of time, the cable system will advance the subscriber by default to the Home menu. From the Home menu, the subscriber is able to access all of the programming options. The subscriber may either select a program directly by entering the appropriate channel number from the remote control 900, or the subscriber may sequence through incremental levels of menu options starting from the Home menu. The Home menu lists categories that correspond to the first level of menus called Major menus.

If the subscriber chooses to sequence through subsequent menus, the subscriber will be forwarded to the Major menu that corresponds to the chosen category from the Home menu. The Major menus further refine a subscriber's search and help guide the subscriber to the selection of his choice.

From the Major menus, the subscriber may access several submenus. From each submenu, the subscriber may access other submenus until the subscriber finds a desired television program. Similar to the Major menu, each successive level of Submenus further refines the subscriber's search. The system also enables the subscriber to skip certain menus or submenus and directly access a specific menu or television program by entering the appropriate commands on the remote control 900.

The During program menus (including Hidden Menus and Program Overlay Menus) are displayed by the set top terminal 220 only after the subscriber has selected a television program. In order to avoid disturbing the subscriber, the set top terminal
220 does not display the Hidden Menus until the subscriber selects the appropriate option to display a Hidden Menu. The Hidden Menus contain options that are relevant to the program selected by the viewer. For example, a Hidden Menu may contain options that enable a subscriber to enter an interactive mode or escape from the selected program.

Program Overlay Menus are similar to Hidden Menus because they occur during a program and are related to the program being viewed. However, the Program Overlay Menus are displayed concurrently with the program selected by the subscriber. Most Program Overlay Menus are small enough on the screen to allow the subscriber to continue viewing the selected program comfortably.

B. Network Controller Description

1. Monitoring and Control of Set Top Terminals

FIG. 4 shows the network controller 214 of the present invention as part of a digital cable headend 208 operating in an expanded cable television program delivery system, indicated generally at 200. The network controller 214 monitors program selections at subscribers' homes, maintains accurate account and billing information and authorizes both subscriber channel access and particular set top terminals 220 to operate in the system.

The network controller 214 performs its monitoring and control capability by working with other system components housed, in part, within the cable headend 208. These cable headend components include a cable headend receiver 203 and a signal processor 209. As shown in the FIG. 4, digital RF program signals 205 are received and processed for further distribution to a subscriber's home through a set top terminal 220. The program signals 205 are digitally compressed and multiplexed signals that may be processed at the cable headend 208 or simply passed through to the cable distribution network. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the program signals 205 are received by the cable headend receiver 203 and transmitted to the signal processor
209.

The signal processor 209 prepares the program signals 205 that are received by the cable headend 208 for transmission to each set top terminal 220. In the preferred system, the network controller 214 supervises and, in some cases, instructs the signal processor 209 in routing the signals to subscribers. In this way, the network controller 214 and signal processor 209 work with one another to perform basic control functions in the cable television system 200. Typically, this work is accomplished by the transfer of control information, represented at 211, between the network controller 214 and the signal processor 209.

Although it is preferred that the signal processor 209 and network controller 214 be co-located at the cable headend 208, the network controller 214 may be remotely located from the cable headend 208, as long as it remains in communication with the signal processor 209 in order to exchange control information 211.

In many instances, the program signals 205 received from the operations center 202 must be modified prior to being sent to the set top terminals 220. These modifications to the program control information 211 are made by the network controller
214 working in conjunction with the signal processor 209 to send a set top terminal control information stream (STTCIS). From the signal processor 209, the network controller 214 receives the program signals 205, which include cable franchise specific information added by the operations center 202. The network controller 214 modifies the program signals 205, if necessary, and communicates the new information back to the signal processor 209. The signal processor 209 then forwards the information to the set top terminal 220 in the form of the STTCIS, arrow 215. In most instances, the network controller 214 will modify the program signals 205 by adding additional information; however, the program signals 205 can be passed through the cable headend
208 to the set top terminal 220 without any modification.

The signal processor 209 and network controller 214 are both capable of handling the addition of simple local availabilities (e.g., local advertisements) into the signal sent to the set top terminal 220. The network controller 214 is also capable of handling more sophisticated local programming needs such as targeting video commercials, infomercials, interactive programming and certain data services. The network controller 214 receives all electronic signals sent by the set top terminal
220, including those sent in response to interactive service requests and some data service requests. The network controller 214 coordinates the necessary switching and access to allow the subscriber to enjoy these services.

The network controller 214 has the capability of performing "on the fly programming" changes, assisting in (i) masking portions of subscriber's television screens (split screen video), (ii) selecting different audio signals for the same video (foreign languages), and (iii) interactive features. In addition, the network controller can create programming changes. For last minute changes to programming (such as for a local emergency or important regional events), an operator using the network controller 214 can modify the program signals 209 "on the fly" and change menus available to the subscriber. This accommodates short notice changes to program packaging that cannot be handled by the operations center 202 in advance.

In order to accommodate split screen techniques for promo and demo video (which will be described later), undesired video portions of the television or menu screen may be masked. The network controller 214 can send the necessary control information to inform the set top terminal 220 to mask portions of a specific channel's video. For example, a video channel with a split screen showing four separate videos would require a three-fourths mask to focus the viewer on the featured video clip.

Tiered programming allows different users to view different video even though they are "tuned" to the same channel. For example, the network controller 214 may know the demographics of its subscribers through a database generated, in part, from prior subscriber choices, an interactive selection, or other means. Using the demographics information, the network controller 214 may target commercials to the correct audience by showing different commercials to subscriber's with different demographics. Information on programs watched may also be used to target commercials. Even though subscribers will believe they are "tuned" to one channel, they will be switched to a different channel for the tiered video and targeted commercial. Alternatively, individual subscribers may be offered a menu with the option of several commercials from which to choose.

To accommodate foreign speaking subscribers, multiple audio channels for television programming may be provided. The subscriber may be shown menus of programs available in the subscriber's native language. The function of choosing the correct audio to correspond to the selected language may be handled by either the set top terminal 220 or the network controller 214 depending upon the configuration. Local programming in several languages or additional audio channels for a foreign language translation of a popular television program may be provided by the network controller 214. Using a picture-on-picture feature, sign language may be similarly made available to certain set top terminals 220 for the deaf. The sign language video may be transmitted to the set top terminal 220 on a separate channel. Also, a text overlay for the deaf may be easily produced on the lower part of the screen. The control signals for producing the text overlay may be handled by the network controller 214.

In other embodiments, the network controller 214 can act as a central computer and provide intra-set top terminal interactive games, inter-set top terminal interactive games, computer bulletin board type services, message services (Electronic mail), etc. For example, a subscriber may play war games with six of his (anonymous) fellow subscribers each in their own home each operating a separate tank. The network controller 214 gathers the players using set top terminal 220 communications and acts as the referee. The network controller software "plays" the game and generates the video control signals to be transmitted to the set top terminals 220. From the video control signals, the set top terminal generates a view of the playing field and shows movement of the tanks. Using a similar method, a bulletin board or message system can be set up to discuss a particular program such as "Twin Peaks Whodunit" for enthusiasts with set top terminals 220.

2. Monitoring and Control of Cable Headend Signal Processor

FIG. 5 shows the network controller's major components and how these components relate with other components of the cable system 200. The network controller's internal components include a network controller CPU 224, databases 226, control receiver 228, local memory 230 and telephone modem 232. The network controller's CPU 224 and databases 226 may be accessed through an operator control station, which may include peripherals such as a computer workstation, CRT display, and printer, represented by the workstation 234.

Information required to operate the network controller 214 will be stored in databases 226 and local memory 230 (e.g., either in RAM, ROM, or magnetic or optical Read/Write devices) at the cable headend 208 as well as in memory (RAM and/or ROM) within each subscriber's set top terminal 220. In the preferred embodiment, two-way communications between the network controller 214 and set top terminal 220 will occur over cable lines. Many other methods of communication, including those which do not require cables or wires, may be used with the present invention. Using two-way communication, interactive television programming can be accommodated through the network controller 214. In addition, the preferred network controller 214 will be able to access set top terminals 220 via phone lines for trouble shooting, special features or sophisticated reprogramming.

The network controller CPU 224 controls the interface, depicted at 211, between the network controller 214 and the signal processor 209. This interface 211 allows control information to flow or transfer between the two cable headend 208
components. Standard RS-232 or RS-422 links, an IEEE-488 bus or other interface media may be used. During standard operation, program control information is passed through this interface 211 to the network controller CPU 224 from the signal processor
209 (i.e., the program control information having been sent to the signal processor 209 over satellite from the operations center 202 with the RF program signals 205, not shown in FIG. 5). The network controller CPU 224 processes the program control information based on data stored in the network control databases. This processing includes modifying the program control information to accommodate regional programming needs.

After processing, the network controller CPU 224 passes the program control information, including any modifications, back to the signal processor 209 for distribution over the cable system 200, via the cable distribution network 236. In this fashion, the network controller 214 provides programming and network control instructions to the set top terminals 220 through the signal processor 209.

The processing of program control information by the network controller CPU 224 can also make use of any data received by the network controller's control receiver 228. The control receiver 228 is a microprocessor-based device that receives "status reports" directly from the set top terminals 220. The status reports received by the control receiver 228 generally include information that allows the network controller 214 to track, among other things, a subscriber's program access history, as described below. The control receiver 228 can store the status reports internally in a local storage or memory device and transfer them to the network controller CPU 224. Typically, the control receiver 228 is interfaced with the network controller CPU 224 using standard RS-232 or RS-422 links, an IEEE-488 bus or the like.

In the preferred embodiment, the network controller CPU 224 scans the control receiver 228 at a predetermined rate (e.g., once every few seconds) to initiate the status report transfer. Upon transfer, the network controller CPU 224 adds the data and control information in the status reports to the network control databases 226 by: checking for changes in previously received status information, processing the new information and updating the corresponding parameters in the network control databases 226. The network controller 214 processes the information stored in its databases with any program control information relayed through the signal processor 209 from the delivery system's operations center 202. This processing capability allows the network controller 214 to modify prior control signals and create new ones. The network controller 214 transfers both modified and unmodified control signals, along with any local combined program signals 205, to the signal processor 209 to be combined with others program signals 205 for distribution over the cable system 200.

3. Modifying the Program Control Information Signal

Tables A-C, described below, provide an example of some information that can be sent in the program control information signal to the set top terminals 220. The program control information signal generated by the operations center 202 provides data on the scheduling and description of programs. The program control information signal may be sent through the network controller 214 or, in an alternate configuration, directly to the set top terminal 220 for display to the subscriber. In the preferred embodiment, the program control information signal is stored and modified by the network controller 214 and sent to the set top terminal 220 in the form of a set top terminal control information stream (STTCIS). This configuration can accommodate, among other things, differences in individual cable systems and possible differences in set top terminal 220 devices.

The set top terminal 220 integrates either the program control signal or the set top terminal control information stream together with data stored in the memory of the set top terminal 220, to generate on-screen menu displays for assisting the subscriber in choosing programs for viewing. (Throughout the description the term "program control information" is being used to indicate control information coming from the cable headend 208 to the set top terminal 220, whether it is sent directly from the operations center 202, processed by the network controller 214 and then forwarded to the set top box (STTCIS), or transmitted over telephone lines.)

The types of information that can be sent using the program control signal includes: number of program categories, names of program categories, what channels are assigned to a specific category (such as specialty channels), names of channels, names of programs on each channel, program start times, length of programs, description of programs, menu assignment for each program, pricing, whether there is a sample video clip for advertisement for the program, and any other program, menu or product information. In addition, the program control information signal may be used periodically to reprogram or reconfigure a set top terminal 220 or group of set top terminals 220 (described in detail in co-pending patent application Ser. No. 08/160,281, entitled, REPROGRAMMABLE TERMINAL FOR SUGGESTING PROGRAMS OFFERED ON A TELEVISION PROGRAM DELIVERY SYSTEM, filed by the same assignee incorporated herein by reference).

The goal of the menu driven program selection system 200 used with the present invention is to allow the subscriber to choose a program by touring through a series of menus utilizing a remote control 900 (FIG. 3) or similar device providing cursor movement. The final choice in the series of menus will identify one particular channel and one time for activation of that channel. Armed with a channel and activation time, the set top terminal 220 can display the selected program on the television for the viewer. To achieve this goal one embodiment of the present invention assigns an intelligent alpha-numeric code to each program. This alpha-numeric code identifies the category of the program, the menu in which the program should be displayed, its transmission time(s), and the position on the menu that the program should be displayed.

In this embodiment, the program control information, including menu codes, is sent continuously from the operations center 202 to the network controller 214, and ultimately to the set top terminal 220. For example, four hours worth of programming information can be sent via the program control information signal continuously using the information shown in Tables A-C.

Table A shows the basic programming information that may be sent to the set top terminal 220. The program descriptions shown are coded abbreviations. For example, C for comedy, N for news, S for sports, A for cartoons, and TX for text. If there is a textual description for a program, such as a movie, the description may be given following that program's coded description or may be communicated following the four hours' worth of programming information. As is shown in the coded listing, program descriptions for programs greater than a half hour in length need not be repeated (each half hour). The video description code informs the set top terminal 220 of whether there is still or live video available to advertise the program.

For example, a sporting program may be assigned a code of B35-010194-1600-3.25-Michigan St. vs. USC. The letter B would assign the program to category B, sports. The second alpha-numeric character number 3 would assign the program to the third menu of the sports category. The third character of the code, number 5, assigns the program to the fifth program slot on the third menu. The next six characters, 01/01/94, represent the date. The following four characters, 1600 represent the start time which is followed by the length of the program and the program name. This entry represents a sports show, a college football game, which will be aired at 4:00 PM on New Years day 1994.

TABLE A ______________________________________ *Program *Program *Menu name length code *Description *Video ______________________________________ 12 PM 1 Cheers .5 E24 C N 2 Terminator 2.0 A33 Tx S 3 Prime Time 1.0 D14 N N 4 Football .5 B24 S N Special . . 12:30 PM 1 Simpsons .5 E14 & C13 C S 4 Football 3.0 B13 S N Game . . . ______________________________________

In the 12:30 Channel 1 entry of Table A, two menu codes are shown. By allowing two menu codes, programs that may fit under two different category descriptions may be shown in both menus to the subscriber. With this minimal amount of information being communicated to the set top terminal 220 on a regular basis, the terminal is able to determine the proper menu location for each program and the proper time and channel to activate for the subscriber after his menu selection.

Table B shows an example Events Table that may be downloaded to a set top terminal 220 using the Event Data file, which contains information about events and pricing. As shown in the table, the three columns of the Events Table identify the field number, the field itself and the type of information downloaded in the Event Data file. The first column contains the field numbers 1 through 11. The middle column contains the corresponding field parameters, including the event type, event ID, global channel ID, price, start time, end time, start date, end date, P-icon, name and description. The third column contains corresponding field type information. As shown in this field type information typically consists of an unsigned integer; hours, minutes and seconds; months, day and year; and ASCII character identifier.

TABLE B ______________________________________ Field # Field Type ______________________________________ 1 Event Type Unsigned Int 1 = YCTV .TM. 2 = Pay-Per-View 3 = Reg. TV 2 Event ID Unsigned Int 3 Global Channel ID Unsigned Int 4
Price (in Cents) Unsigned Int 5 Start Time HH:MM:SS 6 End Time HH:MM:SS 7 Start Date MM/DD/YY 8 End Date MM/DD/YY 9 P-Icon ASCIIZ 10 Name ASCIIZ 11 Description ASCIIZ ______________________________________

Table C shows an example Event Data file. In particular, Table C shows two data streams corresponding to two event types. The first data stream identifies a YCTV.TM. event the first field. The second field designates the event ID, which is
1234 in this example. The third field includes the global channel ID number two. The fourth field indicates the cost of 50 cents for this event. The fifth and sixth fields indicate the respective start and end times of 3:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., respectively. The seventh and eighth fields show the corresponding start and end date, designated as 8/25/93 and 8/27/93, respectively. Field nine indicates the P icon set to PBS.PCX graphics file. Finally, fields ten and eleven indicate the name and description of the event selected, which in this case is Sesame Street and Barney. The second data stream in the Event.Dat example shown in Table C includes analogous information for Terminator IV, which is designated in field one as a pay-per-view event.

TABLE C ______________________________________ Event Data Example ______________________________________ 1'1234'2'50'03:00:00'15:00:00'08/25/93'08/27/93'pbs.pcx'Sesame Street & Barney's Sesame Street and Barney Abstract
2'1234'2'50'20:00:00'22:00:00'08/25/93'08/25/93't4.pcx'Terminator 4' Terminator 4 Abstract ______________________________________

The program control information signal and STTCIS can be formatted in a variety of ways and the on-screen menus can be produced using different methods. For instance, if the program control information signal carries no menu format information, the menu format for creating the menus can be fixed in ROM at the set top terminal 220. This method allows the program control information signal to carry less information but has the least flexibility since the menu formats cannot be changed without physically swapping the ROM holding the menu format information.

In the preferred embodiment, the menu format information is stored at the set top terminal 220 in temporary memory, either in a RAM or EPROM. This configuration provides the desired flexibility in the menu format while still limiting the amount of information needed to be communicated through the program control information signal. New menu format information would be sent using the program control information signal or the STTCIS to the set top terminals 220 each time there was a change to a menu.

In the simplest embodiment, the menus remain fixed and only the text changes. Thus, the program control information signal can be limited to primarily text and a text generator can be employed in the set top terminal 220. This simple embodiment keeps the cost of the set top terminal 220 low and limits the bandwidth necessary for the program control information. Another simple embodiment uses a separate channel full-time (large bandwidth) just for the menu information.

4. Processing the Program Control Information Signal

FIGS. 6a and 6b show a more detailed schematic of the components of the cable headend 208, focusing on the interplay between the network controller 214 and the signal processor's 209 major hardware components. The network controller 214 uses, among other components, the signal processor 209 to implement its monitoring and control capabilities. Although the network controller 214 of the present invention will work with nearly any cable headend signal processing equipment, it is preferred that the signal processing equipment be modern equipment capable of handling digitally compressed video.

FIG. 6a depicts an embodiment of the basic signal processing capabilities of the cable headend 208 and shows connections to components of the network controller 214. As shown in the figure, RF cable signals 205 are received at the headend 208
through a bank of integrated receiver demodulators (IRDs) 240. Each IRD 240 includes customary RF processing equipment, including a low noise amplifier, a demodulator and other filtering devices (not shown). As each RF feed is fed through the individual IRDs 240, the signals are manipulated and transferred to the demultiplexer and other signal processing equipment for further processing. The demultiplexer 242 splits each cable TV signal into its respective video and audio signal components. In addition, the demultiplexer 242 extracts data from the cable television signals and inputs such data to the control CPU 244.

The control CPU 244 exchanges control information with the network controller 214, as shown at 211. This control information is exchanged between the signal processor's control CPU 244 and the network controller CPU 224. 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 modifications to the program control information signal. The network controller CPU 224 oversees such modifications, accessing various network control databases 226 for guidance in instructing the signal processor's control CPU 244. The instructions provided by the network controller 214 in turn guide the signal processor 209 in combining and/or adding programming signals and advertisements for transmission to the set top terminals 220.

The local insertion component 246 of the signal processor 209 allows the control CPU 244 to execute the instructions received from the network controller 214 and insert any local programming and advertisements. Once such regional programming and advertisements have been inserted, the local insertion component 246 passes the various signals to a multiplexer 248 that combines the various programming and advertising signals. The output of the multiplexer 248 is transferred to RF modulator 250 that disseminates the composite video and audio signals to the set top terminals 220. The data extracted from the cable television signals by the demultiplexer 242, which is also sent to the control CPU 244, is transmitted to the set top terminal 220 using a separate RF modulator 252.

The network controller 214 accommodates two-way RF data communications with the set top terminals 220. Upstream data transmissions from the set top terminals 220 are received by the network controller's control receiver 228. These upstream data transmission capabilities are described in detail below.

FIG. 6b diagrams another embodiment of a basic cable headend 208 having a network controller 214 and more sophisticated signal processing equipment. Again, RF cable television signals 205 are fed into a bank of IRDs 240 as described above. These signals 205 are demultiplexed into individual video and audio signal components, with data being extracted and sent to the control CPU 244. The individual video and audio signal components are fed into a digital logic circuit 256 that is flexible enough to select individual video and audio signals for repackaging. The network controller 214 oversees such repackaging by: (i) receiving the program control information from the control CPU 244, (ii) modifying or manipulating the signal as necessary, and (iii) transferring the modified program control information signal back to the control CPU 244.

With instructions from the network controller 214, the control CPU 244 may insert local avails into the digital logic system 256 and execute the various selections of individual video and audio signals for subsequent transmission to the set top terminals 220. Once individual video and audio signals have been selected and all local insertions have been made, the outputs of the digital logic circuitry 256 are transferred to a serializer 258 which recombines all the signals into a serialized format. The serially-formatted signals are in turn transferred to RF modulators 250 for distribution over the cable network 200. The selection and recombining components of the signal processing equipment are described in greater detail in a co-pending patent application, Ser. No. 08/160,283, entitled DIGITAL CABLE HEADEND FOR CABLE TELEVISION DELIVERY SYSTEM, incorporated herein by reference: however, such sophisticated combining circuitry is not necessary for the operation of the network controller
214. Rather, a simpler signal processing system may readily be used.

In the embodiments diagrammed in FIGS. 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 forward the revised signal to the set top terminals 220. To accommodate this local programming availability, the signal processor 209 must combine the local signal in digital or analog form with the program signals 205 received from operations center 202. If a local cable system 200 uses a compression algorithm or standard that is different than the one used by the operations center 202, the signal processor 209 must also decompress and recompress incoming signals so they may be properly formatted for transmission to the set top terminals 220. In addition, the signal processor 209 performs any necessary signal decryption and/or encryption.

FIG. 7 diagrams an alternative embodiment of a digital/analog cable headend 208. In particular, this embodiment includes decompression and recompression capabilities, showing the types of signal processing components that the network controller
214 may control. As shown in FIG. 7, the cable headend 208 receiver