Interactive multimedia video distribution system
First Claim
1. A multimedia distribution system comprising:
- (a) a communications switch;
(b) at least one network interface device connected to the communications switch;
(c) a first workstation connected to the switch;
(d) a data server connected to the switch;
(e) a first codec connected to the switch; and
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Abstract
The present invention provides a multimedia system that delivers all of the traditional features of a video distribution system including access, control and monitoring of remote cameras, with added benefits for interactive visual communications, including video conferencing, multicasting, broadcasting, data collection and data transfer. There is no need for routing special cabling or additional wiring because the existing network cabling and equipment are utilized. Therefore, implementation costs are minimized. The present invention provides on-demand dial, control and view of multiple cameras. Additionally, the present invention provides on-board video conferencing capability, remote management capability and priority level and control management. Additionally, the present invention is standards based and provides real-time access of multiple cameras and maximizes the use of COTS.
137 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A multimedia distribution system comprising:
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(a) a communications switch;
(b) at least one network interface device connected to the communications switch;
(c) a first workstation connected to the switch;
(d) a data server connected to the switch;
(e) a first codec connected to the switch; and
- View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A remote virtual access system comprising:
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(a) a multifunctional bidirectional communications switch;
(b) at least one decoder connected to the switch;
(c) a data server connected to the switch;
(d) a first video workstation connected to the communications switch;
(e) at least one multiview device connected to the communications switch; and
(f) at least one image transmitting device connected to the communications switch;
- View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A multimedia information access service comprising:
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a first system comprising;
(a) a first communications switch;
(b) a first workstation connection to the communications switch;
(c) a data server connected to the first communications switch;
a second system comprising;
(a) a second communications switch;
(b) a device for transmitting signals to the communications switch;
(c) a device for converting signals, the device in communication with the transmitting device; and
(d) at least one network interface device wherein the network interface device transmits signals from the first system to the second system. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20)
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17. A method of distributing information comprising the steps of:
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(a) transmitting video signals from an image transmitting device;
(b) sending the video signals over a communications network to a decoder;
(c) converting the video signals at the decoder;
(d) transmitting the converted video signals to a workstation via a communication switch;
(e) displaying the video signals at the workstation; and
(f) transmitting the video signals to a second workstation via the communications network.
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18. A method of distributing real-time multimedia information comprising the steps of:
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(a) receiving compressed digital video data signals;
(b) decompressing the video data signals;
(c) converting the video data signals from digital to analog;
(d) transmitting the video data signals to a first communications switch via a network interface;
(e) receiving the video data signals at a second network interface;
(f) transmitting the video data signals to a workstation; and
(g) displaying the video data signals at the workstation.
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Specification