Multiple media delivery network method and apparatus

• US 5,283,639 A
• Filed: 09/10/1991
• Issued: 02/01/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 10/23/1989
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Technology Rights Licensing Company, LLC
• Original Assignee: Arthur G. Esch, Edward A. Singer
• Inventors: Esch, Arthur G., Singer, Edward A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Peng, John K.
• Application Number:
  US07/756,848
• Time in Patent Office: 875 Days
• Field of Search: 358/86, 358/185, 455/3.1, 455/3.2, 455/4.1, 455/53.1, 455/39
• US Class Current: 725/32
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 5/065 Combinations of audio and video presentations, e.g. videotapes, videodiscs, television systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/06 among broadcast stations
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/10 Arrangements for replacing or switching information during the broadcast or the distribution
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/103 Transmitter-side switching
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/12 Arrangements for observation, testing or troubleshooting
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/06 Arrangements for scheduling broadcast services or broadcast-related services
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/10 Adaptations for transmission by electrical cable H04N7/12 takes precedence

Abstract

A multiple media system having a central site and a remote site for customizing video and audio presentations comprising a communications channel, a studio processor, a scheduling processor, a network processor, a transmitter, a communications processor, a video processor, and optionally a matrix switch, a cue processor, a matrix-switch processor and a system monitor. The studio processor generates one or more content data signals. The content data signals maybe analog or digital, and include text signals, phototext signals and/or audio signals. The scheduling processor generates a schedule data signal, which includes a unique identifier, accounting, administrative and scheduling data. The network processor generates a communication signal which includes the one or more content data signals and the schedule data signals formatted with the video signal. The transmitter transmits the communications signal over the communications channel. At the remote site the communications processor receives the communications signal and selects a first content data signal from the one or more content data signals. The video processor mixes the first content data signal with the video signal. The cue processor is coupled to network feed channel through a matrix switch. In response to detecting network-cue signals, the cue processor generates insertion signals. In response to the insertion-cue signals, the matrix processor controls the matrix switch routes the multiple media signal, which includes the video signal with the additional information from the content data signal, to a network communications channel.

Claims

1. A system having a central site and a remote site for customizing a video signal comprising:

a communications channel;

studio-processor means located at said central site for generating a plurality of content data signals;

scheduling-processor means located at said central site, coupled to said studio-processor means and responsive to each of the plurality of content data signals for generating a schedule data signal and a control data signal;

network-processor means located at said central site for generating a communications signal by formatting the plurality of content data signals, a control data signal and the schedule data signal with the video signal;

means located at said central site for transmitting the communications signal over said communications channel;

communications-processor means located at said remote site for receiving the communications signal and, using the control data signal, selecting a first content data signal targeted for said remote site from the plurality of content data signals;

first means located at said remote site coupled to said communications-processor means for storing the video signal;

second means located at said remote site coupled to said communications-processor means for storing the first content data signal; and

video-processor means located at said remote site, coupled to said first storing means, and responsive to the schedule data signal for mixing the first content data signal with the video signal.

2. A central site apparatus for customizing a television signal having a video signal comprising:

studio-processor means for generating at least one content data signal;

means for storing each content data signal;

scheduling-processor means coupled to said studio-processor means and responsive to each content data signal for generating a schedule data signal, respectively;

network-processor means for generating a communications signal from the plurality of content data signals and the schedule data signal;

a transmitter for transmitting the communications signal; and

a control processor for coordinating operation of said studio-processor means, said scheduling-processor means and said network-processor means.

3. The central site apparatus as set forth in claim 2 further including a quality control processor for simulating a downlink system by assembling and displaying the content data signal with the video signal.

4. A central site apparatus for customizing advertising for television using a video signal comprising:

processor means for generating at least one content data signal, responsive to each content data signal for generating a schedule data signal, and for generating a communications data signal by formatting each of the content data signals and the schedule data signals; and

a transmitter for transmitting the communications signal.

5. A method using a processor and a transmitter for customizing television signals having at least one video signal, comprising the steps, using said processor and said transmitter, of:

generating a plurality of content data signals;

generating a schedule data signal;

generating a communications signal from the plurality of content data signals and the schedule data signal; and

transmitting the communications signal over a communications channel.

6. A remote site apparatus for customizing televisions signals using at least one content data signal, a schedule data signal and a control data signal, comprising:

communications-processor means responsive to the control data signal for selecting a first content data signal targeted for said remote site apparatus;

second means for storing the first content data signal; and

video-processor means responsive to the schedule data signal for mixing the first content data signal with the video signal.

7. A remote site apparatus for customizing television signals having at least one content data signal, comprising:

communications-processor means for selecting a first content data signal;

second means for storing the first content data signal; and

video-processor means for mixing the first content data signal with a video signal.

8. The remote site apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein said second storing means includes a data recording device.

9. The remote site apparatus as set forth in claim 7 further including a control processor for coordinating operation of said communications-processor means, said second storing means and said video-processor means.

10. The remote site apparatus as set forth in claim 9 further including a local area network for connecting said control processor, said communications-processor means, said second storing means and said video-processor means.

11. The remote site apparatus as set forth in claim 7 further including a remote control device for controlling said remote site apparatus from a central site.

12. A remote site apparatus for customizing television signals using a video signal and at least one content data signal, comprising:

communications-processor means for receiving a communications signal and selecting a first content data signal;

second means coupled to said communications-processor means for storing the first content data signal;

video-processor means coupled to said communications-processor means and said second means for mixing the first content data signal with the video signal; and

a control processor for coordinating operation of said communications-processor means, said second storing means and said video-processor means.

13. The remote site apparatus as set forth in claim 12 wherein said second storing means includes a data recording device.

14. The remote site apparatus as set forth in claim 12 further including a local area network for communicating between said control processor, said communications-processor means, said second storing means and said video-processor means.

15. The remote site apparatus as set forth in claim 12 further including a remote control device for controlling said remote site apparatus from a central site.

16. A remote site apparatus for customizing video presentations using a communications signal having a video signal and a content data signal, comprising:

communications-processor means for receiving the communications signal and separating the content data signal from the communications signal;

video-processor means, coupled to said communications-processor means, for mixing the content data signal with the video signal; and

a control processor, coupled to said communications-processor means and said video-processor means, for coordinating operation of said communications-processor means and said video-processor means.

17. The remote site apparatus as set forth in claim 16 further including a local area network for connecting said communications-processor means and said video-processor means.

18. The remote site apparatus as set forth in claim 16 further including a remote control device for controlling said remote said apparatus from a central site.

19. A remote site apparatus for customizing a video presentation having at least content data signal, comprising:

processor means for mixing a first content data signal with a video signal;

a matrix switch coupled to said processor means and a plurality of consumer channels; and

matrix-switch-processor means for controlling said matrix switch and routing the video signal and the content data signal to a particular consumer channel.

20. The remote site apparatus as set forth in claim 19 further including a remote control device for controlling said remote site apparatus from a central site.

21. A remote site apparatus for customizing a video signal using a first content data signal, comprising:

first means for storing the video signal;

second means for storing the first content data signal; and

video-processor means coupled to said first storing means and said second storing means for mixing the first content data signal with the video signal and

a control processor for coordinating operation of said first storing means, said second storing means and said video-processor means.

22. The remote site apparatus as set forth in claim 21 further comprising:

communications-processor means for receiving a communications signal and selecting the first content data signal; and

a local area network for connecting said communications-processor means, said first storing means, said second storing means and said video-processor means.

23. The remote site apparatus as set forth in claim 21 further including a remote control device for controlling said remote site apparatus from a central site.

24. An apparatus having a central site and a remote site for customizing a video signal comprising:

a communications channel;

studio-processor means for generating a content data signal;

scheduling-processor means for generating a schedule data signal;

network-processor means for generating a communications signal from the video signal, the content data signal and the schedule data signal;

means for transmitting the communications signal over said communications channel;

communications-processor means for receiving the communications signal and for selecting the video signal and the content data signal;

first means for storing the video signal;

second means for storing the first content data signal; and

video-processor means for mixing the first content data signal with the video signal.

25. An apparatus having a central site and a remote site for customizing a video signal comprising:

a communications channel;

studio-processor means located at said central site for generating a content data signal;

network-processor means located at said central site for generating a communications signal having the video signal and the content data signal;

means located at said central site for transmitting the communications signal over said communications channel;

communications-processor means located at said remote site for receiving the communications signal and selecting the content data signal; and

video-processor means located at said remote site for mixing the content data signal with the video signal.

26. The apparatus as set forth in claim 25, further including:

cue-processor means for generating insertion-cue signals;

a matrix switch coupled to said video-processor means and operatively coupled to a plurality of consumer channels; and

matrix-switch-processor means responsive to the insertion-cue signals for controlling said matrix switch and for routing the video signal with the content data signal to a particular consumer channel.

27. A method using a processor for customizing at least one content data signal and a video signal, comprising the steps, using said processor, of:

receiving a communications signal and selecting a first content data signal from the at least one content data signal;

storing the first content data signal;

mixing the first content data signal with a video signal to generate a multiple media signal; and

routing the multiple media signal to a particular consumer channel.

28. A method using a processor for customizing a content data signal and a video signal, comprising the steps, using said processor, of:

mixing the content data signal with the video signal, and

routing the video signal mixed with the content data signal to a particular consumer channel.

29. A system having a central site and a remote site for customizing a video signal comprising:

a communications channel;

a studio processor located at said central site for generating a plurality of content data signals;

a scheduling processor located at said central site, coupled to said studio processor and responsive to each of the plurality of content data signals for generating a schedule data signal and a control data signal;

a network processor located at said central site for generating a communications signal by formatting the plurality of content data signals, a control data signal and the schedule data signal with the video signal;

a transmitter located at said central site for transmitting the communications signal over said communications channel;

a communications processor located at said remote site for receiving the communications signal and, using the control data signal, selecting a first content data signal targeted for said remote site from the plurality of content data signals;

a first storing device located at said remote site coupled to said communications processor for storing the video signal;

a second storing device located at said remote site coupled to said communications processor for storing the first content data signal; and

a video processor located at said remote site, coupled to said first storing device, and responsive to the schedule data signal for mixing the first content data signal with the video signal.

30. A central site apparatus for customizing a television signal having a video signal comprising:

a studio processor for generating at least one content data signal;

a content data base for storing each content data signal;

a scheduling processor coupled to said studio processor and responsive to each content data signal for generating a schedule data signal, respectively;

a network processor for generating a communications signal from the plurality of content data signals and the schedule data signal;

a transmitter for transmitting the communications signal; and

a control processor for coordinating operation of said studio processor, said scheduling processor and said network processor.

31. The central site apparatus as set forth in claim 30, further including a quality control processor for simulating a downlink system by assembling and displaying the content data signal with the video signal.

32. The central site apparatus as set forth in claim 30 further including a local area network for connecting said control processor, said studio processor, said scheduling processor and said network processor.

33. A central site apparatus for customizing advertising for television using a video signal comprising:

a plurality of processors for generating at least one content data signal, responsive to each content data signal for generating a schedule data signal, and for generating a communications data signal by formatting each of the content data signals and the schedule data signals; and

a transmitter for transmitting the communications signal.

34. The central site apparatus as set forth in claim 33 wherein said plurality of processors format the plurality of content data signals and the schedule data signals with the video signal.

35. A method for customizing television signals having at least one video signal, comprising the steps of:

generating a plurality of content data signals;

generating a schedule data signal;

generating a communications signal from the plurality of content data signals and the schedule data signal; and

transmitting the communications signal.

36. A remote site apparatus for customizing televisions signals using at least one content data signal, a schedule data signal and a control data signal, comprising:

a communications processor responsive to the control data signal for selecting a first content data signal targeted for said remote site apparatus;

a second storing device for storing the first content data signal; and

a video processor responsive to the schedule data signal for mixing the first content data signal with the video signal.

37. A remote site apparatus for customizing television signals having at least one content data signal, comprising:

a communications processor for selecting a first content data signals;

a second storing device for storing the first content data signal; and

a video processor for mixing the first content data signal with a video signal.

38. The remote site apparatus as set forth in claim 37 wherein said second storing device includes a data recording device.

39. The remote site apparatus as set forth in claim 37 further including a control processor for coordinating operation of said communications processor, said second storing device and said video processor.

40. The remote site apparatus as set forth in claim 39 further including a local area network for connecting said control processor, said communications processor, said second storing device and said video processor.

41. The remote site apparatus as set forth in claim 37 further including a remote control device for controlling said remote site apparatus from a central site.

42. A remote site apparatus for customizing television signals using a video signal and at least one content data signal, comprising:

a communications processor for receiving a communications signal and selecting a first content data signal;

a second storing device coupled to said communications processor for storing the first content data signal;

a video processor coupled to said communications processor and said second storing device for mixing the first content data signal with the video signal; and

a control processor for coordinating operation of said communications processor, said second storing device and said video processor.

43. The remote site apparatus as set forth in claim 42 wherein said second storing device includes a data recording device.

44. The remote site apparatus as set forth in claim 42 further including a local area network for communicating between said control processor, said communications processor, said second storing device and said video processor.

45. The remote site apparatus as set forth in claim 42 further including a remote control device for controlling said remote site apparatus from a central site.

46. A remote site apparatus for customizing video presentations using a communications signal having a video signal and a content data signal, comprising:

a communications processor for receiving the communications signal and separating the content data signal from the communications signal;

a video processor, coupled to said communications processor, for mixing the content data signal with the video signal; and

a control processor, coupled to said communications processor and said video processor, for coordinating operation of said communications processor and said video processor.

47. The remote site apparatus as set forth in claim 46 further including a local area network for connecting said communications processor and said video processor.

48. The remote site apparatus as set forth in claim 46 further including a remote control device for controlling said remote site apparatus from a central site.

49. A remote site apparatus for customizing a video presentation having at least one content data signal, comprising:

a video processor for mixing a first content data signal with a video signal;

a matrix switch coupled to said video processor and a plurality of consumer channels; and

a matrix-switch processor for controlling said matrix switch and routing the video signal and the content data signal to a particular consumer channel.

50. The remote site apparatus as set forth in claim 49 further including a remote control device for controlling said remote site apparatus from a central site.

51. A remote site apparatus for customizing a video signal using a first content data signal, comprising:

a first storing device for storing the video signal;

a second storing device for storing the first content data signal; and

a video processor coupled to said first storing device and said second storing device for mixing the first content data signal with the video signal; and

a control processor for coordinating operation of said first storing device, said second storing device and said video processor.

52. The remote site apparatus as set froth in claim 51 further comprising:

a communications processor for receiving a communications signal and selecting the first content data signal; and

a local area network for connecting said communications processor, said first storing device, said second storing device and said video processor.

53. The remote site apparatus as set forth in claim 51 further including a control processor for coordinating operation of said communications processor, said first storing device, said second storing device and said video processor.

54. The remote site apparatus as set forth in claim 53 further including a local area network for connecting said control processor, said communications processor, said first storing device, said second storing device and said video processor.

55. The remote site apparatus as set forth in claim 51 further including a remote control device for controlling said remote site apparatus from a central site.

56. An apparatus having a central site and a remote site for customizing a video signal comprising:

a communications channel;

a studio processor for generating a content data signal;

a scheduling processor for generating a schedule data signal;

a network processor for generating a communications signal from the video signal, the content data signal and the schedule data signal;

a transmitter for transmitting the communications signal over said communications channel;

a communications processor for receiving the communications signal and for selecting the video signal and the content data signal;

a first storing device for storing the video signal;

a second storing device for storing the first content data signal; and

a video processor for mixing the first content data signal with the video signal.

57. An apparatus having a central site and a remote site for customizing a video signal comprising:

a communications channel;

a studio processor located at said central site for generating a content data signal;

a network processor located at said central site for generating a communications signal having the video signal and the content data signal;

a transmitter located at said central site for transmitting the communications signal over said communications channel;

a communications processor located at said remote site for receiving the communications signal and selecting the content data signal; and

a video processor located at said remote site for mixing the content data signal with the video signal.

58. The apparatus as set forth in claim 57 further including:

a cue processor for generating insertion-cue signals;

a matrix switch coupled to said video processor and operatively coupled to a plurality of consumer channels; and

a matrix-switch processor responsive to the insertion-cue signals for controlling said matrix switch and for routing the video signal with the content data signal to a particular consumer channel.

59. A method for customizing at least one content data signal and a video signal, comprising the steps of:

receiving and selecting a first content data signal from the at least one content data signal;

mixing the first content data signal with a video signal to generate a multiple media signal; and

routing the multiple media signal to a particular consumer channel.

60. A method for customizing a content data signal and a video signal comprising the steps of:

mixing the content data signal with the video signal; and

routing the video signal mixed with the content data signal to a particular consumer channel.