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Communications architecture and buffer for distributing information services

  • US 5,341,474 A
  • Filed: 05/15/1992
  • Issued: 08/23/1994
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/15/1992
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A store-and-forward architecture for distributing information programs to subscribers, comprising:

  • a plurality of information warehouses (IWHs) which include means for archiving information programs and means for dispensing segments of said information programs in bursts;

    a plurality of central offices (COs) which request and receive said segments of information programs from said IWHs for play-out to subscribers in real-time, wherein each of said COs comprises1 to N buffers, each of said buffers comprising interface means for external access to said buffer thereto, processor means for managing a subscriber'"'"'s request for an information program based upon a service presentation script and a program presentation map corresponding to said information program and for managing and administering internal operations of said buffer, buffer storage means for storing segments of said information program, memory storage means for storing said script and map associated with said information program, and bus means connected to said interface means, said processor means, said buffer storage means, and said memory storage means for providing internal transport of data and control signals there between; and

    a plurality of customer premises equipments (CPEs) wherein each of said CPE is serviced by one of said buffers and is the subscriber'"'"'s interface for generating requests and control signals for interactive play-out and receiving and processing information programs for the subscriber'"'"'s use.

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