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Method for distributing digital TV signal and selection of content

  • US 6,122,660 A
  • Filed: 02/22/1999
  • Issued: 09/19/2000
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/22/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for distributing a digital multimedia broadcast stream including a main data stream and one or more alternative data streams each providing timely data relating to said main data stream in a single broadcast, said method comprising steps of:

  • a. merging said main data stream into a combined broadcast stream at a present time marker;

    b. merging at least one alternative data stream into a combined broadcast stream at said present time marker;

    c. maintaining a remaining transmission transport capacity by subtracting a transmission transport capacity consumed in merging of said alternative data streams at said present time marker from said remaining transmission transport capacity at said present time marker;

    d. if said remaining transmission transport capacity at said present time marker is not available, using an earlier time marker where said remaining transport capacity is available;

    e. scheduling the meraina of each said alternative data stream by repeating steps (b) through (d) until all possible alternative data streams have been merged into a combined broadcast stream; and

    f. communicating said combined broadcast stream to a user device, whereby timely delivery of each said alternative data stream is guaranteed by said scheduling.

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