Interactive satellite broadcast system

• US 6,356,539 B1
• Filed: 12/10/1998
• Issued: 03/12/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/19/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: 2201028 Ontario Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Vistar Telecommunications Inc.
• Inventors: Zuliani, Michael, Haugli, Hans-Christian
• Primary Examiner(s): Hsu, Alpus H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Ho, Duc
• Application Number:
  US09/142,918
• Time in Patent Office: 1,188 Days
• Field of Search: 370/320, 370/329, 370/334, 370/338, 370/339, 370/341, 370/342, 455/3.02, 455/12.1, 455/15, 455/19, 455/82, 455/507, 455/509, 455/517, 375/130, 375/133
• US Class Current: 370/320
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2383 Channel coding or modulation of digital bit-stream, e.g. QPSK modulation arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received by adapting the channel coding H04L1/0009; analogue front ends or means for connecting modulators, demodulators or transceivers to a transmission line H04L27/0002
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/437 Interfacing the upstream path of the transmission network, e.g. for transmitting client requests to a VOD server flow control in data networks H04L47/10; streaming protocols, e.g. RTP or RTCP, H04L65/65; scheduling or organising the servicing of application requests in data packet switching networks H04L67/60
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/47815 Electronic shopping payment schemes, payment architectures or payment protocols for electronic shopping systems G06Q20/12
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6143 involving transmission via a satellite
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6193 involving transmission via a satellite arrangements for data linking, networking or transporting, or for controlling an end to end session in a satellite broadcast system H04B7/18526
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/17309 Transmission or handling of upstream communications
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/17318 Direct or substantially direct transmission and handling of requests
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/20 Adaptations for transmission via a GHz frequency band, e.g. via satellite

Abstract

In a method of providing an interactive broadcast service, broadcast signals are transmitted via a wideband satellite link to end users. Return signals are received from the users transmitted over a narrowband satellite link separate from the first link. The return signals allow users of the service to send commands back to the base station to request specific services.

Claims

1. An interactive direct broadcast satellite system, comprising:

(a) a direct broadcast station comprising;

(i) a first transmitter for transmitting direct broadcast material over a wideband channel in the Ku band via a direct broadcast satellite to multiple users; and

(ii) a hub connected to content providers for providing specific broadcast signal to said transmitter in response to requests from said users; and

(b) a plurality of receiving stations each comprising;

(i) a receiver for receiving and decoding said broadcast signal;

(ii) a control unit for enabling a user at said receiving station to enter requests for specific signal;

(iii) a controller for generating bursts of data representing said user requests;

(iv) an encoder for encoding said bursts of data;

(v) a CDMA modulator for modulating said encoded bursts of data to provide an encoded CDMA modulated return signal; and

(vi) a transmitter for transmitting said modulated encoded signal to said hub via a narrow band satellite channel in the L band.

2. An interactive direct broadcast satellite system as defined in claim 1, further comprising a set top unit for receiving the decoded Ku-band signal received from said Ku broadcast satellite and for providing said retain signal.

3. An interactive direct broadcast satellite system as defined in claim 2, further comprising a Ku-band satellite dish and an L-band antenna mounted on said satellite dish for transmitting said return signal.