System and method for transmitting and receiving data in a network

• US 6,360,275 B1
• Filed: 10/29/1998
• Issued: 03/19/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 10/29/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Wonders Information Co., Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Shanghai Wonders Information Co., Ltd.
• Inventors: Lin, George Guoqiang, Chu, Phillip L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Sheikh, Ayaz
• Assistant Examiner(s): DINH, KHANH Q
• Application Number:
  US09/183,553
• Time in Patent Office: 1,237 Days
• Field of Search: 709/200, 709/219, 709/221, 709/245, 707/3, 707/7, 455/4.2
• US Class Current: 709/245
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/235 Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4331 Caching operations, e.g. of an advertisement for later insertion during playback
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/434 Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams, extraction of additional data from a video stream; Remultiplexing of multiplex streams; Extraction or processing of SI; Disassembling of packetised elementary stream demultiplexing of data packets for data networks, e.g. RTP/UDP H04L65/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/435 Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data, reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4532 involving end-user characteristics, e.g. viewer profile, preferences monitoring of user activities for profile generation for accessing a video database G06F16/739; user profiles in network data switching protocols H04L67/306; processing of user preferences or user profiles in wireless networks H04W8/18
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4782 Web browsing , e.g. WebTV
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/488 Data services, e.g. news ticker systems specially adapted for using meteorological information in broadcast systems H04H60/71
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/163 by receiver means only
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99933 Query processing, i.e. searching

Abstract

A transmission system and a receiver system enable an internet experience with enhanced content regulation and simplicity. The transmission system comprises a buffer memory storing data-to-be-transmitted which contains channel information. The transmission system further comprises a transmitter for transmitting the stored data based on the channel information, and a repeater coupled to the buffer memory and to the transmitter for repeatedly sending the stored data from the buffer memory to the transmitter. The receiver system comprises a receiver for receiving data packets being transmitted on the multiple channels, a device coupled to the receiver for extracting a data packet from the received data packets based on a comparison of the received data packets and desired packet identification information. The receiver system further comprises a browser coupled to the device for enabling presentation of an extracted data packet, and for enabling selection of an option. The receiver still further comprises a control engine coupled to the browser for managing the desired packet identification information based on the extracted data packet and based on option selection. The transmission system may offer multiple versions of the service, such as a basic version, an extended version and a deluxe version. The receiver system may be configured to receive a version based on a subscription package.

Claims

1. A receiver system, comprising:

a set top box coupled to an output device, the set top box capable to extract and forward data to be displayed by the output device;

the set top box including a receiver and demodulator stage for receiving data packets being transmitted on multiple channels;

a device, coupled to the receiver and demodulator stage, for performing data de-packetization and for extracting a data packet from the received data packets based on a comparison of the received data packets and desired packet identification information, the device further configured to compare the received data packets with data identified by acceptance tables stored in a working memory, the device further configured to send the received data packets to the working memory as page data if the received data packets correspond to the data identified by the acceptance tables, the working memory coupled to the device;

a browser, coupled to the device, for enabling presentation or an extracted data packet, and for enabling selection of an option; and

a control engine, coupled to the device, for managing the desired packet identification information based on the extracted data packet, the control engine further configured to generate the acceptance tables;

the set top box configured to receive a control data and recognize a selected version of service to enable processing of certain data on the output device, the control data including at least one of a set top box address, the selected version of service, a list of set top boxes to be enabled, a list of set top boxes to be disabled, a list of set top boxes to be modified, and a start page identification information based upon the selected version of service.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the multiple channels correspond to a single frequency.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the multiple channels correspond to multiple frequencies.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein each data packet includes identification information for comparison against the desired packet identification information to determine whether to extract the data packet.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the identification information includes a channel ID and a page ID for comparison against the desired packet identification information.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the device stores the extracted data packet in current page memory.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the extracted data packet includes link information.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the control engine adds the link information to the desired packet identification information to determine whether to extract other data packets.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the device extracts other data packets and stores the other data packets in future page memory.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the extracted data packet includes control data.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the control data identifies a start page.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the extracted data packet includes multimedia data.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the desired packet identification information includes acceptance tables containing current page information and link information.

14. The system of claim 1, further comprising a signal receiver interface coupled to the browser for receiving a signal selecting the option.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the control engine manipulates the desired packet identification information upon selection of the option.

16. A receiver method comprising:

receiving a da packet being transmitted on a first channel;

performing data de-packetization on the data packet and comparing the data packet against desired packet identification information to determine if the data packet is desired, including comparing the data packets with data identified by acceptance tables snored in a working memory and sending the data packets to the working memory as page data if the data packets correspond to the data identified by the acceptance tables;

selecting the data packet if the data packet is desired;

managing the desired packet identification information based on a selected data packet; and

receiving a control data and recognizing a selected version of service to enable processing of certain data on an output device, the control data including at least one of a set top box address, the selected version of service, a list of set top boxes to be enabled, a list of set top boxes to be disabled, a list of set top boxes to be modified, and a start page identification information based upon the selected version of service.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first channel corresponds to a first frequency.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising receiving a second data packet on a second channel corresponding to the first frequency.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising receiving a second data packet on a second channel corresponding to a second frequency.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the data packet includes a channel ID and a page ID, and wherein the step of comparing includes comparing the channel ID and page ID against the desired packet identification information.

21. The method of claim 17, wherein each data packet includes link information.

22. The method of claim 21, where in the step of managing the desired packet information includes adding the link information to the desired packet identification information.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising receiving other data packets, and selecting another data packet from the other data packets based on the link information.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising receiving a signal selecting the option.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising manipulating the desired packet identification information upon selection of the option.

26. A receiver system comprising:

a set top box coupled to an output device, the set top box capable to extract and forward data to be displayed by the output device;

the set top box including a means for receiving a data packet being transmitted on a first channel;

means for performing data de-packetization on the data packet and for comparing the data packet against desired packet identification information to determine if the data packet is desired, including means for comparing the data packets with identified by acceptance tables stored in a working memory and for sending the data packets to the working memory as page data if the data packets correspond to the data identified by the acceptance tables;

means for selecting the data packet if the data packet is desired; and

means for managing the desired packet identification information based on a selected data packet and for generating the acceptance tables;

the set top box configured to receive a control data and recognize a selected version of service to enable processing of certain data on the output device, the control data including as least one of a set top box address, the selected version of service, a list of set top boxes to be enabled, a list of set top boxes to be disabled, a list of set top boxes to be modified, and a start page identification information based upon the selected version of service.

27. A computer-readable storage medium storing program code for causing a computer to perform a method of:

receiving a data packet being transmitted on a first channel;

performing data de-packetization on the data packet and comparing the data packet against desired packet identification information to determine if the data packet is desired, including comparing the data packets with data identified by acceptance tables stored in a working memory and sending the data packets to the working memory as page data if the data packets correspond to the data identified by the acceptance tables;

selecting the data packet if the data packet is desired;

managing the desired packet identification information based on a selected data packet; and

receiving a control data and recognizing a selected version of service to enable processing of certain data on an output device, the control data including at least one of a set top box address, the selected version of service, a list of set top boxes to be enabled, a list of set top boxes to be disabled, a list of set top boxes to be modified, and a start page identification information based upon the selected version of service.

28. A receiver system, comprising:

a set top box coupled to an output device, the set top box capable to extract and forward data to be displayed by the output device;

the set top box including a receiver for receiving a data packet containing data, identification information, and linking information corresponding to at least one option;

first memory for storing current page data packets;

second memory for storing potential page data packets;

third memory for storing desired current page packet information;

fourth memory for storing desired potential page packet information;

a device coupled to the receiver, the third memory and the fourth memory for performing data de-packetization on the data packet and for comparing the identification information against the desired current page packet information and against the desired potential page packet information, coupled to the first memory for transferring the received data packet to the first memory according to the comparison of the identification information and the desired current page information, and coupled to the second memory for transferring the received data packet to the second memory according to the comparison of the identification information and the desired potential page packet information;

a browser coupled to the first memory for presenting the data for a current page data packet stored in the first memory; and

a control engine coupled to the first memory, the third memory and the fourth memory for manipulating the desired current page packet information and the desired potential page packet information based on the current page data packet stored in the first memory;

the set cop box configured to receive a control data and recognize a selected version of service to enable processing of certain data on the output device, the control data including at least one of a set top box address, the selected version of service, a list of set top boxes to be enabled, a list of set top boxes to be disabled, a list of set top boxes to be modified, and a start page identification information based upon the selected version of service.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein the identification information includes a channel ID and a page ID.

30. The system of claim 28, wherein the device includes an FPGA.

31. The system of claim 28, further comprising a signal receiver interface coupled to the browser for receiving a signal selecting the option.

32. The system of claim 31, wherein the control engine manipulates the desired current page packet information upon selection of the option.

33. The system of claim 32, wherein the control engine retrieves from the second memory the data packet corresponding to the linking information which corresponds to the selected option, and stores it in the first memory.

34. The system of claim 32, wherein the second memory does not store the data packet corresponding to the linking information which corresponds to the selected option, and wherein the control engine adds the linking information to the third memory as desired current page packet information.

35. The system of claim 34, wherein, upon selection of the option, the control engine cleans up the first, second, third and fourth memories.

36. The system of claim 28, wherein, upon system start-up, the third memory stores start page information as the desired current page packet information.

37. A receiver method, comprising:

receiving a data packet containing data, identification information, and linking information corresponding to at least one option;

performing data de-packetization on the data packet and comparing the identification information against desired current page packet information corresponding to at least one option;

transferring the received data packet to first memory as a current page data packet when the comparison of the identification information matches the desired current page information;

transferring the received data packet to second memory when the identification information matches the desired potential page packet information;

presenting the data for a current page data packet stored in the first memory;

manipulating the desired current page packet information and the desired potential page packet information based on the current page data packet stored in the first memory; and

receiving a control data and recognizing a selected version of service to enable processing of certain data on an output device, the control data including at least one of a set top box address, the selected version of service, a list of set top boxes to be enabled, a list of set top boxes to be disabled, a list of set top boxes to be modified, and a start page identification information based upon the selected version or service.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the identification information includes a channel ID and a page ID.

39. The method of claim 38, further comprising receiving a signal selecting the option.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein manipulating occurs upon selection of the option.

41. The method of claim 40, further comprising retrieving from the second memory the data packet corresponding to the linking information which corresponds to the selected option, and storing it in the first memory.

42. The method of claim 40, further comprising adding the linking information to the desired current page packet information.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein , upon system start-up, the desired current page packet information includes start page information.

44. A receiver system, comprising:

a set top box coupled to an output device, the set top box capable to extract and forward data to be displayed by the output device;

the set top box including a means for receiving a data packet containing data, identification information, and linking information corresponding to at least one option;

means for performing data de-packetization on the data packet and for comparing the identification information against desired current page packet information and against the desired potential page packet information;

means for transferring the received data packet to first memory as a current page data packet when the comparison of the identification information matches the desired current page information;

means for transferring the received data packet to second memory when the identification information matches the desired potential page packet information;

means for presenting the data for a current page data packet stored in the first memory; and

means for manipulating the desired current page packet information and the desired potential page packet information based on the current page data packet stored in the first memory;

the set top box configured to receive a control data and recognize a selected version of service to enable processing of certain data on the output device, the control data including at least one of a set top box address, she selected version of service, a list of set top boxes to be enabled, a list of set top boxes to be disabled, a list of set top boxes to be modified, and a start page identification information based upon the selected version of service.

45. A computer-readable storage medium storing program code for causing a computer to perform a method of:

receiving a data packet containing data, identification information, and linking information corresponding to at least one option;

performing data de-packetization on the data packet and comparing the identification information against desired current page packet information and against the desired potential page packet information;

transferring the received data packet to first memory as a current page data packet when the comparison of the identification information matches the desired current page information;

transferring the received data packet to second memory when the identification information matches the desired potential page packet information;

presenting the data for a current page data packet stored in the first memory;

manipulating the desired current page packet information and the desired potential page packet information based one the current page data packet stored in the first memory;

receiving a control data and recognizing a selected version of service to enable processing of certain data on the output device, the control data including at least one of a set top box address, the selected version of service, a list of set top boxes to be enabled, a list of set top boxes to be disabled, a list of set top boxes to be modified, and a start page identification information based upon the selected version of service.

46. A transmission system, comprising:

a buffer memory storing data-to-be-transmitted, which contains channel information;

a transmitter, coupled to the buffer memory, for transmitting the stored data based on the channel information; and

a repeater coupled to the buffer memory and to the transmitter for repeatedly sending the stored data from the buffer memory to the transmitter, the repeater including a repeater engine that stores the data in the buffer memory and that repeatedly transmit the data from the buffer memory to the transmitter;

the transmitter capable to transmit a control data and a selected version of service to enable processing of certain data on an output device, the control data including at least one of set top box address, the selected version of service, a list of set top boxes to be enabled, a list of set top boxes to be disabled, a list of set top boxes to be modified, and a start page identification information based upon the selected version of service.

47. A system comprising:

receiving data packets for multiple instances of a presentation;

receiving a control data and recognizing a selected version of service to enable processing of certain data on an output device, the control data including at least one of a set top box address, the selected version of service, a list of set top boxes to be enabled, a list of set top boxes to be disabled, a list of set top boxes to be modified, and a start page identification information based upon the selected version of service;

the receiving the control data including;

receiving a program guide, which contains data for offering selection of one of the instances and containing identification information for enabling extraction of each of the instances;

using the data to present the program guide;

enabling section of an instance presented by the program guide;

receiving the selection of an instance;

using the identification information to extract data packets for the selected instance from the received data packets; and

presenting dynamically the data packets for the selected instance.