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Claims  |
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We claim:
1. A cable television system with remote channel scheduling, the system
comprising:
a cable headend including a headend server for outputting first and second
CATV channels to a plurality of subscribers, said first and second CATV
channels carrying different video/audio programs for distribution to said
plurality of subscribers in accordance with predetermined playlist
schedules, wherein each said subscriber has a receiver for allowing said
subscriber to choose between one of said first and second channels for
view;
a video/audio file distribution station having a transmitter server for
transmitting digital video/audio files in non-real time to said cable
headend, said cable headend subsequently storing said received files for
later distribution to said plurality of subscribers;
a first and a second scheduling station for generating said playlist
schedules for said first and second channels by way of controlling the
content, order, and time that said video/audio programs are output to said
subscribers over each of said first and second channels, said first
scheduling station controlling the playlist schedule of said first channel
and said second scheduling station controlling the playlist schedule of
said second channel so as to allow the video/audio output of said first
and second channels to be controlled separately; and
computer means at each of said first and second scheduling stations for
modifying said playlist schedules of said first and second channels
respectively, said computer means also accessing said transmitter server
at said file distribution station and requesting transmission of files
listed on said playlist schedules from said distribution station to said
cable headend whereby said headend is supplied with said files to be
output via said first and second channels in accordance with said
playlists generated by said first and second scheduling stations.
2. The cable television system of claim 1, wherein said first and second
scheduling stations are each in communication with both said video/audio
file distribution station and said cable headend so as to allow said first
and second scheduling stations to access said headend for the purpose of
providing scheduling information thereto and access said transmitter
server at said distribution station for the purpose of instructing said
transmitter server which video/audio files said headend lacks and needs
transmitted thereto.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein said transmitter server at said
distribution station transmits said video/audio files requested by said
first and second scheduling stations to said cable headend via satellite
communication and a server at said headend subsequently stores said files
so as to eliminate redundant and/or repetitious file transmissions to said
headend.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein a land-link interconnects said cable
headend and said distribution station; and
said headend includes error detection means for identifying packets of said
files received from said distribution station which are in error and need
to be re-transmitted to said headend from said distribution station.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the headend requests re-transmission of
said packets identified as being in error via said land-link
interconnecting said headend and said distribution station, and said
packets identified as being in error are re-transmitted from said
distribution station to said cable headend by way of either said land-link
or said satellite.
6. The system of claim 2, wherein said transmitter server at said
distribution station transmits said digital video/audio files to said
headend via a bi-directional land-link, and wherein said first and second
scheduling stations communicate with both said distribution station and
said headend via land-links.
7. The system of claim 1, further including a plurality of cable headends,
each of said plurality of headends outputting said first and second
channels and being in communication with said first and second scheduling
stations so as to allow said scheduling stations to control the output of
their respective channels at each of said plurality of headends; and
wherein each of said first and second scheduling stations is in
communication with said distribution station so as to allow said first and
second scheduling stations to both control the playlists of said first and
second channels via communication with said plurality of headends and
control transmission of files from said distribution station to said
plurality of headends in accordance with said playlists.
8. A method for controlling the playlist schedules of a first and a second
video/audio channel output from a CATV headend, said method comprising the
steps of:
a) generating a playlist schedule for said first channel at a first
scheduling location, said first scheduling location including a first
computer for generating and modifying said first channel playlist
schedule;
b) generating a playlist schedule for said second channel at a second
scheduling location, said second scheduling location including a second
computer for generating and modifying said second channel playlist
schedule thereby allowing the playlist schedules of said first and second
channels to be generated, modified, and controlled from different
locations;
c) supplying said headend from a first file distribution station digital
video/audio files contained in said first and second channel playlists,
said first and second computers at said first and second scheduling
locations being in communication with said first file distribution station
for instructing said distribution station to supply particular files to
said headend;
d) outputting from said CATV headend video/audio programs over said first
channel to a plurality of subscribers in accordance with said first
channel playlist schedule generated in step a); and
e) outputting from said CATV headend video/audio programs over said second
channel to said plurality of subscribers in accordance with said second
channel playlist schedule generated in step b).
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of:
f) receiving said video/audio programs of said first and second channels at
locations corresponding to each of said plurality of subscribers and at
each such location selecting one of said first and second channels for
viewing.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein said step c) includes said first
computer at said first scheduling location accessing a first transmitter
server at said first distribution station and instructing said first
transmitter server to access and transmit in less than real time
video/audio files or programs listed in said first channel playlist
schedule to said cable headend, and said second computer at said second
scheduling location accessing a second transmitter server at a second
distribution location and instructing said second transmitter server to
access and transmit in less than real time video/audio files listed in
said second channel playlist schedule to said headend thereby allowing
said headend to store said video/audio files to be later distributed via
said first and second channels in accordance with said playlist schedules.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein said step c) includes said first and
second computers at said first and second scheduling locations
respectively accessing a first transmitter server at said first
distribution station and requesting said transmitter server to access and
transmit in less than real time video/audio files listed in said first and
second channel playlist schedules to said cable headend thereby allowing
said headend to store said files to be output at a later time via said
first and second channels. |
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Claims |
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Description |
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RELATED APPLICATION
This application is related to a co-filed and co-owned U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 08/247,834 filed May 23, 1994 and entitled "System
for Distributing Video/Audio Files from Central Location to a Plurality of
Cable Headends".
This invention relates to the scheduling of video/audio programs to be
output from a CATV headend. More particularly, this invention relates to a
system and method for controlling the playlists or schedules of different
cable channels from different locations, the playlist or schedule
corresponding to each channel being controlled via different schedulers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Cable television (CATV) systems engage in the broadcasting of video/audio
programs to vast numbers of remotely located subscribers. The programs
themselves are typically distributed to the subscribers from locations
known as cable headends, each headend being able to output different
programs by way of a plurality of channels (e.g. channels 1-4).
Programs to be distributed are typically supplied via around-the-clock real
time satellite transmissions to respective headends from one or more
distribution stations, the headends directing the programs to their
respective channels for distribution to subscribers.
CATV systems may include a master scheduler located at either a headend or
the distribution station. This master scheduler controls the playlist
(i.e. content, order, and timing) of the video/audio programs to be output
over the different channels from each headend. Such CATV systems are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,311,423, 5,283,639, and 5,168,353 just to
name a few.
In the world of modern cable television, the output of each channel is
generally controlled by a particular operator or company. For example,
"HBO" may control one particular channel output at different headends,
while "Cinemax," "Preview," and "TBS" also control their own particular
channels. In other words, "HBO" may control channel 1 output at different
headends, while "Cinemax" controls channel 2, "Preview" controls channel
3, and "TBS" controls channel 4. Thus, the programs (i.e. advertisements,
performances, sitcoms, sporting events, etc.) output by each channel are
in accordance with a playlist or schedule desired and typically put
together by the company (e.g. HBO) controlling the particular channel.
Companies such as HBO, for example, repetitively and redundantly broadcast
their programs around-the-clock in real time via satellite to CATV
headends thus tying up costly satellite time. Such real time satellite
transmissions to headends are based on scheduling done at the company.
Headends, upon receiving such transmissions, simply direct the HBO
programs, for example, to channel 1.
It is apparent from the above that there exists a need in the art for a
cable television (CATV) file distribution and scheduling system which will
allow the different companies (e.g. HBO, Cinemax, etc.) controlling the
output of particular CATV channels to generate, edit, and modify the
playlist schedules of their respective channels from locations of their
choosing such as the company headquarters, each company being able to
communicate such information directly to different CATV headends
broadcasting its channel. Furthermore, it would be desirable if such a
system would also allow the controller of a particular channel to directly
communicate with a video/audio file distribution station and request that
it access and transmit to particular cable headends files or programs
needed by the particular headends as determined by the playlist schedule
generated by the company so as to allow the headends to store such files.
The distribution of files for storage at the headend(s) eliminates the
prior art problem of redundant or repetitious satellite broadcasting to
headends.
It is thus the purpose of this invention to fulfill the above-described
needs in the art, as well as other needs apparent to the skilled artisan
from the following detailed description of this invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Generally speaking, this invention fulfills the above-described needs in
the art by providing a method for controlling the playlist schedules of
first and second video/audio channels output from a CATV headend, the
method comprising the steps of:
a) generating a playlist schedule for the first channel at a first
scheduling location, the first scheduling location including a first
computer for generating and modifying the first channel playlist schedule;
b) generating a playlist schedule for the second channel at a second
scheduling location, the second scheduling location including a second
computer for generating and modifying the second channel playlist schedule
thereby allowing the playlist schedules of the first and second channels
to be generated, modified, and controlled from different locations;
c) supplying the headend from a first file distribution station digital
video/audio files contained in the first and second channel playlists, the
first and second computers at the first and second scheduling locations
being in communication with the first file distribution station for
instructing the distribution station to supply particular files to the
headend;
d) outputting from the CATV headend video/audio programs over the first
channel to a plurality of subscribers in accordance with the first channel
playlist schedule generated in step a); and
e) outputting from the CATV headend video/audio programs over the second
channel to the plurality of subscribers in accordance with the second
channel playlist schedule generated in step b).
This invention further fulfills the above-described needs in the art by
providing a cable television system with remote channel scheduling, the
system comprising:
a cable headend including a headend server for outputting first and second
CATV channels to a plurality of subscribers, the first and second CATV
channels carrying different video/audio programs for distribution to the
plurality of subscribers and in accordance with pre-determined playlist
schedules, wherein each said subscriber has a receiver for allowing the
subscriber to choose between one of the first and second channels for
view;
a video/audio file distribution station having a transmitter server for
transmitting digital video/audio files in non-real time to the cable
headend, the cable headend subsequently storing the received files for
later distribution to the plurality of subscribers;
first and second scheduling stations for generating the playlist schedules
for the first and second channels by way of controlling the content,
order, and time that the video/audio programs are output to the
subscribers over each of the first and second channels, the first
scheduling station for controlling the playlist schedule of the first
channel and the second scheduling station for controlling the playlist
schedule of the second channel so as to allow the video/audio output of
the first and second channels to be controlled separately; and
computer means at each of the first and second scheduling stations for
modifying the playlist schedules of the first and second channels
respectively, the computer means also for accessing the transmitter server
at the file distribution station and requesting transmission of files
listed on the playlist schedules from the distribution station to the
cable headend, whereby the headend is supplied with the files to be output
via the first and second channels in accordance with the playlists
generated by the first and second scheduling stations.
IN THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a cable television distribution
system including remote channel scheduling at different locations
according to an embodiment of this invention, this figure illustrating an
enlarged subscriber so as to show certain elements thereof.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the cable television distribution
system including a plurality of CATV headends according to the FIG. 1
embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a cable television file or program
distribution system including channel scheduling at different locations
according to another embodiment of this invention, this embodiment
including a plurality of transmitter servers and thus a plurality of
distribution stations transmitting files to at least one headend.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a file transfer system via data
packets from a distribution station to a plurality of headends according
to an embodiment of this invention, the distribution station being
enlarged so as to illustrate certain elements thereof.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the reception of data packets by a
headend from a distribution station according to the FIG. 4 embodiment of
this invention, one such headend in this figure being enlarged so as to
show the different elements thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THIS INVENTION
Referring now more particularly to the accompanying drawings in which like
reference numerals indicate like parts.
FIGS. 1-2 are block diagrams according to an embodiment of this invention
depicting a system and method for distributing video/audio files (or
programs) to a plurality of subscribers via cable television (CATV). As
shown, the system includes video/audio file distribution station 7 and at
least one cable television headend 9 for outputting or distributing
video/audio programs to subscribers 11 via a plurality of channels (e.g.
channels 1-4 as illustrated).
Each channel output from headend(s) 9 has its playlist or scheduling data
such as content, order, and timing dictated by a particular scheduler.
Channel scheduler 13 controls the scheduling of channel 1 output from
headend(s) 9, while channels 2-3 scheduler 15 generates and controls the
playlist schedule for channels 2 and 3 output via headend(s) 9, and
channel 4 scheduler 17 controls the playlist schedule of channel 4 output
from headend(s) 9.
Each scheduler 13, 15, and 17 respectively is disposed at a separate and
distinct location in certain embodiments of this invention so as to allow
the playlist schedules of the different channels (e.g. channels 1-4) to be
controlled from different locations. Thus, the controller (e.g. "HBO") of
channel 1 can generate, edit, modify, etc. the playlist and other
scheduling data with respect to channel 1 via scheduler 13 which may be
located, for example, at its headquarters. In a similar manner, the
controller or owner of channels 2-3 output via headend(s) 9 may control,
edit, modify, etc. the playlist schedules for channels 2-3 from its
headquarters or other desirable location, while the same is true with
respect to channel 4 scheduler 17.
For purposes of example herein, let us assume that HBO owns the rights with
respect to channel 1 output, Cinemax the rights of channels 2-3, and
"Preview Channel" the rights with respect to channel 4. In such a case,
scheduler 13 may be provided at a location of HBO's choosing while
schedulers 15 and 17 may be disposed at positions desirable to Cinemax and
Preview respectively. Thus, if desired, HBO, Cinemax, and Preview may
control the scheduling and corresponding outputs of their particular
channels via headend(s) 9 from separate locations 13, 15, and 17
respectively. Such a provision of multiple schedulers, each at a different
location, overcomes the need for the owner or controller of a particular
channel to communicate its scheduling requirements to a central or master
scheduler and further eliminates the need for around the clock redundant
real time satellite transmission of programs to headends.
Each channel scheduler 13, 15, and 17 includes its own scheduling computer.
Thus, an HBO operator at scheduler 13 may utilize the HBO scheduling
computer to change the order, timing, or programs to be shown via channel
1 from location 13. The scheduling computer at each scheduler 13, 15, and
17 is a PC driven by a high powered chip such as an Intel 486 or Pentium
in certain embodiments of this invention. Examples of such conventional
scheduling computers are the Ambra Pentium DP60/PCI, the Ambra Pentium
DP60 E/VL, and the Dell 486/66 EISA, all of which are commercially
available.
Each of channel schedulers 13, 15, and 17 are in communication with both
headend(s) 9 which broadcast their particular channel(s) and distribution
station 7 via appropriate communication link(s) 19 in certain embodiments
of this invention. Communication link 19 may be, for example, a
conventional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), "T1" available from
U.S. West, Frame Relay available from Wiltel or Sprint, SMDS available
from Bell Atlantic, DS3, ATM, etc. or combinations thereof. For example,
files may be transmitted from station 7 to headends 9 via "T1," satellite,
or microwave, while all other communications are carried out via PSTN or
internet. In other words, communication link(s) 19 is/are conventional in
nature and simply need allow scheduling stations 13, 15, and 17 to
communicate with both headend(s) 9 and at least one video/audio file
distribution station 7.
Schedulers 13, 15, and 17 are in communication with headends 9 outputting
their particular channel(s) so as to allow operators or application
software at stations 13, 15, and 17 to update headends 9 with respect to
new or modified scheduling information corresponding to their respective
channels. Furthermore, each of scheduling stations 13, 15, and 17 is in
communication with at least one distribution station 7 so as to allow
distribution station 7 to transmit files (i.e. video/audio advertisements,
movies, etc.) to headends 9 in accordance with the required playlist
scheduling data generated at stations 13, 15, and 17 and stored at
headends 9. In certain embodiments, each scheduler may communicate with
multiple distribution stations. Each of schedulers 13, 15, and 17 also
carry out conventional traffic flow and billing functions in certain
embodiments of this invention.
For example, if HBO scheduler 13 were to modify its playlist so as to enter
a new movie thereinto, the new movie not being in storage at headend(s) 9,
then scheduler 13 would communicate via communication link 19 with
distribution station 7 and request or instruct that station 7 transmit the
new movie to headend(s) 9 in need so that the movie may be stored and
subsequently broadcast over channel 1 in accordance with the modified
playlist or schedule generated at station 13.
Alternatively, each scheduler may be split so that a computer at one
location (e.g. at a headend) performs all scheduling functions while a
computer at another location (e.g. HBO headquarters) accesses and
instructs distribution stations with respect to when and what files to
transmit to headends.
Each of cable headends 9 distributes video/audio files or programs via a
plurality of channels. While channel numbers 1-4 are used and illustrated
herein for the purpose of example, each headend 9 may output up to one
hundred or more channels over the corresponding CATV network. Each headend
9 distributes programs via its plurality of channels to subscribers 11.
One of subscribers 11 is enlarged in FIG. 1 so as to illustrate certain
elements thereof. Each subscriber 11 has an addressable converter box 21
which enables downstream access to particular CATV channels. Converter 21
allows and controls the viewing of programing in its respective subscriber
premises 11. For the reason that headends 9 include scramblers in certain
embodiments of this invention, corresponding subscribers 11 are
accordingly provided with descramblers 23. Subscribers 11 with | | |
