US5406558A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for communicating program information corresponding to digital data
Assignee: Cisco Technology Inc
•
Filing: 1993-05-03
•
Granted: 1995-04-11
•
Expires: 2013-05-03
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus and method is described for transmitting, receiving and communicating program data signals which are combined with digital data signals. Preferably, the present invention compresses 30 digital audio signals, multiplexes them with title, track, artist, record label, year, etc., program information, and transmits the combined signals via satellite to a receiving station. The receiving station demultiplexes the signals and sends them via a cable distribution system to a subscriber's digital music tuner. This tuner further demultiplexes and decodes the signals so that the digital audio signals may be converted to analog and output for listening, while the corresponding data signals are communicated to the subscriber. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the program data signals are transmitted to a remote control receiver where they are displayed. The system described in the present invention may be used for transmitting video, software or games with program data to subscribers.
Inventors
- 👤 Luis A. Rovira
- 👤 William E. Wall, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 00:17
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04H; H04H20/00; H04H20/28; H04B; H04B7/00; H04B7/14; H04B7/15; H04B7/185; H04B7/18523; H04H20/53; H04H20/61; H04H20/63; H04H20/65; H04H20/76; H04H20/77; H04H20/78; H04H20/79; H04H20/86; H04H20/91; H04H40/00; H04H40/18; H04H40/27; H04H60/00; H04H60/68; H04H60/73; H04H60/74; H04N; H04N21/00; H04N21/20; H04N21/23; H04N21/236; H04N21/23614; H04N21/238; H04N21/2389; H04N21/23895; H04N21/25; H04N21/266; H04N21/2665; H04N21/40; H04N21/41; H04N21/426; H04N21/43; H04N21/434; H04N21/4348; H04N21/438; H04N21/4385; H04N21/43853; H04N21/80; H04N21/81; H04N21/8106; H04N21/8113; H04N21/83; H04N21/84; H04N5/00; H04N5/76; H04N5/765; H04N7/00; H04N7/16; H04H20/81; H04H20/84; H04H60/09; H04H60/14; H04H60/23; H04N21/4104; H04N21/4126; H04N21/41265; H04N21/422; H04N21/42204; H04N21/42206; H04N21/42208; H04N21/42209; H04N21/42225
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 90
Claim 1
Independent Claim
84 words
A hand held apparatus for communicating program information corresponding to digital data comprising: receiving means for receiving a plurality of program data signals from a remote receiver that receives both the program data signals and a plurality of distal data signals, each of the program data signals corresponding to one of the digital data signals; processing means, coupled to the receiving means, for processing the received program data signal; and communicating means, coupled to the processing means, for communicating the processed program data signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
84 words
A hand held apparatus for communicating program information corresponding to digital data comprising: receiving means for receiving a plurality of program data signals from a remote receiver that receives both the program data signals and a plurality of distal data signals, each of the program data signals corresponding to one of the digital data signals; processing means, coupled to the receiving means, for processing the received program data signal; and communicating means, coupled to the processing means, for communicating the processed program data signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the communicating means uses visual communication.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the communicating means is a liquid crystal display.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the communicating means is a cathode ray tube.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the communicating means is a light emitting diode.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the communicating means further comprises a printed text material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the communicating means further comprises a printed text material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the communicating means further comprises a printed text material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the communicating means further comprises a printed text material.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the communicating means uses audible communication.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the communicating means is a voice synthesizer.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the communicating means uses tactile communication.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: input means, coupled to the processing means, for inputting a request; and transmitting means, coupled to the processing means, for transmitting the request to the remote receiver.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the transmitting means may transmit the request contemporaneously while the receiving means receives one of the program data signals.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the input means selects one of the plurality of digital data signals.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the input means requests a particular information block from the processed program data signal.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the input means requests communication of the processed program data signal.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the receiving means is an infrared receiver means.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the receiving means is a radio frequency receiver means.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the receiving means is an optical fiber port receiving means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the remote receiver is a digital music tuner connected to a cable television (CATV) distribution system.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 21, wherein each of the program data signals describes the attributes of the corresponding one of the digital data signals.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 21, wherein each of the program data signals includes at least one of a title, a track, an artist, a publisher, a composer, a song identification, and a play time information block.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of digital data signals are digital audio signals.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of digital data signals are digital video signals.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of digital data signals are digital software signals.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a memory, connected to the processing means, for storing the processed program data signal.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
125 words
A handheld apparatus for communicating program information corresponding to digital data comprising: receiving means for receiving one of a plurality of program data signals from a remote receiver that receives both the program data signals and a plurality of digital data signals, each of the program data signals corresponding to one of the digital data signals; processing means, coupled to the receiving means, for processing the received program data signal; communicating means, coupled to the processing means, for communicating the processed program data signal; input means, coupled to the processing means, for inputting a request; and transmitting means, coupled to the processing means, for transmitting the request to the remote receiver, wherein the remote receiver responds to the transmitted request by conducting a selected function.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
125 words
A handheld apparatus for communicating program information corresponding to digital data comprising: receiving means for receiving one of a plurality of program data signals from a remote receiver that receives both the program data signals and a plurality of digital data signals, each of the program data signals corresponding to one of the digital data signals; processing means, coupled to the receiving means, for processing the received program data signal; communicating means, coupled to the processing means, for communicating the processed program data signal; input means, coupled to the processing means, for inputting a request; and transmitting means, coupled to the processing means, for transmitting the request to the remote receiver, wherein the remote receiver responds to the transmitted request by conducting a selected function.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the transmitting means may transmit the request contemporaneously while the receiving means receives one of the program data signals.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the remote receiver transmits one of the program data signals in response to a selected transmitted request.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the remote receiver selects one of the plurality of digital data signals in response to another transmitted request.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the input means requests a particular information block from the processed program data signal.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the input means requests communication of the particular information block of the processed program data signal.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the receiving means is an infrared receiver and the transmitting means is an infrared transmitter.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the remote receiver is a digital music tuner connected to a CATV distribution system.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 35, wherein each of the program data signals describes the attributes of one of the plurality of digital data signals.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 36, wherein each of the program data signals includes at least one of a title, a track, an artist, a publisher, a composer, a song identification, and a play time information block.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the digital data signals are digital audio signals.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the digital data signals are digital video signals.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the digital data signals are digital software signals.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
132 words
A handheld apparatus for communicating program information corresponding to digital audio comprising: receiving means for receiving one of a plurality of program data signals from a digital music tuner that receives the program data signals and a plurality of digital audio signals via a CATV distribution system, each of the program data signals corresponding to one of the digital audio signals; processing means, coupled to the receiving means, for processing the received program data signal; communicating means, coupled to the processing means, for communicating the processed program data signal; input means, coupled to the processing means, for inputting a request; and transmitting means, coupled to the processing means, for transmitting the request to the digital music tuner, wherein the digital music tuner conducts a selected function in response to the transmitted request.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
132 words
A handheld apparatus for communicating program information corresponding to digital audio comprising: receiving means for receiving one of a plurality of program data signals from a digital music tuner that receives the program data signals and a plurality of digital audio signals via a CATV distribution system, each of the program data signals corresponding to one of the digital audio signals; processing means, coupled to the receiving means, for processing the received program data signal; communicating means, coupled to the processing means, for communicating the processed program data signal; input means, coupled to the processing means, for inputting a request; and transmitting means, coupled to the processing means, for transmitting the request to the digital music tuner, wherein the digital music tuner conducts a selected function in response to the transmitted request.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 41 further comprising a memory coupled to the processing means for storing the program data associated with the processed program data signal.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 42, wherein each of the program data signals describes the attributes of the corresponding one of the digital audio signals.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the attributes include at least one of a title, a track, an artist, a publisher, a composer, a song identification, and a playtime information block.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the transmitting means is an infrared transmitter, the receiving means is an infrared receiver, the input means is a keyboard, and the communicating means is a display.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the digital music tuner transmits one of the program data signals in response to a selected transmitted request.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the digital music tuner selects one of the plurality of digital audio signals in response to another transmitted request.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the transmitting means may transmit the request contemporaneously while the receiving means receives one of the program data signals.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the input means requests communication of the processed program data signal.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
84 words
A hand held apparatus for communicating program information corresponding to digital data comprising: a receiver for receiving one of a plurality of program data signals from a remote receiver that receives both the program data signals and a plurality of digital data signals, each of the program data signals corresponding to one of the digital data signals; a processor, coupled to the receiver, for processing the received program data signal; and a display, coupled to the processor, for communicating the processed program data signal.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
84 words
A hand held apparatus for communicating program information corresponding to digital data comprising: a receiver for receiving one of a plurality of program data signals from a remote receiver that receives both the program data signals and a plurality of digital data signals, each of the program data signals corresponding to one of the digital data signals; a processor, coupled to the receiver, for processing the received program data signal; and a display, coupled to the processor, for communicating the processed program data signal.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 50 further comprising: an input device, coupled to the processor, for inputting a request; and a transmitter, coupled to the processor, for transmitting the request to the remote receiver.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 51, wherein the transmitter may transmit the request contemporaneously while the receiver receives one of the program data signals.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the remote receiver selects one of the plurality of digital data signals in response to a selected transmitted request.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the input device requests a particular information block from the processed program data signal.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the input device requests communication of the processed program data signal.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the remote receiver is a digital music tuner connected to a CATV distribution system.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 51, wherein each of the program data signals describes the attributes of the corresponding one of the digital data signals.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 57, wherein each of the program data signals includes at least one of a title, a track, an artist, a publisher, a composer, a song identification, and a playtime information block.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the digital data signals are digital audio signals.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the digital data signals are digital video signals.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the digital data signals are digital software signals.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 50 further comprising a memory, connected to the processor, for storing the processed program data signal.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
122 words
A handheld apparatus for communicating program information corresponding to digital data comprising: a receiver for receiving one of a plurality of program data signals from a remote receiver that receives both the program data signals and a plurality of digital data signals, each of the program data signals corresponding to one of the digital data signals; a processor, coupled to the receiver, for processing the received program data signal; a display, coupled to the processor, for communicating the processed program data signal; an input device, coupled to the processor, for inputting a request; and a transmitter, coupled to the processor, for transmitting the request to the remote receiver, wherein the remote receiver responds to the transmitted request by conducting a selected function.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
122 words
A handheld apparatus for communicating program information corresponding to digital data comprising: a receiver for receiving one of a plurality of program data signals from a remote receiver that receives both the program data signals and a plurality of digital data signals, each of the program data signals corresponding to one of the digital data signals; a processor, coupled to the receiver, for processing the received program data signal; a display, coupled to the processor, for communicating the processed program data signal; an input device, coupled to the processor, for inputting a request; and a transmitter, coupled to the processor, for transmitting the request to the remote receiver, wherein the remote receiver responds to the transmitted request by conducting a selected function.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the remote receiver transmits one of the program data signals in response to a selected transmitted request.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 64, wherein the remote receiver selects one of the plurality of digital data signals in response to another transmitted request.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the transmitter may transmit the request contemporaneously while the receiver receives one of the program data signals.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the input device requests a particular information block from the processed program data signal.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the input device requests communication of the processed program data signal.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the receiver is an infrared receiver and the transmitter is an infrared transmitter.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 63, wherein each of the program data signals describes the attributes of one of the plurality of digital data signals.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the remote receiver is a digital music tuner connected to a CATV distribution system.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 71, wherein each of the program data signals includes at least one of a title, a track, an artist, a publisher, a composer, a song identification, and a playtime information block.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 72, wherein the digital data signals are digital audio signals.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the digital data signals are digital video signals.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the digital data signals are digital software signals.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
130 words
A handheld apparatus for communicating program information corresponding to digital audio comprising: a receiver for receiving one of a plurality of program data signals from a digital music tuner that receives both the program data signals and a plurality of digital audio signals via a CATV distribution system, each of the program data signals corresponding to one of the digital audio signals; a processor, coupled to the receiver, for processing the received program data signal; a display, coupled to the processor, for communicating the processed program data signal; an input device, coupled to the processor, for inputting a request; and a transmitter, coupled to the processor, for transmitting the request to the digital music tuner, wherein the digital music tuner conducts a selected function in response to the transmitted request.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
130 words
A handheld apparatus for communicating program information corresponding to digital audio comprising: a receiver for receiving one of a plurality of program data signals from a digital music tuner that receives both the program data signals and a plurality of digital audio signals via a CATV distribution system, each of the program data signals corresponding to one of the digital audio signals; a processor, coupled to the receiver, for processing the received program data signal; a display, coupled to the processor, for communicating the processed program data signal; an input device, coupled to the processor, for inputting a request; and a transmitter, coupled to the processor, for transmitting the request to the digital music tuner, wherein the digital music tuner conducts a selected function in response to the transmitted request.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 76 further comprising a memory coupled to the processing means for storing the program data associated with the processed program data signal.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 77, wherein each of the program data signals describes the attributes of the corresponding one of the digital audio signals.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 78, wherein the attributes includes at least one of a title, a track, an artist, a publisher, a composer, a song identification, and a playtime information block.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 79, wherein the transmitter is an infrared transmitter, the receiver is an infrared receiver, the input device is a keyboard, and the display is a liquid crystal display.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 76, wherein the digital music tuner transmits one of the program data signals in response to a selected transmitted request.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 81, wherein the digital music tuner selects one of the plurality of digital audio signals in response to another transmitted request.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 76, wherein the transmitter may transmit the request contemporaneously while the receiver receives one of the program data signals.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 76, wherein the input device requests communication of the processed program data signal.
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| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-04-10 | 2002-10-10 | 2003-04-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-04-10 | 2006-10-10 | 2007-04-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |