Method and apparatus for integrating interactive local internet access and downstream data transfer over a cable TV system with upstream data carried by other media
US6141682A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 4, 1999 |
| Grant date | Oct 31, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 4, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N21/4782
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for communicating between information service provider systems (ISPS) and customer premise equipment (CPE) is provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) transmitting a request for information from a requesting CPE on the upstream communication path, the request including a type of information; (b) based upon the type of information requested, routing the request to a selected ISPS coupled upstream and a selected ISPS coupled downstream; (c) receiving the requested information from the selected ISPS coupled upstream and the request for information from the selected ISPS coupled downstream on the downstream communication path at an associated one of a plurality of cable distribution devices, wherein the associated cable distribution device serves the requesting CPE; (d) wherein when the associated cable distribution device receives the request, routing the request to and receiving the requested information from the selected ISPS coupled downstream; (e) forming a composite signal which includes the requested information from the selected ISPS coupled upstream and the selected ISPS coupled downstream; and (f) distributing the composite signal on the cable tr…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.