Information distribution apparatus
US6862742B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 27, 1998 |
| Grant date | Mar 1, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 27, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N21/6405
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An information distribution apparatus for a CATV system which apparatus is capable of transmitting an identical program directed to a plurality of set-top boxes with the use of a single communication path between a distribution control section and an information distributing section. When distribution of identical information is requested from a plurality of set-top boxes, path identification number decision unit determines an identification number of a single communication path for these set-top boxes. Distribution information transmitting unit transmits the requested distribution information to the information distributing section via the communication path with the thus-determined identification number. In the information distributing section, set-top box identifying unit identifies individual set-top boxes to which the distribution information is to be distributed, based on the identification number of the communication path used for transmission by the distribution information transmitting unit. Distribution information distributing unit distributes the distribution information to each of the identified set-top boxes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.