WO2018206945A1 - Methods and apparatus for receiving and transmitting both video and data signals over separate frequency bands - Google Patents

Methods and apparatus for receiving and transmitting both video and data signals over separate frequency bands Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018206945A1
WO2018206945A1 PCT/GB2018/051244 GB2018051244W WO2018206945A1 WO 2018206945 A1 WO2018206945 A1 WO 2018206945A1 GB 2018051244 W GB2018051244 W GB 2018051244W WO 2018206945 A1 WO2018206945 A1 WO 2018206945A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
communication
client
signal
base station
data
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2018/051244
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Simon Davies
Original Assignee
Krowd 9 Limited
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Publication of WO2018206945A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018206945A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/414—Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
    • H04N21/41407—Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance embedded in a portable device, e.g. video client on a mobile phone, PDA, laptop
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/4104—Peripherals receiving signals from specially adapted client devices
    • H04N21/4126—The peripheral being portable, e.g. PDAs or mobile phones
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/04—Forecasting or optimisation specially adapted for administrative or management purposes, e.g. linear programming or "cutting stock problem"
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/25—Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies
    • H04N21/254—Management at additional data server, e.g. shopping server, rights management server
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/4302—Content synchronisation processes, e.g. decoder synchronisation
    • H04N21/4307—Synchronising the rendering of multiple content streams or additional data on devices, e.g. synchronisation of audio on a mobile phone with the video output on the TV screen
    • H04N21/43072—Synchronising the rendering of multiple content streams or additional data on devices, e.g. synchronisation of audio on a mobile phone with the video output on the TV screen of multiple content streams on the same device
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/436—Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or one or more peripheral devices inside the home
    • H04N21/43615—Interfacing a Home Network, e.g. for connecting the client to a plurality of peripherals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/45—Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
    • H04N21/462—Content or additional data management, e.g. creating a master electronic program guide from data received from the Internet and a Head-end, controlling the complexity of a video stream by scaling the resolution or bit-rate based on the client capabilities
    • H04N21/4622—Retrieving content or additional data from different sources, e.g. from a broadcast channel and the Internet
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/472—End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content
    • H04N21/4722—End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content for requesting additional data associated with the content
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/478—Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/478—Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application
    • H04N21/4788—Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application communicating with other users, e.g. chatting
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/80—Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
    • H04N21/81—Monomedia components thereof
    • H04N21/812—Monomedia components thereof involving advertisement data
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/80—Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
    • H04N21/81—Monomedia components thereof
    • H04N21/8126—Monomedia components thereof involving additional data, e.g. news, sports, stocks, weather forecasts

Definitions

  • Some embodiments described herein relate to methods and devices for receiving and transmitting both video and data signals over separate frequency bands. More particularly, some embodiments described herein relate to devices and methods that can receive and broadcast video and separately provide a dedicated Wi-Fi® network for data transmission.
  • a user messaging (texting and/or chatting) while watching a live soccer game on a multimedia device may have to frequently switch his attention between watching the live soccer game and messaging (texting and/or chatting).
  • a user concentrates on the chat they may miss the vital live action (e.g. the user only returns their attention to the match after cheering starts and a goal is scored.
  • the user concentrates on watching the live action the user may lose context in the chat, especially in a group chat where the conversation is occurring while the user is watching the live action. In either instance, the user is unable to perform both messaging and viewing live video simultaneously.
  • OTT Over-the-top
  • TV services provided over the Internet to connected devices (including mobile) lag live broadcast media and can freeze, buffer and/or jump forward in time.
  • the OTT/streamed TV services are not useable for creating the seamless transition from viewing messaging to viewing live soccer video.
  • an apparatus includes a memory and a processor of a communication base station and operatively coupled to the memory.
  • the processor is configured to receive a first signal from a control station via a first protocol.
  • the first signal is associated with a data signal.
  • the processor configured to receive a second signal from the control station via a second protocol different from the first protocol.
  • the second signal associated with a video signal.
  • the processor configured to send, to at least one client communication adaptor from a set of client communication adaptors, the first signal via a first output interface specific to data signals and not via a second output interface specific to video signals.
  • the processor configured to broadcast the second signal to the plurality of client communication adaptors via the second output interface and not the first output interface.
  • FIG. 1 is a system overview of a client-side communication base station connected via a communication network to a set of client communication adaptor, according to an embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a system overview of a centralized control station connected via a communication network to a set of client-side communication base stations, according to an embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a client-side communication base station, according to an embodiment.
  • FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for transmitting communication signals, according to an embodiment.
  • FIG. 5 is a representation illustrating screen overlay in a multimedia device, according to an embodiment. Detailed Description
  • an apparatus can receive and transmit both video and data signals over separate frequency bands.
  • the apparatus described in one embodiment includes a control station connected to a communication system via a first communication network.
  • the communication system includes a client-side communication base station wirelessly connected to set of multiple client communication adaptors via a second communication network.
  • the client-side communication base station receives at least two different signals (e.g., video and data) and can transmit the signals to the client communication adaptors.
  • the client-side communication base station authenticates and provides secured access to the content of the communication signal(s) to the client communication adaptors in a closed communication network.
  • FIG. 1 is a system overview of a communication system 100, according to an embodiment.
  • Communication system 100 includes client-side communication base station 110 operatively connected via a communication network 150 to multiple client communication adaptors 120a-120d.
  • the communication system 100 also includes multiple multimedia devices 130a, 130b connected to client communication adaptors 120b and 120c, respectively.
  • the client-side communication base station 110 can be connected to the network security controller 160.
  • the client-side communication base station 110 is configured to receive at least one data communication signal (Signal 1 - Signal n in FIG. 1) from at least one external source (not shown in FIG. 1) and retransmit the signal via communication network 150.
  • the client-side communication base station 110 can be any suitable device configured to perform base station functions.
  • the client-side communication base station 110 can be and/or include a server, a compute device, a general purpose processor, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a memory, one or more antennas, and/or other structure to allow the client-side communication base station 110 to receive and retransmit signals as described in further detail herein.
  • the data communication signals Signal 1 - Signal n can be different types of communication signals such as Internet, data, digital video broadcast, and/or the like.
  • Signal 1 can be a first type of data communication signal
  • Signal 2 can be a second type of data communication signal different than the first type of data communication signal.
  • the client-side communication base station 110 includes two communication antenna 140a, 140b to transmit the received data communication signals to multiple client communication adaptors 120a-120d via different methods, channels, protocols, frequencies and/or the like. The operation of the client-side communication base station 110 in the communication system 100 is described further herein.
  • the communication system 100 includes a network security controller 160.
  • the network security controller 160 can be a hardware device and/or software implementation (executed in hardware) for providing network security features such as, for example, client communication adaptor authorization, automatic log-in and/or log-off, network intrusion detection, content restriction, and/or the like, as described in further detail herein.
  • the network security controller 160 can be an integral part of the client-side communication base station 110, for example, a network security software code stored and executed by the client-side communication base station 110.
  • the network security controller 160 can be a separate hardware device (shown as dashed lines in FIG. 1).
  • the network security controller 160 can be further configured to manage the data communication signal (and/or traffic). The functions of the network security controller 160 are described in further detail herein.
  • the communication network 150 provides a communication connection between the client-side communication base station 110 and the client communication adaptors 120a- 120d.
  • the communication network 150 can be any suitable network or combination of networks.
  • the communication network 150 can be a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a worldwide interoperability for microwave access network (WiMAX®), an intranet, the Internet, an optical fiber (or fiber optic)-based network, a virtual network, and/or any combination thereof.
  • LAN local area network
  • WAN wide area network
  • MAN metropolitan area network
  • WiMAX® worldwide interoperability for microwave access network
  • an intranet the Internet
  • the Internet an optical fiber (or fiber optic)-based network
  • virtual network and/or any combination thereof.
  • at least a portion of the communication network 150 can be implemented as a wireless network.
  • the communication network 150 can use different communication protocols for establishing connection between the client-side communication base station 110 and client communication adaptor 120a-120d (such as frequencies used in digital video broadcasting (DVB), other wireless communication frequencies (such as for drones, cellular networks), Wi-Fi® and/or the like).
  • the client-side communication base station 110 can be in communication with the communication network 150 via a wireless access point or the like (not shown in FIG. 1) that is operably coupled to the communication network 150.
  • multiple client communication adaptors 120a-120d can be in communication with the communication network 150 via a wired and/or wireless connection.
  • the client-side communication base station 110 can create, support, and/or define the communication network 150.
  • the client-side communication base station 110 can act as a wireless base station and/or access point to define communication network 150.
  • the client communication adaptors 120a-120d are configured to receive data communication signals transmitted by client-side communication base station 110 via the communication network 150 and/or otherwise broadcast by the client-side communication base station 110.
  • the client communication adaptor 120 is configured to transmit data communication signals to the client-side communication base station 110 via the communication network 150.
  • the client communication adaptors 120a-120d can be hardware devices that can interface with a multimedia device 130a or 130b.
  • client communication adaptors 120a-120d can be specific hardware devices including a processor and a memory.
  • the latency of the video and/or data signals can be reduced.
  • client communication adaptor 120a-120d e.g., rather than a processor of a multimedia device 130a or 130b
  • the latency of the video and/or data signals can be reduced.
  • further details regarding the structure and function of the client communication adaptor 120a-120d are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 62/505,482, filed on May 12, 2017 and titled "Methods and Apparatus for Allowing Visual and/or Interactive Devices to Receive Dedicated Broadcast Video and Separately Receive and Transmit Data", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
  • a client communication adaptor 120 can interface with a multimedia device 130a, 130b using a physical interface.
  • the client communication adaptor 120 can interface with a multimedia device 130a or 130b using a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a lightning port, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) interface and/or any other suitable interface.
  • USB universal serial bus
  • HDMI high-definition multimedia interface
  • the client communication adaptor 120 can interface with a multimedia device 130a or 130b using wireless communication protocol (such as Near-Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth, and/or the like).
  • NFC Near-Field Communication
  • Bluetooth Bluetooth
  • a single client communication adaptor 120 can interface with multiple multimedia devices.
  • Each of the multimedia devices 130a and 130b can be, for example, a computing entity (e.g., a personal computing device such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, etc.), a mobile phone, a monitoring device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a standard mobile telephone, a tablet PC, a smartphone, a TV set top box, and/or so forth.
  • the multimedia devices 130a and 130b are operatively coupled to client communication adaptors 120b and 120c, respectively.
  • the multimedia devices 130a and 130b can include a visual display and a user interface (not shown in FIG. 1).
  • the visual display can be a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, a liquid crystal display (LCD) display, a light emitting diode (LED) display, and/or the like.
  • the visual display can provide on display the user interface for user interaction.
  • the operation of the multimedia devices 130a and 130b in the communication system 100 is described in further detail herein.
  • client communication adaptors 120a and 120d can be coupled to a multimedia device similar to multimedia devices 130a and 103b.
  • the multimedia devices 130a and 130b can have a software implementation (e.g., mobile application, PC application) to display the content and/or data received by the client communication adaptor 110.
  • the software (and/or application) can provision the streaming services and are optionally overlaid on the broadcast content as described with respect to FIG. 5.
  • the services provided by the software (and/or application) can include but are not limited to chat/instant messaging between friends and group of friends, betting and/or fantasy sports, food and/or drink ordering, e-commerce (e.g., merchandising), advertising and brand promotion and/or the like.
  • the software (and/or application) can run and connect to the internet the additional services which the user can operate via the software (and/or application).
  • the client-side communication base station 110 receives a first data communication signal, Signal 1, and a second data communication signal, Signal n, from at least one external source (not shown in FIG. 1).
  • the first signal can be a signal used to establish connection with an internet service provider (ISP) and second signal can be a signal from a DVB provider.
  • the network security controller 160 can then determine the compliance of the received data communication signals Signal 1 through Signal n using the pre-defined network security standards (rules and/or policies).
  • the network security controller 160 can authenticate a connection between the client communication adaptor 120a-120d and client- side communication base station 110 using a predefined protocol and authentication parameters.
  • the network security controller 160 can ensure that a secure channel is established between the client communication adaptor 120a-120d and client-side communication base station 110 such that the using the secure channel, the content can be accessed on the multimedia device 130a, 130b using an application. In other embodiments, a network security controller is not used.
  • the data communication signals are then analyzed and processed by the client-side communication base station 110.
  • the data communication signals are then transmitted to the client communication adaptors 120a-120d via the communication network 150 as described in further detail herein.
  • a DVB signal can be transmitted by the client-side communication base station 110 using one protocol and/or frequency via antenna 140b.
  • the data communication signal of the interactive services (such as texting, group chats, live news feed, advertisements, and/or the like) can be sent and received using different protocol and/or frequency via another antenna 140a.
  • the DVB signal and the interactive services (and/or internet signal) are transmitted independently to mitigate (and/or overcome) the transmission lag of the live DVB to the multimedia device 130a, 130b..
  • the data communication signal is found to be non- compliant on security standards by the network security controller 160, the data communication signal is not transmitted further.
  • the client communication adaptors 120a-120d can combine the multiple received data communication signals into a combined (or integrated) data communication signal.
  • the video signal can be received using a DVB transport stream (TS) encapsulated stream that can be combined with IP data received in a WI-FI® stack format via a Wi-Fi® network.
  • TS DVB transport stream
  • These signals can be combined to define a single IP data stream communication signal with the video content to be delivered over a predefined multicast address.
  • the combined (and/or integrated) data communication signal is transmitted to a multimedia device 130a or 130b associated with that client communication adaptor 120a-120d via a communication interface.
  • client communication adaptor 120a-120d as an external data communication signal receiver and a dedicated hardware device for processing video broadcast mitigates the amount of delay in the transmission of the live video broadcast to the multimedia device 130a, 130b.
  • the delay otherwise would be caused due to additional routing of the video broadcast signal in the communication system 100.
  • a visible lag can be observed between the multimedia device (e.g., smartphone) receiving an internet-based live video feed and another multimedia device (e.g., smartphone) receiving a live DVB signal.
  • the text message (and/or the data of the interactive services) can be transmitted and/or received along with DVB signal without any visible lag.
  • the multimedia device 130a or 130b then processes the combined (and/or integrated) data communication signal and performs an intended operation (for example, the DVB signal is displayed as a video on the display of the multimedia device 130a, 130b, a text message signal is displayed as text on the display of the multimedia device 130a, 130b, and/or the like).
  • the text message and the DVB signals can be synchronized and displayed on the multimedia device.
  • the interactive services (and/or internet signal) can be superimposed (and/or overlaid) on the live video so that the user can keep abreast of the broadcast content while operating the interactive services.
  • the multimedia device in FIG. 5 shows a group chat overlay screen on the live DVB game (FIG. 5 shows a soccer game).
  • the group chat messages exchanged among the group chat participants can be in synchronization with the live event happening without much of a visible delay.
  • the messages e.g., cheering
  • the messages can be exchanged with less or negligible delay and displayed on the screen that overlays on the live DVB.
  • the client-side communication base station 110 can receive two data communication signals: a live television (TV) DVB signal broadcast and an Internet data communication signal.
  • the network security controller 160 determines compliance of the live TV DVB signal and the Internet data communication signal based on pre-defined security and/or performance standards (rules, polices and/or the like). If the received live TV DVB signal and the Internet data communication signal are compliant to the security and/or performance standards, then both are analyzed and processed by the client-side communication base station 110.
  • Both data communication signals (TV and Internet signals) are then transmitted to the client communication adaptors 120a-120d via communication network 150 (e.g., using two different frequencies, protocols, channels, and/or the like).
  • the client communication adaptors 120a-120d can receive the two signals and combine the two signals to form a combined (and/or integrated) data communication signal.
  • the combined (and/or integrated) data communication signal is transmitted to the multimedia device (e.g., 130b).
  • the client-side communication base station 110 can have pre-defined threshold values to limit and/or optimize the use of communication network 150.
  • the threshold values can be defined to restrict the transfer of large sized file (and/or data) related to the interactive services (and/or Internet signal) over the communication network 150. This allows smaller sized data (such as text messages) to be quickly sent via the communication network 150 without being delayed by larger data transfers.
  • the threshold values can be different and/or vary based on the category of the content being transmitted.
  • the client-side communication base station 110 can stop, prevent, delay and/or hold the transmission of the data to the client-side communication base station 110 if the data exceeds a threshold value for the content, the data does not belong to pre-defined category of content, and/or the like.
  • the client-side communication base station 110 can stop, block, delay and/or hold video files from being transmitted but allow text messages to be transmitted. This allows text messages to be transmitted in near real-time without the network becoming clogged and/or overburdened with transmission of larger files such as videos.
  • data is transmitted over communication network 150, but is not transmitted over the frequency and/or channel over which the client-side communication base station 110 is broadcasting video. This allows this frequency and/or channel to be dedicated to the video stream and reduces latency in the video stream.
  • the data signal e.g., IP data
  • the video signal can be transmitted over a 2.4 GHz network and thus not conflict/interfere with the data signal.
  • the client-side communication base station 110 is associated with specific client communication adaptors 120a-120d.
  • the client-side communication base station 110 can send data and/or communication with the client communication adaptors 120a-120d with which it is associated and not with other client communication adaptors.
  • a bar or restaurant can have a specific closed-circuit system that is cannot be joined by any client communication adaptor.
  • the client-side communication base station 110 and/or the network security controller 160 includes a database including unique identifiers (e.g., MAC identifiers, device serial numbers, etc.) associated with each client communication adaptor 120a-120d with which it is configured to operate. This allows the client-side communication base station 110 to quickly identify and authenticate the client- communication adaptors 120a-120d with which it is associated. For example, when a client communication adaptor 120a-120d comes within range of the communication network 150, the client communication adaptor 120a-120d can send a unique identifier to the client-side communication base station 110. The client-side communication base station 110 can search the database of identifiers at the client-side communication base station 110.
  • unique identifiers e.g., MAC identifiers, device serial numbers, etc.
  • the client communication adaptor 120a-120d can be automatically authenticated and the client-side communication base station 110 can begin to transmit data (e.g., both interactive services and broadcasting video) to the client-side communication base station 110.
  • This process can be transparent to and not use any inputs from the user of a multimedia device 130 or 130b, simplifying the login process for the user.
  • the authentication process can instead be performed by the network security controller 160.
  • the network security controller 160 can store a database of client communication adaptor identifiers and authenticate the client communication adaptors 120a-120d for the client-side communication base station 110.
  • the client-side communication base station 110 can transmit copyrighted content (e.g., live broadcasts, television programs, etc.) to the authenticated client communication adaptors 120a-120d, but not to other devices (e.g., not to unauthenticated client communication adaptors, other multimedia devices, etc.). This can help ensure that copyright is protected.
  • the client-side communication base station 110 can also store an indication of a subscription associated with a particular client communication adaptor 120a-120d (e.g., in the memory and associated with the identifier of that client communication adaptor 120a-120d).
  • the client-side communication base station 110 can transmit copyrighted content associated with that subscription to the associated client communication adaptor 120a-120d and restrict access to content not associated with the subscription of that client communication adaptor 120a-120d. This further allows the client- side communication base station 110 to enforce digital rights management (DRM) controls and protect copyrighted content.
  • DRM digital rights management
  • the client-side communication base station 110 can be directly connected (not via the client communication adaptor 120a-120d) to one or more multimedia devices 130a, 130b (for example, television, video projector, an audio/visual display device and/or the like) through a wired connection (e.g., a co-axial cable, a twisted pair cable, an HDMI cable, a VGA cable, and/or the like) and/or a wireless connection.
  • a wired connection e.g., a co-axial cable, a twisted pair cable, an HDMI cable, a VGA cable, and/or the like
  • such a connection can be in addition to the wireless connections to the client communication adaptors 120a-120d.
  • the client- side communication base station can include a wired output interface.
  • the wired connection can be used for transmitting the communication signals (e.g., a DVB signal, a local information telecast, any audio/video data communication signal and/or the like) through the wired output interface (not shown in the figures) on the communication base station and receiving the communication signals via a wired communication interface (not shown in the figures) on the receiving multimedia device.
  • the client-side communication base station instead of being directly connected to a multimedia device via a wired connection, can be connected to a client communication adaptor via a wired connection.
  • the transmission of the communication signal(s) through the wired connection can be synchronized (e.g., time-based synchronization, video frame-based synchronization and/or the like) with the transmission of the data communication signal(s) through the wireless connection so that the same content is substantially simultaneously displayed on the multimedia devices 130a, 130b connected to both the wired connection and wireless connection.
  • synchronization can be performed using any suitable method. For example, if the wireless connection has a greater delay than the wired connection, the communication signals transmitted via the wired connection can be delayed by a time period substantially equal to the difference in transmission time between the wired and wireless connections.
  • Synchronizing the video signals can ensure that each multimedia device within a venue is synchronized and viewing the same content at the same time. For example, this can ensure that televisions connected to a client-side communication base station via a wired connection are displaying the same video as mobile devices connected to the client-side communication base station via a wireless connection. In other instances, such synchronization may not be necessary since much of the processing is done within hardware (e.g., by the processors of the client-side communication base station and the client communication adaptor) rather than software at the multimedia devices, reducing any potential delay in the transmission of communication signals.
  • FIG. 2 is a system overview of multiple communication systems 100 operatively coupled to a control station 210, according to an embodiment.
  • the control station 210 is connected to at least one communication system 100 via a communication network 250.
  • a control station 210 can be a compute device, a server, a group of servers, a controller and/or other suitable device controlled by a network provider, an internet service- provider, a digital media broadcast provider, a data content management services and/or the like.
  • the control station 210 can function as a centralized control station connected to multiple communication systems 100.
  • the data managed by the control station 210 can include data belonging to the communication system 100, communication network (both 150 and 250) and also can contain data related to multimedia devices (such as a user device identifier such as a telephone number, IP address, MAC address, location identifier, and/or the like).
  • control station 210 can be implemented as software stored on and/or executed by a compute device, a server, a group of servers, a controller and/or other suitable device controlled by a network provider, an internet service-provider, a digital media broadcast provider, a data content management services and/or the like.
  • the control station 210 can manage one or many of the communication systems 100 to which the control station 210 is connected via a communication network 250. For example, orchestration of various services, collation of transactions, service monitoring and access for remote management and configuration.
  • control station 210 can distribute media data (such as digital channels, internet-based communication) to the communication systems 100.
  • control station 210 can be a media data generator.
  • the control station 210 can transmit the media data to at least one communication system 100 using the communication network 250.
  • the control station 210 can be TV station, internet service provider along with Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) provider and/or the like.
  • IPTV Internet Protocol Television
  • Internet service, video data and/or other data can be transmitted to the communication systems 100 from a source(s) different from the control station 210 and the control station 210 can be used for configuring and managing the communication systems 100.
  • the communication network 250 can be constructed similar to and/or can function the same as or similar to the communication network 150 described in FIG. 1. Thus, significant details regarding the communication network 250 are not described below.
  • the communication network 250 can be any suitable network such as local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), and/or the like.
  • the communication network 250 can be construed to be geographically diverse in comparison to the communication network 150, which can be a more local -based network (e.g., from the client-side base station 110 acting as a single Wi-Fi® hotspot and/or broadcasting video).
  • the control station 210 transmits configuration information and/or media data through communication network 250 to at least one communication system 100.
  • the control station 210 transmits signals carrying (or representing) at least one television channel and Internet services via the communication network 250 to a communication system 100 installed in restaurants, sports bar, clubs, lounge, other public places and/or the like.
  • the control station 210 can be network access point for multiple communication systems 100.
  • the control station 210 can transmit software updates and/or other configuration information to the client-side communication base stations 110 of communication systems 100.
  • the control station 210 can perform the authentication. In such instances, the control station 210 can store a database of client communication adaptor identifiers associated with one or more communication systems 100. When a client communication adaptor 120a-120d comes within range of the communication network 150, the client communication adaptor 120a-120d can send a unique identifier to the client-side communication base station 110. The client-side communication base station 110 can send the identifier to the control station 210 via communication network 250. Control station 210 can search the database of identifiers.
  • the control station 210 can send an authentication response to the client-side communication base station 110 indicating that the client communication adaptor 120a-120d is authenticated. In response, the client- side communication base station 110 can begin to transmit data (e.g., both interactive services and broadcasting video) to the client-side communication base station 110. If the identifier is not found (or is on a blacklist), the control station 210 can send a signal to the client-side communication base station 110 indicating that authentication failed and that data should not be transmitted to the client communication adaptor 120a-120d.
  • data e.g., both interactive services and broadcasting video
  • This process can be transparent to and not use any inputs from the user of a multimedia device 130 or 130b, simplifying the login process for the user.
  • a specific client communication adaptor can be configured to function within multiple communication systems 100. For example, a user would be able to use a client communication adaptor at each restaurant within a chain of restaurants each having a communication system 100 controlled by a single control station 210.
  • control station 210 can enforce DRM and/or subscription controls in addition to or instead of the client-side communication base station 110.
  • subscription information can be stored at the control station 210. Instructions on what content to transmit to each client communication adaptor 120a-120d can be sent to the client-side communication base station 110.
  • the control station 210 can store identifiers and/or subscription information associated with communication systems 100.
  • each communication system 100 can authenticate with the control station 210 similar to how the client communication adaptors 120a-120d can authenticate with the client-side communication base station 110.
  • a client-side communication base station 110 can send an identifier (e.g., an identifier of the communication system 100, a MAC address or serial number of the client-side communication base station 110, and/or the like). The control station 210 can then match this identifier with an associated identifier stored at the control station 210.
  • control station 210 can enforce DRM controls on the communication systems 100.
  • different communication systems 100 can have different subscription services to copyrighted or otherwise protected content.
  • the subscription information can be stored at the control station 210 such that after a communication system 100 authenticates with the control station 210, the control station 210 can provide the communication system 100 the content to which that communication system 100 has subscribed, but restrict the communication system 100 from accessing other content.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a client-side communication base station 110, according to an embodiment.
  • the client-side communication base station 110 includes input interfaces 314a and 314b, a processor 316, a memory 318 and output interfaces 320a and 320b.
  • the client-side communication base station 110 also includes two antenna 140a and 140b. In other instances, the client-side communication base station 110 can include more or less than two antennas to transmit and/or receive the data communication signals to and/or from the client communication adaptor 120a-120d.
  • the input interfaces 314a and 314b of the client-side communication base station 110 can be any suitable components, subsystems, and/or devices that can receive data signals (e.g., interactive communication signals, video signals, etc.). More specifically, the input interfaces 314a and 314b can include one or more wired and/or wireless interfaces, such as, for example, Ethernet interfaces, optical carrier (OC) interfaces, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) interfaces, analog interfaces, coaxial interfaces, HDMI interfaces and/or the like.
  • Ethernet interfaces such as, for example, Ethernet interfaces, optical carrier (OC) interfaces, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) interfaces, analog interfaces, coaxial interfaces, HDMI interfaces and/or the like.
  • OC optical carrier
  • ATM asynchronous transfer mode
  • the input interfaces 314a and 314b are connected to an internet service provider (ISP) and a video source (e.g., DVB provider, satellite TV provider, cable TV provider, TV broadcast antenna, etc.), respectively.
  • ISP internet service provider
  • the input interfaces 314a and 314b can be, for example, a network interface card and/or the like that can include at least a wireless radio (e.g., a Wi-Fi® radio, a Bluetooth ® radio, etc.).
  • the input interfaces 314a and 314b can receive the data communication signals (e.g., interactive services (and/or the internet signal), DVB signal and/or the like) through a wired medium (e.g., a coaxial cable, Ethernet cable, HDMI cable).
  • the input interfaces 314a and 314b can receive the data communication signals through a wireless medium (e.g., satellite, Wi-Fi®, etc.).
  • the input interfaces 314a and 314b forward the received data communication signals to the processor 316 for processing.
  • the output interfaces 320a and 320b of the client-side communication base station 110 can be any suitable components, subsystems, and/or devices that can communicate with the communication network 150. More specifically, the output interfaces 320a and 320b can be operatively coupled to the antennas 140a and 140b used to transmit the data communication signals to client communication adaptors (e.g., client communication adaptors 120a-120d) via a communication network (e.g., communication network 150 of FIG. 1) and/or to otherwise broadcast or send the data communication signals to the client communication adaptors 120a-120d.
  • client communication adaptors e.g., client communication adaptors 120a-120d
  • the output interfaces 320a and 320b are operatively coupled to the antennas 140a and 140b, respectively, for the transmission of data communication signals.
  • the output interfaces 320a and 320b can be, for example, a network interface card and/or the like that can include at least a wireless radio (e.g., a Wi-Fi® radio, a Bluetooth ® radio, etc.). As such, the output interfaces 320a and 320b can transmit and/or receive signals from the client communication adaptor 120a- 120d using antennas 140a and 140b.
  • a wireless radio e.g., a Wi-Fi® radio, a Bluetooth ® radio, etc.
  • antenna 140a is used to receive a two-way communication signal through output interface 320a (e.g., to transmit data such as text messages), and output interface 320b is configured to use the other antenna 140b to broadcast a unidirectional signal to client communication adaptors (e.g., client communication adaptors 120a-120d) .
  • client communication adaptors e.g., client communication adaptors 120a-120d
  • the input interface 314b and the output interface 320b can support simplex communication, where the information flows in one direction (e.g., from a transmitter to multiple receivers).
  • the input interface 314b and the output interface 320b are configured to receive Signal n (e.g., DVB signal) and transmit Signal n to one or more client communication adaptors.
  • the input interface 314b and the output interface 320b are not configured to send signals in the opposite direction (e.g., receive signals from client communication adaptors.
  • the input interface 314a and the output interface 320a can support duplex communication, where the signals flow in both directions (e.g., from a transmitter to multiple receivers and from multiple receivers to the transmitter).
  • the data communication signal(s) for interactive services can be duplex communication.
  • the input interface 314a and the output interface 320a can enable bidirectional communication between the client-side communication base station 110 and a set of multiple client communication adaptor(s) 120a-120d (shown in FIG. 1).
  • the memory 318 can be, for example, a random access memory (RAM), a memory buffer, a hard drive, a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable readonly memory (EPROM), and/or the like.
  • the memory 318 can store, for example, one or more software modules and/or code that can include instructions to cause the processor 316 to perform one or more processes, functions, and/or the like.
  • the memory 318 can include a software module and/or code that can include instructions to cause the processor 316 to combine at least two data communication signal (s).
  • the memory 318 can further include instructions to cause the input interfaces 314a and 314b and output interfaces 320a and 320b to send and/or receive one or more data communication signals associated with the input to or output from, respectively, the processor 316, as described in further detail herein.
  • the memory 318 can also store a set of rules and/or predefined policies that can be implemented (e.g., to ensure large and/or otherwise restricted files are not sent via the communication network 150 via antenna 140a or antenna 140b). Such set of rules and/or predefined policies can be implemented by the processor 316.
  • the memory 318 can also store a list of client communication adaptors associated with the client-side communication base station 110. This can allow the client-side communication base station 110 to automatically authenticate and/or login client communication adaptors associated with the client-side communication base station 110, as described above. Moreover, in some instances, the memory 318 can store subscription service information, as discussed above. This allows the client-side communication base station 110 to enforce DRM controls on data sent to the client communication adaptors.
  • the processor 316 can be any suitable processing device configured to run and/or execute a set of instructions or code such as, for example, a general purpose processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and/or the like.
  • a general purpose processor e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and/or the like.
  • the memory 318 can store instructions to cause the processor 316 to execute the instructions and/or other modules, processes, and/or functions associated with managing data communication signals such as, for example, to combine one or more data communication signal(s), to ensure one or more data communication signal(s) are received at the input interfaces 314a and 314b and properly sent via output interfaces 320a and 320b, to enforce any size and/or data type restrictions and/or the like.
  • the function and operation of the processor 316 is as described in further detail herein.
  • the signal antennas 140a and 140b are coupled to the output interfaces 314a and 314b, respectively.
  • the client-side communication base station 110 can have one or more signal antennas 140a and 140b for receiving and/or transmitting multiple data communication signals to the client communication adaptor 120a-120d over the communication network 150.
  • the first antenna e.g., 140a
  • the second antenna e.g., 140b
  • DVD digital video broadcasting
  • the client-side communication base station 110 can receive at least two different communication signals (e.g., from a control station 210 via the communication network 250 as shown in FIG. 2, directly from an ISP and a video source, and/or the like).
  • Signal 1 310a is received at the input interface 314a and can be an interactive service(s) (and/or internet signal) (e.g., dedicated Wi-Fi® network signal, an internet connection signal from Local Area Network (LAN), and/or other communication signal(s)).
  • Another signal, Signal 2 310b is received at the input interface 314b and can be a DVB signal (or other type of video or multimedia signal).
  • the processing is performed by the processor 316 in the client-side communication base station 110.
  • the processing of the received data communication signals can include determining the category of the data communication signal, directing the data communication signals to appropriate output interface 320a or 320b for transmission, holding and/or blocking transmission of data based on predefined policies, determining the appropriate output interface (e.g., based on type of data), modifying a security level, parsing the contents, changing the power-level of the data communication signal(s), formatting the data communication signals to be transmitted, other network-related processing and/or the like.
  • the data communication signals are routed to the appropriate output interface 320a or 320b and transmitted to client communication adaptors via the communication network 150 via antennas 140a, 140b.
  • a received data communication signal, Signal 1 at the input interface 314a can be transmitted using designated output interface 320a via Signal 1 antenna 140a and another received data communication signal, 'Signal n' at the input interface 314b can be transmitted using designated output interface 320b via 'Signal n' antenna 140b.
  • data communication signals can be received from client communication adaptors via the communication network 150 via antenna 140a.
  • Such data communication signals can be processed by the processor 316, as described above, and sent via input interface 314a to another communication network (e.g., communication network 250, the Internet, etc.).
  • a user sends a text message on a multimedia device (e.g., multimedia device 130a or 130b in FIG. 1)
  • the text message can be processed and sent via a client communication adaptor (e.g., client communication adaptor 120a-120d in FIG. 1).
  • the text message can be received by antenna 140a and sent to the processor 316 by output interface 320a.
  • Processor 316 can process the text message and send the text message to the Internet via the input interface such that the text message can be delivered to an intended recipient.
  • the client-side communication base station 110 also authenticates the client communication adaptors 120a-120d (shown in FIG. 1) using a pre-defined protocol and/or multiple authentication parameters via the communication network 150. Furthermore, the client-side communication base station 110 can automatically authenticate the client communication adaptors 120a-120d with minimal or no input from the user. For example, the client-side communication base station 110 can authenticate the client communication adaptors 120a-120d using the communication network 150 when in range to enable communication. For example, the client-side communication base station 110 can automatically connect and authenticate client communication adaptor 120b via the communication network 150 (e.g., Wi-Fi® hotspot) when in range of the communication network 150, as described above.
  • the communication network 150 e.g., Wi-Fi® hotspot
  • FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method 400 for communication using a client- side communication base station and a client communication adaptor, according to an embodiment.
  • the method 400 includes transmission of data communication signals between a client-side communication base station (e.g., client-side communication base station 110 of FIGS. 1 and 3) and a set of multiple client communication adaptor(s) (e.g., client communication adaptors 120a-120d of FIG. 1).
  • the method 400 can be performed by a processor of a client-side communication base station (e.g., processor 316 shown in FIG. 3).
  • the method 400 involves receiving at least two different communication signals at an input interface.
  • the client-side communication base station 110 receives two different communication signals: Signal 1 310a is received at the input interface 314a and can be an interactive services signal (and/or internet signal) (e.g., Wi-Fi® network signal, an Internet connection signal from Local Area Network (LAN), and/or other communication signal(s)).
  • Signal 2 310b is received at the input interface 314b and can be a DVB signal.
  • the method 400 involves performing signal processing on the received data communication signals.
  • the processing is performed by a processor 316 in the client- side communication base station 110.
  • the processing of the received data communication signals can include determining the category of the data communication signals and directing the data communication signals to appropriate output interface for transmission. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a received data communication signal, Signal 1 at the input interface 314a can be transmitted using designated output interface 320a via Signal 1 antenna 140a via the communication network 150 (as shown in FIG. 1). Similarly, a received data communication signal, 'Signal n' at the input interface 314b can be transmitted using designated output interface 320b via 'Signal n' antenna 140b via the communication network 150 (as shown in FIG. 1).
  • processing of the data communication signals by the processor 316 can involve changing the security of the received data communication signal (e.g., performing encryption and/or decryption on the data communication signal) before transmitting to the client communication adaptor 120a-120d via the communication network 150.
  • the processor 316 can also parse the destination address and direct the data communication signals of the interactive services (and/or internet signal) to the designated client communication adaptor 120a-120d.
  • the processing can also involve power-level adjustment of the data communication signal (such as data communication signal power amplification using an arrangement of power amplifiers )).
  • the processing can also include enforcing any size, data type and/or subscription restrictions and/or policies.
  • the processor 316 can perform network-related processing on the received data communication signal (e.g., error correction and detection, protocol-based processing (such as simple mail transfer protocol (SMTP), and/or the like)).
  • protocol-based processing such as simple mail transfer protocol (SMTP), and/or the like
  • the processor 316 can request the control station 210 to retransmit the data communication signal via the communication network 250 (as shown in FIG. 2).
  • a first processed data communication signal can be transmitted using the first wireless antenna.
  • a received data communication signal, Signal 1 at the input interface 314a can be transmitted using designated output interface 320a via Signal 1 antenna 140a via the communication network 150 (as shown in FIG. 1).
  • a second processed data communication signal can be transmitted using the second wireless antenna.
  • a received data communication signal, 'Signal n' at the input interface 314b can be transmitted using designated output interface 320b via 'Signal n' antenna 140b via the communication network 150 (as shown in FIG. 1).
  • the client-side communication base station 110 can be deployed in any venue or environment with internet connection facility and DVB video output connection (e.g., HDMI interface and/or other communication interfaces supporting video).
  • the client-side communication base station 110 can then wirelessly transmit the internet signal and the DVB signal using different frequencies, protocols, communication medium, modulation techniques and/or the like.
  • a multimedia device e.g., 130a
  • the client communication adaptor 120b can access the content transmitted by the client-side communication base station 110.
  • the multimedia device e.g., 130a
  • a multimedia device user in a sports bar containing television displays showing a live sport can use their smartphones to chat and place bets using software (or application) on a multimedia device while keeping an eye on the live match being received as a direct broadcast to their multimedia device.
  • Fig. 5 depicts a screenshot of a multimedia device 130c (i.e., a smart phone) displaying a live soccer game 620. Overlaid on the broadcast is a group chat 610. The user can watch the live game and also interact with the group using group chat simultaneously.
  • a user watching the soccer game 620 in a venue will be able to watch the soccer game 620 on their multimedia device 310c without significant delay from the soccer game being shown at the venue.
  • the data associated with the group chat 610 is sent via a network different from the network via which the video is broadcast and because the size and/or type of data sent via this network is limited, the data associated with the group chat will not be significantly delayed (i.e., the network will have sufficient bandwidth to process smaller data files such as those related to the group chat).
  • chats associated with the soccer game 620 will be timely and related to the current context of the soccer game 620.
  • the communication system 100 can be deployed at live sports stadiums.
  • the attendees at a match would be able to access match highlights from other games and access the club's own coverage of the game.
  • the software (and/or application) can provide interactive services like chat, betting, food online ordering and/or the like.
  • university campuses can be equipped with live DVB broadcast combined with other interactive services.
  • the shoppers can be provided with live event feeds and receive highly targeted and measureable brand promotion/advertising.
  • the spectators and/or attendees would be able to follow other events going on at the same time.
  • the client communication adaptor coupled with the spectator's multimedia device can determine the location and guide the spectators and/or attendees towards upcoming events.
  • a client-side communication base station can be implemented as software (and/or application) on the client communication adaptor.
  • Some embodiments described herein relate to a computer storage product with a non- transitory computer-readable medium (also can be referred to as a non-transitory processor- readable medium) having instructions or computer code thereon for performing various computer-implemented operations.
  • the computer-readable medium or processor-readable medium
  • the media and computer code may be those designed and constructed for the specific purpose or purposes.
  • non-transitory computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, magnetic storage media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape; optical storage media such as Compact Disc/Digital Video Discs (CD/DVDs), Compact Disc-Read Only Memories (CD- ROMs), and holographic devices; magneto-optical storage media such as optical disks; carrier wave signal processing modules; and hardware devices that are specially configured to store and execute program code, such as Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), Read-Only Memory (ROM) and Random-Access Memory (RAM) devices.
  • ASICs Application-Specific Integrated Circuits
  • PLDs Programmable Logic Devices
  • ROM Read-Only Memory
  • RAM Random-Access Memory
  • Other embodiments described herein relate to a computer program product, which can include, for example, the instructions and/or computer code discussed herein.
  • Hardware modules may include, for example, a general-purpose processor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and/or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).
  • Software modules (executed on hardware) can be expressed in a variety of software languages (e.g., computer code), including C, C++, JavaTM, Ruby, Visual BasicTM, and/or other object-oriented, procedural, or other programming language and development tools.
  • Examples of computer code include, but are not limited to, micro-code or micro-instructions, machine instructions, such as produced by a compiler, code used to produce a web service, and files containing higher-level instructions that are executed by a computer using an interpreter.
  • embodiments may be implemented using imperative programming languages (e.g., C, Fortran, etc.), functional programming languages (Haskell, Erlang, etc.), logical programming languages (e.g., Prolog), object-oriented programming languages (e.g., Java, C++, etc.) or other suitable programming languages and/or development tools.
  • Additional examples of computer code include, but are not limited to, control signals, encrypted code, and compressed code.

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Abstract

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a memory and a processor of a communication base station and operatively coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to receive a first signal from a control station via a first protocol. The first signal is associated with a data signal. The processor configured to receive a second signal from the control station via a second protocol different from the first protocol. The second signal associated with a video signal. The processor configured to send, to at least one client communication adaptor from a set of client communication adaptors, the first signal via a first output interface specific to data signals and not via a second output interface specific to video signals. The processor configured to broadcast the second signal to the plurality of client communication adaptors via the second output interface and not the first output interface.

Description

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR RECEIVING AND TRANSMITTING BOTH VIDEO AND DATA SIGNALS OVER SEPARATE FREQUENCY BANDS
Cross-Reference to Related Applications
[1001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/505,474, filed May 12, 2017 and titled "Methods and Apparatus for Receiving and Transmitting both Video and Data Signals over Separate Frequency Bands," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Background
[1002] Some embodiments described herein relate to methods and devices for receiving and transmitting both video and data signals over separate frequency bands. More particularly, some embodiments described herein relate to devices and methods that can receive and broadcast video and separately provide a dedicated Wi-Fi® network for data transmission.
[1003] For example, a user messaging (texting and/or chatting) while watching a live soccer game on a multimedia device (such as smartphone, tablet, laptop, television (TV) and/or the like) may have to frequently switch his attention between watching the live soccer game and messaging (texting and/or chatting). If a user concentrates on the chat they may miss the vital live action (e.g. the user only returns their attention to the match after cheering starts and a goal is scored. Conversely, if the user concentrates on watching the live action, the user may lose context in the chat, especially in a group chat where the conversation is occurring while the user is watching the live action. In either instance, the user is unable to perform both messaging and viewing live video simultaneously.
[1004] Some known systems such as Over-the-top (OTT) content and/or streamed TV services provided over the Internet to connected devices (including mobile) lag live broadcast media and can freeze, buffer and/or jump forward in time. As a result the OTT/streamed TV services are not useable for creating the seamless transition from viewing messaging to viewing live soccer video. Thus, a need exists for devices and methods that can receive and broadcast video and separately provide a dedicated Wi-Fi® network for data transmission to enable a mobile device to use interactive services (such as messaging) while simultaneously viewing video.
Summary
[1005] In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a memory and a processor of a communication base station and operatively coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to receive a first signal from a control station via a first protocol. The first signal is associated with a data signal. The processor configured to receive a second signal from the control station via a second protocol different from the first protocol. The second signal associated with a video signal. The processor configured to send, to at least one client communication adaptor from a set of client communication adaptors, the first signal via a first output interface specific to data signals and not via a second output interface specific to video signals. The processor configured to broadcast the second signal to the plurality of client communication adaptors via the second output interface and not the first output interface.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[1006] FIG. 1 is a system overview of a client-side communication base station connected via a communication network to a set of client communication adaptor, according to an embodiment.
[1007] FIG. 2 is a system overview of a centralized control station connected via a communication network to a set of client-side communication base stations, according to an embodiment.
[1008] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a client-side communication base station, according to an embodiment.
[1009] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for transmitting communication signals, according to an embodiment.
[1010] FIG. 5 is a representation illustrating screen overlay in a multimedia device, according to an embodiment. Detailed Description
[1011] In some embodiments, an apparatus can receive and transmit both video and data signals over separate frequency bands. The apparatus described in one embodiment includes a control station connected to a communication system via a first communication network. The communication system includes a client-side communication base station wirelessly connected to set of multiple client communication adaptors via a second communication network. The client-side communication base station receives at least two different signals (e.g., video and data) and can transmit the signals to the client communication adaptors. The client-side communication base station authenticates and provides secured access to the content of the communication signal(s) to the client communication adaptors in a closed communication network.
[1012] FIG. 1 is a system overview of a communication system 100, according to an embodiment. Communication system 100 includes client-side communication base station 110 operatively connected via a communication network 150 to multiple client communication adaptors 120a-120d. The communication system 100 also includes multiple multimedia devices 130a, 130b connected to client communication adaptors 120b and 120c, respectively. The client-side communication base station 110 can be connected to the network security controller 160.
[1013] The client-side communication base station 110 is configured to receive at least one data communication signal (Signal 1 - Signal n in FIG. 1) from at least one external source (not shown in FIG. 1) and retransmit the signal via communication network 150. As such, the client-side communication base station 110 can be any suitable device configured to perform base station functions. For example, the client-side communication base station 110 can be and/or include a server, a compute device, a general purpose processor, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a memory, one or more antennas, and/or other structure to allow the client-side communication base station 110 to receive and retransmit signals as described in further detail herein.
[1014] The data communication signals Signal 1 - Signal n can be different types of communication signals such as Internet, data, digital video broadcast, and/or the like. For example, Signal 1 can be a first type of data communication signal and Signal 2 can be a second type of data communication signal different than the first type of data communication signal. The client-side communication base station 110 includes two communication antenna 140a, 140b to transmit the received data communication signals to multiple client communication adaptors 120a-120d via different methods, channels, protocols, frequencies and/or the like. The operation of the client-side communication base station 110 in the communication system 100 is described further herein.
[1015] In some embodiments, the communication system 100 includes a network security controller 160. The network security controller 160 can be a hardware device and/or software implementation (executed in hardware) for providing network security features such as, for example, client communication adaptor authorization, automatic log-in and/or log-off, network intrusion detection, content restriction, and/or the like, as described in further detail herein. In some embodiments, the network security controller 160 can be an integral part of the client-side communication base station 110, for example, a network security software code stored and executed by the client-side communication base station 110. In other embodiments, the network security controller 160 can be a separate hardware device (shown as dashed lines in FIG. 1). The network security controller 160 can be further configured to manage the data communication signal (and/or traffic). The functions of the network security controller 160 are described in further detail herein.
[1016] The communication network 150 provides a communication connection between the client-side communication base station 110 and the client communication adaptors 120a- 120d. The communication network 150 can be any suitable network or combination of networks. For example, in some embodiments, the communication network 150 can be a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a worldwide interoperability for microwave access network (WiMAX®), an intranet, the Internet, an optical fiber (or fiber optic)-based network, a virtual network, and/or any combination thereof. Moreover, at least a portion of the communication network 150 can be implemented as a wireless network. In some instances, the communication network 150 can use different communication protocols for establishing connection between the client-side communication base station 110 and client communication adaptor 120a-120d (such as frequencies used in digital video broadcasting (DVB), other wireless communication frequencies (such as for drones, cellular networks), Wi-Fi® and/or the like). [1017] For example, in some implementations, the client-side communication base station 110 can be in communication with the communication network 150 via a wireless access point or the like (not shown in FIG. 1) that is operably coupled to the communication network 150. Similarly, multiple client communication adaptors 120a-120d can be in communication with the communication network 150 via a wired and/or wireless connection. In some instances, the client-side communication base station 110 can create, support, and/or define the communication network 150. For example, in such instances, the client-side communication base station 110 can act as a wireless base station and/or access point to define communication network 150.
[1018] The client communication adaptors 120a-120d are configured to receive data communication signals transmitted by client-side communication base station 110 via the communication network 150 and/or otherwise broadcast by the client-side communication base station 110. The client communication adaptor 120 is configured to transmit data communication signals to the client-side communication base station 110 via the communication network 150. The client communication adaptors 120a-120d can be hardware devices that can interface with a multimedia device 130a or 130b. For example, client communication adaptors 120a-120d can be specific hardware devices including a processor and a memory. By processing video and/or data via a specific hardware client communication adaptor 120a-120d (e.g., rather than a processor of a multimedia device 130a or 130b), the latency of the video and/or data signals can be reduced. Moreover, further details regarding the structure and function of the client communication adaptor 120a-120d are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 62/505,482, filed on May 12, 2017 and titled "Methods and Apparatus for Allowing Visual and/or Interactive Devices to Receive Dedicated Broadcast Video and Separately Receive and Transmit Data", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[1019] In some embodiments, a client communication adaptor 120 can interface with a multimedia device 130a, 130b using a physical interface. For example, the client communication adaptor 120 can interface with a multimedia device 130a or 130b using a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a lightning port, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) interface and/or any other suitable interface. In other instances, the client communication adaptor 120 can interface with a multimedia device 130a or 130b using wireless communication protocol (such as Near-Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth, and/or the like). In yet other instances, a single client communication adaptor 120 can interface with multiple multimedia devices.
[1020] Each of the multimedia devices 130a and 130b can be, for example, a computing entity (e.g., a personal computing device such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, etc.), a mobile phone, a monitoring device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a standard mobile telephone, a tablet PC, a smartphone, a TV set top box, and/or so forth. In the example of FIG. 1, the multimedia devices 130a and 130b are operatively coupled to client communication adaptors 120b and 120c, respectively. The multimedia devices 130a and 130b can include a visual display and a user interface (not shown in FIG. 1). For example, the visual display can be a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, a liquid crystal display (LCD) display, a light emitting diode (LED) display, and/or the like. In some instances, the visual display can provide on display the user interface for user interaction. The operation of the multimedia devices 130a and 130b in the communication system 100 is described in further detail herein. Moreover, while shown in FIG. 1 as not being coupled to a multimedia device, client communication adaptors 120a and 120d can be coupled to a multimedia device similar to multimedia devices 130a and 103b.
[1021] The multimedia devices 130a and 130b can have a software implementation (e.g., mobile application, PC application) to display the content and/or data received by the client communication adaptor 110. The software (and/or application) can provision the streaming services and are optionally overlaid on the broadcast content as described with respect to FIG. 5. The services provided by the software (and/or application) can include but are not limited to chat/instant messaging between friends and group of friends, betting and/or fantasy sports, food and/or drink ordering, e-commerce (e.g., merchandising), advertising and brand promotion and/or the like. In some instances, the software (and/or application) can run and connect to the internet the additional services which the user can operate via the software (and/or application).
[1022] In use, the client-side communication base station 110 receives a first data communication signal, Signal 1, and a second data communication signal, Signal n, from at least one external source (not shown in FIG. 1). For example, the first signal can be a signal used to establish connection with an internet service provider (ISP) and second signal can be a signal from a DVB provider. [1023] The network security controller 160 can then determine the compliance of the received data communication signals Signal 1 through Signal n using the pre-defined network security standards (rules and/or policies). The network security controller 160 can authenticate a connection between the client communication adaptor 120a-120d and client- side communication base station 110 using a predefined protocol and authentication parameters. The network security controller 160 can ensure that a secure channel is established between the client communication adaptor 120a-120d and client-side communication base station 110 such that the using the secure channel, the content can be accessed on the multimedia device 130a, 130b using an application. In other embodiments, a network security controller is not used.
[1024] After the data communication signals are identified as compliant by the network security controller 160, the data communication signals are then analyzed and processed by the client-side communication base station 110. The data communication signals are then transmitted to the client communication adaptors 120a-120d via the communication network 150 as described in further detail herein. For example, in the present embodiment, a DVB signal can be transmitted by the client-side communication base station 110 using one protocol and/or frequency via antenna 140b. The data communication signal of the interactive services (such as texting, group chats, live news feed, advertisements, and/or the like) can be sent and received using different protocol and/or frequency via another antenna 140a. The DVB signal and the interactive services (and/or internet signal) are transmitted independently to mitigate (and/or overcome) the transmission lag of the live DVB to the multimedia device 130a, 130b.. In other instances, when the data communication signal is found to be non- compliant on security standards by the network security controller 160, the data communication signal is not transmitted further.
[1025] The client communication adaptors 120a-120d can combine the multiple received data communication signals into a combined (or integrated) data communication signal. For example, the video signal can be received using a DVB transport stream (TS) encapsulated stream that can be combined with IP data received in a WI-FI® stack format via a Wi-Fi® network. These signals can be combined to define a single IP data stream communication signal with the video content to be delivered over a predefined multicast address. The combined (and/or integrated) data communication signal is transmitted to a multimedia device 130a or 130b associated with that client communication adaptor 120a-120d via a communication interface. The use of client communication adaptor 120a-120d as an external data communication signal receiver and a dedicated hardware device for processing video broadcast mitigates the amount of delay in the transmission of the live video broadcast to the multimedia device 130a, 130b. The delay otherwise would be caused due to additional routing of the video broadcast signal in the communication system 100. For example, if additional routing were needed, a visible lag can be observed between the multimedia device (e.g., smartphone) receiving an internet-based live video feed and another multimedia device (e.g., smartphone) receiving a live DVB signal. Moreover, the text message (and/or the data of the interactive services) can be transmitted and/or received along with DVB signal without any visible lag.
[1026] The multimedia device 130a or 130b then processes the combined (and/or integrated) data communication signal and performs an intended operation (for example, the DVB signal is displayed as a video on the display of the multimedia device 130a, 130b, a text message signal is displayed as text on the display of the multimedia device 130a, 130b, and/or the like). For example, the text message and the DVB signals can be synchronized and displayed on the multimedia device. For example, the interactive services (and/or internet signal) can be superimposed (and/or overlaid) on the live video so that the user can keep abreast of the broadcast content while operating the interactive services. For example, the multimedia device in FIG. 5 shows a group chat overlay screen on the live DVB game (FIG. 5 shows a soccer game). The group chat messages exchanged among the group chat participants can be in synchronization with the live event happening without much of a visible delay. Thus, during the game if a player scores a point, the messages (e.g., cheering) can be exchanged with less or negligible delay and displayed on the screen that overlays on the live DVB.
[1027] As an example of the operation of the communication system 100, the client-side communication base station 110 can receive two data communication signals: a live television (TV) DVB signal broadcast and an Internet data communication signal. The network security controller 160 determines compliance of the live TV DVB signal and the Internet data communication signal based on pre-defined security and/or performance standards (rules, polices and/or the like). If the received live TV DVB signal and the Internet data communication signal are compliant to the security and/or performance standards, then both are analyzed and processed by the client-side communication base station 110. Both data communication signals (TV and Internet signals) are then transmitted to the client communication adaptors 120a-120d via communication network 150 (e.g., using two different frequencies, protocols, channels, and/or the like). The client communication adaptors 120a-120d can receive the two signals and combine the two signals to form a combined (and/or integrated) data communication signal. The combined (and/or integrated) data communication signal is transmitted to the multimedia device (e.g., 130b).
[1028] In some instances, during communication from the client-side communication base station 110 to client communication adaptor (e.g., 120b), the client-side communication base station 110 can have pre-defined threshold values to limit and/or optimize the use of communication network 150. The threshold values can be defined to restrict the transfer of large sized file (and/or data) related to the interactive services (and/or Internet signal) over the communication network 150. This allows smaller sized data (such as text messages) to be quickly sent via the communication network 150 without being delayed by larger data transfers. In some instances, the threshold values can be different and/or vary based on the category of the content being transmitted. For example, the (data-limiting) threshold value defined for content such as an image file can be different from the (data-limiting) threshold value defined for content such as text file. Further, in some instances, the client-side communication base station 110 can stop, prevent, delay and/or hold the transmission of the data to the client-side communication base station 110 if the data exceeds a threshold value for the content, the data does not belong to pre-defined category of content, and/or the like. For example, the client-side communication base station 110 can stop, block, delay and/or hold video files from being transmitted but allow text messages to be transmitted. This allows text messages to be transmitted in near real-time without the network becoming clogged and/or overburdened with transmission of larger files such as videos. Moreover, in some instances data is transmitted over communication network 150, but is not transmitted over the frequency and/or channel over which the client-side communication base station 110 is broadcasting video. This allows this frequency and/or channel to be dedicated to the video stream and reduces latency in the video stream. For example, the data signal (e.g., IP data) can be transmitted over a 5 GHz network and the video signal can be transmitted over a 2.4 GHz network and thus not conflict/interfere with the data signal.
[1029] In some instances, the client-side communication base station 110 is associated with specific client communication adaptors 120a-120d. In such instances, the client-side communication base station 110 can send data and/or communication with the client communication adaptors 120a-120d with which it is associated and not with other client communication adaptors. In such instances, for example, a bar or restaurant can have a specific closed-circuit system that is cannot be joined by any client communication adaptor.
[1030] Moreover, in some instances, the client-side communication base station 110 and/or the network security controller 160 includes a database including unique identifiers (e.g., MAC identifiers, device serial numbers, etc.) associated with each client communication adaptor 120a-120d with which it is configured to operate. This allows the client-side communication base station 110 to quickly identify and authenticate the client- communication adaptors 120a-120d with which it is associated. For example, when a client communication adaptor 120a-120d comes within range of the communication network 150, the client communication adaptor 120a-120d can send a unique identifier to the client-side communication base station 110. The client-side communication base station 110 can search the database of identifiers at the client-side communication base station 110. If the identifier is found, the client communication adaptor 120a-120d can be automatically authenticated and the client-side communication base station 110 can begin to transmit data (e.g., both interactive services and broadcasting video) to the client-side communication base station 110. This process can be transparent to and not use any inputs from the user of a multimedia device 130 or 130b, simplifying the login process for the user.
[1031] In other instances, the authentication process can instead be performed by the network security controller 160. In such instances, the network security controller 160 can store a database of client communication adaptor identifiers and authenticate the client communication adaptors 120a-120d for the client-side communication base station 110.
[1032] In some instances, by automatically authenticating the client communication adaptors 120a-120d, the client-side communication base station 110 can transmit copyrighted content (e.g., live broadcasts, television programs, etc.) to the authenticated client communication adaptors 120a-120d, but not to other devices (e.g., not to unauthenticated client communication adaptors, other multimedia devices, etc.). This can help ensure that copyright is protected. Moreover, in some instances, the client-side communication base station 110 can also store an indication of a subscription associated with a particular client communication adaptor 120a-120d (e.g., in the memory and associated with the identifier of that client communication adaptor 120a-120d). The client-side communication base station 110 can transmit copyrighted content associated with that subscription to the associated client communication adaptor 120a-120d and restrict access to content not associated with the subscription of that client communication adaptor 120a-120d. This further allows the client- side communication base station 110 to enforce digital rights management (DRM) controls and protect copyrighted content.
[1033] While shown and described above as being wirelessly connected to a multimedia device 130a, 130b via a client communication adaptor 120a-120d, in some instances the client-side communication base station 110 can be directly connected (not via the client communication adaptor 120a-120d) to one or more multimedia devices 130a, 130b (for example, television, video projector, an audio/visual display device and/or the like) through a wired connection (e.g., a co-axial cable, a twisted pair cable, an HDMI cable, a VGA cable, and/or the like) and/or a wireless connection. In some instances, such a connection can be in addition to the wireless connections to the client communication adaptors 120a-120d.
[1034] In instances in which the connection with a multimedia device is wired, the client- side communication base station can include a wired output interface. The wired connection can be used for transmitting the communication signals (e.g., a DVB signal, a local information telecast, any audio/video data communication signal and/or the like) through the wired output interface (not shown in the figures) on the communication base station and receiving the communication signals via a wired communication interface (not shown in the figures) on the receiving multimedia device. In other instances, instead of being directly connected to a multimedia device via a wired connection, the client-side communication base station can be connected to a client communication adaptor via a wired connection.
[1035] In some implementations, the transmission of the communication signal(s) through the wired connection can be synchronized (e.g., time-based synchronization, video frame-based synchronization and/or the like) with the transmission of the data communication signal(s) through the wireless connection so that the same content is substantially simultaneously displayed on the multimedia devices 130a, 130b connected to both the wired connection and wireless connection. Such synchronization can be performed using any suitable method. For example, if the wireless connection has a greater delay than the wired connection, the communication signals transmitted via the wired connection can be delayed by a time period substantially equal to the difference in transmission time between the wired and wireless connections. Synchronizing the video signals can ensure that each multimedia device within a venue is synchronized and viewing the same content at the same time. For example, this can ensure that televisions connected to a client-side communication base station via a wired connection are displaying the same video as mobile devices connected to the client-side communication base station via a wireless connection. In other instances, such synchronization may not be necessary since much of the processing is done within hardware (e.g., by the processors of the client-side communication base station and the client communication adaptor) rather than software at the multimedia devices, reducing any potential delay in the transmission of communication signals.
[1036] FIG. 2 is a system overview of multiple communication systems 100 operatively coupled to a control station 210, according to an embodiment. The control station 210 is connected to at least one communication system 100 via a communication network 250.
[1037] A control station 210 can be a compute device, a server, a group of servers, a controller and/or other suitable device controlled by a network provider, an internet service- provider, a digital media broadcast provider, a data content management services and/or the like. In some instances, the control station 210 can function as a centralized control station connected to multiple communication systems 100. The data managed by the control station 210 can include data belonging to the communication system 100, communication network (both 150 and 250) and also can contain data related to multimedia devices (such as a user device identifier such as a telephone number, IP address, MAC address, location identifier, and/or the like). In another instance, the control station 210 can be implemented as software stored on and/or executed by a compute device, a server, a group of servers, a controller and/or other suitable device controlled by a network provider, an internet service-provider, a digital media broadcast provider, a data content management services and/or the like. The control station 210 can manage one or many of the communication systems 100 to which the control station 210 is connected via a communication network 250. For example, orchestration of various services, collation of transactions, service monitoring and access for remote management and configuration.
[1038] In another instance, the control station 210 can distribute media data (such as digital channels, internet-based communication) to the communication systems 100. As such, in some instances, the control station 210 can be a media data generator. The control station 210 can transmit the media data to at least one communication system 100 using the communication network 250. For example, the control station 210 can be TV station, internet service provider along with Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) provider and/or the like. In other instances, Internet service, video data and/or other data can be transmitted to the communication systems 100 from a source(s) different from the control station 210 and the control station 210 can be used for configuring and managing the communication systems 100.
[1039] The communication network 250 can be constructed similar to and/or can function the same as or similar to the communication network 150 described in FIG. 1. Thus, significant details regarding the communication network 250 are not described below. The communication network 250 can be any suitable network such as local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), and/or the like. In some instances, the communication network 250 can be construed to be geographically diverse in comparison to the communication network 150, which can be a more local -based network (e.g., from the client-side base station 110 acting as a single Wi-Fi® hotspot and/or broadcasting video).
[1040] In use, the control station 210 transmits configuration information and/or media data through communication network 250 to at least one communication system 100. For example, the control station 210 transmits signals carrying (or representing) at least one television channel and Internet services via the communication network 250 to a communication system 100 installed in restaurants, sports bar, clubs, lounge, other public places and/or the like. In some instances, the control station 210 can be network access point for multiple communication systems 100. In addition, the control station 210 can transmit software updates and/or other configuration information to the client-side communication base stations 110 of communication systems 100.
[1041] In some instances, rather than the client-side communication base station 110 or the network security controller 160 (both shown in FIG. 1) authenticating client- communication adaptors 120a-120d, the control station 210 can perform the authentication. In such instances, the control station 210 can store a database of client communication adaptor identifiers associated with one or more communication systems 100. When a client communication adaptor 120a-120d comes within range of the communication network 150, the client communication adaptor 120a-120d can send a unique identifier to the client-side communication base station 110. The client-side communication base station 110 can send the identifier to the control station 210 via communication network 250. Control station 210 can search the database of identifiers. If the identifier is found, the control station 210 can send an authentication response to the client-side communication base station 110 indicating that the client communication adaptor 120a-120d is authenticated. In response, the client- side communication base station 110 can begin to transmit data (e.g., both interactive services and broadcasting video) to the client-side communication base station 110. If the identifier is not found (or is on a blacklist), the control station 210 can send a signal to the client-side communication base station 110 indicating that authentication failed and that data should not be transmitted to the client communication adaptor 120a-120d.
[1042] This process can be transparent to and not use any inputs from the user of a multimedia device 130 or 130b, simplifying the login process for the user. Moreover, by having the control station 210 perform the authentication process, a specific client communication adaptor can be configured to function within multiple communication systems 100. For example, a user would be able to use a client communication adaptor at each restaurant within a chain of restaurants each having a communication system 100 controlled by a single control station 210.
[1043] Moreover, in some instances, the control station 210 can enforce DRM and/or subscription controls in addition to or instead of the client-side communication base station 110. In such instances, subscription information can be stored at the control station 210. Instructions on what content to transmit to each client communication adaptor 120a-120d can be sent to the client-side communication base station 110.
[1044] In still other instances, the control station 210 can store identifiers and/or subscription information associated with communication systems 100. For example, each communication system 100 can authenticate with the control station 210 similar to how the client communication adaptors 120a-120d can authenticate with the client-side communication base station 110. For example, a client-side communication base station 110 can send an identifier (e.g., an identifier of the communication system 100, a MAC address or serial number of the client-side communication base station 110, and/or the like). The control station 210 can then match this identifier with an associated identifier stored at the control station 210.
[1045] Moreover, the control station 210 can enforce DRM controls on the communication systems 100. For example, different communication systems 100 can have different subscription services to copyrighted or otherwise protected content. The subscription information can be stored at the control station 210 such that after a communication system 100 authenticates with the control station 210, the control station 210 can provide the communication system 100 the content to which that communication system 100 has subscribed, but restrict the communication system 100 from accessing other content.
[1046] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a client-side communication base station 110, according to an embodiment. The client-side communication base station 110 includes input interfaces 314a and 314b, a processor 316, a memory 318 and output interfaces 320a and 320b. The client-side communication base station 110 also includes two antenna 140a and 140b. In other instances, the client-side communication base station 110 can include more or less than two antennas to transmit and/or receive the data communication signals to and/or from the client communication adaptor 120a-120d.
[1047] The input interfaces 314a and 314b of the client-side communication base station 110 can be any suitable components, subsystems, and/or devices that can receive data signals (e.g., interactive communication signals, video signals, etc.). More specifically, the input interfaces 314a and 314b can include one or more wired and/or wireless interfaces, such as, for example, Ethernet interfaces, optical carrier (OC) interfaces, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) interfaces, analog interfaces, coaxial interfaces, HDMI interfaces and/or the like. In some instances, the input interfaces 314a and 314b are connected to an internet service provider (ISP) and a video source (e.g., DVB provider, satellite TV provider, cable TV provider, TV broadcast antenna, etc.), respectively. In some implementations, the input interfaces 314a and 314b can be, for example, a network interface card and/or the like that can include at least a wireless radio (e.g., a Wi-Fi® radio, a Bluetooth ® radio, etc.). The input interfaces 314a and 314b can receive the data communication signals (e.g., interactive services (and/or the internet signal), DVB signal and/or the like) through a wired medium (e.g., a coaxial cable, Ethernet cable, HDMI cable). In some instances, the input interfaces 314a and 314b can receive the data communication signals through a wireless medium (e.g., satellite, Wi-Fi®, etc.). The input interfaces 314a and 314b forward the received data communication signals to the processor 316 for processing.
[1048] The output interfaces 320a and 320b of the client-side communication base station 110 can be any suitable components, subsystems, and/or devices that can communicate with the communication network 150. More specifically, the output interfaces 320a and 320b can be operatively coupled to the antennas 140a and 140b used to transmit the data communication signals to client communication adaptors (e.g., client communication adaptors 120a-120d) via a communication network (e.g., communication network 150 of FIG. 1) and/or to otherwise broadcast or send the data communication signals to the client communication adaptors 120a-120d. The output interfaces 320a and 320b are operatively coupled to the antennas 140a and 140b, respectively, for the transmission of data communication signals. In some implementations, the output interfaces 320a and 320b can be, for example, a network interface card and/or the like that can include at least a wireless radio (e.g., a Wi-Fi® radio, a Bluetooth ® radio, etc.). As such, the output interfaces 320a and 320b can transmit and/or receive signals from the client communication adaptor 120a- 120d using antennas 140a and 140b. For example, in some implementations, antenna 140a is used to receive a two-way communication signal through output interface 320a (e.g., to transmit data such as text messages), and output interface 320b is configured to use the other antenna 140b to broadcast a unidirectional signal to client communication adaptors (e.g., client communication adaptors 120a-120d) .
[1049] In some instances, the input interface 314b and the output interface 320b can support simplex communication, where the information flows in one direction (e.g., from a transmitter to multiple receivers). For example, the input interface 314b and the output interface 320b are configured to receive Signal n (e.g., DVB signal) and transmit Signal n to one or more client communication adaptors. In such an example, the input interface 314b and the output interface 320b, however, are not configured to send signals in the opposite direction (e.g., receive signals from client communication adaptors.
[1050] In the some instances, the input interface 314a and the output interface 320a can support duplex communication, where the signals flow in both directions (e.g., from a transmitter to multiple receivers and from multiple receivers to the transmitter). The data communication signal(s) for interactive services (and/or internet signal) can be duplex communication. For example, the input interface 314a and the output interface 320a can enable bidirectional communication between the client-side communication base station 110 and a set of multiple client communication adaptor(s) 120a-120d (shown in FIG. 1).
[1051] The memory 318 can be, for example, a random access memory (RAM), a memory buffer, a hard drive, a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable readonly memory (EPROM), and/or the like. In some instances, the memory 318 can store, for example, one or more software modules and/or code that can include instructions to cause the processor 316 to perform one or more processes, functions, and/or the like. For example, in some instances, the memory 318 can include a software module and/or code that can include instructions to cause the processor 316 to combine at least two data communication signal (s). The memory 318 can further include instructions to cause the input interfaces 314a and 314b and output interfaces 320a and 320b to send and/or receive one or more data communication signals associated with the input to or output from, respectively, the processor 316, as described in further detail herein. In some instances, the memory 318 can also store a set of rules and/or predefined policies that can be implemented (e.g., to ensure large and/or otherwise restricted files are not sent via the communication network 150 via antenna 140a or antenna 140b). Such set of rules and/or predefined policies can be implemented by the processor 316.
[1052] In some instances, the memory 318 can also store a list of client communication adaptors associated with the client-side communication base station 110. This can allow the client-side communication base station 110 to automatically authenticate and/or login client communication adaptors associated with the client-side communication base station 110, as described above. Moreover, in some instances, the memory 318 can store subscription service information, as discussed above. This allows the client-side communication base station 110 to enforce DRM controls on data sent to the client communication adaptors.
[1053] The processor 316 can be any suitable processing device configured to run and/or execute a set of instructions or code such as, for example, a general purpose processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and/or the like. As such, the memory 318 can store instructions to cause the processor 316 to execute the instructions and/or other modules, processes, and/or functions associated with managing data communication signals such as, for example, to combine one or more data communication signal(s), to ensure one or more data communication signal(s) are received at the input interfaces 314a and 314b and properly sent via output interfaces 320a and 320b, to enforce any size and/or data type restrictions and/or the like. The function and operation of the processor 316 is as described in further detail herein.
[1054] The signal antennas 140a and 140b are coupled to the output interfaces 314a and 314b, respectively. The client-side communication base station 110 can have one or more signal antennas 140a and 140b for receiving and/or transmitting multiple data communication signals to the client communication adaptor 120a-120d over the communication network 150. For example, the first antenna (e.g., 140a) can be used to send and/or receive signals over a Wi-Fi® network and the second antenna (e.g., 140b) can be used to transmit digital video broadcasting (DVB) signals.
[1055] In use, the client-side communication base station 110 can receive at least two different communication signals (e.g., from a control station 210 via the communication network 250 as shown in FIG. 2, directly from an ISP and a video source, and/or the like). As shown in FIG. 3, Signal 1 310a is received at the input interface 314a and can be an interactive service(s) (and/or internet signal) (e.g., dedicated Wi-Fi® network signal, an internet connection signal from Local Area Network (LAN), and/or other communication signal(s)). Another signal, Signal 2 310b is received at the input interface 314b and can be a DVB signal (or other type of video or multimedia signal). The processing is performed by the processor 316 in the client-side communication base station 110. The processing of the received data communication signals can include determining the category of the data communication signal, directing the data communication signals to appropriate output interface 320a or 320b for transmission, holding and/or blocking transmission of data based on predefined policies, determining the appropriate output interface (e.g., based on type of data), modifying a security level, parsing the contents, changing the power-level of the data communication signal(s), formatting the data communication signals to be transmitted, other network-related processing and/or the like.
[1056] After the processor 316 processes the data communication signals, the data communication signals are routed to the appropriate output interface 320a or 320b and transmitted to client communication adaptors via the communication network 150 via antennas 140a, 140b. For example, a received data communication signal, Signal 1 at the input interface 314a can be transmitted using designated output interface 320a via Signal 1 antenna 140a and another received data communication signal, 'Signal n' at the input interface 314b can be transmitted using designated output interface 320b via 'Signal n' antenna 140b.
[1057] Moreover, data communication signals can be received from client communication adaptors via the communication network 150 via antenna 140a. Such data communication signals can be processed by the processor 316, as described above, and sent via input interface 314a to another communication network (e.g., communication network 250, the Internet, etc.). For example, when a user sends a text message on a multimedia device (e.g., multimedia device 130a or 130b in FIG. 1), the text message can be processed and sent via a client communication adaptor (e.g., client communication adaptor 120a-120d in FIG. 1). The text message can be received by antenna 140a and sent to the processor 316 by output interface 320a. Processor 316 can process the text message and send the text message to the Internet via the input interface such that the text message can be delivered to an intended recipient.
[1058] As described above, in some instances, the client-side communication base station 110 also authenticates the client communication adaptors 120a-120d (shown in FIG. 1) using a pre-defined protocol and/or multiple authentication parameters via the communication network 150. Furthermore, the client-side communication base station 110 can automatically authenticate the client communication adaptors 120a-120d with minimal or no input from the user. For example, the client-side communication base station 110 can authenticate the client communication adaptors 120a-120d using the communication network 150 when in range to enable communication. For example, the client-side communication base station 110 can automatically connect and authenticate client communication adaptor 120b via the communication network 150 (e.g., Wi-Fi® hotspot) when in range of the communication network 150, as described above.
[1059] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method 400 for communication using a client- side communication base station and a client communication adaptor, according to an embodiment. The method 400 includes transmission of data communication signals between a client-side communication base station (e.g., client-side communication base station 110 of FIGS. 1 and 3) and a set of multiple client communication adaptor(s) (e.g., client communication adaptors 120a-120d of FIG. 1). The method 400 can be performed by a processor of a client-side communication base station (e.g., processor 316 shown in FIG. 3).
[1060] At 410, the method 400 involves receiving at least two different communication signals at an input interface. For example, in FIG. 3, the client-side communication base station 110 receives two different communication signals: Signal 1 310a is received at the input interface 314a and can be an interactive services signal (and/or internet signal) (e.g., Wi-Fi® network signal, an Internet connection signal from Local Area Network (LAN), and/or other communication signal(s)). Another signal, Signal 2 310b is received at the input interface 314b and can be a DVB signal.
[1061] At 420, the method 400 involves performing signal processing on the received data communication signals. The processing is performed by a processor 316 in the client- side communication base station 110. The processing of the received data communication signals can include determining the category of the data communication signals and directing the data communication signals to appropriate output interface for transmission. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a received data communication signal, Signal 1 at the input interface 314a can be transmitted using designated output interface 320a via Signal 1 antenna 140a via the communication network 150 (as shown in FIG. 1). Similarly, a received data communication signal, 'Signal n' at the input interface 314b can be transmitted using designated output interface 320b via 'Signal n' antenna 140b via the communication network 150 (as shown in FIG. 1).
[1062] In some instances, processing of the data communication signals by the processor 316 can involve changing the security of the received data communication signal (e.g., performing encryption and/or decryption on the data communication signal) before transmitting to the client communication adaptor 120a-120d via the communication network 150. In addition, the processor 316 can also parse the destination address and direct the data communication signals of the interactive services (and/or internet signal) to the designated client communication adaptor 120a-120d. Furthermore, the processing can also involve power-level adjustment of the data communication signal (such as data communication signal power amplification using an arrangement of power amplifiers )). The processing can also include enforcing any size, data type and/or subscription restrictions and/or policies.
[1063] In some instances, the processor 316 can perform network-related processing on the received data communication signal (e.g., error correction and detection, protocol-based processing (such as simple mail transfer protocol (SMTP), and/or the like)). In the same instances, upon the identification of an erroneous and/or unreadable data communication signal, the processor 316 can request the control station 210 to retransmit the data communication signal via the communication network 250 (as shown in FIG. 2).
[1064] At 430a, a first processed data communication signal can be transmitted using the first wireless antenna. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a received data communication signal, Signal 1 at the input interface 314a can be transmitted using designated output interface 320a via Signal 1 antenna 140a via the communication network 150 (as shown in FIG. 1).
[1065] At 430b, a second processed data communication signal can be transmitted using the second wireless antenna. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a received data communication signal, 'Signal n' at the input interface 314b can be transmitted using designated output interface 320b via 'Signal n' antenna 140b via the communication network 150 (as shown in FIG. 1).
[1066] Returning to FIG. 1, in some instances, the client-side communication base station 110 can be deployed in any venue or environment with internet connection facility and DVB video output connection (e.g., HDMI interface and/or other communication interfaces supporting video). The client-side communication base station 110 can then wirelessly transmit the internet signal and the DVB signal using different frequencies, protocols, communication medium, modulation techniques and/or the like. A multimedia device (e.g., 130a) connected to the client communication adaptor 120b can access the content transmitted by the client-side communication base station 110. In some instances, the multimedia device (e.g., 130a) can access the content subject to the authentication by the client-side communication base station 110.
[1067] For example, a multimedia device user in a sports bar containing television displays showing a live sport can use their smartphones to chat and place bets using software (or application) on a multimedia device while keeping an eye on the live match being received as a direct broadcast to their multimedia device. Fig. 5 depicts a screenshot of a multimedia device 130c (i.e., a smart phone) displaying a live soccer game 620. Overlaid on the broadcast is a group chat 610. The user can watch the live game and also interact with the group using group chat simultaneously.
[1068] By using a communication system such as communication system 100 of FIG. 1, neither the text of group chat 610 nor the video of the soccer game 620 is significantly delayed. For example, by transmitting and/or broadcasting the video of the soccer game 620 via a dedicated channel (e.g., that does not send and/or receive other unrelated data) and processing the video signal in hardware separate from the multimedia device 130c (e.g., using client communication adaptor 120a-120d of FIG. 1), the video signal is not significantly delayed. Thus, the video on the multimedia device 130c will be substantially synchronized with a video feed displayed on a television (or other monitor) at the venue. Thus, a user watching the soccer game 620 in a venue (e.g., a restaurant, bar, stadium, etc.) will be able to watch the soccer game 620 on their multimedia device 310c without significant delay from the soccer game being shown at the venue. Moreover, because the data associated with the group chat 610 is sent via a network different from the network via which the video is broadcast and because the size and/or type of data sent via this network is limited, the data associated with the group chat will not be significantly delayed (i.e., the network will have sufficient bandwidth to process smaller data files such as those related to the group chat). Thus, chats associated with the soccer game 620 will be timely and related to the current context of the soccer game 620.
[1069] While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Where methods and/or schematics described above indicate certain events and/or flow patterns occurring in certain order, the ordering of certain events and/or flow patterns may be modified. While the embodiments have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood that various changes in form and details may be made.
[1070] In some instances, the communication system 100 can be deployed at live sports stadiums. In such instances, for example, the attendees at a match would be able to access match highlights from other games and access the club's own coverage of the game. The software (and/or application) can provide interactive services like chat, betting, food online ordering and/or the like. In another example, university campuses can be equipped with live DVB broadcast combined with other interactive services. At shopping malls, for example, the shoppers can be provided with live event feeds and receive highly targeted and measureable brand promotion/advertising. During Olympic Games and/or festivals, for example, the spectators and/or attendees would be able to follow other events going on at the same time. The client communication adaptor coupled with the spectator's multimedia device can determine the location and guide the spectators and/or attendees towards upcoming events.
[1071] Although various embodiments have been described as having particular features and/or combinations of components, other embodiments are possible having a combination of any features and/or components from any of embodiments as discussed above. For example, at least some of the functionality of a client-side communication base station can be implemented as software (and/or application) on the client communication adaptor.
[1072] Some embodiments described herein relate to a computer storage product with a non- transitory computer-readable medium (also can be referred to as a non-transitory processor- readable medium) having instructions or computer code thereon for performing various computer-implemented operations. The computer-readable medium (or processor-readable medium) is non-transitory in the sense that it does not include transitory propagating signals per se (e.g., a propagating electromagnetic wave carrying information on a transmission medium such as space or a cable). The media and computer code (also can be referred to as code) may be those designed and constructed for the specific purpose or purposes. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, magnetic storage media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape; optical storage media such as Compact Disc/Digital Video Discs (CD/DVDs), Compact Disc-Read Only Memories (CD- ROMs), and holographic devices; magneto-optical storage media such as optical disks; carrier wave signal processing modules; and hardware devices that are specially configured to store and execute program code, such as Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), Read-Only Memory (ROM) and Random-Access Memory (RAM) devices. Other embodiments described herein relate to a computer program product, which can include, for example, the instructions and/or computer code discussed herein.
[1073] Some embodiments and/or methods described herein can be performed by software (executed on hardware), hardware, or a combination thereof. Hardware modules may include, for example, a general-purpose processor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and/or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Software modules (executed on hardware) can be expressed in a variety of software languages (e.g., computer code), including C, C++, Java™, Ruby, Visual Basic™, and/or other object-oriented, procedural, or other programming language and development tools. Examples of computer code include, but are not limited to, micro-code or micro-instructions, machine instructions, such as produced by a compiler, code used to produce a web service, and files containing higher-level instructions that are executed by a computer using an interpreter. For example, embodiments may be implemented using imperative programming languages (e.g., C, Fortran, etc.), functional programming languages (Haskell, Erlang, etc.), logical programming languages (e.g., Prolog), object-oriented programming languages (e.g., Java, C++, etc.) or other suitable programming languages and/or development tools. Additional examples of computer code include, but are not limited to, control signals, encrypted code, and compressed code.

Claims

What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus, comprising:
a memory; and
a processor of a communication base station, the processor operatively coupled to the memory,
the processor configured to receive a first signal from a control station via a first protocol, the first signal associated with a data signal,
the processor configured to receive a second signal from the control station via a second protocol different from the first protocol, the second signal associated with a video signal,
the processor configured to send, to at least one client communication adaptor from a plurality of client communication adaptors, the first signal via a first output interface specific to data signals and not via a second output interface specific to video signals,
the processor configured to broadcast the second signal to the plurality of client communication adaptors via the second output interface and not the first output interface.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first signal is a text message signal and the second signal is a digital video broadcast (DVB) signal.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first output interface is configured to receive data from the at least one client communication adaptor, the second output interface is configured to not receive data from the plurality of client communication adaptors.
PCT/GB2018/051244 2017-05-12 2018-05-09 Methods and apparatus for receiving and transmitting both video and data signals over separate frequency bands WO2018206945A1 (en)

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001050401A1 (en) * 2000-01-06 2001-07-12 Hd Media, Inc. System and method for distributing and controlling the output of media in public spaces
US20140195675A1 (en) * 2013-01-09 2014-07-10 Giga Entertainment Media Inc. Simultaneous Content Data Streaming And Interaction System

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001050401A1 (en) * 2000-01-06 2001-07-12 Hd Media, Inc. System and method for distributing and controlling the output of media in public spaces
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