CN1520689A - A technique for optimizing the transmission of commercials or other program segments by alternating the use of bandwidth - Google Patents

Abstract

A technique for optimizing the delivery of a multiplicity of advertisements and other programming (402) is providing by trading off full-motion video (404) for other forms of high quality still images, text, graphics and audio (406). By creating a group of synchronized digital programming components (408), for example, still-frame video, audio, graphics, text, animation, and media objects, which combined (416) utilize less bandwidth than a standard digital programming segment of full-motion video with CD quality audio, a greater number of differentiable programming content options can be made available in the digital transmission stream (418). Because of the greatly expanded amount of differentiable content that can be created using the bandwidth tradeoff techniques, greater precision in targeting particular content, such as advertisements, to particular users is possible. The invention also contemplates the system requirements, both hardware and software, for a digital programming transmission center and for user's receiver, necessary to implement the bandwidth tradeoff methodology.

Description

By being used alternatingly the technology that bandwidth realizes the transmission of optimization advertisement or other program segment

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to by digital signal and provides programme content to spectators.By with the synthesis of alternating use of the videos of standard, complete dynamic, 30 frame/seconds, extra bandwidth is used for advertisement or other programs to frozen frozen mass video, high quality audio and image.

Background technology of the present invention

Television advertising has become the channel that a kind of general marketplace is sold.No matter the spectators present position of watching a program is at which, the personal considerations how, and they can see the advertisement of intercutting during this interruption program.Some time spot section is left to local broadcasting station or catv terminal, and they can broadcast in some geographic areas, but not all spectators in this geographic area are suitable market.This means that the fund of doing advertisement does not realize maximum efficient, scope and target market that advertisement covered are inconsistent.

Traditional method provides how pointed advertisement, but this be only limited to the hypothesis particular type spectators will sometime the section watch program or like watching a certain program, select this time period or specific program then.For example, baby products is mainly broadcasting in the program in the daytime, thereby at the father and mother that stay in child.But these father and mother that stay at home only account for the sub-fraction in program market in the daytime.The retired's and so on people accounts for televiewer's major part in the daytime, and the children that have a rest during summer vacation and teenage child also account for significant proportion, and they lose interest in to diaper and pablum.In addition, in a lot of families, father and mother are working in the daytime, therefore also can not see these daytime advertisements.Use the repayment that this elementary target provides at the television advertising of technology very little, by contrast all too costliness.

The bandwidth constraints of television transmission technology is a great obstacle for ever-increasing advertisement specific aim.But, along with the sport video that is used to have sound accompaniment, for example the digital compression of the Internet of Motion Picture Experts Group's (MPEG) standard and Voice ﹠ Video stream and the development of transmission technology can provide more programme signal to spectators' TV or other reception/display unit.These are progressive to make the advertizer can have more program and transmission choice which time to play their advertisement in decision.For example, the MPEG compression standard can be realized available " channel " of explosive number by cable and direct broadcasting satellite (DBS) system in identical bandwidth, this makes that the advertizer can be at the targeted customer who watches the special programs of interest in the specific channel, and these users may be most interested to the product or the service of its advertisement.

First mpeg standard, so-called MPEG-1 is mainly used in and makes it be stored in digital media for example on the CD-ROM to video coding.It is handled video under the resolution of 352 * 240 pixels, and this resolution is definite according to source input format (SIF).This SIF resolution just require 720 * 480 pixel resolutions radio and television standard (CCIR601) resolution about 1/4th.The bit rate of these Moving Picture Experts Group-1 Code And Decode full-motion video data was approximately for 1.5 megabit/seconds (Mbps).

This resolution and bit rate are not enough to adapt to broadcasting and the pay TV industry high-quality display to full-motion video, so have developed the second standard MPEG-2.MPEG-2 provides a kind of compression scheme of enhancing, and the broadcasting professional quality that full-motion video can 720 * 480 pixel resolutions is transmitted.MPEG-2 needs higher digital coding and decoding rate, is approximately 6Mbps.A lot of multisystem arithmetic units (MSO) are to come compressed video greater than 6Mbps.For example, use the AT﹠amp of variable bit rate coding and statistical multiplexing; T ^The HITS system can produce 12 video channels that mean bit rate is 1.7Mbps.Because MPEG-2 provides the better pictures quality, support the video format that interweaves and also can be between a plurality of resolution convergent-divergent, so it is used by cable TV and direct broadcasting satellite industry usually.

The standard mpeg video stream comprises the dissimilar coded frame that includes full-motion video.They are I-frame (interior coding), P-frame (prediction) and B-frame (bi-directional predicted).Standard MPEG structure be " image sets " (GOP).GOP begins with the I-frame usually, with P-or B-frame end.An I-frame comprises initial, the detailed image information that is used to rebuild a frame of video.P-and B-frame comprise the instruction of the image that changes the I-frame structure.The P-frame comprises the I-frame, other P-or the B-frame that point among the GOP or the vector of their combination, thereby indicates the variation of the image of this frame.Similar B-frame points to I-frame, other P-or B frame, the frame among other GOP or their combination among the identical GOP.Vector pointer is the part of MPEG scheme, is used for reducing duplicating of transmission data, thereby realizes compression.MPEG is based on the scheme of packets of information, so each GOP also can be divided into uneven packet, is used for transmitting in transport stream.Find other information below in the file: ITU-T Rec:H.222.0/ISP/IEC13818-1 (1996-04), the general coding of information technology-moving image and related audio information: system about the mpeg encoded standard; With ITU-T Rec:H.222.O/ISO/IEC 13818-1 (1996-04), the general coding of information technology-moving image and related audio information: video.

Two major requirements of MPEG compression are 1) frame per second that shows of full-motion video is 30 frame/seconds and 2) very CD quality sound equipment rebuild any sound accompaniment.Under the situation of the main level of MPEG-2, main profile (MLMP) image resolution ratio 704 * 480 pixels, the size of typical I-frame is about 256Kb.Because relevant B-frame and P-frame comprise and relevant I-frame and/or the variation that is relative to each other, so a little bit smaller a little.On average, one second broadcasting image in different resolution according to Moving Picture Experts Group-2 compression (i.e. 30 frame/seconds) is approximately 2Mb.Under comparing, an I-frame under the SIF resolution is approximately 1/4th of a MLMP I-frame sign, or is approximately 64Kb.The CD quality audio is 16 stereo definition of 44.1KHz sampling with the sample rate.Before compression, data transfer rate is 1.411Mbps.The MPEG-2 compression can realize the voice data rate of about 256Kbps.The also replaceable MPEG-2 of other audio standard.For example, at the U.S. (U.S.), the selected audio standard of Advanced Television System Commission (ATSC) is a Doby ^Numeral.Doby is used in the U.S. most of wired broadcasting commercial city ^Numeral, rather than mpeg audio.After the Digital Television global broadcast begins later several years, Doby ^Numeral will be used for these broadcasting equally.

Except the program of now available expansion, the extra bandwidth that realizes by digital compression and transmission technology can be implemented in multiple, the synchronous program stream of transmission in the bandwidth of NTSC (NTSC) channel of independent 6MHz.United States Patent (USP) 5155591 and 5231494 discloses in detail by between individual commercial, or switches the advertisement that realizes at target between advertising segment relevant, can be mutual.These advertising programmes or advertising segment are to transmit by a plurality of program streams multiplexing in the same channel bandwidth.

When switching between the NTSC channel so that more advertisement selection to be provided, the required time interval of tuner in the receiver user and demodulator can produce obvious and attractive gap between program segment, during just as converted channel.This problem can overcome by two tuners are provided in a receiver.But this solution can increase the cost of receiver.Even can cause being difficult to guaranteeing time synchronized through between the different transport stream of different N TSC bandwidth, thereby advertisement interruption simultaneously appears in program.

In practice, even realized surplus by compress technique, but with a gray specific commercial advertisement compare at the number of possible viewership, the number of commercial advertisement that can be transferred to the user simultaneously is also still limited.Therefore, also need some other thing to satisfy the needs of bigger program customizing, and the ability that improves the specific aim advertisement, thereby make gray advertising cost more valuable.

The present invention's general introduction

Can improve the ability of the advertisement that customizes at target significantly by technology of the present invention.Method of the present invention is not the development in the scope of the example that is used for advertisement or other program customizings, 30 frames with high-quality sound accompaniment of full motion/second video for example, but replace full-motion video with other forms of high-quality still image, text, picture, animation, media object and audio frequency.Other are replaced contents and can comprise: low-resolution video (for example 30 frame/seconds, 1/4th resolution (352 * 240 pixel)) more; Lower frame-rate video (for example, producing the 15 frame/seconds of " music video " effect); Low quality audio frequency (being any audio frequency between microphone and CD quality audio) more; And new compress technique.

The set-top box of a new generation comprises very strong processor, can decode and shows (for example, Sony dissimilar compression program contents ^The set-top box of developing) with game station ability.These new set-top box can be supported multiple animation, picture (for example JPEG and GIF) and audio format.These more powerful set-top box can be by supporting comparable full-motion video more efficient compression simultaneously the use of media object, come the more efficient use bandwidth.By creating the group of synchronous digital programming components (for example static frames video, audio frequency, picture, text, animation and media object), can realize more more number, available, diacritic programme content selection in digital transport stream, wherein the bandwidth of these program component multiplexings is less than or equal to the standard digital program segment of the full-motion video with CD quality sound equipment.

By " diacritic programme content ", this means by from one group of program component, selecting and merging multiple program component subclass to form program segment, can produce the multiple program segment that content differs from one another.A diacritic programme content used herein " unit " can be that a standard program segment (full-motion video that for example has audio frequency) or comprises the program segment of a program component subclass, and does not consider this standard program segment or comprise the employed bandwidth of composition subclass of this composition program segment.Should be understood that a plurality of subclass of one group of program component can non-special use, thereby produce the subclass of maximum number, the unit of diacritic like this programme content equals the summation of all possible combination of these compositions.From the angle of practicality, this means single audio frequency component can with the plurality of picture composition independent or divide other to form multiple program segment; In the perhaps multiple static video image composition each can with each pairing in the plurality of picture composition, thereby produce more program segment (thereby for example merging with four picture compositions of the non-special use of four static video image compositions produces 15 different program segment subclass).

Under the situation of having only the environment audio frequency, this being used alternatingly is to replace an independent CD quality audio signal with a plurality of different audio tracks.Required system configuration when the present invention considers simultaneously and utilizes this bandwidth to be used alternatingly method for digital program transmission center, catv terminal, satellite broadcasting center, internet server or other program transmission sources and receiver user comprises hardware and software.

Digital programming components preferably is in a plurality of subclass, thereby can produce the more program segment of more number, and these program segment are made up of multiple program component.For example, a plurality of picture compositions that have audio track respectively can merge with an independent static frames video image, thereby produce a plurality of diacritic advertisements.The bandwidth of the employed transport stream of each advertisement is preferably less than the bandwidth of the given segment of distributing to standard digital full-motion video audio signal.If wish to provide more advertisement in given bandwidth, then the quality of final photo resolution is not most important, and static frames video composition can comprise the frame of video that resolution is lower, scalable, data volume is littler.Audio frequency can be replaced with audio frequency, thereby the number of the program segment selection that can provide in data flow is provided not as the CD quality.

The present invention also can utilize the advantage of digital, interactive program technological component.Owing to utilize bandwidth replacements technology of the present invention can realize the more advertisement distinguished or other program segment of big figure, so can realize more clearly certain content at specific user.By considering to be stored in the user situation information in the interactive program system, can select and show the specific change of specific advertisement or other program segment or a center advertisement or other program segment to the specific user, perhaps they are offered the user and select, these users' situation and advertisement or programme content at spectators' situation mate very much.This replacement technology is not limited to advertisement applications.These technology can be easy to be applied in news, physical culture, amusement, situation comedy, music video, game dramatization, film, drama, then educational programs, interactive video recreation even the live broadcast.They also can be used for providing the personal information service, for example weather forecast and stock market's situation.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 illustrates the optimum structure of mpeg data transport stream.

Fig. 2 a illustrates according to the present invention and is used for providing the more multiple possible mpeg data transport stream scheme of Polymera signal a setting bandwidth.

Fig. 2 b illustrates according to the present invention a bandwidth of setting the data in the mpeg data transport stream that Polymera signal more is provided in the bandwidth and uses expression.

Fig. 3 illustrates the calcspar of the most preferred embodiment of the digital, interactive performance system that can realize advantage of the present invention.

Fig. 4 a illustrates a flow chart, and the technology that the most preferred embodiment according to the present invention is described is created the advertisement targetedly be used to transmit and the step of other program segment.

Fig. 4 b illustrates a flow chart, illustrates that the technology of the most preferred embodiment according to the present invention receives the step of specific aim program.

The technology that Fig. 5 illustrates the most preferred embodiment according to the present invention is used to transmit the calcspar of the interactive program transmission center of program targetedly.

Fig. 6 illustrates the technology according to most preferred embodiment of the present invention, is used to receive the calcspar of composition of the digital interactive program receiver of specific aim program.

The embodiment of the invention

The present invention can provide bigger adaptability to advertiser and broadcaster, makes given ad or other programs in the standard mpeg transport stream 100 as shown in Figure 1 can be at the more users situation.Be approximately 27Mbps at the NTSC channel of the independent 6MHz that utilizes 64QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) or the capacity of the typical mpeg 2 transport stream in " pipe " 100.The best practical application of digital cable TV transmission system is that this channel pipe 100 is divided into three (3) littler service pipe 102a, 102b and 102c, they each are approximately 9Mbps, thereby program options (advertisement that for example replaces) alternately, that may be correlated with can be provided.These program options can be spectators' selectable virtual " channels ", or the alternative embodiment of specific program, or even diverse program segment, and they select and offer spectators by performance system according to statistics or other classified informations.Service pipe 102a, the b of each 9Mbps or c have four compositions respectively to 104a-d, and these four compositions are approximately the audio frequency of high-quality relatively 30 frames of 2.25Mbps/second video and CD quality to each.(seeing Table 1)

Table 1 standards service pipe (4 composition to)
		Composition is right	Bit rate
Audio/video 1	????2.25Mbps
		Audio/video 2	????2.25Mbps
Audio/video 3	????2.25Mbps
		Audio/video 4	????2.25Mbps
Summation	????9Mbps

One service pipe 102a, b or c usually can corresponding independent networks (for example ESPN, WTBS or Discovery).Thereby four compositions can provide four different advertisements to support each network to 104a-d simultaneously.If each that these three services are managed among 102a, b or the c provides similar structure, then advertiser is not limited in 12 advertisements, but 12 full-motion video programme signals with compact disk (CD) quality audio can be provided in each NTSC channel, may thousands of kinds of products thereby can show to spectators user.These 12 channel restrictions are based on the present compression and the example of transmission standard.New transmission standard (for example 256QAM) and compression standard from now on can be increased in the number of a virtual channel in the NTSC channel bandwidth.

The invention provides a kind of this method that the channel of standby option is limited that overcomes.As shown in Figure 2, by full-motion video and high quality audio composition are replaced with high-quality static frames image (for example I-frame), text, picture, animation and the audio track of other form to 204a-d, can be to the multiple version of the establishment of a regular price-line advertising or other programs, and they are transmitted simultaneously with at the customer group of the qualification of refinement more.This being used alternatingly by the multiple program component 206 shown in the service pipe 202b of Fig. 2 a represented.Each program component is preferably between 56Kbps (for example big or small usually picture) and the 500Kbps (the I-frame that for example has the CD quality audio), but its size of data can be greater or lesser according to the required quality of this composition.

Perhaps or in addition, the multiple information that can provide multiple advertiser simultaneously and provided and make it at suitable spectators.And, by replacing among the service pipe 202b that is placed in identical, perhaps among a plurality of service pipe 202a-c in identical traffic stream 200, because all data of corresponding program component all in identical NTSC channel bandwidth, therefore can be implemented in the switching between different advertisements and program.Like this, in the finite bandwidth of transport stream 200, just can realize maximized spare contents.

For the bandwidth of utilizing 6MHz NTSC channel as much as possible and cut apart wherein a plurality of channels of transmission, the image of the pipe among Fig. 2 a is according to the simplification to actual transmissions stream of the dividing method of transport stream 200 commonly used.Fig. 2 a does not consider the distribution of data and the use of overtime bandwidth.Fig. 2 b is the more real expression that adds the data allocations in the transport stream 200 on the basis of the pipe image of Fig. 2 a.The represented data allocations that goes out among service pipe 202a and the 202b will mainly be described below.

The performance of service pipe 202a and 202b is divided into two part A and B.Part A is illustrated in to insert and utilizes before the program component of replacement technology of the present invention, the data among service pipe 202a and the 202b.Part B is illustrated in to insert and utilizes after the program component that is used alternatingly technology of the present invention data among service pipe 202a and the 202b.Service pipe 202a comprises four compositions to 204a-d, represents four full-motion video/audio streams respectively.Data flow 208a-d represents to comprise the right real data of each composition.As shown in Fig. 2 b, data flow 208a-d does not often use whole bandwidth of the service pipe 202a that distributes to them.This is for example taking place when the video image that transmits is static relatively.Therefore, have only P-and B-frame to be transmitted than small data quantity.The bandwidth that several data stream 208a-d uses is represented by the white space of the available bandwidth 218 among the service pipe 202a less than the situation of the bandwidth of being distributed, the reduction of the bandwidth use of data flow 208a-d is shown.In the time of necessary, the reduction of bandwidth can take place simultaneously among the data flow 208a-d, shown in the time corresponding region of available bandwidth 218.

Service pipe 202b is adjacent with service pipe 202a.For for simplicity, serve the data flow 210 of managing among the 202b and be expressed as single uniform content.Though data flow 210 can be uniform stream, it also can comprise multiple diacritic data flow, and for example the audio frequency and video among the service pipe 202a becomes decilog according to stream 208a-d.In the part A of the service pipe 202b of Fig. 2, data flow 210 is not used whole bandwidth of distributing to service pipe 202b yet.Do not use the time period of whole bandwidth still to represent by the white space of available bandwidth 218 yet.For the certain period of time by A ' expression, each among the data flow 208a-d does not all have program data, and total programme content all occurred in relevant each channel this moment, for example selects in the data from the data flow 210 of service pipe 202b.

In the part B of Fig. 2 b, The Application of Technology of the present invention is shown.In part B, data flow 208a-d is similar to data flow 210, is represented as the form of binding, thereby has described the synthetic available bandwidth 218 of service pipe 202a and 202b.This available bandwidth 218 can utilize by multiple program component 206 or other data are inserted into to transmit in the available bandwidth 218.An example that utilizes as this available bandwidth in the time period by B ' indication, directly is used alternatingly the data flow 208a-d of 204a-d comprising four video/audio compositions.For example in time period B ', the program of rule replaced or be used alternatingly be the littler program component 206 of various bandwidth.In other examples, the available bandwidth 218 that produces in the time of can using the bandwidth used at the stream of segment data sometime 208a-d less than whole bandwidth transmits multiple program component 206.Can be provided for the more bandwidth of Polymera composition 206 by using the available bandwidth in the adjacent service pipe 210.Because the division between service pipe 202a and the 202b is virtual artificially transmission and handles structure, so this is possible.

Can insert available bandwidth 218 times to time change of multiple program component 206 or other data, they are based on program stream 208a-d and 210 employed bandwidth.Other data can comprise the chance data of being inserted or being received by transmission system, and for example advanced TV strengthens forum (ATVEF) to be triggered or wired modulation data.The transfer tube 220 of Fig. 2 b is that the bandwidth that occurs in according to the present invention in the data flow is replaced an illustrative example of using, and this data flow can be for example data flow 208a, b, c or d of a channel allocation; Service pipe 202a, b or c; Service pipe 202a and the 202b among Fig. 2 b for example managed in a plurality of services; Perhaps whole transport stream 200.It is the appearance of the service pipe 202c shown in Fig. 2 a that transfer tube 220 has more than.

In transfer tube 220, the variation in the data flow 216 employed bandwidth is subjected to transmitting the required bandwidth of program and by any influence that is used alternatingly decision that content supplier did.Be transferred to program component 212 data of data flow 216 also shown in the transfer tube 220 as being used alternatingly thing.Being used alternatingly of multiple program component 212 has multiple different form in data flow 216.The situation that multiple program component 212 ' directly is used alternatingly data flow 216 is shown by 212 ' the indicated time period of program component.In some cases, multiple program component 212 " can use the bandwidth of constant basis at the time durations of its transmission.But this does not need to be called case.Perhaps, multiple program component 212 " ' bandwidth use according to being used alternatingly program bandwidth that can use or required, fluctuation in time for what show that required result provides.

Bandwidth recited above is used alternatingly technology and will be discussed in more detail below, it preferably the digital program system 300 by as shown in Figure 3 realize.This performance system generally includes a transmission system 302, and this transmission system is transferred to one or more user receiving systems 304 with program and ad content.This transmission preferably realizes by digital transport stream shown in Figure 2.This digital transport stream can transmit by cable, direct broadcasting satellite, microwave, phone, radio telephone or other communication networks or connection, public or private for example internet (medium for example flow), local area network (LAN), wide area network or online information provider.These transmission system 302 access programme contents, for example video data 310, voice data 312 and image data 314, and programme content is transferred to uses new bandwidth to be used alternatingly in the receiving system 304 of technology.Program component also comprises the media object of MPEG-4 standard, and they generate according to video data 310, voice data 312 and picture/text data 314 by for example media object generator 308.

The preferably any device from the digital audio/video signals that is used to show to the user that can decode and export of this receiving system 304.Thereby this receiving system 304 preferably is connected program and the ad content that shows output to the user with a display unit 318.Anyly can all can be used as display unit 318 to the device of user's display program and ad content.These devices comprise, but be not limited to television receiver, household audio and video system, audio system, food monitor, computer workstation, desktop computer, personal digital assistant, set-top box, phone and the personage's that is used to become deaf telephone device, wireless communication system (for example, beep-pager and radio telephone), PlayStation 3 videogame console/PS3, virtual reality system, printer, head-up indicator, sense of touch or sensory signal generator (for example, vibration or motion), and the combination of multiple other devices or these devices.In certain embodiments, receiving system 504 and display unit 512 can be integrated in the said apparatus.Briefly, display unit 318 is not limited to any specific system, device, parts or their combination.

User's interface device 320 preferably is connected with receiving system 304, thereby the user can be controlled or mutual with display unit 318.The user can use countless interface arrangements 320 to discern self, selects programme signal, input information, also corresponding mutual request.These interface arrangements 320 comprise radio frequency or Infrared remote controller, keyboard, scanner (for example retina and fingerprint), mouse, tracking ball, virtual reality transducer, sound recognition system, sound verification system, button, touch-screen, joystick and other similar device, and all these devices all are that this area is in common knowledge.

Performance system 300 preferably includes a user situation system 306.This user situation system 306 collects the information of organizing about each user or user from transmission system 302 program receivings.Information in the user situation system 306 can be directly collected from user receiving system 304, if perhaps this information via receiving system 304 then collect by transmission system 302 indirectly.User situation system 306 collected information comprise statistical information, geography information, watch custom, user interface is selected or be accustomed to (for example utilizing the selection of interface arrangement 320 (user's click) between advertisement options by following the tracks of the user), and according to for example user's selection with to the response of the inquiry that provides by the interactive program signal, the preference of designated user.User situation system 306 can be used as the part of receiving system 304 or transmission system 302, and it is an independent system that is connected with other parts of performance system 300 also, perhaps can be the distribution system of the different sub-systems of cross-over connection performance system 300.In addition, the user situation system can comprise well known to a person skilled in the art be used to select, total, filtering, communication, relevant and report be about the algorithm of the statistics of user's group.

In addition, preferably use in the performance system 300 data storage device 316 temporary or permanent store video compositional datas 310, audio frequency component data 312, picture compositional data 514, media object, the content that in media object, provides, transmission signals (for example decompress and/or demultiplexing after form), user situation information, courses of action and/or other are any by performance system 300 employed information.This data storage device 316 can combine with receiving system 304, or one and the self-contained unit of receiving system 304 colocated, it supports remote access (for example connecting by internet), and its other any position in transmission system 302, user situation system 306, media object generator 308 or performance system 300 provides.In order to provide interactive program system 300 required feature and function, this data storage device 316 also can utilize the combination of local and remote storage device.Several data storage device 316, algorithm, program and system can be used in combination with interactive program system 300.The example of this data storage device 316 comprises, but be not limited to hard disk drive, floppy disk, tape drive and other magnetic storage mediums, CD-ROM, digital video disk and other optical storage media, memory stick, file server and other stored digital media, comprise remote data base and local data base.

Fig. 4 a and 4b show and realize that bandwidth is used alternatingly the flow chart of the best approach of technology.Fig. 4 a illustrates the process that generates and transmit programs from transmission center 302.At first, in step 400, the programme content maker determine it wish program at the type of viewership.In this maker development one comprehensive program notion of step 402, this notion is used to provide the content at each viewership then.This conception development can change the option content segments at niche audience into.For example, the advertisement of automobile can interrelate an independent automobile video segment with a plurality of audio tracks at different spectators.At the situation of the family that child is arranged, the audio frequency offscreen voice can introduce the security feature of this car.In another fragment, the offscreen voice track can introduce the horsepower of engine to attract young man, the spectators male sex.

After the notion of mapping out the spectators that attract required type and number, must determine that at step 404 content generator which segment of option programme content can be replaced by the content of other form, those segments can be transmitted with low quality level.For example, the full-motion video of the automobile in replaceable above-mentioned example of frozen frozen mass video image.In another kind of scheme, also can provide a plurality of static frames video images of a plurality of car moulds.In step 406,, must determine suitable replacement in conjunction with to the evaluation of available bandwidth with can be used for the type of alternative program content of this available bandwidth and the calculating of number.After this calculating is finished, in step 408, the required multiple programme content of generation that the program maker is real, these programme contents will provide the program at the spectators of different needs under the situation that is no more than known bandwidth constraints.These program components can comprise any various combination of front with the audio frequency of example formal specification, video, picture, animation, text, media object composition.

After generating programme content, must give the user with their concentration of transmissions.This concentrate at first is included in step 410 program component is grouped into a plurality of subclass, and each subclass comprises a complete program segment.These program segment can be selected automatically to offer specific user situation by receiving system 304, perhaps any or all program segment can be offered the individual consumer, and they are selected by interface arrangement 320.Still be example with the automotive advertising, this means with the full-motion video of automobile repeatedly with different track pairings; The static frames video image that perhaps this means a plurality of automobiles carries out multiple pairing with relevant track.This does not mean that to any one composition for example the full motion automobile video carries out a plurality of backups or final transmission.Thereby specify identification mark coding subclass to each program component in step 412.Create the tables of data of an identification mark then, thereby the indication program component is grouped into a plurality of subclass.Then this tables of data is transmitted with program component, these program components are used in the selection of the target component that user receiving system carried out.Program component preferably is created as and comprises and transmit with the data command of the correct selection of the composition subclass that is used to determine to be shown to each specific user.

After the program component subclass is created and is encoded, in step 414 must with they each other and between the subclass synchronously.Guarantee that synchronously a plurality of program segment at different user can begin and finish simultaneously.For example, television advertising is distributed to the very discontinuous time period, for example advertisement occurs in 30 seconds, before next advertisement begins to show or returns main program, finish in these time periods.For the strictness that keeps transmission plan is carried out, program segment must beginning and end in the time period of setting targetedly.

After synchronously, in step 416, preferably program component is encoded to identical transport stream.By program component being encoded to identical transport stream, can being convenient to receiving system and between heterogeneity, selecting and switch the composition that is used to show.The MPEG-2 coding is best, but also can use other to can be used for creating any type of digital coding of compression transport stream within the scope of the present invention.Final step in generation and the transmission course is that reality is transferred to one or more users with transport stream with program component in step 418.Can also can be digital (for example on Digital Subscriber Line, passing through the internet transmission medium) by realize this transmission (for example wired and DBS television system) or this transmission in transmission numerical data on the analog carrier signal.If one group of programme content oneself can not use up whole available bandwidths, then this transmission system 302 also can in identical transport stream, transmit more than one group programme content (for example, the independently independently advertisement that provides of advertiser), every group of program is relevant with a plurality of programme contents.

Fig. 4 b illustrates when receiving the programme content with a plurality of compositions in transmission, the processing that user receiving system 304 is carried out.When in step 420, when transport stream 200 arrived user receiving system 304, whether at first definite this transport stream 200 of receiving system 304 was encoded and has the one-tenth grouping that utilizes bandwidth to be used alternatingly technical transmission with indication in step 422.If program does not comprise composition, then in step 436 receiving system 304 at once according to the normal protocol processes program that shows to the user.If transport stream 200 comprise at one-tenth grouping, thereby then in step 424 receiving system 304 deal with data orders determine this program at correct viewership.Receiving system 304 is inquired about about being stored in the information of the user in the interactive program system 300 to user situation system 306 in step 426 then.Coupling one composition combination in step 428, thus from the transport stream 200 that is applicable to user situation, extract at program segment.

Except selecting program segment by the match user situation, the processing in the receiving system 304 also is used to provide the interactive program composition.Whether after this, be specified to the branch combination in step 430 is interactively (promptly needing the user to respond).If this program is not interactively, then continue execution in step 434, receiving system 304 with the star turn content in the transport stream 200 switch to one or more that in step 428, from the program component group, select suitable at program component.Then will this institute in step 436 at program offer the user and be presented on the display unit 318.

If program is interactively, then sends and select response step 432 request user.This request to response can be the form of front program segment, and this program segment provides one to select indication by for example user interface 320 to the user.After the user makes one's options, continue execution in step 434, receiving system 304 switches to the user selected program segment with the star turn content in the transport stream 200, and this program segment comprises appropriate ingredients.The program that to select in step 436 offers the user and is presented on the display unit 318 then.For example, if an advertisement that comprises the I-two field picture of a jubilee wagen is provided, then the user can select the program segment more relevant with the individual.Be concerned about that safe user can select to watch the security feature of this lorry.At this moment, the program component that is used for generating the segment of selecting corresponding to the user can be the picture and the track of expression automobile air bag system.Perhaps, the user of care reliability wishes to see the rated power of this automobile.The composition that comprises program segment in this case can comprise pictures and the track of representing this jubilee wagen reliability, and this picture may be the striped form.

After program is provided, step 434 receiving system 304 carry out check with determine selected program whether be institute at or the one-tenth selected divide into groups.If then determine to switch back the data flow that comprises the main program content in step 436 receiving system 304.If this program do not comprise one group at the composition segment, then receiving system 304 does not need to carry out any data flow and switches, and does not carry out end process under the situation of any switching in transport stream 200.

The following describes several examples of program component structure, these structures all be the transmission in the step of Fig. 4 a and 4b and receive in generate.These examples comprise audio frequency, video and graphic program composition; But, also can use other compositions, for example text, animation and media object.These structures only are that exemplary they are not to the number of possible constituent structure and the restriction of type.These structures are included in the multiple composition in the 9Mbps service pipe 202 as shown in Figure 2 to 206.The average image file size of using in these examples is 56Kb.

In table 2, show the specific pairing structure of a plurality of static frames videos (for example 256Kb I-frame of 1 frame/second) stream and a plurality of tracks.When the right synthetic bit rate of each special audio/video only is about 500Kbps, in identical service pipe 102, only can transmit 18 different commercial advertisements, perhaps 54 advertisements of transmission in whole transport stream 100.Thereby adopt unspecific subclass pairing if develop the content of this audio/video composition, then on mathematics, may equal the number of the independent unit of diacritic programme content by 289275 possible composition combinations.

(18 special components are right for table 2 1I-frame/second+audio frequency; 289275 possible combinations)
		Composition is right	Bit rate
Audio frequency 1+I-frame 1	????512Kbps
		Audio frequency
2+I-frame 2	????512Kbps
		Audio frequency 3+I-frame 3	????512Kbps
????…	????…
		Audio frequency 18+I-frame 18	????512Kbps
Summation	????9.216Mbps

If use SIF I-frame, then can accept ropy audio frequency than CD, for example the 64Kb audio frequency can provide 70 kinds of different advertisements in identical service pipe 102, and 210 kinds of advertisements perhaps are provided in transport stream 100.

In another example, it is right that table 3, a plurality of static frames video compositions and relevant picture are merged into.At each synthetic right gross bit rate is under the situation of 290Kbps, can be by identical service pipe 102 with 30 kinds of different specific paired advertisements targetedly, and up to ten million potential unspecific composition subclass are transferred to multiple user.

(30 special components are right for table 3 1I-frame/second+picture; Up to ten million possible combinations)
		Composition is right	Bit rate
Picture 1+I-frame 1	????312Kbps
		Picture
2+I-frame 2	????312Kbps
		Picture 3+I-frame 3	????312Kbps
????…	????…
		Picture 30+I-frame 30	????312Kbps
Summation	????9.36Mbps

Table 4 illustrates the third possible structure, wherein audio signal and static frames video pairing, other track and picture pairing.This structure also can provide 30 program components right, up to ten million nonspecific program component subclass, thus in advertisement, realize more substantial situation specific aim.This picture also can be synthetic with the static frames video, thereby generate a plurality of synthetic advertisement with particular track.

Table 4 has the 1I-frame of audio frequency/second composition+a lot of audio frequency/picture composition to (30 kinds of special components are right; 289275 possible combinations)
		Composition is right	Bit rate
Audio frequency 1+I-frame 1	????500Kbps
		Picture 1+ audio frequency 2	????290Kbps
Picture
	2+ audio frequency 3	????290Kbps
????…			????…
	Picture 29+ audio frequency 30	????290Kbps
Summation			????8.91Mbps

Example composition in the table 4 can also other combinations form mix, for example 10 audio/video static state to 13 audio frequency/picture to or the combination of the gross bit rate of any 9Mpbs that is no more than each service pipe 202.Thereby the number that composition mixes also can increase and adapts to whole transport stream 200.

In table 5, a video static frames and 150 independently combinations of picture of transmission simultaneously are shown.The video static frames of demonstration and the combination of selecteed picture will be converted to 150 kinds of possible advertisement change informations will be transferred to the target specific user.If three all service pipes 102 all can use, then mean and to become 450 kinds of advertising messages.If merge a plurality of pictures in addition, then except with the independent pairing of video static frames, nonspecific subclass almost has countless many potential combinations on mathematics.

Table 5 1I-frame/second, composition+(150 kinds of special components were right for a lot of picture compositions; Countless versions unspecified element subclass)
		Composition is right	Bit rate
I-frame 1	????256Kbps
		Picture 1	????56Kbps
Picture
	2	????56Kbps
????…			????…
	Picture 150	????56Kbps
Summation			????8.656Mbps

Table 2-5 is as just the example of the combination of video, audio frequency and the image that can transmit in service pipe 204.As long as any combination of the video in the identical mpeg 2 transport stream 200, audio frequency, video static state, picture or text is no more than the bandwidth of about 27Mbps (to 64QAM), just can be used for according to multiple user situation provide at advertisement options.Except advertisement, also can this composition be used alternatingly technology be applied to any program, for example news, physical culture, amusement, Music Television (MTV), game dramatization, film, drama, then educational programs and live broadcast according to the needs of content maker.

If desired or wish then can also to use other options that are used to replace by more each programme content options, for example be not suitable for the video format that television-quality shows.As mentioned above, under the situation of MPEG-1SIF, when the resolution of picture only is 30 frames/second 352 * 240, less than broadcasting-quality.MPEG-1 is applicable to that the video of the little picture format of the small screen display unit shows.If on TV or computer display, show, then only can occupy 1/4th of display screen.But utilize the replacement of resolution subsequently, the screen that MPEG-1 SIF is scalable and filling is bigger.It shows computer video game in the mode of low resolution usually on computer display, this moment, the user did not need perhaps to wish high-resolution image.If Video Decoder can show the SIF image and cover whole screen that then the article that can show just will reduce not to its up-sampling.For example the SIF image may be displayed on 1/4th areas of television indicator.All the other areas of display are filled by image.In this case, can use the picture of low resolution or stability fundamental that the I-frame is made other pictures so that further strengthen.

Because MPEG-2 is a kind of backwards-compatible standard, MPEG-1 is a kind of scalable standard, and therefore most of MPEG-2 decoders can show processing and the convergent-divergent that shows the frame of video of MPEG-1 coding by inserting other pixels filling entire display screen curtains.(still, not all set-top box is all supported decode MPEG-1 video, for example Motorola ^DCT2000 does not just support the MPEG-1 video.But it supports the more for example video of 352 * 480 pixels of low resolution).When with an about 64Kb of I-frame boil down to MPEG-1 form coding, i.e. 1/4th of MPEG-2 I-frame whens size, this moment, resolution and the details to picture required not high in the application of this MPEG-1 I-frame, but as shown in table 2, the capacity of advertisement can be increased to 28 from 18 in each service pipe.If in specific application, can allow to carry out being used alternatingly of resolution, then utilize any other structure, above-mentioned example can be realized the remarkable increase of capacity.

The convergent-divergent that meets at present in the Video Decoder of mpeg standard all is based on macroblock unit (16 * 16 pixel).Therefore, frame of video and other images can compress from any original grand size resolution (for example half screen of 528 * 360 pixel resolutions) of determining, when subscriber equipment decompressed when showing, compressed frame of video and other images amplified (or dwindling) to adapt to current display unit.For example, can use video or other image of resolution between SIF (or lower) and full resolution MPEG-2 according to available bandwidth, display resolution needs and Video Decoder function.By synthetic, can realize bandwidth optimization, image/audio quality and be transferred to desirable balance between the advertisement customization of multiple user situation to the audio signal of similar scaling.

Though the example of front all is the example about MPEG compression standard and television transmission system, technology of the present invention is complete independent standard, platform and transmission system.For example, clearly, other compressed formats for example microwave and fragment also can be used for compressing.But technology of the present invention can be used for any combine digital video or audio decoder and device shown.For example, though to the transport stream of the DBS signal of user transmission not in the NTSC bandwidth, satellite transmits is divided into program in the transport stream pipeline that independently has similar qualification bandwidth.Processing described here also can realize providing the more segment targetedly of more number in limited satellite bandwidth, these segments are made of program component.

As another example, can in video conference call, use public intermediate-resolution pixel format (CIF) resolution of 352 * 288 pixels and transmission standard H.263, by phone or other Network Transmission programs.If wish to obtain more different program component, then can use resolution is that 1/4th CIF (QCIF) resolution video of 144 * 176 pixels is with conserve bandwidth.These video frequency program image zooms are similar, and can be shown to the user on any appropriate display device.Also can use switched digital video and DSL or VDSL transmission system.Though each customer location may have only one " pipeline " that insert from head end or central office, can realize the difference according to each user situation, for a plurality of users of the different decoding devices of use that are in same position show different programs.

Normal conditions, bandwidth are used alternatingly technology can be applied to any type of digital compression techniques, as long as they can transmit or play the signal after compressing.Program component relation design, for example the MPEG-4 form also can be used alternatingly technology with bandwidth of the present invention and combines.For standardization generates, transmits, distributes and receive based on the data of audio frequency, video and iconic element and multiple extended formatting and " media object " of information, this MPEG-4 standard is announced." media object " described here provides " MPEG-4 standard summary " according to International Standards Organization, ISO/IEC JTC1/SC29/WG11 N3444, and in May, 2000/June/GENEVA limits, and with reference to the content of using them.Particularly, media object is usually expressed as audio frequency, video or audio-video content, and they can be nature or synthetic contents (that is the target of record or computer generation).

These media object manage with the hierarchy of the form of expression (for example text, picture, complex item and synthetic video) behind the coding of original object (for example still image, video object and audio frequency target) and these targets usually.Utilize these different targets to illustrate and how to use these targets, and make each target can and/or relevant demonstration independent with other targets with the form of audio frequency, video or audio-visual stream.For example, a kind of television commercial of automobile can comprise sight that an automobile, this automobile are advanced or route and an audio signal (for example, the explanation of performance automobile characteristic or for showing other background sounds that truly add, and background music).If content creator needs, each in these targets all can exchange (for example car is replaced truck, and perhaps rock and roll background track replaces with the light music track) with other targets, but can not influence the performance of other objects.Under the situation that bandwidth is used alternatingly, can generate advertisement by static frames video, picture, audio frequency and MPEG-4 target are synthesized, thereby can provide more advertisement selection targetedly to multiple spectators.Referring to April 12 calendar year 2001 application, name is called United States Patent (USP) NO.##/### that the system and method for specific aim target audio video is provided to the user, ###, this paper quotes it, thereby media object in advertisement and the establishment of other programs and the use of MPEG-4 are further made an explanation.

Utilize bandwidth to be used alternatingly the most preferred embodiment that technology provides the interactive TV program system of specific aim program shown in Fig. 5 and 6.Fig. 5 illustrates a transmission system 530, for example wired head end or DBS uplink center, various video signal 500, audio signal 508, picture signal 506 and other programme signal (not shown) of wherein forming program component for example media object, text signal, static frames picture signal, multimedia, video flowing, maybe can carry out target or application code (being referred to as " programme signal ") and be transferred to a plurality of users simultaneously.Fig. 6 illustrates the parts of the receiver 650 in the interactive TV program system, and this performance system is selected suitable programme content and shown them for the specific user.

Preferably will offer other distributed networks of wire cable head end, DBS uplink or pre-digitlization and/or precommpression form according to the specific aim program component that said method generates.But transmission system 530 does not always have the optimum capacity that can carry out these steps.As shown in Figure 5, vision signal 500, audio signal 508, picture signal 506 or other programme signals are input in modulus (A/D) transducer 502 in the transmission system 530.The primary signal of vision signal 500 can be from for example realtime graphic input of video server, videocassette, digital video disk (DVD), satellite input and video camera.This vision signal 500 of forming the part of specific aim advertisement in the transmission may be a number format, and for example Moving Picture Experts Group-2, high definition TV (HDTV) and European phase-aoternation line system (PAL) standard therefore can be without A/D converters 502.If audio signal 508 is not a number format, then also can be with in a plurality of audio signals 508 also input a/d converter 502, these audio signals are as the counterpart of vision signal 500, and its primary signal comprises compressed digital CD (CD), tape, microphone.Under the best situation, utilize Dolby ^The AC-3 form is to audio signal 508 digitlizations, but other any traditional audio A/D encoding schemes also are feasible.Similar, also any required picture signal 506 can be input in the A/D converter 502 if desired, these picture signals can be stored in the server or can pass through computer or other video generation devices or system and produce.

As those skilled in the known, A/D converter 502 is converted to number format with multiple programme signal.A/D converter 502 also can be any can be the traditional type of number format with analog signal conversion.Not that every kind of programme signal all needs an A/D converter 502, but in the multiple programme signal of digitlization, may need less A/D converter 502 or even independent A/D converter 502.

The numeric data code that generates in the data code generator 516 from Fig. 5 can be for example transmission system 530 and/or receiver 650 (see figure 6)s use be used to control the order that the specific aim program component is handled, the renewal of the systems soft ware of receiver 650, be used to make the corresponding address data (for example pay-per-use incident) of specific program respective user.Best, the numeric data code that produces in data code generator 516 is the part of interactive television script, for example quotes the ACTV of combination herein ^Code speech, education command group the 1.1st edition and ACTV ^Code speech, amusement order are expanded the 2.0th edition.These numeric data codes promote to have realized multiple program options, comprise that the specific aim program component is used alternatingly and main program and transport stream 532 in be transferred between the required specific aim program component of receiver 650 synchronously, seamless switching.Numeric data code in the transport stream 532 provides different specific aim program components has been linked at required together information, and these program components are made up of relevant programme signal.Numeric data code preferably includes the instruction that is used for receiver 650, select the information in the user situation system 306 (Fig. 3) that this user situation structure is edited based on the user to each receiver 650 thereby make receiver 650 carry out the program component subclass according to user situation structure 526.Numeric data code also can be imported, feed back or select button to select the program component subclass according to the user.

Then the programme signal digitized, that sequential is synchronous is input in audio/video encoder/compressor reducer (calling encoder in the following text) 512.Thereby the normal compression of carrying out unlike signal makes a plurality of signals transmit by an independent NTSC transmission channel.Best, encoder 512 uses the MPEG-2 compressed format of standard.But, also can use MPEG-1 and other compressed formats, for example JPEG and GIF come coded image, can decode and show these image types but prerequisite is a hypothesis receiver 650.These technology and existing ATSC and digital video broadcasting (DVB) operating such that is used for Digital Video System.

Because compress technique can realize more than one program " channel " in a NTSC channel, so receiver 650 will be carried out switching between a plurality of program streams in the channel.Under normal MPEG agreement, when when the user shows, these switchings can cause significant gap in the program, and the tunable delay when switching between common MPEG channel is similar.But, can before the mpeg stream transmission, carry out specific modification, thereby " seamless " of realizing the best between the program stream switches to it, the delay that the user can feel can not occur this moment between program shows.These are modified in United States Patent (USP) NO.5724091 to the mpeg encoded scheme; 6181334; 6204843; 6215484 and U.S. Patent application NO.09/154,069; Be described in 09/335,372 and 09/429,850, their title all is " the numerical data seamless video switching system after the compression ", here their reference is quoted.

Briefly, in order to be implemented in the seamless switching between the video packets in the individual program streams, the joint between primary program stream and the required target program component subclass has utilized the non real-time characteristic of mpeg data in the transmission course of transport stream 532.Because the audio/video demultiplexer/decoder/decompressor 672 (calling decoder 672 in the following text) of receiver 650 can be before last GOP be presented at display unit 318, complex video GOP is decompressed and decodes, therefore, can in a plurality of GOP, insert the switching bag that comprises time slot bag, thereby realize between the program that shows and the targeted advertisements without any the vision gap.Like this, a plurality of independently vision signals 500 can be merged creating an independent synthetic mpeg data stream 532, and its transmission is offered the user.

In addition, particularly utilizing common interactive program system implementation bandwidth of the present invention to be used alternatingly scheme, if use a plurality of encoders 512 to create the plurality of target program component, is identical video clock with encoder 512 preferably then synchronously.Beginning synchronously can be guaranteed the switching between the junction point indication program component in the mpeg data bag, particularly from or to vision signal 500, thereby it is occurred at correct number of video frames place.Can use smpte time code or vertical time sign indicating number information to come synchronization encoders 512.Synchronous level is in the scope that the MPEG-2 specification provides.Thisly make the program producer can be synchronously, design video switch between absolute coding in the resolving range of GOP and the target program component at the frame boundary place.

In encoder 512, preferably all are comprised that programme signal after the digitlization of target program component carries out subpackage and interweave according to the MPEG specification.This MPEG compression and encoding process are each data packets assignment information bag identiflication number (PID) of being created.In other information, the type of the programme signal in this PID identifying information bag (for example audio frequency, video, picture and data) thus when receiver 650 receives, demodulation multiplexer/decoder 672 (calling demultiplexing/decoder 672 in the following text) can directly offer packets of information suitable digital to analog converter, and the PID numbering can be from MPEG-2 program specific information (PSI); Obtain in program correlation table (PAT) and Program Map Table (PMT) file.

Mpeg encoded also comprises the segment in each data packets, and this segment is called adaptive domain, and it carries the information of the reproduction of instruction video signal 500.This program clock reference (PCR) is the part of this adaptive domain, has stored the frame per second of the vision signal 500 of input before compression in this territory.This PCR comprises and separates code labeling and show time mark.It can guarantee that the demultiplexing/decoder 672 in the receiver 650 can be according to vision signal 500 after vision signal 500 is transfused to frame per second output decoder identical when decoding and with its demonstration, thereby avoids losing or repeating frame.

When static frames image used according to the invention, GOP can include only the I-frame.In order to keep buffer level suitable in the decoding device, these I-frames are carried out frame per second control.For example, if show,, the I-frame is encoded with the frame per second that was lower than for 30 frame/seconds then for the buffering with the decoder in the receiving system 304 remains proper level based on the I-frame of program segment frame per second with an I-frame/second.Can regulate the decode time mark that the static frames image shows then and show time mark, thereby with the reasonable time decoding with show the video flowing of one one frame/second frame per second.Similar, thereby it is shown with suitable frame per second encoding based on the still image of JPEG, GIF and other picture file forms.In order to influence the display frame rate of other images, preferably utilize software scripts that the decoder in the receiving system 304 is controlled, these software scripts comprise: ACTV code speech, education command group the 1.1st edition and ACTV code speech, amusement order are expanded the 2.0th edition, and they quote combination in this article.

Similar to the coding of vision signal 500, be preferably in the switching that the frame boundary place carries out audio signal 508.Similar to the video junction point, encoder 512 inserts the audio interface chalaza in the adaptive domain of data packets.Best, the joint of encoder 512 in the adaptive domain of particular audio frame counts down and inserts a suitable value in the time period.When the demultiplexing/decoder 672 of receiver 650 (see figure 6)s detects the junction point of encoder 512 insertions, switch between the audio channel that it provides in different program streams.This audio interface chalaza preferably is designed to the packets of information after the packets of information of video junction point, but before the first information bag of next GOP of last program stream.When a channel switches to another channel, thereby may lose the of short duration disappearance that a frame causes audio frequency, audio frequency begins to continue from the present frame of new channel.Though it not is seamless that audio interface is closed, switching almost is imperceptible concerning the user.

The numeric data code that data code generator 516 produces is a time-sensitive in digital embodiment, must be when the target program component being created and encode that itself and video GOP is synchronous, and just as audio frequency and pictorial information bag.Preferably by two six long control command strings are formed numeric data code together, but they also can include only two, and are little more than the normal size of mpeg data information.The MPEG agreement at packet of formation and before with its output transmission, wait for that accumulating abundant data fills up this packet usually.In order to ensure the time synchronized of the numeric data code that is transferred to receiver 650, encoder 512 must be exported independent numeric data code order as a complete information bag, even they also do not reach enough sizes.If a local message bag is only created in the order of a number sign indicating number, then the default treatment of encoder 512 is the output of delayed data sign indicating number as a packets of information, fills up the remaining space of this packet up to following numeric data code.A kind of technology that can guarantee the in good time transmission of numeric data code is to make data code generator 516 produce a plurality of placeholders position, thereby fills the remaining bit of a packets of information.When encoder 512 receive this have as a complete information bag during the numeric data code of enough data that should comprise, encoder 512 will be exported this packets of information as early as possible and make its transmission, thereby guarantee the synchronous reception of receiver 650 place's numeric data codes and corresponding target program component.

After with compression of the programme signal after the multiple digitlization and coding, buffer 522 also carries out frame per second control so that transmission to them.These buffer 522 control data packets of information are transferred to the output frame rate of receiver 650, thus be implemented in can not overflow in the processing or less than.The physics size of buffer 522 is limited by mpeg standard.When transmission process begins, must utilize the data after the compression that this buffer 522 is filled, thereby guarantee that data can adapt to uniform transfer rate by time enough.

Thereby multiplexer 524 will comprise the coding of target program component and the digital signal after the compression and produce the transport stream 200 (Fig. 2) that can pass through the NTSC channel transmission with other programs and data merging.Multiplexing by to a plurality of unlike signals, the number of the transport stream 200 that transport communication is entrained can reduce.520 pairs of these transport stream 200 of modulator are modulated to transmit then.Modulator 520 can utilize a kind of in a plurality of different possible modulation schemes.Best, select 64-QAM or 256-QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) as modulation scheme; But also can use other modulation schemes commonly used, QPSK (quadriphase PSK) for example, n-PSK (phase shift keying), FSK (frequency shift keying), and VSB (residual sideband).Utilize 64-QAM, the data transfer rate of the output of modulator 520 is approximately 27Mbps, utilizes 256-QAM, and data transfer rate is approximately 38Mbps.In table 1-5 and Fig. 2, thereby the data transfer rate of selecting about 27Mbps is for example providing head space in the transport stream 200 of numeric data code to no content-data.The operable example with other modulation schemes of each data transfer rate of the present invention comprises: 64-QAM-PAL (42Mbps), 256-QAM-PAL (56Mbps), and 8-VSB (19.3Mbps).For transmission by telephone system, preferably with digital signal 3 (DS-3) form, digital high-speed expansion interface (DHEI) form or other any common formats export the compression and the coding after signal.In some transmission systems, for example in the Optical Fiber Transmission, because transmission is a pure digi-tal, so these RF modulation schemes have not just needed.

In case after the modulation, transport stream can be outputed to transmitter 528, thereby transmit by one in a lot of NTSC channels in the transmission broadcasting 532.Transmitter 528 can will broadcast 532 by any traditional media transmission that is used for the transmission of digital data packets of information at present, and these traditional media are including, but not limited to radio and television, cable TV, satellite, DBS, optical fiber, microwave (for example multiple spot multichannel distribution system (MMDS)), radio frequency, phone, radio telephone, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), PCS Personal Communications System (PCS) network, internet, public network, private network or other delivering paths.Transmission by communication network must be by using known agreement, and for example PTP, UDP, TCP/IP and ATM realize.Therefore, a data flow that comprises after a plurality of channels multiplexing directly can be sent to user receiving system 304 by a telephone wire, these channels all comprise target program component and relevant programme signal.Aforesaid digital transmission system can comprise and utilize the system of transmission of analogue signal.Different system, media, agreement and waveform can be used in combination with system and method for the present invention.In most preferred embodiment, will transmit broadcasting 532 by wired, DBS or other addressable transmission mediums and distribute to the long-distance user address.

In the narrow band transmission system, for example, in honeycomb/radio telephone and the personal communication network (PCN), static frames picture and figure for example with jpeg format compression, can comprise the targeted advertisements composition.This static images or figure can show on communicator, and these communicators for example personal digital assistant (for example Palm Pilot ), phone, radio telephone, the personage's that becomes deaf telephone device or other have the device of LCD or similar lower resolution displays.Text message or audio message can be followed the static frames image.Similar, can provide by the digital RF transmission system to have CD quality music or worse all audio frequency target program options.

The receiver 650 that preferably includes parts shown in Figure 6 preferably is positioned at each user and receives ground.Receive transmission broadcasting 532 by tuner/demodulators 662.This tuner/demodulators 662 can be a broad band tuner under the situation of satellite issue, for standard NTSC signal can be the arrowband tuner, perhaps can be two or more tuners that are used for switching between the unlike signal that is in the different frequency channel.Tuner/demodulators 662 under the guidance of processor 660 be tuned to specific NTSC channel.This processor 660 can be Motorola 68331 processors, or any processor commonly used, comprises PowerpC ^, Intel Pentium ^, MIPS and SPARC ^Processor.Channel after utilizing 662 pairs of tuner/demodulators tuning then carries out demodulation, thereby extracts transport stream 200 (as shown in Figure 2) in the carrier frequency of the required channel from transmission broadcasting 532.

Then the transport stream after the demodulation 200 is outputed to demultiplexing/decoder 672.At demultiplexing/decoder 672, carry out the demultiplexing and the decompression of digital program signal.Best, each the input data information bag in the transport stream 200 has the PID of oneself.This demultiplexing/decoder 672 extracts the PID of each packets of information, and pid information is sent to processor 660.Under the instruction of the systems soft ware of processor 660 in being stored in memory 552, by PID and selection information or other standards are compared, the packets of information that identification is next suitable, and its selection is shown to the user.Demultiplexing/decoder 672 recovers out from their packets of information form with selected digital program signal, and they are offered suitable D/A decoder, for example video, audio frequency, picture or other.

Preferably utilize at United States Patent (USP) NO.5724091; 6181334; 6204843; 6215484 and U.S. Patent application NO.09/154,069; Video junction point behind the coding described in 09/335,372 and 09/429,850 come between implementation rule program and the target program component or among seamless switching.Demultiplexing/decoder 672 is carried out switching by switching to the one or more packets of information that comprise the different target program component in the transport stream 200.When receiving the changeover program instruction from processor 660, demultiplexing/decoder 672 utilizes its PID to search for the mpeg information bag of appointment.Demultiplexing/decoder 672 is not to select in the current service pipe by next PID institute recognition data packets of information (for example comprising that Fig. 2 serves program component among the pipe 202a to the packets of information of 204a), but, select a synchronous packets of information (for example one or more program components 206 among the service pipe 202b of Fig. 2) in any service pipe from transport stream 200 by its PID.In alternative embodiment, according to employed hardware, if for example the register of demultiplexing/decoder 672 pid information of being used to switch by storage constitutes, then this switching can be fully by 672 controls of demultiplexing/decoder.

The selection of processor 660 is based on the user profile that user situation system 306 (Fig. 3) is provided, the producer's instruction or other orders that send as the transmission system of the numeric data code in the transport stream 200, and/or user's input of user interface 658 inputs by receiver 650 is made.User's input, instruction and order and user profile can be stored in the memory 652, are come they are handled according to the program in the systems soft ware that is stored in equally in the memory 652 by processor 660.Do not have the user under the situation of other inputs or response, institute's stored user information, user input before and the data command that when processed, receives instruct demultiplexing/decoder 672 between the data-signal that comprises the target program component or among switch.

Memory 652 is ROM preferably, and it can preserve the operating system software that is used for receiver 650, and this memory preferably replenishes by flash memory-ROM, thereby can receive and store Downloadable sign indicating number and modification.In most preferred embodiment, can be that receiver 650 is downloaded new software program from transmission system 530 by transport stream 200 or alternate channel 670.These program controlled system receivers 650 also redefine the functional of it in the scope of hardware permission.This control is quite widely, comprises the control of the mapping of panel demonstration, screen display, input and output part, demultiplexing/decoder 672, tuner/demodulators 662, graphic chips 676 and user interface 658 functions.

Preferably adopt an interactive program system, thereby can be provided for other functions that the target program segment provides.This system preferably carries out at receiver 650 as a software program, and it preferably is arranged in ROM or flash memory-ROM memory 652.But this interactive system software can optionally be arranged in the storage device of any kind, for example RAM, EPROM, EEPROM and PROM.Preferably by showing that the interactive program segment asks the user that information is provided, these interactive program segments can be inquired in this interactive program system, option or other user's response dialog are selected in query, program.Collected user profile 654 can be used at once, thereby influence is shown to user's program and selects, and this user profile can be stored in the memory 652 so that use when other programs need to be selected later on, comprise target program component selection of the present invention, perhaps user profile can be concentrated in the user situation system 506.

Receiver 650 preferably includes an alternate channel encoder/modulator 668 (calling alternate channel 68 in the following text), is used for by alternate channel communication line 670 transfer of data to transmission system 530 or be transferred to user situation system 306.Data by 670 transmission of alternate channel communication line can be included in user profile 654 or the end user's input that receiver 650 is collected, and comprise the interactive mode selection of being done by user interface 658.As previously described, alternate channel 668 can also receive the data of transmission system output by alternate channel communication line 670, comprises software upgrading; Can also receive the user profile of user situation system 306 outputs.Alternate channel communication line 670 can be suitable communication system, and for example paired cable TV, individual satellite communication, phone, T-1 are up, Digital Subscriber Line, radio telephone or FM transmission.

Video composition after demultiplexing/decoder 672 output recovers also outputs to video D/A (D/A) transducer 688 with it, thereby carries out the digital and analogue signals conversion so that provide final input signal to display unit 318.If display unit 318 is digital devices, then this D/A converter is optional.Display unit 318 can comprise TV, and comprising high definition TV, monitor can comprise cathode ray tube, plasma, liquid crystal and other display systems.In other embodiments of the invention, display unit 318 can be for example personal computer system, personal digital assistant, honeycomb or wireless pcs handset, phone, phone answers device, the personage's that becomes deaf telephone device, web page browsing, video game console, broadcast receiver.

Thereby demultiplexing/decoder 672 preferably outputs to the picture composition in the picture chip 676 this picture is converted to video format.Prepare then the picture composition is outputed to display unit 318 in the video d/a transducer 688.Video and picture composition (and audio frequency and other compositions) also can be stored in the memory 652 temporarily, perhaps in the buffer (not shown), be used for before video d/a carries out analog-to-digital conversion, control shows or other postpone required frame per second (for example the picture collection is to repeat demonstration).

Demultiplexing/decoder 672 is preferably decoded to relevant digital audio program composition, then these audio program compositions is sent to digital audio processor 680.Utilize D/A converter 675 the digital audio program composition finally can be converted into simulated audio signal so that output to display unit 318.This digital audio processor 680 is preferably the Dolby  digital processing integrated chip that comprises audio D/A converter 675, is used for for example providing surround sound.Also numeric data code can be separated from transport stream 200 and it is sent to by demultiplexing/decoder 672 and be used for the processor 660 that data command is handled.

For the target program that uses bandwidth of the present invention to be used alternatingly technology is provided, preferably this technology is used in combination with providing with the system of user related information, thus can be more accurate at advertisement or other programs.This information simply can be the picture position, and it also can provide some population accents.But,, should obtain the information about the user as much as possible in order to realize the specific aim program as much as possible.At advertisement field, the raising of specific aim accuracy just means the raising of each utilance of sharing money of being spent, and the increase of return rate.Addressable transmission system, for example digital cable and digital broadcast satellite TV can be discerned, also directly provide specific program (program is watched in paying) to the individual consumer alternately, have collected the information very widely about them simultaneously.This information can comprise that television-viewing is preferentially selected, special picture and statistics.If transmission system is mutual, then can asks other user profile, thereby provide the programme content of concentrating more these information compilings and analysis to user's demonstration problem.In addition,, then can use other information of using about user's network to determine user's situation if the user participates in the program supply that any TV/network concentrates, perhaps user's situation about organizing, thus can show advertisement more targetedly or other programs.

In most preferred embodiment shown in Figure 3, user profile (Reference numeral 654 among the Reference numeral 526 among Fig. 5 in the transmission system 530 and Fig. 6 in the receiver 650) is collected and followed the tracks of in user situation system 306 in interactive program system 300.Best, the user situation system comprise be used for to user's group select, add up to, the algorithm of filtration, message, relevant and report statistics.The detailed description of optimal user situation system 306 can be with reference to U.S. Patent application No.09/409,035, name is called " improved video-performance system and the method for utilizing user situation information ", among the present invention with reference to the document.Transmission system 302, receiving system 304 and user situation system 306 all can pass through communication system, are preferably internet 322 and interconnect but generally speaking.

User's situation can be included in determines to offer the information of using in user's the content very widely about user characteristics.Further specify below, content can comprise the information of any kind, for example video, audio frequency, picture, text and content of multimedia.Optionally offer according to user situation information 526,654 user content example including, but not limited to: the sportsman's information in targeted advertisements (as described herein), the sport event, music or other audio-frequency informations, the expression special services icon, investigation, news stock market, program introduction.By interactive survey, for example by using user's interface device 320, user's situation can be revised and upgrade in interactive program system 300 dynamically, thereby select certain content to offer the user according to the realization of user's better off.In targeted advertisements, that is carried out in the advertisement that offers the specific user can provide the information of second level to the answer that investigates a matter.This interactive program system 300 can use the statistics in the user situation, for example determines which advertisement is at the user in a plurality of relevant advertisements in transport stream.Questions answer in the investigation be can be used for that other specific aim advertisements are offered the user to the user or the other guide relevant with the advertisement that provides previously offers the user.

For the dynamic situation of upgrading the user, the behavior that receiving system 304 and/or transmission system 302 are gone back monitoring user.User's behavior can comprise with user and network or offer the information of any kind of user's programme content intercorrelation.For example, receiving system 304 can detect following situation: the program that spectators saw, user watch custom, the advertisement of seeing and the advertisement of not seeing, user to select or click content that URL discusses with time of the speed of request certain content, user's online, chatroom that the user participates in, to the response of mutual segment, other inputs and any this category information of user.

Judging whether to upgrade user's situation should be based on the rule of specialty relevant with user behavior.For example, receiving system 304 can be stored the behavior of particular type or is used for the user is monitored the behavior limiting value that behavior compares, and when the behavior limiting value coupling of user's behavior and particular type or surpass this limiting value, then upgrades.Also can upgrade according to investigating a matter.If determine user's situation needs is updated according to this standard, then receiving system 304 can dynamically update user's situation according to user's behavior, preserves the memory location of upgrading and optionally renewal being sent to transmission system 302 or other user situation systems 506.

Though the invention describes specific a plurality of embodiment, perhaps be illustrated with reference to one or more embodiment, those skilled in the art can carry out numerous variations to described embodiment under the situation that does not break away from the present invention's spirit and essence.All disclosed contents in specification and accompanying drawing all are schematically, do not limit.Any details or structural change that does not break away from spirit and scope of the invention all will fall in the claim scope of the present invention.

Claims (114)

CLAIMS 1. A method of increasing the amount of distinct program content available in a digital program transport stream comprising: generating a plurality of digital program elements using a digital program transport stream with a bandwidth less than or equal to the bandwidth normally allocated to a standard digital program segment, where a standard digital program segment is a unit of distinguishable program content; defining at least a subset of the plurality of digital program components to include at least one component program segment, wherein the at least one component program segment is also a unit of distinguishable program content; and inserting at least a subset of at least a plurality of digital program components into a digital program transport stream; wherein the number of distinguishable program content available in the digital program transport stream is increased by units of distinguishable program content corresponding to at least one constituent program segment without increasing the bandwidth normally allocated to a standard digital program segment Number of. 2. A method of providing a greater amount of distinct program content in a program delivery system for delivery to a plurality of users via a digital program delivery stream, the method comprising: Synchronization of multiple digital program components using a digital program transport stream with a bandwidth less than or equal to the bandwidth normally allocated to a standard digital program segment, where a standard digital program segment is a unit of distinguishable program content ; defining at least a subset of the plurality of digital program components to include at least one component program segment, wherein the at least one component program segment is also a unit of distinguishable program content; inserting at least a subset of the plurality of digital program components into a digital program transport stream; delivering the digital program transport stream to a plurality of users; wherein the number of distinguishable program content available in the digital program transport stream is increased by units of distinguishable program content corresponding to at least one constituent program segment without increasing the bandwidth normally allocated to a standard digital program segment Number of. 3. A method for receiving a greater amount of distinguishable program content in a program delivery system, which can be received by at least one user via a digital program delivery stream, the method comprising: Receiving multiple digital program components synchronized in a digital program transport stream, the bandwidth of the digital program transport stream used by the multiple digital program components is less than or equal to the bandwidth normally allocated to a standard digital program segment, where the standard digital program segment is a unit of distinguishable program content; selectively displaying at least a subset of the plurality of digital program components, the at least one subset comprising at least one component program segment, wherein the at least one component program segment is also a unit of distinguishable program content; wherein, without increasing the bandwidth normally allocated to a standard digital program segment, the amount of distinguishable program content available in the digital program transport stream is increased by the number of distinguishable program content corresponding to at least one constituent program segment the number of units. 4. A method of producing distinguishable program content, wherein the number of distinguishable programs transportable in a digital program transport stream is increased, the method comprising: generating a plurality of digital program elements using a digital program transport stream with a bandwidth less than or equal to the bandwidth normally allocated to a standard digital program segment, where a standard digital program segment is a unit of distinguishable program content; synchronizing multiple digital program elements; and defining at least a subset of the plurality of digital program components to include at least one component program segment, wherein the at least one component program segment is also a unit of distinguishable program content; and wherein the number of distinguishable program content available in the digital program transport stream is increased by units of distinguishable program content corresponding to at least one constituent program segment without increasing the bandwidth normally allocated to a standard digital program segment Number of. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising inserting a plurality of digital program components into the digital program transport stream. 6. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one set of the plurality of digital program elements replaces standard digital program segments in the digital program transport stream. 7. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein in addition to the standard digital program segments, at least one set of the plurality of digital program elements is inserted into the digital program transport stream. 8. The method of claim 5, the plurality of digital program elements replacing standard digital program segments in the digital program transport stream. 9. The method of claim 5, wherein a plurality of digital program elements are inserted into the digital program transport stream in addition to standard digital program segments 10. The method of claim 7, wherein the quality of the standard digital program segment is reduced to use less bandwidth than normally allocated to a standard digital program segment. 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the quality of the standard digital program segment is reduced so as to use less bandwidth than normally allocated to a standard digital program segment. 12. The method of claim 3, wherein the plurality of digital program elements replace standard digital program segments in the digital program transport stream. 13. The method of claim 3, wherein a plurality of digital program components are received in the digital program transport stream in addition to the standard digital program segments. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the quality of the standard digital program segment is reduced so as to use less bandwidth than normally allocated to a standard digital program segment. 15. The method of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the plurality of digital program components are selected from the group consisting of video, still frame video, audio, pictures, text, animation, and media objects. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the static frame video comprises zoomable video frames. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the audio comprises audio of lower quality than CD. 18. The method of claim 1, 2 or 4, further comprising digitally compressing the plurality of digital program components. 19. The method of claim 3, further comprising digitally compressing the plurality of digital program components. 20. The method of claim 1, wherein the digital program transport stream is carried over a transmission medium selected from the group consisting of: global television broadcast, cable, satellite, microwave, radio frequency, Telephone, cordless telephone, digital subscriber line, optical fiber, personal communication network, communication network. 21. The method of claim 2, wherein the digital program transport stream is transmitted over a transmission medium selected from a group of media including: global television broadcast, cable, satellite, microwave, radio frequency, Telephone, cordless telephone, digital subscriber line, optical fiber, personal communication network, communication network. 22. The method of claim 3, wherein the digital program transport stream is received via a transmission medium selected from the group consisting of: global television broadcast, cable, satellite, microwave, radio frequency, Telephone, cordless telephone, digital subscriber line, optical fiber, personal communication network, communication network. 23. A method as claimed in claim 20, 21 or 22, wherein the communication network is selected from the group consisting of: Internet, intranet, local area network, wide area network, public network, personal network. 24. The method of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the distinguishable program content includes commercial program content. 25. The method of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the distinguishable programming content comprises programming content selected from the group consisting of: news, sports, entertainment, comedy series, music video , game shows, movies, plays, educational programming, interactive video games, live programming. 26. The method of claim 1, further comprising synchronizing a plurality of digital program elements. 27. The method of claim 1, further comprising customizing at least one component program segment to at least one of a plurality of users receiving the digital program transport stream. 28. The method of claim 2, further comprising customizing at least one component program segment to at least one of a plurality of users receiving the digital program transport stream, thereby providing at least one of the plurality of users with a specific distinguishable content of the program. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein at least one component program segment is tailored to at least one of the plurality of users based on user profile information for at least one of the plurality of users available to the program delivery system. 30. The method of claim 3, further comprising determining whether at least one component program segment is directed at at least one user, thereby providing specific, distinguishable program content to the at least one user, wherein the step of selecting is based on such determination, That is, at least one component program segment is intended for at least one user. 31. The method of claim 30, further comprising accessing at least one user's user profile information to determine whether at least one component program segment is directed at at least one user based on the at least one user's user profile information. 32. The method of claim 3, further comprising outputting at least one component program segment to a display device for display to at least one user. 33. The method of claim 3, further comprising switching from a first one of the at least one component program segments to a second one of the at least one component program segments. 34. The method of claim 33, further comprising sequentially outputting and displaying to at least one user a first and a second of the at least one component program segment, wherein the switching step is seamless in that there is no at least The switching between display of a first of the at least one constituent program segments and display of a second of the at least one constituent program segments is performed on the display means in the event of a user-perceivable delay. 35. A method as claimed in claim 32 or 34, wherein the display device comprises a device selected from the group consisting of: television, radio, video tape player, tape player, digital video disc player compact disc players, mini disc players, digital file players, video game players, computers, personal digital assistant devices, telephones, cordless phones, telephone devices for the deaf. 36. A system for providing a greater amount of distinct program content in a program delivery system for delivery to a plurality of subscribers via a digital program delivery stream, the system comprising: an encoder which interleaves a plurality of synchronized digital program components, wherein at least a subset of the plurality of digital program components comprises at least one component program segment, wherein at least one component program segment is a unit of distinguishable program content ;and a transmitter which transmits a plurality of digital program components in a digital program stream to a plurality of users, the plurality of digital program components using a digital program transport stream having a bandwidth less than or equal to the bandwidth normally allocated to a standard digital program segment, where the standard digital program segment is also a unit of distinguishable program content; wherein, without increasing the bandwidth normally allocated to a standard digital program segment, the number of distinguishable program content transmitted by the transmitter in the digital program transport stream is increased by the distinguishable program corresponding to at least one constituent program segment The number of units of content. 37. A system for receiving a greater amount of distinct programming content in a programming delivery system, the distinct programming content being received by at least one subscriber via a digital programming delivery stream, the system comprising: A tuner for receiving a plurality of synchronized digital program components in the digital program transport stream, the bandwidth of the digital program transport stream used by the plurality of digital program components is less than or equal to the bandwidth normally allocated to a standard digital program segment, wherein A standard digital program segment is a unit of distinguishable program content; a decoder for separating and selecting at least a subset of the plurality of digital program components, the at least one subset comprising at least one component program segment, wherein the at least one component program segment is also a unit of distinguishable program content; a program output terminal for outputting at least one component program segment to a display device for displaying the at least one component program segment to at least one user; and a processor that adjusts and directs the operation of the tuner, decoder, and program outputs; Wherein, without increasing the bandwidth normally allocated to a standard digital program segment, the number of distinguishable program content in the digital program transport stream received by the receiver is increased corresponding to at least one distinguishable program segment The number of units of program content. 38. A system for providing a greater amount of distinct program content in a program delivery system, the differentiated program content being delivered to a plurality of subscribers via a digital program delivery stream, the system comprising: a means for merging a plurality of synchronized digital program elements, wherein at least a subset of the plurality of digital program elements comprises at least one component program segment, wherein at least one component program segment is a unit of distinguishable program content; and a device for transmitting a plurality of digital program components in a digital program stream to a plurality of users using a digital program transport stream with a bandwidth less than or equal to the bandwidth normally allocated to a standard digital program segment, where the standard digital program segment is also a unit of distinguishable program content; wherein, without increasing the bandwidth normally allocated to a standard digital program segment, the number of distinguishable program content transmitted by the transmission device in the digital program transport stream is increased by the distinguishable program corresponding to at least one constituent program segment The number of units of content. 39. A system for receiving a greater amount of distinct programming content in a programming delivery system, the distinct programming content being received by at least one user via a digital programming delivery stream, the system comprising: a device for receiving a plurality of synchronized digital program components in the digital program transport stream, the digital program components using a digital program transport stream having a bandwidth less than or equal to the bandwidth normally allocated to a standard digital program segment, where a standard digital program segment is a unit of distinguishable program content; a means for selecting at least a subset of a plurality of digital program components, the at least one subset comprising at least one component program segment, wherein the at least one component program segment is also a unit of distinguishable program content; a means for outputting at least one component program segment to a display device for displaying the at least one component program segment to at least one user; and - means for adjusting and directing the operation of receiving means, selecting means and output means; Wherein, without increasing the bandwidth normally allocated to a standard digital program segment, the number of distinguishable program content in the digital program transport stream received by the receiving device is increased by the number of distinguishable program content corresponding to at least one component program segment The number of units of program content. 40. The system of claim 36, wherein the transmitter replaces a standard digital program segment in the digital program transport stream with a plurality of digital program components. 41. The system of claim 38, wherein the transmitter replaces a standard digital program segment in the digital program transport stream with a plurality of digital program components. 42. The system of claim 36, wherein the transmitter transmits a plurality of digital program components in a digital program transport stream in addition to the standard digital program segments. 43. The system of claim 38, wherein the transmission means transmits the plurality of digital program components in a digital program transport stream in addition to the standard digital program segments. 44. The system of claim 37, wherein the receiver receives a plurality of digital program elements in the digital program transport stream that replace standard digital program segments. 45. The system of claim 39, wherein the receiving means receives a plurality of digital program elements in the digital program transport stream that replace standard digital program segments. 46. The system of claim 37, wherein the receiver receives a plurality of digital program components in the digital program transport stream in addition to the standard digital program segments. 47. The system of claim 39, wherein the receiving means receives a plurality of digital program components in the digital program transport stream in addition to the standard digital program segments. 48. A system as claimed in claim 42, 43, 46 or 47, reducing the quality of a standard digital program segment so as to use less bandwidth than normally allocated to a standard digital program segment. 49. The system of claim 36, 37, 38 or 39, wherein the plurality of digital program components are selected from the group consisting of video, still frame video, audio, pictures, text, animation, and media objects. 50. The system of claim 49, wherein the static frame video comprises zoomable video frames. 51. The system of claim 49, wherein the audio comprises audio of lower quality than CD. 52. The system of claim 36, further comprising a digital compressor for compressing the plurality of digital program components before reaching the multiplexer. 53. The system of claim 38, further comprising means for digitally compressing the plurality of digital program components before reaching the multiplexer. 54. The system of claim 37, further comprising a digital decompressor for decompressing a plurality of digital program components, wherein the processor also manages and directs the operation of the decompressor. 55. The system of claim 39, further comprising means for decompressing a plurality of digital program components, wherein the processing means also manages and directs the operation of the decompression means. 56. The system of claim 36, further comprising a synchronization component for synchronizing the plurality of digital program components before they arrive at the multiplexer. 57. The system of claim 38, further comprising means for synchronizing the plurality of digital program components before they reach the multiplexing means. 58. The system of claim 36, further comprising a modulator for modulating the multiplexed digital program components before they reach the transmitter. 59. The system of claim 38, further comprising means for modulating the multiplexed digital program components before they reach the transmission means. 60. The system of claim 36, further comprising a memory for storing the plurality of digital program components prior to their arrival at the multiplexer. 61. The system of claim 38, further comprising means for storing the plurality of digital program components prior to their arrival at the multiplexing means. 62. The system as claimed in claim 36, further comprising a memory storing user situation information of at least one of a plurality of users, wherein the processor also manages and directs the work of the memory, wherein according to at least one of a plurality of users Targeting at least one component program segment to at least one of the plurality of users based on user profile information, thereby providing specific and distinguishable program content to at least one of the plurality of users. 63. The system of claim 37, wherein at least one component program segment is targeted to at least one user, thereby providing specific, distinguishable program content to the at least one user, wherein the signal selector is based on at least one of the plurality of component program segments The information in the subset selects at least one constituent program segment, the at least one constituent program segment being directed to at least one user. 64. The system as claimed in claim 63, further comprising a memory for storing user profile information of at least one user, wherein the signal selector also selects at least one component program segment according to the user profile information of the at least one user, the at least A constituent program segment is targeted at at least one user. 65. The system of claim 36, wherein the transmitter transmits the digital program transport stream via a transmission medium selected from the group consisting of: global television broadcast, cable, satellite, microwave, radio frequency, telephone, Wireless telephony, digital subscriber line, optical fiber, personal communication network, communication network. 66. The system of claim 37, wherein the receiver receives the digital program transport stream via a transmission medium selected from the following group of media: global television broadcast, cable, satellite, microwave, radio frequency, Telephone, cordless telephone, digital subscriber line, optical fiber, personal communication network, communication network. 67. A system as claimed in claim 65 or 66, wherein the communication network is selected from the group consisting of: Internet, intranet, local area network, wide area network, public network, personal network. 68. The system of claim 66, further comprising a network connector connected to the communication network for receiving the plurality of digital program components from the communication network. 69. The system of claim 39, further comprising a means for establishing a connection with a communication network through which the plurality of digital program components are received. 70. The system of claim 36 or 37, wherein the distinguishable program content includes commercial program content. 71. The system of claim 36 or 37, wherein the distinguishable programming content comprises programming content selected from the group consisting of: news, sports, entertainment, comedy series, music video, game shows, Movies, dramas, educational programming, interactive video games, live programming. 72. The system of claim 37, further comprising a signal switcher for switching from a first one of the at least one component program segment to a second one of the at least one component program segment, wherein the processor also manages and directs the signal The switcher works. 73. The system as claimed in claim 72, wherein the switching of signals is seamless because the first in the at least one component program segment on the display device is without at least one user-perceivable delay. The switching is performed between display of one and display of a second of the at least one component program segment. 74. The system of claim 37, wherein the display device comprises a device selected from the group consisting of: television, radio, video tape player, tape player, digital video disc player, Compact disc players, mini disc players, digital file players, video game players, computers, personal digital assistant devices, telephones, cordless phones, telephone devices for the deaf. 75. A computer program product for instructing a computer-controlled digital program receiving system having interactive program technology to select targeted and distinguishable program content for a user, the receiving system being received by an increased number of digital program transport streams For the targeted distinguishable program content, the computer program product includes a computer readable medium on which is recorded computer readable program code for controlling the program receiving system, the computer readable program code including the following instructions: Make the program receiving system judge whether the plurality of synchronized digital program components received in the digital program transport stream include the targeted and distinguishable program content, wherein the bandwidth of the digital program transport stream used by the plurality of digital program components is less than or equal to the bandwidth normally allocated to a standard digital program segment which is also a unit of distinguishable program content; Make the program receiving system obtain the user situation information about the user; causing the program receiving system to select at least a subset of a plurality of digital program components, the at least one subset comprising at least one component program segment, wherein the at least one component program segment is also a unit of distinguishable program content; wherein, without adding normal with the bandwidth allocated to a standard digital program segment, the number of distinguishable program content transmitted by the transmitter in the digital program transport stream is increased by the number of units of distinguishable program content corresponding to at least one constituent program segment, wherein the program receiving system determines a selection of at least a subset of the plurality of component program segments based on user profile information of the user, thereby providing the user with the targeted and distinguishable program content; and The program receiving system is caused to output at least one component program segment and display it to a user on the display device. 76. The computer program product of claim 75, wherein the computer readable program code further comprises instructions for: causing the program receiving system to identify a splice point in a first of the at least one constituent program segments prior to completion of display of the first of the at least one constituent program segments to the user; causing the program receiving system to select a second one of the at least one component program segment, wherein the selection of the second one of the at least one component program segment is determined by the program receiving system based on user profile information of the user; causing the program receiving system to seamlessly switch from a first one of the at least one component program segments to a second one of the at least one component program segments at a junction point identified from a first one of the at least one component program segments; and causing the program receiving system to output and display to a user on the display device a second of the at least one component program segment; Wherein, the switching is completed by switching the first one of the at least one component program segments to the second one of the at least one component program segments on the display device without a user-perceivable delay. 77. A method of receiving a greater number of distinguishable commercial segments in a program delivery system, receivable to at least one user via a digital program delivery stream, the method comprising: receiving synchronized digital program components in a digital program transport stream using a digital program transport stream with a bandwidth less than or equal to the bandwidth normally allocated to a full-motion audio-video segment, wherein the full-motion an audio-visual segment is a unit of distinguishable program content; selecting and displaying at least a subset of a plurality of digital program components, the selection being performed by a processor instructing at least one command code, the selection being based on packet identification numbers of a plurality of packets comprising at least one subset, the at least a subset includes at least one commercial segment, wherein at least one commercial segment is also a unit of distinguishable program content; wherein, without increasing the bandwidth normally allocated to a full-motion audio-video segment, the number of distinguishable commercial segments received in the digital program transport stream is increased by the distinguishable program corresponding to at least one commercial segment The number of units of content. 78. The method of claim 77, wherein the plurality of digital program components are selected from the group consisting of video, still frame video, audio, pictures, text, animation, and media objects. 79. The method of claim 77, wherein the step of receiving further comprises receiving at least one command code in a digital program transport stream. 80. The method of claim 77, further comprising receiving at least one command code from a user through a user interface. 81. A method of providing distinguishable program content in a program delivery system having system bandwidth, comprising: transmission of program content over a program delivery system using a first portion of the system's bandwidth; and transmitting a plurality of program elements, which may be combined into one or more program segments, over the program transmission system using a second portion of the system bandwidth; Wherein the program content is adjusted so that the first and second bandwidth parts are not larger than the system bandwidth. 82. The method of claim 81, wherein each program component uses an independent portion of the bandwidth, each independent portion being less than the first portion of the system bandwidth. 83. The method of claim 82, wherein the second portion of the system bandwidth is less than or equal to the first portion of the system bandwidth. 84. A method as claimed in claim 81, 82 or 83, wherein the program content is adjusted by replacing the program content with a plurality of program elements. 85. A method as claimed in claim 81, 82 or 83, wherein the program content is adjusted by reducing the program content such that the first and second bandwidth portions are no greater than the system bandwidth. 86. The method of claim 84, the program components are selected from the group consisting of full motion video, still frame video, audio, pictures, text, animation, and media objects. 87. The method of claim 84, the first portion of the system bandwidth being equal to the bandwidth used by a standard digital program segment of full motion video with CD quality sound. 88. The method of claim 84, the program delivery system being a digital cable system. 89. A method of increasing the amount of distinguishable program content achieved by alternating a video and audio pair, comprising: determining a bandwidth for transmitting the first video and audio pair in the transmission system; stop transmitting the first video and audio pair; and replacing the first video and audio pair in the transport stream with a plurality of program components which can be combined into a plurality of distinguishable program segments each using a different portion of the bandwidth; Wherein, the sum of multiple bandwidth parts does not exceed the bandwidth. 90. The method of claim 89, wherein the bandwidth is changed according to the bandwidth usage of the second video and audio pair. 91. The method of claim 89, wherein the plurality of program elements are selected from the group consisting of full motion video, still frame video, audio, pictures, text, animation, and media objects. 92. The method of claim 91, wherein the audio comprises audio of lower than CD quality audio. 93. The method of claim 91, wherein the still frame video comprises I-frames. 94. The method of claim 91, wherein the full motion video comprises digitally compressed video. 95. The method of claim 91, wherein the full motion video comprises low resolution video. 96. The method of claim 91, wherein full motion video comprises low frame rate video. 97. The method of claim 91, wherein the full motion video comprises low quality video. 98. A method of receiving distinguishable program content in a program delivery system having system bandwidth, comprising: receiving first program content via a program delivery system, the program content using a first portion of the system bandwidth; and transmitting a plurality of program elements, which may be combined into one or more program segments, over the program transmission system using a second portion of the system bandwidth; Wherein the program content is adjusted so that the first and second bandwidth parts are not larger than the system bandwidth. 99. The method of claim 98, wherein each program component uses an independent portion of the bandwidth, each independent portion being less than the first portion of the system bandwidth. 100. The method of claim 99, wherein the sum of the individual parts of the bandwidth is less than or equal to the first part of the bandwidth. 101. A method as claimed in claim 98, 99 or 100, wherein the program content in the digital program transport stream is replaced with a plurality of distinguishable program segments. 102. The method of claim 101, the program components are selected from the group consisting of full motion video, still frame video, audio, pictures, text, animation, and media objects. 103. The method of claim 101, the first portion of bandwidth equal to that used by a standard digital program segment of full motion video with CD quality sound. 104. The method of claim 101, the program delivery system being a digital cable system. 105. A method of providing distinguishable program content in a program transport stream having a stream bandwidth, comprising: identifying available bandwidth in the transport stream, the available bandwidth being less than or equal to the stream bandwidth; fitting a plurality of program components into at least a portion of the available bandwidth; The program components are merged into a plurality of program segments, and the program segments respectively correspond to a plurality of units of distinguishable program content. 106. The method of claim 105, wherein the step of identifying includes identifying periods of use in the transport stream that are less than full bandwidth as available bandwidth. 107. The method of claim 105, wherein the step of identifying comprises: period for removing regular programs from the Transport Stream; Identify the remaining period as available bandwidth. 108. The method of claim 105, wherein the step of identifying comprises: identifying periods in the transport stream that are less than the full bandwidth used by the data stream as the first portion of the available bandwidth; period for removing regular programs from the Transport Stream; The removed period is identified as a second part of the available bandwidth. 109. A method for enabling distinguishable program content delivery in a program transport stream, comprising: Hypothetically distinguishable program content based on the intended audience; determine the bandwidth available in the Transport Stream; Generating multiple program elements to achieve distinguishable program content, making it available for available bandwidth; Provides program components for use in transport streams. 110. The method of claim 109, wherein the step of determining available bandwidth includes identifying unused bandwidth in the transport stream. 111. The method of claim 109, wherein the step of determining available bandwidth includes identifying program content in the transport stream that is to be purged. 112. The method of claim 109, wherein the step of determining available bandwidth includes identifying program content to be transmitted at a lower quality level in the transport stream. 113. The method of claim 109, wherein the available bandwidth determining step comprises: Identify unused bandwidth in transport streams; Identify the program content to be cleared in the Transport Stream; Identifies programming content that will be delivered at a lower quality level in the Transport Stream. 114. A method of displaying programming content to a user, comprising: receiving a transport stream comprising program components which may be combined into a plurality of program segments corresponding to units of distinguishable program content intended for the intended audience and audience profile data; Obtain user information; Identify the target audience that best matches the user profile; selecting a subset of program elements to provide one of a plurality of units of distinguishable program content based on the identified target audience; A user is presented with a unit of differentiated program content offered.

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