JP2002521972A - Digital TV system using synchronized world wide web content - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Summary In a one-way broadcast digital video network, Internet HTML web page data is formatted to fit within a standard MPEG-2 data packet structure, and then converted to another format for transfer within a multi-channel digital video system. It is multiplexed with the MPEG-2 digital video signal. In particular, the head-end server broadcasts a rotating carousel composed of a collection of web pages in HTML format. The rotating carousel includes both broadcast and simulcast web pages and a control map that allows viewers to navigate within the rotating carousel HTML web page. In particular, the control map includes the location of the rotating carousel HTML web page corresponding to the broadcast web page. In addition, the control map includes the location of the rotating carousel HTML web page corresponding to the simulcast web page. The control map is updated and re-broadcast whenever there is a change at the start, middle or end of the broadcast video program, thereby synchronizing the simulcast web page with the multi-channel broadcast digital video program.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

【Technical field】

The present invention relates to the field of communications, and more particularly, to converging broadcast television and interactive communications to the World Wide Web portion of the Internet.

[0002]

[Background Art]

In the prior art, linking broadcast television programs to the Internet has been considered. One desirable feature is that it can switch between broadcast programs and related Internet sites on the World Wide Web. In such a method, the usual passive broadcast television becomes the interactive medium.

[0003] In order to access the content of the relevant Internet site,
Press a button on the remote control or click an icon on the screen with a pointing device. The user can switch between Internet content and broadcast content. A typical pointing device for a user interface may consist of a mouse, trackball, cursor button or similar type device. In this way, the viewer can switch from one internet site to another site during a broadcast program.

[0004] Also, Internet content may be overlaid on broadcast content. The World Wide Web may be displayed in a window while the broadcast content is still being displayed (picture-in-picture). Alternatively, a transparency, such as text, may be overlaid on the broadcast television image. In such a way, the viewer watches the broadcast video and the interactive Internet content simultaneously.

[0005] Many television programmers (content providers) already have both video channels and websites. A particularly important application for such programmers is to link their video channels with their websites. Linking broadcast video to other media is sometimes referred to as "simulcasting," following the practice of linking audio programming on a video channel to FM stereo broadcasts.
) ".

In some cases, such as new channels (eg, Cable News Network), websites (http://www.cnn.co.com)
m) represents an alternative form of the content that is substantially the same or similar to that contained in the broadcast video channel. In other cases, such as music or movie channels, the website represents a supplement to the content of the video channel. The website may provide scheduled program airtime, additional advertisements, and catalog-style ordering of merchandise associated with the broadcast video content. Thus, the music channel can sell a compact disc of the latest music video selection. The shopping channel may provide additional product information related to the item being sold. In general, the program creator's website can supplement and further describe the subject of the broadcast video.

Being able to provide a rich product description is particularly important for advertisers, including providing more detailed information about the product being advertised. For example, an advertisement for a car may include an icon representing the car manufacturer. By clicking on the car manufacturer's icon, the viewer enters the manufacturer's website for additional product information.

[0008] Although the purpose of linking broadcast television and interactive Internet access is well known, realizing a real system is a technical challenge. Generally, to link a broadcast television video signal to a specified Internet address, a uniform resource locator (ie, URL)
Are formatted by the broadcaster (ie, by the program creator, advertiser, or content provider) into tags that are inserted into the broadcast television signal. The inserted tag defines the web page and identifies the URL where the relevant internet information is located. Instead, tag requirements for broadcast television signals require that universal standards for tag location and format be employed.

Another approach to providing Internet access via MPEG-2 digital TV is to first decode Internet World Wide Web HTML pages into video pages, and then encode the video pages into MPEG-2 format. Broadcast MPEG-2 formatted web pages over a digital TV network. In order to encode a page of video to MPEG-2, the broadcast source must have one or more MPEG-2 encoders. It would be desirable to provide a system for transmitting Internet World Wide Web pages without requiring an MPEG encoding process at the broadcast headend.

Also, decoding an HTML page into a video and then MPEG-2 encoding means that each time an MPEG-2 encoded web page video is being decoded, it is at the location of each viewer. The MPEG-2 decoder is occupied. For this reason, in the prior art, two MPEG-2 decoders were required at the viewer's location to simultaneously watch the broadcast video and the Internet content. It would be desirable to provide a system capable of displaying Internet World Wide Web pages and MPEG-2 broadcast video without the need for a second MPEG-2 decoder.

[0011] Further, Internet connectivity generally requires a bidirectional data path. The return path is used to send viewer selections, such as mouse clicks and typed commands. Currently, one of the cable television (CATV) systems
Only 5% is capable of bidirectional transmission by cable path. Most CATV systems remain unidirectional only. Another option for two-way internet connectivity is to use the public switched telephone network as the return path. However, using a public switched network requires a telephone modem, which occupies the home telephone line. It would be desirable to provide interactive Internet access to a unidirectional CATV network without a telephone connection.

In addition, there are latency issues associated with linking broadcast video content to Internet sites. Internet access and connection is established,
Choosing an icon before accessing the Internet means waiting a long time since the desired HTML must then be downloaded. That is, first the modem and the Internet service provider must establish Internet access (via two-way CATV or telephone return)
Then, a connection to the desired website must be established, and then the HTML page must be downloaded.

[0013] Even if the viewer is already connected to the Internet (bidirectional CATV
When the icon is selected (or by phone return), there may be an unacceptably long wait time for the selected web page to appear. Latency comes from the establishment of an Internet switch connection from the viewer's home to the remote website, and subsequent downloading of the HTML page.
It would be desirable to provide an interactive Internet access with a fast response time without the need for establishing Internet access and for Internet connection and subsequent download from a remote website.

Finally, there is a major traffic problem associated with linking broadcast video content to a remote Internet website. Even if only a small percentage of viewers of a mass-market advertisement click on an advertiser's icon, the advertiser's website will simultaneously be flooded with telephone connection requests. In order to accommodate the large number of demands, a large amount of telephone line capability (and computing power to serve HTML pages) is required at remote Internet websites. The resulting number of connection requests overwhelms most website traffic models that are designed to support an average number of connection requests (not peak numbers). Still, linking broadcast content to Internet content tends to facilitate the peak number of simultaneous connection requests.

It is desirable to support a large number of simultaneous Internet access requests without requiring an excessive number of simultaneous telephone connections at a remote Internet website.

[0016]

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention, Internet HTML web page data is stored in standard MPEG
-2 data packet format, formatted to fit within other MPEG-2
It is multiplexed with the digital video signal for transfer in a multi-channel digital video system. In such a method, the HTML protocol is stored and the MPEG
-2 transport format, resulting in HTML on the MPEG video channel.

In particular, the head-end server broadcasts a rotating carousel (carousel) consisting of a collection of web pages in HTML format. The rotating carousel contains both broadcast and simulcast web pages. Broadcast web pages are generally of interest to all viewers. The simulcast web page relates to the content of a broadcast video program contained in a digital video channel. Simulcast web pages are primarily of interest to viewers who are watching the relevant broadcast video program. The HTML pages may be accessed directly from the rotating carousel, or depending on the amount of memory at the set top, some or all of the HTML web pages may be stored locally in the fast cache memory of the set top for faster access. May be stored.

The control map is broadcast in an MPEG-2 data stream so that viewers can navigate between HTML pages in a rotating carousel (or from a local set-top cache memory). The control map is 3
Consists of a type table. The first table is a master control map in the sense that it defines the positions of the second and third tables. The first table is an HTML program table (Program)
m Association Table) or HPAT. Second
And the third table are HTML program correspondence tables (Program Map T
able) (HPMT) and HTML event information table (Event Information)
ATION Table) (HEIT). The HTML program correspondence table includes the location of the HTML web page corresponding to the broadcast web page in the rotating carousel. The HTML event information table includes the location of the HTML web page in the rotating carousel corresponding to the simulcast web page. There is one HTML event information table for each video channel, the HEIT of which is
Associated with that video channel on at least one simulcast website in the rotating data carousel.

First, the set-top MPEG-2 decoder is synchronized with the MPEG-2 data stream, as is commonly done in MPEG-2 decoding. And
The set top searches for and downloads an HTML program guide, which can be found in a predetermined data packet in the MPEG-2 data stream format. Then, the set top uses the HTML program table, and the other two tables, HPM
Locate T and HEIT, download and store. After the first, second and third tables have been downloaded and stored, the set top responds to viewer commands to navigate through a broadcast web page or a simulcast web page in a continuous rotating carousel.

Broadcast Webpage A broadcast website is a general site of interest to all viewers. Typical broadcast websites include news, weather and sports, but can be any website that is generally of interest to many viewers. The viewer selects an available broadcast website from a menu displayed on the TV.

Http: // www. NYTimes. In order to view a broadcast website such as "com.com", an HTML program correspondence table is used as a lookup table for finding MPEG-2 data packets in an MPEG-2 data stream corresponding to a NY Times web page. The position in the MPEG-2 data stream is defined by a packet identifier (PID), a table identifier (tableID) and a table identifier extension (tableIDext). The set top monitors the rotating carousel until the designated MPEG-2 data packet position appears, after which the HTML page data at that position in the MPEG-2 data stream is stored on the subscriber's set top and displayed on the television screen. You.

NYTimes. com's home page generally displays links to other pages by specifying a URL. As is standard for Internet navigation, the user clicks on a displayed link to another Internet page (or otherwise indicates a request for selection). Linked HTML
To find the page, the specified URL is searched in the HTML program correspondence table. It provides the location of the desired HTML page in an MPEG-2 data packet in the MPEG-2 data stream corresponding to the specified URL web page. The rotating carousel is usually the UR of the linked page
Includes all or most of L. As shown, the position in the MPEG-2 data stream is defined by a packet identifier (PID), a table identifier (tableID), and a table identifier extension (tableIDext). The set top monitors the rotating carousel until the designated MPEG-2 data packet position appears, after which the HTML page data at that position in the MPEG-2 data stream is stored and displayed.

Simulcast Web Page During the commercial of Toyota, http: // www. toyota. co
In order to view a simulcast website such as m.m., the HTM of the corresponding video channel is used as a lookup table to find MPEG-2 data packets in the MPEG-2 data stream corresponding to the Toyota web page.
An L event information table is used. The set top monitors the rotating carousel until the specified MPEG-2 data packet appears, which is then stored and displayed. The content of the HTML event information table is synchronized with the broadcast video program.

When the corresponding broadcast video program changes, the available broadcast web pages change relatively rarely (by changing the content of the HPMT), but the available simulcast web pages are compared. Frequently (by changing the content of the HEIT).

[0025] Toyota. In general, the home page of “com” displays a link to another page by specifying a URL. Like broadcast web pages,
Links to other URLs in the simulcast web page are searched in the appropriate tables. For simulcast web pages, linked HTML
Is used to find the HTML event information table, HEIT. The specified URL is searched in the HEIT table. It provides the location of the desired HTML page in the MPEG-2 data stream corresponding to the specified URL web page. As described above, the set top is the designated P
The rotating carousel is monitored until the ID, tableID and tableIDext appear in the MPEG-2 data stream, after which the HTML page data at that position in the MPEG-2 data stream is stored and displayed.

The content of the HTML event information table defines the link between the broadcast video program and the associated website. The broadcast video may have advertising and / or entertainment content, and the video broadcast program content provider may be a program creator and / or advertiser. The event information and its relationship to the location on the World Wide Web are obtained in individual communication sessions at broadcast stations established on the Internet and then downloaded to each set-top by HTML event information tables. In particular, for CATV, the headend communicates with each broadcast video content provider's individual website to obtain the relationship between the broadcast video program content and the corresponding web page of the rotating carousel.

Local Tag In another embodiment of the present invention, for events that cannot be scheduled in advance (in a predetermined event information table), a local tag is added to the video signal provided to the headend by the program creator. Inserted. The inserted local tag is inserted by the program creator and is subsequently received at the headend when the program creator wishes to initiate a simulcast connection between the video signal and a given HTML web page. The HTML event information table is generated according to the local tag and downloaded to the set top.

By combining MPEG-2 format digital television transmissions with HTML format web pages, bandwidth is dynamically allocated to accommodate the required number of web pages in a rotating carousel. The longest waiting time for searching for a desired web page is one rotation of the carousel.

[0029]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An overview of the system according to the invention is shown in FIG. Broadcasting station 10 (in this case, CATV
The cable headend transmits the world wide web page to the digital set-top 38 via the one-way digital video broadcast network (in this case, the coaxial hybrid CATV network 34). The viewer controls what the set top 38 displays on the local television receiver 40 via the remote control input device 36.

Although the preferred embodiment is shown in the context of a CATV system, the invention is not limited to conventional VHF and UHF, direct broadcast satellite (DBS),
It is applied to any broadcast communication system including a multipoint microwave distribution system (MMDS). For example, in the case of a DBS system, the broadcast station is a satellite uplink center and the set top is a satellite receiver decoder.

The headend 10 includes a satellite receiving parabolic antenna 44C coupled to an analog receiver 11 and a digital receiver 13 for downlinking the signal delivered by the satellite 44B. The analog receiver 11 supplies the MPEG-2 remultiplexer 14 with M
It is coupled to an integrated receiver transcoder 20 that supplies a PEG-2 encoded signal. The digital receiver 13 transmits the MPEG-2 remultiplexer 14 to the MPEG-2 remultiplexer 14.
It is connected to an MPEG-2 encoder 12 which supplies the encoded signal. MPEG
The output of the -2 remultiplexer 14 is coupled to a digital quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) modulator / upconverter 18 that transmits a digital video MPEG-2 data stream to an HFC network 34.

The head end 10 is connected to the Internet dial-up access server 24
And a computer 32 coupled to the MPEG-2 remultiplexer 14 via a local area network connection or data bus 25. The MPEG-2 encoder 12 is also connected to a network 25 to supply the received information regarding the analog video local tag to the computer 32. Similarly, the integrated receiver transcoder 20 is coupled to a network 25 to provide information about the received digital video local tags to a computer 32. The use of received video local tags as an alternative embodiment of the present invention will be described later.

The program creator 42 communicates with the network server node 47 via the Internet 46.
, And by communicating with the headend 10.
A typical program creator would be a satellite uplink antenna 44 coupled to a transmitter 48.
A. Encoder 50 provides digital or analog signals as input to transmitter 48 from a source such as video tape recorder 52 or camera 54. In addition, typical program creator 42 receives downlinked signals (not shown) from other sources, such as satellites, fiber optic cables, or microwave links. A computer 56 is coupled to the network server node 47 and the headend 10 via the Internet 46 to match the simulcast web page with the programming created by the program creator 42.

In operation, the program creator 42 communicates a web page address associated with the broadcast program via a network server 47 or in a communication session over the Internet 46 directly to the headend 10. The head end 10 is h
The tp proxy server 22 stores a simulcast web page such as an ABC home channel 26 or a Toyota advertisement 30. In addition to the simulcast web page, the headend 10 stores a broadcast web page such as USA news on the http proxy server 22.

Once the headend 10 has all the necessary information associated with the simulcast and broadcast web pages, the computer 32
Generate control maps, HTML pages and URLs for insertion into the industry standard transport layer of the MPEG-2 protocol.

FIG. 2 shows a protocol stack showing the layering of HTML in MPEG-2.
At the physical level is the CATV system 208 (or other broadband broadcast medium such as satellite). The link layer modulation method is QAM / QPSK (quadrature amplitude modulation / quadrature phase modulation). Above the link layer 206 is the standard MPEG-2 transport layer 204. The data section 202 is a packet payload of the MPEG-2 transport, and the data carousel layer 201 contains HTML data and a control map. The nesting of the layers of the protocol stack is further illustrated in the timing diagram of FIG.

The MPEG-2 transport layer includes a packet identifier, a PID 302 and a transport packet 306. The content of the transport packet 306 is a part of the data section (the data section 202 in the protocol stack of FIG. 2). The data section (which is part of the MPEG-2 protocol) further consists of a tableID and a tableIDext 304, followed by a table payload 308. The content of the table payload 308 is a data carousel (data carousel 20 in the protocol stack of FIG. 3).
Part of 1). The data carousel carries an HTML web page 310, URL 312 and control map 314 of the current protocol.

The relationship between the various tables of the control map for broadcast and simulcast web pages is shown in FIG. HPAT 402 has two other control maps, HPMT 404 (for broadcast web pages) and HEIT 406 (for broadcast web pages).
This is a control map of the control map in the sense that the position of the simulcast web page is determined.

The HPMT 404 is compatible with Yahoo 408, USA-News 410 and NYt
Specify multiple broadcast web pages in the rotating data carousel, such as imes 412. Each of the designated broadcast web pages includes the other URL 420 as a link to the other web page.

HEIT 406 specifies a plurality of simulcast web pages in a rotating data carousel, such as ABC-home 414, latest movie home page 416, and Toyota advertisement 418. Each of the designated simulcast web pages includes another URL 422 as a link to the other web page.

The navigation in the set top provided by the control map to find the desired web page in the MPEG-2 data stream is shown in FIG. In particular, within the MPEG-2 data stream 510, the desired broadcast web page HTML 517 and the desired simulcast web page HTML 523
There is.

To navigate to the desired web page HTML 517, step 512
First, the set top finds the HPAT (predetermined MPEG-2 location, eg, PID = 0x1f00). Then, in step 514, the HPAT is stored on the set top. In step 516, the set top locates the HPMT using the HPAT and stores the located HPMT. In response to the broadcast web page request 520, the table lookup function 518 finds the PID, tableID and tableIDext needed to locate the desired broadcast HTML web page 517 in the rotating data carousel of the MPEG-2 data stream. . The located broadcast HTML page 517 is stored 530 on the set top and displayed. The maximum latency of the system to find a given HTML web page is the time that the rotating carousel of the HTML web page repeats itself.

For simulcast, the set top uses the HPAT stored (at step 514) with the current channel number input 513 to obtain the required HEIT
Locate the position. In this case, HEIT1 corresponds to the simulcast web page associated with the current channel number being watched. Then, the HEIT 1 whose position has been located is stored in the set top in step 522. All other HEITs with one simulcast channel are similarly located and stored.

In response to simulcast web page request 520, table lookup 5
24 is the appropriate PID, tableID, and tabl in the stored HEIT1 needed to locate the desired simulcast HTML1 web page 523 in the rotating data carousel of the MPEG-2 data stream.
Find eIext. HTML simulcast page 5 whose location was located
23 is 530 stored and displayed on the set top.

The content of the Simulcast HTML1 web page corresponds to the current channel being watched. Current channel number is in table lookup step
515 is input to 524. Each simulcast channel has one corresponding HEIT.

FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of a set-top decoder for realizing the above navigation method. The set top 800 includes a tuner 804 coupled to a digital QAM demodulator 806, which is coupled to an MPEG-2 demultiplexer 808 and subsequent MPEG-2 decoder 810. Further, set top 800 includes a microprocessor controller 814 that coordinates navigation activities, and a world wide web browser 816 program that displays HTML web pages.

In operation, digital television data stream 802 and remote control signal 818 are input to set-top tuner 800. In response to the remote control input, microprocessor controller 814 causes tuner 804 to select a channel. The digital QAM demodulator 806 converts the input signal into
Convert to digital data stream for demultiplexer 808. The packet selection output of the controller 814 directs the demultiplexer 808 to a predetermined MPEG-2 location (PID = 0x1f00) and outputs a first control table (HPA
T) is selected. It is stored in the memory of the microprocessor controller 801.

Using the stored control table HPAT, the microprocessor controller 81
4 determines the second and third control tables in the MPEG-2 data stream, ie, HPMT and HEIT, and demultiplexes the packet selection output to a demultiplexer 80.
8 is directed to the appropriate MPEG-2 data packet. The located HPMT and HEIT are stored in the memory of the microprocessor controller 814. The viewer indicates the desired broadcast or simulcast web page to the microprocessor controller 814 via the remote control input 818.

To find the desired world wide web page, microprocessor controller 814 searches the stored control map for the PID, tableID, and tableIDext and stores the corresponding packet identification information in the MPEG via the packet selection control line. -2 demultiplexer 808. MPE
The G-2 demultiplexer 808 waits until the desired MPEG-2 data packet arrives at the rotated data carousel of the HTML web page corresponding to the desired web page, and then receives the desired HTML format desired world wide web. Pass the page to the World Wide Web Browser 816. The MPEG-2 demultiplexer 810 sets the MPEG-2 digital video and audio by selecting another MPEG-2 data packet.
The data is supplied to the decoder 810.

Set Top Data Cache The system allows a set top to navigate a rotating carousel HTML web page with little or no local memory storage. However, it is preferable to store the downloaded HPAT and HEIT tables on the set top to increase the speed of operation.

By storing all or part of the rotating carousel in the local cache memory of the set top, a faster response time can be achieved. If there is no local storage of HTML web pages at the set top, the longest latency to retrieve the desired web page is the time for one turn of the carousel. If there is local storage of all web pages downloaded from the rotating carousel, the longest latency to retrieve the desired web page is the access time of the local cache memory.

There are various partial storage options between the two extremes, one with no storage and the other with 100% local storage of the rotating carousel. One option is to use a fast cache to store many recently accessed web pages. If the cache contains the desired web page (
Hit), a cache memory is used instead of a rotating carousel. If the cache does not contain the desired web page (a miss), a rotating carousel is used to find the desired web page.

The new web page is then stored in the high speed cache (still in HTML format) according to the memory logic of the cache, replacing the previously stored page. For example, a new web page is replaced with a web page with the lowest access frequency. The present invention and the navigation control map operate in the same manner regardless of whether the desired web page is accessed from a fast cache memory or demultiplexed from a rotating carousel. Set-top fast cache
Speed up operation and reduce waiting time to select a desired world wide web page.

Since the selected World Wide Web page is already in HTML format after being demultiplexed from the MPEG-2 data stream, World Wide Web Browser 816 requires a second MPEG-2 decoder. A web page display can be generated without having to do so. Therefore, the present system has one MP
The EG-2 decoder 810 alone provides simultaneous digital video and Internet web pages.

In addition, microprocessor controller 814 may include a combiner 812 that provides various video display output formats 820 to a television monitor (not shown).
, An MPEG-2 decoder 810 and a world wide web browser 816
And simultaneous output. Common applications for combined video display include picture-in-picture, split screen, transparent overlay, and the like. Note that any industry standard world wide web browser 816 may be used to display the web page. With the use of standard HTML format web pages in the MPEG-2 digital TV format, the set top 800 can display both digital TV and world wide web pages simultaneously using only one MPEG-2 decoder 810. 812,820 that can be done.

FIG. 6 shows a model of distribution and update of the control map. The basic element of the control map protocol is an "event". Each event has a start time and an end time for the broadcast. For each event, there is an event home page and a plurality of world wide web pages (defined by their respective URLs) linked from the event home page. Further, each event has a refresh time that specifies the refresh period of the URL in that event. The refresh period is the time between changes made to a URL during an event.

The content provider (program creator) provides a list of events to be broadcast. Each event contains a list of URLs starting on the home page. The event is provided from a content provider to an application server (computer) located at the head end 10 of FIG. The event is stored on the application server in an event table that associates the event with a simulcast HTML web page. The head end 10 transmits the data to a plurality of MPs.
Package it into the EG output packet stream and generate a corresponding control map. The set top 38 receives the complete HTML data and control map and navigates the content.

As shown in FIG. 6, a program is composed of a plurality of events. The event is
The start time and the end time may overlap. One or more events may be linked to a particular broadcast TV program.

There are two types of events / programs. Broadcast events / programs: Events that have an infinite duration associated with all TV channels are called broadcast events. Although the present embodiment shows one broadcast program, multiple broadcast events forming multiple broadcast programs are also possible. Simulcast event / program: Events related to a particular TV program are simulcast events. Multiple overlapping events form a simulcast program. The present embodiment shows one simulcast program associated with each video channel.

In FIG. 6, the first simulcast program (HEIT1) is an event 1a
And an event 1b following the event. In the event 1b, the event 1b includes the event 1c. Some time after the completion of event 1b and thereafter, there is event 1d. The control map stored on the set top is kept up to date. Each time an event changes the control map, the set top downloads the updated control map. When the version number is updated in the HPAT, the set top is notified that a change to the control map has occurred.

Accordingly, HEIT1 is updated for event 1a at time 602, and
At 04, event 1b is updated. HEIT1 is also updated at times 606 and 608 corresponding to the start and end of event 1c. Finally, H
The EIT is updated at times 612 and 614 corresponding to the start and end of event 1d.

The flexible features of the event-based control map configuration are illustrated by the second simulcast program (HEIT2) in FIG. The second simulcast program consists of an event 2a that starts and ends before event 2c. Filling the interval between events 2a and 2c is event 2b, which starts during event 2a and ends during event 2c. Event 2d follows after the end of event 2c.

Thus, HEIT2 is updated for event 2a at times 620 and 624, and for event 2b at times 622 and 628,
Updated at times 626 and 630 for event 2c. Finally, H
EIT2 is updated for event 2d at times 632 and 634. The flexible feature of event scheduling means that simulcast web pages can be easily added and deleted in connection with constantly changing broadcast digital video content.

Each event is an H where a broadcast video program is defined during that event.
The time while linking to a TML web page. Thus, changing the event at one time links different HTML pages to the broadcast video program at different times. In such a manner, the HTML web page is synchronized with the content of the broadcast video program.

An event that synchronizes with an infinite time program is a broadcast web page. The broadcast web page is shown in FIG. 6 as events 3a, 3b having a potentially infinite time or at least lasting a relatively long time. Broadcast events change as new web sites are added or old web sites are dropped from the broadcast web page lineup. Thus, the HPMT will start the broadcast events 3a, 3b at time 616, and at time 618, the events 3a, 3b.
It changes to end the broadcast of 3b.

Local tags are used for events that are known but cannot be scheduled in advance. Local tags are local in the sense that they are used at the headend to signal the start of a simulcast event and are not necessarily used globally. FIG. 7 shows processing of a local tag.

In FIG. 7, an analog video signal is input to a digital encoder. The output of the digital encoder is input to the remultiplexer 704. Further, the digital decoder 704 detects a received tag (local tag) in a VBI (vertical retrace period) of the input signal. Tag decoder 706 detects the arrival of the local tag and headend server 708 sends HTML to remultiplexer 704
Generate data and control maps.

In operation, prior to a simulcast program, the content provider 42 sends event data (but does not have timing information) and a local tag to the headend 10 of FIG. I do. A local tag in the received analog video VBI provides timing information. When a local tag is detected in the VBI of the received analog video, the server 708 (
FIG. 7) shows a new HEIT with a new version number and an updated HP
Generate an appropriate control map containing the AT. (The server 708 in FIG. 7 corresponds to the computer 32 in FIG. 1). In this manner, the headend can respond to changes in simulcast events without prior scheduling.

Generation and Transmission of Control Map The generation and transmission of the control map is synchronized with the actual event start, event refresh and event end. The rule is that the control map actually reflects the current state of the running event. The configuration of the broadcast and simulcast programs is set in advance. Accordingly, the HPAT is generated by a predetermined configuration file in the headend 10 of FIG.

HPAT Generation and Transmission HPAT parameters are read periodically from the headend configuration file. The information in the configuration file is used to configure the control map PID and the program information. The transmitted HPAT information includes a broadcast program control map HPMT and a plurality of control maps HEI, one for each simulcast program.
A predetermined PID for each of T1, HEIT2, etc. is included. The configuration file of the broadcast or simulcast program and the HPAT are defined as a program type (program type) or a program ID (program ID).
), Etc. (as defined in the table below).

Any changes in the HPAT configuration file are detected at set top and the tables stored therein are automatically updated. The new HPAT has version number 1
Sent by incrementing by one. The set top detects an increase in the version number. HPAT changes reflect actual changes in other control map locations. For example, after the HPMT PID is changed in HPAT, a new HPA
Immediately after T is transmitted, the control map HPMT is transferred with a new PID.

Generation and Transmission of HPMT / HEIT The parameters of HPMT / HEIT are derived from the event / stream attributes. The parameters are updated whenever an event is generated, refreshed or deleted. Further, the parameters are broadcast continuously over the low bandwidth channel.

There is only one HPMT for one broadcast program. Each broadcast program transmits a plurality of streams. Each stream has a control map HP
As shown in MT, it is carried by one PID. T for each event
The generation of the tableID and / or TableIDext is performed on a PID basis. EventType (event type) equal to broadcast (
Events (defined in the table below) are controlled by the HPAT.

There are many HEITs for multiple simulcast programs. Only one HEIT is required for one TV channel simulcast program. pr
The programID field identifies each simulcast program. Each simulcast program transmits a plurality of events. The association of the event with the simulcast program is based on the eventType and programI in the event attribute.
D. Each event is transmitted in one PID as identified in the control map HPMT. TableID and / or for each event
Alternatively, TableIDext is generated on a PID basis.

When an event or stream is refreshed, it is reflected in the refreshTime field in the event attributes defined in the table below. For each refresh, a new control map is updated and transmitted.

Event / Stream / URL in Control Map The following rules apply to the event / stream description in the control map. Each UR
L is for a complete web page. The file in the page is URL
, But is part of the page data and is described in the header file from the proxy. The first stream / event URL is the home URL of the particular stream / event. If a hash table method is used, it is applied on an event / stream basis. Within each event / stream, the order of the URLs is not important.

If eventType indicates the broadcast type and the master homepage, this event is a special page that is the master homepage of the broadcast program. This event is transmitted in the first stream of the HPMT.
Within each event / stream (PID), TableIDext assignment always starts at 0 and increments through the list of event / stream URLs.

The protocol of the present invention is defined in more detail by the following six tables. In summary, the following table shows the syntax used by HPAT, HPMT, and HEIT to form a control map to navigate between HTML pages in a rotating carousel. The six tables are as follows. Table 1 Data section Table 2 Event / stream attributes Table 3 HPAT Table 4 HPMT Table 5 HEIT Table 6 URL descriptor

Table 1 Configuration of Data Section

[Table 1]

PID: PID (Packet Identifier) is a 13-bit packet ID used to identify a stream in the MPEG-2 transport packet layer.

[Table 2]

The table_id (table ID) field is an 8-bit field for specifying the type of section to be used. The following values of table_id are then assigned.

[Table 3]

Descriptor_tag (descriptor tag)

[Table 4]

Table 2 Definition of event / stream attributes

[Table 5]

Notes: 1. One HTML program listing is created and updated for the unique broadcast program with the new programID and any new requests for events.
Each transport stream has only one HTML program table to describe all data programs and their corresponding HTML program correspondence table (broadcast) or event information table (simulcast). 2. The default Packet ID for transmitting the HTML program guide is 0x1F0
Defined as 0. 3. HTML program correspondence table (for broadcasting HTML web page) and H
The TML event information table (for simulcasting HTML web pages)
It is transmitted by a Packet ID specified in the TML program guide. Further, the HTML program guide indicates program types and channel links.

Table 3 Configuration of HTML Program Section

[Table 6]

Note: Except as otherwise indicated below, field formats having the same identifier as the MPEG-2 standard have the same definition as the MPEG-2 standard. The following are added to the standard MPEG-2 identification names to realize the present invention.
1. tableID (table ID): default value 0xF0 for HTML program table
Use 0. 2. transport_stream_ID (Transport stream ID
): Used for one transport stream. The MPEG-2 transport has a different transport_stream_ID value every 6 MHz. 3. version_number (version number): starts from 0 and increments when the version is updated by a new or different program. 4. programType (program type): 0 is used for broadcast and 1 is used for simulcast. Determined from event attributes. 5. providerID (provider ID): Use from the event attribute. 6. programID (program ID): the one from the event attribute is used (0 is set for broadcast, and a video program number is set for simulcast). 7. HPAT_PID (HEIT_PID): Corresponding HTML program correspondence table (H
PMT) or Packet ID of HTML event information table (HEIT). 8. If programType = Broadcast in the HTML program table, the related program correspondence table is used. A broadcast program is composed of a plurality of streams. (Each stream is defined as an event with infinite time.) Packet that transmits HTML program correspondence table or HTML event information table
The t ID is specified in the HTML program guide.

Table 4 Configuration of section corresponding to HTML program

[Table 7]

Notes: 1. tableID: Use default value 0x1F00 for HTML program correspondence table. 2. programID: Same as defined in the stream attribute. In the case of broadcast, 0 is always set for broadcast programs for all channels. 3. version_number: starts from 0, increments when version is updated when (1) stream is added, (2) stream is refreshed, and (3) stream is deleted. 4. streamID (stream ID): the same as that defined in the broadcast stream attribute. 5. streamType (stream type): Same as that specified by the stream attribute. 0 for broadcast. 3 for a master homepage that should be broadcast as the first stream. 6. streamPID (stream PID): the same as that specified by the stream attribute. Every stream has a different Packet ID. 7. startTime (start time): Same as that specified by the stream attribute. 8. duration: the same as specified by the stream attribute. 9. runningStatus (execution state): set to “1” as being executed, set to “0” as not being executed. 10. Determined by the streaming server refreshTime (refresh time): the same as that specified by the stream attribute. 11. refreshRate (refresh rate): Same as that specified by the stream attribute. 12. url_descriptor (URL descriptor): determined by both the application and the streaming server (see Table 6 below defining the URL descriptor). 13. In the HTML program table, programType = Simulcast (
(Simultaneous cast), the related event information table is used. The simulcast program is composed of a plurality of events. Each simulcast program is associated with each video channel (program ID). 14． Packet that transmits HTML program correspondence table or HTML event information table
The t ID is specified in the HTML program guide.

Table 5 Configuration of HTML Event Information Section

[Table 8]

Notes: 1. tableID: Use the default value 0xF2 for the HTML event information table. 2. programID: the same as that defined in the stream attribute.
In the case of simulcast, it is always set to the relevant video program number. 3. version_number: Starting from 0, increment by (1) adding an event, (2) refreshing the event, and (3) updating the version when the event is deleted. 4. 4. eventID (event ID): same as defined in event attribute eventTYPE (event type): Same as that defined in the event attribute. 1 for regular simulcasts, 2 for tag-based simulcasts requesting to receive a tag with home URL by set top or activated by server (s if tags are used, s
startTime and duration are ignored). 6. eventPID (event PID): the same as that specified by the event attribute. Each event has a different Packet ID. 7. startTime: Same as specified by the event attribute. 8. duration: Same as that specified by the event attribute. 9. runningStatus: Set to "1" as running, set to "0" as not running. Determined by the streaming server. 10. refreshTime: Same as specified in the event attribute.
11. refreshRate: Same as specified in event attribute.
12. url_descriptor: determined by both the application and the streaming server (see Table 6 below defining a URL descriptor)

Table 6 Configuration of URL Descriptor

[Table 9]

Notes: 1. descriptor_tag (descriptor tag): url_descriptor
Use default value 0xEE for or. 2. descriptor_length (descriptor length): descriptor
Determined by the total number of bytes in the descriptor following the _tag field.
This can be used to skip streams / events. 3. urlCount (URL count): Same as specified in the stream / event attribute. 4. urlName (URL name): Same as that defined in the stream / event attribute (variable-length character string ending with / 0). The first URL is always the event /
Home of the stream. 5. urlTableID: assigned by the streaming server. Pa
Unique within the ticket ID. 6. urlTableIDext: assigned by the streaming server. Unique within the Packet ID.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a broadcast video system embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a protocol stack showing an embodiment for formatting HTML in an MPEG-2 stream.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a method for mapping HTML data over an MPEG-2 stream.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a control map architecture according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a partially block diagram timing diagram illustrating a system for navigating between HTML pages formatted into an MPEG-2 stream.

FIG. 6 is a timing diagram illustrating the relationship between broadcast video, broadcast HTML web page, and simulcast HTML web page used to generate and update the HTML event information table according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a simulcast web page that uses local tags at the headend to generate an HTML event information table, according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a set top decoder according to the present invention.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (81) Designated country EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE ), AU, BR, CA, CN, CZ, ES, GE, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KR, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SG, UA, YU F-term (reference) 5C025 AA01 BA25 BA27 BA30 DA01 DA10 5C063 AA01 AB03 AB07 DA07 DB10 [Continued from summary] Simultaneous web pages are synchronized with multi-channel broadcast digital video programs.

Claims (46)

[Claims] 1. A broadcast station that includes an Internet access server that transmits to a broadcast medium and retrieves World Wide Web pages in HTML format, a set-top decoder coupled to the broadcast medium, and a plurality of MPEGs. A unidirectional broadcast communication network including a multi-channel digital television signal formatted into data packets, wherein each of the plurality of MPEG data packets is identified by a respective packet identifier; Forming a plurality of stored HTML web pages by storing an HTML format world wide web page at said broadcast station; Formatting the plurality of stored HTML web pages into MPEG data packets while retaining the HTML format; and transmitting the MPEG data packets of the digital television signal over the one-way broadcast communication network. Receiving, at the set-top decoder, the MPEG data packet including the plurality of HTML web pages; and at the set-top decoder, the received plurality of HTML web pages in the HTML format for display. Selecting at least one of
Network method including. 2. generating a control map defining a correspondence between the packet identifier of the MPEG data packet and each of the plurality of stored HTML web pages; and maintaining the HTML format, Formatting the control map and the plurality of stored HTML web pages into MPEG data packets; and receiving, at the set top decoder, the MPEG data packets including the plurality of HTML web pages and the control map. At least one of the plurality of HTML web pages in the HTML format for display at the set top decoder in response to the control map.
2. The network method of claim 1, further comprising: selecting one. 3. The control map further includes a first table and a second table, and transmitting the first table of MPEG data packets corresponding to a predetermined packet identifier; 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: transmitting the second table of MPEG data packets having a packet identifier specified in the first table. 4. The MPEG corresponding to the predetermined packet identifier
Receiving the first table of data packets; receiving the second table of the MPEG data packets having the packet identifier specified in the first table; According to the second table, at least one of the plurality of HTML web pages in the HTML format for display.
4. The network method of claim 3, further comprising: selecting one. 5. A broadcast station including an Internet access server for transmitting to a broadcast medium and retrieving a World Wide Web page in HTML format, a set-top decoder coupled to the broadcast medium, and a plurality of MPEGs. A transmitter method for use in a unidirectional broadcast communication network comprising a multi-channel digital television signal formatted into data packets, wherein each of said plurality of MPEG data packets is identified by a respective packet identifier. A transmitter method for distributing world wide web pages in a directional broadcast communication network, comprising: storing a plurality of stored H web pages in an HTML format at the broadcast station. Forming an ML web page; formatting the plurality of stored HTML web pages into MPEG data packets while retaining the HTML format; and transmitting the digital television over the one-way broadcast communication network. Transmitting the MPEG data packet in a John signal. 6. Generating a control map defining a correspondence between the packet identifier of the MPEG data packet and each of the plurality of stored HTML web pages; and maintaining the HTML format while maintaining the HTML format. The transmitter method of claim 5, further comprising: formatting the control map and the plurality of stored HTML web pages into MPEG data packets. 7. The control map further includes a first table and a second table, and transmitting the first table of MPEG data packets corresponding to a predetermined packet identifier; 7. The transmitter method of claim 6, further comprising: transmitting the second table of MPEG data packets having the packet identifier specified in the first table. 8. A broadcast station including an Internet access server for transmitting to a broadcast medium and retrieving a World Wide Web page in HTML format, a set-top decoder coupled to the broadcast medium, and a plurality of MPEGs. A multi-channel digital television signal formatted into data packets, wherein each of said plurality of MPEG data packets is used in a one-way broadcast communication network identified by a respective packet identifier, wherein said broadcast station is a world in HTML format. Storing a plurality of stored HTML web pages by storing a wide web page at the broadcast station; and maintaining the plurality of stored HTML web pages while retaining the HTML format. A format of the digital television signal over the one-way broadcast communication network; and transmitting the MPEG data packet of the digital television signal over the unidirectional broadcast communication network. At a decoder, receiving the MPEG data packet including the plurality of HTML web pages; at the set top decoder, selecting at least one of the received plurality of HTML web pages in the HTML format for display. That
A setup decoder method. 9. The broadcasting station generates a control map that defines a correspondence between the packet identifier of the MPEG data packet and each of the plurality of stored HTML web pages, and generates the control map by using the HTML format. Formatting the control map and the plurality of stored HTML web pages into MPEG data packets while maintaining the plurality of HTML web pages and the control map in the set top decoder. Receiving the MPEG data packet including at least one of the plurality of HTML web pages in the HTML format for display at the set top decoder in response to the control map.
9. The set top decoder method of claim 8, further comprising: selecting one. 10. The control map further includes a first table and a second table,
The broadcast station transmits the first table of MPEG data packets corresponding to a predetermined packet identifier, and transmits the second table of MPEG data packets having a packet identifier specified in the first table. Transmitting a table comprising: receiving the first table of the MPEG data packets corresponding to the predetermined packet identifier; and having the packet identifier specified in the first table. Receiving the second table of the MPEG data packets; and at the set-top decoder, at least one of the plurality of HTML web pages in the HTML format for display according to the second table.
10. The set top decoder method of claim 9, further comprising: selecting one. 11. A broadcast station including an Internet access server for transmitting to a broadcast medium and retrieving World Wide Web pages in HTML format, and a set-top decoder coupled to the broadcast medium.
The unidirectional broadcast communication network further includes a multi-channel digital television signal formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, wherein each of the plurality of MPEG data packets is identified by a respective packet identifier. Forming a plurality of stored HTML web pages by storing a world wide web page in HTML format at said broadcast station, wherein said multi-channel digital television comprises: Storing an event table associating at least one channel of the John signal with a corresponding one of the world wide web pages in HTML format; Formatting a control map that defines a correspondence between the packet identifier of an EG data packet and each of the plurality of stored HTML web pages; and maintaining the HTML format while retaining the HTML format. Formatting the stored HTML web page into MPEG data packets; transmitting the MPEG data packets of the digital television signal over the one-way broadcast communication network; Receiving the MPEG data packet including the plurality of HTML web pages and the control map; and at the set top decoder, the at least one of the control map and the multi-channel digital television signal. Depending on the Yaneru, at least one of the plurality of HTML web pages of the HTML format for display
Selecting one, and a simulcasting method comprising: 12. The control map further includes a first table and a second table,
The network method comprises: transmitting the first table of MPEG data packets corresponding to a predetermined packet identifier; and transmitting the second table of MPEG data packets having a packet identifier specified in the first table. The method of claim 11, further comprising: transmitting a table. 13. The MPE corresponding to the predetermined packet identifier.
Receiving the first table of G data packets; receiving the second table of the MPEG data packets having the packet identifier specified in the first table; , According to the second table, at least one of the plurality of HTML web pages in the HTML format for display.
The simulcasting method of claim 12, further comprising: selecting one. 14. The simulcast of claim 13, wherein said step of receiving said second table is performed in response to detecting a change in said first table to update said second table. Casting method. 15. The step of storing an event table associating at least one channel of the multi-channel digital television signal with a corresponding one of the world wide web pages in HTML format, wherein the step of storing at the broadcast station the internet access server. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: obtaining the relationship between the one channel of the multi-channel digital television signal and the corresponding one of the world wide web pages via the Internet using the Internet. 16. The multi-channel digital television, wherein the broadcast station further comprises receiving a plurality of television program signals, at least one of which includes a local tag, using the Internet access server at the broadcast station. Obtaining a relationship between the one channel of the television signal and the corresponding one of the world wide web pages via the Internet; and detecting the local tag in one of the plurality of television program signals. Storing the event table in response to the detecting the local tag, associating at least one channel of the multi-channel digital television signal with a corresponding one of the World Wide Web pages in HTML format. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: Mar casting method. 17. A broadcast station including an Internet access server for transmitting to a broadcast medium and retrieving World Wide Web pages in HTML format, and a set-top decoder coupled to the broadcast medium.
Further, the unidirectional broadcast communication network includes a multi-channel digital television signal formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, each of the plurality of MPEG data packets being used in a one-way broadcast communication network identified by a respective packet identifier. A transmitter method for distributing a World Wide Web page in a communication network, comprising: storing a World Wide Web page in HTML format at the broadcast station to form a plurality of stored HTML Web pages; Storing an event table that associates at least one channel of the channel digital television signal with a corresponding one of the world wide web pages in HTML format; Formatting a control map that defines a correspondence between the packet identifier of an MPEG data packet and each of the plurality of stored HTML web pages; and maintaining the HTML format while retaining the HTML format. A transmitter method, comprising: formatting the stored HTML web page into MPEG data packets; and transmitting the MPEG data packets of the digital television signal over the one-way broadcast communication network. 18. The control map further includes a first table and a second table, wherein transmitting the first table of MPEG data packets corresponding to a predetermined packet identifier; 18. The transmitter method according to claim 17, further comprising: transmitting the second table of MPEG data packets having a packet identifier specified in the first table. 19. The step of storing an event table associating at least one channel of the multi-channel digital television signal with a corresponding one of the world wide web pages in HTML format, the step of storing at the broadcast station the internet access server. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: obtaining a relationship between the one channel of the multi-channel digital television signal and the corresponding one of the world wide web pages via the Internet. 20. The broadcast station further comprising receiving a plurality of television program signals, at least one of which includes a local tag, wherein the broadcast station uses the Internet access server to perform the multi-channel digital television. Obtaining a relationship between the one channel of the signal and the corresponding one of the world wide web pages via the Internet; and detecting the local tag in one of the plurality of television program signals. Storing said event table in response to said detecting said local tag, associating at least one channel of said multi-channel digital television signal with a corresponding one of said world wide web pages in HTML format; 18. The size according to claim 17, further comprising: Le casting method. 21. A broadcast station that includes an Internet access server for transmitting to a broadcast medium and retrieving World Wide Web pages in HTML format, and a set-top decoder coupled to the broadcast medium.
Further, the broadcast station includes a multi-channel digital television signal formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, each of the plurality of MPEG data packets being used in a one-way broadcast communication network identified by a respective packet identifier. Forming a plurality of stored HTML web pages by storing a world wide web page in HTML format at the broadcast station; and transmitting at least one channel of the multi-channel digital television signal to the world in HTML format. Storing an event table associating the event table with a corresponding one of the wide web pages;
Formatting the control map and the plurality of stored HTML web pages into MPEG data packets, while formatting the control map to define a correspondence between each of the web pages and retaining the HTML format. And transmitting the MPEG data packet of the digital television signal over the one-way broadcast communication network, wherein the set-top decoder includes the plurality of HTML. Receiving the MPEG data packet including a web page and the control map; and displaying at the set top decoder in response to the control map and the at least one channel of the multi-channel digital television signal. A set-top decoder method comprising, selecting at least one of the plurality of HTML web pages associated with the propagation of the HTML format. 22. The control map further includes a first table and a second table,
The broadcast station transmits the first table of MPEG data packets corresponding to a predetermined packet identifier, and transmits the second table of MPEG data packets having a packet identifier specified in the first table. Transmitting a table comprising: receiving the first table of the MPEG data packets corresponding to the predetermined packet identifier; and having the packet identifier specified in the first table. Receiving the second table of the MPEG data packets; and at the set-top decoder, at least one of the plurality of HTML web pages in the HTML format for display according to the second table.
22. The set top decoder method of claim 21, further comprising: selecting one. 23. The set of claim 22, wherein the step of receiving the second table is performed in response to detecting a change in the first table to update the second table. Top decoder method. 24. A broadcast station including an Internet access server for transmitting to a broadcast medium and retrieving World Wide Web pages in HTML format, and a set-top decoder coupled to the broadcast medium.
The unidirectional broadcast communication network further includes a multi-channel digital television signal formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, wherein each of the plurality of MPEG data packets is identified by a respective packet identifier. Means for forming a plurality of stored HTML web pages by storing HTML-formatted World Wide Web pages in the broadcast station, and holding the HTML format. Meanwhile, means for formatting said plurality of stored HTML web pages into MPEG data packets; and said digital television signal over said one-way broadcast communication network. Means for transmitting the MPEG data packet; means for receiving, at the set-top decoder, the MPEG data packet including the plurality of HTML web pages; and receiving, at the set-top decoder, the HTML format for display. Means for selecting at least one of the plurality of generated HTML web pages;
A network device comprising: 25. A means for generating a control map that defines a correspondence between the packet identifier of the MPEG data packet and each of the plurality of stored HTML web pages, while retaining the HTML format, Means for formatting the control map and the plurality of stored HTML web pages into MPEG data packets; and receiving, at the set top decoder, the MPEG data packet including the plurality of HTML web pages and the control map. Means, at the set top decoder, at least one of the plurality of HTML web pages in the HTML format for display in response to the control map.
The network device according to claim 24, further comprising: means for selecting one. 26. The control map further includes a first table and a second table, and means for transmitting the first table of MPEG data packets corresponding to a predetermined packet identifier; 26. The network device of claim 25, further comprising: means for transmitting the second table of MPEG data packets having the packet identifier specified in the first table. 27. The MPE corresponding to the predetermined packet identifier
Means for receiving the first table of G data packets; means for receiving the second table of MPEG data packets having the packet identifier specified in the first table; , According to the second table, at least one of the plurality of HTML web pages in the HTML format for display.
27. The network device according to claim 26, further comprising: means for selecting one. 28. A broadcast station including an Internet access server for transmitting to a broadcast medium and retrieving a World Wide Web page in HTML format, and a set-top decoder coupled to the broadcast medium.
Further, a transmitter device for use in a unidirectional broadcast communication network that includes a multi-channel digital television signal formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, each of the plurality of MPEG data packets being identified by a respective packet identifier. A transmitter device for distributing world wide web pages in said one-way broadcast communication network, wherein a plurality of stored HTML web pages are formed by storing a world wide web page in HTML format at said broadcast station. Means for formatting the plurality of stored HTML web pages into MPEG data packets while retaining the HTML format; The digital television signal I at the transmitter device and means for transmitting the MPEG data packets. 29. Means for generating a control map defining a correspondence between the packet identifier of the MPEG data packet and each of the plurality of stored HTML web pages; and maintaining the HTML format while maintaining the HTML format. 29. The transmitter device of claim 28, further comprising: means for formatting said control map and said plurality of stored HTML web pages into MPEG data packets. 30. The control map further includes a first table and a second table,
Means for transmitting the first table of MPEG data packets corresponding to a predetermined packet identifier, and means for transmitting the second table of MPEG data packets having the packet identifier specified in the first table 30. The transmitter device of claim 29, further comprising: 31. A broadcast station including an Internet access server for transmitting to a broadcast medium and retrieving a World Wide Web page in HTML format, and a set-top decoder coupled to the broadcast medium.
Further, the broadcast station includes a multi-channel digital television signal formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, each of the plurality of MPEG data packets being used in a one-way broadcast communication network identified by a respective packet identifier, the Forming a plurality of stored HTML web pages by storing HTML-formatted world wide web pages at the broadcast station; and maintaining the HTML format while storing the plurality of stored HTML web pages. To an MPEG data packet, and transmitting the MPEG data packet of the digital television signal over the one-way broadcast communication network. Means for receiving, at said set-top decoder, said MPEG data packet comprising said plurality of HTML web pages; and at said set-top decoder, at least one of said plurality of received HTML web pages in said HTML format for display. Means for selecting one;
A setup decoder device comprising: 32. The broadcast station generates a control map that defines a correspondence between the packet identifier of the MPEG data packet and each of the plurality of stored HTML web pages, MPEG while storing the control map and the plurality of stored HTML web pages.
Means for receiving, at the set-top decoder, the MPEG data packet comprising the plurality of HTML web pages and the control map; and, at the set-top decoder, Accordingly, at least one of said plurality of HTML web pages in said HTML format for display.
The set top decoder device according to claim 31, further comprising: means for selecting one. 33. The control map further includes a first table and a second table,
The broadcast station transmits the first table of MPEG data packets corresponding to a predetermined packet identifier, and transmits the second table of MPEG data packets having a packet identifier specified in the first table. Transmitting a table, comprising: means for receiving the first table of the MPEG data packets corresponding to the predetermined packet identifier; and having the packet identifier specified in the first table. Means for receiving the second table of the MPEG data packets; and at the set top decoder, at least one of the plurality of HTML web pages in the HTML format for display according to the second table.
33. The set top decoder device of claim 32, further comprising: means for selecting one. 34. A broadcast station including an Internet access server for transmitting to a broadcast medium and retrieving a World Wide Web page in HTML format, and a set-top decoder coupled to the broadcast medium.
The unidirectional broadcast communication network further comprises a multi-channel digital television signal formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, wherein each of the plurality of MPEG data packets is identified by a respective packet identifier. Means for simulcasting a world wide web page to the multi-channel digital television, comprising: storing a world wide web page in HTML format at the broadcast station to form a plurality of stored HTML web pages; Means for storing an event table associating at least one channel of the John signal with a corresponding one of said world wide web pages in HTML format; Means for formatting a control map defining a correspondence between the packet identifier of an EG data packet and each of the plurality of stored HTML web pages; and maintaining the HTML format while retaining the HTML format. Means for formatting the stored HTML web page into MPEG data packets; means for transmitting the MPEG data packets of the digital television signal over the one-way broadcast communication network; and Means for receiving the MPEG data packet including the plurality of HTML web pages and the control map; and at the set top decoder, the control map and the at least one channel of the multi-channel digital television signal. Depending on the Le, simultaneous casting apparatus comprising means for selecting at least one, a plurality of HTML web pages associated with the propagation of the HTML format for display. 35. The control map further includes a first table and a second table, and means for transmitting the first table of MPEG data packets corresponding to a predetermined packet identifier; 35. The simulcasting apparatus of claim 34, further comprising: means for transmitting said second table of MPEG data packets having a packet identifier specified in the first table. 36. The MPE corresponding to the predetermined packet identifier
Means for receiving the first table of G data packets; means for receiving the second table of MPEG data packets having the packet identifier specified in the first table; , According to the second table, at least one of the plurality of HTML web pages in the HTML format for display.
36. The simulcasting apparatus of claim 35, further comprising: means for selecting one. 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the means for receiving the second table is performed in response to detecting a change in the first table to update the second table. Simulcasting device. 38. The means for storing an event table that associates at least one channel of the multi-channel digital television signal with a corresponding one of the world wide web pages in HTML format, wherein the means for storing at the broadcast station the Internet access server. Using the one channel of the multi-channel digital television signal and the corresponding one of the world wide web pages.
35. The simulcasting device of claim 34, comprising acquiring a relationship with one via the Internet. 39. The broadcast station further comprising receiving a plurality of television program signals, at least one of which includes a local tag, wherein the broadcast station uses the Internet access server to transmit the multi-channel digital television. Means for obtaining, via the Internet, a relationship between the one channel of the television signal and the corresponding one of the world wide web pages; and means for detecting the local tag in one of the plurality of television program signals. Means for storing said event table in response to said detecting said local tag, associating at least one channel of said multi-channel digital television signal with a corresponding one of said world wide web pages in HTML format. 36. The method of claim 35, further comprising: Simultaneous casting apparatus. 40. A broadcast station including an Internet access server transmitting to a broadcast medium and retrieving a World Wide Web page in HTML format, and a set-top decoder coupled to the broadcast medium.
Further, the unidirectional broadcast communication network includes a multi-channel digital television signal formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, each of the plurality of MPEG data packets being used in a one-way broadcast communication network identified by a respective packet identifier. A transmitter apparatus for distributing world wide web pages in a communication network, comprising: means for forming a plurality of stored HTML web pages by storing world wide web pages in HTML format at said broadcast station; Means for storing an event table that associates at least one channel of the channel digital television signal with a corresponding one of the world wide web pages in HTML format; Means for formatting into a control map defining the correspondence between the packet identifier of the MPEG data packet and each of the plurality of stored HTML web pages; and maintaining the HTML format while retaining the HTML format. A means for formatting an HTML web page having stored therein an MPEG data packet, and means for transmitting the MPEG data packet of the digital television signal over the one-way broadcast communication network. . 41. The control map further includes a first table and a second table, and means for transmitting the first table of MPEG data packets corresponding to a predetermined packet identifier; 41. The transmitter device of claim 40, further comprising: means for transmitting the second table of MPEG data packets having the packet identifier specified in the first table. 42. The means for storing an event table which associates at least one channel of the multi-channel digital television signal with a corresponding one of the world wide web pages in HTML format, wherein the means for storing at the broadcast station the internet access server. Using the one channel of the multi-channel digital television signal and the corresponding one of the world wide web pages.
41. The simulcasting device of claim 40, comprising acquiring a relationship with one via the Internet. 43. The broadcast station further comprising receiving a plurality of television program signals, at least one of which includes a local tag, wherein the broadcast station uses the Internet access server to transmit the multi-channel digital television. Means for obtaining, via the Internet, a relationship between the one channel of the television signal and the corresponding one of the world wide web pages; and means for detecting the local tag in one of the plurality of television program signals. Means for storing said event table in response to said detecting said local tag, associating at least one channel of said multi-channel digital television signal with a corresponding one of said world wide web pages in HTML format. 41. The method of claim 40, further comprising: Simultaneous casting apparatus. 44. A broadcast station including an Internet access server for transmitting to a broadcast medium and retrieving World Wide Web pages in HTML format, and a set-top decoder coupled to the broadcast medium.
Further, the broadcast station includes a multi-channel digital television signal formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, each of the plurality of MPEG data packets being used in a one-way broadcast communication network identified by a respective packet identifier. Forming a plurality of stored HTML web pages by storing a world wide web page in HTML format at the broadcast station; and transmitting at least one channel of the multi-channel digital television signal to the world in HTML format. Storing an event table associating the event table with a corresponding one of the wide web pages;
Formatting the control map and the plurality of stored HTML web pages into MPEG data packets, while formatting the control map to define a correspondence between each of the web pages and retaining the HTML format. And transmitting the MPEG data packet of the digital television signal over the one-way broadcast communication network, wherein the set-top decoder includes the plurality of HTML webs. Means for receiving the plurality of MPEG data packets including a page and the control map; and displaying in the set-top decoder according to the control map and the at least one channel of the multi-channel digital television signal. A set-top decoder apparatus comprising means for selecting the corresponding one of the plurality of HTML web pages in HTML format in order, the. 45. The control map further includes a first table and a second table,
The broadcast station transmits the first table of MPEG data packets corresponding to a predetermined packet identifier, and transmits the second table of MPEG data packets having a packet identifier specified in the first table. Transmitting a table, comprising: means for receiving the first table of the MPEG data packets corresponding to the predetermined packet identifier; and having the packet identifier specified in the first table. Means for receiving the second table of the MPEG data packets; and at the set top decoder, at least one of the plurality of HTML web pages in the HTML format for display according to the second table.
The set top decoder device according to claim 44, further comprising: means for selecting one. 46. The method according to claim 45, wherein the means for receiving the second table is performed in response to detecting a change in the first table to update the second table. Set-top decoder device.