DE19935384A1 - Receiver for digitized audio or image data such as radio or television program data from the Internet using two bidirectional interfaces for data exchange - Google Patents

Abstract

The receiver (7) has a first bidirectional interface for transmitting the digital audio and/or image data. It also has a device for continually decoding incoming data packets into audio and/or image signals. The receiver has at least one output to a terminal for playing back the signals. The receiver also has at least one further bidirectional interface for outputting user information to a terminal and for inputting user information from the terminal to the receiver. Independent claims are also provided for providing audio or image signals to a terminal.

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to a receiver for digitized Sound and / or image data and a method for providing len of sound and / or image signals to a terminal, which at for example in the form of radio or television programs are available on the Internet.

State of the art

The Internet offers the possibility of an enormous number of Receive radio and TV programs. As a quasi-standard radio stations or television stations feed their programs or parts of your program continuously on the Internet to address new target groups. To the great variety of radio and television programs available on the Internet you need a PC with multimedia equipment, So sound card and speakers as well as access to the In ternet, which usually has a paid Mit membership with an internet provider. Next towards decoding the data to be received with the PC tenpakete a software needed to sound and / or image data to convert into perceptible signals.  

The disadvantage is that a user who looks at the content of this Wants to make sound and / or image data accessible, the whole expensive equipment must purchase and each time before Perception start the PC, the Internet connection through Start the appropriate programs and build the addresses Find and select the sound and / or image data provider must what because of the waiting times of the corresponding programs can take several minutes. Furthermore, a member must with an Internet provider.

The invention has for its object sound and / or Image data in digitized form in a simpler way to make it accessible, so that not even technically savvy Laypersons can use the variety of offers.

Presentation of the invention

A receiver for digitized sound and / or image data, having a first bidirectional interface to the Über carrying the digital sound and / or image data, which continues Means for the continuous decoding of incoming data pairs kete in sound and / or image signals, at least one output to a terminal for reproducing the sound and / or video si gnale and at least a second bidirectional cut to output user information to a terminal and for entering user information from the terminal to the recipient, has the advantage that with a Operator known terminal equipment a preset Address can be selected from which the sound and / or Image data are made available.

Control means are advantageously provided a connection via the first bidirectional interface with an address contained in a memory, when the receiver is put into operation. Through this automatic connection establishment, which is usually immediate  bar after switching on, there is no need for a PC known long start times.

If the recipient has a saved, own address se is provided, it is possible to target the recipient to communicate and clearly identify them.

With a buffer for the recording of multiple data packages, buffering can be achieved in the event of irregular moderate transmission of the data packets nonetheless a constant broken perception of the sound and / or image signals light.

The control of the receiver is usually taken over control means present in the terminal, the type of Control depending on the type and application of the device could be different.

Another object of the invention is a method for loading provide audio and / or video signals to a terminal. According to the invention, in a first step Sound and / or image data as data packets under a certain Address held ready. The second step will be on Request of the recipient by way of a bidirectional communication nication the data as data packets via a first bidirek tional interface to the receiver. In one third step, the data packets are decoded by dec continuously in the receiver in sound and / or image signals converted, and in a fourth step the Sound and / or image signals from the receiver via an output transmit a terminal device and perceivable from the terminal device makes.

As an alternative to the provision of data packets, un other sources for data pa kete to be found, so that only an intermediary function on takes place.

It is also advantageous if the address with a egg Associated with an intranet and / or internet connected computer where several sources of  Participants of the Intra and / or internet provided information about the retrievable data is transmitted to the recipient and opened the display of the terminal are reproduced and by the control means of the terminal can be selected. This is in a simple way and without previous knowledge in the field of Computer technology for example a selection of radio or TV stations possible, the selection being thematic, language-related or otherwise.

The calculator can still be used at different standards of sound and / or image data of the Inter to convert nets to a single standard of the recipient ren.

The sound and / or image data are advantageously so quickly sent to the recipient that at the continu no perceptible decoding of incoming data packets bar interruption in the reproduction of the sound and / or image signals occurs.

The network can have several computers that are connected to one another connected to form a support network.

Brief description of the drawing

An embodiment of the invention is in the drawing shown. It shows the:

Fig. 1 shows a terminal with a receiver for radio and television programs from the Internet, the

Fig. 2 shows a schematic structure of the second, bidirectional interface of the receiver and

Fig. 3 is a diagram of the network for the provision of radio and television programs to the receiver in FIG. 1.

Embodiment of the invention

The terminal device shown in FIG. 1 has a housing 1 with a rear side 2 , in which several inputs and outputs 3 to further devices are provided. Furthermore, connections 4 to a loudspeaker and to a power supply 5 are provided. A receiver 7 can be accommodated in a receiving compartment 6 .

For example, tuners, receivers or sound can be used as end devices recording devices such as televisions or video devices be used, provided a corresponding receiving compartment is provided see is. According to the determination of the terminal the decoded sound and / or image signals in image and / or Sound information converted and perceptible on the terminal made.

The receiver 7 has various other connections. Thus, a multi-function connection 8 is provided, for example, to supply the electronic components of the receiver 7 with the required operating energy.

An ISDN connection 9 is provided on the receiver 7 for connection to a data source, but this is only to be regarded as an example of a communication technology. A conventional, analog technology, ISDN, DECT, mobile radio, GSM or other data transmission technologies such as via TV cable, ADSL, Bluetooth, power line or GPRS come into question as communication technologies. (ISDN: Integrated Services Digital Network; DECT: Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (standard for wireless mouse telephones); GSM: Global System Mobile (international standard for mobile communication); GPRS: General Packet Radio Service (extension of GSM, D1 / D2 networks); ADSL: Asymmetry Digital Subceriber Line (transmission technology from Telekom for short distances); Bluetooth: a new version for wireless short connections that has not yet been adopted).

The receiver 7 is similar in shape and size to a cigarette box and contains, as the first bidirectional interface, the connection to a data source in the form of an ISDN connection 9 and the components which take over the communication between an Internet provider and an operator and which Components for decoding the sound and / or image signals. For this purpose, the second bidirectional interface 8 is used , which can be designed as a standardized multifunctional connection independent of the respective manufacturer of the terminal.

In Fig. 2 the basic structure of the second bidirectional interface 8 of the receiver 7 is shown . The interface 8 consists of a certain number of contact points, which are attached to the outside of the housing in the form of metal surfaces.

The receiver 7 via the second bi-directional interface 8 is connected to a terminal, wherein the interface 8, the power supply of the receiver 7 from the Endge advises takes over, to which a ground line 10 and an applied line voltage with tension are provided. 11 Decoded audio and / or video signals are transmitted to the terminal via an output, which is designed in the form of further contact points 12 , 13 as part of the second bidirectional interface, where they are made perceivable. Furthermore, user information is transmitted from the receiver 7 to the device 1 and made there perceptible to the user, for which purpose the contact point 13 can also be used. Inputs 14 are provided in the receiver 7 in order to transmit inputs to the Internet provider that the user makes via the operating aids of the terminal.

The connection of the terminal to the second bidirectional interface 8 of the receiver 7 is not attached to the outside of the housing 1 in the terminal, but inside the housing at the end of a standardized receiving shaft 6 . This shaft is located on the back or on the underside of the terminal and is designed so that it can completely accommodate the receiver 7 and thus cover it.

The receiver can be made in different versions, depending on the type of data transmission. Due to the standardized and standardized second bidirectional interface, both with regard to the contact assignment and the dimensions of the receiving shaft 6 , a receiver variant can easily be exchanged for another if the type of data transmission changes without intervening in the entire terminal have to. This makes it possible to make use of the advances in transmission technology by replacing an old receiver and inserting a new one for what is generally a much more expensive terminal.

The receiver 7 has a central control unit, che wel the ISDN terminal 9 controls and decodes the 9 data packets transmitted via this ISDN connection in an audio / video decoder. This can be done using a program stored in the central control unit. The decoded sound and / or image signals are transmitted to the terminal via the contact points 12 , 13 . The information to be transmitted to the user, for example a menu structure, operator guidance or other information in the interest of the operator of the network, is also prepared in the control unit, and in return inputs made by the user, for example the selection of a menu item, are coordinated and transmitted over the ISDN connection 9 .

In Fig. 3, a network is shown to which the receiver can access Emp. The network consists of a plurality of computer nodes 21 , 22 , 23 which are connected to one another and distributed over a wide area. These computer nodes 21 to 23 are in turn connected to an Internet 24, wherein the Inter net 24 from multiple vendors for sound and / or image data is fed 01/25 to 05/25. Each computer node 21 to 23 is constructed in such a way that it enables access for a number of receivers 26 via one or more of the customary communication technologies, that is to say analogously to ISDN, mobile radio and GSM. Of course, you can also switch to new data transmission technologies such as TV cables, power lines, GPRS if the new technologies become practical.

This link between the receiver 26 and the computer node 21 to 23 is called the last mile.

The network works as follows: The receiver 26 is coupled in via the connecting line 27 via the computer node which is in each case close. A broken down list of the sound and / or image data providers to be found on the Internet 24 and / or also a list of contents stored on the computer node is provided on the computer node. The list is shown as a menu structure on a display unit of the terminal 26 . Using the menu structure, the operator uses the keyboard of the terminal device to select the provider he wants, the selection being communicated to the computer node by way of bidirectional communication. The computer node establishes the connection between the receiver 26 and one of the sound and / or image data providers 25.1 to be found on the Internet 24 . to 25.5 or provides your own sound and / or image data. This can be all types of information, e.g. B. a geni radio program, advertising or films on request.

It goes without saying that for coupling the receiver a protocol for the transmission to a computer node tion of sound and / or image data must be used. This protocol can be from one of today's usual proto can be selected, if necessary your own Standard.

The operation of the receiver is described below ben. The receiver is switched on by the terminal, where in a status line on the terminal in which a text "be  "the logo of the network operator appears can be shown.

After a short initialization phase, which is usually less than 2 seconds, the recipient automatically dials the permanently programmed telephone number of a computer node. This is documented in status line 2 by the text "Connection establishment to the computer node" appearing.

After the connection to the computer node is established, which in turn usually takes place within less than 2 seconds, the recipient at the computer node identifies himself with his own identification number and a text "registration in progress" appears in the status line. After completing the registration process, which usually also does not take longer than 2 seconds, the text "On-Line" appears in the status bar, which means that the connection between the recipient and the computer node has been completed. In a data area of a display of the terminal, a first menu level appears, which is transmitted by the computer node. In status line 2 , after the registration process, the current time, duration and, if applicable, the costs incurred so far for use are shown in addition to the text "On-Line". Furthermore, a status display 2 can take place about the selected mode. This will be explained later.

The selection within the measurement shown on the display nues takes place via the control means of the terminal device that follow de must provide functions: Up, back, off select or run down and toggle between the music mode and system mode. By applying the tax by means of an inverse bar above that on the display shown lines moved up or down. In order to select a line on the display. By applying the Control means to select and to enter the Action that is currently under the inverse bar det. With the application of the control means "back" one goes in one step back in the menu structure, d. H. you go one Level up.  

By using the control means for switching between Between the music mode and the system mode, it is possible to use Sy change system settings and carry out controls. For example, access to a computer node can be confi guriert or it can be a personal menu bar de be financed. Remains in system mode while making entries the recipient on receipt, d. H. the data will continue made noticeable.

Thanks to the invention it is possible to remove the required equipment and the associated costs to you multimedia PC to significantly reduce sound and / or Receive image data. Another major advantage is the shortening and especially the simplification of the Connection procedure, which is now also available for users without a PC Knowledge is feasible. With a bidirectional com communication of the receiver via a DECT interface wireless, can receive data in the vicinity of the DECT transmitter respectively. A variant based on mobile communications can also do this can be used from almost anywhere.

The existing music system can, provided that it has ei ne coupling option to the second bidirectional Interface, from the good handover quality due to the transmission of the sound and / or image signals in the form benefit from digital data packets, the data packets arrive where the playback device is. Usually is a television or music system in the living room housed, whereas a PC has its place in an ar has room.

From the network operator's point of view, there is the advantage that due to the simple device connections a wide consumption layer can be reached. Both new Advertising strategies as well as new ways of marketing the data for example through music, news, video, pictures, via personal messages and other information on request made possible, which not least favors this is that each recipient is clearly identifiable and  is addressable. Furthermore, the total network utilization be increased and the transmission capacity economical be exploited.

Claims (9)

1. receiver for digitized sound and / or image data, having a first bidirectional interface to Transmission of digital sound and / or image data, white also extensive means for continuous decoding tion of incoming data packets in sound and / or video gnale, at least one output to a terminal Playback of sound and / or image signals and min at least a second bidirectional interface for off transfer of user information to a terminal and Entry of user information from the terminal the recipient. 2. Receiver according to claim 1, characterized in that Control means are provided over the first bidirectional interface connect to a establish address contained in a memory if the receiver is put into operation. 3. Receiver according to claim 1 or 2, characterized net that the receiver has an ent in a memory own address. 4. Receiver according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized ge indicates that a buffer for the recording multiple data packets is provided. 5. Method for providing sound and / or video si gnalen to a terminal, characterized in that in a first step sound and / or image data as data packages are available at a specific address be that in a second step at the request of Receiver by way of a bidirectional communication transmit the data as data packets to the recipient that in a third step the data packets  by decoding in continuously in the receiver Sound and / or image signals are converted and that in a fourth step the sound and / or image signals from the receiver via an output to a terminal wear and be made perceptible by the terminal. 6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the address on one with an intra and / or inter net connected computer is assigned and that under this address multiple sources of sound and / or image participants of the intra- and / or in ternet be provided, the information about the retrievable data about the recipient to the Terminal device are transmitted and on the display unit of the terminal are reproduced and by the Ta stature of the terminal can be selected. 7. The method according to any one of claims 5 or 6, characterized characterized in that the computer or computers a converter between different ones in the network Data logs on a used with the recipient Perform data log. 8. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized ge indicates that the sound and / or image data so be quickly sent to the recipient that at the continuous decoding of incoming data packets no noticeable interruptions in playback the sound and / or image signals occur. 9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized ge indicates that several computers are connected to each other are and form a support network.