WO1997023057A1 - Power line communications system with selective program reception - Google Patents

Power line communications system with selective program reception Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1997023057A1
WO1997023057A1 PCT/US1996/020178 US9620178W WO9723057A1 WO 1997023057 A1 WO1997023057 A1 WO 1997023057A1 US 9620178 W US9620178 W US 9620178W WO 9723057 A1 WO9723057 A1 WO 9723057A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
power line
signals
information
information signals
control signals
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1996/020178
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Chandrakant Bhailalbhai Patel
Jack R. Harford
Henry C. Klein
Original Assignee
Elcom Technologies Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Elcom Technologies Corporation filed Critical Elcom Technologies Corporation
Priority to AU13368/97A priority Critical patent/AU1336897A/en
Publication of WO1997023057A1 publication Critical patent/WO1997023057A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B3/00—Line transmission systems
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B3/00—Line transmission systems
    • H04B3/54—Systems for transmission via power distribution lines
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B3/00—Line transmission systems
    • H04B3/54—Systems for transmission via power distribution lines
    • H04B3/542—Systems for transmission via power distribution lines the information being in digital form
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B2203/00—Indexing scheme relating to line transmission systems
    • H04B2203/54—Aspects of powerline communications not already covered by H04B3/54 and its subgroups
    • H04B2203/5404—Methods of transmitting or receiving signals via power distribution lines
    • H04B2203/5416—Methods of transmitting or receiving signals via power distribution lines by adding signals to the wave form of the power source
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B2203/00—Indexing scheme relating to line transmission systems
    • H04B2203/54—Aspects of powerline communications not already covered by H04B3/54 and its subgroups
    • H04B2203/5429—Applications for powerline communications
    • H04B2203/545—Audio/video application, e.g. interphone

Definitions

  • This invention relates to the transmission of information signals, and more particularly to a system that transmits television signals over a power line and programs for viewing at different television sets which are connected to the power line can be separately selected.
  • the present invention is directed to a power line communications system which permits separate program selection at the various television sets connected to the power, thereby permitting simultaneous viewing of different television programs at the various television sets connected to the power line.
  • a power line communications system constructed in accordance with the present invention, includes a power line along which selected first information signals and selected second information signals supplied from a source of a plurality of information signals representative of different information are conducted and first control signals transmitted from a first remote controller representative of selection of the selected first information signals and second control signals transmitted from a second remote controller representative of selection of the selected second information signals are conducted.
  • the transmitter unit includes first information signal selection means to which the plurality of information signals are conducted and responsive to the first control signals for selecting the selected first information signals, second information signal selection means to which the plurality of information signals are conducted and responsive to the second control signals for selecting the selected second information signals, and means for conducting the first control signals from the power line to the first information signal selection means, the second control signals from the power line to the second information signal selection means, the selected first information signals from the first information signal selection means to the power line, and the selected second information signals from the second information signal selection means to the power line.
  • a power line communications system constructed in accordance with the present invention, further includes a first and second receiver units each adapted for connection between the power line and first and second utilization units, respectively.
  • the first receiver unit has means for conducting the first control signals to the power line and the selected first information signals from the power line to the first utilization unit.
  • the second receiver unit has means for conducting the second control signals to the power line and the selected second information signals from the power line to the second utilization unit.
  • Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of the transmitter unit portion of a power line communications system constructed in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the receiver unit portion of a power line communications system constructed in accordance with the present invention.
  • a power line communications system constructed in accordance with the present invention, includes a power line 10 along which selected first information signals and selected second information signals supplied from a source of a plurality of information signals representative of different information are conducted.
  • the selected information signals are television signals supplied by a source of television signals such as an antenna or cable box 12 through a splitter 13.
  • Remote controllers 14 and 16 can be conventional units which radiate coded infrared signals for television channel selection by a viewer. The coding corresponds to the particular channel being selected.
  • Remote controllers 14 and 16 represent viewing of two television sets at different locations with both located remote from the antenna/cable box 12.
  • a power line communications system constructed in accordance with the present invention, also includes a transmitter unit 18 adapted for connection between power line 10 and the source of the plurality of information signals, namely antenna/cable box 12.
  • Transmitter unit 18 includes first information signal selection means to which the plurality of information signals are conducted and responsive to the first control signals for selecting the selected first information signals and second information signal selection means to which the plurality of information signals are conducted and responsive to the second control signals for selecting the selected second information signals.
  • the first information signal selection means and the second information signal selection means are shown as tuners 20 and 22, respectively, to which all channel signals of the television programming are conducted from antenna/cable box 12 through splitter 13.
  • the first control signals, originating at remote controller 14, and the second control signals, originating at remote controller 16 are conducted from power line 10 through a coupler 24 and a remote control signal processor 26 to tuner 20 and tuner 22.
  • the coded remote control signals originating at the various remote controllers are conducted along power line 10 in selected frequency bands.
  • Each of the tuners 20 and 22 is associated with one of the remote controllers and is tuned to the frequency band in which the coded signals from the associated remote controller are conducted along power line 10.
  • Remote control signal processor 26 receives the first control signals and the second control signals and conditions these signals for delivery to tuners 20 and 22 where only that control signal associated with the particular tuner is effective to permit passage of the information signals from that tuner.
  • the reception by a tuner of a remote control signal in the frequency band of the tuner corresponds to selection by that remote controller of a television channel.
  • Tuner 28 represents yet another tuner which can be included in transmitter unit 18 and associated with yet another remote controller.
  • the selected first information signals from the first information signal selection means (i.e. tuner 22) and the selected second information signals from the second information signal selection means (i.e. tuner 22) are conducted to power line 10 for transmission along the power line to the desired location.
  • the output signal from tuner 20 is supplied to a local oscillator 30 for frequency conversion to the desired frequency for transmission along power line 10.
  • the output signal from local oscillator 30 passes through a filter 32, then is amplified by an amplifier 34 and then passes through a bandpass filter 36 to coupler 24 for transmission along power line 10.
  • the output signals from the other tuners 22 and 28 in transmitter unit 18 are processed similarly.
  • a power line communications system constructed in accordance with the present invention, further includes a first receiver unit 38 adapted for connection between power line 10 and a first utilization unit, such as a television set 40, and a second receiver unit 42 adapted for connection between power line 10 and a second utilization unit, such as a television set 44.
  • Receiver unit 38 has means for conducting the first control signals to power line 10 and the selected first information signals from power line 10 to television set 40.
  • Receiver unit 42 has means for conducting the second control signals to power line 10 and the selected second information signals from power line 10 to television set 44.
  • receiver unit 38 includes a remote control receiver 46 which receives the infrared control signals transmitted from remote controller 14 and develops signals which are amplified by an amplifier 48.
  • the amplified control signals are supplied to a local oscillator 50 for frequency conversion to a first frequency band and pass through a bandpass filter 52 to a coupler 54 connected to power line 10 for transmission along power line 10.
  • the first frequency band at which the first control signals are conducted to power line 10 is comparable to the frequency band of tuner 20 of transmitter unit 18.
  • Coupler 54 also couples information signals, namely selected television signals transmitted along power line 10, to a bandpass filter/AGC unit 56 which has a pass band comparable to the frequency band of tuner 20 of transmitter unit 18. In this way, the selected television signal supplied by tuner 20 of transmitter unit 18 is received by receiver unit 38.
  • Bandpass filter/AGC unit in cooperation with an amplifier 58 and an AGC detector 60, supply an amplified television signal to a local oscillator 62 which frequency converts the television signal for viewing by television set 40.
  • the output from local oscillator 62 passes through a bandpass filter 64 and is amplified by an amplifier 66 and conducted to television set 40.
  • Receiver unit 42 is arranged in the same way as is receiver unit 38 and functions in the same way as does receiver unit 38 to select the television signal supplied by tuner 22 of transmitter unit 18.
  • the plurality of information signals namely the television signals supplied by antenna/cable box 12 are conducted through splitter 13 to a television set 68.
  • This arrangement permits setting television set 68 to a desired channel, while the programs to be viewed at television sets 40 and 44 are selected as described above.

Abstract

A power line communications system in which selected ones of a plurality of input information signals can be received individually at different locations along the power line by controls effected at the different locations. In a preferred embodiment, control signal are conducted along the power line in different frequency bands associated with each location and tuners in a transmitter unit, individually associated with the different locations, are tuned to the particular frequency bands of the associated locations to conduct selected information signals to the power line in the associated frequency bands for selective reception of the information signals at the different locations.

Description

POWER LINE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM WITH SELECTIVE PROGRAM RECEPTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the transmission of information signals, and more particularly to a system that transmits television signals over a power line and programs for viewing at different television sets which are connected to the power line can be separately selected.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Currently, known systems that transmit video signals over a power line from a source of television signals, such as an antenna or a cable box, to two or more remote television sets do not permit separate selection of program viewing at the various television sets. The same television program is viewed at all of the television sets connected to the power line and program selection is dictated by that individual who last actuates channel selection at his or her television set.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a power line communications system which permits separate program selection at the various television sets connected to the power, thereby permitting simultaneous viewing of different television programs at the various television sets connected to the power line. Although the present invention is described in connection with the transmission of television signals over power lines, it is applicable to the transmission of other information signals, such as audio signals. A power line communications system, constructed in accordance with the present invention, includes a power line along which selected first information signals and selected second information signals supplied from a source of a plurality of information signals representative of different information are conducted and first control signals transmitted from a first remote controller representative of selection of the selected first information signals and second control signals transmitted from a second remote controller representative of selection of the selected second information signals are conducted. Also included in this power line communications system is a transmitter unit adapted for connection between the power line and the source of the plurality of information signals. The transmitter unit includes first information signal selection means to which the plurality of information signals are conducted and responsive to the first control signals for selecting the selected first information signals, second information signal selection means to which the plurality of information signals are conducted and responsive to the second control signals for selecting the selected second information signals, and means for conducting the first control signals from the power line to the first information signal selection means, the second control signals from the power line to the second information signal selection means, the selected first information signals from the first information signal selection means to the power line, and the selected second information signals from the second information signal selection means to the power line. A power line communications system, constructed in accordance with the present invention, further includes a first and second receiver units each adapted for connection between the power line and first and second utilization units, respectively. The first receiver unit has means for conducting the first control signals to the power line and the selected first information signals from the power line to the first utilization unit. The second receiver unit has means for conducting the second control signals to the power line and the selected second information signals from the power line to the second utilization unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of the transmitter unit portion of a power line communications system constructed in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the receiver unit portion of a power line communications system constructed in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a power line communications system, constructed in accordance with the present invention, includes a power line 10 along which selected first information signals and selected second information signals supplied from a source of a plurality of information signals representative of different information are conducted. For the embodiment of the invention being described, the selected information signals are television signals supplied by a source of television signals such as an antenna or cable box 12 through a splitter 13. Also conducted along power line 10 are first control signals transmitted from a first remote controller 14, representative of selection of the selected first information signals, and second control signals transmitted from a second remote controller 16, representative of selection of the selected second information signals. Remote controllers 14 and 16 can be conventional units which radiate coded infrared signals for television channel selection by a viewer. The coding corresponds to the particular channel being selected. Remote controllers 14 and 16 represent viewing of two television sets at different locations with both located remote from the antenna/cable box 12.
A power line communications system, constructed in accordance with the present invention, also includes a transmitter unit 18 adapted for connection between power line 10 and the source of the plurality of information signals, namely antenna/cable box 12. Transmitter unit 18 includes first information signal selection means to which the plurality of information signals are conducted and responsive to the first control signals for selecting the selected first information signals and second information signal selection means to which the plurality of information signals are conducted and responsive to the second control signals for selecting the selected second information signals. The first information signal selection means and the second information signal selection means are shown as tuners 20 and 22, respectively, to which all channel signals of the television programming are conducted from antenna/cable box 12 through splitter 13. The first control signals, originating at remote controller 14, and the second control signals, originating at remote controller 16, are conducted from power line 10 through a coupler 24 and a remote control signal processor 26 to tuner 20 and tuner 22.
The coded remote control signals originating at the various remote controllers are conducted along power line 10 in selected frequency bands. Each of the tuners 20 and 22 is associated with one of the remote controllers and is tuned to the frequency band in which the coded signals from the associated remote controller are conducted along power line 10. Remote control signal processor 26 receives the first control signals and the second control signals and conditions these signals for delivery to tuners 20 and 22 where only that control signal associated with the particular tuner is effective to permit passage of the information signals from that tuner. The reception by a tuner of a remote control signal in the frequency band of the tuner corresponds to selection by that remote controller of a television channel. The particular television channel which is elected is indicated by the coding of the remote control signal and the tuner is permitted to pass the selected television signal by receiving a remote control signal within the frequency band to which the tuner is tuned. A typical bandwidth within which the remote control signals are transmitted is 8 MHz. Tuner 28 represents yet another tuner which can be included in transmitter unit 18 and associated with yet another remote controller.
The selected first information signals from the first information signal selection means (i.e. tuner 22) and the selected second information signals from the second information signal selection means (i.e. tuner 22) are conducted to power line 10 for transmission along the power line to the desired location. In particular, the output signal from tuner 20 is supplied to a local oscillator 30 for frequency conversion to the desired frequency for transmission along power line 10. The output signal from local oscillator 30 passes through a filter 32, then is amplified by an amplifier 34 and then passes through a bandpass filter 36 to coupler 24 for transmission along power line 10. The output signals from the other tuners 22 and 28 in transmitter unit 18 are processed similarly.
A power line communications system, constructed in accordance with the present invention, further includes a first receiver unit 38 adapted for connection between power line 10 and a first utilization unit, such as a television set 40, and a second receiver unit 42 adapted for connection between power line 10 and a second utilization unit, such as a television set 44. Receiver unit 38 has means for conducting the first control signals to power line 10 and the selected first information signals from power line 10 to television set 40. Receiver unit 42 has means for conducting the second control signals to power line 10 and the selected second information signals from power line 10 to television set 44.
In particular, receiver unit 38 includes a remote control receiver 46 which receives the infrared control signals transmitted from remote controller 14 and develops signals which are amplified by an amplifier 48. The amplified control signals are supplied to a local oscillator 50 for frequency conversion to a first frequency band and pass through a bandpass filter 52 to a coupler 54 connected to power line 10 for transmission along power line 10. The first frequency band at which the first control signals are conducted to power line 10 is comparable to the frequency band of tuner 20 of transmitter unit 18.
Coupler 54 also couples information signals, namely selected television signals transmitted along power line 10, to a bandpass filter/AGC unit 56 which has a pass band comparable to the frequency band of tuner 20 of transmitter unit 18. In this way, the selected television signal supplied by tuner 20 of transmitter unit 18 is received by receiver unit 38. Bandpass filter/AGC unit, in cooperation with an amplifier 58 and an AGC detector 60, supply an amplified television signal to a local oscillator 62 which frequency converts the television signal for viewing by television set 40. The output from local oscillator 62 passes through a bandpass filter 64 and is amplified by an amplifier 66 and conducted to television set 40.
Receiver unit 42 is arranged in the same way as is receiver unit 38 and functions in the same way as does receiver unit 38 to select the television signal supplied by tuner 22 of transmitter unit 18. As shown in Figure 1, the plurality of information signals, namely the television signals supplied by antenna/cable box 12 are conducted through splitter 13 to a television set 68. This arrangement permits setting television set 68 to a desired channel, while the programs to be viewed at television sets 40 and 44 are selected as described above.
While there have been described preferred embodiments of the present invention, it should be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

What is Claimed: 1. A power line communications system comprising: a power line along which: (a) selected first information signals supplied from a source of a plurality of information signals representative of different information are conducted, and (b) first control signals transmitted from a first remote controller representative of selection of the selected first information signals are conducted; means adapted for connection between a first utilization unit and the source of the plurality of information signals for conducting the plurality of information signals from the source of the plurality of information signals to a first utilization unit; a transmitter unit adapted for connection between said power line and the source of the plurality of information signals and having: (a) information signal selection means to which the plurality of information signals are conducted and responsive to said first control signals for selecting the selected first information signals, and (b) means for conducting: (1) the first control signals from said power line to said information signal selection means, and (2) the selected first information signals from said information signal selection means to said power line; a receiver unit adapted for connection between said power line and a second utilization unit and having means for conducting: (a) the first control signals to said power line, and (b) the selected first information signals from said power line to the second utilization unit. 2. A power line communications system according to claim 1 wherein: (a) said receiver unit includes means for conducting said first control signals to said power line in a first frequency band, and (b) said information signal selection means include a tuner tuned to said first frequency band. 3. A power line communications system according to claim 2 wherein said information signals are television signals. 4. A power line communications system according to claim 3 wherein the bandwidth of said first frequency band is 8 MHz. 5. A power line communications system comprising: a power line along which: (a) selected first information signals and selected second information signals supplied from a source of a plurality of information signals representative of different information are conducted, and (b) first control signals transmitted from a first remote controller representative of selection of the selected first information signals and second control signals transmitted from a second remote controller representative of selection of the selected second information signals are conducted; a transmitter unit adapted for connection between said power line and the source of the plurality of information signals and having: (a) first information signal selection means to which the plurality of information signals are conducted and responsive to the first control signals for selecting the selected first information signals, (b) second information signal selection means to which the plurality of information signals are conducted and responsive to the second control signals for selecting the selected second information signals, and (c) means for conducting: (1) the first control signals from said power line to said first information signal selection means, (2) the second control signals from said power line to said second information signal selection means, (3) the selected first information signals from said first information signal selection means to said power line, and (4) the selected second information signals from said second information signal selection means to said power line; a first receiver unit adapted for connection between said power line and a first utilization unit and having means for conducting: (a) the first control signals to said power line, and (b) the selected first information signals from said power line to the first utilization unit; and a second receiver unit adapted for connection between said power line and a second utilization unit and having means for conducting: (a) the second control signals to said power line, and (b) the selected second information signals from said power line to the second utilization unit. 6. A power line communications system according to claim 5 wherein: (a) said first receiver unit includes means for conducting said first control signals to said power line in a first frequency band, (b) said second receiver unit includes means for conducting said second control signals to said power line in a second frequency band, (c) said first information signal selection means include a first tuner tuned to said first frequency band, and (d) said second information signal selection means include a second tuner tuned to said second frequency band. 7. A power line communications system according to claim 6 wherein said information signals are television signals. 8. A power line communications system according to claim 7 wherein the bandwidth of said first frequency band and the bandwidth of said second frequency band each are 8 MHz.
PCT/US1996/020178 1995-12-19 1996-12-18 Power line communications system with selective program reception WO1997023057A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU13368/97A AU1336897A (en) 1995-12-19 1996-12-18 Power line communications system with selective program reception

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US889295P 1995-12-19 1995-12-19
US60/008,892 1995-12-19
US76685096A 1996-12-13 1996-12-13
US08/766,850 1996-12-13

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1997023057A1 true WO1997023057A1 (en) 1997-06-26

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1996/020178 WO1997023057A1 (en) 1995-12-19 1996-12-18 Power line communications system with selective program reception

Country Status (2)

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AU (1) AU1336897A (en)
WO (1) WO1997023057A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1672811A1 (en) * 2000-03-14 2006-06-21 Biwave Technologies Single-cable, transmission device for signals and power supply of a surveillance system

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0199148A2 (en) * 1985-04-26 1986-10-29 ABBPATENT GmbH Mains-linked multiple-access apparatus
EP0408236A2 (en) * 1989-07-14 1991-01-16 Inline Connection Corporation Video transmission and control system utilizing internal telephone lines
US5351272A (en) * 1992-05-18 1994-09-27 Abraham Karoly C Communications apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving multiple modulated signals over electrical lines
WO1996008892A1 (en) * 1994-09-12 1996-03-21 Videocom, Inc. Video distribution system using in-wall wiring

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0199148A2 (en) * 1985-04-26 1986-10-29 ABBPATENT GmbH Mains-linked multiple-access apparatus
EP0408236A2 (en) * 1989-07-14 1991-01-16 Inline Connection Corporation Video transmission and control system utilizing internal telephone lines
US5351272A (en) * 1992-05-18 1994-09-27 Abraham Karoly C Communications apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving multiple modulated signals over electrical lines
WO1996008892A1 (en) * 1994-09-12 1996-03-21 Videocom, Inc. Video distribution system using in-wall wiring

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1672811A1 (en) * 2000-03-14 2006-06-21 Biwave Technologies Single-cable, transmission device for signals and power supply of a surveillance system

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