Panasonic Technologies, Inc.

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.

Steve P Lam

Xiaoyang Lee

Yosuke Fujita

A TDMA system with a TDMA frame format that requires no guard time, or with a maximum guard time of one clock cycle of the high timing base is applied to a network with a fixed central base, or headend, and remote units, called Premises Interface Devices (PIDs), which have a fixed communication media, such as a cable, between the headend and PID. This TDMA system is particularly useful for increasing system efficiency for CATV applications. The system method works as follows: a remote PID attempting to access the system sends a short data burst to the headend. By measuring the time difference between the time reference and the beginning of the uplink signal received, the headend will send timing correction/adjustment information to the PID. The PID then adjusts the timing of its data bursts, optionally sends a trial message and, once a verified correct transmission is acknowledged by the headend, sends regular data.

Method and apparatus for increasing the system efficiency of a TDMA

An apparatus for distributing control menus over a multi-channel distribution network such as a CEBus throughout a home is disclosed. The apparatus includes a controller such as a personal computer for centrally generating control menus as video information on available channels of the multi-channel distribution network. The controller also executes commands received over the distribution network. The apparatus further includes a display device such as a TV for receiving and displaying the control menu on the channel selected by the control means and a receiver, located proximate to the display device, for receiving user commands related to the displayed menu and for delivering the user commands, via the distribution network, to the control processor. User commands can be given using, for example, infra-red transmission or voice recognition circuitry.

Distribution system and method for menu-driven user interface

A Node '0' device for a Consumer Electronics Coaxial Bus (CXBUS) network is provided. The network has a plurality of internal cables coupled to a source of up-link signals located within a first frequency band. The up-link signals include first audio/video (A/V) signals (which may be digital or analog) and control signals. External cables provide second A/V signals located within a second frequency band. An active input section is coupled to the internal cables. The input section individually filters and amplifies the up-link signals and combines the amplified signals. The input section provides a down-link signal path. A block converter coupled to the input section converts the first A/V signal from the first frequency band to the second frequency band, and provides the converted signals at its output port. A control channel regenerator coupled to the input section receives the control signal, generates a down-link control signal, and transmits the down-link control signal to the input section. An external cable distribution section is coupled to the external cables and to the source of second A/V signals. The external cable distribution section receives either the converted signals, the second A/V signals or both, and transmits the received signals to the external cables.

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Cranbury, NJ, United States of America

Steve P Lam