The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 04, 2003
Filed:
Aug. 18, 2000
Applicant:
Inventors:
Assignee:
Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Kawasaki, JP;
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
H04N 7/173 ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
H04N 7/173 ;
Abstract
In a cable network system of this invention, GSUs are installed in almost all subscriber residences. A G-STB or a G-MDM is set for a subscriber who wants to receive bidirectional services. Alternatively, an NGA is attached to an existing N-STB or N-MDM. The presence of an upward transmission signal from an in-home device is monitored in the G-STB, the G-MDM, or the NGA. While the upward transmission signal is detected, a transmission indication signal is supplied to the GSU. Only while the transmission indication signal is detected, the GSU sets a gate switch in an ON state. On the other hand, while no transmission indication signal is detected, the GSU keeps the gate switch in an OFF state.