EP0647042A1 - Audio frequency modulator-demodulator device for cable distribution networks - Google Patents

Audio frequency modulator-demodulator device for cable distribution networks Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0647042A1
EP0647042A1 EP94113730A EP94113730A EP0647042A1 EP 0647042 A1 EP0647042 A1 EP 0647042A1 EP 94113730 A EP94113730 A EP 94113730A EP 94113730 A EP94113730 A EP 94113730A EP 0647042 A1 EP0647042 A1 EP 0647042A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
demodulator
audio
antenna
television
network
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EP94113730A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Hartmut Braitsch
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TADiCOM EUROPE GmbH
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TADiCOM EUROPE GmbH
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Publication of EP0647042A1 publication Critical patent/EP0647042A1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H20/00—Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
    • H04H20/53—Arrangements specially adapted for specific applications, e.g. for traffic information or for mobile receivers
    • H04H20/61—Arrangements specially adapted for specific applications, e.g. for traffic information or for mobile receivers for local area broadcast, e.g. instore broadcast
    • H04H20/63—Arrangements specially adapted for specific applications, e.g. for traffic information or for mobile receivers for local area broadcast, e.g. instore broadcast to plural spots in a confined site, e.g. MATV [Master Antenna Television]

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an audio frequency modulator demodulator device for a. B. already existing electrical distribution network, in particular for a television antenna network provided with an antenna head-end station and a plurality of antenna connection sockets.
  • modulator-demodulator devices are in themselves intended for other purposes, so that on the one hand a large number of subscribers connected to this network can be reached, but on the other hand the transmission via wireless transmission devices is avoided , as this has its specific disadvantages, such as not being known to the potential group of recipients (lack of billing ability), as well as official requirements and approval issues.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a device with which a larger number of audio frequency programs or audio programs, in particular thus radio programs or other information services which can be transmitted by voice or other information in the audio frequency range, are forwarded to a limited, principally known number of subscribers can be.
  • the participants should be able to choose from the number of programs that are suitable or pleasant for them, preferably in parallel or instead of another radio or television or video program that can also be supplied.
  • An existing network such as a telephone network, but in particular a radio or television antenna network, is to be used, so that the installation of special junction boxes for the audio program in question is not necessary.
  • This facility can be used, for example, in larger facilities such as hospitals, sanatoriums, larger private household communities, apartment buildings, large companies and the like.
  • hospitals for example, have connection devices for connecting television sets in every patient room, and it has proven advantageous for the patient in a hospital For example, to give the possibility to choose between several radio programs or the sound of a television program that is also running from a television set in the patient's room.
  • an audio frequency modulator / demodulator device which is preferably arranged in the region of the antenna head station and modulates a number (1 to n) of audio or radio programs (in mono or stereo technology) on a carrier and the latter Coupled modulated carrier in the distribution network, and by demodulator devices that can be coupled to the distribution network, in particular connectable to the antenna junction boxes, for optional demodulation of one of the 1 to n audio or radio programs and their selective transmission to one or more (1 to m) listening points.
  • the distribution network which is particularly cheap, is a television system, over which a number of television programs are distributed in the usual way, this accessibility to a television program is not impaired by the arrangement according to the invention.
  • the demodulator device according to the invention can even be designed such that the television sound signal associated with the video signal is integrated into the selection of the audio programs in this way is that this video sound signal can be selected like the other audio program signals.
  • the user for example the patient in a hospital, can therefore choose between the number n of radio programs or other audio programs that are coupled into the network via the audio frequency modulator, as well as from the television audio signals that are available independently in the television network, for example then , if he would like to receive a suitable television sound for a television picture running on the television screen, this television sound could be available, for example, in stereo technology or two-channel technology, in the case of two-channel technology, for example, in two different languages.
  • both the television set and an interface can be connected to the demodulator, which is connected to one of the antenna sockets, to which the several listening points for several patients in a patient room can then be connected.
  • the interface can also be connected to the television set in order to be able to access and / or influence the sound signal (volume!).
  • the demodulation devices can be selected using a keyboard via control lines (or also wirelessly via remote control devices) one of the radio programs or the TV sound are connected.
  • the volume can be adjusted by means of an adjusting device at the listening point, for example with a potentiometer, or also with a step switch which, for example, is controlled by a microprocessor, the volume can change.
  • the program can be selected in such a way that a separate mechanical switch or push button device is available for each program.
  • a simpler mechanical construction is made possible by a step circuit, which makes it possible to scan and hold the individual programs progressively forwards or backwards by actuating only one switch or push button.
  • This stepping circuit can also be designed as a rotating advancement, so that after all the programs available have been run through, it is started again at the beginning.
  • This advance control can preferably take place by means of a microprocessor arrangement.
  • This antenna house network is supplied by an antenna 14, for example mounted on the house roof, which can also consist of several individual antennas, for example for the various programs that can be received at the location of the house.
  • An antenna head-end station 16 is usually used to bring together such different antennas and for preamplification.
  • Such a system thus supplies the various antenna connection sockets 12 usual, and mostly above 50 MHz carrier signals for the various television programs, possibly also radio programs, especially VHF programs.
  • Television sets 18 can then be connected in a conventional manner to the antenna sockets 12, for example with the aid of a conventional connection cable 20, which leads directly from one connection of the antenna sockets 12, which are equipped here with several connections, to the television set 18.
  • the modulator device can now be used to modulate a number n of audio or radio programs (in mono or stereo technology) onto a suitable carrier, which can spread over the antenna network, so that this Carrier signal comprising radio programs is then similar to the television signal is available in parallel to this television signal at all antenna sockets.
  • this carrier signal can then be demodulated with the numerous audio and radio programs contained therein and a listening point 24 connected to the demodulator device 22 can be supplied, for example this listening point can consist of a speaker device that can be set up, or a pillow speaker, or also a headphone, if other people in the room do not want to hear this program and receive another program, How, for example, several patients in a patient room want to listen to different hearing programs, or possibly also want to receive the sound channel of the TV set 18 instead of one of these hearing programs if they want the program watching this TV.
  • an interface or interface 26 can be seen in FIG. 1 between the demodulator 22 and the various listening points 24, which interface is connected on the one hand to the demodulator device 22, but on the other hand also to the television set 18, in order to avoid this Record television set 18, for example, its television sound, while demodulator 22 delivers the various audio or radio programs to interface 26.
  • this interface 26 it is then possible to make the different sound programs entering the interface 26 optionally available to different listening points 1 to m, the selection from these different sound sources being able to be made from the respective listening point.
  • the individual hearing programs can be made available in mono or in stereo, the program selection at the individual listening point being able to be made, for example, with the aid of mechanical keys which are brought to the demodulator device 22 or the television set 18 via control lines.
  • control via commercially available remote control devices, which may work with ultrasound, is also possible in order to avoid a cable connection to the television set 18 or to the demodulator (or to the interface 26 if the switchover is to take place there).
  • the operator of a certain listening point can thus select one of the audio or radio programs offered, or the sound signal of the program currently running on the television set 18.
  • the audible volume is adjusted individually at the listening point, regardless of the program setting.
  • the program selection at the listening point is carried out, for example, with the aid of an upward or downward step or also only in one direction (in a circle), with which the operator at the respective listening point can gradually achieve the desired program.
  • This step circuit can be arranged in the interface 26 or in the demodulator 22 and can comprise, for example, a microprocessor which performs the corresponding control processes.
  • the channel switching by the microprocessor takes place one step forward or backward, whereby when the individually adjustable upper or lower program limit is reached, the lowest or highest channel from channel range 1 to n is switched on, so-called rotating advance.
  • each listening point can alternatively be assigned its own demodulator (in the form of a tuner, for example).
  • the effort for the 1 to m demodulators (for the 1 to m listening points) and the only one coax feed to each demodulator can be less than that for only one demodulator, which is then followed by audio lines for the 1 to n Programs (plus television sound and the like) extend to the interface or even to the 1 to m listening points, which cable expenditure can be considerable.

Abstract

An audio frequency modulator-demodulator device for an already existing electrical distribution network, such as in particular a domestic aerial installation, is described, which device has modulator devices which are preferably arranged in the region of the aerial head end (16), modulate numerous audio and radio programmes (in mono or stereo technology) onto a carrier and couple this modulated carrier into the aerial network (10). Demodulation and selection of one of the plurality of audio or radio programmes and passing on thereof to one or more listening points (24) are carried out by demodulator devices (22) which are coupled to the distribution network, in particular connected via the aerial sockets (12). It is also possible, in addition, optionally to select the television sound of a television programme (18) running in parallel and independently thereof. <IMAGE>

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Tonfrequenzmodulator-Demodulator-Einrichtung für ein z. B. bereits vorhandens elektrisches Verteilernetz, insbesondere für ein mit Antennenkopfstation und mehreren Antennenanschlußdosen versehenes Fernsehhausantennennetz.The invention relates to an audio frequency modulator demodulator device for a. B. already existing electrical distribution network, in particular for a television antenna network provided with an antenna head-end station and a plurality of antenna connection sockets.

Es ist bereits bekannt, in bestehende elektrische Verteilernetze, wie beispielsweise elektrische Versorgungsnetze, mit Hilfe von Modulatoreinrichtungen an einer Stelle Steuersignale einzukoppeln und sie an anderer Stelle durch entsprechende Demodulatoreinrichtungen wieder auszukoppeln, um so beispielsweise den Tarif von Zählereinrichtungen oder die Stellung von Schaltern zu beeinflussen.It is already known to couple control signals into existing electrical distribution networks, such as electrical supply networks, with the aid of modulator devices at one point and to couple them out again at another point by means of corresponding demodulator devices, in order to influence, for example, the tariff of meter devices or the position of switches.

Mit Hilfe von Einkoppeleinrichtungen und Auskoppeleinrichtungen, die mit dem Telefonnetz verknüpft sind, ist auch bereits die Verbreitung von Hörfunkprogrammen durchgeführt worden (Drahtfunk).With the aid of coupling devices and decoupling devices which are linked to the telephone network, the spreading of radio programs has already been carried out (wire radio).

Der Vorteil derartiger Modulator-Demodulator-Einrichtungen ist, daß bereits bestehende, an sich für andere Zwecke vorgesehene drahtgebundene Verteilernetze genutzt werden können, so daß einerseits eine große Anzahl von an diesem Netz angeschlossenen Teilnehmern erreichbar ist, andererseits aber die Ausstrahlung über drahtlose Sendeeinrichtungen vermieden wird, da diese ihre speziellen Nachteile hat, wie beispielsweise Nichtbekanntsein des potentiellen Empfängerkreises (mangelnde Abrechnungsfähigkeit), wie auch behördliche Auflagen und Genehmigungsfragen.The advantage of such modulator-demodulator devices is that existing wired distribution networks, which are in themselves intended for other purposes, can be used, so that on the one hand a large number of subscribers connected to this network can be reached, but on the other hand the transmission via wireless transmission devices is avoided , as this has its specific disadvantages, such as not being known to the potential group of recipients (lack of billing ability), as well as official requirements and approval issues.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist die Schaffung einer Einrichtung, mit der eine größere Anzahl von Tonfrequenzprogrammen oder Audioprogrammen, insbesondere also Rundfunkprogramme oder auch sonstige Informationsdienste, die durch Sprache oder sonstige im Tonfrequenzbereich liegende Informationen übertragen werden können, an eine begrenzte, prinzipiell bekannte Anzahl von Teilnehmern weitergeleitet werden kann. Dabei sollen die Teilnehmer die Möglichkeit haben, ihrerseits aus der angebotenen Zahl von Programmen das ihnen Geeignete oder Angenehme auszuwählen, vorzugsweise parallel oder anstelle eines ebenfalls zuführbaren sonstigen Hörfunk- oder Fernseh- oder Videoprogramms. Dabei soll ein bereits vorhandenes Netz, wie beispielsweise ein Telefonnetz, insbesondere aber ein Rundfunk- oder Fernsehantennennetz genutzt werden, so daß die Installation von besonderen Anschlußdosen für das hier in Rede stehende Audioprogrammangebot nicht erforderlich ist.The object of the invention is to provide a device with which a larger number of audio frequency programs or audio programs, in particular thus radio programs or other information services which can be transmitted by voice or other information in the audio frequency range, are forwarded to a limited, principally known number of subscribers can be. The participants should be able to choose from the number of programs that are suitable or pleasant for them, preferably in parallel or instead of another radio or television or video program that can also be supplied. An existing network, such as a telephone network, but in particular a radio or television antenna network, is to be used, so that the installation of special junction boxes for the audio program in question is not necessary.

Anwendbar ist diese Einrichtung beispielsweise in größeren Einrichtungen, wie Krankenhäusern, Sanatorien, größeren Hausgemeinschaften privater Natur, Mehrfamilienhäusern, Großbetrieben u. dgl. Insbesondere Krankenhäuser besitzen beispielsweise in jedem Patientenzimmer Anschlußeinrichtungen für den Anschluß von Fernsehgeräten, und es hat sich als vorteilhaft erwiesen, dem Patienten in einem Krankenhaus beispielsweise die Möglichkeit zu geben, auszuwählen zwischen mehreren Hörfunkprogrammen oder dem Ton eines ebenfalls laufenden Fernsehprogramms eines in dem Patientenzimmer stehenden Fersehgerätes.This facility can be used, for example, in larger facilities such as hospitals, sanatoriums, larger private household communities, apartment buildings, large companies and the like. The like. In particular, hospitals, for example, have connection devices for connecting television sets in every patient room, and it has proven advantageous for the patient in a hospital For example, to give the possibility to choose between several radio programs or the sound of a television program that is also running from a television set in the patient's room.

Gelöst wird diese Aufgabe bei einer Tonfrequenzmodulator-Demodulator-Einrichtung gemäß der eingangs genannten Art durch eine vorzugsweise im Bereich der Antennenkopfstation angeordneter Modulationseinrichtung, die eine Anzahl (1 bis n) Audio- oder Rundfunkprogramme (in Mono- oder Stereotechnik) einem Träger aufmoduliert und diesen modulierten Träger in das Verteilernetz einkoppelt, und durch an das Verteilernetz ankoppelbare, insbesondere an den Antennenanschlußdosen anschließbare Demodulatoreinrichtungen zur wahlweisen Demodulation von einem der 1 bis n Audio- oder Rundfunkprogramme und deren selektive Weitergabe an eine oder an mehrere (1 bis m) Hörstellen.This problem is solved in an audio frequency modulator / demodulator device according to the type mentioned at the beginning by a modulation device which is preferably arranged in the region of the antenna head station and modulates a number (1 to n) of audio or radio programs (in mono or stereo technology) on a carrier and the latter Coupled modulated carrier in the distribution network, and by demodulator devices that can be coupled to the distribution network, in particular connectable to the antenna junction boxes, for optional demodulation of one of the 1 to n audio or radio programs and their selective transmission to one or more (1 to m) listening points.

Durch diese Maßnahmen wird auf verhältnismäßig einfache und kostensparende Weise ermöglicht, eine bestimmte maximale Anzahl (n) von Audio- oder Hörfunkprogrammen an den Anschlußdosen der Antennenverteilungseinrichtung oder sonstigen Verteilernetzen zur Verfügung zu haben, wobei je nach Bedarf z. B. durch Anschluß des Demodulators an diese Antennendose eines der dem Träger aufmodulierte Programme ausgekoppelt, demoduliert und je nach Wunsch somit eines der damit zur Verfügung stehenden Programme dem Benutzer zur Verfügung gestellt werden kann.These measures make it possible in a relatively simple and cost-saving manner to have a certain maximum number (s) of audio or radio programs available at the junction boxes of the antenna distribution device or other distribution networks. B. by connecting the demodulator to this antenna socket, one of the programs modulated onto the carrier is decoupled, demodulated and, if desired, one of the programs thus available can thus be made available to the user.

Handelt es sich bei dem Verteilernetz, was besonders günstig ist, um eine Fernsehhausanlage, über die in üblicher Weise eine Anzahl von Fernsehprogammen verteilt werden, wird diese Zugriffsmöglichkeit zu einem Fernsehprogramm durch die erfindungsgemäße Anordnung nicht beeinträchtigt. Die erfindungsgemäße Demodulatoreinrichtung kann sogar so ausgestaltet sein, daß das dem Videosignal zugeordnete Fernsehtonsignal in die Auswahl der Audioprogramme derart integriert wird, daß auch dieses Videotonsignal wie die anderen Audioprogrammsignale auswählbar ist. Der Benutzer, beispielsweise der Patient in einem Krankenhaus, kann daher auswählen zwischen der angeboten Zahl n von Rundfunkprogrammen oder sonstigen Audioprogrammen, die über den Tonfrequenzmodulator in das Netz eingekoppelt werden, wie auch aus den davon unabhängig in dem Fernsehnetz zur Verfügung stehenden Fernsehtonsignalen, beispielsweise dann, wenn er zu einem auf dem Fernsehschirm laufenden Fernsehbild einen passenden Fernsehton empfangen möchte, wobei dieser Fernsehton beispielsweise in Stereotechnik oder Zwei-Kanal-Technik zur Verfügung stehen könnte, bei Zwei-Kanal-Technik beispielsweise in zwei unterschiedlichen Sprachen.If the distribution network, which is particularly cheap, is a television system, over which a number of television programs are distributed in the usual way, this accessibility to a television program is not impaired by the arrangement according to the invention. The demodulator device according to the invention can even be designed such that the television sound signal associated with the video signal is integrated into the selection of the audio programs in this way is that this video sound signal can be selected like the other audio program signals. The user, for example the patient in a hospital, can therefore choose between the number n of radio programs or other audio programs that are coupled into the network via the audio frequency modulator, as well as from the television audio signals that are available independently in the television network, for example then , if he would like to receive a suitable television sound for a television picture running on the television screen, this television sound could be available, for example, in stereo technology or two-channel technology, in the case of two-channel technology, for example, in two different languages.

Um dies besonders günstig zu verwirklichen, kann dem Demodulator, der an eine der Antennendosen angeschlossen ist, sowohl ein Fernsehgerät nachgeschaltet sein, wie auch eine Schnittstelle, an die dann die mehreren Hörstellen für beispielsweise mehrere Patienten in einem Patientenzimmer anschließbar sind. Die Schnittstelle kann auch zusätzlich noch mit dem Fernsehgerät in Verbindung stehen, um so die Möglichkeit zu haben, auf dessen Tonsignal zugreifen und/oder dieses beeinflussen (Lautstärke!) zu können.In order to achieve this particularly inexpensively, both the television set and an interface can be connected to the demodulator, which is connected to one of the antenna sockets, to which the several listening points for several patients in a patient room can then be connected. The interface can also be connected to the television set in order to be able to access and / or influence the sound signal (volume!).

Um die Auswahl des gewünschten Audiokanals, Tonprogramms o. dgl. dem Benutzer, wie beispielsweise dem bettlägerigen Patienten, zu erleichtern, ist gemäß einer Weiterbildung der Erfindung es günstig, wenn die Demodulationseinrichtungen über Steuerleitungen (oder auch drahtlos über Fernbedienungseinrichtungen) mit einer Tastatur zur Auswahl eines der Rundfunkprogamme oder des TV-Tons verbunden sind.In order to make it easier for the user, such as the bedridden patient, to select the desired audio channel, sound program or the like, it is advantageous according to a further development of the invention if the demodulation devices can be selected using a keyboard via control lines (or also wirelessly via remote control devices) one of the radio programs or the TV sound are connected.

Die Einstellung der Lautstärke kann mittels einer Einstelleinrichtung an der Hörstelle erfolgen, beispielsweise mit einem Potentiometer, oder auch mit einer Schrittschaltung, die, beispielsweise mikroprozessorgesteuert, die Lautstärke verändern kann.The volume can be adjusted by means of an adjusting device at the listening point, for example with a potentiometer, or also with a step switch which, for example, is controlled by a microprocessor, the volume can change.

Die Programmauswahl kann derart erfolgen, daß für jedes Programm eine einzelne eigene mechanische Schalter- oder Druckknopfeinrichtung zur Verfügung steht. Einen einfacheren mechanischen Aufbau ermöglicht jedoch eine Schrittschaltung, die es ermöglicht, durch Betätigung nur eines Schalters oder Druckknopfes die einzelnen Programme fortschreitend vorwärts oder rückwärts abzutasten und festzuhalten. Diese Schrittschaltung kann auch als rotierende Fortschaltung ausgestaltet sein, so daß nach einem Durchlauf sämtlicher zur Verfügung stehender Programme wieder am Anfang begonnen wird. Diese Fortschaltungssteuerung kann vorzugsweise mittels einer Mikroprozessoranordnung erfolgen.The program can be selected in such a way that a separate mechanical switch or push button device is available for each program. However, a simpler mechanical construction is made possible by a step circuit, which makes it possible to scan and hold the individual programs progressively forwards or backwards by actuating only one switch or push button. This stepping circuit can also be designed as a rotating advancement, so that after all the programs available have been run through, it is started again at the beginning. This advance control can preferably take place by means of a microprocessor arrangement.

Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand von Ausführungsbeispielen näher erläutert, die in den Zeichnungen dargestellt sind.The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments which are illustrated in the drawings.

Es zeigt:

Fig. 1
ein übliches und meist bereits vorhandenes Hausantennennetz 10, üblicherweise ein 75-Ohm-Koaxialkabelnetz, an dem eine größere Anzahl von Antennenanschlußdosen 12 angeschlossen ist, die in den verschiedenen Zimmern des Hauses, in denen Fernsehgeräte angeschlossen werden sollen, angebracht sind.
It shows:
Fig. 1
a common and usually already existing house antenna network 10, usually a 75-ohm coaxial cable network, to which a larger number of antenna junction boxes 12 are connected, which are installed in the different rooms of the house in which television sets are to be connected.

Versorgt wird dieses Antennenhausnetz von einer beispielsweise auf dem Hausdach angebrachten Antenne 14, die auch aus mehreren Einzelantennen bestehen kann, beispielsweise für die verschiedenen Programme, die an dem Standort des Hauses empfangen werden können. Zur Zusammenführung derartiger verschiedener Antennen und zur Vorverstärkung dient meist eine Antennenkopfstation 16. Eine derartige Anlage liefert somit an die verschiedenen Antennenanschlußdosen 12 die üblichen, und meist oberhalb von 50 MHz liegenden Trägersignale für die verschiedenen Fernsehprogramme, ggf. auch noch Rundfunkprogramme, insbesondere UKW-Programme.This antenna house network is supplied by an antenna 14, for example mounted on the house roof, which can also consist of several individual antennas, for example for the various programs that can be received at the location of the house. An antenna head-end station 16 is usually used to bring together such different antennas and for preamplification. Such a system thus supplies the various antenna connection sockets 12 usual, and mostly above 50 MHz carrier signals for the various television programs, possibly also radio programs, especially VHF programs.

An die Antennendosen 12 können dann in üblicher Weise Fernsehgeräte 18 angeschlossen werden, beispielsweise mit Hilfe eines herkömmlichen Anschlußkabels 20, das direkt von einem Anschluß der hier mit mehreren Anschlüssen ausgestatteten Antennendosen 12 zum Fernsehgerät 18 führt.Television sets 18 can then be connected in a conventional manner to the antenna sockets 12, for example with the aid of a conventional connection cable 20, which leads directly from one connection of the antenna sockets 12, which are equipped here with several connections, to the television set 18.

Mit Hilfe beispielsweise in der Antennenkopfstation angeordneten Einkoppeleinrichtung kann nun die erfindungsgemäß vorgesehene Modulatoreinrichtung dazu dienen, eine Anzahl n von Audio- oder Rundfunkprogrammen (in Mono- oder Stereotechnik) einem geeigneten Träger, der über das Antennennetz sich ausbreiten kann, aufzumodulieren, so daß das diese Rundfunkprogramme umfassende Trägersignal dann ähnlich wie das Fernsehsignal an allen Antennendosen parallel zu diesem Fernsehsignal zur Verfügung steht.With the aid of a coupling device arranged in the antenna head-end station, for example, the modulator device provided according to the invention can now be used to modulate a number n of audio or radio programs (in mono or stereo technology) onto a suitable carrier, which can spread over the antenna network, so that this Carrier signal comprising radio programs is then similar to the television signal is available in parallel to this television signal at all antenna sockets.

Mit Hilfe einer Demodulatoreinrichtung, die an das Verteilernetz 10 angeschlossen werden kann, insbesondere mit Hilfe einer Anschlußkabelverbindung an einer der Antennenanschlußdosen, wie auch in Fig. 1 zu erkennen ist, kann dann dieses Trägersignal mit den darin enthaltenen zahlreichen Audio- und Rundfunkprogrammen demoduliert werden und einer an der Demodulatoreinrichtung 22 angeschlossenen Hörstelle 24 zugeführt werden, beispielsweise kann diese Hörstelle aus einer aufstellbaren Lautsprechereinrichtung bestehen, oder aus einem Kissenlautsprecher, oder auch aus einem Kopfhörer, wenn andere im Raum sich befindenden Personen dieses Programm nicht hören wollen und ein anderes Programm empfangen, wie beispielsweise mehrere Patienten in einem Patientenzimmer unterschiedliche Hörprogramme sich anhören wollen, oder ggf. statt eines dieser Hörprogramme auch den Tonkanal des TV-Gerätes 18 empfangen wollen, falls sie das Programm dieses TV-Gerätes gerade sehen.With the help of a demodulator device which can be connected to the distribution network 10, in particular with the aid of a connecting cable connection to one of the antenna junction boxes, as can also be seen in FIG. 1, this carrier signal can then be demodulated with the numerous audio and radio programs contained therein and a listening point 24 connected to the demodulator device 22 can be supplied, for example this listening point can consist of a speaker device that can be set up, or a pillow speaker, or also a headphone, if other people in the room do not want to hear this program and receive another program, How, for example, several patients in a patient room want to listen to different hearing programs, or possibly also want to receive the sound channel of the TV set 18 instead of one of these hearing programs if they want the program watching this TV.

Um diese Wahlmöglichkeit zu erleichtern, ist in Fig. 1 zwischen dem Demodulator 22 und den verschiedenen Hörstellen 24 eine Schnittstelle oder Interface 26 zu erkennen, die zum einen mit der Demodulatoreinrichtung 22 verbunden ist, zum anderen aber auch mit dem Fernsehgerät 18, um von dem Fernsehgerät 18 beispielsweise dessen Fernsehton aufzunehmen, während der Demodulator 22 die verschiedenen Audio- oder Rundfunkprogramme an die Schnittstelle 26 liefert. Mit Hilfe dieser Schnittstelle 26 gelingt es dann, die in die Schnittstelle 26 eintretenden verschiedenen Tonprogramme wahlweise verschiedenen Hörstellen 1 bis m zur Verfügung zu stellen, wobei die Auswahl aus diesen verschiedenen Tonquellen von der jeweiligen Hörstelle aus getroffen werden kann.In order to facilitate this choice, an interface or interface 26 can be seen in FIG. 1 between the demodulator 22 and the various listening points 24, which interface is connected on the one hand to the demodulator device 22, but on the other hand also to the television set 18, in order to avoid this Record television set 18, for example, its television sound, while demodulator 22 delivers the various audio or radio programs to interface 26. With the help of this interface 26, it is then possible to make the different sound programs entering the interface 26 optionally available to different listening points 1 to m, the selection from these different sound sources being able to be made from the respective listening point.

Die einzelnen Hörprogramme können in mono oder in stereo zur Verfügung gestellt werden, wobei die Programmauswahl an der einzelnen Hörstelle beispielsweise mit Hilfe von mechanischen Tasten erfolgen könnte, die über Steuerleitungen an die Demodulatoreinrichtung 22 bzw. auch an das Fernsehgerät 18 herangeführt werden. Alternativ ist natürlich auch eine Steuerung über handelsübliche Fernsteuereinrichtungen, die mit Ultraschall arbeiten mögen, möglich, um so eine Kabelverbindung zum Fernsehgerät 18 bzw. zum Demodulator (oder zu der Schnittstelle 26, wenn dort die Umschaltung erfolgen soll) zu vermeiden. Durch Drücken einer entsprechenden Taste kann somit die Bedienungsperson einer bestimmten Hörstelle eines der angebotenen Audio- oder Rundfunkprogramme auswählen, oder auch das Tonsignal des gerade laufenden Programms auf dem Fernsehgerät 18.The individual hearing programs can be made available in mono or in stereo, the program selection at the individual listening point being able to be made, for example, with the aid of mechanical keys which are brought to the demodulator device 22 or the television set 18 via control lines. Alternatively, of course, control via commercially available remote control devices, which may work with ultrasound, is also possible in order to avoid a cable connection to the television set 18 or to the demodulator (or to the interface 26 if the switchover is to take place there). By pressing a corresponding key, the operator of a certain listening point can thus select one of the audio or radio programs offered, or the sound signal of the program currently running on the television set 18.

Die Einstellung der Hörtonlautstärke erfolgt dabei individuell an der Hörstelle, und zwar unabhängig von der Programmeinstellung.The audible volume is adjusted individually at the listening point, regardless of the program setting.

Die Programmselektierung an der Hörstelle erfolgt beispielsweise mit Hilfe einer nach oben oder nach unten oder auch nur in einer Richtung (im Kreis) arbeitenden Schrittschaltung, mit der die Bedienungsperson an der jeweiligen Hörstelle das jeweils gewünschte Programm schrittweise erreichen kann. Diese Schrittschaltung kann in der Schnittstelle 26 oder in dem Demodulator 22 angeordnet sein und beispielsweise einen Mikroprozessor umfassen, der die entsprechenden Steuerungsvorgänge wahrnimmt. Die Kanalumschaltung durch den Mikroprozessor erfolgt dabei jeweils um einen Schritt vorwärts oder rückwärts, wobei bei Erreichen der individuell einstellbaren Programmobergrenze oder der Programmuntergrenze die Einschaltung des niedrigsten oder höchsten Kanals aus dem Kanalangebot 1 bis n erfolgt, sogenannte rotierende Fortschaltung.The program selection at the listening point is carried out, for example, with the aid of an upward or downward step or also only in one direction (in a circle), with which the operator at the respective listening point can gradually achieve the desired program. This step circuit can be arranged in the interface 26 or in the demodulator 22 and can comprise, for example, a microprocessor which performs the corresponding control processes. The channel switching by the microprocessor takes place one step forward or backward, whereby when the individually adjustable upper or lower program limit is reached, the lowest or highest channel from channel range 1 to n is switched on, so-called rotating advance.

Um die zwischen Demodulator, Interface und Hörstellen notwendige Anzahl von Tonkabelverbindungen zu reduzieren, kann alternativ jeder Hörstelle ein eigener Demodulator (in Form z. B. eines Tuners) zugeordnet werden. Bei moderner Mikroprozessortechnik kann der Aufwand für die 1 bis m Demodulatoren (für die 1 bis m Hörstellen) und der jeweils nur einen Koax-Zuleitung zu jedem Demodulator kleiner sein als der für nur einen Demodulator, an dem sich dann aber Tonleitungen für die 1 bis n Programme (plus Fernsehton und dgl.) bis zum Interface oder gar zu den 1 bis m Hörstellen erstrecken, welcher Kabelaufwand erheblich sein kann.In order to reduce the number of audio cable connections required between the demodulator, interface and listening points, each listening point can alternatively be assigned its own demodulator (in the form of a tuner, for example). With modern microprocessor technology, the effort for the 1 to m demodulators (for the 1 to m listening points) and the only one coax feed to each demodulator can be less than that for only one demodulator, which is then followed by audio lines for the 1 to n Programs (plus television sound and the like) extend to the interface or even to the 1 to m listening points, which cable expenditure can be considerable.

Claims (11)

Tonfrequenzmodulator-Demodulator-Einrichtung für ein elektrisches Verteilernetz (10), vorzugsweise für ein bereits vorhandenes Hausantennennetz, das eine Antennenkopfstation und mehrere Antennenanschlußdosen aufweist, gekennzeichnet durch einen vorzugsweisen im Bereich der Antennenkopfstation (16) des Hausantennennetzes angeordnete Modulatoreinrichtung, die 1 bis n Audio- oder Rundfunkprogramme (in Mono- oder Stereotechnik) einem Träger aufmoduliert, und diesen modulierten Träger in das Verteilernetz (10) einkoppelt, und durch an das Verteilernetz (10), insbesondere über Antennenanschlußdosen (12) anschließbare Demodulatoreinrichtungen (22) zur Demodulation von einem oder mehreren der Audio- oder Rundfunkprogramme und deren selektive Weitergabe an eine oder mehrere Hörstellen (24).Audio frequency modulator-demodulator device for an electrical distribution network (10), preferably for an already existing house antenna network, which has an antenna head station and several antenna connection sockets, characterized by a modulator device which is preferably arranged in the area of the antenna head station (16) of the house antenna network and which has 1 to n audio or radio programs (in mono or stereo technology) modulated onto a carrier, and this modulated carrier is coupled into the distribution network (10), and through demodulator devices (22) which can be connected to the distribution network (10), in particular via antenna connection boxes (12), for demodulating one or several of the audio or radio programs and their selective transmission to one or more listening points (24). Einrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Demodulatoreinrichtung (22) auch ein Videosignal für ein Fernsehgerät (18) entnehmbar ist.Device according to claim 1, characterized in that a video signal for a television set (18) can also be taken from the demodulator device (22). Einrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Demodulatoreinrichtung (22) eine Schnittstelle (26) nachgeordnet ist, mit der eine Anzahl von Hörstellen 1 bis m anschließbar sind.Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the demodulator device (22) is followed by an interface (26) with which a number of listening points 1 to m can be connected. Einrichtung nach Anspruch 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Schnittstelle (26) auch mit dem Fernsehgerät (18) in Verbindung steht (28).Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the interface (26) is also connected (28) to the television set (18). Einrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß jeder Hörstelle (1 bis m) ein eigener Demodulator (Tuner) zugeordnet ist.Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each listening point (1 to m) is assigned its own demodulator (tuner). Einrichtung nach Anspruch 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Demodulatoreinrichtung (22) über eine Steuerleitung mit einer Tastatur zur Auswahl eines Rundfunkprogramms oder des Fernsehtons verbunden ist.Device according to Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the demodulator device (22) is connected via a control line to a keyboard for selecting a radio program or the television sound. Einrichtung nach Anspruch 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Einstellung der Lautstärke an der Hörstelle (24) mittels einer Einstelleinrichtung, wie Schrittschaltung, erfolgt.Device according to claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the volume is adjusted at the listening point (24) by means of an adjusting device, such as step switching. Anordnung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Programmauswahl mittels einer Schrittschaltung an der Hörstelle erfolgt.Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the program is selected by means of a step switch at the listening point. Einrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Demodulatoreinrichtung (22) einen Mikroprozessor umfaßt.Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the demodulator device (22) comprises a microprocessor. Einrichtung nach Anspruch 8 oder 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Schrittschaltung als rotierende Fortschaltung, vorzugsweise unter Mikroprozessorsteuerung, ausgeführt ist.Device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the stepping circuit is designed as a rotating indexing, preferably under microprocessor control. Einrichtung nach Anspruch 1 bis 10, gekennzeichnet durch Verwendung in einem Krankenhaus oder Sanatorium.Device according to claim 1 to 10, characterized by use in a hospital or sanatorium.
EP94113730A 1993-10-01 1994-09-02 Audio frequency modulator-demodulator device for cable distribution networks Withdrawn EP0647042A1 (en)

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DE19934333485 DE4333485A1 (en) 1993-10-01 1993-10-01 Audio frequency modulator-demodulator device
DE4333485 1993-10-01

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WO1993010606A1 (en) * 1991-11-19 1993-05-27 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. Headend processing for a digital transmission system

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