FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 [39 OF 1970]
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[SEE SECTION 10 & RULE 13]
1 TITLE
A SCALABLE, SECURED SYSTEM INTEGRATED WITHIN THE PREVAILING UNIDIRECTIONAL CABLE TELIVISION NETWORK TO OFFER REAL TIME 'VIDEO ON DEMAND1 SERVICES TO SUBSCRIBER'S DISPLAY DEVICE(S) INTERFACED WITH A PROPRIETARY HARDWARE DEVICE
2 APPLICANT
NAME VALUABLE INNOVATIONS PRIVATE LIMITED,
ADDRESS VALUABLE TECHNO PARK, 53/1,
ROAD NO. 7, MIDC, ANDHERI (EAST) MUMBAI 400 093 INDIA
NATIONALITY INDIA
The following specification particularly describes the nature of the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:

Background of the Invention
To cater the variation in pattern of subscriber's media content consumption in today's digital era, inventors have come out with a novel solution without any alteration in the existing set up of content request, scheduling, delivery, management and associated billing mechanism. The solution is preferred by subscriber as well local cable service operator as it does not tax pocket on either end.
It works as a new generation platform christened G6-(ST7167) and is based on an in housed designed 'MBOOST TECHNOLOGY'. It enables home users to view latest movies and TV Shows seamlessly. Being its it's integration in the prevailing networks e.g. cable, IP, VSAT etc.it conserves resources and impart freedom of time and place to valid users. Further, it acts as a revenue spinner to LCO due to it's extensive scope to offer value added premier MOD services along with advertisements etc.
Thus it is unique, ultra-superior solution offering next generation futuristic experience within the framework of existing network infrastructure.
It has a hardware design which due to novel integration of Quadrature Amplitude Modulator (QAM) and other off the shelf hardware components, along with its unique media streaming device, in house design communication protocol and embedded software for media management, its distribution and coupled billing solution in bandwidth efficient, secured and scalable mode in real time to multiple subscribers in very cost effective manner.
Further, novelty of inventor's set top box is its ultra slim form factor, electrically and thermally efficient, plug and play user friendly, aesthetically elegant, maintenance free design with its compact layout of printed circuit boards involving integration of main processors, memory chips, and embedded in house developed MBOOST technology with innovative usage of (QAM), de-multiplexer, MPEG-2 decoder, de-interlace video processor geographical co-ordinate indicating GPS chip and a microprocessor. Its tuner is the heart and core of design.
1.0 Introduction
Conventionally, the tail end customer i.e. television viewer is forced to watch the periodically beamed programs by various broadcasters / channels at pre fixed time slots. Traditionally this is architected by connecting display device e.g. Television of the subscriber to the multi-media content distribution network of broadcaster. Typically the value chain for distribution of content comprises of broadcaster, aggregator, MSO (Multiple System Operator), LCO (local cable operator) and subscriber with set top box(STB).
There exists following types of connectivity amongst subscriber (s) and broadcaster(s).
(a) Service provider's cable (either optic fiber or co-axial) connected to LCO's cable head end.
(b) Cable connected through subscriber's STB end to LCO's cable head end - majority (billions) of the customer fall in this category
(c) Cable connected through STB to dish antenna at subscriber's i.e. Direct to Home(DTH)
(d) Cable connected to subscriber's antenna at roof top for- Terrestrial broadcasting mode
inventor's video/media on demand is a billed, interactive solution which permits consumption of remotely accessible, copyrighted digital multimedia content over the existing network as per the choice and schedule of the subscriber in most cost effective, secured manner. It can find application to cater demands in following domain.
[1] Providing Video Films on Demand
[2] Local News and Weather Forecasting
[3] Games, Music and Leisure
[4] Education and Remote Learning Facilities
[5] Home Shopping and Other Consumer Services

[6] Banking
2.0 Demerits of Prior Art Solution
It is observed that, in the analog as well as the currently implemented digital mode of broadcasting, the last mile connectivity to the tail end subscriber is always via a cable.
Moreover, such cable connection works mostly as one way communication i.e. subscriber is left at the mercy of service provider to view the program beamed as per the terms and conditions of service provider.
Although duplex communication via Internet is available it is not always economically viable due to bandwidth limitations.
Due to change in life style, requirements, priorities and affordability, today's subscriber prefers to watch programs of his choice as per his convenient schedule. Further, requirements of 24/7 internet access, recorded video, video games, online/off line education content etc. has grown manifold.
3.0 Back ground of VOD
Unlike traditional television viewing experience, audio/video or Media on Demand (A/V/MOD) systems is an interactive system. In this, various subscribers in same locality can select content to listen/view/record from a remotely accessible media database. It is equivalent to earlier era video rental shop brought into the home.
IPTV (internet protocol television) technology is used to bring VoD to TV or computers.
Television based VOD systems either stream content through a set-top box, a computer or other device, allowing viewing in real time, or download it to a device such as a computer, digital video recorder DVR (also called a personal video recorder) or portable media player for viewing at any time.
Majority of cable- and telco-based television providers offer both VOD streaming, including pay-per-view and free content, whereby a user buys or selects a movie or television program and it begins to play on the television set almost instantaneously, or downloading to a DVR rented from the provider, or downloaded onto a PC, for viewing in the future.
Internet television, using the Internet, is an increasingly popular form of video on demand.
Download and streaming video on demand systems provide the user with a large subset of VCR functionality termed as trick modes i.e. pause, fast forward, fast rewind, slow forward, slow rewind, jump to previous/future frame etc. Download VOD services are practical to homes equipped with cable modems or Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) connections.
Disk-based streaming systems which store and stream programs from hard disk drive, trick modes require additional processing and storage on the part of the server, because separate files for fast forward and rewind must be stored.
Memory-based VOD streaming systems have the advantage of being able to perform trick modes directly from RAM, which requires no additional storage or CPU cycles on the part of the processor.
Video servers on LANs provide very rapid response to users. Streaming video servers also serve a wider community via a WAN in which case the responsiveness is reduced.

Servers for traditional cable and telco VOD services are usually placed at the cable head-end serving a particular market as well as cable hubs in larger markets.
In the telco world, they are placed in either the central office, or a newly created location called a Video Head-End Office (VHO).
Different perspectives on technological, economic and social aspects from today's multi-media arena of futuristic inventor's VoD are emphasized ahead.
4.0 Summary of Invention
To cater the variation in subscriber's media content consumption pattern in today's digital era, inventors have come out with a novel solution without any alteration in the existing set up of content delivery, receiving and associated billing mechanism. The solution is preferred by subscriber as well service operator as it does not tax pocket on either end.
It works as a new generation platform christened G6- (5T7167) and is based on an in housed designed 'MBOOST TECHNOLOGY". It performs auto scanning to map any corresponding change in frequency of master and slave streamer. Thus it enables home users to view latest movies and TV Shows seamlessly. As it is integrated in the prevailing networks e.g. cable, IP, VSAT etc. it conserves resources and impart freedom of time and place to users. Further, it acts as a revenue spinner to LCO due to its wide scope to offer value added premier MoD services along with advertisements etc.
Thus it is unique, ultra-superior solution offering next generation futuristic experience with existing network infrastructure.
It has a hardware design which due to novel integration of Quadrature Amplitude Modulator (QAM) and other off the shelf hardware components, along with its unique media streaming device, in house design nonstandard communication protocol and embedded software for media management, its distribution and coupled billing solution in bandwidth efficient, secured and scalable mode in real time to multiple subscribers in very cost effective manner.
Further novelty of inventor's set top box is its ultra slim form factor, thermally efficient, plug and play user friendly, aesthetically elegant, maintenance free design with its compact layout of printed circuit boards involving integration of main processors, memory chips, and embedded in house developed MBOOST technology with auto frequency scanning of master and slave streamer, innovative usage of (QAM), de-multiplexer, MPEG-2 decoder, de-interlace video processor geographical co-ordinate indicating GPS chip and a microprocessor. Its tuner is the heart and core of design.
Table -1 Technical specification of internal hardware of Inventors set top box (STB)

Items Description Comments
Chipset ST Micro Chipset ST7167
Memory 256MB. DDR2
Boot Flash 8MByte NOR Flash Boot loader memory
Program Memory 256 MB NAND Flash All the application images are stored here
In built Storage 8GB USB module on board
DVB-C tuner 1 tuner
HDMI 1 port, vl.3 With 5.1 PCM output routed through.
SPDIF Optical SPDIF 1 port
MIC In 1 Mic in jack
Ethernet 10/1001 port Turbo support for greater throughput

USB USB2.0 lx port One port on back panel.
WiFi Inbuilt Support for all b/g/n bands.
IR On board IR Receiver
LED 1 Bi-color LED, RED, Green To show Stanby and PowerON Status.
Table 2-: Summary of uniqueness of inventor's Media on Demand solution

Reliability, modularity Modular design, compact footprints, energy sensitive
Service transparency All protocols/bit-rates, reduced electronics, backward-compatible
Topological flexibility Supports topologies (ring, star, mesh), resource saving "Proportionate pay as scales up"
Service latency/security Low, deterministic "end-to-end" delay, inherent frequency separation
Service provisioning Rapid connection setup, minimal operational complexity
Service survivability Rapid, carrier-class, optical-layer protection
Sub-rate provisioning Bandwidth efficient, cost-effective, faster cost amortization
Pricing/Cost: Competitive pricing, low entry costs, reduced operations costs
Bandwidth scalability Multiple wavelengths/fiber (terabits yield)
5.0 Methodology
The solution comprised of installation of the proprietary hardware (STB with built in DVRJ). Premier multi-media rich content is pushed over by the broadcaster. It is received and stored as secured encrypted files. This can be done in off peak viewing hours, there by optimizing cost effective bandwidth utilization. Display device of the subscriber highlights program listing based on the viewing rights assigned to each content, Thus it facilitates subscriber to view program almost real time i.e. without any delay in downloading.
The platform offers round the clock security to all the content from its point of distribution to point of consumption within the network.
Subscriber management system located at the head end set up manages connections of various ports available at the subscribers' display device and set top box e.g. 2G/3G Data dongle. There by providing near real time transaction mode for media on demands e.g. internet, video conferencing, games, video chat, social networking etc.
Unlike the conventional streaming video on demand which mandatorily needs multiple installations in order to provide acceptable quality of service, here with inventors unique platform a single head-end addresses every viewer in the broadcast network.
By default, primarily the periodically updated, pre-loaded, copyrighted, licensed content with associated meta-data and authorized digital right management (DRM) is available in electronic format at Master Content Server (MCS) i.e. central repository
Same content w/o metadata is simultaneously mirrored on NAS of multiple LCOs.
Subscriber's VOD request is passed on to respective LCO's Video Streaming Device (VSD) with embedded proprietary multiplexing software.
This software fetches content from the remote central repository and streams it. In this case meta data pertaining to the mirrored content can be accessed via internet as cited above. To get real time content, the subscriber is forced to shell out more to acquire higher internet speed, on the contrary as the existing speed of internet is a limitation, the content is not delivered real time.

NAS caters the incoming out of band, MoD request for content on remote location.
Inventor's platform utilizes existing VOD infrastructures or broadband connections to increase subscriber value for cable system operators and programmers. The platform uses existing web content development technologies to enable operators, traditional and Web programmers and advertisers to write rich interactive content once that can be delivered uniformly to any television or broadband-connected display device via inventors digital set-top box.
6.0 Components of Network Architecture
Figures
Figure 1: Summary of components in Media on Demand integrated solution
Figure 2 : Set top box Top: Various Ports PCB Assembly
Figure 3 : Top Level Content Flow Architecture
Figure 4: Content-encoding-encryption-VPN-gateway
Figure 5: Packaging of Content
Figure 6: Billing & IP streaming server
Figure 7: Network Operation centre for RF streaming
Figure 8: Content Streaming and billing based on MBoost technology
Figure 9: Centralised head end system overview
Figure 10: Design of Centralised head end system
Figure 11: Various scenarios in VoD manager and Streamer combination
Figure 12: Schematic of distribute head end system
Figure 13 Movies Basic screen of Movies GUI on displayed
Figure 14 Movies Selection of all movies
Figure 15 Movies Selection of a particular movie
Figure 16 Movies Search base on meta data of particular movie e.g. actor
Figure 17 Movies Other movies of same actor
Figure 18 Movie Pay per view choice from figure 1
Figure 19 Movie Selection of all movies
Figure 20 Movie Selection of a particular movie - choice of rental
Figure 21 Movie Confirmation of rental of movie on selection
Figure 22 Movie Execution of rental
Figure 23 Movie Connection to billing
Figure 24 Movie Streaming response / buffering
Figure 25 Movie Percentage of buffered media
Figure 26 Catchup TV Basic screen of GUI of Catch Up TV on displayed
Figure 27 Catchup TV Category of catch up show
Figure 28 Catchup TV Selection of particular catch up show leading to play
Figure 29 Music Basic screen of Music GUI on displayed
Figure 30 Music Categories of various album based on popularity
Figure 31 Music Selection of particular music album's track and play
Figure 32 OtherVod Basic screen of other VOD GUI on displayed
Figure 33 OtherVod Choose non-movie/video category e.g. serials, film festival,
documentaries Figure 34 OtherVod Selection of particular non-movie content show

Figure 35 OtherVod Selection of a specific episode/part of serial/concert/award
ceremony/ play Figure 36 OtherVod Additional choice of meta data of figure 23 e.g. actor Figure 37 OtherVod List of further episodes/part of serial based on choice of figure
24
Figure 38 Settings & Info Basic screen of Settings of GUI on displayed
Figure 39 Settings & Info -1 Various setting of set top box Figure 40 System Info - 1 Hardware, software version details of STB, LCO, customer
id, IP of STB
Figure 41 System Info - 2 U/A no of STB, credit balance, content list version
Figure 42 System Info -3 Version of application
Figure 43 Confirure Wizard Mboost configuration settings Figure 44 Confirure Wizard Configuration wizard - network, Mboost, data buffer
configure Figure 45 Confirure Wizard Choice of Network connectivity of STB to Internet data
center Figure 46 Confirure Wizard Specific LAN network choice selection Figure 47 Confirure Wizard Mboost configuration - choice of streaming RF/IP -
enter IP Figure 48 Confirure Wizard Same as 35, scan RF instead of entering IP Figure 49 Confirure Wizard Download buffer size selection max 10 Mbps Figure 50 Content Status Real time status of type and quantity of information about
content Figure 51 Network Testing Validation of connectivity status of network STB with
internet data center Figure 52 Remote new Front, back panel with battery and button Figure 53 STB Back Back panel of STB with multiple ports Figure 54 STB Front Front panel of STB with power on RED LED, bootready -
green Figure 55 STB Connection 2 Interface of display e.g. TV via HDMI cable to STB Figure 56 STB Connection Back end ports of display e.g. HDMI port
6.1 Subscriber End
a) Set Top Box - Proprietary set top box (STB) with provision of built in recording/storage of multimedia content of limited capacity and duration, ports for interfacing cables e.g. High Definition Media Interface with display device i.e. television, internet connection port e.g. LAN/WAN/ETHERNET, USB for 2G/3G, wi-fi, D.C. power inputs (comparatively energy saving device), microphone (karaoke facility), RF antenna, Component Video {Y, Pb, Pr) ports to gives a slight improvement over composite video with increased colour depth and larger bandwidth to carry the signal and supports high resolutions e.h. 720p, loop out for splitting connection to multiple display devices. Most of these ports are housed on posterior side of STB. However the front panel is transparently shielded Infrared sensor to receive inputs from hand operated remote.
To minimize the cost, STB has a minimal solid-state storage to cater limited buffering, only enough to compensate for network jitters, essentially to compete with its existing rivals: CATV & DSB {Direct Satellite Broadcast} services and VCRs. Inventors have limited it to its built in flash memory of 8 Gigabytes to record and store the copyrighted multimedia content as permitted by the business rule of the plan offered by the service provides.

It has feature shaped to hook, latch, or otherwise engage with a display device.
Inventor's smart STB has a unique identity i.e. built in multi-digital alpha numeric code which effectively also functions as subscriber's id and further establish its physical geographical distribution territory mapping its location of installation.
The smart STB acts as platforms to transmit viewer VOD requests to upstream servers.
It decompresses, decodes, decrypt and control the chosen multimedia information in real time to television display compatible playable format via its unique hardware circuitry and embedded software.
Another version of set-top has integrated multiple functionalities into its design. For example, VOD capabilities being packaged with cable modem and voice dial-up functionalities. Essentially, the platforms offer a simple, unified solution for interconnecting all residential communication devices-ideal for bundled service offerings.
b) Remote: Lithium Battery operated wireless remote to interact with graphic user interface
shown on display device such a television. Ultra-slim design of remote has minimal number
of operating button i.e. only seven button on front side and whereas provision to swap
energy source on rare side. It has two volume control knobs, a channel selection BACK
button, menu button for navigating through GUI power on/off, fast forward/rewind/pause
keys surrounding a central execution Ok key.
On its front top edge, a glass shielded infrared transmitter to indirectly communicate with graphic user interface as display on the device via interacting with counter part of receiving senor installed on the front panel of the aforesaid set top box mounted in five meter line of sight distance of STB with +/- 0.25 meter left right spread,
c) Display Device - this can be any off the shelf digital color television from a reputed
television manufacturer working on PAL standard, with HDMI connectivity.
d) HDMI cable - high definition multimedia interface vl.3 standard 19 pin conductor
cable is used to transfer uncompressed digital audio-video data output of STB to display device
e) Network Hardware - Basically subscriber should have basic broadband connectivity via Local Area Network (LAN), Wide area network (WAN), ETHERNET or wi-fi or 2G/3G option to connect via Universal Serial Bus (USB) based portable dongle modem/data card.
f) Antenna - Subscriber may have parabolic dish antenna or terrestrial antenna to directly receive the Radio frequency (RF) Signal feed via cable or air delivered to antenna port of the aforesaid set box.
g) Bandwidth - Threshold bandwidth of 2Mbps (two megabytes per second) is mandatorily required for hassle-free operation of Inventors media on demand solution.
Unlike the run of the mill set top boxes and other solution catering the video on demand services, inventor's solution works on comparatively lower bandwidth and thus saves on recurring expenses of tail end subscriber as well as local cable operator (LCO).
It enables LCO to offer spectrum of other value added services in Media on demand category such as gaming, news/weather, film festival on demand etc
e) Graphic User Interface - It is user-friendly, multilingual graphic user interface through which subscriber need to enters his unique id or system captures the id associated with set top box, it also authenticates subscriber's validity and permits user to access further

features of the GUI e.g. type /choice of content, duration /schedule for which it is sought, frequency for which it is to be consumed and subsequent detail catalogue of the most updated media stored on remote centra] repository at head end.
Each individual subscriber is connected to the nearest Local cable operator (LCO) via fiber optic cable. Several such LCOs are further grouped and connected to Multiple System Operator (MSO) via subsequent optic fiber linkages. MSO procures multimedia content from aggregators who purchase the copyrighted content from certified content creators or from off the shelf legal content available in the market.
VOD requests are initially processed at the local server if possible; otherwise it relays the request to a video archive server, much as a hierarchy system
As a special provision to optimize the effective utilization of hardware resources and to impart quality service, exceptional cases where a LCOs is having extra ordinary wide subscriber database, under such condition VOD services are directly catered through IP QAM modulator which is a part of the entire integrated networking architecture located at remote end.
Apart from VOD, inventor's STB enables subscriber to receive i) direct RF feed of local content if offered by LCO ii) terrestrial RF feed from any free to air channel service provider
GUI also indicates the cost and real time billing of the content sought by the subscriber and further alerts/updates about renewal of its regular subscription.
As a bonafide subscriber under a chosen plan governed by business rule of service provider, a subscriber is able to receive certain bundled up free content comprising of copyrighted movies, musical audio, games or television commerce based services etc.
6.2 Internet data Center
Internet Data center comprises integration of firewall, SSH Server, Switches, Billing server, MAS server, SMS server.
Due to unique feature embedded in the inventor's algorithm, a sort of provisional virtual private network over internet is established between the said valid subscriber and internet data center.
This server processes the subscriber's media on demand request further to central repository by mapping STB's location, meta data of the said request.
On other hand, in a reverse path, smart algorithm instantly communicate the subscriber about his content inventory, associated cost of sought content and remaining real time balance in his account via SMS or display on the subscribers device.
Its comprehensive system and subscriber management software has features like such trends in billing, pattern in consumption/schedule of media, revenue projection, analyzing customer viewing profiles/buy rates, etc.
Entire duplex exchange of information (forward and backward mode) from this center is fully secured due to adoption of encoding, encryption and cannot be accessed otherwise directly via internet by bye passing the STB and LCO linkage.

6.3 Central Repository
As digital video transmission being achieved at higher speed, the back end broad band connected central content repository server stores compressed multimedia content {high quality and resolution) in globally accepted MPEG-2 standard format.
Server's hardware configuration is optimal in terms of storage capacity and built in engine to speedily retrieve the demanded same/variable media as per request of valid single or multiple subscribers in real time.
The database of multimedia content on the interfacing storage management workstation is archived as per the popular hierarchy of the content and is also periodically updated.
It also make economical use of resources by dynamically allocating programmes into different media such as Magnetic tape, optical W/R disks, hard disks, by considering the relative usage and level of interactivity supported.
6.4 Video Streaming Server
Content delivery is a crucial part of the invention which has been skillfully handled due to its intrinsic design comprising of the embedded video streaming hardware along with propriety MBOOST algorithm software. The software introduces the command channel along with the request of the said content.
Many time the Tail end subscriber prefer to have olden days Video caste recorder (VCR) type of features e.g. forward, reverse, pause watch in slow motion etc. associated with his requested content. He may prefer to store content as per the business rules offered by the service provider. To optimize the cost of STB, limited storage feature is available. However, instead of burdening the in-situ storage capacity, inventor's streaming software efficiently utilizes the available bandwidth to push the VOD mapped content by streaming it periodically in parts. As the content fetched from the central repository is in the non-IP format i.e. MPEG (moving pictures expert group), it is further fed to an internet protocol based Quadrature amplitude modulator IP-QAM.
MPEG-2 are widely used, yielding about 3-5 Mbps per stream (MPEG-2). Meanwhile, VOD servers typically encapsulate individual MPEG-2 entities as single program transport streams (SPTS) or instead dynamically combine multiple SPTS entities into larger multiple program transport streams (MPTS).
These SPTS/MPTS entities are then mapped onto various networking protocols for downstream transport, e.g., ASI, ATM, Ethernet etc.
6.5 IP QAM network
This is the most significant component of the network architecture
Edge QAM devices or QAM gateways reside at cable hub sites and essentially translate tributary outputs from VOD servers for transmission onto coax infrastructures.

Here, incoming network protocol tributaries are terminated and the individual MPEG streams extracted.
Subsequently, various buffering/re-timing schemes are applied to compensate for packet jitter. Finally, the MPEG streams of the mapped copyrighted digital VOD content are QAM-modulated/up converted onto standard coax channels (6-8 MHz) and cascaded for downstream delivery.
Inventors solution permits each 6 MHz channel to push roughly 40 Mbps of throughput (using 256-point QAM encoding), i.e., about 10 MPEG-2 streams.
It is anticipated that further improvements in compression technology will likely increase this figure. Additionally, most commercial edge QAM devices support about 320 Mbps throughput (e.g., 80 streams) and can handle 10 ms jitter.
Hence, several systems are usually combined to unbundle multiple server outputs and/or handle larger protocol tributaries, e.g., gigabit-level.
Considering the broader design of VOD delivery architectures, in particular, a major issue facing operators is the actual placement of VOD servers in HFC domains so as to deliver services in an economical manner, i.e., lower cost-per stream, and also to ensure future scalability, inventor have therefore used combination of distributed and centralized/streaming architecture i.e. hybridized model to achieve so.
6.6 Networking Protocol
Scalable, robust networks are a cornerstone requirement in VOD distribution architectures. Specifically, market growth is driving dual needs for increased headend-to-hub scalability (e.g., VOD streaming, content rebalancing) along with stream switching/routing (i.e., content directivity).
Given VOD-related networking technologies are deployed alongside other cable services equipment, in order to lower cost and boost operational efficiencies, over the years, cable operators have evaluated and deployed numerous different protocol technologies.
1) Digital Video Broadcast-Asynchronous Serial Interface (DVB-ASI)
2) Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATMJ
3) Ethernet Technologies
4) Legacy and "Next-Generation" SONET/SDH- is a time-division multiplexing (TDM) technique that was originally developed for voice trunking applications.
However, inventors has created its own protocol due to several drawback associated with each of the above.
6.7 RF combiner
Output obtained from QAM is in the RF format which further serves as in input RF combiner where it combines at least one RF feed from local cable operator.

6.8 RF splitter
Depending upon the string of the command channel, RF splitter executes the splitting of the RF signal into proportionate number and type of request(s) corresponding to subscriber.
Normally this is done based on the meta data of VOD such as program id and meta data of STB e.g. type of subscriber, digital rights associated with STB etc.
Depending upon the complexities and scalability of the VOD requests, number and variation amongst subscriber, media content rights and other business rules combination of multiple QAM, RF Combiner and RF splitter is used in the distribution of the media.
6.9 Optical Transmitter
The VOD content output from the RF splitter being in RF format is intrinsically an attenuated i.e. very weak signal to fetch over to a distant subscriber wired by coaxial cable. Hence, it is further amplified and converted into an efficient optical signal with the help of optical transmitter without compromising the quality and security of it.
The aforesaid signal then is received by LCO who further send it down stream to authenticated subscriber who has put forward the request for the matching content.
7.0 System Architecture for Content Delivery
The following schematics show the top level content flow architecture from the ingest to final delivery servers. The elements involved in the content flow are as follows
1. Encoding facility
2. Content packaging and Re-Encryption facility
3. Data center where billing servers and Internet Streaming servers are installed
4. Network operating center from where the content is injected into DVB-C RF network. Cloud server where licenses are generated and kept
The above schematics show the top level content flow architecture from the Ingest to final delivery servers. The elements involved in the content flow are as follows
5. Encoding facility
6. Content packaging and Re-Encryption facility
7. Data center where billing servers and Internet Streaming servers are installed
8. Network operating center from where the content is injected into DVB-C RF network.
9. Cloud server where licenses are generated and kept.
All the paths between these centralised servers are encrypted and a VPN is created between them. Also the content which is getting transferred over these paths is also encrypted. The Detailed description of each facility is done below

7.1 MPAA Approved Encoding LAB
It is LAB which to provide necessary documents to the studios indicate MPAA approval. Another version of same will be a third party engaged LAB with inventors having schematics as follows.
1. Content is ingested into the encoding station. Here encoding happens as per pre defined profiles.
2. Encoded content is transferred from encoding station to encryption server. This transfer happens over LAN. This LAN is physically disconnected with any external network. Only authorised personnel can access this LAN and these servers. These servers are again monitored over security cameras. This is the only point where content is in clear, after this point content remains always encrypted in the entire system
3. Through a VPN router this content is routed over Leased Line. This content is now accessed by the packaging servers in packaging facility over this encrypted link.
7.3 Packaging Facility
1. Content packaging facility is located in our secure premises. This facility is connected to encoding LAB via VPN. The encoded content is transferred from the LAB to our packaging facility over this VPN.
2. In this packaging facility we have MS-DRM encryption server, which encrypts the content as per playready DRM.
3. This encrypted content is then packaged using our DAM. During packaging unique Release ID for each asset is created. All the content related metadata like movie synopsis, cast and crew info, images. Posters are added in the DAM an asset package is created.
4. DAM exports these data to playready License generation servers for generation of license and DAM also dumps the packages into content repository Database.
5. These packages are then delivered to the streaming server facilities over VPN.
7.4 Billing and IP streaming server Data Center
1. Our Billing servers, IP streaming servers, Subscriber Management servers, application servers are hosted in a professional datacenter facility.
2. All these servers are accessible over internet, but only by our Devices. This is achieved by having an SSH server facing internet and all other servers are accessed via SSH tunnel.
3. Internet streaming of the content happens from this facility. And also all the billing and network monitoring and subscriber management activities also happens from this location.
4. This SSH server based tunnelling ensures a very strong security.
7.5 Network Operation center for RF streaming
1. It is inventor's centralised facility to stream RF signal to the entire region
2. It has a high speed SAN Storage, where all the assets are stored.
3. Inventors has own DVB streamer, which streams these packages over RF network.

4. There are host of modulators, RF mixers and amplifiers which ensures proper ingestion of content into RF network.
7.6 Content Rental Architecture
Inventors STB has two interfaces, one is forward path ion which Content is delivered in RF mode which is further received using a DVB-C tuner. The STB also has a return path over internet to communicate with billing and license delivery servers. The following are the steps is renting a content
1. Rental request is first send to the billing and SMS servers over SSH tunnel.
2. Billing server authenticates the request and if the request is valid, it then forwards the request to license generation server
3. Box fetches the license from the license generation server and notifies the billing
4. Billing then sends a streaming request to the RF streaming server
5. Streaming server then starts streaming the content over DVB-C network. Box progressively buffers the content and starts playback.
In case of internet streaming, both forward path and return paths are over internet. Billing instead of sending request to RF streaming server it sends request to IP streaming server, box then initiates the progressive download and playback of the content from IP streaming server.
7.7 MBoost Technology Overview
Currently, due to mandatory digitization of the cable network enforced by the government, it is noticed that, lot of bandwidth remains unused. Mboost technology aims to use the same to deliver value added services e.g. VOD. Moreover, geographical places e.g. India, due to poor penetration of internet/IP infrastructure based last mile connectivity; corresponding LCO are unable to provide value add services like Media on demand. MBoost Technology addresses the said problem by using high bandwidth cable network for forward path (in coming data) and low bandwidth internet connection for return path( outgoing data). Thus MBOOST technology is an unique platform to cater VOD kind of high end services with unmatched user experience. In case of internet streaming, both forward path and return paths are over internet. Billing instead of sending request to RF streaming server it sends request to IP streaming server, box then initiates the progressive download and playback of the content from IP streaming server.
8.0 VOD Head End Architecture
Streaming head end Mboost VoD system can have A) centralised or B) distributed system.
8.1 Centralized Head End system - System overview
In a centralised system utilizes the HFC (hybrid cable and fibre) architecture. The VoD head end has all the components for streaming to complete cable TV spectrum for inventor's services in the fibre ring. Streaming data is send on to this fibre network over different frequencies. Typically an LCO will be allocated one band on the fiber network. But depending on the number of subscribers each LCO can have multiple bands as well as multiple LCOs can have single band.

LCO receives this service over a frequency and at LCO end where it uses QAM to QAM to insert this service into his cable network at a desired frequency.
Inherent benefits of this architecture are -
• Every LCO on the fiber ring will be able to receive this service.
• By intelligently allocating the bands to LCO, service can be scaled up
• At LCO end, a simple QAM to QAM equipment ensures flexibility in introducing this service into his network at any desired frequency.
• Operational maintenance of this service becomes easier
Major components used for centralised head end are -
• SAN Storage
• Streaming Server
• MAS & Fetch Server
• IP to QAM Modulator
There are 4 logical networks in the centralised head end.
• MAS and Internet Network
• SAN Storage Network
• MAS and Streaming Server Network
• Streaming Server to modulator network.
Description of network components and networks are given below
8.1 Description of Component of Network 8.1.1 SAN Storage
It comprises of a high speed storage system, which supports concurrent servers accessing the streams stored in the system. This is a special storage designed for video streaming kind of application. All the digital assets like movies, TV shows, Music and other VoD will be stored here. This storage has complete packages which include metadata and the media files. This storage system supports NFS mount for connecting multiple servers. Multiple servers are connected over Gigabit LAN port.

8.1.2 Streaming Server
This server has multiple instances of VoD Manager and multiple instances of streamer. Each VoD manager is mapped to a LCO. In turn multiple LCOs can be mapped to a VOD Manager. Each Streamer is mapped to a VoD Manager and in turn multiple streamers could be connected to a VoD Manager. Each streamer maps to single RF band only. This relationship is shown below
There could be a 4 scenario where there is a single VoD Manager which handles all the LCO and all the streamers.
8.1.3 Rental Flow
• STB is aware of 2 things 1. LCO to which it is assigned to 2. Master Streamer ID
• When a rental request is send to the billing, Billing Sees the UA number of STB and identifies which LCO this UA number is assigned.
• Once LCO is known, Billing sees which VoD manager this request has to be communicated to.
• Billing sends the command to correct VoD manager for streaming of content.
• VoD Manager In turn initiates streamer for streaming.
• Streamer then starts the streaming.
• STB has the map of streamer ID and frequency by auto scanning. It listens to this streamer ID.
• As soon as stream arrives from this streamer, STB starts playing the video.
8.1.4 MAS and Fetch Server
This server does the following functions
• It interfaces to billing server over internet. It receives the rental requests from the billing
• It communicates the rental requests to appropriate VoD Manager
• It also receives and serves the fetch requests from the STBs
• It communicates to billing over internet, communicates to VoD Manager and also communicates with SAN storage for fetch.
8.1.5 IP to QAM Modulator
• This converts transport stream (TS) over IP data into QAM modulated output
• This output is then fed to RF to Optical transmitter
8.2 Network Description
The different logical networks are described below

8.2.1 MAS and Internet network
On this network, MAS communicates with billing and fetch requests coming from different STBs also hits the fetch server on this network
8.2.2 SAN Storage Network
This will be high speed network where all the servers and SAN storage are connected. All the digital media data transfers happen on this network.
8.2.3 MAS streaming server network
This network establishes command channel between MAS and streaming server. MAS initiates streaming by sending commands over this network
8.2.4 Streaming server to Modulator network
This streaming server streams the TS over IP data in this network. IP to QAM modulators listens to this data in this network and does the modulation.
8.3 Distributed head end system- System Diagram
Benefits of this architecture are -
• Every LCO has his own dedicated setup at his premises
• Streaming server communicates with the MAS and Fetch server at the centralised location over VPN.
• VSAT is used to provide content delivery
• Instead of SAS , low cost NAS is used for content storage.
• Rest of the components functions exactly the same way as that of a centralised system described earlier.
• Any LCO who is not on fibre ring uses this setup.
9.0 Auto Scanning
The last mile of the service is owned by the LCO who can change the frequency bands as per his convenience. This poses a challenge such that, if LCO fails to communicate the changes to head end, customer's services will suffer. Hence to avoid this, and further to

ensure that the MBOOST services don't suffer even if the frequency is changed, inventors have incorporated auto scanning as follows.
(a) Every streamer has a command channel and in which the streamer will send its ID. Also it will send whether it's the master streamer or slave streamer.
(b) In the master streamer command channel, it sends number of slave streamer available in the network. This could be zero.
(c) Box when first installed does auto scan of entire band to find the master streamer band. Once it finds the master streamer band it also looks if it has any slave streamer. If it has any slave streamer it will scan and find out the frequencies of slave streamer. So box will have map of master streamer, slave streamers(if any) and their corresponding frequencies
(d) Box is always tuned to master streamer frequency. If master frequency is changed then it knows immediately and does a auto scan to find out the new master frequency.
(e) Every night at a fixed time box does a scan to verify whether its slave frequencies are intact. If any slave frequency is changed then it does a complete scan to find the slave frequencies
10.0 Specification of Invention
[1] Today, cable communications solutions are highly complex and competitive; cable operators need to deliver even more revenue-generating services to the market while lowering their total cost-per stream. Unlike proprietary video-on-demand solutions that lock carriers into high-deployment, upgrade and operational costs, the inventors Media on Demand with its novel architecture enables implementation of a best-of-breed system consisting of industry-standard, high-performance components that can be deployed, maintained and expanded at low costs.
(a) It fully supports MBoost Technology, which enables delivery of media on various networks including one where return path is not available.
(b) It supports playready DRM and strong hardware root of trust security, which enables deployment of Hollywood studio content.
(c) Supports all major CAS vendors for integration of Live TV services
{d) WiFi Integrated for home networking
(e) Plugs into any DVB-C cable network
if) Integrated Karaoke system, which can be used with external microphone.
(g) FullHD, support with Optical audio for enhanced viewing.
[2] MBOOST services due to its smart periodic auto frequency scanning and corresponding mapping between a master and salve streamer allows its uninterruptable operation even if the frequency is changed at LCO thereby providing 24/7 access to subscriber for VOD
[3) It's centralized, distributed and hybrid network novel architectures accommodate dynamic needs of LCO with the growth, type and demand of content from subscribers. Integrated distribution capability allows flexibility in deployment architectures so operators can scale their VOD service offering in a centralized or hybrid network while employing advanced caching techniques for efficiency.

[4] With support for both MPEG2 and IP-based transport data over cable, inventors VOD solution allows cable Multiple Service Operators (MSO) to use the same video pump for multiple delivery platforms and services.
[5] It enable operators to expand their content offerings to a whole new world of services and devices, from movies-on-demand and subscription video on-demand sVOD services to on-demand news, weather, advertising, network personal video recorder (nPVR) and beyond.
{6] Its unique stream clustering technology allows operators to benefit from the industry's most advanced, granularly scalable (from very small to very large systems) and cost-effective solution.
[7] Inventors solutions is flexible, empowering operators to create value-added services using our industry-leading platforms and management software
[8] It enables cable operators to launch VOD services quickly, simply and cost effectively.
[9] It gives cable operators a greater level of flexibility to configure and expand their services offerings without being locked into a single vendor solution.
[10] It easily helps cable operators to rapidly and significantly lower their total cost-per-strearn, dramatically boost revenue-generating opportunities and capitalize on the latest distribution technologies
[11] It's remote system administration capabilities acts as a critical element of the overall solution
[12] It imparts total flexibility, unprecedented fault tolerance and unbeatable cost savings.
[13] Featuring integrated load management ("hotspot" management) and fast failure recovery, Stream Clustering makes it easy to manage a cluster of servers as a single server.
[14] With the power of its video server software and the management middleware, this solution supports industry-standard direct-attached storage and SANs in multiple operating systems.
[15] Its Integration Framework allows operators to more easily integrate additional services and features support for the Interactive Services Architecture (ISA), Broadband's system for Session Resource Management and Business Management system interfacing, head ends, EPGs, and QAMs.
[16] Scalable streaming platform is the heart of inventor's VOD solution.
[17] It's offers the VOD platform in the industry using published interface specifications
[18] It uses Broadband Stream which provides cable operators with a total solution, from the content provider through the cable head end to the consumer.
[19] It offers cable operators a comprehensive 'plug-and-play' environment with the ability to interchange multiple video streaming servers and applications, providing more choices and significantly reducing integration time. The solution also provides a common framework, which enables services beyond

[20] VOD, such as real-time capture and play-back, targeted advertising and locally generated content.
[21] Thus it is the unique VOD delivery solution which is most compact and capable video edge device. Located in the hub, it uses Ethernet to interconnect with video server farms in the regional head ends and then distributes the VOD streams to individual subscribers across the existing hybrid fiber coax (HFC) infrastructure.
[22] The solution is compatible with leading video servers, various Ethernet switches and conditional access systems as well as a wide range inventors set-top boxes.
[23] Operators, therefore, have greater choice for securing, hosting, transporting and distributing their content while leveraging their existing system investments.
[24] It's everything cable operators value most in a strategic partner, with value-added benefits that will put you ahead of the competition.

We Claim:-
1 A Scalable, Secured System Integrated Within The Prevailing Unidirectional Cable
Television Network To Offer Real Time 'Video On Demand' Services To Subscriber's
Display Device (S) Interfaced With A Proprietary Hardware Device comprising of
(a) A Set Top Box, remote control, display device, HDMI cable, network hardware, antennae, graphic user interface and a depicted bandwidth at the Subscriber end;
(b) Internet data center comprising of firewall, SSH server, switches, billing server, MAS server, SMS server
(c) Link between the Subscriber and the internet Data center by means of secure SSH connection.
(d) Central Repository comprising of secure multiple Network Attached Storage (NAS) where all the encrypted content are stored. Repository contains multiple copies of same content for RF & Intranet delivery mechanisms
(e) Video Streaming Server comprising of multiplexer, stream manager, VOD manager. Multiplexer - RE-multiplex multiple transport stream and generate a single or multiple transport stream(s) multicast on a single or multiple multicast IP addresses. It dynamically adds or removes program content and manages bandwidth sharing. Stream manager ~ This manages the requests for multiplexer to be streamed on RF master channel. VOD manager - This component is responsible for all the settings of multiplexer and stream manager.
(f) Means for IPQAM network
(g) Means for Networking Protocol
(h) RF combiner
(i) RF splitter
(j) Optical Transmitter
2 The Set Top Box as in claim 1 comprising of provision for streaming of multimedia
content with display devices such as television, Internet connection port, power
inputs, microphone, RF antennae,, Component Video (Y, Pb, Pr) ports, loop out for
splitting connection to multiple display devices, infrared sensor to receive
inputs from hand held devices, means to connect with display device
3 The set top box as in claim 1 and 2 having an unique identity for establishing physical geographical presence
4 The set top box as in claim I and 2 having means for transmitting video on demand requests to video streaming server
5 The set top box as in claim I and 2 having means to decompress, decode, decrypt and control the chosen multimedia information.
6 The set top box as in claim 1 and 2 having means to interconnect several residential Internet communication devices viz. 2G/3G USB dongle, Wi-Fi, Ethernet for bundled service offerings.
7 The remote as in claim 1 having wireless operation and comprising means to interact with display devices and of ultra slim design and having 7 buttons (with central five

way navigation key) on the front side for various operation and an unique provision to swap energy source on the rear side.
8 The display device as in claim 1 having means for HDMI connectivity
9 The setup box as in claim 1 comprising of a chipset ST7167
10 The set up box as in claim 1 comprising of memory restricted to 256MB DDR2
11 The set up box as in dim 1 having a boot flash of 8 MB and a program memory of 256 MB with inbuilt storage of 8GB
12 The set up box as in claim 1 having a DVB-C tuner
13 The set up box as in claim 1 having a digital audio interconnect cable optical port, a mic in jack, Ethernet port, USB port within built wi-fi and infrared receiver and stand by and power on LED means.
14 System uses its own non-standard communication protocol for speedy, secured and scalable bi-directional data transfer within the architecture of Media on Demand network.

15. VOD manager uses Mboost technology for effective usage of surplus bandwidth freed due to mandatory digitization of analogue cable network.
16. MBOOST TECHNOLOGY enables operators to offer value added services such as Media on demand to subscriber where it uses high bandwidth forward pathfin coming data) and low bandwidth internet connection for return path( outgoing data). In case of internet streaming, both forward path and return paths are over internet. Billing instead of sending request to RF streaming server it sends request to IP streaming server, box then initiates the progressive download and playback of the content from IP streaming server.
17. Mboost technology performs periodic auto scanning to map any corresponding change in frequency of master and slave streamer to provide discomfort free, uninterrupted VOD services to subscriber.
18. Inventor's system helps cable operators to rapidly and significantly lower their total cost-perstream, dramatically boost revenue-generating opportunities and capitalize on the latest distribution technologies to offer to on-demand value added services e.g. news, weather, advertising, education, music, banking, trading etc.
19 Overall it is scalable, secured, resource conserving system integrated within the prevailing unidirectional cable television network to offer real time 'video on demand' services to subscriber's display device(s) interfaced with a compact, uniquely designed proprietary hardware i.e. set top box, hand remote, embedded

VOD streamer and manager using MBoost technology, in house non-standard communication protocol, navigation and subscriber friendly graphic user interface to impart clutter free, 24/7 value added various media on demand services.