System and method of operating the system that prevents multiple channels from continuously being sent to the same set top box
A router is connected to a number of groups, such as xDSL modems, that each have a number of group members, such as set top boxes. When a member of the group identifies a new subscribed-to channel that is to be sent to the member, the router insures that multiple channels are not continuously sent to the same group member.
1 . A system comprising:
a first register;
a second register; and
a state machine connected to the first and second registers, the state machine:
determines a maximum number of channels that can be received by an interface connected to the system, and stores the maximum number in the first register,
determines a current number of different channels that are being sent to the interface, and stores the current number in the second register; and
detects a new channel message from a set top box connected to the interface, the new channel message indicating a new subscribed-to channel.
2 . The system of claim 1 wherein, when the new channel message is detected, the state machine determines if the maximum number is equal to the current number.
3 . The system of claim 2 wherein the state machine further determines whether the set top box is currently receiving a previously subscribed-to channel.
4 . The system of claim 3 wherein, when the maximum number is equal to the current number, and the set top box is currently receiving the previously subscribed-to channel, the state machine stops a transmission of the previously subscribed-to channel.
5 . The system of claim 4 wherein the state machine outputs the new subscribed-to channel after the previously subscribed-to channel has been stopped.
6 . The system of claim 3 wherein the set top box is a member of a group.
7 . The system of claim 6 wherein, when the maximum number is not equal to the current number, the state machine outputs a group specific query to the group.
8 . The system of claim 7 wherein the state machine outputs the new subscribed-to channel to the set top box after the group specific query has been output, but before a group specific query timer has expired.
9 . The system of claim 7 wherein the state machine outputs the new subscribed-to channel to the set top box after the group specific query has been output, and after a group specific query timer has expired.
10 . The system of claim 3 wherein, when the maximum number is equal to the current number, and the set top box is not currently receiving a subscribed-to channel, the state machine drops the new channel message.
11 . A method of operating a system connected to an interface, the system including a first register and a second register, the method comprising the steps of:
determining a maximum number of channels that can be received by the interface, and storing the maximum number in the first register;
determining a current number of different channels that are being sent to the interface, and storing the current number in the second register; and
detecting a new channel message from a set top box connected to the interface, the new channel message indicating a new subscribed-to channel.
12 . The method of claim 11 and further comprising the step of, when the new channel message is detected, determining if the maximum number is equal to the current number.
13 . The method of claim 12 and further comprising the step of determining whether the set top box is currently receiving a previously subscribed-to channel.
14 . The method of claim 13 and further comprising the steps of:
when the maximum number is equal to the current number, and the set top box is currently receiving the previously subscribed-to channel,
stopping a transmission of the previously subscribed-to channel; and
outputting the new subscribed-to channel after the previously subscribed-to channel has been stopped.
15 . The method of claim 13 wherein the set top box is a member of a group, and further comprising the step of, when the maximum number is not equal to the current number, outputting a group specific query to the group.
16 . The method of claim 15 and further comprising the step of outputting the new subscribed-to channel after the group specific query has been output, but before a group specific query timer has expired.
17 . The method of claim 15 and further comprising the step of outputting the new subscribed-to channel after the group specific query has been output, and after a group specific query timer has expired.
18 . The method of claim 13 and further comprising the step of, when the maximum number is equal to the current number, and the set top box is not currently receiving a subscribed-to channel, dropping the channel message.