Subscriber unit and method for extended communication

Abstract

The present invention relates to a subscriber unit in a home environment and a communication system. In one embodiment the subscriber unit has an input for connection to a local video signal, from for instance a picture telephone or a video camera. A video/picture signal may thereby be reproduced in a TV-receiver being connected to the subscriber unit. A sensor in the subscriber unit detects whether a local video signal is present on the telephone unit's input. If this is the case, the control unit connects this signal to the receiving means for further transmission through the subscriber unit and the TV-receiver. The picture telephone image may either be shown separately across the entire screen of the TV or be presented in parallel with other pictorial/video information.

That which is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A subscriber unit for receiving and transmitting signal information in a communication system, comprising:
 at least one receiver configured to receive a number of signals within a frequency range, wherein each signal unit of the number of signal units represents at least one of the following: a data signal, a text-tv signal, an audio signal, a video signal, or any combination thereof ;   at least one camera is connected to the subscriber unit,   a sensor in the subscriber unit is configured to detect the signals, whereby a control unit connects this signal to the receiving unit.   
     
     
         2 . Subscriber unit according to  claim 1 , characterized in that said signal units include at least one of a time information and a secret code. 
     
     
         3 . Subscriber unit according to  claim 1 , only one of the data signal, the text-tv signal, the audio signal, the video signal, or any combination thereof is forwarded to the receiver unit 
     
     
         4 . Subscriber unit according to  claim 1 , characterized in that a unique identification includes at least a digital identification, whereby said digital identification includes identifying information pertaining to at least a time information, a secret code, signal type or frequency. 
     
     
         5 . Subscriber unit according to  claim 1 , characterized in that at least one of said signal units includes at least two signals wherein one of said signals includes a video signal and that the other signal includes an audio signal and that said identifying unit is configured to provide said signals in said signal unit with said unique identification that is superimposed onto the respective signal. 
     
     
         6 . Subscriber unit according to  claim 4 , characterized in that said identifying unit is configured to detect a digital identification of said signals or each signal unit. 
     
     
         7 . Subscriber unit according to  claim 1 , characterized in that a register includes at least those signal units to which said addressed receiver has authorized access, whereby said comparator unit is further configured to exclusively forward such signal units that correspond to a corresponding stored signal unit in said register. 
     
     
         8 . Subscriber unit according to  claim 7 , characterized in that said register is an active register in which it is possible to erase stored signal units and add further signal units, and where said register is arranged such that said erasure and addition can be affected via a communications system. 
     
     
         9 . Subscriber unit according to  claim 7 , characterized in that the unique identity is linked to the register which is configured to include at least one of an ID-number and an ID-address, whereby said unique identity forming a basis for which signal units that are being forwarded or blocked by the comparator unit. 
     
     
         10 . Subscriber unit according to  claim 1 , characterized in that said comparator unit is configured to compare the signal units with said signal units in said register, whereby at least one of said unique identification and digital identification is arranged to make possible said comparison. 
     
     
         11 . Subscriber unit according to  claim 1 , characterized in that a verification unit is configured to verify said signal units being forwarded by said comparator unit. 
     
     
         12 . Subscriber unit according to  claim 1 , characterized in that it is connected to a picture telephone unit through which a picture telephone link is established between a user and at least one other user. 
     
     
         13 . Subscriber unit according to  claim 1 , characterized in that said subscriber unit, comprises a positional information receiver, whereby the positional information forms a basis for which signal units that are being forwarded or blocked by the comparator unit. 
     
     
         14 . Subscriber unit according to  claim 1 , characterized in that said receiver comprises at least one of a TV-receiver, a satellite receiver and a radio receiver. 
     
     
         15 . Subscriber unit according to  claim 1 , characterized in that it is connected to an interface unit through which information can be exchanged with a central computer over at least one communications network. 
     
     
         16 . Subscriber unit according to  claim 15 , characterized in that it is connected to a switch, which is arranged to automatically select an interface in the interface unit that is adapted to at least one of the communications networks. 
     
     
         17 . Subscriber unit according to  claim 15 , characterized in that the central computer is arranged to include data pertaining to at least one of a unique identity, a unique identification, an ID-number, an ID-address and a unique address, which represents at least a subscriber, whereby said data forms a basis for said central computer to verify whether said receiver is authorized to forward said signal units. 
     
     
         18 . Subscriber unit according to  claim 15 , characterized in that the central computer is arranged to include data pertaining to at least one of a unique identity, a unique identification, an ID-number, an ID-address and a unique address, which represents at least a subscriber, whereby said data forming a basis for said central computer to process said data pertaining to each users viewer surveys and statistical investigation.