CA1277762C - Remote presentation station and method for use in interactive video computer system - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract Remote Presentation Station and Method For Use In Interactive Video Computer System A remote presentation station and method for use in an interactive video computer system having a central computer and several presentation stations connected together by an R.F. cable link. Each presentation station includes a television tuner or converter for receiving data broadcast over the cable link by the central computer. The station further includes a video display generator controlled by an internal processing unit. A switch is provided for selectively coupling either the output of the converter or the output of the display generator to a television receiver associated with the station. A switch control signal is provided by the processing unit in response to commands produced by the user by way of a keypad.
The user may select various channels provided by either the converter or the display generator using the keypad, with the processing unit controlling the switch so as to select the appropriate channel source.

Description

~Z77762 Description Remote Presentation Station and Method For Use In Interactive Video Computer System -Technical Field .
The present invention relates generally to video display systems and more particularly to a remote presentation station and method for use with an associated television receiver in an interactive video computer system having a central service computer coupled to several such remote stations by way of a R.F. data link.

Background of the Invention Television receivers are now commonly used for displaying information other than conventional television broadcasts. In addition, interactive communication systems utiliziny television receivers are now in existence which permit the viewer to input information which is received and acted upon by the source of the broadcast. By way of example, some systems permit a viewer to make shopping purchases and banking transactions utilizing a keypad.
One of the shortcomings of such interactive communication systems is that some amount of training is usually required in order for a lay person to operate the system. Typically, a keypad is provided having a specialized group of keys which are separate from the channel-select keys used for making television channel selections. Such specialized keys often confuse and intimidate the viewer, thereby discouraging use of the system.
The present invention overcomes the above-noted shortcomings. The subject presentation system is capable of displaying a wide range of video information from many divergent sources, including standard ,,s 7~,, ,_ ,J~' ~: i 1;~7776~

commercial broadcasts, utilizing a simple keypad. The keypad has channel-select keys which are very similar to the keys of a conventional television remote control unit. In addition, the same keys for making channel selection for conventional television broadcasts are used for selecting all of the channels which carry the nontradional broadcasts and which frequently provide for viewer interaction. Thus, persons capable of operating a conventional television remote control unit will typically have no difficulty in operating the subject presentation station.
These and other advantages of the subject invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention together with the drawings.

Disclosure of the Invention A remote presentation station for use in an interactive video computer system having a head end section and several presentation stations in communication with the head end section through an R.F.
data link and method i8 disclosed. The head end section preferably includes a central computer coupled to the data link and a source of video broadcast signals also coupled to the link.
The subject presentation station is intended for use in conjunction with a television receiver. The station includes an R.F. switch having an output for coupling to the receiver input. The switch has at least two inputs and is controlled b~ a switch control signal. A television converter or tuner is provided having an input coupled to the data link and an output coupled to one of the inputs of the R.F. switch. The converter is capable of tuning selected ones of the video broadcast signals transmitted on the data link in response to a converter control signal.

~Z'77762 The presentation station also includes a keypad means for producing keypad signals in response to manual actuation by a user. The keypad means may be, for example, a keypad having a plurality of keys. A
processor means is provided for producing the converter control signal and the switch control signal in response to the keypad signals. The processor means also includes a memory for storing programmed instructions which are used by the processor means for producing video data.
A video display generator means is further provided for producing video signals in response to the video data produced by the processor means. The output of the generator means is coupled to a second input of the R.F. switch.
Preferably, a first plurality of channels are as8igned to the video broadcast signals tuned by the converter means and a second plurality of channel~ are assigned to the video signals produced by the display generator means. The user then may select any one of the first or second plurality ~f channels utilizing the keypad means. To simplify operation, the same group of keypad keys is used for selecting channels in both the first and second groups.

Brief Description Of Th ~
Figure 1 is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary application of the disclosed interactive video computer system in a hotel or motel.
Figure 2 is a simplified block diagram of one of the Remote Presentation Stations (RPS) or room units of the computer system.
; Figure 3 is a block diagram showing details of the Digital Control Computer (DCC) and television converter :~ of the RPS.

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~Z77762 Figure 4 is a block diagram showing details of the Personal Computer (PC) and power supply of the RPS.
Figure 5 depicts the front panel of the keypad used for controlling the RPS.
Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating the power-up sequence of the DCC.
Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating the DCC Read Only Memory keypad sequence.
Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating the DCC
Random Access Memory keypad sequence when the RPS is in the Authorized Television Channel (ATV) television mode.
Figure 9 is a flow chart illustrating the DCC
Random Access Memory keypad sequence when the RPS is in the PC television mode.
Figure 10 is a flow chart illustrating the DCC
Random Access Memory Keypad sequence when the RPS i~ in the PC natlve program mode.
Figure 11 is a flow chart illustrating the manner in which the DCC processes data from the PC.
Figure 12 is a flow chart illustrating the manner in which the DCC processes standard PC peripheral requests.
Figure 13 is a flow chart illustrating the manner in which the DCC processes PC requests directed to the DCC.
Figures 14A-14C are flow charts illustrating the manner in which the DCC processes data from the Central Service Computer (CSC).
Figure 15 is a flow chart illustrating the boot sequence for the PC.
Figure 16 is a flow chart illustrating the Record Player (RP) sequence of the PC.
Figure 17 is a flow chart illustrating the menu change sequence of the PC .

1~77'~62 Figure 18 is a flow chart of the PC boot sequence ~or native software.

Best Mode For Ca vjn~ o~t The Invention Referrinq now to the drawings, Figure 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary application of the disclosed interactive video computer system. Although the system, including the subject remote presentation station will be described in connection with a hotel installation, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject invention is suitable for use in other applications.
The computer system can be conveniently divided into a head end portion, usually but not necessarily located in the vicinity of the hotel front desk and a plurality of the subject remote presentation stations, each located in the individual rooms and other locations. The presentation stations are ~ometimes referred to herein either as room units 40 or front desk units 38.
The head end portion includes a Central Services Computer (CSC) and associated data base 20. The CSC
may include for example, a supermicrocomputer manufactured under the designation Wicat System 160, by Wicat Systems, Inc., Orem, Utah. CSC 20 is coupled to various peripheral devices including one or more remote printers 22 and a plurality of telephone modems 24 for coupling the computer system to other computers and data bases via the telephone lines. The head end portion is connected to the remote presentation stations or room units 40 through a coaxial cable 36 such as used in hotel television signal distribution systems. A front desk unit 38, similar in construction to room units 40, is also connected to cable 36.
A data path between cable 36 and CSC 20 is provided through a conventional cable combiner and a ., ~7776:~

head end modem 35. Modem 35 receives data from CSC 20 and modulates an RF carrier with the data for transmission to the front desk and room units via cable 36. Modem 35 also demodulates data transmitted on the S cable from the room units and front desk unit and forwards the data to the C~C. As will be subsequently described in greater detail, the desk and room units are each provided with separate modems for accomplishing a similar function.
The head end portion further includes various video data sources which may include, for example, a television antenna and associated amplifier 28, a cable television connection 30, both of which are connected to a coaxial cable 26. In addition, a controlled video source 32, which may include, for example, one or more video disc players or other form of video generator, is also connected to the cable. Video source 32 is controlled by CSC 20. Cable 26 is coupled to cable 36 o~ the front desk and room units through cable combiner 34.
Referring now to Figure 2, some of the details of the remote presentations stations or room and front desk units may be seen. Each station is used in conjunction with a conventional televisions receiver 49. Coaxial cable 36 is coupled to one port of a conventional RF diplexer which divides the RF signal on the cable into two separate signals. An output port of diplexer 42 is connected to television converter or tuner 44 which, as will be subsequently described in greater detail, converts the si~nal down to a standard predetermined television channel frequency. Diplexer 42 provides a communication path from cable 36 to the converter. The output of converter 44 is connected to one input of a two-input RF switch 46~ The output of switch 46 is connected to the input of television receiver 49.

~277762 A remaining port of diplexer 42 is coupled to an RF
modem 48. Diplexer 42 provides a two-way communication path be-tween cable 36 and modem 48.
The head end modem 35 transmits and receives data on different frequencies so as to provide duplex capability. The controlled video source 32, cable TV source 30 and TV antenna and amplifier 28 typically utilize the following frequency bands: 54-72 MHz; 76-88 MHz and 108-450 MHz. To avoid interference, head end modem 35 may, for example, transmit on 75 M~z and receive on 5 MHz.
The room unit modems 48 would then, of course, be implemented to transmit on 5 MHz and receive on 75 MHz.
The data port of modem 48 is coupled to a Digital Con-trol Computer ~DCC) 50 through the computer's associated I/O
interface. The I/O interface also connects DCC 50 to various peri-pheral devices, including a channel display 52. Display 52 presents a digital representation of the channel selected although, as will be subsequently described, DCC 50 sometimes masks out the actual channel being used so as not to confuse the hotel guest operator.
Display 52 preferably includes three seven-segment character dis-- 20 play sections.
The peripheral devices also include a message light 54 for signaling the guest that one or more messages for the guest have been received and stored in the CSC. The messages can be retrieved and viewed on the tele~ision receiver screen as will be subsequently 1~77762 described. Also included is a unique keypad 56 used by the guest to control the subject remote presentation system. In addition, a speaker 58 is connected to the I/~ interface. Speaker 58, which is separate from television receiver 49, is used to transmit alarms to the guest including, for example, a wakeup signal as programmed by the guest.
The remote presentation station also includes a Personal Computer (PC) 60. PC 60 is preferably an off-the-shelf personal computer having a large amount of commercially-available applications software including, for example, video games and business software. By way of example, a computer manufactured by Atari Computer under the designation Atari 400 has been found suitable for the present applications.
PC 60 is provided with an associated keyboard 62.
As represented by line 61, DCC 50 is connected to some output~ of keyboard 62 80 that certain predetermined keystroke entries may be produced by either the guest or the DCC. Keyboard 62 permits the subject presentation station to be used as a computer terminal, word processing station and the like. One or more joysticks 64 are also provided which are coupled to PC
60 and are used for playing video games.
An RF modulated output of PC 60 is coupled to the remaining input of RF switch 46. As indicated by line 45, a control signal is provided by DCC 50 for controlling switch 46 so as to couple either the output of converter 44 or the video output of PC 60 to television receiver 49. DCC 50 also provides control signals, as represented by line 47, to converter 44.
Thus, DCC 50 serves to control which channel on cable 36 is fed to the television receiver. Converter 44 and PC 60 are implemented to provide outputs on a single, predetermined television channel, such as channel 2.
Television receiver 49 will remain tuned to the fixed ~: * ~ k 127~7762 channel all the time. Preferably, the channel selector of the receiver is disabled or removed so that the tuned channel cannot be changed by the guest.
Further details of converter 44 and DCC 50 are depicted in Figure 3. Converter 44 is a conventional commercially-available television converter. A seventy channel converter manufactured by Eastern Electronic Co., Ltd., No. 4 Shin-Long Road, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, having the model designated UDT-147 has been found suitable for the present application.
Converter 44 generally includes an input mixer 66 which mixes the RF input from the diplexer with the output of a voltage controlled oscillator (V.C.O.) 70.
The output of mixer 66 is coupled to an intermediate frequency (I.F.) stage 68, which is typically set to approximately 611 MHz. The output of I.F. 68 is then combined with the output of a local oscillator (L.O.) 74 by way of a second mixer 72. The output of mixer 72, whlch i8 always at a predetermined standard channel frequency such as channel ~, is connected to one input of the RF ~witch. m e output of V.C.O. 70 is also coupled to a frequency divider circuit 76 which provides a digital output signal having a pulse rate which is equal to the VCO frequency divided by 256.
Converter 44 is controlled by a phase lock loop (P.L.L.) control circuit 98, which forms part of DCC
50. A phase lock loop control integrated circuit manufactured by Motorola, Inc., having the designation MC145145 has been found suitable for the present application. One input of P.L.L. control circuit 98 is coupled to the output of divider 76 of converter 44. A
second control input is provided by the central processing unit (C.P.U.) 78 of the DCC by way of I/O
interface 96. An analog output signal on line 47, which is filtered by a filter 100, is used to control V.C.O. 70. The channel tuned by converter 44 is determined by the P.L.L. control circuit 98 digital input provided by C.P.U. 78.
C.P.U. 78 is a standard microprocessor such as a processor manufactured by Zilog Corporation having the model designation Z-80. C.P.U. 7~ is supported by a random access memory (RAM) 80 and a read only memory (ROM) 82. The C.P.U. i5 clocked at a frequency of typically 4 MHz by a clock circuit 84.
DCC 50 communicates with CSC 20 of the head end portion of the system utilizing the well known Synchronous Data Link Control (SDLC) protocol. A
conventional SDLC I/O interface 86 is provided for interfacing between C.P.U. 78 and the RF modem. An interface circuit manufactured by Zilog Corporation under the designation Z80 SIO can be used for this application. Data to be transmitted from DCC 50 to CSC
20 at the head end is converted to nonreturn-to-zero-inverted (NRZI) codiny using conventlonal and well known circuitry represented by block 88. Data received by DCC 50 from CSC 20 is converted from NRZI using conventional and well known clrcultry represented by block 90. Conventional phase lock loop (P.L.L.) recovery circuitry, represented by block 92, is used by circuit 90 to convert the data from CSC 20 from NRZI
coding. SDLC interface 86 asserts Request To Send signals prior to and during an SDLC transmission.
The DCC I/O interface 96 also transmits and receives serial data to and from PC 60 as represented by line 108. Interface 96 also provides control ; 30 signals to the PC which are used to simulate certain keyboard outputs as represented by line 61 as will be subsequently described. Booting and rebooting of the PC is accomplished by generating appropriate signals on ; line 112. Line 112 is connected to a controllable power supply which provides power to PC 60.

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Keypad 56 ~Fig. 2) is implemented to produce a serial data output. DCC 50 is provided with a serial decoder 102 for converting the serial data from the keypad to parallel format for I/O 96. I/O 96 also provides data for driving the message light and channel display, as represented by lines 114 and 116, respectively. Another output of I/O 96 is used to trigger a conventional counter/timer circuit 104, such as a circuit manufactured by Zilog Corporation having the designation Z80 CTC, which produces an audio signal in response to a control signal on line 105. The audio signal is fed to speaker 58 (Figure 2) through an amplifier 106 and may be used as a wake-up alarm or the like.
A watchdog circuit 94 is provided for monitoring the operation of C.P.U. 78. The C.P.U. is implemented to periodically reset the watchdog if the C.P.U. is operating sati~factorily. Circuit 94 include~ timing circuitry which cause the cir~uit to force the DCC
software to reboot if the re et does not occur at the proper frequency.
Referring now to Figure 4, PC 60 includes a CPU
118 supported by a RAM 120 and a ROM 122. Clock signals are provided to CPU 118 by a clock source 124.
PC 60 further includes a video display generator (V.D.G.) 130 which reads data directly out of RAM 120 so as to provide a video signal. The video signal is then used to modulate an RF carrier utilizing a modulator circuit 132. The output of modulator 132 is fed to one input of the RF switch, as previously noted.
PC 60 further includes an I/O interface circuit 126 for interfacing between the CPU and PC keyboard 62 ; and joysticks 64 (Figure 2). DCC 50 also provides control signals which simulate certain predetermined ; 35 keystrokes of the keyboard. As represented by block 128, these signal lines are effectively wired-ORed with the output of the keyboard so as to accomplish the desired dual-control function. Line 108 is connected to I/O 126 to provide a data path between the DCC and PC .
The front desk and room units each include a power supply 134 for providing the necessary power supply voltages to the unit. This typically includes +5 volts D.C., +15 volts ~.C. and +24 volts D.C. A separate +5 volt supply line is provided to PC 60 which is controlled by signals from DCC 50 on line 112. As previou~ly described, DCC is used to power PC 50 off and on so as to boot and reboot the PC.
The front panel of keypad 56 for controlling the subject remote presentation station (front desk or room unit) is depicted in Figure 5. The front panel is broken up into an upper section 134 and a lower section 136. Uppçr section 134 include~ twelve keys, referred to as channel keys, which are used for selecting the various channels. The channels include ordinary television channels and other channels, as will be subsequently described. The nine keys on the lower segment 136 are used for communicating with the video computer system.
It is a principle objective of the subject presentation station to make operation of the interactive video computer system as simple and straightforward as possible. Various typical exemplary operating sequences will now be given to illustrate that this objective has been met.
Channel numbers 000 through 999 may be selected utilizing the channel select keys of section 134 of the keypad. The channel assignments may be made arbitrarily, but it is preferable to follow certain guidelines to simplify operation. By way of example, channel numbers assigned to local television stations are preferably the same number used in the system.

Thus, if a guest wishes to view Channel 12 of a locally-broadcast television station, the channel may be selected by simply depressing key "1" 144 of the keypad followed by key "2" 146. DCC 50 (Figure 2) will then cause television converter 44 to tune to the Channel 12 television signal provided by the television antenna and amplifier 28 (Figure 1). In addition, DCC
50 will cause RF switch 46 (Figure 2) to couple the output of the converter to the television receiver and will cause channel display 52 to display "12". The guest will then be able to view the local television station on the television.
If the guest wishes to select another television statior., the new channel can be tuned using the numerical keys of panel section 134. Alternatively, the channel number can be sequentially incremented or decremented by repeatedly actuating keys 142 and 140, respectively. ~s will be subsequently explained, certain channels will be automatically skipped when keys 142 and 140 are used. The channel display 52 will change as the new stations are tuned.
One channel of the system preferably is allocated to displaying a system menu which lists the various functions which can be performed by the system together with the corresponding channel number. The system menu may be allocated to channel 99 so that the guest may select the menu for viewing by simply entering the number 99 by activating key l-9" 160 twice. Table 1, below, contains a portion of an exemplary system menu which would then be displayed.

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Channel Function Hotel Services 71 Message Pickup 72 WakeUp Service 73 Room Service 74 Room Checkout Entertainment ~ Leisure 81 Video Games 82 Premium Viewing 83 Shopping 84 Dining ~5 Fitness & Grooming 88 Video Di8c Game 89 Video Jukebox Tran~portation Business Services :;
The system may be implemented so that the video signal which produces the text of the system menu may be produced either by PC 60 or by an alternative source which is part of the controlled video source 32 located at the head end. If the system menu is produced by PC
60 system software, and if the software is not already resident in the P.C., appropriate software will be down-loaded from CSC 20 when the system menu has been selected. Such down-loading is accomplished using DCC
50. When the video source for the menu is PC 60, as opposed to the controlled video source 32, the DCC also causes R.F. switch 46 to switch to the PC moulator output. If the system menu is produced by the . ~

., 127776;2 controlled video source, other appropriate system software will also be down-loaded, if not resident, into the PC and the DCC will cause converter 44 to tune to a channel assigned to the system menu and will cause the R.F. switch to switch to the converter output.
Should the guest, for example, desire to learn what hotel services are available through the system, she enters channel 70 of the keypad using keys 156 and 138. A hotel service menu is then displayed once appropriate data have been down-loaded from the CSC.
Since down-loading may take several seconds, it is preferable that the down-loading procedure be masked by some means such as displaying an image on the television receiver. The displayed image may include.
for example, the selected channel number which also indicates to the guest that the system is functioning.
Once the down-loading has been completed, the hotel ~ervice menu will be dlsplayed.
The hotel service menu will display text describing the various services available to the guest.
Preferably, the text may be vertically scrolled past a fixed cursor. The menu will contain instructions explaining that vertical scrolling is accomplished actuating Down key 176 and Up key 178 located in the lower section 136 of the keypad. Instructions will also be displayed informing the guest that further information regarding a particular hotel service may be obtained by actuating Select key 174 when the text describing the service has been positioned adjacent the cursor.
Assuming, for example, that the guest has selected room service, another down-loading se~uence will take place for data used in generating video text describing the available room services. If the guest wishes to - 35 order food, for example, appropriate Messages will be displayed, instructing the guest as to which keys of .

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1~762 section 136 of the keypad are to be used. Generally speaking, Up and Down keys 178 and 176, respectively, permit the guest to browse through the available services on a given channel. Reset/A key 162, Option/B
key 164, Start/C key 166, Yes/D key 168, No/F key 172 and Select key 174 are generally used to respond to questions appearing on the screen. For example, once a guest has made a food selection, the guest is informed of the cost of the selection and is asked whether she still wishes to place an order. The guest is instructed to respond by actuating the appropriate Yes/B key 168 or No/F key 172.
If the guest responds in the affirmative, the order will be printed out on one of the remote printers 22 (Figure 1) which is located in the hotel kitchen.
An additional message will be displayed informing the guest that if she is finished u~lng room service or whichever service had been selectedl she may return to the main service menu on channel 99 by actuating Stop/E
key 170.
Alternatively, the guest could have directly requested the room service menu by selecting channel 73, as indicated in Table 1. Other hotel services include message pickup which may be indirectly selected through channel 70 or directly selected through channel 71. When a message has been left, the message is entered into the system by hotel personnel using front desk unit 38 (Fig. 1) and stored in CSC 20. Entering the message causes the appropriate room message light 54 to be illuminated thereby informing the guest that a message is waiting. The guest can then cause the messages to be down-loaded and displayed utilizing channel 71.
Wakeup service can also be accessed by selecting either channel 70 (indirectly) or 72 (directly). The guest is instructed by displayed messages as to the ~' ~

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manner in which the desired wakeup time is entered using the system keys at the lower section 136 of the keypad. Once the time has been entered, an audible signal will be issued at the appropriate time utilizing speaker 58 (Figure 2) which is operative even when the television receiver is shut off.
As a further example, a room checkout service may be called up by selecting either channel 70 (indirectly) or channel 74 (directly). The guest is presented with the final bill, including all charges incurred during her stay. If the bill appears to be in order, the guest so indicates using the appropriate keypad key. The bill is then automatically charged to the guest's credit card. If the guest has questions concerning the bill, the CSC notifies the hotel front desk so that the guest can be immediately contacted by hotel personnel via the telephone.
Entertainment and leisure selections may be made by selecting channel 80. When thi~ channel is accessed, a menu of entertainment and leisure selections together with the associated channel numbers are displayed. If, for example, the guest wishes to play a video game, the guest is instructed to tune to channel 81. Selection of channel 81 will cause a video game menu to be displayed. Up and Down Keys 178 and 176 are used to scroll the various selections past the cursor in the same manner as previously described. The desired game is selected utilizing Select key 174.
Once a particular video game has been chosen, the game program data is down-loaded into the PC. The guest may then play the game using joysticks 64 and keyboard 62. If desired, provisions can be made for billing the guest for use of the video game feature.
By way of example, a guest could be billed on a per game basis or may be billed a predetermined charge for access to all available video games for a fixed amount lzm~z of time. Since PC 60 is a commercially-available personal computer, a large number of applicaton programs for various popular video games are available for licensing and use in the present system.
The system may be implemented such that premium viewing television channels, including special sports, news and movie channels, may be selected in the same manner as ordinary non-premium channels by utilizing the keys located in the upper section 134 of the keypad. If the premium channels are available locally to the general public, it is preferred that the associated channel number assignments in the system be the same.
In the event the option of charging the guest for accessing premium television is desired, the guest is informed that a menu may be called up directly by selecting channèl 82 or indirectly by way of channel 80. ~nce the menu is displa~ed, the guest may select the particular premium channel or channels she wishes to view by scrolling the selections past a fixed cursor utilizing Up key 178 and Down key 176 in the manner previously described.
Once the guest has made a premium television channel selection, the guest is apprised of the cost of the channel and is requested to indicate via either Yes key 168 or No key 172 whether the service is desired.
Alternatively, an option may be given to have access to all premium television channels for a fixed sum. If the guest authorizes payment, the guest is instructed to tune to any of the associated channels using the keypad. As previously noted, the channel number assigned to the premium television channel i8 the same number used in the local community. The premium channel selected will remain enabled to the guest for a ; 35 predetermined time period such as a few hours or an entire evening.

~277762 As long as one or more premium channels remain enabled, the guest may switch to and from such channel in the same manner as an ordinary non-premium television channel. If the guest has selected a premium channel station which has not been enabled, a message will be displayed directing the guest to channel 82 if premium television viewing is desired.
As set forth in Table l, a shopping menu may be displayed if the guest selects channel 83. The shop-ping menu will indicate the various types of shoppingavailable, such as clothing and the like. The guest then selects the desired shopping type. Information such as store names, addresses and transportation directions to the store from the hotel may be displayed. In addition, once a particular store has been selected, the system may automatically cause a short, informative video segment, including advertise-ments, relating to the ~tore to be displayed. ~f a ~egment for a selection ls to be displayed, the video source is switched from the PC to the television converter and the converter i8 automatically tuned to the appropriate channel to receive one of the outputs of the controlled video source 32 (Figure 1). Once the video segment is over, the converter is automatically switched back to channel 83. The guest is not aware of such channel switching since the channel display 52 remains unchanged at channel 83. In the event the video disc player or tape player which contains the - desired video segment is servicing another room, the segment will be skipped.
As a still further example, channel 84 may be selected for viewinq a menu for dining locations and channel 85 may be selected for viewing a menu of selected local establishments which provide fitness and grooming services. These menus, which may also be ~;~77762 selected indirectly using channel 80r are similar to the shopping channel 83 menu.
Channel 89 may be selected for viewing musical video segments which originate from the controlled video source 32. When no selection is active, a message is displayed on the channel, instructing the guest to switch to channel 98 to make her own musical video selection. At channel 98, the guest is presented with a selection of musical video titles. Typically, the guest is advised that there is a charge for each selection. If a selection is made, the television converter 44 is automatically switched to channel 89 so that the video may be viewed.
The musical video channel is similar in operation to a conventional juke box. The channel is broadcast to each room in the hotel and is always enabled. Thus, all guests will be able to view a selection made by an~
other guest by simpl~ tuning to channel 89.
A transportation information menu i8 also available on channel 90. Information on airline schedules, automobile rentals and the like may be obtained on this channel. I desired, video segments may also be utilized once the guest has made a selection.
Various business services may be accessed by selecting channel 95. One selection may include, for example, various business application software such as spread-sheet programs or word processing. Again, since PC 60 is a commercially-available personal computer, it will not be necessary to prepare custom application software since such software can be readily purchased.
Once the program has been down-loaded into PC 60, keyboard 62 is used to operate the PC in the conven-tional manner. Printouts can be obtained utilizing the remote printers 22.

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Channel 95 provides a guest access to various data banks which may include, for example, stock market and news information. In addition, remote computers can be accessed, with the subject remote presentation station serving as a computer terminal. In both instances, access to remote data banks, computers and the like is accomplished by way of telephone modems 24 located at the head end portion of the system.
Another channel of the system, such as channel l, may be selected by the guest for obtaining instructions in operating the system. The instructions are prefer-ably in the form of a short, continuously running videotape which is always broadcast to each room. A
videotape loop running on a videotape player located within controlled video source 32 at the head end portion can be used ~or this purpose. A brochure can be le~t in each room, directing the guest to tune to channel 1 for instruction~ on operating the system. In addition, the system can be implemented to automatic-ally tune to channel 1 when the guest checks in.
Operation of DCC 50 will now be described inconnection with the flow charts of Figures 6 through 14 of the drawings. ~eferring now to Figure 6, the power-up se~uence ~or the DCC is depicted. At power up, represented by element 180, the contents of the DCC
RAM 80 are indeterminate. Accordingly, it is necessary to rely upon program instructions contained in non-volatile DCC ROM 82. As indicated by block 182, a power-on-reset program is used to initialize the subject presentation station, including the peripheral devices. In addition, power to PC 60 is switched off.
As represented by block 186, DCC 50 then causes a converter to tune to a predetermined ~uthorized Television channel (ATV) based upon a channel matrix stored in DCC ROM 82. Channels 000 through 999 of the system can be grouped in four different categories.

The first category includes ATV channels which typically include non-premium television channels and which are provided by converter 44. The second category includes Unauthorized Television (UTV) channels which typically include premium viewing television channels and which are also provided by converter 44. The third category includes system channels which are provided by PC 60 rather than converter 44. The fourth and final category includes channels which have not been assigned and which are referred to as illegal channels. The vast majority of the possible one thousand channel selections fall within this latter category. As will be subsequently explained, some channels which were originally UTV
channels become ATV channels by modification of a channel matrix stored in DCC RAM 80.
At power up, the channel matrix ~tored in ROM 82 i~ used. ~t this time, the ATV channels typically include local television broadcast~. If premium television is to be billed to the guest, such television channels are not included among the ATV
channels, but are designated UTV channels. Once a guest has paid for premium television viewing, the channels will become ATV channels.
At this point in the sequence, a guest may select the ATV television channels by utilizing the keypad as indicated by block 188, as will be subsequently explained in connection with Figure 7. Thus, even in the event that the presentation station is largely inoperative for some reason, a guest will still be able to view ordinary television channels using the ROM
channel matrix.
The DCC RAM program and initial data are then down-loaded from CSC 20 as indicated by element 192.
Once the downloading has been completed, the program stored in the RAM will be executed, as represented by element 194.
As previously noted, prior to the completion of the down-loading of the DCC RAM, inputs from the keypad are under ROM program control. Figure 7 illustrates the manner in which keypad entries are processed in the ROM mode. Interrupts produced by a keypad entry cause the PCC to read such entry as indicated by block 196.
If the key is one of the keys located in section 136 of the keypad panel (Figure 5), sometimes referred to herein as system keys, the DCC will not be able to provide an appropriate response. As represented by element 198, a determination will be made as to whether a system key had been actuated. If so, the DCC will cause channel display 54 to briefly display an error signal such as "HUH" thereby informing the guest that the keypad entry was not proper. If the guest makes another keypad entry, the sequence will return to block 196 and the new entry will be proces~ed.
If the key entry was not from a system key, but rather a channel key located on panel 134, element 202 indicates that a determination will be made as to whether either key 140 or 142 (Fig. 5) had been actuated. As previously noted, keys 140 and 142 cause the present channel number to be decremented or incremented, respectively. If either key 140 or 142 had been actuated, the DCC will cause the appropriate adjacent ATV channel to be selected, and the new channel number to be displayed, as represented by blocks 204 and 2Q6, respectively. Note that the DCC
will skip any intermediate UTV, system or illegal channels when the adjacent ATV channel is selected.
The ROM can be programmed to respond to Up and Down keys 176 and 178 in the same manner, if desired, so that such keys could be used to change channel selections. In that event, such key would not be ~2m62 considered as strictly system keys. Once the channel has been selected, the sequence then returns to block 196.
If keys 140 and 142 had not been actuated, the only remaining possibility in this stage o~ the sequence is that the numerical channel keys of panel section 134 had been used. The DCC then makes a determination, as represented by element 208, whether the channel selected is an ATV channel. If the selected channel is not an ATV channel based upon the ROM channel matrix, an error message will be displayed on channel display 54. If an ATV channel had been selected, the DCC will cause the converter to tune to the new channel, as shown by block 210, and wait for further keypad entries. In addition, the new channel number selection will be displayed.
Figure 8 shows the manner in which keypad entries are processed once the DCC RAM has been down-loaded and the DCC ~s in what can be termed the ATV television mode. Again, keypad entries are detected and a determinat~on ~s made as to whether a system key had been actuated, as represented by elements 212 and 214.
If a system key as opposed to a channel key, was pressed, an error message is displayed, as represented by block 216. If either key 140 or 142 had been actuated, the appropriate adjacent ATV channel is selected and the channel number is displayed, as indicated by blocks 220 and 222. The program will then return to block 212 and await for additional keypad entries.
As indicated by element 224, a determination is then made as to whether the selected channel is an ATV
channel. In this mode, the channel matrix stored in RAM 80 is used rather than ROM 82. If the guest has selected an ATV channel, the converter will be caused ;

~2~762 to tune to such channel and the channel number will be displayed, as indicated by blocks 232 and 234.
If the guest has selected a non-ATV channel, a signal will be forwarded to PC 60 from the DCC, as represented by block 226. The system will then switch the video source using the R.F. Switch to the P.C., as represented by block 227, and then will go to the PC
television mode, as represented by block 228.
Figure 9 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the DCC in the PC television mode. Again, as indicated by block 236, the DCC receives the keypad entry made by the guest. A determination is then made as to whether the entry was from a system key. If a system key had been actuated, the DCC will send a control signal to PC 60. The action taken by PC 60 upon receiving the system key varies according to the system channel selected.
Assuming that a channel key entry had been made, a determination will be made as to whether an ~TV channel had ~een selected, as indicated by element 242.
Assuming that a non-ATV channel had been chosen, the sequence would proceed to block 244 at which time a determination would be made as to whether an illegal channel had been selected, as represented by element 244. If an illegal selection had been made, the channel display will indicate an error, as represented by block 245. If the channel was not illegal, the only remaining possibilities are that either a UTV channel had been or a system channel had been selected. An interrupt will then be sent to the PC, as represented by block 240, and as will be subsequently described.
In response to the interrupt from the DCC, the PC
will request data from the DCC so that it may determine the reason for the interrupt. In most instances, PC 60 will cause a graphic image of the channel to be displayed on the television while program data is being .~

1Zm62 down-loaded into the PC RAM 120. The display may simply include the selected system channel number and a message to the guest to standby. Once down-loading has been completed, the PC will cause appropriate prompting messages to be displayed, requesting the guest to make further keypad entries. The program will then return to block 236 to process any further keypad entries.
Assuming, for example, that the guest had selected a premium television channel which had not been authorized, the program would proceed from element 244 to block 240 and the DCC would send an approriate control message to PC 60. PC 60 would then cause a message to be displayed, advising the guest that a fee will be charged for viewing the channel and instructing the guest to switch to channel 82. As set forth in Table 1, channel 82 is the premium television selection channel. The guest will then be instructed to actuate a system key in response to certain que~tions displayed on the screen. For example, i~ the guest did not desire premium television viewing, she would be asked to actuate No key 172. If the guest did want such viewing, additional requests would be displayed and responded to by the guest.
Once the guest had authorized and agreed to pay for premium channel viewing, a message would be displayed, indicating which premium viewing channels were now available. In addition, the channel matrix stored in DCC RAM would be modified to transform the premium viewing channels from UTV channels to ATV
channels. Thus, should the guest select any premium viewing channel during the authorized time period, the program will proceed directly from element 224 (Figure 8) to block 234 so that the channel will be tuned. No control signal will be sent to PC 60. Accordin~ly, there will be no difference apparent to the guest ~7762 between selecting a premium viewing channel or a non-premium channel.
If the DCC is in the PC television mode and an ATV
channel selection is made, the program will proceed directly to block 246 of the Figure 9 flow chart. The DCC will send a control signal to the PC indicating that it is switching to the ATV television mode. As represented by blocks 248 and 250, the DCC will then revert to the ATV mode illustrated in the Figure 8 flow chart and the desired television channel will be tuned.
When the PC is processing a native program, i.e., an application program such as commercially-available programs for word processing, video games, spread-sheet analysis and the like, the ~CC is in the native PC
mode. In this mode, steps are taken to prevent the DCC
from interfering with the PC processing of native code.
The Figure 10 flow chart illustrates the operation of the DCC in the native PC mode. Keypad entries are irst detected, a~ represented ~y block 252. In the event the guest wishes to exit the native PC mode, she will have been instructed to actuate system Stop key 170. As shown by element 254, when actuation of the Stop key is detected, the program will proceed to block 256, at which time the DCC will request the CSC at the head end to reboot the PC, thereby causing the PC to discontinue processing native code.
Some of the system keys located on lower front panel section 136 (Figure 5) of the keypad can be used when the PC is either processing native code or system code. These keys include Reset key 162, Option key 164, Start key 166 and Select key 174, and are referred to as PC function keys~ These keys are duplicated on the PC keyboard 62. Stop key 170, Yes key 168, No key 17~, and Up and Down keys 178 and 176 are dedicated system keys which are reserved for use only when the PC
is processing system (non-native) code. In the event :

~ ,, ,:, 1Z7776~

actuation of one of PC function keys is detected when the DCC is in the native PC mode, the DCC will forward an appropriate signal to the PC, as represented by block 266. The PC will then respond to the signal in the appropriate manner, as will be subsequently described.
If the actuated key was not a PC function key, the program will advance to element 258 at which time a determination will be made as to whether an ATV channel had been selected. Since this is the only remaining proper entry, an error message will be displayed if a non-ATV channel had been selected, as represented by block 262.
If an ATV channel had been selected utilizing the channel keys, the DCC will cause the converter to tune to the selected channel and the corresponding channel number will be displayed on channel display 52, as indicated by blocks 268 and 270. In addition, the DCC
will reque~t the head end CSC to reboot the PC cau~ing the PC to discontinue executing native code, as represented by block 272. The DCC will then revert to the ATV television mode, as indicated by block 274, the operation of which was previously described in connection with the Figure 8 flow chart.
Periodically, PC 60 provides data to the DCC which is either intended to be used by the DCC or forwarded - to the CSC at the head end. Figure 11 is a flow chart depicting the manner in which the DCC processes data received from the PC. Block 276 represents receipt of data from the PC by the DCC. As shown by element 278 and block 280, if the data is a standard peripheral request, the request is processed by the DCC, as will be subsequently described. Such peripheral requests include, for example, disk and printer status requests, disk read requests and disk and printer write requests, ...

as will be described in connection with the Figure 12 flow chart.
If the PC data is not a standard peripheral request, a determination will be made as to whether the data is intended for the CSC at the head end, as indicated by element 282. For example, the data may be a request to mount a disk. Although an actual disk will not be mounted, the CSC in combination with the DCC can emulate an actual disk and mount what is termed a virtual disk. Such virtual disk will actually be an assigned section of the CSC memory, but as far as PC 60 is concerned, an actual disk will have been mounted.
The PC may also request, for example, that the CSC
dismount a disk. In addition, the PC may be providing the CSC with guest billing data in the event the guest has requested premium television viewing, video games, room services and the like. The PC may also provide the CSC with guest wakeup time data, guest checkout requests and the like. As shown by block 284, the DCC
forward~ such reque~t# to the CSC.
PC data to the DCC which is intended for the DCC
may be a television control request to be used for tuning a particular channel. The data may also be a request for the DCC to read CSC replies and status data, or a request to change the PC mode between a system PC mode and a native PC mode. In addition, the PC may provide the DCC with data indicating that the PC
is to be rebooted. The manner in which the DCC process such requests will be subsequently described in connection with Figure 13.
If the PC data does not fall within any of the previously-described three categories, the DCC will ignore such data, as indicated by block 280. This data may, for example, relate to reserved functions which could be added to the system.

1Z77~6~

The manner in which DCC 50 processes standard peripheral requests from the PC, as represented by block 280 of the Figure ll flow chart, is shown in the Figure 12 flow chart. When a request is received, the sequence proceeds from element 292 to element 294, at which time a determination is made as to whether the requests is a status request. The DCC is implemented to emulate standard PC peripherals. Accordingly, the DCC will respond to any status request by sending an appropriate response back to the PC, as represented by block 296 and element 298.
If the request was not a standard peripheral request, the program will advance to element 300 at which time a determination will be made as to whether the request was a disk read request. If such a request is made, the DCC will determine whether the data requested to be read is already in the DCC cache memory, as indicated by element 302. If the data is present, the data is forwarded to the PC and the sequence is completed, as represented by block 304 and element 306. If the data i~ not in the cache memory, the data must be obtained from the CSC located at the head end. Accordingly, the DCC will forward the data request to the CSC, at which time the sequence will be completed, as represented by block 310 and element 312.
In the event the request was not a disk read request, the program will proceed to element 308. If the request is either a disk write or printer write request, such request will be forwarded to the CSC for processing, as represented by block 310. Once the request has been forwarded, the sequence will be completed as indicated by element 312.
PC 60 should only send the aforementioned requests. If the requests do not fall within any of the cateyories represented by elements 294, 300 or 308, an error message will be sent to the PC and the ,~ .

:

1;~77 7~;2 sequence will be completed. The latter two steps are represented by block 314 and element 316.
The manner in which the DCC processes PC requests intended for the DCC, as represented by block 288 of the Figure 11 flow chart, is shown in the Figure 13 ~low chart. One such request is to send a data reply which the DCC received from the CSC and which is intended for the PC. As represented by element 320 and block 322, if such a re~uest is made, the CSC data reply is forwarded to the PC. Once the data reply has been forwarded, the sequence is complete. Such CSC
data may include, for example, a message for the guest.
The PC may also issue requests to the DCC to set the PC program mode. As previously noted, the PC mode may be either the native mode wherein native code is being executed by the PC or the system mode wherein non-native code is being executed. If a PC mode request has been made to the DCC, this fact will be detected, as represented by element 326. The DCC will then set the mode a8 instructed by the PC, thereby completing the sequence, as represented by block 328 and element 330.
If the request was not a PC mode request, the program will advance to element 332. A determination will then be made as to whether the PC has issued a room status request. If so, the DCC will advise the PC
of the room status. Room status data may include, for ; example, the room number, the number of guests in the room, the current television channel, the current keypad action, date and time, and special room privileges. Once the room status data have been forwarded, as represented by block 334, the sequence is completed as indicated by element 336.
The PC may also issue a request to switch the video source of the television receiver to either the converter or PC modulator. If a video switch request 1Z~i~762 is detected, as represented by segment 338, block 340 and segment 342, the DCC causes the RF switch 46 to select the requested video source, thereby completing the sequence.
The PC may also request the DCC to tune converter 44 to a particular channel. As represente~ by element 344 and block 346, if a tune request has been made, the DCC will cause the converter to tune to the ATV channel specified. In some instances, the request may specify that the new channel number will not be displayed. By way of example, if a short video segment is to be momentarily shown advertising a restaurant when dining channel 84 has been selected, the channel number will remain 84 even though a new channel had been momentarily selected. Masking of such channel number changes avoids confusing the guest.
As represented by element 348, a determination is made by the DCC a~ to whether the PC indicates that the new channel number i8 to be di~played on channel display 52. If not, the 8equence is completed, as indicated by element 354. If the new number is to be displayed, the display is changed thereby completing the sequence, as represented by block 350 and element 352.
The only remaining possible PC reque~t for the DCC
is a request for the DCC to inform the CSC to perform a standard PC reboot. Thus, if the program has advanced to block 356, the DCC will request a PC reboot, thereby completing the sequence, as represented by element 358.
Figures 14A-14C are flow charts which illustrate the manner in which DCC 50 processes data from the CSC.
Referring now to Figure 14A, block 360 indicates that data from the CSC is received by the DCC by way of RF
modem 48, The data may relate to information which is to be broadcast to all presentation stations or room units. Such broadcast data would include date and time lZ77762 data and/or banner data. A banner is a textual message which may be periodically scrolled across the lower or upper portion of the television screen.
As represented by element 362, a determination is made as to whether the CSC data is a broadcast message.
If the data is such a message, a determination is then made to determine the type of broadcast message, as represented by element 364. If the message is for date and time, the data is stored by the DCC, as represented by block 366. Similarlyt if the message is not for date and time, it is assumed that the data is for a banner. In that case the banner data is stored, as represented by block 368.
If banner data is received, an interrupt may be given to the PC. If the PC is executing native code, the PC will be permitted to continue executing such code without interruption. As represented by element 370 and block 372, if non-native code is being executed by the PC, an interrupt is given to the PC.
I~ the CSC data is not a broadcast message and i8 intended for a particular presentation station (room unit), the program will proceed from element 362 to element 374. At this time, a determination will be made as to whether the data is a command to the DCC to begin using the ROM program. If such a command has been issued, the DCC will commence operating in the ROM
mode in the manner depicted in the Figure 6 flow diagram, as indicated by element 376.
If the CSC data is not a ROM command, the program will proceed to element 378, at which time a determination will be made as to whether the data is a reply to a PC request to the CSC for data. This is the most common type of data provided by the CSC to the DCC. Assuming that the data is such a reply, a determination will be made as to whether the PC is executing native code, as represented by block 380. If 1m762 native code is being executed, the DCC will refrain from interrupting the PC. If the PC is executing system code, the CSC data will be placed in a queue, as represented by block 382, and a signal will be forwarded to the PC, as indicated by block 372. The data will be transferred to the PC when the PC asks for it as represented by element 320 and block 322 of the Figure 13 flow chart.
Referring now to Figure 14B, if the CSC data is not a reply to a PC data request, a determination will be made as to whether the data is a CSC reply to a PC
peripheral request forwarded by the DCC, as indicated by element 384. Such reply would be in response to a disk read request, a disk write request or a printer write request. If the data is such a reply, the data from the CSC is forwarded to the PC, as represented by block 386.
If the data to the DCC is not a reply to a peripheral request at this stage of the se~uence, the data must be intended for the DCC itself. As ~ndicated by element 388, a determination is then made as to whether the data relates to housekeeping information.
By way of example, the CSC may request various statis-tics such as the number of times a particular channel had been selected. Such information can then be used for marketing purposes and the like. Housekeeping requests may also include a request for a DCC RAM dump, a request to conduct a loopback (echo) test, request to perform a memory patch or a command to restart the DCC
RAM program.
As indicated by block 390, if the data relates to housekeeping functions, the functions are processed by the DCC. Otherwise, the program will proceed to element 392 to determine whether the data relates to room status information. As previously noted, such information may pertain to the room number, number of lZ77762 guests in the room, or special privileges of the room such as access to video games and the like. If the CSC
data is for room status, the DCC stores the data in RAM
as indicated by block 394.
If the CSC data does not relate to room status, a determination is made at element 396 as to whether the data pertains to channel data. By way of example, channel data may contain the channel matrix which is to be stored in RAM or a channel frequency table. Such table indicates which frequencies are assigned to channels 3, 5, etc., provided by converter 44.
If the CSC data is channel data, the data is stored in the DCC RAM. Otherwise, the program will proceed to element 400 at which time a determination will be made as to whether the data is PC control data.
Such data instructs the DCC to either turn power on or off to the PC.
I the CSC data is PC control data, the DCC will switch power a~ directed and as indicated by block 402.
~therwise, the program will proceed to element 404 of Figure 14C flow chart. At element 404, a determination will be made as to whether the data is intended for message light control. If so, the DCC will turn the message light on or off, as directed, as indicated by block 406.
The CSC can also send data, as does the PC, for controlling the video source. Thus, if the CSC data pertains to video source control, the DCC will cause the RF switch to select the appropriate video source, as indicated by element 408 and block 410. In addition, the CSC can also æend data, as does the PC, for tuning converter 44. If the program has proceeded to block 412, the only remaining option is that the CSC
data is, in fact, for tuning the converter.
If the new channel number is to be displayed, the channel display will be appropriately changed as ~`

' , ~ , 12~776~

indicated by element 414 and block 416. If the new channel number is not to be displayed, the program will return to block 360 of the Figure 14A flow chart.
Now that operation of the DCC in connection with the PC and CSC has been described, reference is made to Figures 15 through 18 which relate to the operation of PC 60. Referring now to Figure 15, a flow chart of the PC boot sequence as represented by element 480 is depicted. The DCC first causes power to the PC to be switched on so as to cause the PC to begin the sequence, as indicated by block 482. Next, the PC
firmware reads system software from a virtual disk, as indicated by block 484. As previosuly noted, a virtual disk is an emulation of an actual disk and relates to a data file in the CSC memory.
After the last boot block has been read by the PC, the PC initializes various internal data. At this point, PC 60 produces video signals for the system menu such as depicted in Table 1, a8 represented by block 486. At this time, the television displays whatever channel the DCC was last tuned to and does not switch video. As previously noted~ the system could be implemented to utilize a video display generator located in controlled video source 32 for generating the system menu video data. In that event, the menu would be accessed by tuning converter 44 to the appropriate channel.
; The PC then waits for interrupts from the DCC, as represented by block 494. This stage in the sequence can also be arrived at in the event the guest has selected the system menu, as represented by element 495.
Once a DCC interrupt has been received, the PC
determines the reason for the interrupt by first reading the status information from the DCC, as represented by block 496. Next, as indicated by ;

~ ''"

~; .

element 498, if the interrupt is caused by the DCC as a result of a guest having selected an unauthorized television (UTV) channel, the program will proceed to block 500. At that time, the PC will instruct the DCC
to switch the video source to the PC utilizing the RF
switch. The PC will then proceed to read data using a Record Player (RP) program, represented by element 502, which will subsequently be described in connection with the flow chart of Figure 16. The RP is utilized to construct an appropriate display of text on the television screen. In the present case, the text will inform the guest that she has selected a yet to be authorized premium television channel and will instruct the guest as to the manner in which the premium channel can be enabled or authorized.
If the DCC interrupt does not relate to an UTV
channel, a determination will be made as to whether the interrupt is the result of an asynchronous event, as indicated by element 504. An exemplary asynchronous event includes a wakeup signal from the CSC which had been prevlously programmed by the guest. If such an interrupt has been detected, the PC requests the DCC to switch to the PC as the video source, as represented by clock 506. The PC then enters the RP program, as indicated by element 508, and causes text to be displayed on the television explaining the event. By way of example, if a wakeup signal has been detected, a wakeup alarm is sounded by the DCC using speaker 58.
In addition, the PC will cause a wakeup message to be displayed on the television provided, of course, the television is turned on.
If the DCC interrupt does not pertain to an asynchronous event, the interrupt must be the result of ; a new channel selection made by the guest. As previously described, if the guest has selected an ATV
;~ channel, PC 60 is not utilized. System, ATV, UTV and :
;,.

.
,"~ .

., .

illegal channels are, as previously explained, defined by the channel matrix stored in the DCC RAM. If the guest has selected a system channel, the DCC will be requested to switch the video source to the PC as represented by element 510 and block 512. Any other type of interrupt detected at this point in the sequence will be ignored.
Once the RF switch has selected the PC, the PC
will read appropriate graphics data from the CSC and will generate a graphics display on the television screen, as represented by block 514. The display will typically inform the guest that she has selected a system channel rather than an ordinary television channel and will also display the channel number on the screen. The PC will then proceed to execute the RP
program associated with the selected sys~em channel, as represented by block 516 and element 518.
Referring now to Figure 16, the sequence used by the PC for generating and di~playing text utilizing the ~P program i~ depicted. Each type o display i8 generated by sequentially reading one or more virtual disks containing data for constructing the desired display. The data typically contains information relating to the title, a text display area, a selection area, together with instructions and a location where asynchronous information can be horizontally scrolled across the lower or upper portion of the screen in the form of a banner.
As represented by element 418 and block 420, the first step in the RP sequence is to request the CSC, through the DCC, to mount the first virtual disk associated with the desired display. The virtual disk is then read by the PC, through the DCC, as represented by block 422. The PC then requests that the Yirtual disk be dismounted once the data have been read. The ~:
':

....

1Zm62 sequence will be repeated if the data are stored in two or more virtual disks.
The data loaded into the PC RAM by the RP program may also contain executable code termed application code. As indicated by element 426, a determination is then made as to whether any such application code is present. If so, the code will be executed, as represented by block 428. By way of example, the application code could cause software-generated objects to move across the screen such as in a video game.
Another example, would be pressing the Yes key while viewing a display explaining a chargable service which will cause the PC to inform the CSC of the charge, utilizing th~ DCC. Once such code has been executed or if no such code is present, the program will proceed to block 430. At this time, if any text is presently being displayed, the PC will cause the screen to fade to black. The PC will then cause the screen to fade up to the appropriate color and display the desired text, as represented by block 432. As previously noted, the display will typ~cally include a title, a set o in8tructions and a list of selections or choices which can be scrolled by the guest past a fixed cursor.
Once the display or menu has been presented to the guest, the PC will wait for an interrupt from the DCC.
The interrupt will either be caused by a keystroke entry on the keypad or an asynchronous event such as a banner. AB indicated by element 436, if a keystroke interrupt is detected, the PC will be notified by the DCC of the particular key actuated and begin executing appropriate code for the keystroke, as represented by block 438. By way of example, actuation of Down or Up keys 176 and 178 will cause the variou~ selections on the television screen to be scrolled past the cursor.
-~ 35 Actuation of Select key 174 will cause the selection opposite the cursor to be selected. Certain entries by the guest such as the Select key or tuning of another system channel will cause the displayed menu to change, as will be subsequently described in connection with the flow chart of Figure 17. Actuation of the Stop key or the tuning of an ATV television channel may cause the current menu to be discarded and the PC to return to displaying the system channel guide as represented by block 495 of Figure 15.
As represented by element 520, a determination is then made as to whether execution of the code has caused the displayed menu to be changed. If a new menu is to be displayed, the PC proceeds to execute a menu change sequence in accordance with the flow chart of Figure 17, as represented by block 522. If the executed code did not require a menu change, a determination will then be made as to whether the guest had actuated Stop key 170, as represented by element 524. If the Stop key had been actuated, the PC will cause the system menu depicted in Table 1 to be displayed in accordance with the Figure 15 flow chart, as represented by block 526. If the Stop key had not been actuated, the PC would then wait for further interrupts, as indicated by block 434.
If the interrupt was not caused by a keystroke - 25 interrupt, then a determination is made as to whether the interrupt was caused by a banner, as represented by element 440. If not, the interrupt will be ignored and the sequence will return to block 434 at which time the PC will wait for further interrupts. If a banner : ~ 30 interrupt is detected, the PC will cause the text of the banner to scroll across the screen, provided the ~; banner is appropriate for the displayed menu and room, as represented by block 442. For example, if a banner contains information relating to a convention, only those rooms having guests which are attending the ,' ~

.

convention, as determined by room status data, will receive the banner.
~ eferring now to the Figure 17 flow chart, the sequence by which the PC processes menu changes will now be described. As previously noted, such changes occur when the PC is executing code in response to a keystroke interrupt, as represented by block 438 of the Figure 16 flow chart.
Menu changes, as represented by element 444, typically occur when the guest has made a selection utilizing Select key 174. As indicated by block 446, when such a change occurs, the menu currently being displayed fades to black, with the exception of the menu title. A determination is then made as to whether a short video segment is to be displayed with the menu change, as represented by element 448. As previously noted, such segments originate from a video disk or tape player located in the controlled video source 32 (Figure 1). If a segment is to be played, the PC will a k the DCC whether the videotape or disc contained in the controlled video source is busy. If the DCC
replies that the machine is busy, the segment is skipped. If the machine is not busy, the DCC will instruct the CSC to play the segment, command the converter to tune to the channel on which the segment is transmitted and command the RF switch to the converter output. Once the segment has been played, the DCC will notify the PC and switch the video source from the converter back to the PC. The data will then ;~ 30 be displayed as represented by block 454.
The menu change may also involve an intermediate display of graphics between menus. By way of example, if the guest selects a restaurant guide, there may be an intermediate presentation of a graphic representation of an item of food or some other scene associated with restaurants. By way of further example, if the guest selects a travel guide, there may be an intermediate presentation of a graphic representation of an airplane or some other mode of transportation.
If a menu change calls for an intermediate display o~ graphic data, the PC requests the CSC to mount a virtual disk which contains the appropriate data. Once the disk is read, the CSC is requested to dismount the disk and the data is displayed. Preferably, the CSC
contains a set of graphic data for producing several different displays for a particular menu change. The PC informs the CSC of the type of graphic data and the CSC randomly selects a particular display from the set of displays associated with the change. By way of example, if the guest requests information relating to an American food restaurant, an item of American food may be displayed. If the selection is made a second time, it is likely that a different item of American food will appear, ~ince the display is randomly selected. Thus, the visual images seen by the guest as she browses through the variou~ system channels are constantly changing and, therefore, more interesting than if the same graphic presentations were repeatedly used.
If the transition between menus does not call for an intermediate graphic display or if the display is completed, the program will proceed to element 456 at which time a determination will be made as to whether the menu change is limited to changes in text only. If so, the PC will commence scrolling in the title of the new menu during the vertical blanking period of the television receiver, as represented by block 458. The PC will then commence reading data for constructing the new menu from the virtual disk in accordance with the Figure 16 Record Player tRP) program sequence as represented by element 459.
' lX77762 The only remaining possible menu change is a menu involvin~ application code. As indicated by element 460 and block 462, if the menu change is not an application code-type change, the change is iynored and not acted upon. Otherwise, the PC commences to execute the application code. If the guest had selected the video jukebox channel, the application code would send the guest's selection to the CSC through the DCC.
As previously noted, the application programs used by the PC for playing video games and for performing spread sheet analysis and other functions are collectively referred to as native code. Figure 18 is a flow chart illustrating the PC operation when executing native code. Since the native code was written specifically for the PC in preferably unmodified form, the DCC will refrain from presenting interrupts to the PC when such code is being executed by the PC. As indicated by element 466 and block 468, when the guest selects a channel re~uiring the use of native code, the PC informs the DCC that it should go to native PC mode thereby causing the DCC to refrain from presenting interrupts. Next, the PC requests the CSC to mount the virtual disk which contains the appropriate native software, Then the PC power-up code is executed, initiating a reboot, as represented by block 472.
Once the reboot has been accomplished, the program stored in the PC ROM, namely, the PC operating system, boots the native code and executes the code normally.
At this time, the guest can utilize the PC in the conventional manner via the associated joysticks and keyboard. As represented by block 128 of Figure 4, the DCC is capable of simulating various keyboard outputs.
These outputs include actuation of the Keyboard ~ption, Select, Start and Reset keys (not depicted). Thus, the guest has the capability of utilizing corresponding l~rm~

keys 164, 174, 166 and 162, respectively, of the keypad in lieu of the keyboard keys.
When the guest has completed playing the video game or utilizing the business software, she can either actuate Stop key 170 or select an ATV channel. In either case, the DCC will instruct the CSC to mount a system virtual disk for booting the PC, as indicated by block 476. The PC boot sequence, as represented by block 478 will then be carried out in accordance with the Figure 15 flow chart.
Thus, a novel remote presentation station for use in an interactive video computer system has been disclosed. Although a preferred embodiment of such station has been described in some detail, it is to be understood that changes can be made by persons skilled in the pertinent art without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1 . A remote presentation station for use in an interactive video computer system having a head end section which is in communication with a plurality of said presentation stations by way of a hard-wired R.F.
data link, with the head end section including a central computer coupled to the R.F. data link and a source of video broadcast signals also coupled to the data link, said presentation station comprising:
R.F. switch means for selectively coupling first and second switch inputs to a switch output in response to a switch control signal, with said switch output for coupling to the input of a television receiver;
converter means having an input coupled to the R F data link and an output coupled to said first switch input, said converter means being a means for tuning selected ones of the video broadcast signals in response to a converter control signal;
processor means for producing said converter control signal and said switch control signal in response to keypad signals and for producing video data in response to programmed instructions stored in said processor means; and video display generator means having an output coupled to said second switch means input, said display generator means being a means for producing video signals at said output in response to said video data, and wherein said video broadcast signals tuned by said converter means are grouped in channels and assigned a first plurality of associated numerical channel designations and said video signals produced by said display generator means are grouped in channels and assigned a second plurality of associated numerical channel designations; and keypad means for producing said keypad signals in response to manual actuation by a user, said keypad means including a first group of actuating elements mounted in common for selecting any one of said first and second plurality of channels solely by actuation of said first group of actuating elements 2 . The presentation system of Claim 1 wherein said first group of actuating elements includes ten actuating elements representing numerals "0", "1", "2", "3", "4", "5", "6", "7" , "8" and "9 , respectively, and any one of said first and second plurality of channels can be selected solely by actuation of said ten actuating elements 3. The presentation station of Claim 1 wherein said channels are assigned numerical channel designations which form a sequence which includes said designations for said first and second plurality of channels 4. The presentation station of Claim 3 wherein said first group of actuating elements further includes a first actuating element which causes channel selections to advance through said sequence in a first direction and a second actuating element which causes channel selections to advance through said sequence in a second direction, opposite said first direction, and any one of said first and second plurality of channels can be selected soley by actuation of said first and second actuating elements The presentation station of Claim 1 wherein said programmed instructions can cause prompting messages to be displayed on the television receiver and say keypad means includes a second group of actuating PATENT
elements to enable the user to respond to the prompting messages.

6. The presentation station of Claim 5 wherein said second group of actuating elements includes two actuating elements for enabling the user to respond affirmatively and negatively, respectively, to the prompting messages.

7. The presentation station of Claim 6 wherein said two actuating elements represent "Yes" and "No"
responses, respectively.

8. The presentation station of Claim 1 wherein said processor means includes a first processor unit and associated memory which receives said keypad signals and a second processor unit and associated memory which contains said programmed instructions.

9. The presentation station of Claim 8 wherein said processor means is coupled to the R.F. data link and said programmed instructions can be modified by data broadcast by the central computer over the data link.

10. The presentation station of Claim 9 further including a keyboard which is coupled to said second processor for controlling said second processor unit.

11. The presentation station of Claim 10 wherein said keyboard is separate from said keypad means.

12. The presentation station of Claim 9, further including modem means coupled to the R.F. data link for PATENT
demodulating signals received on the data link and forwarding said demodulated signals to said first processor unit.

13. The presentation station of Claim 12 wherein said modem means is also a means for modulating a signal using data provided by said first processor unit and broadcasting said modulated signal to the central computer using the R.F. data link.

14. The presentation station of Claim 13 wherein the source of video broadcast signals at the head end section includes a source which can be controlled by the central computer and wherein said first processor unit provides data to the central computer for controlling the controlled broadcast source.

The presentation station of Claim 14 wherein said memory associated with said second processor contains programmed instructions provided by said first processor unit which originated from the central computer.

16. A remote presentation station for use in an interactive video computer system having a head end section which is in communication with a plurality of said presentation stations by way of a hard-wired R.F.
data link, with the head end section including a central computer coupled to the R.F. data link and a source of video broadcast signals also coupled to the data link, said presentation station comprising:
R.F. switch means for selectively coupling first and second switch inputs to a switch output in response to a switch control signal, with said PATENT
switch output for coupling to the input of a television receiver;
converter means having an input coupled to the R.F. data link and an output coupled to said first switch input, said converter means being a means for tuning selected ones of the video broadcast signals in responds to a converter control signal;
keypad means for producing keypad signals in response to manual actuation by a user;
processor means for producing said converter control signal and said switch control signal in response to said keypad signals and programmed instructions and for producing video data in response to said programmed instructions, said processor means including a computer having a memory which receives said keypad signals and a second computer having a memory which contains at least a portion of said programmed instructions which may be altered by way of said R.F. data link, with said first and second computers executing said programmed instructions; and video display generator means having an output coupled to said second switch means input, said display generator means being a means for producing video signals in response to said video data.

17. The presentation station of Claim 16 wherein said programmed instructions in said memory of said second computer include instructions provided by said first computer which originated from the central computer.

PATENT
18. The presentation station of Claim 17 wherein said video broadcast signals tuned by said converter means are grouped in channels and assigned a first plurality of associated channel designations and said video signals produced by said display generator means are grouped in channels and assigned a second plurality of associated channel designations and wherein said keypad means includes actuating elements for selecting said first and second plurality of channels.

19. The presentation of Claim 18 wherein the same keypad actuating elements are used for selecting said first and second plurality of channels.

20. The presentation station of Claim 19 further including channel display means for displaying which of said first and second plurality of channels is selected by said keypad means.

21. The presentation station of Claim 20 wherein said keypad actuating elements are manually-actuated keys.

22 . The presentation station of Claim 17 further including a keyboard which is coupled to said second computer unit for controlling said second computer.

23 . The presentation station of Claim 22 further including modem means coupled to the R.F. data link for demodulating signals received on the data link and forwarding said demodulated signals to said first processor unit.

PATENT
24 The presentation station of Claim 23 wherein said modes means is also a means for modulating a signal using data provided by said first computer and broadcasting said modulated signal to the central computer using the R.F. data link.

25. The presentation station of Claim 24 wherein the source of video broadcast signals at the head end section includes a source which can be controlled by the central computer and wherein said first computer provides data for controlling the controlled broadcast source.

26. The presentation station of Claim 16 wherein signals coupled to the television receiver through said R.F. switch means are all grouped in channels and assigned an associated numerical channel designation and said keypad means includes ten actuating elements representing numerals "0", "1", "2", "3", "4", "5", "6", "7", "8" and "9", respectively, which can be used for selecting any one of said channels solely by actuating said ten elements.

27. The presentation station of Claim 16 wherein signals coupled to the television receiver through said R.F. switch means are all grouped in channels and assigned a sequential channel designation and said keypad means includes a pair of keys for selecting any one of said channels solely by actuating said pair of keys.

28. The presentation station of Claim 27 wherein said pair of keys includes a first key for advancing through said sequential channel designations in a first PATENT
direction and a second key for advancing through said sequential channel designations in a second direction, opposite said first direction.

29. A method of displaying information in a remote presentation station which is part of an interactive video computer system having a head end section which is in communication with a plurality of the presentation stations by way of a hard-wired R.F.
data link, with the head end section including a central computer coupled to the R.F. data link and a source of video broadcast signals also coupled to the data link, said method comprising the following steps:
selectively switching first and second switch inputs to a switch output in response to a switch control signal, with said switch output for coupling to the input of a television receiver;
tuning selected ones of the video broadcast signals on said data link in response to a converter control signal and coupling said selected ones to said first switch input;
producing said converter control signal and said switch control signal in response to keypad signals and to stored programmed instructions and producing video data in response to said programmed instructions:
periodically altering said programmed instructions by way of the R.F. data link;
producing video signals in response to said video data and coupling said video signals to said second switch input:
grouping said video broadcast signals and video signals produced from said video data into PATENT

channels and assigning said channels associated numerical channel designations;
producing said keypad signals in response to manual actuation of keypad elements by a user, with the same keypad elements being capable of selecting any one of said numerical channel designations 30. The method of Claim 29 wherein said channel designations are assigned in a numerical sequence 31. The method of Claim 30 wherein said same keypad elements include ten keypad elements representing the numerals "0", "1", "2", "3", "4", "5", "6", "7", "8" and "9", respectively, and any of said numerical channel designations can be selectable solely using said ten keypad elements 32 . The method of Claim 30 wherein said same keypad elements include a first keypad element, for advancing through said numerical sequence in a first direction and a second keypad element for advancing through said numerical sequence is a second direction, opposite said first direction, with any of said numerical channel designations being selectable solely by using said first and second keypad elements 33 . A remote presentation station for use in an interactive video computer system having a head end section which is in communication with a plurality of said presentation stations by way of a hard-wired R.F.
data link, with the head end section including a central computer coupled to the R.F. data link and a PATENT

source of video broadcast signals also coupled to the data link, said presentation station comprising R.F. switch means for selectively coupling first and second switch inputs to a switch output in response to a switch control signal, with said switch output for coupling to the input of a television receiver;
converter means having an input coupled to the R.F. data link and an output coupled to said first switch input, said converter means being a means for tuning selected ones of the video broadcast signals in response to a converter control signal;
processor means for producing said converter control signal and said switch control signal in response to keypad signals and for producing video data in response to programmed instructions stored in said processor means;
video display generator means having an output coupled to said second switch means input, said display generator means being a means for producing video signals at said output in response to said video data, and wherein said video broadcast signals tuned by said converter means are grouped in channels and assigned a first plurality of associated numerical channel designations and said video signals produced by said display generator means are grouped in channels and assigned a second plurality of associated numerical channel designations keypad means for producing said keypad signals in response to manual actuation by a user, and PATENT
channel display means for displaying said associated numerical channel designation of any of said first and second channels which is selected using said keypad means 34 . The presentation system of Claim 33 wherein said keypad means includes a group of actuating elements mounted in common for selecting any one of said first and second plurality of channels 35 . The presentation system of Claim 34 wherein said group of actuating elements includes ten actuating elements representing numerals "on, "1", "2", "3", "4", "5", "6", "7", "8" and "9 , respectively, and any one of said first and second plurality of channels can be selected solely by actuation of said ten actuating elements 36 . The presentation station of Claim 34 wherein said channels are assigned said numerical channel designations which form a sequence which includes said designations for said first and second plurality of channels 37. The presentation station of Claim 36 wherein said first group of actuating elements further includes a first actuating element which causes channel selections to advance through said sequence in a first direction and a second actuating element which causes channel selections to advance through said sequence in a second direction, opposite said first direction, and any one of said first and second plurality of channels can be selected solely by actuation of said first and second actuating elements.