CN1089042A - The automatic control and monitoring arrangement and the method that are used for operation of consumer electronic products - Google Patents

Abstract

The information provider provides printing product and contains and printing product pocket memory for information about to the user.The user is read and be shown to information from storer.The user selects at least one information project.The record that the user selects deposits storer in.Information can be TV guide in an embodiment.User by selecting information can remove to connect automatically electronic equipment by operation control, to watch or to write down selected TV programme.Information also can be telephone directory, newspaper advertisement or goods catalogue.The user selects contact business department or selects the shopping place by advertisement or goods catalogue by telephone directory.

Description

The automatic control and monitoring arrangement and the method that are used for operation of consumer electronic products

The present invention relates to the system that is used for controlling consumer electronic products, or rather, relate to the automatic control that is used for consumer electronic products operation and the system of supervision.

Consumer electronic products provides unnumbered device at present, resembles televisor, and is video Cassette recorder equipped, stereophonic sound system, mini-disk cassette player, radio and compact disc cassette player.Each device has its oneself telepilot, is used for operating means on away from a certain distance of device.Each telepilot can have its own unique instruction rules.Many these class devices can be programmed and be selected channel, the date, and the length and the time of VCR video, or from a plurality of mini-disks of CD cassette player, select the order of music trace.Because the complicacy of each device, the uniqueness and the consumer of program step seldom use, and ordinary consumer can not be utilized whole program capabilities of these devices.Therefore, ordinary consumer has been born the expense of his or she obsolete device complicacy.

Further say because the consumer has bought a plurality of telepilots, so he for electronic product undertake more.In addition, after the battery of telepilot discharged fully, the consumer must upgrade the battery of using.Therefore, the increase of battery use amount (because being the comparatively high amts of remote control) has harmful effect to environment.

The method of the remote control quantity that the minimizing spectators must use is to use a general remote controller.For example, 1991,3,12 publish, and people's such as Amano United States Patent (USP) 4,999,622 has been given advice a kind of many commanders, and it has stored and resembles video tape recorder, the code that prelists of the electronic installation correspondence of televisor and similar corresponding different manufacturers.Each user places many commanders under the mode of learning, and triggers the single remote of corresponding electronic installation.These many commanders receive also code signal of storage emission, and these many commanders are discerned last remote controller signal by the signal relatively received and the storage code of manufacturer, and this signal format is deposited in second memory from storer.After many commanders are programmed, many commanders are transformed into remote control mode, make that many commanders are read when the user triggers an order on many commanders from second memory, corresponding remote signal is offered a selected electronic installation.

The telepilot of Amano can not solve the programming problem of unnumbered electronic installation.A kind of method that reduces the complicacy of these devices of programming provides some kinds of code pattern.For example, 1990,7,12 people's such as Yeun that publish PCT application WO90/07844 has given advice channel, date, time broadcast television signal, has reached length information and be encoded to single number.This number is provided on the TV guide.When spectators will record a concrete TV programme, he squeezes into coded digital in the telepilot, this telepilot is to coded digital decoding and in view of the above at appropriate Time Triggered magnetic tape cassette video recorder, the corresponding channel of selecting this TV programme just playing, and when program finishes, turn off VCR.

At present, televiewer or radio audience must receive a TV guide, or resemble TV Leader or the every day from newspaper or obtain the programme weekly with the form of magazine.Then, the user reads over that several pages of programmes are set and the program of definite spectators under planning to see or record.If he records this program at decision, he must or directly be with the problems referred to above that VCR is programmed, or must import code clerk in the telepilot of describing in people's such as above-mentioned Yuen the patent.On the other hand, if he determines to watch in real time this program, he must remember the date and time that this program is showed, and turns on his televisor then in the suitable time.At weekend, the user must discard this TV guide.Have several ten million families to have televisor, go out of use with regard to the programme above 100,000,000 every year.This mode presents huge environmental problem.

A kind of mode of program receiving list is by TV signal or telephone wire.For example given advice a kind of system in the United States Patent (USP) 4,706,129 of 1987,11,10 Young that publish, the user selects the program category that wants to see and store this information in storer therein.Each broadcast program comprises identification and the class code that passes the space.These broadcast singals of this system monitoring, and between program and class code, match now, CPU (central processing unit) (CPU) is stored program schedule information into storer.The user can the piecewise watch selected program, thus conclusive evidence or delete recording of these programs, and perhaps when the user did not check selected program, this system was with the selected program of automatic recording.But this system need be provided with the high capacity memory in televisor, and it consumes a large amount of electric energy and costliness.

The improvement of the United States Patent (USP) of 1990,12,11 Young that publish has been given advice a kind of patent to Young the 4th, 977, No. 455 ' 121.System in patent ' 455 has proposed to receive programme information by telephone wire.It has also given advice a kind of method, utilizes the video blanking interval section of vision signal to send additional data, thus emission facsimile format data.For example, this additional information can provide like this some extraneous informations, as in commercial product characteristics of being publicized widely, and price and part utilizability.These two kinds of system requirements distances transmit directory information gives concrete spectators.Say that further the modulation transmission of phone will take telephone wire for a long time.Therefore, the user must or have one and is used for receiving the directory information special telephone line, perhaps selects a period of time, and he or she does not receive phone page in during this period of time selected.Say that further for the instantaneous user that this information is spread all over U.S. various places, must there be multiple phone line at the directory information center.

In the U.S., TV is with interlaced frame form broadcasting, here first image duration odd-numbered line be scanned, and second image duration even number line be scanned.Between frame, necessary is the upper left corner that light beam will be got back to screen.Go back at light beam during the retrace interval at top, the picture of TV is empty.Be referred to as vertical blanking period (VBI) during this period of time.These blank spaces are used to insert an additional information now.For example, predetermined caption for the deaf is broadcast on the row 21 at frame 1.The code translator of predetermined captions is to this special-purpose row decoding, and provides a text to be used for showing on TV.Frame 2, row 21 is recommended to use as program identification by the NAB and the AIA council.This information will have the name of program, date and time and descriptor.Such system uses for many years in Europe.This broadcasting row is called as VBI.By scanning VBI at interval.VCR can examine the coupling of scheduled program identifier or theme and record broadcast program down.But this system requirements scans all channels that may broadcast required programs.

1989,1,20 publication, people's such as Rumbolt United States Patent (USP) has been represented one for the 4th, 841, No. 368 by a televisor, one is used for the telepilot of TV and the video system that a cable converter is formed.In this system, all channel information is from cable converter.The general remote control transmitter that maybe can reconfigure is incorporated in the television receiver.When the TV telepilot sent a channel commands to TV, this order was received by general remote controller, and this telepilot becomes to be used for the infrared signal of cable box control signal coding to conversion of signals.

1988,9,13 publish, the 4th, 771, No. 283 expressions of the United States Patent (USP) of Imoto public telechiric devices, this device receives the infrared control signal from various telepilots.Controller 28 is read a corresponding remote signal from a storer, and that signal is transferred to corresponding electronic installation.

1989, the 4th, 876, No. 736 a kind of and similar systems of Imoto of expression of the United States Patent (USP) of 10,24 Kiewit that publish.Controller box receives the order from a nonshared control unit, and this controller constitutes first agreement unique to this control enclosure.Based on receiving order, controller converts for example accessible order together of TV of electronic installation to this command decoder and it.Controller 28 sends infrared signal with second agreement and controls TV.Selected order is recorded in the RAM storer.

1990,11,20 publish, the United States Patent (USP) of Zurlinden is represented a kind of receiving trap the 4th, 972, No. 503, and this device is with control of inhibition technology and record spectators' selection.Telepilot is launched a signal and is received for TV and moment by receiver.Transmit based on detecting this, receiver is broadcast one and is suppressed the signal that signal disturbs telepilot to broadcast, and transmits thereby make any televisor all can not discern and act on this.Then, the signal that received of this receiver analysis and determine the channel that TV will be transformed into.Receiver is broadcast signal and is given TV, changes the TV channel whereby.Receiver also is recorded in this channel selection in the storer.In this receiver, because noise or other factors, the number of times of TV is not known a command signal is sent to by this system, and concrete guidance command usually by more than once transmitting so that overcome the not problem of received signal of TV.Say that further each manufacturing firm has different TV order set.So this receiver makes and blocks undesired signal in various manners, comprise discharging a continuous inhibition signal, and suppress it by sending its oneself signal.The signal of oneself has than suppressing the high density of signal.

Be used for TV programme coml demographics ratio and expect that by spectators yardstick decides 53 cover TV programme.These expectation values decide with the budgetary estimate spectators yardstick of former broadcast program usually.For example, based on the budgetary estimate yardstick of former broadcast program, can be to its spectators' yardstick of a segment budgetary estimate that will broadcast in the continuous program of TV weekly.In addition, the demographics ratio can be corrected based on the budgetary estimate of the fait accompli that the market of TV programme is enjoyed.Be used for budgetary estimate market and occupy the present system of composition and comprise comprehensive investigation, significantly resemble the Nielsen parameter.Marketing data in the past is to obtain by the watching habit that selectable family is write down they.For example, a selecteed family writes down selected channel and indoor attendance on a daily magazine of writing or monthly magazine when they open and close TV.In addition, these data can be collected by an electronic installation is provided to the user, and he presses the button of indicator cock TV and selected channel at this.Other system is directly linked on the TV, and it will monitor the Kai Heguan of power supply, and the channel of selected program and time.This system is received on the special telephone line.When receiving indication, this electronic installation dumps to a central computer with its storage by telephone wire and is analyzed.Each this system all requires to select single family, the viewer's that these family's representatives are total suitable sampling, and require to set up in fact monitoring arrangement.Because sample size is very little, the input of every day may be wrong, or requires spectators to operate, and these systems are coarse.

The song that the radio audience can listen him to like, but do not know exercise question or artist, and can not determine him will buy it.Yet the announcer of radio broadcasting station can not tell about the exercise question or the artist of song continually, if perhaps he does, is before playback of songs.The audience must wait, and hears this song again and wish to report exercise question and artist after song has been put up to him.

The program that the TV audience may be scanned different channels and begin to watch one performing.After a few minutes, spectators may determine that he will watch this program next time when showing, because he wants to see complete program, or he may see other things.These spectators must retrieve at present and the TV programme of back, up to the next performance time of finding this program.This is to lose time, and if the past some months, he may forget the name of program.

Controller display message on TV screen makes the user with conversational mode control life kind electronic equipment.And controller is noted the selection of information, and these information are that the user sends, and these information are offered the Information Selection custom that other people come monitoring user.

The selection of the identification of sending based on the user, controller record be date, time and radio station or the television channel of selected song or program down.Controller is to should song or the corresponding programme of program search, and when radio programming list floppy disk inserts controller to artistical name of user prompt and title of the song, perhaps when TV programme floppy disk is inserted into controller, remind user TV broadcast time next time.

This controller monitors from a controller remote control transmitter or the command signal sent from single remote control transmitter.The command signal that the slave controller remote control transmitter sends is converted into corresponding second agreement of agreement with the electronic installation of being ordered.If yet this electronic installation has been carried out choosing restriction by user the preceding, some command signals will be out in the cold.The time and date of instruction is recorded.

On the other hand, the instruction of transmitting from single remote control transmitter generally only is monitored.Because this electronic installation directly responds this instruction.For some instruction, electronic installation is given in controller emission one domination instruction, because this controller can not be known the state that receives these instruction back electronic installations.This domination instruction places a known state of controller to electronic installation.

Monitoring data is stored in the storer, preferably a floppy disk.Termly floppy disk is offered the informant.Analyze these data and determine that the user selects custom.

Floppy disk contains the programme that is useful on TV or radio programming, telephone directory or newspaper classified advertisement.The printed matter that contains information and floppy disk is given the user, floppy disk comprise with printed matter on the content information corresponding.Controller is read this floppy disk and is allowed the user to select the TV programme that will see, or sees or do home shopping.

Aforementioned feature of the present invention will be better understood through the following detailed description with reference to specific most preferred embodiment, and the accompanying drawing relevant with most preferred embodiment is as follows:

Fig. 1 is a functional-block diagram, and its one of expression comprises controller and embodies dialog mode electronic control system of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is the controller function block diagram that is used for Fig. 1 dialog mode electronic control system;

Fig. 3 is the vertical view that is used for the controller remote control transmitter of Fig. 1 dialog mode electronic control system;

Fig. 4 is the isometric view of a TV guide, and this programme is listed on the postpaid envelope of an encapsulation, and this envelope is equipped with a floppy disk that is used for Fig. 2 middle controller;

Fig. 4 a is the zoomed-in view of the TV guide details shown in the presentation graphs 4;

Fig. 5 is postpaid envelope details of expression and the isometric view that includes the disk of TV guide among Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a flow chart, and its expression is used in the step of the editing operation of the mutual electronic control system among Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 represents the layout menu with the demonstration of Fig. 6 arranged mode;

Fig. 8 represents the device menus according to selected device shows on Fig. 7 layout menu;

Fig. 9 represents to come the channel displayed setup menu according to the selection on Fig. 7 layout menu;

Figure 10 represents the cable channel menu that the selection of basis on Fig. 9 channel setup menu shows;

Figure 11 represents to jump over program guide according to the selection channel displayed on Fig. 9 channel setup menu;

Figure 12 represents the user identity menu that the selection of basis on Fig. 7 layout menu shows;

Figure 13 is a flow chart, and its expression is used in the job step that adopts under the master routine mode of Fig. 2 controller function;

Figure 14 represents the master menu that the selection of basis in the flow chart of Figure 13 shows;

Figure 15 is a flow chart, and its expression is used in the step in the TV/VCR procedure Selection part of Figure 13 master routine;

Figure 16 represents the TV/VCR menu that the selection of basis in Figure 14 master menu shows;

Figure 16 A represents the establishment of TV/VCR programme floppy disk;

Figure 17 represents the mark date calendar menu that the selection on the TV/VCR menu of basis in Figure 16 shows;

Figure 18 represents the record that shows according to selection in the flow chart of Figure 15/watch menu;

Figure 19 is a flow chart, and its expression is used in the program step in the additional subroutine according to the selection from the program option program block scheme of Figure 15;

Figure 20 is a flow chart, and its expression is used in the step in female control supervisory programme, and said procedure is used for the selection in program option program block scheme shown in Figure 15;

Figure 21 represents to check menu according to the selection that the selection in the flow chart of Figure 15 shows;

Figure 22 is a flow chart, and its expression is used for the step of compact disk (CD) program composition, and the selection in the flow chart among Figure 13 is depended in the said procedure establishment;

Figure 23 represents the CD menu that can show according to the selection in the flow chart of Figure 22;

Figure 24 represents the CD programming library that shows according to the selection on the CD menu among Figure 23;

Figure 25 is a flow chart, and its expression is used for the step of radio layout, and it depends on the selection in the flow chart of Figure 13;

Figure 26 represents the radio menu that shows according to the selection in the radio editor block scheme of Figure 25;

Figure 27 represents to show the music identity information according to the selection on the radio menu of Figure 26;

Figure 28 is a flow chart, and it is used in the step in phone directory/newspaper program of selecting among Figure 13;

Figure 29 represents a phone directory menu, and it shows according to the selection in phone directory/newspaper program flow diagram of Figure 28;

Figure 30 represents a restaurant menu, and it shows according to the selection on the phone directory menu of Figure 29;

Figure 31 represents newspaper classification menu, and it shows according to the selection on the flow chart of Figure 28.

Figure 31 A represents the programming structure of phone directory/newspaper catalogue dish;

Figure 32 represents an automobile menu, and it shows according to the selection on the newspaper classification menu of Figure 31;

Figure 33 is a flow chart, the step of its expression home shopping program, and this program is used based on the selection on the master routine of Figure 13;

Figure 34 is a home shopping menu, and it shows according to the selection on the home shopping menu of Figure 33;

Figure 35 represents a utensil menu, and it shows according to the selection on the home shopping menu in Figure 34;

Figure 36 is a flow chart, and its expression is used in step in the film preset program, and this program depends on the selection in the master routine that Figure 13 represents;

Figure 37 represents the film predetermined menus, and it shows according to the selection in the film preset program block scheme of Figure 36;

Figure 38 is a flow chart, and its expression is used for the step of signal analysis, this signal detecting from the controller remote control transmitter shown in Figure 3;

Figure 39 is a flow chart, and its expression is used in ON/OFF, on the channel/down, VCR broadcast and the VCR halt instruction in step, the subroutine that these instruction process are shown in Figure 38;

Figure 40 is a flow chart, and its expression is used in the step in the channel change subroutine shown in Figure 39;

Figure 41 is a flow chart, and its expression is used in step in the signal analysis, and this signal detects from the remote control transmitter of as shown in Figure 1 each audio/video electronic equipment;

Figure 42 is a flow chart, and its expression is used for the step in the event time comparison program of Fig. 1 of the present invention;

Figure 43 is a schematic diagram, and its expression is used for the power line path and the monitoring circuit of Fig. 1 system;

Figure 44 is a flow chart, and its expression is used to check the alternative embodiment of TV electric power on/off;

Figure 45 is the alternative embodiment block scheme that another one is used to check TV electric power on/off and TV channel number;

Figure 46 is a flow chart, and its expression is used for the step to the clock setting program of the clock selecting of the layout menu of Fig. 7; And

Figure 47 is a flow chart, and the audience that its expression is used for Fig. 1 of the present invention is reflected the step in the data collection program.

Fig. 1 is a functional-block diagram, and one of its explanation is used the dialog mode electronic control system and embodied system of the present invention.Life electronic system 10 has unnumbered electronic installation, comprises TV (TV) 12, video Cassette recorder equipped (VCR) or video tape recorder 14, and cable box 16.Cable box 16 usefulness cables 18 link to each other with cable television terminal (not shown).This cable box 16 is transformed into the vision signal that is carried on the cable 18 on the public no channel, is generally channel 3 or 4, and this vision signal is to transmit from one of several different television channels.In fact channel is not crucial, for the ease of the purpose of discussing, uses channel 3.Cable box 16 also can comprise a satellite receiver system.Cable box 16 also can be encrypted vision signal decoding, prevents not have watching of special permission so that encrypted by the user of cable or carrier.The output of cable box 16 is connected to VCR14 with a concentric cable 20.This VCR14 both can be video signal recording on video tape, signal is passed through and does not record.Link controller 28 from the TV output signal that VCR14 comes with a concentric cable 22.The output of controller 28 is linked televisor 12 with a concentric cable 23.

When a VCR14 and a cable box 16 were expressed as Fig. 1 connection, the present invention can not use these devices or only with one in these devices.If without cable box 16 and cable system, then provide incoming video signal by the antenna (not shown).Also can use an additional laser or other optic disk videoplayer (not shown) or substitute video Cassette recorder equipped the use with it.Say that further although represent these devices with individual unit, they also can be combined, as constituting a unit by a TV and VCR.Say that further controller 28 also can for example make up with other electronic installation, is combined into a unit with televisor 12.In alternative embodiment, controller 28 is connected on the concentric cable 20 between cable box 16 outputs and the VCR14 input with similar method.Or between the input of the antenna of the system of being input to/cable input and cable box 16.The exercise question and the program of combine text/video mode program under record on the videotape that these embodiment allow the user to adopt will to be discussed in conjunction with Fig. 2 afterwards.This embodiment also allows to imitate the broadcast mode of VCR14, by controller 28 videotex on TV 12.This feature will be discussed in conjunction with Figure 39 below.

In other another embodiment, controller 28 receives from antenna/cable, the output that cable box 16 and VCR14 transmit, and have the output that offers each video equipment.So, for the following description, the connection that is provided in a side of the controller 28 between VCR14 and the TV12 of description.

In most preferred embodiment, life electronic system 10 also has a stereophone receiver 24 and a MD mini disk cassette player 26.Stereophone receiver 24 preferably includes a FM and AM converter and an amplifier that is used to drive the loudspeaker (not shown).Though the following description of the present invention only represents in conjunction with the operation on the FM radio that this only is a purpose for example.This invention can be used to use on other receiver of other frequencies equally well.Interconnection between stereophone receiver 24 and the CD cassette player 26 is well-known, and not shown.

Do not connect though the AC power supplies of electronic installation is shown in Fig. 1, in most preferred embodiment, the input of the power supply of each life electronic installation all links to each other with controller 28.This power supply is interconnected in below in conjunction with Figure 43 to be discussed.Controller 28 is filled in a common wall type AC power supplies socket.In addition, as will be described, controller 28 also can have an internal cell that is used to keep storer and clock.

In most preferred embodiment, the most handy infrared radiation source remote control of each electronic installation.TV 12, VCR14, cable box 16, stereophone receiver 24 and CD cassette player 26 all have an infrared ray (IR) detecting device 30 separately, and its receives the infrared signal that transmits from corresponding remote control IR transmitter and by means of converting electric signal to for one skilled in the art's technique known.

A TV remote transmitter 32 has an IR power valve 34, is used for an IR signal to deliver to TV 12.By means of button or the key (not shown) pressed on the TV remote control transmitter 32, the user can select different control operations.These operations are transformed into infrared signal and are sent to TV12 through IR power valve/detecting device communication interface.For example, TV control can be the random access channel selection, is imported in the TV remote control transmitter 32 at this desired canal digital, converts IR to and delivers to TV 12.To be described below these control operations.

Equally, the work of stereo remote control transmitter 36 control stereophone receivers 24; The work of VCR remote control transmitter 38 control VCR14; The work of CD remote control transmitter 40 control CD cassette players 36; The work of cable box remote control transmitter 42 umbilical cable boxes 16.These remote control transmitters 36,38,40,42 have an IR power valve 34 separately, are used for signal is delivered to the IR detecting device 30 that is positioned on the respective electronic device.

Controller 28 has an IR power valve 34, and it is on each angle of controller 28 shells.In addition, can be placed on IR power valve 34 on the diverse location of shell, so that when controller 28 is placed on indoor diverse location, the ray emittance on the scope of a broadness that produces from IR power valve 34.Controller 28 also has a wide-angle infrared detector 44, detects the IR ray that transmits from above-mentioned any remote control transmitter, and this is in addition further detailed discussion below.Controller 28 can have a plurality of IR detecting devices 44 of the coverage rate that depends on that requirement detects.Controller 28 also has a microphone 46 and an acoustical generator 47, and they are positioned on the best expedite front panel.

Have the work of the controller remote control transmitter 48 control controllers 28 of IR power valve 34, and will in the discussion of Fig. 3, discuss in further detail.Controller 28 is placed near the position of miscellaneous part in the user's electronic system 10.

Fig. 2 is the functional-block diagram of controller 28 shown in Figure 1.The processing capacity of CPU (central processing unit) (CPU) 40 control controllers 28.This CPU49 preferably adds the inferior state of livre Buddhist nun, the device of 286 types that the Inter company of mountain burnt this (San Jose) makes.The infrared signal that is received by IR detecting device 44 is converted into electric signal and is sent to CPU49.CPU49 also with 50 two-way connections of storage system, this storage system is made up of 52, one non-volatile RAMs 54 of a random-access memory (ram) and a ROM (read-only memory) (ROM) 56.RAM52 is made up of common RAM substrate and is generally 512K.Non-volatile RAM 54 is preferably EE PROM.In other words, it can be the battery back up part of RAM storer 52.The running program that the ROM56 storage is basic.In addition, storage system 50 can comprise the storer of other models, resembles flexible plastic disc, CD, magnetooptical disc or other disks.I/O (I/O) port 60 of CPU49 through being used for the read and write operation joins a floppy disk driver 58 to.In most preferred embodiment, disc driver 58 has read-write capability.Or disc driver can only be read function.With the lower part, controller 28 is described as the data of reading or being written on non-volatile RAM 54 or the disk at instructions.These data can read from storer or be written in the storer.Floppy disk driver 58 receives flexible plastic disc 62, will describe in detail as the back, and flexible plastic disc 62 comprises TV guide and out of Memory.Flexible plastic disc 62 is the 3-1/2 inch preferably, the floppy disk of highdensity 1.44 megabyte.The effective storage capacity of disk utilizes known compress technique to be increased.A cpu i/f 63 links to each other with CPU49, in order to two-way communication between a CPU49 and a peripherals (not shown) of choosing wantonly.In order to increase storage, an additional disk driver that has self I/O card can link to each other with cpu i/f 63.In other words, can use many cover disc drivers for increasing memory capacity.

In most preferred embodiment, the data that are recorded on the disk are encoded.Coding and translator are existed among the ROM56.CPU49 is to the data decoding from disk, so that use and show.CPU49 encodes to spectators' data, be recorded on the disk or typing non-volatile RAM 54 in.

A clock 64 engages and provides system regularly with CPU49, as the back will be discussed.Clock has the battery spare part (not shown) of oneself, its permission system retention time during power supply blocking and power failure.Controller 28 can have a display (not shown) that is used for showing the time.The concentric cable 22 of drawing from VCR14 is connected to input end 64, and this input end is linked the video terminal 66 of video switch and mixer 68.The output of video switch and mixer 68 offers lead-out terminal 70, is used for linking to each other with TV 12.Text terminal 70 on video switch and the mixer 68 is linked video modulator 74, and its modulation is added to text message on the TV signal on the channel 3 from characters/graphics generator 76.CPU49 controls and provides text message to characters/graphics generator 76.Text information can be text or the word that plots figure.Speech " text " is used for description character or figure at this.

Video switch and mixer 68 are changed between three kinds of modes: TV mode, text mode, or combination TV/ text mode.In the TV mode, video switch and mixer 68 are transferred to TV12 to the output that comes from VCR14.This mode is the normal operation mode of controller 28, and at this moment the onlooker is seeing TV 12 or putting VCR14.In text mode, be transferred to TV 12 by slave controller 28 from the video modulation text of video modulator 74.In most preferred embodiment, this system has a cable box 16, and its output is on the channel 3, therefore receives the input of video switch and mixer 68 on channel 3.In the TV/ text mode of combination, text is modulated on the TV signal of channel 3.Do not have among the embodiment of cable box at another, input signal is not on channel 3.Video switch and mixer 68 have a down-converter and are used for input signal is transformed into channel 3.When most preferred embodiment, text is modulated on the channel 3.In another embodiment, video switch and mixer 68 have a broadband mixer, so that text is sneaked into input signal, and output signal and input signal are on the same channel.During the layout of controller 28, when the computing information mode, perform in a radio or TV programme Karaoke, or when controller 28 requires from information that the beholder comes, this mode is by normally used, all these modes will be discussed afterwards in detail.In the TV/ text mode of combination, video switch and mixer 68 mix the TV signal of text and input, thereby provide text on the TV picture.Make in this way during TV or the Karaoke tape prerecorded are play, wherein the picture that sound and music are selected on the Karaoke tape is along with the mobile lyrics along bottom of screen show.It also is used for showing the exercise question of TV play when watching TV play or checking channel number.

Controller 28 has a phone line terminal 76 that is used for linking the ordinary telephone line (not shown).This phone line terminal 76 is connected to a modulator-demodular unit 80 and the optional DTMF code translator 82 that a Dual Tone Multifrequency generator 78, is chosen wantonly.CPU49 offers DTMF generator 78 to a control signal, is used for sending a standard DTMF telephone signal tone, and the sort signal sound is known for the one skilled in the art.CPU49 also has a bidirectional interface to link modulator-demodular unit 88, is used for sending and receiving common telephone signal.The DTMF code translator is the dtmf signal sound conversion of receiving from telephone wire and be sent to audio switch 84, and microphone 46 is also linked audio switch 84.CPU49 is the conversion of control audio switch 84 selectively, and microphone 46 or DTMF code translator 82 are connected to CPU.

The power supply that power monitoring unit 85 monitors as the life electronic installation that will be described in Figure 43.CPU49 receives the signal from the power monitoring unit, and which electronic installation this signal indicates work.CPU49 also delivers to signal on the power monitoring unit 85, is used for using well-known AC track data modulation technique to be transferred to other electronic installation, and this technology is discussed below in conjunction with Figure 43.

A printer port 86 engages CPU49, is used to provide the peripheral interface of printer (not shown), selects the hardware of information to pay this in order to produce the user.

The system of the controller 28 among Fig. 2 constitutes expression CPU49 and has a plurality of input and output that are connected on several functional units.These unit are I/O port 60 for example, accumulator system 50, infrared transmitting tube 34, IR detecting device 44 and characters/graphics generator 76.One alternative embodiment (not shown) can be used, and this embodiment utilizes a common point line structure.In this embodiment, aforesaid functional unit and CPU link on the public dotted line.

Mechanically be positioned in the single shell although controller 28 is described as, but controller is not limited to a single shell, in an alternative embodiment, floppy disk 58 and I/O port be in the housing that is in separately and can insert controller housing, and also available cable links to each other with interface connector on the controller housing.When floppy disk memory capacity increased, floppy disk exchanged with the new driver that can read new storage floppy disk easily.In another alternative embodiment, DTMF generator 78, modulator-demodular unit 80 and DTMF code translator 82 are enclosed in the housing of opening in a minute.

Fig. 3 is the vertical view that is used for the controller remote control transmitter 48 of dialog mode electronic control system shown in Figure 1.There are a plurality of control knobs or key in the surface of controller remote control transmitter.Speech button and key are alternately using in the instructions in the whole text.These push-button details will be discussed as the explanation part of inventive features below.

One cover telephone key 88-1 provides the 12 button keyboards that are similar to the plain old telephone key to 88-12.In fact, telephone key 88-1 is respectively 1 to 0 figure key to 88-10.Telephone key 88-11 is a star key.Telephone key 88-12 is the # key.The same with plain old telephone, letter character wherein is marked on the telephone key 88-2 to 88-9, and for example alphabetical ABC is marked on the telephone key 88-2.But do not resemble the plain old telephone keyboard, alphabetical Q and E are marked on respectively on telephone key 88-1 and the 88-10.

By two key entries mouths alphabetic character is imported, this is known to the one skilled in the art.Each character is represented by two-digit.For example, corresponding alphabetical A, B of telephone key 88-2 and C.But can not select in three letters one individually by primary key 88-2, after pressing key 88-2, again by " 1 " key, i.e. telephone key 88-1, first character or " A " are transfused to.Equally, as will selecting " B ", user's button 88-2, and then select second character " B " by a telephone key 88-2.Be transfused to like other character types.

Alternatively, also can use and resemble typewriter or the used standard qwerty keyboard of computing machine.

One cover cursor key 90-1 to 90-4 allows moving cursor on TV screen, key 90-1 is used for left arrow that cursor is moved to the left, key 90-2 is used for upward arrow that cursor is moved up, key 90-3 is used for following arrow that cursor is moved down, and key 90-4 is used for right arrow that cursor is moved right.As an alternative, a mouse, control lever or ball can be used to provide moving of cursor.

Controller remote control transmitter 48 also has a plurality of function keys.One group of function key is used for Control-Menu and selects.PAGE button 92 allows spectators to move between each page text on the TV screen.SELECT button 94 allows spectators to select TV programme, and the clauses and subclauses of telephone directory or other menus are selected, as below will being gone through.INFO button 96 places Text Mode with controller and also allows spectators to select the relevant information of selecting.REVIEW button 98 allows the user to consult the selection of making previously.CANCEL button 100 allows spectators to cancel the selection that the front has been made.If the user has made selection, the RECORD button allows the user to select the automatic record of VCR14 automatically, perhaps allows the user that system is placed with a VIEW button and turns on TV 12 automatically, and select channel on the schedule time according to being chosen in of user.EXIT button 106 allows spectators to withdraw from from present just viewed menu.

Second group of button is used for phone control.DIAL button 108 allows a number is sent or pulled out automatically to the number that enters controller remote control transmitter 48 by phone, and this number is corresponding with the information project of selecting from screen.HANG-UP button 110 allows the user to shut down when the user changes its opinion in terminating telephone conversation back or in dialing.

One music ID button allows the user when listening or seeing program the identifying information of program to be stored, and for example a head sings or other is at selection on the radio 24 or the program on the TV12.Again call with the time that enables afterwards.The program that EXTRA button 114 allows user records to separate, this program can know with reference to listing, and it is to have seen or program planning to see or coml content and opinion for spectators, and this will be gone through in the back.PARENTAL CONTROL button 115 allows the onlooker that selected program is limited access.

Provide one group of electronic installation selector button to select each single assembly also one group of control knob to be transformed into the state of the described electronic installation of control.Preferably, be provided with a device button for each the possible electronic installation in the electronic system 10.TV button 116 control TVs 12, VCR button 118 control VCR14, cable button 120 umbilical cable boxes 16, satellite button 122 control satellite control enclosure (not shown), CD button 124 control CD cassette players 26, stereo receiver button 126 control stereophone receivers 24, and the device that 128 controls of OTHER button are determined by the user.One of selecting arrangement button 116-128 can a corresponding device the function of the change of control one cover control knob 130-1 to 130-28.For example, control knob 130-1 is converted to the power supply on/off button that is used on the TV 12 by TV button 116.Similarly, by VCR button 118 control knob 130-1 is converted to the power supply on/off button of VCR14.Also control knob 130-2 is converted to the up button of the channel that is used for TV 12 by TV button 16.By means of allowing operative installations button 116 to 128 that controller remote control transmitter 48 is used for selected device, utilize the button of sufficient amount, 48 pairs of systems the most complicated of controller remote control transmitter also can implement in full straighforward operation.Therefore, controller 28 and controller remote control transmitter 48 have become general remote controller, thus the single remote control transmitter of alternate user.For the function of finishing the single assembly remote control transmitter is discussed below being programmed in of controller 28.

In the follow-up discussion of work of the present invention, what is called is utilized 48 inputs of controller remote control transmitter or is sent an instruction and means that the correspondent button on controller remote control transmitter 48 is pressed, and remote control transmitter becomes instruction transformation an IR signal and transmits this signal.For example, cause that by EXIT key 106 controller remote control transmitter 48 sends and the corresponding IR signal of EXIT instruction, these term speech can be exchanged and be used.

The instruction 48 of slave controller remote control transmitter 48 is shown, and is used for described below as the selected instruction of checking on TV 12 during the layout programming of mode of operation.The text of instruction is produced by CPU49, and shows with text mode during layout and programming, and the TV/ text mode with combination shows during mode of operation.In an alternative embodiment, controller remote control transmitter 48 can have a display, and for example a LCD is used for showing selected instruction.

Fig. 4 is the isometric view of a TV guide, has the postpaid envelope of the sealing of holding the floppy disk that is used for controller 28.Fig. 4 a is a zoomed-in view, and it represents the details of TV guide shown in Figure 4.Fig. 5 is an equal proportion view, and it is represented postpaid envelope and includes the details of the floppy disk of TV guide among Fig. 4.Printed matter 150 resembles the book or the magazine of a printing, is a TV guide, and it both can be clipped in the newspaper that is distributed to the subscriber distributes, and also can buy in the shop, or resemble the TV Leader that works and buy in the shop or aviation divides the periodical of throwing.It also can be the telephone directory of surrounding resident, a kind of newspaper classified abstract or resemble the selling sample sample or other publications that magazine is such.Postpaid envelope or mail 152 usefulness glue or other suitable manner are fixed on one page in the printed matter 150, and perhaps being placed on envelope on the strip of paper used for sealing of printed matter in addition is to make both closely packaging together in the known mode of one skilled in the art.On the TV guide in respect of the date, the time, channel code, the exercise question of each TV programme, these programs were showed in the programme time period.Number is a coding number of pointing out time, date, channel and program length as to be discussed below.Dish 62 is 31/2 inch high density storage floppy disk preferably, and capacity is approximately 1.5 megabyte, and floppy disk is placed in the envelope 152.Floppy disk 62 comprises coded message, and this information relates to the information in the content of printed matter 150.Further, the information on the floppy disk 62 is stored with a kind of like this form.It can be retrieved, and classification is selected and demonstration, as will discussing in detail later on.

Floppy disk 62 has the code set of an identifier, the manufacturer of corresponding date of these identifiers, theme and floppy disk.Be inserted into and after controlled device 28 read, CPU49 was to these identifiers decoding at floppy disk 62.If do not match between identifier and the corresponding data, but controller 28 both can change the data on the also cancellation floppy disk.

As will discussing in conjunction with Fig. 6-47, the user can select TV programme so that watch or record, can utilize sample or Categories Address (ads) shopping, or utilize telephone directory to make a phone call for selected nearby stores.These floppy disks are used with the controller 28 that the above-mentioned Fig. 2 of combination describes.Controller 28 is also made record to the selection of user on floppy disk 62 or non-volatile RAM 54.

When upgrading printed matter 150, for example upgrade once weekly, the user also receives the printed matter of the renewal that has the floppy disk 62 that upgraded.The user removes postpaid envelope 152 from printed matter 150, and through as in conjunction with after the data transmission and processing that Figure 47 described in detail, floppy disk 62 is inserted envelopes.When the user had finished on the floppy disk use of information, for example, information has been out-of-date just to be sent data floppy disk 62 and gathers service center.This data acquisition service center reads and analyzes data on the floppy disk and determines that user's information chooses situation, for example the TV watching habit.Though floppy disk 62 is expressed as being contained in together in other printed matters with programme, can also or be distributed to the user as the sales of goods of opening.

The layout of controller

Fig. 6 is a flow chart, and its expression is used in the step in the editing operation of controller 28.During arranged mode, the user gives controller 28 10 indications of relevant user's electronic system and the information relevant with the user is provided.Suppose that the user has finished controller 28 and the structure between the consumer electronic device as shown in Figure 1 and connected.

In step 160, the user utilizes control or the TV remote control transmitter 32 on the televisor to turn on televisor 12 and forward televisor to channel 3.When power supply at first added to controller 28, CPU49 read fundamental procedure and carries out its start point routine from ROM56.If the arranged mode of front has been installed in the controller 28, CPU49 carries out the master routine that following corresponding Figure 13 discussed.On the other hand, if the arranged mode of front is not contained in the controller 28, CPU49 is transformed into text mode to video switch and mixer 68, to floppy disk 58 inquiry floppy disks, if do not search out a floppy disk, CPU produces one and shows, requires the user that layout floppy disk (not shown) is inserted 58 li of floppy disks, and presses the INFO key 96 on the movement controller remote control transmitter 48 in step 162.Otherwise as if if a layout floppy disk has inserted floppy disk 58, the user will make a change on arranged mode, and CPU49 just handles.Controller 28 164 steps from floppy disk 62, read primary application program and RAM52 that it is packed in.In 166 steps, CPU49 forwards video switch and mixer 68 to text mode.

On step 168, control shows layout menu shown in Figure 7 along 28 on the TV screen.This menu provides a row parameter, and it is needed that this parameter is that controller 28 is used for operation of consumer electronic system 10.Controller 28 prepares to receive arrangement information now.In most preferred embodiment, layout menu 170 requires the user to set up a controller clock 64, tells the controller equipment that 28 users have, cable system and channel that indicating control 28 users have, and user identifier is provided.Selection on the pointed layout menu 170 both can anti-phase demonstration mode also can be given prominence to the background line of screen background different colours.This available controller remote control transmitter 48 is finished.The user can use cursor key 90 or corresponding desired selection directly to import delegation's number and move whole menu.For example, in order to set up system clock, it is capable and press SELECT button 94 on controller remote control transmitter 48 that the user both can adjust to clock to cursor, also can press numeral " 1 " and SELECT key.Notice that the IR signal by controller remote control transmitter 48 emission uses IR sign indicating number agreement, it is overlapping that this agreement is designed to be the used control code of other device in the discord custom system.This unique agreement makes CPU49 can determine whether come self-controller remote control transmitter 48 or from a single remote control transmitter by the signal that IR detecting device 44 is received.

After receiving instruction on the slave controller remote control transmitter 48, controller 28 definite instructions of being received.On step 172, controller 28 determines whether clock is selected.If controller 28 requires the user to import date and time in step 174 and presses EXIT key 106.According to the reception of EXIT instruction, controller 28 pairs of inputs data and time are set up clock 64, and return step 168, show layout menu 170, and wait for next instruction.

On the other hand, if the clock layout is not selected on step 172, system then determines whether selected equipment on step 176.If, on step 178, the device menus 180 of CPU49 displayed map 8, and require the user to select the classification of equipment, and as TV, VCR, cable box, satellite receiver, the CD cassette player, or stereo, or withdraw from.For making the equipment in controller 28 supervision and the control life electronic system 10, controller must be known the equipment that needs control.Provide facility information by the user to controller 28.In an alternative embodiment, electronic installation can be equipped with IR power valve and identification code.According to the inquiry instruction of slave controller 28, each device is transmitted to controller with its identification code.

In step 182, controller determines whether the EXIT instruction enters.The user utilizes and withdraw from menu by EXIT key 106 on controller remote control transmitter 48.EXIT on the menu selects expression not need to keep this menu.If EXIT instruction input not yet, in step 184, controller 28 shows the request to the user, requires to press two setting keys on the corresponding remote control transmitter that is positioned at selected device, and for example, power supply is opened or other keys.Controller 28 also require the user on controller remote control transmitter 48 by RECORD key 102.For example, if the user selects VCR in step 178, the user opens and an other instruction by power supply, for example selects channel 9 on VCR remote control transmitter 38, and press RECORD key 102 on controller remote control transmitter 48.All these instructions are received by IR detecting device 44.Be stored on the layout dish 62 is many cover IR sign indicating numbers corresponding to a large amount of manufacturers of user's electronic system.On step 186, CPU49 retrieves floppy disk 62, check the code matches between the IR sign indicating number agreement of instruction write down and the most of manufacturers that write down in advance, result according to retrieval, if on step 188, do not search out coupling, controller 28 shows an error message on step 190, turn back to step 178, and demonstrates device menus 180.If seek coupling on step 188, there is non-volatile RAM 54 to the whole input code collection that is used for this device in controller 28 in step 192.On step 194, the outstanding selected classifications of controller 28 also make that the row that is highlighted is glittering to be used to refer to selection and to finish.The selection step of beginning is repeated on step 178, up to the user utilize 182 steps press EXIT key 106 finish the choice of equipment of whole devices and when making system turn back to for 168 steps till.

Floppy disk retrieval for code matches is described in the United States Patent (USP) 4,999,622 of Amauo, and its theme is added in this by reference.In the patent of Amauo, the user is the telepilot of single assembly, and a universal remote control is aimed in for example VCR remote control, and is instructed to import power supply instruction and other instructions.For example can the instruction of channel 9 concerning VCR.The user presses RECORD key 102 then.Controller 28 receives these IR signals and stores them by its IR detecting device.After the user pressed the RECORD key, its storer was retrieved by system, and this store memory has been store the IR command protocols that becomes hundred different manufacturers equipment.By using two instructions, promptly power supply instructs and other instruction, and universal remote control can be determined a concrete equipment of certain manufacturer uniquely.The IR sign indicating number learning system of other type also can be used, as described in people's such as Amauo the patent.

Because the IR control routine of each remote control transmitter is stored in the non-volatile RAM 54 now, controller 28 can monitor now and identification is which remote control transmitter has been launched the IR instruction.Controller 28 also can repeat the control routine of each single remote control transmitter.By the form firing order with duplicated code, controller 28 both can replace single telepilot, also can fast ejection very much one to arrange to instruct after an instruction of receiving from single remote control transmitter to revolt this instruction.

Many users perhaps do not have the electronic installation of whole different models, and the user does not have a kind of concrete electronic installation, and for example the information of CD cassette player is recorded on the floppy disk 62, and this floppy disk is sent back to the data aggregation reaction center.This situation is provided for the manufacturer of CD cassette player, and he can write this user in the mail directory that offers the product distribution merchant.

From step 168, controller 28 is determined selected layout function by check again.If non-selected equipment on step 176, controller 28 just determine whether selected the channel setting in step 196.If controller 28 shows channel setup menu 200 shown in Figure 9 in step 198.This menu has two selections: cable channel and channel hop.In step 202, if selected cable channel, controller 28 shows the cable channel menu of Figure 10 on step 204.This menu is listed the cable companies that service is provided to user's geographic area.Each cable companies is distributed to each TV station the TV channel of a correspondence.For example, cable companies can a TV station for example HBO be placed on 7 channels, and second cable companies can be placed on 25 channels to HBO.The layout floppy disk can have the prerecord matrix table of a TV platform, and this matrix table is corresponding with the TV channel of each cable companies appointment of serving particular geographic area.Because the regionalization of cable companies trend, this just requires the layout floppy disk also is compartmentalization.Otherwise, can use the floppy disk that separates with channel map information.According to the addressing of the cable companies on the step 206, CPU49 retrieves floppy disk in step 208, seeks corresponding channel map and this figure is deposited in non-volatile RAM 54.Behind this figure of storage, program is got back to step 198 and indicated channel setup menu 200 on step 198.Perhaps, each TV station is retrieved in spectators' stepping serially, and imports corresponding channel.

If non-selected cable channel on step 202, controller 28 determines whether to have selected channel hop on step 210.If controller 28 shows channel hop program guide 214 shown in Figure 11 in step 212.Many TV remote controller 32 have channel except the instruction of direct canal digital up/downlink command, these instruction permission spectators step into the TV channel of preliminary election continuously.When spectators seldom watched several specific channel, this instruction was useful.

For example, channel 2,3,4,5,6 can be that still, these spectators may only want to see channel 2,3 to the channel of spectators' broadcasting, 5 and 6, and do not see channel 4.During the layout of TV remote control transmitter 32, spectators use transmitter continuously the canal digital 2 that requires, in the storer of 3,5 and 6 input TV12, on TV remote control transmitter 32, continuously change channel according to the channel order in the storer by the up button order of channel TV12.In above-mentioned example, channel 2,3,5 and 6 by being deposited in the storer, and TV12 changes channel, from channel 2 to channel 3, to channel 5, arrives channel 6, returns channel 2.Channel 4 is not because carry in the sequence, so jumped at channel.The descending button of channel plays similar fashion, but direction is opposite.

Other televisors use automatic gain control (AGC) to carry out frequency sweeping selection up and down, till detecting the signal that exceeds threshold value.For example, if TV12 at first on channel 2, according to the channel up-on command of receiving, TV12 channel scanning 3 and detected signal is compared with a threshold values signal.If this signal surpasses threshold values, TV 12 stops scanning and indicated channel 3.If but the signal on the channel 3 is below threshold value, TV12 channel scanning 4 is also finished measured signal and the same comparison of threshold value.If signal surpasses threshold value, TV12 stops on the channel 4.Otherwise TV12 channel scanning 5 also continues to scan next channel, surpasses threshold value up to detected signal on that channel.Therefore, TV12 can be transformed into channel 8 from for example channel 2.

Some TV or VCR do not have direct random channel to select.These install only sequential channel change ability.The jump of channel steps to next channel by channel order from a channel by launching a plurality of channels change instructions.

Point out the tracking that can require controller 28 to keep to the channel switch of TV12 and VCR14 as following.Utilize up/downlink command, controller 28 is unnecessary knows selected channel.But when using controller remote control transmitter 48, if controller 28 uses channel hop to come the instruction of direct command TV 12 to these preliminary elections, this problem just has been overcome.Otherwise if use TV remote control transmitter 32, controller 28 is transmitted a new channel instruction directs TV12, and VCR14 or cable box 16 forward next channel to the order that records in advance.In the former example, if TV12 receives a up-on command, because the signal on 7 is lower than threshold value from channel 3 to channel, it just forwards channel 8 to from channel 2.Controller 28 detects this up-on command and send next channel in the channel hop system that constitutes with non-volatile RAM 54, and at channel 2,3, in 5 and 6 the sequence, channel 3 is next channels.Then, controller 28 sends a channel 3 instructions to TV12.Spectators see an of short duration flickering on TV screen, 8 switch to the channel of channel 3 then from channel 2 to channel.Therefore, in step 212, the user imports these channels.Equally, utilize remote control transmitter 36, the audience who has a stereophone receiver 24 can be similarly to play and select wireless station.

The user can be by any desired sequence inputting channel.As will be described below, after connecting the power supply of TV 12, controller 28 is TV channel switch first in the sequence.The user may not require that this channel is digital minimum channel.

As early describing, the VCR output signal is usually on channel 3 or 4.The user also can provide those information to this system.Cable companies or the no empty channel of local broadcasting also are used as the following purposes that will explain.After the input of finishing these data, controller 28 stores catalogue in non-volatile RAM 54 in step 214, return step 198, and indicated channel setup menu 200.This catalogue also can be existed on the floppy disk 62, and whereby, the data aggregation service place can determine the channel hop custom.

When detecting the EXIT instruction, in step 215, withdraw from the channel setup menu.According to the EXIT instruction, program turns back to step 168 and shows layout menu 170.

If non-selected channel setting in step 196,28 of controllers determine in step 216 whether user identifier is selected.If on step 218, controller 28 shows user ID menu 220 shown in Figure 12.The user has input name, address, telephone code, the selection freedom of a credit number and a password.The details of this situation below will be discussed.This information is deposited in non-volatile RAM 54.Whether this system detects has former password sign to set up, thereby prevents some people's starting system and the floppy disks of the password by password system.On step 220,, just require the user to enter password in step 222 if the password sign is established.If an inappropriate password is transfused to, controller 28 turns back to step 168 and shows layout menu 170.Otherwise, in step 224, controller 28 request users with key in data and when the data input is finished by EXIT key 106.On the other hand, in step 222, system can send password by predetermined cycle index request user, thus the wrong key of the information of permission.Can use password during the layout menu on user identifier, because main address, phone number and signal card number are seen as in the system information of privatization, and as to be discussed below, can be used to put in order the loan thing.In addition, this instruction can be required so that to layout menu gain access before step 168.

In an alternative embodiment, this system can have unique user ID and password to different users.This allows everyone to use the credit card of oneself and stops other people to use.The discussion of following corresponding female control.Unique password allows TV that some spectators is shown blank screen, the child below 13 years old for example, but the child who allows other people to resemble more than 13 years old sees these programs.

The user can change password by enter old password and enter new password.The check of doing new password prevents because the variation that the wrong key of character causes.

After depositing in user IR information in the non-volatile RAM, controller 28 checks in step 226 whether the EXIT instruction of leaving the layout menu is selected.If it is not selected as yet, controller 28 returns step 168, shows layout menu 170, and waits for an instruction.Otherwise; If the EXIT instruction is selected, controller 28 shows " withdrawing from the floppy disk instruction " and enters the master menu program of Figure 13 in 228 steps.User ID information also is stored on the floppy disk 62, thereby provides information in the demography to the data aggregation service place.

Program is selected

After arranged mode was finished, controller 28 and life electronic system 10 were just got ready for use as discussed above.Can use multiple application or data floppy disk, and consider that new application will be based upon on the continuous basis.As discussed in detail below, a kind of application can be used to show TV or radio timetable.This comprises umbilical cable box 16, VCR14, TV 12 and stereophone receiver 24.The floppy disk of another kind of model is to be used for CD control, and another provides telephone number or newspaper advertisement.Other floppy disk is used to home shopping.Floppy disk contains information and can provide by printed matter, and this printed matter relates to the additional or explanation of information on the floppy disk.As previous description, floppy disk can be attached on printed matter, and can send through the branch of newspaper and magazine by mailing provides, and perhaps can buy the floppy disk of being furnished with or not having printed matter.

In an alternative embodiment, the user with many life electronic systems need not subscribe to multiple programme Leader, can use a programme floppy disk to control a plurality of systems.On the step 168 of Fig. 6,,, thereby provide a kind of additional selection for each life electronic system 10 has been distributed unique number as the part of layout menu.Move into each controller 28 by means of coiling, each system is established by mode discussed above.Program list is stored in the non-volatile memory 54 of each controller 28.The viewdata of each controller 28 is by a signature identification.

Figure 13 is the process flow diagram that uses in the master routine operation of controller 28.Insert one application-specific/data disks 62 in floppy disk 58 and 240 step users, read dish 62 in the floppy disk 58 at 242 step CPU49 by the INFO key 96 on the controller remote control transmitter 48.Send the power connection instruction at 244 step controllers 28 by the IR agreement of TV12, if the power supply of TV is to turn-off.Controller 28 is known the state of the power supply of TV12 and other electronic installation by means of following power supply monitoring circuit shown in Figure 43.The IR sign indicating number agreement that is used for TV12 is stored in above-mentioned non-volatile RAM 54.CPU49 reads IR sign indicating number agreement from non-volatile RAM, and it is sent in the IR transmitter 34, and transmitter 34 sends the IR sign indicating number in the zone in whole room.TV12 detects power supply and opens instruction also power connection.

Controller 28 is by means of the IR sign indicating number of read-out channel from non-volatile RAM 3, and instructs TV in the mode that is similar to the instruction of TV power connection with the form transmission channel 3 of suitable IR sign indicating number.In 246 steps, video switch and mixer 68 are converted into next mode, and in 248 steps, controller 28 shows master menu 250 shown in Figure 14 on the TV screen.This menu shows the form of operable dish in the dialog mode electronic control system.Specifically, master menu 250 shows selects TV/VCR, CD, and radio, telephone directory/newspaper, home shopping, film is scheduled to and other.As mentioned above, program is then checked the type of the dish that can insert, and the type of definite dish that has been inserted into.In addition, if a dish comprises several or whole selections, controller 28 just shows these selections on menu 250.In 252 steps, controller 28 determines whether dish is the TV/VCR dish.If controller 28 just jumps to the TV/VCR program that following Figure 15 to 21 describes.

Otherwise in 254 steps, controller 28 determines whether dish 62 is CD menu dishes.If controller 28 just jumps to the CD program shown in Figure 22 to 24.

Otherwise in the 256th step, what controller 28 determined whether to insert is disc record.If controller 28 just jumps to the described radio program of following Figure 25 to 27.

Otherwise in 258 steps, what controller 28 determined whether to insert is telephone directory/newspaper dish, if, the described telephone directory of Figure 28 to 32/newspaper program below just carrying out.

Otherwise what determine whether to insert at 260 step controllers 28 is the home shopping dish, if, the shopping program that controller 28 is just described among Figure 33-35 below the trend.

Otherwise in 262 steps, what controller 28 determined whether to insert is film reservation dish, if just rotate down the described film pre-booking process of Figure 36-37.

Otherwise in 263 steps, what controller 28 determined whether to insert is " other dish ", if just turn to " other " program (not shown) as new application.

Otherwise in 264 steps, system detects whether imported the EXIT instruction, if not input, controller 28 just turns in 248 steps and shows master menu 250.

If instructed a kind of selection on the master menu, and corresponding dish does not insert in the floppy disk 58, and perhaps data are not stored in the non-volatile RAM 54, and controller 28 just shows " insertion dish " instruction.

If selected the EXIT pattern, controller 28 turns to television setting to video switch and mixer 68 in 266 steps, and goes on foot the channel of being seen before TV 12 being returned to enter master routine 268.Because controller 28 monitors and write down the user's as described below custom of watching, CPU49 is just from non-volatile RAM 54 or coil 62 and get back to the channel of before having watched.In addition, first channel in controller 28 channel table that can write down the TV channel switch during the setting pattern.

The TV/VCR programmed control

The TV/VC program allows the program of user's display column on TV 12, and can so select program, make controller 28 automatically turn to the selected program of record to VCR14 or TV12 in the setting-up time connection so that watch selected program.The TV/VCR program allows the user by the information on different classifications such as date or the program category selection dish.Controller 28 is at non-volatile RAM 54 or coil the program that will watch or write down that storage is selected by the user on 62.

Selection control 28 according to the TV/VCR program in 252 steps among Figure 13 jumps to the TV/VCR option program shown in Figure 15.When entering the TV/VCR option program in 280 steps, the TV/VCR menu 282 that controller 28 shows as Figure 16.TV/VCR menu 282 provides selects different types of listing.TV/VCR menu 282 allows users to select the date kind of the program of needs demonstration.Kind in the TV/VCR menu among Figure 16 is an example.The present invention is suitable equally to other kind.

TV/VCR program dial plate has the CDTL information, programm name of coding, the classification sign indicating number that can choose for choosing, and the CDTL and the name information that are used for the EXTRA program.Figure 16 A is that expression is stored in the data organization figure on the TV program dial plate 62.The TV program is divided into several zones by date on dish.Each program has channel, time, length, title and explanation and type codes.Film also can have the sequence number of a uniqueness, will describe in detail below.Each program also has a relative event flag number.These mark marks comprise the selection and the selection of cancelling, writing down or watching of form control and cancel, and the selection of EXTRA feature and cancelling.To go through below every kind of mark.Because these marks are always relevant with the CDTL in the TV/VCR pattern, do not need the date of storage of channel or allocate event.So, unless further action request outside the storage date, the only date and time that takes place of recording instruction.In 284 steps, whether controller 28 detects receives the EXIT instruction.If receive, controller 28 just showed master menu 250 and returns the step of 248 among Figure 13 in 286 steps.

But, if do not receive the EXIT instruction in 284 steps, which menu item controller 28 just determines to select.In 288 steps, controller 28 determines whether to have selected date calendar (calendar-by-date).If controller 28 goes on foot user's idsplay order 290, thus the date of the listing that the input user will see.After the user used keyboard input date on the controller remote-controlled transmitter 48, controller 28 read and selects by the date of being selected by 290 steps and choose from coiling 62 in 292 steps.After choosing was chosen and finished, controller 28 showed date calendar menu 294 shown in Figure 17.Date calendar menu 294 has and is used for coding, channel, start time, additional (extra), and the column of title.Partially described among people's such as the corresponding Yuen of being coded in of sign indicating number rule the PCT patented claim WO90/07844 with VCR, its substance is classified reference as at this.In addition, this coding available sequences linear code replaces, and selects with the random access that allows to carry out program by means of the line number.

Use the code number of length (CDTL) information represent channel, date, time and TV programme, make coil list of television programmes on 62 can be simply for only comprising code, and do not contain CDTL information.In the embodiment that uses code, controller 28 has coding and the translator that is stored among the ROM56.During operation, controller 28 receives the code number of selected program and generation is decoded into CDTL information, is used to VCR record and TV to watch functional programming, and is as described below.

Go through the EXTRA column below.

User's selection function of controller 28 response controller remote-controlled transmitters 48.In 294 steps, whether controller 28 decisions pressed PAGE key 92.If controller 28 just turns over one page to date calendar menu forward in 296 steps.By means of being used in combination key 88, cursor 90 and PAGE key 92, can climb over multipage forward.If do not send the PAGE instruction in 294 steps, or changed page or leaf in 296 steps, controller 28 just determines whether by crossing RECORD key 102, VIEW key 104 or PARENTAL CONTROL key 115 in 298 steps.If a key quilt is arranged by mistake, controller 28 is just watched menu 302 at the records of 300 steps demonstration Figure 18.It is instant that record/watch menu 302 allows users to select, and record every day or weekly or watch program also allows to select additional program or female controlling features (Parental eontrol feature).Because most of program is all broadcasted every day, or only broadcasts on Monday to Friday, select every day corresponding to watching Monday to Friday, in addition, also can carry out seven days broadcasting weekly and select.

The EXTRA feature is a mark that is added by the announcer, show with the program inventory table, and indication is available about the more information of tagged broadcasting.This additional information usually another time at some other channel broadcastings.For example, additional program can be broadcasted in the time in morning at the UHF channel that seldom uses.By means of pressing EXTRA key 114, the user can select to write down the broadcasting of this free time.Like this, for example in Figure 17, the 5th programs inlet has code 54769, and programm name is " world's discovery ", on additional hurdle one " X " is arranged.This additional program for example can be the cruise advertisement of warship of a travelling." add " program that program can be an any kind, be not limited to advertisement.It can be an expansion program, is provided at the additional information outside the information of broadcasting during the star turn.For example individual biography can have one to comprise the speech or the relevant additional program of the whole film of details more.Like this, even also seeing program, spectators just can not obtain indicating the additional marking of additional information.

Referring to Figure 16 A, the title of CDTL and additional program is stored and is interrelated with program.After additional program was selected, controller 28 is just retrieved on program disk had the program of identical CDTL information as additional program.The additional program mark is set so that the generation of writing time and selection.The CDTL information of EXTRA program is stored in the stack, and stack is a part that contains for writing down or watching the non-volatile RAM 54 of selected program.As what will discuss in conjunction with Figure 42, controller 28 compares the date and time of selected program in the date and time of clock 64 and the stack.After conforming to, controller 28 sends instruction to VCR14, and program recording is also left out program and selected from stack.A mark is set to be recorded or watches in order to explanation.

Return and see Figure 15, if in 301 steps, do not select the EXTRA instruction, controller 28 just carried out for 310 steps, will discuss below.Otherwise if selected EXTRA, controller 28 is carried out the EXTRA subroutine of Figure 19 in 320 steps.

Referring to the EXTRA subroutine flow chart of Figure 19, in 303 steps, whether program checkout has selected the EXTRA instruction.If no, controller 28 just leaves additional subroutine and returns original program.If select, the program that controller 28 has the channel identical with additional program, time, date and length (CDTL) data in 304 steps on regard to retrieval dish 62, it as additional program, is stored the CDTL data at 306 step controllers 28 on the stack of non-volatile RAM 54.Controller 28 is set additional marking, date and time so that in 308 step record additional informations, controller 28 returns the TV/VCR procedure Selection in 310 steps of Figure 15 then on dish then.

During procedure Selection, the user can apply female control so that stop spectators to see specific television program or a selected channel.In addition, father and mother may wish in a period of time, and for example the resistance child sees any TV programme after school or before the supper.

Female control can be set by means of pressing PARENTAL CONTROL key 115, is used for going on foot the selection of giving prominence on the date calendar menu 294 that shows 300.Being labeled the program that is used for female control can write down or watch with suitable password to be discussed below.

But, second user may attempt to use described dish to watch or the program of recording prohibition.In addition, user without permission may manage directly televisor 12 or VCR14 to be set on the program of forbidding, by means of on the television channel that uses controller remote control transmitter 48, TV remote-control transmitter 32 or VCR remote-controlled transmitter 36 tuning disable programs or tuning VCR record the program of forbidding.Therefore, need periodically to monitor and watching or just at recorded program.Figure 20 is one and shows the flow chart of steps that is used for female control watchdog routine, is used to select program shown in Figure 15 to select process flow diagram.In 320 steps, controller 28 periodically the program of watching or writing down is controlled listing with the mother of storage and the password mark is compared.When suitable password is imported, just be provided with the password mark.In the step 322, if just viewed program and female control mark are inconsistent, program just returned for 320 steps because or the program of just watching not on confined table, perhaps suitable password before was transfused to.Just viewed program and female control mark by per minute more once, to stop long-term unallowed the watching before comparing next time.

If consistent, at 324 step controllers 28 VCR14 is stopped, if it is to open, when forbidding all recording instructions in 322 steps.Because spectators are managing to write down a program of forbidding, controller 28 is just ignored this instruction and is not transmitted recording instruction to VCR, forbids record command whereby.Similarly, controller 28 makes the channel instruction to forbidding channel of self-controller remote control transmitter 48 to be cancelled.Forbid the instruction that is used for recording disable programs at the VCR recording instruction of the program that is under an embargo or channel switch instruction back controller 28 by means of turn-offing VCR14 and making TV12 forward 3 channels to receiving one from VCR remote-controlled transmitter 38.Controller 28 is forbidden the instruction of watching disable programs from TV telepilot 32 by means of TV12 being transformed into 3 channels similarly.Controller 28 is transformed into text mode to video switch and mixer 68, and shows: " female control: please enter password resets." in 326 steps, if do not import correct password, controller 28 just returned for 324 steps, and continue to require to enter password.If imported correct password, this system then make system and program password be marked at 328 the step reset.Setting program password mark allows legal spectators to continue to watch program or recorded program and can periodically not be requested password and interrupt.In 330 steps, controller 28 is at non-volatile RAM 54 or coil on 62 the incorrect password incident of record, so that notify legal spectators to take place that illegal attempting watched or the incident of recorded program later on.Controller 28 continues to show the request to password, is set up up to suitable password.In another embodiment, controller 28 allows the user to select not forbidden channel.Legal spectators can recover to attempt to watch the record of disable programs, control a menu (not shown) of selecting in the TV/VCR program by means of mother, show date, the time, and illegal spectators want the programm name seen, controller 28 returned for 320 steps then.

Later referring to Figure 15, in controller 28 stored records of 310 steps, watch and female control is selected, and on dish 62, the control corresponding mark is set in 340 steps.Mk system is made up of multibyte, and they are encoded, thus the frequency that indication is selected, female control and additional the selection.In addition, mark can be multibyte, additional, the female control of representative respectively, day entry, Zhou Jilu and single record.These data are recorded once more as identification information.In 342 steps, the date and time that spectators are carried out these selections be recorded in that dish is gone up and/or nonvolatile memory 54 in.The date and time of selecting can be useful identification information.Then, controller 28 returned for 294 steps, determined whether to have selected the PAGE instruction.

Returned for 298 steps, if record, watch or female control not selected as yet, controller 28 just determines whether to have made the REVIEW instruction in 344 steps.This step allows the user to consult the selection that he does.In 346 steps, show and select to consult menu as shown in figure 21.This demonstration has the frequency that column is used for showing selected program that will write down and record (every day, weekly, additional etc.).A column shows selectes the program that will watch and the frequency of watching whether.Female control hurdle shows these selections with female control mark.The column that is used for channel, date, time and selected programm name also is shown.Controller 28 skipped in the mode that is similar to the 294 and 296 above-mentioned steps on request in 348 steps.Finished for 348 whens step, or do not select REVIEW in 344 steps, controller 28 just determines whether to have selected the CANCEL order in 350 steps.If select, controller 28 just goes on foot the selection of erasing in the non-volatile RAM 54 352, thereby no longer watches these programs, but, if previous just added female control, controller 28 is just asked password, and if imported inappropriate password just make cancel invalid.Cancel label record to what be provided with on dish in 358 steps, and in 356 steps, the date and time of storing revocation on dish.Cancel recording of programs and be retained in dish upward as identification information.This information may be useful, for example determines the influence of reverse side video display.

If when 356 EOSs or in 350 steps, do not select CANCEL, controller 28 just to determine whether to have selected film predetermined in 358 steps.Film subscribe to allow user's mark, and he wants to write down but the film not knowing when to show.By means of from independent storehouse dish, selecting a part of film and in non-volatile RAM 54, writing down its corresponding sequence number and realize the film reservation.The storehouse dish has the film inventory and is unique sequence number of every film appointment, has used the industrialization sequential system at this.Storehouse dish can have a complete film inventory or per year, theme or other classification of type.The user of dish or purchased new building upgrades termly or revises on the program inventory dish, and the new film on the program inventory dish is examined on the Bei Zaiku dish.When a new program inventory was inserted into floppy disk 58, CPU49 just retrieved the inventory dish, and all film sequence number with before be stored in the sequence number that the requirement on the non-volatile RAM 54 keeps and compare.Shown in Figure 16 A, each film on program inventory all has a unique sequence number.Carry out film and subscribe and to go through with Figure 36-37,, attend school at 360 step controllers 28 and to round a dish so that determine whether consistent sequence number in 362 steps if selected the film reservation.If have, show the film that requirement is arranged in the inventory thereby controller 28 just shows the film title to the user, and controller 28 returned for 298 steps and whether writes down, watches or cancel this selection for user decision.If do not have consistent sequence number or do not have film to subscribe in 358 steps selected in 362 steps, controller 28 was just carried out for 284 steps and is determined whether to provide EXIT instruction, mistake as discussed above.

In 288 steps, if do not import the date calendar, controller 28 just jumps to the program of other class of TV/VCR menu 282.For example, shown in the TV/VCR menu 282 of Figure 16, the user can be by film, sitcom, and soap opera, news, physical culture and children's programs are chosen by selecting from menu.Controller 28 reads TV/VCR program inventory dish and recovery and shows the program with classification sign indicating number consistent with selected classification.These selections provide the demonstration of the date calendar selection that is similar to Figure 17, and difference is the additional column that these selections have a performance date.Other is used for determining whether that the program that page or leaf is selected, write down, watches, consults, cancels and the film reservation is checked is identical with date calendar shown in Figure 17.

The CD Play Control

The CD program allows the user that CD Player 26 is programmed to play the CD track by user-selected order.Program also allows the Karaoke of user's play CD, by means of reading the lyrics from the Karaoke dish and showing at televisor TV12.

Return Figure 13, in 254 steps, if carried out the CD selection, controller 28 is just carried out CD program shown in Figure 22.In 380 steps, the CD menu 382 that controller 28 shows among Figure 23.This menu have CD program, CD Karaoke or, other " selection.In 384 steps, whether controller 28 detects has imported the EXIT instruction, if import, in 386 steps, controller 28 just shows master menu 250 and returns the step of 248 among Figure 13.

Otherwise, determined whether to select the CD program in the CD menu 382 to select at 388 step controllers 28.If controller 28 just shows CD library of programmes menu 392 in 390 steps, sees Figure 24.This menu has input CD number and the space of track number.Each CD has its oneself unique sequence number, and is similar with ISBN number of book.By means of the keyboard that uses on the controller remote-controlled transmitter 48, the user imports the track number of each reel number and each dish according to the order of hope, and this allows audience's deletion not want the track of listening.In addition, the user can specify an identifier and each respective disc specified suitable label arbitrarily to each disk.In 394 steps, controller 28 is stored in these selections on non-volatile RAM 54 or the dish.In 396 steps, the audience can cancel these selections.If provided the CANCEL instruction in 396 steps, the selection during controller 28 is just erased non-volatile RAM 54 in 398 steps.Then, controller 28 returned for 390 steps and shows CD library of programmes menu 392.Otherwise if do not provide the CANCEL instruction, controller 28 just determines whether to have imported the EXIT instruction in 399 steps.If controller 28 just returned for 380 steps and shows CD menu 382.Otherwise controller 28 just returned for 390 steps and shows CD library of programmes menu 392.

If do not select the CD program, just determine whether to have selected the CD Karaoke at 400 step controllers 28 in 388 steps.CD Karaoke is the demonstration that a kind of CD goes up the real-time time of song beat, when playing and synchronous lyrics.If CD menu 382 just indicates the audience to insert floppy disk 62, contain the lyrics of the song that just is being played on the CD on this floppy disk 62, and the indication audience presses the SELECT button 94 on the controller remote-controlled transmitter 48.In 402 steps, controller 28 just reads in the lyrics the RAM52 from coiling, and in 404 steps CD Karaoke mark is set.When CD Player 26 is switched on or track when being selected, CD Karaoke mark is used to start the execution of CD Karaoke.The execution of CD Karaoke will contrast Figure 38 and be described below.After 404 steps, perhaps be not selected in 400 step CD Karaokes, controller 28 just returned for 384 steps.

Radio control

Radio control allows the user by means of the lyrics that read from the radio/TV of Karaoke dish, and shows the broadcast of these lyrics realization radio/TV Karaokes on TV 12.This program also allows user by selecting music ID to discern the song of before doing mark.

See Figure 13 now, if selected from master menu 250 at 256 step radios, controller 28 just jumps to the radio programs subroutine of Figure 25.Controller 28 shows radio menu 432 shown in Figure 26 in 430 steps.This menu is used to select the Karaoke of radio/TV, music ID or other.In 434 steps, controller 28 determines whether to have imported the EXIT instruction.If controller 28 goes on foot 436 and just shows master menu 250, and return 248 steps of Figure 13 master routine.

Otherwise if do not select EXIT in 434 steps, controller 28 just determines whether to require radio/TV Karaoke in 438 steps.Radio or televisor Karaoke are that a kind of lyrics at radio or televisor real-time time show the synchronous lyrics when playing with song.If radio or TV Karaoke is selected, radio menu 432 just indicates the audience to insert to contain the dish of the lyrics of playing Karaoka.From dish, the lyrics are read into RAM storer 52 at 440 step controllers 28, and radio or TV Karaoke sign are set in 422 steps.Determine whether to provide the CANCEL instruction at 444 step controllers 28.If provide, then radio or TV Karaoke sign are resetted in 446 steps.After 446 steps, if perhaps do not provide the CANCEL instruction in 444 steps, controller 28 just turns to export procedure in 434 steps.

On the other hand, if do not provide radio/TV instruction of play Karaoka, go on foot controllers 28 448 and just determine whether to have selected Music ID in 438 steps.Music ID makes the time and the radio station of listening a first song but not knowing the radio listener record song broadcast of artist name, and when program disk is inserted into controller 28, the identification song.Below among the embodiment who discusses in conjunction with Figure 38, receive Music ID instruction after, controller 28 is the song title of demonstration real-time time on televisor 12 just.Program disk can be the advance notice inventory of radio broadcasting, the song list of actual play or the combination of the two.If selected Music ID, just the inventory on the date that is stored in the selected song in the non-volatile RAM 54, time and frequency and the dish is compared at 450 step controllers 28.As what will discuss below in conjunction with Figure 38, when the audience sent command M usic ID, controller 28 is the time and date of store M usic ID instruction in non-volatile RAM 54 just.Because controller 28 storing stereoscopic acoustic receiver power connections and frequency selection instruction, as a part that monitors audience's custom, also as discussing below in conjunction with Figure 38, controller 28 is discerned selected song by means of the date of Music ID, time and frequency and radio programming inventory are compared to be identified as.When the two is consistent, just show the identification project of music title, artist and other Music ID inventory 453 as shown in figure 27 at 452 step controllers 28.Because song may be broadcasted together with advertisement, on the dish correspondent advertisement may be arranged also, controller 28 may show this advertisement together with inventory.

In addition, controller 28 can be Music ID logout on the program inventory of dish 62.When dish 62 returned by prepayment mailbox 152, this information can be used for dealer, and can be used for making the audience to take part in game.Music ID key 112 can be used for match by the radio station.For example, the mode that need not authorize prize to the audience of the 100th program request, and please the audience press Music ID key 112 is chosen the victor randomly from the audience of the dish that returns them and selection Music ID.

If when no longer needing, the audience can cancel Music ID and select.Detect whether received the CANCEL instruction at 454 step controllers 28.If just cancel these clauses in nonvolatile memory 54 and return at 455 step controllers 28 and show Music ID menu 543 in 452 steps.If do not receive the CANCEL instruction in 454 steps, controller 28 just determines whether to have selected the EXIT instruction in 456 steps.If select, just return demonstration Music ID menu 453 at 452 step controllers 28.If do not select, controller 28 just returns in 430 steps and shows radio menu 432.

In addition, if do not select Music ID in 488 steps, controller 28 goes on foot also Returning outlet program 434.

Telephone directory/newspaper program

Telephone directory/newspaper program disks contain the information relevant for the telephone directory or the newspaper of the printing of following dish.Specifically, the telephone directory dish has trading company's inventory, their address and telephone number and relevant advertisement.There is an identification code in each trading company, is used for by kind selection trading company.For example, the inventory of a China Restaurant has its address, telephone number and identification code, is used for representing that it is the restaurant of a Chinese, and moderate cost can be dineed out but not deliver goods, and accepts certain release for example Visa and Master card.The newspaper dish has the classified advertisement inventory at individual or trading company, and has the identification code about selling article.Telephone directory allows the user by means of information being chosen into user-defined kind dish to be retrieved with the newspaper program.The user also can keep and the retrieval habit of recording user and user's call in nonvolatile memory 54 or on dish with controller 28.

Referring to Figure 13, in 258 steps, if telephone directory/newspaper is selected, controller 28 is just carried out telephone directory shown in Figure 28/newspaper program.In 470 steps, if the selecteed words of telephone directory, controller 28 just shows the telephone directory menu 472 of Figure 29.If the selection newspaper then shows the newspaper classification menu 474 of Figure 31.The program flow diagram that telephone directory and newspaper are selected is substantially the same.So, in a preferred embodiment, used a public computer program, it is mark telephone directory or newspaper that the selected clause of an indication is wherein arranged, and will discuss below.

In 476 steps, use an export procedure that is similar to 284 steps of Figure 15.If EXIT is selected, program goes on foot 248 steps that just show master menu 250 and return Figure 13 478.

Otherwise if do not select EXIT, the user that controller 28 is attended school selected menu in 480 steps selects kind.Specifically, in the telephone directory menu 472 of Figure 29, menu-guided spectators inject the telephone directory dish in the floppy disk 58.This menu also shows the kind of trading company that may be selected.For example, menu 472 shows restaurant, pharmacy, lawyer, doctor and pipe craftsman.Similarly, in the newspaper menu 474 that is classified from Figure 31, spectators are directed inserting the newspaper dish.Figure 31 A shows the structure of telephone directory/newspaper inventory dish.Each data clause has three fields, and first is the event flag with event date and time.Event flag comprises hanging up of the logical and phone of pulling out of telephone number.To discuss below the detailed content of these marks.Second title and the explanation with project and restriction, for example restriction of time or quantity.The 3rd has the code of determining the project kind of selection.For example, concerning the telephone directory inventory, code comprises restaurant, lawyer and pipe craftsman, and newspaper is then comprised automobile, real estate and employs.

In 482 steps, controller 28 reads dish and chooses by selecting, and for example, if for telephone directory, reads dish user's selection afterwards, restaurant ", controller 28 just shows restaurant menu 484 shown in Figure 30, it has the selection in each restaurant.In addition, spectators can select kind by means of first letter of the required kind of input.For example, the user after input " RE " on the controller remote-controlled transmitter 48, controller 28 just retrieval with the kind of these alphabetical switches and show several kinds, RESTAORANT for example, RECORDS etc.The user can directly select the letter of RESTAURANT or input sufficient amount so that determine the RESTAUTANT class uniquely.If the user has selected a project that is shown, controller 2888 is just read address and phone from the telephone directory dish, and shows on screen.In addition, advertisement or menu can be stored on the dish, also can be shown when this project is selected.Because trading company can be by means of the DIAL key direct calling of pressing on the controller remote control transmitter 48, as what discuss below, telephone number does not need to show.

For newspaper similarly, if selected automobile from newspaper classification menu 474, automobile menu 486 shown in Figure 32 just shows an automobile menu.Other kind, per year, model or caller's geographic position also can be selected.Automobile has an EXTRA hurdle, by means of selecting EXTRA key 114, certain automobile has one corresponding " X " in this hurdle, additional information can be recovered and demonstration from coiling, perhaps as TV programme, the television broadcasting of a space empty channel can be broadcast the concrete condition of relevant this particular automobile.These characteristics are useful in the TV shopping.

Controller 28 is read after the dish, and controller determined whether to have selected page turning forward with the PAGE key 92 on the controller remote-controlled transmitter 48 in 488 steps.If select, go on foot just showing page on 490.Otherwise, just determine whether to have sent the DIAL instruction at 492 step controllers 28.If do not send, controller 28 just returned for 488 steps, if send, start DTMF generator 78 at 494 step CPU49, thereby output was transferred on phone line terminal 76 corresponding to the dtmf tone of the telephone number of selected trading company.CPU49 also makes microphone position to audio switch 84 conversions, and the user is talked.The dialing sign that is provided be recorded on the disk or non-volatile ram 54 on.Similarly, 498 the step, date, time and selection be recorded on the disk or non-volatile ram 54 in.Before the newspaper dish upgraded, this selection can remain in the non-volatile ram 54.Relatively this selection and before be stored in selection in the non-volatile ram 54 of controller 28, if the user attempts to buy identical project more than once, and notifies the user, after a period of time, two weeks for example, the controller 28 above-mentioned selection of just from non-volatile ram 54, erasing.In 500 steps, controller 28 determines whether to send HANG-UP(and ends) signal.If do not send, system just waits for up to HANG-UP(and ending) till instruction is received.In 502 steps, receive that HANG-UP(ends) after the instruction, set up and end mark and on disk or in non-volatile ram 54 stored.504 the step, date and time be stored on the disk similarly or non-volatile ram 54 in.So, be computable during the conversation.When dish was returned, this this information can be used in the audience and respond the service of gathering (uadience response collection service).Used frequency, what advertisement have been seen and other data also can be determined.After 504 steps, system returned for 476 steps to carry out export procedure.

The home shopping program

Home shopping disc program permission shopper buys the article of classified advertisement, by means of selecting commodity from the home shopping dish of having classification or sending order or call distribution person or order selected commodity electronically by means of returning dish.The home shopping dish contains the information relevant with the catalogue of publishing.Specifically, the home shopping dish has the cognizance code of the explanation accordingly of vending articles inventory, commodity, price and the indication type of merchandise.For example, a VCR who is made by SONY can have following explanation: quadruplex videotape recorder, stereo have in dress VCR pin function, price is 349.95 dollars.Inventory can have cognizance code, is used for illustrating that it is a kind of equipment, a kind of electronic equipment, and a kind of VCR, price is below 400 dollars.Information on the kind selection dish that controller 28 is selected by the user, and on TV12, show consistent project.The user can select the commodity that will buy by the SELECT key 94 on the controller remote-controlled transmitter 48.Controller 28 is recorded in this selection in the non-volatile ram 54 or on the home shopping dish.The user is by the dish that stores order goods being returned the retailer or being stored in the non-volatile ram or the order goods on coiling is order goods to the retailer by means of making a phone call to the retailer with controller 28 and sending electronically.

Return Figure 13, in 260 steps, the home shopping program is selected, and controller 28 jumps to the home shopping program among Figure 33.In 520 steps, the home shopping menu 522 that controller 28 shows among Figure 34.This menu shows kind, for example equipment, clothes, and gift, sports goods or the like, these kinds user can select, and shows the commodity in the selected kind.Determine whether to send the EXIT instruction at 524 step controllers 28.If send, just show master menu in 526 steps, and program is returned the step of 248 among Figure 13.

If do not send the EXIT instruction, on dish, store customer identification information at 528 step controllers 28.In 530 steps, controller 28 reads the kind that the user selects from the selection of home shopping menu 522.For example, if selected equipment on menu, controller 28 is attended school the dish with catalogue received and by this selection in 532 steps.Controller 28 shows device menus shown in Figure 35 534 then.This menu shows the concrete commodity of the selected kind of sale.Determine whether to send the PAGE instruction at 536 step controllers 28, if just skip in 538 steps.After skipping, perhaps do not send PAGE instruction, 540 step controllers 28 just store date, time and user be chosen on the dish or non-volatile ram 54 in.In 542 steps, the user is indicated on mailing dish in the postpaid mailbox 152.After receiving, Information Service department gives corresponding dealer or manufacturer order form.In addition, to 542 steps, can carry out the 542' step, spectators pull out free code and are directly passed to the retailer being stored in data in the non-volatile ram 54 or that coil.System returned for 524 steps and carries out export procedure then.

Film is subscribed

The film pre-booking process allows user search to contain the storehouse dish of film inventory and relevant unique sequence number, and selects the user to want the film of recording or wanting to see later on.The sequence number of selecting is stored in the non-volatile ram.After TV/VCR program inventory dish 62 insertion disk drive 58, controller 28 is just retrieved this dish, so that mate between the sequence number of the program on the sequence number of the selection in being stored in non-volatile RAM 54 and the inventory dish.Discussed in conjunction with Figure 15 above the selection of consistent program.

Return Figure 13, if selected film predetermined in 262 steps, controller 28 just jumps to the film preset program of Figure 36.Film predetermined menus 552 in 550 steps demonstration Figure 37.This menu demonstrates the film inventory that a user can therefrom select.In 554 steps, controller 28 determines whether to send the EXIT instruction.If just show that in 556 steps master menu 250, controller 28 just return 248 steps of Figure 13.If no, the selection kind that controller 28 is just selected by the user in 558 steps is lexicographic order, theme or year selection film predetermined bank for example, and shows the film inventory that a user can page turning in 560 steps.Receive after the page-turning instruction that controller 28 goes on foot with regard to page turning 562.

After 564 step users find a film that he wants to record or want to see, by press SELECT key 94 these films of selection.Controller 28 goes on foot the just sequence number of this film of storage in non-volatile RAM 54 566, if do not make one's options, is coiling this selection of mark in 568 steps, and returns the export procedures in 564 steps of execution, 544 steps; If send the REVIEW instruction in 570 steps, controller 28 just shows the inventory of the film of selecting in 572 steps.At revocable his the selected film of 574 step spectators, from non-volatile ram 54, erase selected and an independent mark of cancelling is set coiling in 578 steps at this step middle controller 28.Though film is not recorded, yet the user selected the fact of this film to be recorded.After finishing for 578 steps, or 574 steps do not receive cancel after, or do not reset in 570 steps, controller 28 is in 554 step Returning outlet programs.

The input film that can carry out another kind of mode when watching the TV performance is predetermined.Spectators can just watch a program or scan several channels and decision record whole program when playing next time.By pressing Music ID key 112, controller 28 just detects this instruction, and learns that televisor 12 opening, and time, date and channel, reads a film sequence number from RAM52 or TV inventory.The predetermined selection of this code and other film is stored in the non-volatile RAM 54.Controller 28 is undertaken by aforementioned now, and behind the input TV dish of next week, controller 28 carries out the film preset program, as shown in figure 36.

Normal system operation

Controller 28 is always monitoring that infrared detector 44 is seen and whether is receiving self-controller remote-controlled transmitter 48 or from the signal one of in each remote-controlled transmitter 32,36,40,42 of consumer electronic device.The agreement of coming the instruction of self-controller remote-controlled transmitter 48 to use is different with the agreement of whole remote-controlled transmitter.Thereby consumer electronic device is not come the control of self-controller remote-controlled transmitter 48.Controller 28 detects the instruction of self-controller remote-controlled transmitter, and handles, and in most of the cases sends a command adapted thereto to the suitable electronic equipment with the sort of device protocol.Following to discuss like that, watch or write down and control the instruction of program of restriction without controller 28 transmission, unless import suitable password by mother.

Usually, 28 of controllers monitor and do not pass on instruction from each remote-controlled transmitter, because electronic equipment directly responds these instructions with this device protocol transmission.But, as to be discussed below, some for example the instruction controlled device 28 of channel lifting/lowering pass on.This transmission occurs in controller 28 and does not know electronic equipment under by the situation of the state after the remote-controlled transmitter instruction, perhaps occurs in the user and attempts to finish one and forbid task, for example watches under the situation of the program of being forbidden by mother's control.

Figure 38 is the process flow diagram that shows the detected signal that is used to analyze slave controller remote-controlled transmitter 48.

In 590 steps, during its watch-keeping, the infrared signal that infrared detector 44 detects from control remote-controlled transmitter 48.592 the step, if detected signal be electric power on/off, channel lifting/lowering, VCR stops or the VCR play instruction, controller 28 is determined equipment state with regard to using subroutine shown in Figure 39.Because some instruction, for example volume control or time-out do not influence the program that the user is watching or listening, so their generation is not recorded.Figure 39 shows and is used for determining that the equipment that is instructed opening or closing.If opening, and instruction is the instruction of lifting/lowering channel, and program just determines succeeding channel so that the device translates that instruction needs.

Importantly controller 28 can determine whether the power supply of each electronic equipment is being opened.The electric power on/off key of most of telechiric devices is toggle switchs.And has only a kind of transition status so as to indication.Figure 39 show be used to handle electric power on/off, channel selection, channel lifting/lowering, VCR plays and the process flow diagram of the subroutine of VCR halt instruction.

After 640 step input subroutines, controller 28 determines whether that the instruction of selecting is the electric power on/off instruction.If, if its self-controller remote-controlled transmitter 48 at first just sends ON/OFF with the IR agreement corresponding to controlled equipment at 642 step controllers 28 and instructs.In 644 steps, controller 28 is checked the power supply status from the line of electric force monitor, below will go through among Figure 43.In addition, the electric power on/off testing circuit can be used.These embodiment have been gone through among Figure 44 and 45 below.If closing at 646 step power supplys, controller 28 is concrete device setup power supply mark just in 648 steps, walks out subroutine, and steering controller 28 is jumped into the program of subroutine described execution before.

On the other hand, if opening at 646 step power supplys, controller 28 just sends channel number/frequency instruction in 650 steps, these instructions by and the corresponding IR agreement of controlled equipment send, channel number or frequency are skip frequencies in the table of first channel or the stored channel of discussing among Figure 11 in the above herein.If electronic system has cable box (Cable box) 16, controller 28 just is arranged on 3 channels to the channel of TV 12 and VCR14.Controller 28 then is provided with power supply to concrete equipment in 652 steps and opens and the channel number mark, walks out electronic program then.

If in 640 selected instructions of step is not electric power on/off instruction, and are channel selection instructions and opening that in 654 selected instructions of step controller 28 just goes on foot to channel selection subroutine shown in Figure 40 656 for the power supply of institute's screening device.

Figure 40 shows the process flow diagram that changes the step of channel subroutine being used for shown in Figure 39.The channel selection instruction that controller 28 is issued in the identification of 840 steps.If being a random access channel, channel selection selects, if this instruction is controller remote-controlled transmitter 48 desired words, controller 28 is just sent instruction, otherwise, if instruction is from other remote-controlled transmitter, then instruction is not sent, because selected device has been received the instruction from indivedual remote-controlled transmitters.Controller 28 goes on foot logout in non-volatile RAM 54 844 then, and for selected device the channel number mark is set in 646 steps.Then controller 28 is walked out subroutine and is returned the subroutine performed program before of jumping into.

If selected channel instruction is the lifting/lowering instruction, just send channel number or frequency instruction at 848 step controllers 28, the channel number that herein is sent out is the number that the next higher or lower channel of importing in the channel of Figure 11 is skipped menu in 850 steps is skipped and stored in the sequence.Controller 28 goes on foot recording events 844, and sends the channel number mark in 846 steps, as mentioned above, walks out subroutine then.

If the channel instruction is a time program instructions (OTP), asking the existing program of just watching to go on record 852 step spectators, till its adjustment is finished.In 854 steps, controller 28 by existing program code retrieve stored of just performing in non-volatile RAM 54 or be stored in program inventory on the dish.Controller 28 is then with regard to the CDTL information of Accounting Legend Code.At 856 step controllers 28 VCR14 is opened, if its power supply is to close now.If 48 requirement of controller remote-controlled transmitter, control VCR record.Described in former Fig. 3, controller remote-controlled transmitter 48 has several Control button 130.Each all is programmed these control knobs, so that finish the some time (one-time) program function after TV button 116 is pressed.In non-volatile RAM 54, store the CDTL data at 858 step controllers 28, be used for when selected program finishes, automatically turn-offing VCR14.Controller 28 is in 844 and 846 step these incidents of record and the channel number mark is set, and walks out subroutine then, as mentioned above.

If the channel instruction is a picture commands more than, just send instruction 862 at 860 step controllers 28, if should select by instruction controlled device remote-controlled transmitter 48.Many picture commands are to be used for changing the instruction that shows a channel of the channel of looking in the televisor 12 with many pictures ability.For example, in two picture systems, a channel is shown in the sub-fraction of TV screen, and second channel uses the remainder of TV screen to show.These two channel displayed can change independently, and perhaps the channel between two demonstrations can be by between interspersed (toggled) two channels, and controller 28 writes down these incidents in 844 steps and 846 steps, the channel number mark is set and walks out subroutine, as mentioned above.

If the channel selection instruction is a previous channel (PREVLOUS HANNEL) instruction, in 864 steps, controller 28 just sends this instruction, if this instruction controlled device remote-controlled transmitter 48 sent in 866 steps.This instruction allows the user to select the channel of before seeing, controller 28 writes down this incident respectively in 844 steps and 846 steps, channel number mark and pupil is set subroutine, as mentioned above.

Return Figure 39, as above 654 steps did not detect channel selection instruction, and detected the VCR play instruction in 660 steps, and the power supply of VCR opening, and controller 28 just sends this instruction in 662 steps, if control device comes self-controller remote-controlled transmitter 48.If a cable box 16 is arranged, just cable box 16 is arranged to " channel that other is empty " at 664 step controllers 28, i.e. the skip channel of input in the menu 214 of the channel discussed of Figure 11 in the above.Controller 28 keeps this to be set to till 666 steps were received the VCR halt instruction.If do not have cable box 16 in 664 steps, controller 28 just sends the instruction that is transformed into channel 3 to TV12, sends to VCR14 and channel is located at above-mentioned channel skip " channel that other is empty " in the menu 214.Controller 28 keeps these channel settings till receiving the VCR halt instruction.Keeping these to be set to the purpose of receiving before the STOP instruction is that because in most VCR, at the end of tape, VCR automatically stops and rewinding, and converts the original channel displayed of demonstration to from playing tape.These selections are not rely on IR instruction, thus controller 28 detect less than.By means of VCR14 has been arranged on channel, when end of tape, spectators see " snowflake ", till spectators select a channel or press the VCR halt instruction, know that so as to allowing controller 28 which channel VCR is set at or VCR stops.

Among another embodiment of Tao Luning, its middle controller 28 is between cable box 16 and VCR14 in the above, and controller 28 is transformed into next pattern and a demonstration takes place on channel 3, requires user's inputting channel number.When VCR14 stops, having being presented on the TV12 of channel number request and automatically be shown.In 670 steps, controller 28 is provided with channel labelling and VCR mark and walks out electronic program.

If do not send the VCR play instruction in 660 steps, and send the VCR halt instruction and the VCR power supply is being opened in 672 steps, controller 28 just sends this instruction, if this instruction comes self-controller remote-controlled transmitter 48 in 674 steps, and determines whether that being provided with VCR in 676 steps plays mark.If mark is set, controller 28 discharges the control of TV12, VCR14 and the setting of cable box 16 channels in 678 steps, and resets VCR in 680 steps and play mark.From 680 steps, if or in 676 steps VCR is not set and plays, controller 28 was provided with VCR disconnection/stop flag and walks out this subroutine in 682 steps.

If the VCR halt instruction was not sent in 672 steps, and had sent the instruction that the VCR power supply disconnects in 684 steps, VCR then moved towards for 674 steps and carries out above-mentioned processing.If do not receive that in 684 steps the VCR power supply disconnects, 28 of controllers are walked out this subroutine.

Finish this parton program of Figure 39 and return after Figure 38, check power supply on/off state at 594 step controllers 28, if the power supply on/off has taken place to be changed, controller 28 is just stored this instruction, date and time in non-volatile RAM 54, and/or mark programs, and 596 the step the dish last storage time.In 598 steps, 28 pairs of selected devices of slave controller send instruction, and controller 28 turns back to monitoring mode in 590 steps and detects the signal that the next one is transmitted then.

Controller 28 carries out the analysis of each device operation now.Video equipment is at first classified as analyzed equipment.If the instruction in the request of 594 steps is not the power supply on/off, just determine at 600 step controllers 28 whether instruction is TV, VCR or cable box instruction.If not one of these instructions, or in 600 not connections of step power supplys, controller 28 determines that in 602 steps whether instruction is to CD Player 26.And if the power supply of CD Player 26 opening, controller just determines in 604 steps whether instruction is the CD play instruction.If not the CD play instruction, controller 28 just sent the instruction of requirement and turned back to for 590 steps in 598 steps.But, if the CD play instruction is selected and use controller remote-controlled transmitter 48 number button 88 to select the CD sequence number in 606 steps, controller 28 is just sought the program order of magnetic track in the CD storehouse, this imports as the CD sequence number during CD sets up pattern, and by means of send 26 pairs of CD Player programmings of suitable IR code in 210 steps, so that play magnetic track by the order that is stored in the CD storehouse.All are used for all being stored in the non-volatile RAM 54 in advance or on the dish to the IR code that CD plays the device programming during aforesaid apparatus settings pattern.

There is not the CD of magnetic track program capability to play among the embodiment of device in another use, the enter track number playing time relevant during the CD programming that the user discusses in above-mentioned Figure 23-24 is selected with it.In 610 steps, 28 pairs of CD performances of controller device 26 sends first track number in the program order.By means of the time addition that the instruction of playing time and magnetic track is sent, controller 28 calculates CD and plays devices 26 and finish the time of playing this magnetic track, and the magnetic track time of system clock and calculating is compared.After these time unanimities, controller 28 is just played device 26 to CD and is sent out track number next and repeat time series analysis.When controller 28 sends whole program, this finishing dealing with.Then, controller 28 returns its monitoring mode in 590 steps.

If do not select CD number, just determine whether to be provided with CD Karaoke mark at 612 step controllers 28 in 606 steps.If the user does not select the CD Karaoke, controller 28 just sent instruction and returns its monitoring mode in 590 steps in 598 steps.But, if selected the CD karaoke mode in 612 steps, controller 28 is just turned on televisor 12 in 614 steps, and it is transferred to 3 channels and video switch and mixer 68 are converted to next pattern.616 step controllers 28 CD play device 26 play instruction with on the televisor 12 in the CD karaoke mode demonstration of the previously stored lyrics carry out returning monitoring mode then synchronously.

If instructed at 600 step TV/VCR/ cable boxs, and their power supply opening, and perhaps instructed at 618 step radios, and its power supply opening, and controller 28 just determines whether to have set up radio or TV Karaoke mark in 620 steps.If do not set up, controller 28 was stored this instruction as mentioned above and is sent instruction and return its monitoring mode in 590 steps in 598 steps in 596 steps.But, if the user has selected radio or TV Karaoke, controller 28 is just monitored microphone 46 to detect from TV or radio receiver player's performance and begin tune by means of audio switch 84 being converted to microphone modes in 622 steps.Beginning tune preferably a kind of DTMF tune, it is by the switch synchronized broadcast of radio station or TV station and the selection of a kind of music.

In 624 steps, controller 28 is turned on televisor 12, and it is transferred to 3 channels, and video switch and mixer 68 are set at type mode.But, if TV Karaoke mark is set up, just mix with the Karaoke lyrics at 624 step television video frequency signals.The broadcasting that detection comes from the television receiver player begins after the song, and CPU49 just makes the lyrics and music synchronous, and sends the lyrics to televisor 12 in 626 steps.

The Karaoke floppy disk that during CD, transmitting-receiving sound machine, TV or VCR Karaoke, uses contain play in radio or the televisor or be stored in a certain song on CD or the video tape.These lyrics are stored into after the RAM52 and take place when synchronous, and controller 28 is just given televisor 12 lyrics of playing Karaoka by phrase, and for example, each five words show on TV screen.Phrase is stipulated (timetagged) by the time on dish.CPU49 calculates elapsed time from Kara OK songs (detect CD and play signal or beginning song).When elapsed time equaled next time mark, CPU49 just showed corresponding one group of phrase.For example, first group of phrase was shown for 5 seconds after beginning was bent, and next group phrase just was shown for 10 seconds after beginning is bent, pushed away under like this.When being production Karaoke dish, the time mark on the disk finishes by the programmer.When showing in turn, can be by the lyrics sung by shinny or by means of spin or phrase is flashed indicate.

Karaoke also can be similar to the videotape that the mode of CD Karaoke prerecords and realize.A kind of video tape has a corresponding Karaoke floppy disk 62, contains the lyrics of song on the video tape above.As the CD process flow diagram, the lyrics are read and are stored in during setting up the RAM storer 52 from dish.The demonstration of the controller 28 starting lyrics and wait VCR and tape are set up certain speed and are finished other startup after VCR starts.For VCR Karaoke, video switch and mixer 68 must be set on the integrated mode, resemble to make the lyrics and vision signal all show on screen the TV Karaoke to look.

In another embodiment, the Karaoke dish can contain voice image (sound pattern) and is used for making Kara OK songs to begin.First group of note of for example, playing in song can be recorded on the dish.One is detected beginning and compares the sound of record with from the detected sound of microphone 46.When unanimity, the song speech is just by synchronous with the music of playing on CD performance device 26, radio 24, TV12 or VCR14.

If do not require radio instruction, or closing at 618 step radio power supplys, whether controller 28 just determines whether to have selected MusicID and radio power supply opening in 628 steps.If, just store frequency of radio station, date and time in non-volatile RAM 543 at 630 step controllers 28, for when as above use when being inserted in conjunction with the radio programs inventory dish 62 of Figure 13 description.Anyway must return its monitoring mode at 590 step native systems.

In another embodiment, determine whether to drive at 630 step controllers 28 and a radio programming inventory dish is arranged in 58 or this program inventory is not stored in the non-volatile ram 54 at dish.If controller 28 is with regard to the information of the in progress song in relevant radio station on the retrieval dish.If song is found, controller 28 is just opened TV12 and video switch and mixer 68 is converted to type mode.Controller 28 continues to show in real time the author and the title of song then.Also can show about song or artistical additional information and to look.

Be similar to the pre-programmed radio reception preset program of the film shown in Figure 36, allow the audience to preengage a first song.When radio inventory dish was inserted into disk drive, controller 28 was just sung the next time of the selected song on the retrieval dish.The song that the audience will listen when selecting sing next time or cancel this project.When selected song was sung, controller 28 was just opened stereo ceiver 24, and it is transferred to suitable radio station.

In another embodiment, the MusicID instruction is used for discerning TV programme to be similar to wireless mode.Spectators press MusicID key 112.If if the television program listing dish in disk drive 58 or listings data be stored in the non-volatile RAM, controller 28 is just retrieved this dish and is sought programm name and the out of Memory watching.These information show in conjunction with TV/ literal (Text) pattern on TV12.As what Figure 36 discussed, also can do film and be scheduled to.

To be similar to the mode that 48 the instruction that sends from the control remote control is monitored the signal that infrared detection 44 receives, controller 28 also monitors the signal of the instruction of each remote-controlled transmitter.Figure 41 is the process flow diagram that shows the signal that detects each remote-controlled transmitter.

When 690 steps detected the IR signal of a remote-controlled transmitter, just determine at 692 o'clock controllers 28 whether detected instruction is the electric power on/off instruction.If controller 28 is just carried out the electric power on/off subroutine that above-mentioned 39 figure discussed in 694 steps.After subroutine is returned, if perhaps do not detect the electric power on/off instruction in 692 steps, this program just determined whether to send instruction from CD remote-controlled transmitter 40 in 696 steps, and whether the power supply of CD performance device 26 is being opened, if just store this instruction, date and time in non-volatile RAM or on dish at 698 step controllers.Controller 28 returns its monitoring mode in 690 steps.

If do not send instruction at 696 step CD remote-controlled transmitters 40, perhaps power supply disconnects, a but instruction of receiving stereo remote-controlled transmitter 36 in 700 steps, and the power supply of stereophone receiver 24 is being opened, just store this instruction, date and time in nonvolatile memory 54 and the selected program of mark at 702 step controllers 28, in storage is selected on dish time in 702 steps.Controller 28 is then at the monitoring mode that returned for 690 steps.

If do not select stereo remote-controlled transmitter 40 in 700 steps, so in 704 steps, if an instruction that comes one of from TV, VCR or cable box (cablebox) remote-controlled transmitter is received, and the power supply of related device is being opened, if selected instruction is electric power on/off instruction, channel lifting/lowering, VCR stops or play instruction, just jump to the subroutine that Figure 39 discusses at 704 step controllers 38.If a cable box 16 is arranged, controller 28 just remains on TV 12 and VCR14 on the channel 3.

Controller 28 was carried out for 702 steps and is carried out processing discussed above.If do not receive TV, VCR, CABLE BOX instruction in 704 steps, or the power supply of selected device disconnects, and controller 28 goes on foot 690 and just returns supervisory programme.

Figure 41 is one and shows the process flow diagram that is used to analyze from the detected signal of each audio/video electronic equipment remote-controlled transmitter shown in Figure 1.In 710 steps, controller 28 is comparison system clock and record and watch and instructing the start time constantly, and these instruction storage are in non-volatile RAM 54.When unanimity, controller 28 just instructs corresponding electronic device or record or watch.After in case incident takes place, controller 28 instruction of just from storer, erasing.Record or watch incident for what repeatedly take place, for example, record every day or record are weekly just recomputated instruction time of next time in 712 steps, and this time and instruction storage in non-volatile RAM 54.The fact that incident takes place also was recorded in the storer by means of storage instruction, date, time, and was stored on the dish by means of this program of mark.

Power supply detects

Figure 43 represents the power source monitoring device 85 of top controller 28 shown in Figure 2.Power source monitoring device 85 has power connector 720, and it is used for providing electric power from the power supply (not shown) to controller 28 and consumer electronic device.Power connector 720 is connected on line of electric force 722 and 724.Form of power is 115V preferably, the 60Hz AC power.In addition, other power supply comprises that direct supply also can use.Though, also can use three-way power-supply system to AC power two lines that drawn.One group of line of electric force 738 is linked on the line of electric force 722.Line of electric force 722,738 is linked on the controller power electronic equipment (not shown), and links respectively on TV12, VCR14, cable box 16, CD Player 26 and stereo 24 power connectors of being scheduled to 726,728,730,732,734.Power sensor or sensing coil 736 place the exit of line of electric force 738.In DC power system, use shunt as current sensor, these power sensors are linked on the signal processor 740, and it determines that whether corresponding electronic device is just in electricity consumption, by means of relatively detecting power supply and threshold current, and give CPU49 this power information.By means of the signal of monitoring from signal processor 740, CPU49 knows the switch situation of each electronic equipment.When the electronic equipment electricity consumption, the electric current by sensing coil 736 comprises by signal processor 740 and detects and be converted into the electric current that digital signal is sent into CPU49.Use in the electric power on/off trace routine of this information Figure 40 discussion in the above

In another embodiment, electronic equipment is not specified connector 726,728,730,732 and 734 in advance.During setting up pattern, controller 28 guides user and disconnected whole electronic equipments.Controller 28 is each equipment of instruction unpack successively, and monitoring is by the electric current of each electric power sensing coil 736 then.The coil 736 of measuring operating current is installed by dispensing one, and this device is removed to connect circuit by instruction.

An AC track data modulator 742 is linked on the line of electric force 722,724, so that by this AC electric wire signal is sent on other electronic equipment of this line of electric force from CPU49.People's such as Schwarzbach, nineteen eighty-three, November 29, laid-open U.S. Patents 4,418,333 disclosed an a kind of method that sends signal on the AC line of electric force.Its main points are quoted by reference at this.The utilization of AC track data modulator will go through in conjunction with Figure 46 below.

Shown in Figure 44 is a replacement device whether detection televisor 12 electric currents are switched on or switched off.In 750 steps, when detecting the on/off TV current-order of self-controller remote-controlled transmitter 48 or TV remote-control transmitter 32, controller 28 sends channel 3 selection instructions to televisor 12 in 752 steps, and video switch and frequency mixer 68 are transferred to mode word.Then, in 754 steps, controller 28 shows an instruction to spectators, allows it import a channel.Now, before channel was transfused to, spectators just can't teleview.In 756 steps, controller 28 monitors the IR detecting device, so that accept the channel selection from spectators, if in 20 seconds, receive a response signal in 756 steps, then in 758 steps, controller 28 just is transferred to TV mode to video switch and frequency mixer 68, and televisor 12 is transferred on the selected channel.In 760 steps, because televisor 12 ons now, spectators are probably seeing program, and controller 28 is just this incident with have date and time mark channel signals and deposit in the non-volatile ram 54, or in the disk.But, in 756 steps, if do not receive a response signal in 20 seconds, then in 762 steps, controller 28 just thinks that televisor 12 disconnects now, and stores the above-mentioned program of having seen this no longer viewed incident now.Though, in 756 steps, selected 20 seconds, also can select any a period of time to allow spectators remove to import a desirable channel.

Figure 45 shows the alternative of another control televisor 12 power supply on-offs.A local oscillator detecting device 780 is contained in controller 28 the insides, and detects the local oscillator from televisor 12, VCR14, or the transmitting of terminal box 16.In most preferred embodiment, local oscillator detecting device 780 is linked the output terminal 70 of controller 28, and controller 28 is linked the input port of televisor 12 through cable 23.In addition, detecting device 780 can be linked on the antenna, goes to detect to transmit.The local oscillator of conduction transmits and is removed at output terminal 70 on cable 23, and is scanned FM receiver or frequency synthesizer 782 scanning detections.Transmitting that these are scanned is imported in the signal thermometry survey device 784, and detecting device 784 detections are present in all local oscillators that conducted (LO) that are scanned in the frequency band and transmit.Sweep frequency modulation (FM) receiver 782 and signal detector circuit 784 are accepted control signal and control signal are sent among the CPU49 to go from CPU49.When detecting transmitting that a quilt conducts, signal detector 784 send LO by measured frequency (signal) in CPU49.By known LO frequency, CPU49 just calculates channel or the broadcasting station that corresponding electronic device has been transferred to.Inventor Karr in the U.S. Patent number 5038405 of issue on August 6th, 1991, discloses the method that a kind of LO of use transmits detection signal, and its main points are quoted by reference at this.

In the user's electronic system, a lot of electronic equipments have the clock of oneself.And the many electronic equipments that spread all over subscriber household have clock, for example, and micro-wave oven, baking box, refrigerator, some radio, system and clocks such as automatic lawn alcoholic beverage preparing device.Each clock must be harmonized respectively during purchase.And if each equipment does not have battery spare unit or equivalent, after outage, this equipment must be readjusted.And, the degree of accuracy difference of each clock, thus at clock after adjusted certain period, clock timing is different must regularly be resetted.In addition, when being transformed into daylight time from the standard time or vice versa, each clock must pull out fast or pull out slow one hour.

Figure 46 is a process flow diagram, and it is illustrated in used step in Fig. 1 clock adjustment program of the present invention.In 810 steps, controller 28 is constantly being monitored microphone 46, so that produce TV and the broadcasting equipment timing musical sound play of cycle by the hour.In addition, this monitoring needs not to be continuously, and it can carry out on a certain section time interval intercycle ground, and is for example weekly once a day, or every month once.In 812 steps, because musical sound produces by the hour, controller 28 went response by adjusting clock by immediate hour.In most preferred embodiment, each consumer electronic devices and each electronic equipment in the family have AC line modulation device, or the IR detecting device.The AC line modulation device that uses in Figure 43 of people's patents such as discussion Schwarzbaeh is known for those persons skilled in the art as mentioned above.In 814 steps, controller 28 is by AC circuit or infrared detector transmitting time coded signal periodically.Each electronic equipment detects this signal and its internal clocking of resetting.

Controller 28 detects outage simultaneously.In 816 steps, after the outage, controller 28 removes the electronic equipment of resetting by AC circuit or IR detecting device at 818 step transmitting time coded signals.For the skip televisor of storage of reserved channel not during power interruption, controller 28 is by reading channel from channel is skipped menu, and to the TV12 program of rearranging, and instruction TV goes during these channels are added to storage.

On the program recording dish, point out to change over to or produce the date of daylight saving time.Controller 28 is charged to this date in the non-volatile ram 54, continuously date on the same day and institute's record date were compared in 820 steps, and, just added one hour or subtract one hour in own clock when both are identical, and, send the new time through AC circuit or IR detecting device in 822 steps.

Audience (spectators) response data is collected

As mentioned above, it is watching or be recorded whether controller 28 has write down TV programme, and what TV programme is watching or be recorded; Whether FM wireless station is listened to, and what FM wireless station is listened to and what CD audio track is performed in a radio or TV programme.Controller 28 can write down all user instructions and selection.For example, choose in the programme, purchase the lender and select different bought items in the family of Figure 33.If buyer does not get in touch the order goods by phone and retailer immediately, purchase lender's operation control 28 and go to write down this purchase matters, thereby by giving back disk, selected item is promptly ordered.Controller 28 is by the telephone service of telephone directory or newspaper classified advertisement monitoring user.Each user's operation control 28 is stirred a telephone number in telephone directory or the newspaper classification, and controller just is recorded in this information in the non-volatile ram 54 or is recorded on the disk.The distinct methods of collecting this information can be used.

Figure 47 is a process flow diagram, and it expresses the step in Fig. 1 viewer response data collection program of the present invention.In 790 steps, controller 28 determines whether viewing time finishes.Each dish is programmed and has the date that an expression viewing time finishes.For example, about television program listing weekly, spectators are by on the program disk that receives in week there being the date that receives next program disk.When spectators' insertion dish in Figure 13, controller 28 just is input to the viewing time closing day in the non-volatile ram 54 and goes.Controller 28 compared the date on the same day of this date and controller clock.At the viewing time closing day, in 791 steps, controller 28 is connected televisors 12, and televisor is transformed into channel 3, and device 68 is driven in video switch and mixing is transferred to mode word.If play at viewing time closing day televisor, controller 28 is just waited for till spectators finish watching TV programme always; And when TV power supply/severed finger of detection made, controller 28 did not cut out televisor 12, but televisor 12 is transformed into 3 channels, and enters mode word.

In another alternative embodiment, controller 28 allows spectators to watch TV programme continuously, only go on foot 792 that controller 28 is transformed into teleputers and mode word to video switch and mixer 68, and portion shows shielding now: " insert your program contents dish and press " selection " ".The controller continued operation shows that like this up to going on foot 793, program disk is inserted into.

After dish was inserted into, controller 28 went on foot the identifier of reading on the dish 794, and whether definite dish comprises correct identifier.The catalogue dish uses the password of being decoded by CPU49.These sign indicating numbers became with the date.If identifier is incorrect, just determine whether that at 795 step controllers 28 dish is inserted for the second time.If controller 28 is just erased the information on the dish in 796 steps.For new program contents dish, controller 28 does not go to erase them, but shows an information, illustrates that new building can not be used before old dish inserts.For first, second twice slotting dish, control system device 28 is just refused this dish in 797 steps, and the demonstration error message, and non-correct dish of this information indication once was inserted into.Controller 28 turns back to the step 792, and the request user inserts correct dish.If in 794 steps, identifier is correct, controller 28 is going on foot 798 user instructions of just reading in all non-volatile rams 54, and they are stored on the dish.

In 798 steps, on 28 all user instruction existence dishes of controller, and examine all instructions that deposited in the step 798 from non-volatile ram 54.In 800 steps, controller 28 indication users post this dish by postpaid person's mode.On the other hand, in 800' step, controller 28 stir one free number, be stored in all among the non-volatile RAM54 or the user instruction that is stored on the dish is sent to the viewer response DCC through modulator-demodular unit.In 802 steps, controller 28 is erased and is transmitted or is stored in all instructions from non-volatile ram 54 on the dish, and in 804 steps, controller 28 goes back to TV mode and the closing television machine 12 received to system.In addition, the catalogue dish has been returned in fact collects the place, for example is that an image is hired out the shop.Bleeding point or write down the information of dish, or give the answer center dish.In the present embodiment, spectators are allowed to watch continuously TV, and televisor is not closed.

For the user with a plurality of controllers 28, controller 28 requires the user that dish is put into each controller successively in order, is recorded in this dish from non-volatile ram 54 up to the data of each controller and goes.

Alternate embodiment

In the present embodiment, controller 28 or by information is recorded on the dish, or information is sent in the central computer through telephone wire, and institute's recorded information is transferred in the viewer response data gathering system.But, as shown in Figure 2, printer outlet 86 is for connecting printer usefulness, so that make the hard copy of user-selected information.For example, an audience can want the hard copy of a song of selecting under music IR instruction, for example is the top IR instruction of being discussed in Figure 27.This audience may want to take this catalogue to go shopping to buy selected CDS.Similarly, buyer may want to choose by family the printout of the project that the program program orders.

Though most preferred embodiment uses infrared-ray communication between controller 28 and electronic equipment, other communication contact mode also may be utilized.For example, a two-way radio frequency (RF) system, ultrasound wave or a direct-connected logical mode also may be utilized.

Though data aggregation has been used according to market and has been discussed,, information also can be used for other purpose.For example, father and mother may want to understand own child's the custom of watching.By sense data from non-volatile ram 54 or dish, controller 28 shows 12 turn-on times of televisors or just viewed special series.By each child is used particular password, father and mother can find out each child's the custom of watching.When the application data of the controller 28 on supplying with floppy disk 62 was illustrated, these data may be to be provided by telephone wire 76, were received herein and modulated detuner 80 decodings, were deposited among the RAM52 then.

As mentioned above, one family has a plurality of consumer electronic devices separately to be settled, and for example is placed in the not chummery of family.Though can imagine, each electronic installation has own nonshared control unit, and this controller has dish shared between a plurality of controllers, as above discuss, and, a single controller can be used in the alternative embodiment.This controller is placed in first room with first consumer electronic device 10.One second consumer electronic device 10 is arranged in second room, in each of two rooms, an IR detecting device and transmitter are arranged.IR detecting device in first room and the IR detecting device in second room are electrically connected, and the IR detecting device in first room is electrically connected with IR transmitter in second room.The second controller remote control transmitter 48 is also placed in second within doors.IR detecting device and transmitter in such interconnect equipment are encoded, thereby controller can be by adding that a distinguishing mark is to instruction, and operate a TV in second room, and make the televisor in first room not go to respond the instruction that is sent to the televisor in second room.When receiving by the IR detecting device, interconnection circuit is decoded to coded order, and sends a decoding instruction and go to second televisor in second room.

An interface section can be added on the controller, and this controller is actually IR transmitter and the detecting device that is placed in second room, and and the controller in first room directly be electrically connected.In the present embodiment, the coding and decoding wiring diagram is unnecessary.

In another alternate embodiment, the controller 28' that controller 28 is used to first room and a simplification is used in another room.Controller 28 or by being electrically connected as mentioned above, or linked on another controller 28' by radio interconnected.The controller that is simplified may be one of two kinds of structures.

In first kind of structure, the controller that is simplified does not have a disk drive device.Simplify controller CPD and remove this dish, thereby and data are delivered to read the TV programme catalogue in second controller or read other dish by the CPU that requires master controller.

In second alternative embodiment, simplifying controller does not have the CPU memory storage, a disk drive device, an I/O card.In this embodiment, simplify the linkage function of controller execution from the master controller to the electronic system.

In another alternate embodiment, controller can be used to the anti-locking apparatus of a mistake.Particularly, this controller can be programmed in the schedule time and remove to switch on and off electronic equipment.In most preferred embodiment, the lighting device with infrared eye also can be switched on and disconnect in the given time.And, a CD-audio player, or the magnetic tape cassette with the talk of prerecording can be played by switching on and off this device.An outdoor onlooker may be deceived.Thinking has the people in the room, has no talent in the room in fact.

Because the present invention is illustrated, and most preferred embodiment is disclosed, and can expect that the person skilled in the art can be improved and revise it, and therefore, the present invention is only limited by the scope of accessory claim defined.

Claims (178)

1, a kind of handle visible information project on electronic console comprises following step from the method that the information provider offers the user:

Information is offered the user, and this information stores is in portable read/writable memory device, and at least a portion information is the form of printing;

Read the information that is stored in the storer;

The information that demonstration is read from storer;

Select one from the information project that is shown information by the user; With

In storer, store record data of some project at least of selected information.

2,, further comprise step according to selected information Control electronic equipment operation according to the method for claim 1.

3, according to the method for claim 2, wherein information comprises the available TV programme arrangement of user schedule.

4,, wherein select the step of at least one information project to comprise the step of selecting TV programme to be recorded, and the step of control electronic equipment operation comprise that video tape recorder of control records the step of selected program according to the method for claim 3.

5, according to the method for claim 4, the step of wherein controlling the video tape recorder operation comprises the step that the control office of video tape recorder is limited to one group of user.

6, according to the method for claim 3, wherein the step of display message is included in the step of display message on the television receiver, select the step of at least one information project to comprise the step of selecting a TV programme to be watched, and the step of control electronic equipment operation comprise that the control television receiver goes to check the step of selected program.

7, according to the method for claim 3, wherein at least a portion comprises a TV programme schedule with the information of printing form, and it has the arrangement schedule of at least a portion printing TV programme.

8,, wherein provide information to comprise movably portable read/writable memory device is attached to TV programme step on the calender to user's step according to the method for claim 7.

9, according to the method for claim 2, wherein information comprises the catalogue and the telephone number of a telephone service subscriber.

10, according to the method for claim 9, wherein select the step of at least one information project to comprise to select a step that is used for the telephone service user of customer contact, and the step of control electronic equipment operation comprises the step of stirring selected subscriber's telephone number from subscriber's telephone line.

11, according to the method for claim 9, wherein the information of at least a portion printing form comprises a telephone directory, wherein has the catalogue of telephone service subscriber of at least a portion printing and their telephone number.

12,, wherein provide information to comprise movably portable read/writable memory device is appended to step on the telephone directory to user's step according to the method for claim 11.

13, according to the method for claim 1, further comprise: from the step of user's trapping memory, this storer has the Information Selection record data that deposited in the user.

14,, comprise from the step of user's trapping memory: provide a stimulation (encouragement) to make the user offer storer the step of specifying the gatherer according to the method for claim 13.

15, according to the method for claim 13, wherein the step from user's trapping memory comprises: the mailing storer is given the step of specifying the gatherer.

16, basis the process of claim 1 wherein that storer is from magnetic media, nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and select among magnetic-optical memory group.

17, according to the method for claim 16, wherein magnetic media can comprise a floppy disk.

18, according to the method for claim 1, further comprise the steps:

A device selecting information in order to the cancellation preliminary election is provided; With

From storer, erase the record data that are cancelled information project.

19, according to the method for claim 2, the step of record data that deposits some project at least of selected item in storer in comprises: deposit the step according to record data of selected information control electronic equipment operation in storer in.

20, according to the method for claim 4, wherein depositing at least in storer, the step of the record data of a selected item of some project comprises: deposit the step that a control video tape recorder removes to write down the record data of selected information in storer in.

21, according to the method for claim 6, the step of record data that wherein deposits some project at least of selected item in storer in comprises: deposit the step that a control television receiver goes to check selected recording of programs in storer in.

22, according to the process of claim 1 wherein that the step of record data of some project at least of depositing selected item in the storer in comprises: the step that deposits a mark relevant by the information provider who is selected by the user in being stored in information project in the storer in advance.

23,, further comprise the steps: to collect the step that user profile is selected record data from the user according to the method for claim 1; With

Analyze and select record data to select the step of custom to determine user profile.

24, according to the method for claim 23, the step of collecting record data from the user comprises: record data are sent to the step of specifying gatherer with electronic installation.

25, according to the process of claim 1 wherein that the step of record data of some project at least of depositing the selected information project in storer in is deposited in some project at least of selected information project in the second storage storage the step of record data replaces.

26, according to the method for claim 25, further comprise step:

Collect the record data exist the second memory that user profile selects from the user; With

Analyze and select the custom of record data to determine that user profile is selected.

27, according to the method for claim 26, wherein the step of collecting record data from the user comprises: the step that transmits the gatherer of record data to an appointment with electronic installation.

28, according to the method for claim 13, further comprise: analyze the selection record data that exist in the collected storer, select to determine user profile.

29, according to the method for claim 28, wherein the information with printing form comprises: a printing periodical that contains a plurality of printing information projects, information in storer comprises for the at user option requirement of the additional data relevant with the printing information project and further comprises the following steps:

In storer, deposit the identification user's data in;

There are the selection record data in the collected storer in analysis, in order to identification user and definite requirement to additional data; With

Utilize the data of being analyzed to provide needed additional data to the user.

30, basis the process of claim 1 wherein that information project is encoded, and further comprises step that has the information decoding in the storer and the step that record data of at least some selected information projects are encoded.

31, handle offers user's method from information provider's visible information project on electronic console, comprises step:

On portable read/writable memory device, provide information to the user;

Read the information that exists in the storer;

The information that demonstration is read from storer;

From be shown information, select at least one information project by user selection device;

In storer, deposit record data of at least one selected information project in; With

Has the storer of being deposited the Information Selection record data to user's collection.

32,, further comprise step according to the operation of selected information control electronic equipment according to the method for claim 31.

33, according to the method for claim 32, wherein information comprises an available TV programme catalogue of user.

34, according to the method for claim 33, wherein select the step of at least one information project to comprise: to select the step of TV programme to be recorded and the step of control electronic equipment operation to comprise that controlling a video tape recorder remembers the step of making selected program.

35, according to the method for claim 33, wherein the step of display message comprises: display message on a television receiver, select the step of at least one information project to comprise and select one will watch the step of TV programme and the step of control electronic equipment operation to comprise that the control television receiver goes to check the step of selected program.

36, according to the method for claim 32, wherein information comprises the catalogue and the telephone number of a telephone service subscriber.

37, according to the method for claim 36, wherein select the step of at least one information project to comprise to select a step that is used for the telephone subscriber of customer contact, and the step of control electronic equipment operation comprises the step of stirring selected subscriber's telephone number from subscriber's telephone line.

38, according to the method for claim 31, wherein the step that provides to stimulate the use user storer to be supplied with the appointment gatherer is provided the step to user's trapping memory.

39, according to the method for claim 31, wherein the step to user's trapping memory comprises the step that the mailing storer is given the appointment gatherer.

40, according to the method for claim 31, wherein storer is from magnetic medium, chooses among nonvolatile semiconductor memory and the magnetic one optical memory group.

41, according to the method for claim 40, wherein magnetic medium comprises a floppy disk.

42, according to the method for claim 31, further comprise step: provide a device, in order to the selection of giving of cancellation information; With the record data of from storer, erasing the information project that is cancelled.

43, according to the method for claim 32, wherein depositing at least in storer, the step of record data of some selected project is included in the step that deposits record data of control electronic equipment operation in the storer according to selected information in.

44, according to the method for claim 34, wherein depositing at least in storer, the step of record data of some selected item comprises; In storer, deposit the step that the control video tape recorder removes to record record data of selected information in.

45, according to the method for claim 35, wherein depositing at least in storer, the step of record data of some selected item comprises: deposit the step that a control television receiver is checked record data of selected program in storer in.

46, according to the method for claim 31, wherein depositing at least in storer, the step of the record data of some selected item comprises: the step that deposits a mark relevant with those information projects that give depositing storer earlier in by the selected information provider of user in.

47, according to the method for claim 31, wherein the step of collecting record data from the user comprises the step that record data is sent to the gatherer of an appointment with electronic installation.

48, according to the method for claim 31, the step of record data of some selected information project substitutes by depositing at least in second storer wherein to deposit the step of record data of some selected information project at least in storer in.

49, according to the method for claim 48, further comprise step:

Collect the record data exist the second memory that user profile selects from the user; With

Analyze and select record data so that determine the custom that user profile is selected.

50, according to the method for claim 49, wherein the step of collecting record data from the user comprises with electronic installation and sends record data to the step of specifying gatherer.

51, according to the method for claim 31, comprise that further there is the step of the selection record data in the collected storer in analysis, select to determine user profile.

52, according to the method for claim 31, wherein information project comprises bought item, selects the step of information project to comprise the step of selecting bought item and further comprise step:

In storer, deposit the identification user's data in;

Analyze the selection record data that exist in the storer of collecting, with recognition user and definite selected bought item; With

Utilize and analyze data to provide bought item to the user.

53, according to the method for claim 52, wherein the recognition user's data comprises the user credit card information.

54, according to the method for claim 31, information project comprises contention problem and a plurality of answer thereof, and the step of Information Selection project comprises to be selected the step of an answer and further comprise step each problem:

In storer, deposit the recognition user's data in;

Analysis exists selection record data in the collected storer with the selection answer of recognition user and problem identificatioin; With

Utilize the data of being analyzed to determine whether the user is the victor of debate.

55, a kind of handle comprises from the device that information provider's visible information project on electronic console offers the user:

Storage arrangement has the portable read/writable memory device of information project in it comprises;

The printed medium body has at least a portion information project and is printed in it.

Conveyer is used for the mediator of storage arrangement and printing is sent to the user simultaneously;

Readout device is used for reading the information that has storage arrangement;

Display device is used to show the information of reading from storage arrangement;

Selecting arrangement, be used for the user from displayed information select at least one information project and

Pen recorder is used for writing down record data of some selected information project at least at storage arrangement.

56,, further comprise control device according to the operation of selected information control electronic equipment according to the device of claim 55.

57, a kind of handle offers user's device from informant's visible information project on electronic console, comprises:

Storage arrangement, it comprises the portable read/writable memory device that has information project in it;

Conveyer is used for storage arrangement is delivered to the user;

Readout device is used for reading the information that has storage arrangement;

Display device is used to show the information of reading from storage arrangement;

Selecting arrangement is used for the user and selects at least one information project from displayed information;

Pen recorder is used for writing down record data of some selected information project at least at storer; With

Gathering-device, the storer from the user of being used to collect records the record data of Information Selection in this storer.

58, one is used to stop the method that enters a system from the instruction of each remote transmitter, comprises step:

The transmission medium that supervision is used to instruct;

Detection is from an instruction of each remote transmitter;

Recognition should instruct;

According to being produced a main instruction by the instruction of recognition; With

Send main instruction in system.

59, according to the method for claim 58, wherein system is a televisor.

60, according to the method for claim 58, wherein system is a video cassette recorder.

61, according to the method for claim 58, wherein system is a stereo ceiver.

62, according to the method for claim 58, wherein system is a radio-frequency tuner.

63, according to the method for claim 58, wherein system is a cable box.

64, according to the method for claim 58, wherein instruction can be an infrared signal.

65, a kind of method that is used for synchronously showing with playing music the lyrics comprises step:

From a storer, read the lyrics of a song that just is being played;

Monitor a synchronizing signal;

Detect this synchronizing signal; With

In fixing time, give relevant with synchronizing signal show lyrics part.

66, according to the method for claim 65, wherein storer is a pocket memory.

67,, in storer a floppy disk according to the method for claim 66.

68, according to the method for claim 65, wherein the lyrics are displayed on the televisor.

69, according to the method for claim 65, wherein song is just play by radio.

70, according to the method for claim 65, wherein song is just to play on a mini-disk.

71, according to the method for claim 65, wherein song is just by a television for play.

72, according to the method for claim 65, wherein song is just play by an audiotape.

73, according to the method for claim 65, wherein song is just play by video cassette recorder.

74, according to the method for claim 65, wherein synchronizing signal is the frequency multiplexed signal of a twotone.

75, according to the method for claim 65, further comprise step:

From second memory, read prearranged audio signals;

Prearranged audio signals and monitored signal are compared;

And,

In the time of predetermined audio signal and monitored signal coupling, determine that monitored signal is a synchronizing signal.

76, a kind of is the method for a mini-disk machine programming, comprises step:

In storer, deposit a special number that is used for mini-disk in;

Select the track of mini-disk and on user selection device, select to play their order.

Selected track and order are sent to a receiver;

Combine a selected track of receiving and order with special number and deposit the meter reservoir in;

Instruction mini-disk machine removes to play mini-disk;

On user selection device, select the mini-disk special number;

Send special number to receiver;

The special number that utilization is received keeps selected track and order and to have from storer the mini-disk of selected special number corresponding.

Send selected track and order to the mini-disk phonograph.

77, according to the method for claim 76, comprise step:

In second memory, write down special number;

Record is played the number of track in second memory; With

The time and date of the mini-disk of recording played in second memory.

78, according to the method for claim 77, comprise step:

Send the special number from second memory, track number, the time that is played, the date is given an information provider and analyzes the information that is sent out, to determine user's the custom of listening to.

79, a kind of is the method for a mini-disk machine programming, comprises step:

Be assigned to special number of mini-disk;

Select the track of mini-disk, the order that their are play and time interval of each track on a user selection device;

Send selected track, in proper order, the time interval and special number to a receiver;

In storer, deposit in selected track, in proper order, the time interval and special number;

Instruction mini-disk phonograph is play mini-disk;

On user selection device, select the special number of mini-disk;

Send special number to receiver;

Keep selected radio, order and the time interval corresponding to mini-disk with selected special number.

Broadcast selected track in order to the mini-disk phonograph;

Calculate the track deadline;

When predetermined track is finished, broadcast next track, to the last a track is sent out in order.

80, according to the method for claim 79, further comprise step:

In second memory, write down special number;

Record is played the track number in second memory; With

The time and date of recording played mini-disk in second memory.

81,0 method according to Claim 8 further comprises:

Special number, play the track number, time and date sends to an information provider from second memory; With

Analyze transmission information to determine that the user listens to custom.

82, the method for a received broadcast singal of recognition comprises step:

Monitor period of one of a plurality of received broadcast singals, time and channel or frequency according to user selection device;

In storer, deposit a date that is received broadcast singal in, time and channel or frequency;

Read the directoryof that comprises broadcast signal information;

, time and channel or frequency and this directoryof compare on the date of received broadcast singal;

Determine the information in the directoryof relevant with received broadcast singal;

By the received broadcast singal of determined information recognition; With

The tag mark that shows received broadcast singal.

83,2 method according to Claim 8, wherein received broadcast singal is a TV signal.

84,2 method according to Claim 8, wherein received broadcast singal is a radio receiver signal.

85,2 method according to Claim 8, wherein the demonstration of the tag mark of received broadcast singal is on televisor.

86,2 method according to Claim 8, the step that wherein shows the tag mark of received broadcast singal are to carry out simultaneously with the received broadcast singal of monitoring.

87,2 method according to Claim 8 comprises according to user selection device, carries out the step of mark to monitoring a plurality of date, time, channel or frequencies that are received one of broadcast singal in storer.

88,7 method according to Claim 8 comprises the step of the time and date of record mark.

89,8 method according to Claim 8 comprises sending the information that the is labeled step to the information provider.

90,9 method according to Claim 8 comprises that analysis user selects information to select the step of being accustomed to determine the user.

91,8 method according to Claim 8 makes the user enter the step of contention.

92, a kind of method of buying user-selected project from a storer comprises step:

Read a storer that comprises the classified advertisement of the project of will selling;

Show the information that is classified;

Select information project by user selection device;

Pull out a telephone number according to selected item;

Pull out mark information project in the storer of time and date of telephone number having;

Mark information project in the storer of time and date with end of conversation;

User-selected information project is deposited in the storer; And

User-selected information project is sent to a supplier of information the storer from storer.

93, according to the method for claim 92, wherein storer is a pocket memory.

94, according to the method for claim 93, wherein storer is a floppy disk.

95, according to the method for claim 92, the step that wherein transmits the information project that the user selects comprises posts step to the information provider to storer.

96,, comprise that analysis user selection information determines that the user selects the step of being accustomed to according to the method for claim 95.

97, according to the method for claim 92, comprise the following steps:

By the user selection device recorded information project in second memory;

The information project of selected information project and second memory is compared; And

Notify the user whether in the selected information project with exist between the information project in the second memory coupling is arranged.

98, according to the method for claim 97, be included in after information project is stored on schedule, eliminate this information project of access in the second memory.

99, a kind of method of buying the project of user's selection comprises the following steps:

In first memory, deposit customer identification information in;

Reading has the second memory of the information project of vending articles;

Show a partial information project;

Select an information project by user selection device;

Mark the information project of at least one user's selection that enters second memory;

Reading is from the customer identification information of first memory;

Customer identification information is deposited in the second memory; With

From second memory information project and the user label that at least one user selects sent to supply of commodities person.

100, according to the method for claim 99, wherein select the user information project and user's mark to comprise: the step that transmits selected information project and user label by telephone wire from the step that second memory sends supply of commodities person to.

101, according to the method for claim 99, wherein user-selected information project and user label are comprised from the step that second memory is sent to supply of commodities person, second memory is transmitted supply of commodities person's step.

102,, wherein transmit second memory and comprise for supply of commodities person's step: second memory is encapsulated in the envelope that is provided by supply of commodities person, and sends the supplier envelope according to the method for claim 101.

103,, comprise that the marking signal of analysis in second memory select the step of being accustomed to determine the user according to the method for claim 99.

104, according to the method for claim 99, comprise, read at least one the selected information project that is marked and determine that whether a selected information project is by the step of preliminary election.

105,, comprise from second memory marking the step of at least one information project to first memory according to the method for claim 104;

Reading comprises the 3rd storer of the information project of relevant vending articles;

Demonstration is from a part of information project of the 3rd storer;

By at least one information project of user selection device;

Marking at least one user selects in information project to the three storeies.

Read at least one Information Selection project that the quilt in the 3rd storer indicates; With

At least one information project of determining described the 3rd storer whether with second storage in selected at least one information project coupling.

106, a kind of method of controlling electronic system comprises step:

Retrieve a film directoryof;

Select a part of film catalogue by user selection device;

This a part of film catalogue is deposited in first memory;

The broadcasting film catalogue of reading in second memory;

Broadcasting film catalogue and this a part of film catalogue are compared;

Determine whether broadcasting film catalogue is identical with this part film catalogue;

Identical catalogue is deposited in first memory;

Identical catalogue is shown to the user;

Select from shown same directory is single by a user selection device;

The scheduled plan information that reading is selected from second memory about catalogue;

Institute's read message is deposited in the first memory

Monitor date and time;

The scheduled plan information in date and time and the first memory relatively; And

When date and time overlaps with scheduled plan information, control an electronic installation.

107, according to the method for claim 106, wherein scheduled plan information is by date, channel, and the time bar of time and broadcast singal is formed.

108, according to the method for claim 106, the step of wherein controlling electronic installation further comprises step:

When date and time overlaps, connect electronic installation;

Electronic installation is forwarded on the channel that coincides;

Close closing electronic device later at the time bar that overlaps.

109, according to the method for claim 106, wherein electronic installation is a televisor.

110, according to the method for claim 106, wherein electronic installation is by video Cassette recorder equipped a composition.

111, according to the method for claim 106, wherein each film has the sequence number of a special use, and comprises the step that the directoryof of broadcasting film broadcasting and part film directoryof are compared the sequence number of a part of film directoryof and broadcast the step that the directoryof sequence number of film compares.

112,, be included in the step that marks the same directory inventory in the second memory according to the method for claim 106.

113, according to the method for claim 110, the step that wherein marks the same directory inventory in second memory comprises: the step of the time and date that record definite broadcasting film directoryof and part film directoryof are mutually the same.

114, according to the method for claim 106, wherein select the step of a part of film directoryof to comprise the step that marks part film directoryof by user selection device.

115, according to the method for claim 112, wherein select the step of a part of film directoryof to comprise: the record times selected and the step on date with user selection device.

116,, comprise and select the user information to send an information provider's step to according to the method for claim 106.

117,, comprise that analysis user selects information to select the step of being accustomed to determine the user according to the method for claim 114.

118, a kind of the method for each channel of signal dispensing of different frequency, comprise step:

Select a supplier by user selection device from supplier's directoryof;

Read a chart in first memory, this chart has a truth table of the signal on different frequency, and these frequencies are used for each supplier's of supplier's inventory channel by dispensing.

From first memory, fetch dispensing and be used for the channel of selected supplier's different frequency signals; And

The channel that dispensing is used for selected supplier's different frequency signals deposits second memory in.

119, according to the method for claim 118, wherein the supplier is a cable companies.

120, according to the method for claim 118, wherein the signal of various different frequencies is TV signal.

121, a kind of by marking the method that the program predetermination plan goes the monitoring user selection to be accustomed to, comprise step:

Monitor a transmission medium;

In the detected transmission media with user selection device on the user select relevant signal;

Mark with the user and select information project in the relevant storer.

122, according to the method for claim 121, wherein detected signal is the instruction of electronic equipment.

123, according to the method for claim 122, wherein electronic equipment is a televisor.

124, according to the method for claim 122, wherein electronic equipment be one video Cassette recorder equipped.

125, according to the method for claim 122, wherein electronic equipment is a stereo ceiver.

126, according to the method for claim 122, wherein electronic equipment is a radio-frequency tuner.

127, according to the method for claim 122, wherein electronic equipment is a cable box.

128, according to the method for claim 121, wherein detected signal is an infrared signal.

129, according to the method for claim 121, wherein information project is a program inventory.

130, according to the method for claim 129, wherein program inventory is the television program inventory.

131, according to the method for claim 129, wherein program inventory is the radio programs list.

132, according to the method for claim 121, the step of wherein marking comprises the step of the time and date that marks the input generation.

133, according to the method for claim 121, the step of wherein marking comprises the step of a part of information of restriction selection.

134,, further comprise transmission information and mark step to other device according to the method for claim 121.

135,, further comprise the step of analysis user selected marker according to the method for claim 132.

136, a kind of monitoring is used for analysis user and selects the method for the information of custom to comprise step:

The selection of the information project that detection is undertaken by user selection device;

Mark the selected information project;

The selected information project that is labeled is passed to supplier of information;

The selected information project that analysis is labeled; With

Determine that the user selects custom.

137, according to the method for claim 136, wherein information project is in first media and relevant with the information project in second media.

138, according to the method for claim 137, wherein first media is a pocket memory, and second media is a printed matter.

139, according to the method for claim 138, wherein pocket memory is a floppy disk.

140, a kind of method that channel hopping information is offered second equipment of the second place from first equipment of primary importance comprises step:

Monitoring is used for a transmission medium of a channel hopping signal on primary importance;

Detect a channel hopping signal;

Reading is used for a storer of next channel in channel is skipped sequence;

Being sent to second equipment on the second place from first equipment corresponding to the instruction of next channel.

141, according to the method for claim 140, wherein the channel hopping signal is an infrared signal.

142, according to the method for claim 140, wherein the instruction corresponding to next channel is an infrared signal.

143, according to the method for claim 140, wherein second equipment is a televisor.

144, according to the method for claim 140, wherein second equipment be one video Cassette recorder equipped.

145, according to the method for claim 140, wherein second equipment is a stereo ceiver.

146, according to the method for claim 140, wherein second equipment is a radio-frequency tuner.

147, according to the method for claim 140, wherein second equipment is a cable box.

148, according to the method for claim 140, the channel hopping instruction is first kind of form, and the instruction that is used for next channel is second kind of form.

149, according to the method for claim 140, wherein second device responds is in the instruction of next channel, and do not instruct in response to channel hopping.

150,, comprise the step that the detected channel hopping signal of record produces according to the method for claim 140.

151,, comprise the generation of the detected channel hopping signal of record is offered an information provider according to the method for claim 150.

152, according to the method for claim 149, wherein second equipment is a televisor.

153, according to the method for claim 150, the record that wherein detected channel hopping signal produces comprises: the step that writes down the date and time of next channel and generation.

154, a kind of visible information project on the electronic console from the device that an information provider offers the user, comprising:

Be used to read the device of a pocket memory with memory information project;

Be used to show the item of information destination device of reading from pocket memory;

Select at least one to be shown the selecting arrangement of the information project of information by the user;

Storage arrangement; With

In storer, mark the device of record data of at least one selected information project.

155,, further comprise control device according to the operation of selected information project control electronic equipment according to the device of claim 154.

156, according to the device of claim 155, further comprise: a second control device selecting to control the electronic equipment operation according to the user, be used to detect the device that the user selects, with the device that produces the record that certain user at least selects according to pick-up unit with in storer, write down the device that certain user at least selects record data.

157, handle information relevant with the time passes to subscriber's method, comprises step:

Information is recorded on the floppy disk information-related by an information provider with time correlation in this floppy disk and the printed matter.

Floppy disk is additional on the printed matter.

The combination of floppy disk and printed matter is passed to the user; With

Give back floppy disk and give the information provider.

158, the method according to claim 157 further comprises step:

Read the information in the floppy disk;

On floppy disk, mark institute's read message; With

From the information analysis user reading habit that marks.

159, according to the method for claim 157, further comprise, in order to give back dish provides a stimulation for the user step.

160, a kind of product of manufacturing comprises:

One has the information project printed matter;

A magnetic floppy disc has the information relevant with the information project on the printed matter on it; With

An envelope is used to receive and is attached to the floppy disk on the printed matter and is used under the situation of not considering printed matter transmitting this floppy disk.

161, according to the product of claim 160, wherein envelope is that postage gives the envelope of paying on one.

162, according to the product of claim 160, wherein printed matter is a TV guide.

163, according to the product of claim 162, wherein TV guide has a plurality of TV programme, and exists information on the floppy disk to comprise channel, time limit, time, date and the project of at least one TV programme.

164, according to the product of claim 160, wherein printed matter is a telephone directory.

165, according to the product of claim 164, a plurality of organizational structures are wherein arranged in the telephone directory, and canned data comprises in floppy disk: be used at least one name of a plurality of organizational structures, address, telephone number and one 's identification code.

166, according to the product of right 160, wherein printed matter is a newspaper classified advertisement.

167, according to the product of claim 166, wherein the newspaper classified advertisement is described and is a plurality ofly treated the sale project, and exists the information on the floppy disk to comprise: a plurality of at least unit organizations a name, address, its telephone number of buyer and identification code.

168, a kind of remote control user electronic equipment operated system that is used for comprises:

A plurality of wireless detectors on distinct electronic apparatuses are applicable to the different control signals of reception from each remote control transmitting set;

A common remote control transmitting set is applicable to the operating electronic equipment that transmits control signal; And

A Common Controller,

A wireless detector is applicable to the control signal that receives the general transmit machine,

Be used for the control signal that is received convert to applicable to the form device of electronic equipment and

A plurality of transmitting sets are applicable to the control signal in institute's transition form is sent on each electronic equipment.

169, according to the system of claim 168, wherein one of electronic equipment is a televisor.

170, according to the system of claim 168, wherein the general transmit facility have an independent choice of equipment key that is used for each electronic equipment, with at least one function key, this system also comprises: the device of response apparatus options button is used for the control signal that the response function key produces difference in functionality.

171, according to the system of claim 168, wherein conversion equipment is programmable.

172, a kind of being used to revised the method that the user selects information, comprises step:

Reading contains the first memory of the information project relevant with the cycle very first time;

In second memory, deposit the information project of reading from first memory in;

In the cycle very first time, select to mark the project of a part of information project in the second memory according to the user; With

Prevent to read the 3rd storer that comprises the information project relevant, till the project of a part of information project that is marked is recorded in the first memory in second memory with second time cycle.

173, according to the method for claim 172, wherein first memory is a pocket memory.

174, according to the method for claim 172, wherein first memory is a floppy disk.

175, according to the method for claim 172, wherein first memory is a program contents list.

176, according to the method for claim 172, wherein the program contents list is a TV programme catalogue.

177, according to the method for claim 172, wherein the cycle very first time is a week.

178, a kind of method that is used to control consumer electronic devices comprises step:

Monitor in a plurality of electronic equipments the power supply status of each;

The transmission medium of monitor command signal;

Detection is from the command signal of remote transmitter, so that control the operation of at least one electronic equipment; And

Send one according to detection signal and instruct at least one electronic equipment, this detection signal becomes with the power supply status of at least one electronic equipment

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