JPS6126389A - Remote display station used for interruptive video computer system and displaying method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates generally to video display devices, and more particularly to R,F.

The present invention relates to a method of displaying such remote display stations for use with an associated television receiver in an interactive video computer system having a central service computer coupled to several remote display stations through data links.

Television receivers are now commonly used to display information other than traditional television broadcasts. moreover,
Interactive communication systems now exist that utilize television receivers, which allow viewers to input information that is received from a broadcast source and actuated accordingly. For example, some systems allow viewers to make purchases and bank transactions using a keyband.

One drawback of such interactive communication systems is that some amount of training is usually required for non-professional personnel to operate the system. Typically, a keypad is provided with a special group of keys apart from the channel selection keys used to select television channels. Such special keys often confuse and intimidate viewers, thereby causing them to lose confidence in using the system.

The present invention overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks. The display device utilizes a simple keypad to display a wide range of video information from many sources, including standard commercial broadcasting. The keypad includes channel selection keys much like the keys on a conventional television remote control unit.

Additionally, the same keys that select channels for conventional television broadcasts are used to select all of the channels that carry non-conventional broadcasts and often provide viewer interaction. Thus, a person capable of operating a conventional television remote control unit will normally have no difficulty operating the present display station.

These and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

A remote display station for use in an interactive video computer system having a head end, and R,F.

Several display stations and display methods are disclosed that communicate with the head end through a data link. Preferably, the head end includes a central computer coupled to a data link and a video broadcast signal source also coupled to the link.

This display station is adapted for use with a television receiver. The station includes an R,F switch with an output coupled to an input of the receiver.

The switch has at least two inputs and is controlled by a switch control signal. A television converter or tuner is provided having an input coupled to the data link and an output coupled to one of the inputs of the R, F switch. The converter is capable of tuning selected signals of the video broadcast signal transmitted on the data link in response to the conversion control signal.

The display station also includes a keypad device that generates keypad signals in response to manual operation by a user. The keypad device can be, for example, a keypad with multiple keys. A processing device is provided for producing conversion control signals and switch control signals in response to the keypad signals. The processing unit also includes a storage device that stores program instructions used by the processing unit to create the video data.

Additionally, a video display generator is provided that produces a video signal in response to the video data produced by the processing unit. The output of the generator is coupled to R, F, and a second power source of the switch.

Preferably, the first plurality of channels is allocated to the video broadcast signal tuned by the converter and the second plurality of channels is allocated to the video signal produced by the display generator. The user can then select any one of the 1i, or the second plurality of channels using the keypad device.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary application of the disclosed interactive video pointer system. Although the system including the present remote display station will be described in connection with a hotel installation, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is also suitable for other applications.

The computer system may be conveniently divided into a head end located primarily near the front desk of the hotel and a plurality of remote display stations each located in two separate rooms and other locations.

When the display station is 1 here, it is Room 22) (40)
Or called a front desk unit (38).

The head end includes a central service computer <csc') and an associated beta base (20). The cso may include, for example, a supermicrocomputer manufactured by Lycat Systems, Inc. of Aurum, Utah, under the designation Lycat System 160. 080(
20) includes one or more remote printers (22) and a plurality of telephone modems (24) that couple the computer system to other computers and databases by telephone lines. The head end is connected to a remote display station or room unit (40) through a coaxial cable (36), such as those used in hotel television signal distribution equipment. The front desk unit (38), which is similar in structure to the room unit (40), also has a cable (66).
It is connected to the.

Data path between cable (36) and 080 (20) is provided through a conventional cable coupler (54) and head-end modem (35). Modem/demodulator (
35) receives data from the asa (20), modulates an RF carrier with the data and transmits it via cable (36) to the front desk and room units.

The modem (35) also demodulates data sent from the room unit and front desk via cable and transfers the data to the C8C. As explained in more detail below, the desk and room unit each have separate modems to perform similar functions.

The head end further includes, for example, both coaxial cables (2
6) has a variety of video data sources which may include a television antenna and associated amplifier (28) connected to a cable television connection (30). Also attached to the cable is a control video source (32), which may include, for example, one or more video disc players or other forms of video generators. Video source (
62) is controlled by cso(20). The cable (26) is connected to the front desk and room unit group (36) through the cable coupler (34).
) is combined with

Now from FIG. 2, some of the details of the remote display station or room and front desk unit can be seen. Each station is used with a conventional television and vision receiver (49). The coaxial cable (36) is one of the conventional physical diplexers that separates the cable's RF signal into 21 separate signals.
connected to two terminals.

The output terminal of the guiplexer (42) is connected to a television converter or tuner (42) which converts the signal to a standard predetermined television channel frequency (as explained in more detail below).
4) is connected to. The guiplexer (42) provides a communication path from the cable (36) to the transducer (44). The output of the converter (44) is connected to a two-man power switch (4
6) is connected to one input of the switch (46).
) is connected to the input of the television receiver (49).

The terminal of the variable demodulator (42) is connected to the terminal of the variable demodulator (42)
8). A preferred embodiment of the modem (48) is described by John R, Mo.
"Radio frequency modulation/demodulation device and its method" by ore)
No. 628,460, which is assigned to the assignee of the present application. The contents of such applications filed contemporaneously with this application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. The guiplexer (42), cable (36), modem (48) and head end modem (35) transmit and receive data at different frequencies to provide simultaneous capability. Control video sources (32), cable television sources (!10), and television
The antenna and amplifier (28) are 54-7 as standard.
2MH2, 76-88MH2, and 108-450
It uses the MHz frequency band. To avoid interference, the head end modem (65) may transmit at 75 MH2 and receive at 5 MHz, for example.

The room unit modem (48) is then of course configured to transmit at 5'MHz and receive at 75MHz.

The data terminal of the modem (48) is connected to the computer's related I1.
0 interface to the digital control computer (D
OO). The I10 interface is
The DCO (50) is also connected to various peripherals including a channel display (52). Display device (52)
provides a digital display of the selected channel, but as will be explained later, the DOO (50) often completely hides the actual channel being used so as not to confuse hotel guest operators. Display device (52 inches is 3
Preferably, there are seven segment character displays.

The peripheral also includes a message light (54) that indicates to the customer that one or more messages for a customer have been received and stored in the CSC. The messages are retrieved and displayed on the screen of the television set in a manner that will be explained later. Also included is a unique keypad (56) for use by the customer to control the remote display. Additionally, a speaker (58) is connected to the I10 interface. A speaker (58) remote from the television receiver (49) is used to transmit alerts to the guest, including for example a wake-up signal programmed by the guest.

The remote display station also includes an o-sonal computer (PC) (60). PC (60) is preferably an off-the-shelf personal computer with a large amount of commercially available application software, including, for example, video games and business software. For example, the Atari computer (Ataria's computer) was named Atari 400.
The computer manufactured by er) has been found to be suitable for this application.

The PC (60) is equipped with an associated keyboard (62).

The inverse LDOO (50) represented by the line (61) is connected to an output of the keyboard (62) so that a given keystroke entry can be made by any force 1 on the DOO. keyboard (62)
Therefore, this display station can also be used as a computer terminal device, a word processing station, etc. Also included are one or more joy sticks (64) coupled to the PC (60) and used to play video games.

The RF modulation output of the PC (60) is connected to the RF switch (46)
is connected to the remaining input. Output of inverse L converter (44) or PC (60) indicated by line (45)
One of the video outputs of the television receiver (49)
A control signal power that controls switch (46) to couple to; is provided by Doo (50). Also DOO(
50) also supplies an inverse L control signal, indicated by line (47), to converter (44). Thus, DOO(50
) serves to control which channels are supplied to the television receiver via cable (36). The converter (44) and PC<60) are adapted to provide the output of one predetermined television channel, such as channel 2. The television receiver (49) will remain tuned to the fixed channel at all times.

Preferably, the channel selector on the receiver is disabled and removed so that the synchronization channel cannot be changed by the customer.

Details of the transducer (44) and DOO (50) are shown in FIG. Converter (44) is a conventional commercially available television converter. Model code UDT-1
47-1 Taiwan, Tao Yuan Xing Long E! −)
Eastern Electronic Co., Ltd. (Ea
stern E'LeOtrOniQ Co,, Lt'
t1. ,NO,4Shin-LongRoad,Tao
A 70 channel transducer manufactured by Yuan, Taiwan) has been found to be suitable for this application.

The converter (44) typically includes an input mixer (66) that mixes the immediate input from the diplexer with the output of the voltage controlled oscillator (v,c,o,) (70). Mixer (66)
The output of is coupled to an intermediate frequency (LF, ) stage (68) which is typically set to about 611 MH2. I, F, (
The output of 68) is then converted into a local oscillator through a second mixer (72), 0. ) (74). The output of the mixer (72), necessarily at a predetermined standard channel frequency such as channel 2, is connected to one input of the RF switch. The output of V, O, O, (70) is a pulse equal to the VaO frequency divided by 256.
It is also coupled to a frequency division circuit (76) that provides a digital output signal with a rate.

The converter (44) is connected to a phase-locked loop (P,L,L,) control circuit (98) forming part of the DCO (50).
).

be controlled. A phase-locking device manufactured by Motorola with the symbol MC145145.
Loop control integrated circuits have been found to be suitable for single line applications. One input of the P,L,L control circuit (98) is coupled to the output of the divider (76) of the converter (44). The second control input is the engineering 10 interface (9
6) through the DCC central processing unit) (C, P, U
, ). The analog output signal of the line (47) filtered by the filter (100) is V
', O, O, (70).

The channel tuned by the transducer (44) is C
, P, U, (78) are determined by the digital inputs of the control circuit (98).

Ci, P, U, (7B) are Zilog Corporation with model symbol Z-80.
A standard microprocessor, such as a manufactured processing unit.

c, p, ty, (78) are random access memory (RAM) (80) and read only memory (ROM).
) 82. O, P, U, (8
0) is normally 4'MHz by the clock circuit (84)
clocked at a frequency of

DCC(50) is 1 well-known synchronous data link control <5
DLc) i It communicates with the C3O (20) at the head end of the system using the rotocall. Conventional 5DLOI10
An interface (86) is provided for interfacing between the c, p, u, (78) and the bi modem. An interface circuit manufactured by Zilog with the symbol Z 80 S, IO is used for this application. DCO (50) to head end esc (20)
The data to be transmitted to the non-return-to-zero inverter (NRZ) using conventional and well-known circuitry is illuminated in block (88).
I) converted to coding. 080(20) to D
The data received by the OC (50) is divided into blocks (
WR using the conventional well-known circuit represented by
Converted from ZI. A conventional phase-locked loop (P,L,L,) recovery circuit, represented by block (92), is used by circuit (90) to convert data from C3C (20) to NRZ I coding.

The 5DLC interface (86) asserts a request signal before and during 5DLC transmission.

The DCCI10 interface (96) is connected to the line (1 (
It also sends and receives serial data to and from the PC (60) represented by 18). The interface (96) is
As will be explained later, it also provides control signals to the PC that are used to simulate certain keyboard outputs represented by line (61). Booting and re-booting of PC (60) is accomplished by generating appropriate signals on line (112). Railroad (112)
is connected to a controllable power source that powers the PC (60).

The keypad (56) (FIG. 2) is adapted to produce a serial data output. Dec (50) is equipped with a serial decoder (102) that converts serial data from the keypad to parallel format for l10 (96). Also l10
(96) are the lines (114) and (116) respectively
It also provides data to drive the message lights and channel indicators indicated by . ■/10 (96
) produces an audio signal in response to a control signal on line (105). Symbol z s o c'rc
It is used to trigger a conventional counter/timer circuit (104), such as a Zilog circuit with a

The audio signal is sent to a speaker (58) (FIG. 2) through an amplifier (106) and is used as a wake-up alarm or the like.

A monitoring circuit (94) is provided to monitor the operation of O, P, U, (78). O, P, U, (78)
is adapted to periodically reset the monitoring circuit if it is operating well. A monitoring circuit (94) provides a D to the circuit if a reset does not occur at the appropriate frequency.
It is equipped with a timing circuit to reboot the OO software.

Now from Figure 4, the PC (60) has a CPU (118) supported by RAM (120) and ROM (122).
).

The clock signal is sent to the CPU (
118). The PC (60) further includes a video display generator (V', D, G,) which reads data directly from the RAM (120) to provide a video signal.
It is equipped with

The video signal is then used to modulate the waveform using a modulation circuit (132). Modulator (132)
The output of is fed to one input of the aforementioned one-way RF switch.

The PC (60) also has a CPU and a PC keyboard (62
) and the joy stick (64) (Figure 2).
126). DOO (50) also provides control signals that simulate certain predetermined keystrokes on the keyboard. As indicated by block (128), these signal lines are effectively OR'ed together with the keyboard output to achieve the desired dual control function. A line (TO8) is connected to T,10 (126) to provide a data path between the DCO and the pc.

Each front desk and room unit is
A power supply (134) is provided to supply the necessary power to the unit. This is usually +5 VDO, +15 VDO
.

and +24VDO. Another +5 ■ supply line is PC
X60), which is connected to the DO by line (112)
Controlled by a signal from O(50). The aforementioned message
7. DOC! is used to power off and on the PC (50) to boot and reboot the PC.

The front panel of the keypad (56) that controls all of this remote display station (front desk or room unit) is the fifth
As shown in the figure. The front panel is divided into an upper part (134) and a lower part (136). At the top (134) are 12 keys, called channel keys, which are used to select the various channels. Channels include regular television channels and other channels as described below. The nine keys on the bottom (136) are used to communicate with the video computer system.

The main purpose of this display is to make operating the interactive video computer system as simple and straightforward as possible. Various exemplary operating sequences will now be described which demonstrate that this objective has been met.

Channel numbers 000-999 are located at the top of the keypad (
134,) can be used to select the channel. Although channel assignment is arbitrary, it is desirable to follow certain guidelines to simplify operation. By way of example, it is desirable that the channel numbers assigned to local television stations be the same numbers used in the system. Thus, if a customer wishes to watch channel 12 of the local broadcast television station, the channel can be selected by simply pressing key rIJ (144) on the keypad followed by key r2J (146).

D;Co (50) <Figure 2) is then channel 1 supplied by the television converter <44>*, television antenna and amplifier (2B) (Figure 1).
Tune in to 2 television signals. In addition, DfiO(
50) will cause the switch (46) (Figure 2) to couple the output of the converter to the television receiver and cause the channel display (52) to display ``12 J''. , you will be able to watch local television stations on your television.

If the customer wishes to select another television station, the new channel can be tuned using the number keys on the panel portion (134). Alternatively, the channel number can be increased or decreased sequentially by repeatedly operating keys (142) and (140), respectively. As will be explained later, when keys (142) and (140) are used, certain channels will be automatically skipped. The channel indicator (52) will change as new stations are tuned.

Preferably, one channel of the system is assigned to display a system menu listing the various functions performed by the system along with the corresponding channel number. The system menu is assigned to channel 99), so 2 customers can press key r9. J (1(
You can simply enter the number 99 by pressing SO) twice and select to view the menu. Table 1 below is part of an exemplary system menu (7) that will be displayed at that time.

The Table 1 system is such that the video signal making up the text of the system menu is produced by the PC (60) or by another source which may be part of the control video source (32) located at the head end. System Menu 7 > jPo (60
), and if the software does not already exist in,p,a,, then the appropriate software is zero when the system is selected.
It will be downloaded from E3C (20). Such downloading is accomplished using DOO (50). When the video source in the menu is the control video source (not the 62 line (pc(60)), the DOC is also R,
F. Switch switch (46) to PC modulator output. If the system menu is created by the control video source, other appropriate system software will be downloaded to the PC if the software is not present, and the DCO will assign the converter (44) to the system menu. tune to the selected channel and flip the ■ switch to the converter output.

For example, if a customer wants to know what hotel services are available through the system, the customer will use the key (156).
and channel 70 of the keypad using (138)
Enter. At that time, the hotel service menu will be
Once the appropriate data has been downloaded from the C8C it will be displayed. Since downloading may take several seconds, it is desirable that the downloading action 1a be masked by some means, such as displaying the image on a television receiver. For example, the displayed image is
It may include a selected channel number that also indicates to the customer that the system is operational. Once the download is finished, the hotel services menu will be displayed.

A hotel service menu will display text that describes the various services available to the guest. Preferably, the text is scrolled vertically through a fixed cursor.

In the menu, vertical scrolling is available at the bottom of the keyboard (key 7).
Down key (176) and up key (17) on 13(S)
8) will be included to explain what is accomplished by operating. Also, when an instruction is placed adjacent to the cursor, text describing the service.

It will be displayed informing the guest that detailed information regarding a particular hotel service can be obtained by operating the selection key (174).

For example, if the guest selected room service, another downloading sequence would occur for the data used in creating video text describing the available room service. If a customer wishes to order food, for example, an appropriate message will be displayed indicating to the customer which key on the bottom (136) of the keypad to use. Generally speaking, the up and down keys (17B) and (176) respectively allow the customer to browse through the available services for a given channel. Reset)/A key (162), Option/B key (164), Start/C key (166), Yes/D
The key (168), the No/F key (172) and the Select/C key (174) are generally used to answer questions that appear on the screen. For example, once a customer makes a food selection, the customer is informed of the price of the selection and asked if they would like to order it. The customer is a random yes/D
The user is instructed to respond by operating the key (168) or the No/F key (172).

If the guest responds in the affirmative, the order will be printed on one of the remote printers (22) (FIG. 1) located in the hotel's kitchen. When the guest has finished using room service, if either service is selected, the guest can stop/e
An additional message will be displayed informing the customer that key (170) can be operated to return to the channel 99 main service menu.

Alternatively, you can use the channels shown in Table 1, Channel 7.
You can directly request the room service menu by selecting 6. Other hotel services include message collection, which may be selected indirectly through channel 70 or directly through channel 71. When a message is left, it is sent to the front
080 (2
0). Upon entry of the message, the appropriate room message light (54) is lit, thereby informing the guest that a message is waiting. The customer can then use channel 71 to download and display the message.

The wake-up service can also be invoked by selecting either channel 70 (indirect) or channel 72 (direct). The customer is instructed in a display message how to enter the desired wake-up time using the system keys at the bottom of the keypad (136).

Once the time is entered, the speaker (58) operates even when the television receiver is turned off (
The audio signal will be emitted at the appropriate time using the method shown in Figure 2).

As another example, room checkout service can be performed on channel 70 (indirect) or channel 74 (indirect).
(directly) can be called by selecting either. Guests will be presented with a final statement including all charges incurred during their stay. If you think the statement is correct,
The customer responds using the appropriate keypad key. The statement will then be automatically charged to the customer's credit card. If a guest has any questions about their statement, CSC will notify the hotel's front desk so that the guest can immediately contact a hotel employee by phone.

Entertainment and leisure is selected by selecting channel 80. When this channel is called,
A menu of entertainment and leisure selections is displayed with associated channel numbers. For example, if a customer wants to play a video game, the customer is instructed to tune to channel 81. Selection of channel 81 will cause a video game menu to be displayed. Up key (17
8) and the down key (176) are used as before to scroll through the various selections through the cursor. The desired game is selected using the selection key (174).

Once a particular video game is selected, the game
Program data is downloaded to the PO. Next, the customer uses the joystick (64) and the keyboard (64).
2) can be used to play games. If desired, provisions are provided to instruct the customer on the use of the video game feature. For example, the customer is informed of the rules of the game and is informed of the predetermined fees for all video games available at a given time. Since the PC (60) is a commercially available personal computer, numerous application programs for various popular video games can be freely used with this system.

The system allows special rate viewing television channels, including specialty sports, news and movie channels, to be selected in the same way as regular rate channels using keys located at the top of the keypad (134).

If special rate channels are available to the public in rural areas,
It is desirable that the assignment of related channel numbers within the system be the same.

If the option of charging the customer for special rate television calls is desired, the customer may choose channel 82 directly from the menu or
0 can be called indirectly. Once the menu is displayed, the customer selects the particular special rate channel they wish to view by scrolling through the selections through the fixed cursor using the Up (17'8) and Down (176) keys as described above. You can choose.

Once the customer has selected a special rate television channel, the customer is informed of the price of that channel and presses the yes key (168) to indicate whether or not the customer desires the service.
or no key (172). Alternatively, you are given the option of calling the total price of all special rate television channel displays.

If the customer authorizes payment, the customer is instructed to tune into any of the relevant channels using the keypad. According to the aforementioned convention, the channel numbers assigned to special rate television channels are the same as those used in the local community. Selected special rate channels are cursed for a predetermined amount of time, such as several hours or all night.
It will be kept available for use by customers.

Once one or more special rate channels are kept available, the customer can switch between such channels in the same way as regular rate television channels. If the customer selects a special rate channel station that is not available, a message will be displayed directing the customer to channel 82 if they wish to view special rate television.

The general shopping menu shown in Table 1 is displayed when the customer selects channel 83.

The shopping menu will include shopping for each item available, such as clothing and the like. The customer then selects the desired shopping format.

Information such as the store's name, address, and transportation information from the hotel to the store is displayed. Additionally, once a particular store is selected, the system automatically generates short informative video segments containing advertisements for the store to be displayed. If a segment of the selection should be displayed,
The video source is switched from the PC to the television converter and the converter is automatically tuned to the appropriate channel to receive one of the outputs of the control video source (32) (FIG. 1). Once beyond the video segment, the converter is automatically switched back to channel 85. The customer will not notice such a channel change since the channel indicator (52) remains unchanged at channel 83. If the video disc player or tape player containing the desired video segment is being used in another room, that segment will be skipped.

As yet another example, channel 84 is selected to view the menu of a cafeteria, and channel 85 is selected to view the menu of a selected local facility that provides dressing and grooming services. channel 80
These menus, which are also indirectly selected using , are similar to the shopping channel 83 menu.

Channel 89 is selected to view musical video segments originating from the control video source (32).

If the selection is not available, a message is displayed on channel 89 instructing the customer to switch to channel 98 and select the musical video. On channel 98, customers are asked to choose a title for a musical video. Usually two customers are informed of the price of each selection. Once the selection is made, the television converter (44) is automatically switched to channel 89 so that the video can be viewed.

Musical video channels operate similar to traditional juke boxes. The channel is broadcast to every room in the hotel and is always available. Thus, all customers could simply tune to channel 89 to see the selections made by other customers.

A transportation information menu is also available on channel 90. Information such as scheduled airline schedules, car rental, etc. can be obtained through this channel. If desired, video segments are also available once the customer makes a selection.

By selecting channel 95, various business services can be invoked. For example, 1
One selection may include various business software such as facing sheet programs or word processing. Again in this case.

PC! (60) is a commercially available personal computer, so it seems unnecessary to create special application software since such software can be easily purchased. Once the program has been downloaded to P(1!(60)), the keyboard (62) is used to operate the PC in the conventional manner. Printing is obtained using the remote printer (22).

Channel 95 allows customers to call various data breaks, which may include, for example, stock market and news information. Furthermore, a remote computer is called and the remote display station acts as a computer terminal. In any case,
Calls to remote data banks, computers, etc. are accomplished through a telephone modem (24) at the head end of the system.

Another channel of the system, such as channel 1, may be selected by the customer to obtain instructions for operating the system. Preferably, the instructions are in the form of a short, constantly running videotape that is constantly broadcast to each room. A videotape loop running above a videotape player located inside a control video source (62) at the end of the head is used for this purpose. A booklet is provided in each room instructing guests to tune into channel 1 for instructions to operate the system. In addition, the system allows the channel IK to be automatically tuned when a guest checks in.

The operation of DOO (50) will now be described with respect to the flow diagrams of FIGS. 6 through 14 of the drawings. Now referring to FIG. 6, the power up sequence for the DCC is shown. At power up, represented by element (180), DCO
The contents of RAM (, '80) are indeterminate and forgettable. therefore,
It is necessary to rely on program instructions contained in persistent DCOROM (82). Using the general power-on reset program indicated by block (182),
The main display station including peripheral devices is initialized. moreover,
The power of the PC (60) is switched off.

通J, DDC indicated by block (186)
(50) then tunes the converter to a predetermined authorized television (ATV) channel based on a channel matrix stored in DCCROM (82). The system's channels 000-999 can be grouped into four different categories. The first category includes non-special rate television channels as standard and includes ATV channels provided by a converter (44 channels); the second category includes non-special rate viewing television channels as standard; and also a converter (4
4) Unofficial Television (UTV) provided by
) channels included. The third category includes system channels provided by the PC (60) rather than the converter (44). The fourth and final category includes channels that are unassigned and are referred to as illegal channels. Within this latter category is a selection that may extend to a very large number of 1.0.00 channels. The rules that will be explained later,
Some channels that were originally UTV channels are D
The transformation of the channel matrix stored in CORAM (80) results in ATV channels.

On power up, the channel matrix stored in ROM (82) is used. At this point, ATV channels include local television broadcasts as standard. When a special rate television bill is issued to a customer, such television channels are not included among the ATV channels, but are included among the UTv channels. Once the customer has paid for special rate television viewing, that channel will become an ATV channel.

At this point in the sequence, the customer may select an ATV television channel utilizing a keypad as shown in block (188), as described below with respect to FIG. Thus, a customer can still watch regular television channels using the R,0M channel matrix even if the display is not working for various reasons.

The DOORAM program and initial data are then downloaded from the PCSA (20) indicated by element (192). Once the downloading is finished, the memorized program will be saved.

The sequence indicated by element (194) will be executed.

As mentioned above, before the DcaRAM download is finished, input from the keypad is under the control of the ROM program. FIG. 7 shows how keypad entries are handled in ROM mode. An interrupt made by the keypad causes POO to read an entry as indicated by block (196). If the key is one of the keys located at the bottom (136) of the keypad panel (Figure 5), sometimes referred to herein as a system key, then DOO will be unable to provide an appropriate response. Probably. At the time indicated by element (198), a determination will be made whether a system key has been operated.
Ugh. In that case, the DOO will cause the channel display (54) to briefly display an error signal such as [HU] (J) thereby informing the customer that the keypad entry was incorrect.

If the customer makes another keypad entry, the order is blocked (
196), the new entry will be processed.

If the key entry was not from a system key, but rather from a channel key located on the panel (i34), element (202) would be activated by key (140) or key (142) (FIG. 5). Indicates that a determination is made as to which one was manipulated. The above-mentioned pass, key (j40
) and (142), the current channel number is decremented and incremented, respectively. When either key (140) or (142) is operated, DOC! will cause the appropriate adjacent ATV channel to be selected and the new channel number to be displayed, which will be assigned to each block (204).
) and (206). Adjacent ATV
When a channel is selected, the DCO determines what intermediate U
It is noted that it also jumps on TV, systems or illegal channels. ROM if desired.

The up key (176) and down key (178) can be programmed to respond in the same way.
Such keys are used to change channel selection. In that case, such a key would not strictly be considered a system key. Once a channel is selected, the order then returns to block (196).

If keys (140) and (142) were not operated, the only possibility remaining at this stage of the sequence is that the numeric channel keys of the nominal part (134) were used. The DCO then makes a determination, indicated by element (208), whether the selected channel is an ATV channel. If the selected channel is not an ATV channel based on the ROM channel matrix, an erroneous message will be displayed on the channel indicator (54).
will be displayed.

If an ATV channel is selected, the DCO causes the converter to tune to the new channel as indicated by block (21'0) and waits for another keypad entry. Additionally, a new channel number selection will be displayed.

FIG. 8 shows how keypad entries are processed once the DCORAM is downloaded and the DOO is in a state called ATV television mode. Again, a keypad entry is detected and element (2
1, 2) and (214) are operated.

If the system key, as opposed to the channel key, is depressed, a communication error message, indicated by block (216), is displayed. key (140) or (142)
If either of the ATVs is operated, the appropriate adjacent ATV
The channel number is displayed as the channel is selected. The program then returns to block (212) to wait for additional keypad entries.

A determination is then made whether the selected channel, indicated by element (224), is an ATV channel. In this mode, RO is used instead of RAM (82).
The channels stored in M (80) are used.

If the customer selects an ATV channel, block (2)
32) and (234), the transducer would be tuned to such a channel and the channel number would be displayed.

If the customer selects a non-ATV channel, block (
226), the signal is sent from the DCC to the PC (60
) will be directed to. The system then executes the block (
227), 9. Using the RF switch, switch the video source to P, O, and then block (228
) will proceed to the all-PC television mode.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the DCO in PC television mode. Again, block C
9.236) D00 receives keypad entries made by the customer. A determination is then made whether the entry was from a system key. If a system key is operated, the DCO sends a control signal to p
It will be sent to c(60).

The action taken by PCjC60) upon receiving the system key is 1
Varies depending on the selected system channel.

If the channel key entry was done in the hermitage.

A determination will be made whether the ATv channel indicated by element (242,) has been selected.

Assuming a non-ATV channel is selected.

The sequence proceeds to block (244), at which point the element (
244), a determination will be made whether an illegal channel has been selected. If an illegal selection is made, the channel indicator will display a pass/fail as indicated by block (245). If only the channel wasn't illegal.

The only possibilities remaining are whether the UTV channel was selected or the system channel was selected. Next, as indicated by block (240)).

% interrupt will be sent to the PC as will be explained later.

I believe that in response to an interrupt from DOO, the pc requests data from the DCO, so that may determine the reason for the interrupt. In case of big low, PC! The graphical image of the channel is displayed on the television (60), while the program and data are downloaded to the PCRAM (120). The display may simply include two selected system channel numbers and a message to the waiting customer. Once the download is complete, the PC will display an appropriate prompt requesting the customer to complete another keypad entry. The program will then return to block (236) to process any other keypad entries.

For example, if a customer selects a special rate television channel that is not authorized, the program may
244), proceeding to block (240), where the DCC will send the appropriate control message to the PC (60).

PC (60) then displays a message informing the customer that there is a fee to view that channel and instructing the customer to switch to channel 82. Channel 82 shown in Table 1 is a special rate television selection channel. The customer would then be instructed to operate system keys in response to certain questions displayed on the screen. For example, if the customer does not wish to watch special rate television, the customer will be required to operate the No key (172). If the customer wishes to view such television, additional requests will be displayed and the customer will respond.

Once the customer is allowed to view the special rate channel and agrees to pay the fee, a message may be displayed indicating that the special rate channel is now available for viewing. In addition, the channel MA stored in DCORAM) I
It will be modified to convert the J Lux special viewing channel from a UTV channel to an ATV channel. Thus, if the customer selects any special viewing channel within the allowed time, the program
(Figure 8) directly goes to block (234), so
That channel will be tuned. Control signal is PC
(60) will not be sent. Therefore, there will be no obvious difference for the customer whether he selects a special viewing channel or a non-special viewing channel.

If the DOC is in PC television mode and an ATV channel selection is made, the program will proceed directly to block (246) of the flowchart of FIG. D.O.
C will send a control signal to the PC indicating a switch to ATV television mode. As represented by blocks (248) and (250), the DCC will then return to the ATV mode shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 and the desired television channel will be tuned.

When the PC is processing ordinary programs, i.e. application programs such as commercially available word processing, video games, spread sheet analysis programs, etc.
DOO is a normal PC mode.

In this mode, the DC is
Measures are taken to ensure that O is not disturbed.

The flowchart in Figure 10 shows the operation of DOO in normal PC mode. A keypad entry is first detected as indicated by block (252). If the customer wishes to exit normal PC mode, the customer must press the system stop key (
170). element(
254), the program proceeds to block (256), at which point DOO asks the head end C8C to reboot p6, thereby causing the PC to reboot. Interrupt normal code processing.

Some of the system keys on the lower front panel (136) of the keypad (Figure 5) may be used when the PC is processing either normal or system codes. These keys are the reset keys (
162), option key (16,4), start key (
166) and a selection key (174), called PC function keys. These keys are on the PC keyboard (62
) is compounded into The stop key (170), yes key (168), no key (172), up key (178), and down key (176) are
This is a dedicated system key that is meant to be used only when processing system (non-ordinary) code. D
If the operation of one of the PC function keys is detected when the CC is in normal PC mode, DOO blocks (266
) will direct the appropriate signal t, (to the PC). The PC will then respond to the message in an appropriate manner, as will be explained later.

If the operated key was not a PC function key, the program would proceed to element (258) at which point a determination would be made whether an ATV channel was selected. Since this is the only correct entry for the remainder, an error message will be displayed if a non-special channel is selected, as indicated by block (262).

If an ATV channel is selected using the channel key, then 9. as indicated by blocks (268) and (270); The DOO will tune the transducer to the selected channel and the corresponding channel number will be displayed on the channel indicator (52). Furthermore, D.O.O.
The sequence indicated by block (272) will cause the PC to suspend execution of normal code and will request the head end 080 to reboot the PC. The DOC will then return to the regular LA'rv television mode as indicated by block (274), the operation of which has already been described with respect to the flowchart of FIG.

Periodically, the PC (60) sends data to be used by Dec or directed to C8C at the head end.
ll: Supply to IC. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing how the D60 processes data received from the PC. If the data is a standard peripheral request, as shown by element (278) and block (280), then the request is as described below! l) Processed by DOO. Such peripheral requests include, for example, disk and printer status requests, disk read requests, 'J? and disk and printer write requests, which will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

If the PC data is not a standard peripheral requirement, the element (28
2) The data is 080 at the head end.
A decision will be made as to whether it is useful. for example,
The event may be a request to place the disc. Although the actual disc will not be placed.

The aSC combined with a DCO is comparable to a real disk and can host what are called virtual disks.

Such a virtual disk would actually be allocated a portion of the aSC storage, but the key to the PC (60) is where the actual disk resides. For example, PC is CS
C may also request that the disk be removed. Additionally, the PC may provide customer detail data to the CSa when the customer requests special rates for television viewing, video games, room service, etc. PC? ″
i'2 may also provide ASA with customer wake-up time data, customer checkout requests, etc. block(
284), the DCC directs such requests to the CSa.

The PC data to the DOC destined for Doo may be a television control request to be used to tune to a particular channel. Also the data.

It may be a request to read the CSC response and status data to the Dcc, or a request to change the pc mode between system Pc mode and normal PC mode.

Additionally, the KPO may provide data to the DOO indicating that the PC should be rebooted. The manner in which Dco handles such requests is described below with respect to FIG.

If the PC data does not fall into any of the three aforementioned categories, Doo will ignore such data as indicated by block (280).

This data may, for example, relate to reserve functions being added to the system.

D00C50) is the block (280
) denoted by m,! The method for handling standard peripheral requests from p, pc is shown in the flow diagram of FIG.

When a request is received, the order is from element (292) to element (
294), at which point a determination is made whether the request is a status request. DCC is implemented comparable to standard PC peripheral requirements. Thus, Doo will respond to any status request by sending an appropriate response back to the pc, as indicated by block (296) and element (298)).

If the request was not a standard peripheral request, the program would proceed to element (300), at which point a determination would be made whether the request was a disk read request. When such a request is made, the DCC determines whether the requested data to be read is already in the DCC storage device (3).
02) will overdetermine - if the data exists.

Throughout, indicated by block (304) and element (306), data is directed to the pc and the sequence is completed. If the data is not in storage, it must be obtained from the C8C at the head end. Therefore, DOC directs the data request to C8C.

At that point the order is block (310) and element, (3
12) will be completed.

If the request was not a disk read request, the program would proceed to element (308). If the request is a disk write or printer write request, such request will be directed to the C8C for processing, as indicated by block (310).

Once a request has been directed, the order is
12) will be completed.

It is assumed that the PC (60) sends only the above-mentioned request. If the request does not fall into the category represented by elements (294), (300) or (308), an error message will be sent to the PC and the sequence will be completed.

The latter two stages include block (314) and element <
316).

The manner in which Dec processes PC requests for DCC, indicated by block (288) in the flowchart of FIG. 11, is illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. One such request is to send a data response for the pc received by DOO from CSa. Element (20) and block (
If such a request is made, the aSC data response is directed to the PC. Once the data response has been directed, the sequence is complete.

Such CSC data may include, for example, request messages.

PC D to set PC program mode
Sometimes requests are made to OO. The above-mentioned normal fiPo mode may be a normal mode where the normal code is being executed by the PC, or a system mode where the non-normal code is being executed. PC mode request is DCO
This fact would be detected throughout, as indicated by element (326). DOO then sets the mode as commanded by the PC, thereby completing the sequence, as indicated by block (328) and element (350).

If the request was not a PC mode request, the program would proceed to element (332). A determination will then be made whether the PC has issued a room status request. If so, DOO will inform the PC of the room status. Room status data may include, for example, the room number, number of guests in the room, current television channel, current keypad activation date and time, and special room rights. Once the room status data is blocked (33
Once the sequence shown in 4) is directed, the order is as follows:
336) is completed.

The PC may also issue a request to switch the television receiver's video source to either a converter or a PO converter. If a video switch request is detected, the traffic indicated by segment (338), block (340) and segment (342).

The DCC causes the pRF switch (46) to select the requested video source, thereby completing the sequence.

The PC may also request the DCO to tune the converter (44) to a particular channel. Element (344)
and block (346), if a tuning request is made, the DOO connects the transducer to the specified ATV.
It will tune to the channel. In some cases, the request may specify that the new channel number is not displayed. For example, if a short video segment showing an advertisement for a restaurant is to be briefly displayed when food channel 84 is selected, the channel number will remain 84 even if a new channel is momentarily selected.

By hiding such changes in channel numbers, customers are not confused.

As indicated by element (348), the determination of whether the pc indicates that a new channel number should be displayed on channel indicator (52) is made by DOO. If not, the through sequence shown in element (354) has been completed. If a new number is displayed/should be displayed, the 5 display is changed so that the order changes to the block (350
) and element (352) are completed.

The only remaining possible PC requests to the DCC are 1. DCC informing C8C to perform standard PC reboot
This is a request for Thus, if the program proceeds to block <356), DOO will request a PC reboot, thereby completing the sequence indicated by element (358).

From Figure 14A to Figure 14C, DCIC (50)
1 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for processing data from C8O. Now from Figure 14A, block (360) is CSa
data from the DOC via the RF modem (48)
indicates that it is received by. This data may relate to information to be broadcast to all displays or room units. Such broadcast data.

It may include date and time data and/or headline data. A headline is a text message that wraps periodically around the bottom or top of the television screen.

6. indicated by element (362); A determination is made whether the esc data is a broadcast message. If the data is such a message, then
Once indicated by element (364), a decision is made to define the format of the broadcast message.

If the message is date and time related, the data indicated by block (366) is stored by the DCO. Similarly, if the message is not about a date and time, the data is considered to be for a headline. In that case, the major heading data is stored as indicated by block (368).

An interrupt may be given to the PO when headline data is received. If the PC is normally executing code, the PC will be allowed to continue executing such code without interruption. The common and unusual code represented by element (370) and block (372) is P
If it is being executed by C.

Interrupts are given to the pc.

If the C8C data is not a broadcast message but is for a particular display station (room unit), the program will proceed from element (362) to element (,!+74). At this point, a determination will be made whether the data is a command to DOO to begin using the ROM program. If such a directive is issued,
DOO is the sixth element, as shown by element (376).
It will start operating in ROM mode in the manner shown in the flowchart of the figure.

If the C8C data is not a ROM command, the program proceeds to element (378), at which point the data is
A determination will be made whether this is a response to a PO request for 8C. This is the most common form of data provided by the C8C to the DOC.

If the answer requires data, block (380
), a determination will be made whether the PC is running normal code.

If normal code were running, DOO would prevent it from interrupting the pc. If the PC is running system code, the CSC data will be placed in the waiting state indicated by block (382) and the communication signal indicated by block (372) will be sent to the PC. will be directed. When the PC requires the data indicated by element (320) and block (522) of the flowchart of FIG.
It will be forwarded to C.

Now from Figure 14B, if the CSC data is not a response to a PC data request, then the data is directed to the PC indicated by element (384).
A determination will be made whether it is an answer to a peripheral request. Such a response may be in response to a disk read request, a disk write request, or a printer write request. If the data is such an answer, block C3
86>, the data from esc is P
Directed to C.

If the data to the DCC is not an answer to a peripheral request at this stage of the sequence, the data must be directed to the DOC itself. As indicated by element (388), a determination is then made whether the data pertains to preparation information. For example, the aSC may request various statistical information such as the number of times a particular channel has been selected.

Such information may then be used for purposes such as market side dishes. Prepare requests may include a DOORAM dump request, a loopback (echo) try-out request, a memory patch execution request, or a DOCRA1vi program restart command.

As indicated by block (390), if the data pertains to a preparation function, the function is processed by DOO. Otherwise, the program will proceed to element (392) to determine whether the data pertains to room status information.

Such information may relate to the room number, the number of guests in the room, or special rights for the loop, such as calling a video game or the like. If the C8C data pertains to room status, the DOC stores the data in the channel N, indicated by block (394).

If the C8C design is not related to the room status,
A determination is made at element (396) whether the data is for channel data. for example.

Channel data should be stored in RAM.
May contain a matrix or channel frequency table. Such a table shows which frequencies provided by the transducer (44) are assigned to channels 3.5, etc.

If O8O data is channel data.

Data is stored in DCORAM. Otherwise.

The program will proceed to element (400), at which point a determination will be made whether the data is pc control data.

Such data instructs DOO to turn on or turn off power to the PC.

If the aSC data is PC control data, DO
O will switch power as desired and as indicated by block (402). Otherwise, the program will proceed to flowchart element (404) of FIG. 140. At element (404) a determination will be made whether the data is for message light control.

If so, DOO is the desired thread, block (4
06), turn on the message light.
It will turn on or turn off.

Similar to the PC, the CSC can also transmit data to control the video source. If the CSa data pertains to video source control, DOO immediately switches on the power indicated by element (408) and block (410). It will select the appropriate video source. Furthermore, the CSC is a tuned converter (4
4) can also be sent. When the program proceeds to block (412), the remaining option is that the 080 data is actually for transducer tuning.

If a new channel number is to be displayed, the channel indicator will be changed to the appropriate display indicated by element (414) and block (416). If the new channel number is not to be displayed, the program will return to block (360) of the flowchart of FIG. 14A.

Since the operation of Dcc has been explained in relation to PC and C8C, let us now refer to Figures 15 to 1 regarding the operation of PC (60).
Up to Figure 8 will be mentioned. Now from Figure 15.

A flowchart of a through-PC boot order as indicated by element (480) is shown. The DCC first switches on the power of the PC, thus causing the PC to block (482
) indicated by CI [Start the sequence. The PC firmware then reads the system software from the virtual disk, as indicated by block (484). The aforementioned power. A virtual disk is an imitation of a real disk and relates to data files in CSC storage.

After the last boot block is read by the PC, the PC initializes various internal data. At this point, the PC (60) generates a video signal for the system menu as shown in Table 1, generally as indicated by block C486). At this point, the television will display whatever channel DOO was last tuned to and does not switch video.

The aforementioned power. The system displays the video in the system menu.
A video display generator placed on the control video source (32) is utilized to produce the data.

In that case, the menu would be invoked by tuning the transducer (44) to the appropriate channel.

The PC then waits for an interrupt from DOO as indicated by block (494). This step in the sequence is 5
It is also obtained when the customer selects the system menu indicated by element (495).

Once a DCC interrupt is received, the PC determines the reason for the interrupt by first reading status information from the DOC, as indicated by block (496). Next, as indicated by element (498), if the interrupt is due to DOO as a result of the customer selecting an unlicensed television (UTV) channel, the program will proceed to block (500). At that point, the PC will command the DOC to POK switch the video source using the RF switch. Next, the PC
is the power exhibited by the element (502). We will proceed to read the data using the record player (RP) program, which will be explained in turn with respect to the flowchart of FIG. RP is used to create a suitable display of text on the television screen. In this case,
The text will inform the customer that each has selected a special rate television channel that is not authorized and will instruct the customer how the special rate channel can be used or authorized.

If the DCC interrupt is not for a UTV channel, a determination will be made whether the interrupt is the result of an asynchronous event, as indicated by element (504). Exemplary asynchronous events include a wake-up call from the csC that is pre-programmed by the customer. When such an interrupt is detected, the PC requests the DCC to switch to the PC as the video source, as indicated by block (506). Next, PC is element (5[18)
Fill in the general program indicated by K to display text explaining the event on the television. For example, when a wake-up signal is detected, a wake-up alarm is sounded by the DCO using a speaker (58). Furthermore, the PC is of course when the television is turned on.

Display an alarm message on the television.

If the DCC interrupt is not related to an asynchronous event,
The interrupt must be the result of a new channel selection made by the customer. As mentioned above, if the customer selects the ATV channel, PC! (60) is not used. The system, ATV, UTV and illegal channels are defined by the channel matrix stored in the DCORAM as previously described.

If the customer selects system control, the DCC will
10) and block (512), it will be required to switch the video source to the PC. Any other form of interrupt detected at this point in the sequence will be ignored.

Once the RF switch selects the PC, the pc is c
Along with reading appropriate graphic data from sC,
A graphical display will be generated on the general television screen indicated by block (514). The display is standard and provides customers with an ordinary television.
It will tell you to select the system channel instead of channel and will also display that channel number on the screen. The PC then selects the block (51
6) and proceed to execute the RP program associated with the selected system channel, as indicated by element (518).

Referring now to Figure 16, the sequence used by the PC to generate and display text using the RP program is shown. Various displays are created by sequentially reading one or more virtual disks containing data that creates the desired display. Data as standard, subject, text)
! Display Area 5 Contains information about the selected area along with instructions, and also includes information about where asynchronous information is scrolled horizontally to the bottom or top of the screen in the form of a large heading.

The first step in the sequence represented by element (418) and block (420) is to request CSa, through the DCO, to place the first virtual disk associated with the desired display. The virtual disk then receives the DCC, as indicated by block (422).
read by the PCC through. The PC then requests to remove the virtual disk once the data has been read. If data is stored on more than one virtual disk, the order will be repeated.

The data loaded into PCRAM by the RP program may also include executable code, referred to as application code. A determination is then made whether any such application code exists, as indicated by element (426). If it exists.

The code will be executed as indicated by block (428). For example, application code may cause software generators to be moved across a screen, such as in a video game. Another example is pressing the yes key to see a display explaining a paid service, whereby the pc uses DOO to inform the aSC of the charge. Once such code has been executed, if no such code exists, the program will proceed to block (430). At this point, if any text is currently displayed, the PC will cause the screen to fade to black. The PC will then cause the screen to fade up to the appropriate color and display the desired text, as indicated by block (432). As previously mentioned, the display will include as standard a subject, a set of instructions, and a list of selections, which can be scrolled by the customer through a fixed cursor.

Once the display or menu is provided to the customer, p
c will wait for an interrupt from the DCO. Interrupts may be caused by asynchronous events such as keyboard keystrokes or headings.

If a keystroke interrupt is detected, the PC is informed by the DCC that a particular key has been operated and the keystroke interrupt indicated by block (45B) is detected. It will begin executing the appropriate code for the stroke.

For example, the down key (176) or the up key (178)
When you operate the various selections on the television screen will be wrapped around the cursor. Selection key (17
If you operate 4), the snake selection facing the cursor will be selected. Certain entries by the customer, such as selection keys or tuning to another system channel, will change the general menu described below with respect to the flowchart of FIG. 17. Operation of the stop key can still return to displaying the guide of the system channel shown on the ATV television.

A determination is then made whether execution of the code indicated by element (520) has caused the displayed menu to change. If a new menu should be displayed, the PC
The program proceeds to perform the menu change order according to the flowchart of FIG. 17, as indicated by block (522). If the executed code does not require a menu change, then a determination will be made whether the customer has operated the stop key (170), as indicated by element (524).

If the stop key is actuated, the PC will cause the system menu shown in Table 1 to be displayed in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. 15, indicated by block (526). If the stop key is not operated, the sequence indicated by block (434) is executed.

The PC will then wait for another interrupt.

If the interrupt was not caused by a keystroke interrupt, then a determination is made whether the interrupt was caused by a headline, as indicated by element (440). If so, the interrupt will be ignored and the order will return to block (434), at which point the PC will wait for another interrupt. When a major headline interrupt is detected, pc
will cause the text of the main heading to wrap across the screen if the main heading is appropriate for display menus and rooms, as indicated by block (442). For example, if the headline includes information about a convention, only rooms with guests attending the convention will receive the headline, as determined by the room status data.

Now, based on the flowchart of FIG. 17, the order in which the PC processes menu changes will now be explained. As previously discussed, such changes occur when code is executed in response to a keystroke interrupt, as indicated by block (438) in the flowchart of FIG.

As indicated by element (444), menu changes typically occur when the customer makes a selection using selection key (174). As indicated by block (446),
When such a change occurs, the currently displayed menu fades to black, except for the menu subject. element(
448), a determination is then made whether the short video segment should be displayed with the menu change. As previously described, such segments are created from a video disk or tape player loaded onto a control video source (32) (FIG. 1). When a segment is to be played, the PC checks if the videotape or disc contained in the control video source is full.
I would ask O. If the DCC replies that the machine is occupied, that segment is skipped. If the machine is not occupied, DOO commands the C8C to play that segment, commands the converter to tune to the channel on which the segment is transmitted, and also
It will command the F switch to switch to the converter output. Once the segment is played,
DOC! informs the PC and transfers the video source from the converter to the PC.
would switch pack to. The data is then
The process indicated by block (454) will be displayed.

Menu changes may also involve intermediate displays of graphics between menus. For example, if a customer selects a restaurant guide, there may be a graphical display of food items or an intermediate display of some other restaurant-related scene. As another example, if the customer selects a travel guide, there may be an intermediate display of a graphical representation of an aircraft or some other form of transportation.

If a menu change requires intermediate display of graphic data, the PC requests the C8C to locate a virtual disk containing the appropriate data. Once the disk is read, the C8C is required to remove the disk and the data is displayed. Preferably, the C8C contains 1 m of graphic data that creates several different displays for a particular menu change. The PC tells the CSa the format of the graphic data, and the CSa displays the display associated with the change. For example, if a customer requests information about an American food restaurant, American food items will be displayed.If the selection is made twice.

The display is randomly selected so that another item of American food will appear. Thus, as the customer scans through various system channels, the image a customer sees is constantly changing and therefore more interesting than if the same graphical display were used repeatedly.

If the transition between menus did not require an intermediate graph ink display and the display is completed, the program returns the element (
456), at which point a determination will be made whether menu changes are limited to text changes only.

If so, the PC will begin scrolling through the new menu subject during the regular television blanking cycle indicated by block (458). The PC then follows the sequence indicated by element (459).

The record player (RP) program sequence of FIG. 17 will begin reading data from the virtual disk to create a new menu.

The only remaining menu changes possible are menus with application codes. element (460) and block (46
The rule indicated by 2) is that if a menu change is not an application code type change, the change is ignored and has no effect. Otherwise, the PC begins executing the application code. If the customer selects a video jukebox channel, the application code will change the customer's selection from DCC to 08
It will send to 0.

As previously mentioned, the application programs and other functions used by a PC to play video games and perform double-sheet analysis are commonly referred to collectively as code. FIG. 18 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the PC when executing normal code.

Normally code is written specifically for PC in a form that is as untransformed as possible, so...? The DCO will refrain from providing interrupts to the PC when such code is being executed by the PC. element (466) and block (46
8), when the customer selects a channel that requires the use of a normal code, the PC
Tell DCC that you should proceed to C mode.

This causes the DOC to refrain from providing interrupts.

Next, the PC requests C and Sa to install a virtual disk containing appropriate conventional software. Then P
The C power up code is executed and blocks (47
The serial reboot indicated by 2) is started.

Once the reboot is accomplished, programs stored in the PCROM or PC operating system normally boot the code and execute the code normally. At this point a customer can use the PC in a conventional manner via the associated joystick and keyboard. Fourth
The communication indicated by block (128) in the figure, DO
O can simulate various keyboard outputs. These outputs include sweeps of the keyboard options, select, start, and reset keys (not shown). Thus, each customer has the ability to use the corresponding keys (164 (174), (166), (162), and (162) on the keypad in place of the keys on the keyboard.

When the customer is finished playing the video game or using the business software, the customer presses the stop key (170).
You can select the ATV channel you operated. In either case, the DOC will instruct the C8C to install the system virtual disk to boot the PC, as indicated by block (476). The pa boot order will then be performed according to the flowchart of FIG. 15, as indicated by block (47B).

Thus, a new set of remote displays for use in interactive video computing systems has been disclosed. Although a preferred embodiment of such a station has been described in some detail, it will be appreciated that modifications may be made by those skilled in the art that are within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary application of the disclosed interactive video computer system in a hotel or motel; FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary application of the disclosed interactive video computer system in a hotel or motel; FIG. A simplified block diagram. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing details of the RPS digital control computer (DCO) and television converter, Figure 4 is a block diagram showing details of the RPS personal computer (PC) and power supply, and Figure 5 is a block diagram showing details of the RPS digital control computer (DCO) and television converter. Figure 6 shows the front side of the keypad used to control the o-nel;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the DCOROM keypad order; FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the CC power-up sequence; FIG. Flow chart showing pad order, Figure 9 1d DCORAM keypad + when RPS is in PC television mode
Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the DCC style keypad sequence when the RPS is in PC normal program mode; Figure 11 is a flowchart showing how DOO processes data from the PC; The figure shows a standard PC with DCC.
Flowchart illustrating how to process peripheral requests, FIG.
Figure 14A to Figure 140 is a flowchart showing how the Dcc processes data from the central service computer (030); Figure 15 is a flowchart showing how the 16 is a flow chart showing the PC record player (RP), FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing the PC menu change order, and FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing the normal software PC boot order. It is. Description of symbols: 20-Central service computer (080): 22-Remote printer; 24-Telephone modem; 26, 36-Data link: 28-Television antenna and amplifier; 30-Cable television; 32- Control video source; 3
4-cable combiner; 38-70 nt test unit: 40-room unit; 42-diplexer: 4
4-television converter; 46-RF switch, 4B-
RF modulator/demodulator; 49-television receiver; 50-digital control computer (DCC); 52-channel display; 54-message lamp; 56-keypad; 58-speaker; 60-personal computer CPC; 62-keyboard ;64-Joystick;164-Power supply patent application agent

Claims (15)

[Claims] (1) Hardwired R. F. Communicating with multiple display stations through a data link, R. F. a remote display station for use in an interrag tape video computer system having a head end containing a central computer coupled to a data link and a video broadcast signal source also coupled to the data link; and a second switch input selectively connected to a switch output coupled to an input of the television receiver in response to a switch control signal. F. a switch device; F. a converting device having an input coupled to a data link and an output coupled to an input of the first switch, the converting device being a device for tuning a selected signal of a video broadcast signal in response to a converting control signal; a keypad device that generates keypad signals in response to manual operation by a processor; and generates the conversion control signal and the switch control signal in response to the keypad signal and generates video data in response to program instructions stored in a processing device. and an output coupled to an input of the second switch device;
a video display generator, which is a device that generates a video signal in response to the video data. (2) The processing device is R. F. coupled to a data link, and the program instructions are modified by data broadcasting by a central computer through the data link;
A display station according to claim 1, characterized in that: (3) The processing device comprises a first processing unit and associated storage for receiving the keypad signals, and a second processing unit and associated storage for containing the program instructions. Range of display stations described in item 2. (4) a first plurality of channels are assigned to the video broadcast signal tuned by the converter, and a second plurality of channels are assigned to the video signal produced by the display generator; 4. The display station of claim 3, wherein said keypad device includes an operating element for selecting said first and second plurality of channels. 5. The display station of claim 4, wherein the same keypad operating element is used to select the first and second plurality of channels. (6) The display station according to claim 4, further comprising a channel display device that displays which of the first and second plurality of channels is selected by the keypad device. . (7) The display station according to claim 6, wherein the operating element is a manual key. (8) the second processing unit for controlling the second processing unit;
6. The display station of claim 5 further comprising a keyboard coupled to the processing unit. (9) an R.A. that demodulates the signal received on the data link and directs the demodulated signal to the first processing unit;
F. 9. The display station of claim 8 further comprising a modem coupled to the data link. (10) The modem modulates the signal using the data provided by the first processing unit and the R.
F. 10. The display station according to claim 9, wherein the display station is also a device for broadcasting the modulated signal to a central computer using a data link. (11) The video broadcast signal source at the head end includes a broadcast source controlled by a central computer, and the first processing unit provides data for controlling the controlled broadcast source. The display station described in item 10. 12. The storage device associated with the second processing unit contains program instructions provided by the first processing unit from a central computer. Bureau. (13) With a controlled video source, the central computer can generate a plurality of sets of display sequences, and the first processing unit instructs the central computer to generate one display sequence of a particular set. 13. A display station as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the processing unit randomly selects which particular set of sequences to generate and broadcast to the display station. (14) A remote display station for use in an interactive video computing system having a head end coupled to a plurality of display stations through a data link and containing a source of video broadcast signals transmitted by the data link; , a switch device having an output coupled to a television receiver associated with the display station and selectively connecting a first switch input and a second switch input to the switch output in response to a switch control signal; a converter having an input coupled to a data link and an output coupled to the first switch input, the converter being an apparatus for tuning a selected signal of a video broadcast signal in response to a converter control signal; and a first pad signal. a processing device for producing the conversion control signal and the switch control signal in response to the conversion control signal and for producing video data in response to program instructions stored in the processing device; and an output coupled to the second switch device input. , a video display generator that generates a video signal in response to the video data, and a keypad device that generates the keypad signal in response to a manually operated key element of the keypad device, the first plurality of channels comprising: a second signal assigned to the video broadcast signal tuned by the conversion device;
A plurality of channels are assigned to the video signal produced by the display generating device, and the group of key elements includes the keypad device used to select both the first and second plurality of channels. , A display station comprising: (15) Hardwired R. F. Communicating with multiple display stations through a data link, R. F. data·
A method for displaying information on a remote display station that is part of an interactive video computer system comprising a central computer coupled to a link and a head end including a video broadcast signal source also coupled to a data link. , selectively switching first and second switch inputs to switch outputs coupled to inputs of a television receiver in response to a switch control signal; and selecting a video broadcast signal of the data link in response to a conversion control signal. producing the conversion control signal and the switch control signal in response to the keypad signal and storing them in a processing unit; producing video data in response to program instructions; producing a video signal in response to the video data and coupling the video signal to the second switch input, thereby causing the user to An information display method characterized in that what is displayed on a television receiver can be controlled by manual operation of a pad element.