Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
~Z77762
1 6810-322
Description
Remote Presentation Station and Method
For Use In Interactive Video Computer System
-
Technical Field
.
The present invention relates generally to video
display systems and more particularly to a remote
presentation station and method for use with an
associated television receiver in an interactive video
computer system having a central service computer
coupled to several such remote stations by way of a
R.F. data link.
Background of the Invention
Television receivers are now commonly used for
displaying information other than conventional
television broadcasts. In addition, interactive
communication systems utiliziny television receivers
are now in existence which permit the viewer to input
information which is received and acted upon by the
source of the broadcast. By way of example, some
systems permit a viewer to make shopping purchases and
banking transactions utilizing a keypad.
One of the shortcomings of such interactive
communication systems is that some amount of training
is usually required in order for a lay person to
operate the system. Typically, a keypad is provided
having a specialized group of keys which are separate
from the channel-select keys used for making television
channel selections. Such specialized keys often
confuse and intimidate the viewer, thereby discouraging
use of the system.
The present invention overcomes the above-noted
shortcomings. The subject presentation system is
capable of displaying a wide range of video information
from many divergent sources, including standard
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commercial broadcasts, utilizing a simple keypad. The
keypad has channel-select keys which are very similar
to the keys of a conventional television remote control
unit. In addition, the same keys for making channel
selection for conventional television broadcasts are
used for selecting all of the channels which carry the
nontradional broadcasts and which frequently provide
for viewer interaction. Thus, persons capable of
operating a conventional television remote control unit
will typically have no difficulty in operating the
subject presentation station.
These and other advantages of the subject
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the
art upon reading the following Best Mode for Carrying
Out the Invention together with the drawings.
Disclosure of the Invention
A remote presentation station for use in an
interactive video computer system having a head end
section and several presentation stations in
communication with the head end section through an R.F.
data link and method i8 disclosed. The head end
section preferably includes a central computer coupled
to the data link and a source of video broadcast
signals also coupled to the link.
The subject presentation station is intended for
use in conjunction with a television receiver. The
station includes an R.F. switch having an output for
coupling to the receiver input. The switch has at
least two inputs and is controlled b~ a switch control
signal. A television converter or tuner is provided
having an input coupled to the data link and an output
coupled to one of the inputs of the R.F. switch. The
converter is capable of tuning selected ones of the
video broadcast signals transmitted on the data link in
response to a converter control signal.
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The presentation station also includes a keypad
means for producing keypad signals in response to
manual actuation by a user. The keypad means may be,
for example, a keypad having a plurality of keys. A
processor means is provided for producing the converter
control signal and the switch control signal in
response to the keypad signals. The processor means
also includes a memory for storing programmed
instructions which are used by the processor means for
producing video data.
A video display generator means is further
provided for producing video signals in response to the
video data produced by the processor means. The output
of the generator means is coupled to a second input of
the R.F. switch.
Preferably, a first plurality of channels are
as8igned to the video broadcast signals tuned by the
converter means and a second plurality of channel~ are
assigned to the video signals produced by the display
generator means. The user then may select any one of
the first or second plurality ~f channels utilizing the
keypad means. To simplify operation, the same group of
keypad keys is used for selecting channels in both the
first and second groups.
Brief Description Of Th ~
Figure 1 is a simplified block diagram of an
exemplary application of the disclosed interactive
video computer system in a hotel or motel.
Figure 2 is a simplified block diagram of one of
the Remote Presentation Stations (RPS) or room units of
the computer system.
; Figure 3 is a block diagram showing details of the
Digital Control Computer (DCC) and television converter
:~ of the RPS.
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Figure 4 is a block diagram showing details of the
Personal Computer (PC) and power supply of the RPS.
Figure 5 depicts the front panel of the keypad
used for controlling the RPS.
Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating the power-up
sequence of the DCC.
Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating the DCC Read
Only Memory keypad sequence.
Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating the DCC
Random Access Memory keypad sequence when the RPS is in
the Authorized Television Channel (ATV) television
mode.
Figure 9 is a flow chart illustrating the DCC
Random Access Memory keypad sequence when the RPS is in
the PC television mode.
Figure 10 is a flow chart illustrating the DCC
Random Access Memory Keypad sequence when the RPS i~ in
the PC natlve program mode.
Figure 11 is a flow chart illustrating the manner
in which the DCC processes data from the PC.
Figure 12 is a flow chart illustrating the manner
in which the DCC processes standard PC peripheral
requests.
Figure 13 is a flow chart illustrating the manner
in which the DCC processes PC requests directed to the
DCC.
Figures 14A-14C are flow charts illustrating the
manner in which the DCC processes data from the Central
Service Computer (CSC).
Figure 15 is a flow chart illustrating the boot
sequence for the PC.
Figure 16 is a flow chart illustrating the Record
Player (RP) sequence of the PC.
Figure 17 is a flow chart illustrating the menu
change sequence of the PC .
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Figure 18 is a flow chart of the PC boot sequence
~or native software.
Best Mode For Ca vjn~ o~t The Invention
Referrinq now to the drawings, Figure 1 is a block
diagram of an exemplary application of the disclosed
interactive video computer system. Although the
system, including the subject remote presentation
station will be described in connection with a hotel
installation, it will be readily apparent to those
skilled in the art that the subject invention is
suitable for use in other applications.
The computer system can be conveniently divided
into a head end portion, usually but not necessarily
located in the vicinity of the hotel front desk and a
plurality of the subject remote presentation stations,
each located in the individual rooms and other
locations. The presentation stations are ~ometimes
referred to herein either as room units 40 or front
desk units 38.
The head end portion includes a Central Services
Computer (CSC) and associated data base 20. The CSC
may include for example, a supermicrocomputer
manufactured under the designation Wicat System 160, by
Wicat Systems, Inc., Orem, Utah. CSC 20 is coupled to
various peripheral devices including one or more remote
printers 22 and a plurality of telephone modems 24 for
coupling the computer system to other computers and
data bases via the telephone lines. The head end
portion is connected to the remote presentation
stations or room units 40 through a coaxial cable 36
such as used in hotel television signal distribution
systems. A front desk unit 38, similar in construction
to room units 40, is also connected to cable 36.
A data path between cable 36 and CSC 20 is
provided through a conventional cable combiner and a
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head end modem 35. Modem 35 receives data from CSC 20
and modulates an RF carrier with the data for
transmission to the front desk and room units via cable
36. Modem 35 also demodulates data transmitted on the
S cable from the room units and front desk unit and
forwards the data to the C~C. As will be subsequently
described in greater detail, the desk and room units
are each provided with separate modems for
accomplishing a similar function.
The head end portion further includes various
video data sources which may include, for example, a
television antenna and associated amplifier 28, a cable
television connection 30, both of which are connected
to a coaxial cable 26. In addition, a controlled video
source 32, which may include, for example, one or more
video disc players or other form of video generator, is
also connected to the cable. Video source 32 is
controlled by CSC 20. Cable 26 is coupled to cable 36
o~ the front desk and room units through cable combiner
34.
Referring now to Figure 2, some of the details of
the remote presentations stations or room and front
desk units may be seen. Each station is used in
conjunction with a conventional televisions receiver
49. Coaxial cable 36 is coupled to one port of a
conventional RF diplexer which divides the RF signal on
the cable into two separate signals. An output port of
diplexer 42 is connected to television converter or
tuner 44 which, as will be subsequently described in
greater detail, converts the si~nal down to a standard
predetermined television channel frequency. Diplexer
42 provides a communication path from cable 36 to the
converter. The output of converter 44 is connected to
one input of a two-input RF switch 46~ The output of
switch 46 is connected to the input of television
receiver 49.
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A remaining port of diplexer 42 is coupled to an RF
modem 48. Diplexer 42 provides a two-way communication path be-
tween cable 36 and modem 48.
The head end modem 35 transmits and receives data on
different frequencies so as to provide duplex capability. The
controlled video source 32, cable TV source 30 and TV antenna and
amplifier 28 typically utilize the following frequency bands: 54-72
MHz; 76-88 MHz and 108-450 MHz. To avoid interference, head end
modem 35 may, for example, transmit on 75 M~z and receive on 5 MHz.
The room unit modems 48 would then, of course, be implemented to
transmit on 5 MHz and receive on 75 MHz.
The data port of modem 48 is coupled to a Digital Con-
trol Computer ~DCC) 50 through the computer's associated I/O
interface. The I/O interface also connects DCC 50 to various peri-
pheral devices, including a channel display 52. Display 52 presents
a digital representation of the channel selected although, as will
be subsequently described, DCC 50 sometimes masks out the actual
channel being used so as not to confuse the hotel guest operator.
Display 52 preferably includes three seven-segment character dis-
- 20 play sections.
The peripheral devices also include a message light 54
for signaling the guest that one or more messages for the guest
have been received and stored in the CSC. The messages can be
retrieved and viewed on the tele~ision receiver screen as will be
subsequently
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described. Also included is a unique keypad 56 used by
the guest to control the subject remote presentation
system. In addition, a speaker 58 is connected to the
I/~ interface. Speaker 58, which is separate from
television receiver 49, is used to transmit alarms to
the guest including, for example, a wakeup signal as
programmed by the guest.
The remote presentation station also includes a
Personal Computer (PC) 60. PC 60 is preferably an
off-the-shelf personal computer having a large amount
of commercially-available applications software
including, for example, video games and business
software. By way of example, a computer manufactured
by Atari Computer under the designation Atari 400 has
been found suitable for the present applications.
PC 60 is provided with an associated keyboard 62.
As represented by line 61, DCC 50 is connected to some
output~ of keyboard 62 80 that certain predetermined
keystroke entries may be produced by either the guest
or the DCC. Keyboard 62 permits the subject
presentation station to be used as a computer terminal,
word processing station and the like. One or more
joysticks 64 are also provided which are coupled to PC
60 and are used for playing video games.
An RF modulated output of PC 60 is coupled to the
remaining input of RF switch 46. As indicated by line
45, a control signal is provided by DCC 50 for
controlling switch 46 so as to couple either the output
of converter 44 or the video output of PC 60 to
television receiver 49. DCC 50 also provides control
signals, as represented by line 47, to converter 44.
Thus, DCC 50 serves to control which channel on cable
36 is fed to the television receiver. Converter 44 and
PC 60 are implemented to provide outputs on a single,
predetermined television channel, such as channel 2.
Television receiver 49 will remain tuned to the fixed
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127~7762
channel all the time. Preferably, the channel selector
of the receiver is disabled or removed so that the
tuned channel cannot be changed by the guest.
Further details of converter 44 and DCC 50 are
depicted in Figure 3. Converter 44 is a conventional
commercially-available television converter. A seventy
channel converter manufactured by Eastern Electronic
Co., Ltd., No. 4 Shin-Long Road, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan,
having the model designated UDT-147 has been found
suitable for the present application.
Converter 44 generally includes an input mixer 66
which mixes the RF input from the diplexer with the
output of a voltage controlled oscillator (V.C.O.) 70.
The output of mixer 66 is coupled to an intermediate
frequency (I.F.) stage 68, which is typically set to
approximately 611 MHz. The output of I.F. 68 is then
combined with the output of a local oscillator (L.O.)
74 by way of a second mixer 72. The output of mixer
72, whlch i8 always at a predetermined standard channel
frequency such as channel ~, is connected to one input
of the RF ~witch. m e output of V.C.O. 70 is also
coupled to a frequency divider circuit 76 which
provides a digital output signal having a pulse rate
which is equal to the VCO frequency divided by 256.
Converter 44 is controlled by a phase lock loop
(P.L.L.) control circuit 98, which forms part of DCC
50. A phase lock loop control integrated circuit
manufactured by Motorola, Inc., having the designation
MC145145 has been found suitable for the present
application. One input of P.L.L. control circuit 98 is
coupled to the output of divider 76 of converter 44. A
second control input is provided by the central
processing unit (C.P.U.) 78 of the DCC by way of I/O
interface 96. An analog output signal on line 47,
which is filtered by a filter 100, is used to control
V.C.O. 70. The channel tuned by converter 44 is
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determined by the P.L.L. control circuit 98 digital
input provided by C.P.U. 78.
C.P.U. 78 is a standard microprocessor such as a
processor manufactured by Zilog Corporation having the
model designation Z-80. C.P.U. 7~ is supported by a
random access memory (RAM) 80 and a read only memory
(ROM) 82. The C.P.U. i5 clocked at a frequency of
typically 4 MHz by a clock circuit 84.
DCC 50 communicates with CSC 20 of the head end
portion of the system utilizing the well known
Synchronous Data Link Control (SDLC) protocol. A
conventional SDLC I/O interface 86 is provided for
interfacing between C.P.U. 78 and the RF modem. An
interface circuit manufactured by Zilog Corporation
under the designation Z80 SIO can be used for this
application. Data to be transmitted from DCC 50 to CSC
20 at the head end is converted to nonreturn-to-zero-
inverted (NRZI) codiny using conventlonal and well
known circuitry represented by block 88. Data received
by DCC 50 from CSC 20 is converted from NRZI using
conventional and well known clrcultry represented by
block 90. Conventional phase lock loop (P.L.L.)
recovery circuitry, represented by block 92, is used by
circuit 90 to convert the data from CSC 20 from NRZI
coding. SDLC interface 86 asserts Request To Send
signals prior to and during an SDLC transmission.
The DCC I/O interface 96 also transmits and
receives serial data to and from PC 60 as represented
by line 108. Interface 96 also provides control
; 30 signals to the PC which are used to simulate certain
keyboard outputs as represented by line 61 as will be
subsequently described. Booting and rebooting of the
PC is accomplished by generating appropriate signals on
; line 112. Line 112 is connected to a controllable
power supply which provides power to PC 60.
~27776Z
Keypad 56 ~Fig. 2) is implemented to produce a
serial data output. DCC 50 is provided with a serial
decoder 102 for converting the serial data from the
keypad to parallel format for I/O 96. I/O 96 also
provides data for driving the message light and channel
display, as represented by lines 114 and 116,
respectively. Another output of I/O 96 is used to
trigger a conventional counter/timer circuit 104, such
as a circuit manufactured by Zilog Corporation having
the designation Z80 CTC, which produces an audio signal
in response to a control signal on line 105. The audio
signal is fed to speaker 58 (Figure 2) through an
amplifier 106 and may be used as a wake-up alarm or the
like.
A watchdog circuit 94 is provided for monitoring
the operation of C.P.U. 78. The C.P.U. is implemented
to periodically reset the watchdog if the C.P.U. is
operating sati~factorily. Circuit 94 include~ timing
circuitry which cause the cir~uit to force the DCC
software to reboot if the re et does not occur at the
proper frequency.
Referring now to Figure 4, PC 60 includes a CPU
118 supported by a RAM 120 and a ROM 122. Clock
signals are provided to CPU 118 by a clock source 124.
PC 60 further includes a video display generator
(V.D.G.) 130 which reads data directly out of RAM 120
so as to provide a video signal. The video signal is
then used to modulate an RF carrier utilizing a
modulator circuit 132. The output of modulator 132 is
fed to one input of the RF switch, as previously noted.
PC 60 further includes an I/O interface circuit
126 for interfacing between the CPU and PC keyboard 62
; and joysticks 64 (Figure 2). DCC 50 also provides
control signals which simulate certain predetermined
; 35 keystrokes of the keyboard. As represented by block
128, these signal lines are effectively wired-ORed with
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the output of the keyboard so as to accomplish the
desired dual-control function. Line 108 is connected
to I/O 126 to provide a data path between the DCC and
PC .
The front desk and room units each include a power
supply 134 for providing the necessary power supply
voltages to the unit. This typically includes +5 volts
D.C., +15 volts ~.C. and +24 volts D.C. A separate +5
volt supply line is provided to PC 60 which is
controlled by signals from DCC 50 on line 112. As
previou~ly described, DCC is used to power PC 50 off
and on so as to boot and reboot the PC.
The front panel of keypad 56 for controlling the
subject remote presentation station (front desk or room
unit) is depicted in Figure 5. The front panel is
broken up into an upper section 134 and a lower section
136. Uppçr section 134 include~ twelve keys, referred
to as channel keys, which are used for selecting the
various channels. The channels include ordinary
television channels and other channels, as will be
subsequently described. The nine keys on the lower
segment 136 are used for communicating with the video
computer system.
It is a principle objective of the subject
presentation station to make operation of the
interactive video computer system as simple and
straightforward as possible. Various typical exemplary
operating sequences will now be given to illustrate
that this objective has been met.
Channel numbers 000 through 999 may be selected
utilizing the channel select keys of section 134 of the
keypad. The channel assignments may be made
arbitrarily, but it is preferable to follow certain
guidelines to simplify operation. By way of example,
channel numbers assigned to local television stations
are preferably the same number used in the system.
-13-
Thus, if a guest wishes to view Channel 12 of a
locally-broadcast television station, the channel may
be selected by simply depressing key "1" 144 of the
keypad followed by key "2" 146. DCC 50 (Figure 2) will
then cause television converter 44 to tune to the
Channel 12 television signal provided by the television
antenna and amplifier 28 (Figure 1). In addition, DCC
50 will cause RF switch 46 (Figure 2) to couple the
output of the converter to the television receiver and
will cause channel display 52 to display "12". The
guest will then be able to view the local television
station on the television.
If the guest wishes to select another television
statior., the new channel can be tuned using the
numerical keys of panel section 134. Alternatively,
the channel number can be sequentially incremented or
decremented by repeatedly actuating keys 142 and 140,
respectively. ~s will be subsequently explained,
certain channels will be automatically skipped when
keys 142 and 140 are used. The channel display 52 will
change as the new stations are tuned.
One channel of the system preferably is allocated
to displaying a system menu which lists the various
functions which can be performed by the system together
with the corresponding channel number. The system menu
may be allocated to channel 99 so that the guest may
select the menu for viewing by simply entering the
number 99 by activating key l-9" 160 twice. Table 1,
below, contains a portion of an exemplary system menu
which would then be displayed.
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TABLE 1
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Channel Function
Hotel Services
71 Message Pickup
72 WakeUp Service
73 Room Service
74 Room Checkout
Entertainment ~ Leisure
81 Video Games
82 Premium Viewing
83 Shopping
84 Dining
~5 Fitness & Grooming
88 Video Di8c Game
89 Video Jukebox
Tran~portation
Business Services
:;
The system may be implemented so that the video
signal which produces the text of the system menu may
be produced either by PC 60 or by an alternative source
which is part of the controlled video source 32 located
at the head end. If the system menu is produced by PC
60 system software, and if the software is not already
resident in the P.C., appropriate software will be
down-loaded from CSC 20 when the system menu has been
selected. Such down-loading is accomplished using DCC
50. When the video source for the menu is PC 60, as
opposed to the controlled video source 32, the DCC also
causes R.F. switch 46 to switch to the PC moulator
output. If the system menu is produced by the
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controlled video source, other appropriate system
software will also be down-loaded, if not resident,
into the PC and the DCC will cause converter 44 to tune
to a channel assigned to the system menu and will cause
the R.F. switch to switch to the converter output.
Should the guest, for example, desire to learn
what hotel services are available through the system,
she enters channel 70 of the keypad using keys 156 and
138. A hotel service menu is then displayed once
appropriate data have been down-loaded from the CSC.
Since down-loading may take several seconds, it is
preferable that the down-loading procedure be masked by
some means such as displaying an image on the
television receiver. The displayed image may include.
for example, the selected channel number which also
indicates to the guest that the system is functioning.
Once the down-loading has been completed, the hotel
~ervice menu will be dlsplayed.
The hotel service menu will display text
describing the various services available to the guest.
Preferably, the text may be vertically scrolled past a
fixed cursor. The menu will contain instructions
explaining that vertical scrolling is accomplished
actuating Down key 176 and Up key 178 located in the
lower section 136 of the keypad. Instructions will
also be displayed informing the guest that further
information regarding a particular hotel service may be
obtained by actuating Select key 174 when the text
describing the service has been positioned adjacent the
cursor.
Assuming, for example, that the guest has selected
room service, another down-loading se~uence will take
place for data used in generating video text describing
the available room services. If the guest wishes to
- 35 order food, for example, appropriate Messages will be
displayed, instructing the guest as to which keys of
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section 136 of the keypad are to be used. Generally
speaking, Up and Down keys 178 and 176, respectively,
permit the guest to browse through the available
services on a given channel. Reset/A key 162, Option/B
key 164, Start/C key 166, Yes/D key 168, No/F key 172
and Select key 174 are generally used to respond to
questions appearing on the screen. For example, once a
guest has made a food selection, the guest is informed
of the cost of the selection and is asked whether she
still wishes to place an order. The guest is
instructed to respond by actuating the appropriate
Yes/B key 168 or No/F key 172.
If the guest responds in the affirmative, the
order will be printed out on one of the remote printers
22 (Figure 1) which is located in the hotel kitchen.
An additional message will be displayed informing the
guest that if she is finished u~lng room service or
whichever service had been selectedl she may return to
the main service menu on channel 99 by actuating Stop/E
key 170.
Alternatively, the guest could have directly
requested the room service menu by selecting channel
73, as indicated in Table 1. Other hotel services
include message pickup which may be indirectly selected
through channel 70 or directly selected through channel
71. When a message has been left, the message is
entered into the system by hotel personnel using front
desk unit 38 (Fig. 1) and stored in CSC 20. Entering
the message causes the appropriate room message light
54 to be illuminated thereby informing the guest that a
message is waiting. The guest can then cause the
messages to be down-loaded and displayed utilizing
channel 71.
Wakeup service can also be accessed by selecting
either channel 70 (indirectly) or 72 (directly). The
guest is instructed by displayed messages as to the
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manner in which the desired wakeup time is entered
using the system keys at the lower section 136 of the
keypad. Once the time has been entered, an audible
signal will be issued at the appropriate time utilizing
speaker 58 (Figure 2) which is operative even when the
television receiver is shut off.
As a further example, a room checkout service may
be called up by selecting either channel 70
(indirectly) or channel 74 (directly). The guest is
presented with the final bill, including all charges
incurred during her stay. If the bill appears to be in
order, the guest so indicates using the appropriate
keypad key. The bill is then automatically charged to
the guest's credit card. If the guest has questions
concerning the bill, the CSC notifies the hotel front
desk so that the guest can be immediately contacted by
hotel personnel via the telephone.
Entertainment and leisure selections may be made
by selecting channel 80. When thi~ channel is
accessed, a menu of entertainment and leisure
selections together with the associated channel numbers
are displayed. If, for example, the guest wishes to
play a video game, the guest is instructed to tune to
channel 81. Selection of channel 81 will cause a video
game menu to be displayed. Up and Down Keys 178 and
176 are used to scroll the various selections past the
cursor in the same manner as previously described. The
desired game is selected utilizing Select key 174.
Once a particular video game has been chosen, the
game program data is down-loaded into the PC. The
guest may then play the game using joysticks 64 and
keyboard 62. If desired, provisions can be made for
billing the guest for use of the video game feature.
By way of example, a guest could be billed on a per
game basis or may be billed a predetermined charge for
access to all available video games for a fixed amount
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of time. Since PC 60 is a commercially-available
personal computer, a large number of applicaton
programs for various popular video games are available
for licensing and use in the present system.
The system may be implemented such that premium
viewing television channels, including special sports,
news and movie channels, may be selected in the same
manner as ordinary non-premium channels by utilizing
the keys located in the upper section 134 of the
keypad. If the premium channels are available locally
to the general public, it is preferred that the
associated channel number assignments in the system be
the same.
In the event the option of charging the guest for
accessing premium television is desired, the guest is
informed that a menu may be called up directly by
selecting channèl 82 or indirectly by way of channel
80. ~nce the menu is displa~ed, the guest may select
the particular premium channel or channels she wishes
to view by scrolling the selections past a fixed cursor
utilizing Up key 178 and Down key 176 in the manner
previously described.
Once the guest has made a premium television
channel selection, the guest is apprised of the cost of
the channel and is requested to indicate via either Yes
key 168 or No key 172 whether the service is desired.
Alternatively, an option may be given to have access to
all premium television channels for a fixed sum. If
the guest authorizes payment, the guest is instructed
to tune to any of the associated channels using the
keypad. As previously noted, the channel number
assigned to the premium television channel i8 the same
number used in the local community. The premium
channel selected will remain enabled to the guest for a
; 35 predetermined time period such as a few hours or an
entire evening.
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As long as one or more premium channels remain
enabled, the guest may switch to and from such channel
in the same manner as an ordinary non-premium
television channel. If the guest has selected a
premium channel station which has not been enabled, a
message will be displayed directing the guest to
channel 82 if premium television viewing is desired.
As set forth in Table l, a shopping menu may be
displayed if the guest selects channel 83. The shop-
ping menu will indicate the various types of shoppingavailable, such as clothing and the like. The guest
then selects the desired shopping type. Information
such as store names, addresses and transportation
directions to the store from the hotel may be
displayed. In addition, once a particular store has
been selected, the system may automatically cause a
short, informative video segment, including advertise-
ments, relating to the ~tore to be displayed. ~f a
~egment for a selection ls to be displayed, the video
source is switched from the PC to the television
converter and the converter i8 automatically tuned to
the appropriate channel to receive one of the outputs
of the controlled video source 32 (Figure 1). Once the
video segment is over, the converter is automatically
switched back to channel 83. The guest is not aware of
such channel switching since the channel display 52
remains unchanged at channel 83. In the event the
video disc player or tape player which contains the
- desired video segment is servicing another room, the
segment will be skipped.
As a still further example, channel 84 may be
selected for viewinq a menu for dining locations and
channel 85 may be selected for viewing a menu of
selected local establishments which provide fitness and
grooming services. These menus, which may also be
~;~77762
-20-
selected indirectly using channel 80r are similar to
the shopping channel 83 menu.
Channel 89 may be selected for viewing musical
video segments which originate from the controlled
video source 32. When no selection is active, a
message is displayed on the channel, instructing the
guest to switch to channel 98 to make her own musical
video selection. At channel 98, the guest is presented
with a selection of musical video titles. Typically,
the guest is advised that there is a charge for each
selection. If a selection is made, the television
converter 44 is automatically switched to channel 89 so
that the video may be viewed.
The musical video channel is similar in operation
to a conventional juke box. The channel is broadcast
to each room in the hotel and is always enabled. Thus,
all guests will be able to view a selection made by an~
other guest by simpl~ tuning to channel 89.
A transportation information menu i8 also
available on channel 90. Information on airline
schedules, automobile rentals and the like may be
obtained on this channel. I desired, video segments
may also be utilized once the guest has made a
selection.
Various business services may be accessed by
selecting channel 95. One selection may include, for
example, various business application software such as
spread-sheet programs or word processing. Again, since
PC 60 is a commercially-available personal computer, it
will not be necessary to prepare custom application
software since such software can be readily purchased.
Once the program has been down-loaded into PC 60,
keyboard 62 is used to operate the PC in the conven-
tional manner. Printouts can be obtained utilizing the
remote printers 22.
~ `
~27'776Z
-21-
Channel 95 provides a guest access to various data
banks which may include, for example, stock market and
news information. In addition, remote computers can be
accessed, with the subject remote presentation station
serving as a computer terminal. In both instances,
access to remote data banks, computers and the like is
accomplished by way of telephone modems 24 located at
the head end portion of the system.
Another channel of the system, such as channel l,
may be selected by the guest for obtaining instructions
in operating the system. The instructions are prefer-
ably in the form of a short, continuously running
videotape which is always broadcast to each room. A
videotape loop running on a videotape player located
within controlled video source 32 at the head end
portion can be used ~or this purpose. A brochure can
be le~t in each room, directing the guest to tune to
channel 1 for instruction~ on operating the system. In
addition, the system can be implemented to automatic-
ally tune to channel 1 when the guest checks in.
Operation of DCC 50 will now be described inconnection with the flow charts of Figures 6 through 14
of the drawings. ~eferring now to Figure 6, the
power-up se~uence ~or the DCC is depicted. At power
up, represented by element 180, the contents of the DCC
RAM 80 are indeterminate. Accordingly, it is necessary
to rely upon program instructions contained in non-
volatile DCC ROM 82. As indicated by block 182, a
power-on-reset program is used to initialize the
subject presentation station, including the peripheral
devices. In addition, power to PC 60 is switched off.
As represented by block 186, DCC 50 then causes a
converter to tune to a predetermined ~uthorized
Television channel (ATV) based upon a channel matrix
stored in DCC ROM 82. Channels 000 through 999 of the
system can be grouped in four different categories.
1277762
-22-
The first category includes ATV channels which
typically include non-premium television channels and
which are provided by converter 44. The second
category includes Unauthorized Television (UTV)
channels which typically include premium viewing
television channels and which are also provided by
converter 44. The third category includes system
channels which are provided by PC 60 rather than
converter 44. The fourth and final category includes
channels which have not been assigned and which are
referred to as illegal channels. The vast majority of
the possible one thousand channel selections fall
within this latter category. As will be subsequently
explained, some channels which were originally UTV
channels become ATV channels by modification of a
channel matrix stored in DCC RAM 80.
At power up, the channel matrix ~tored in ROM 82
i~ used. ~t this time, the ATV channels typically
include local television broadcast~. If premium
television is to be billed to the guest, such
television channels are not included among the ATV
channels, but are designated UTV channels. Once a
guest has paid for premium television viewing, the
channels will become ATV channels.
At this point in the sequence, a guest may select
the ATV television channels by utilizing the keypad as
indicated by block 188, as will be subsequently
explained in connection with Figure 7. Thus, even in
the event that the presentation station is largely
inoperative for some reason, a guest will still be able
to view ordinary television channels using the ROM
channel matrix.
The DCC RAM program and initial data are then
down-loaded from CSC 20 as indicated by element 192.
Once the downloading has been completed, the program
-23-
stored in the RAM will be executed, as represented by
element 194.
As previously noted, prior to the completion of
the down-loading of the DCC RAM, inputs from the keypad
are under ROM program control. Figure 7 illustrates
the manner in which keypad entries are processed in the
ROM mode. Interrupts produced by a keypad entry cause
the PCC to read such entry as indicated by block 196.
If the key is one of the keys located in section 136 of
the keypad panel (Figure 5), sometimes referred to
herein as system keys, the DCC will not be able to
provide an appropriate response. As represented by
element 198, a determination will be made as to whether
a system key had been actuated. If so, the DCC will
cause channel display 54 to briefly display an error
signal such as "HUH" thereby informing the guest that
the keypad entry was not proper. If the guest makes
another keypad entry, the sequence will return to block
196 and the new entry will be proces~ed.
If the key entry was not from a system key, but
rather a channel key located on panel 134, element 202
indicates that a determination will be made as to
whether either key 140 or 142 (Fig. 5) had been
actuated. As previously noted, keys 140 and 142 cause
the present channel number to be decremented or
incremented, respectively. If either key 140 or 142
had been actuated, the DCC will cause the appropriate
adjacent ATV channel to be selected, and the new
channel number to be displayed, as represented by
blocks 204 and 2Q6, respectively. Note that the DCC
will skip any intermediate UTV, system or illegal
channels when the adjacent ATV channel is selected.
The ROM can be programmed to respond to Up and Down
keys 176 and 178 in the same manner, if desired, so
that such keys could be used to change channel
selections. In that event, such key would not be
~2m62
-24-
considered as strictly system keys. Once the channel
has been selected, the sequence then returns to block
196.
If keys 140 and 142 had not been actuated, the
only remaining possibility in this stage o~ the
sequence is that the numerical channel keys of panel
section 134 had been used. The DCC then makes a
determination, as represented by element 208, whether
the channel selected is an ATV channel. If the
selected channel is not an ATV channel based upon the
ROM channel matrix, an error message will be displayed
on channel display 54. If an ATV channel had been
selected, the DCC will cause the converter to tune to
the new channel, as shown by block 210, and wait for
further keypad entries. In addition, the new channel
number selection will be displayed.
Figure 8 shows the manner in which keypad entries
are processed once the DCC RAM has been down-loaded and
the DCC ~s in what can be termed the ATV television
mode. Again, keypad entries are detected and a
determinat~on ~s made as to whether a system key had
been actuated, as represented by elements 212 and 214.
If a system key as opposed to a channel key, was
pressed, an error message is displayed, as represented
by block 216. If either key 140 or 142 had been
actuated, the appropriate adjacent ATV channel is
selected and the channel number is displayed, as
indicated by blocks 220 and 222. The program will then
return to block 212 and await for additional keypad
entries.
As indicated by element 224, a determination is
then made as to whether the selected channel is an ATV
channel. In this mode, the channel matrix stored in
RAM 80 is used rather than ROM 82. If the guest has
selected an ATV channel, the converter will be caused
;
~2~762
-25-
to tune to such channel and the channel number will be
displayed, as indicated by blocks 232 and 234.
If the guest has selected a non-ATV channel, a
signal will be forwarded to PC 60 from the DCC, as
represented by block 226. The system will then switch
the video source using the R.F. Switch to the P.C., as
represented by block 227, and then will go to the PC
television mode, as represented by block 228.
Figure 9 is a flow chart illustrating the
operation of the DCC in the PC television mode. Again,
as indicated by block 236, the DCC receives the keypad
entry made by the guest. A determination is then made
as to whether the entry was from a system key. If a
system key had been actuated, the DCC will send a
control signal to PC 60. The action taken by PC 60
upon receiving the system key varies according to the
system channel selected.
Assuming that a channel key entry had been made, a
determination will be made as to whether an ~TV channel
had ~een selected, as indicated by element 242.
Assuming that a non-ATV channel had been chosen, the
sequence would proceed to block 244 at which time a
determination would be made as to whether an illegal
channel had been selected, as represented by element
244. If an illegal selection had been made, the
channel display will indicate an error, as represented
by block 245. If the channel was not illegal, the only
remaining possibilities are that either a UTV channel
had been or a system channel had been selected. An
interrupt will then be sent to the PC, as represented
by block 240, and as will be subsequently described.
In response to the interrupt from the DCC, the PC
will request data from the DCC so that it may determine
the reason for the interrupt. In most instances, PC 60
will cause a graphic image of the channel to be
displayed on the television while program data is being
.~
1Zm62
-26-
down-loaded into the PC RAM 120. The display may
simply include the selected system channel number and a
message to the guest to standby. Once down-loading has
been completed, the PC will cause appropriate prompting
messages to be displayed, requesting the guest to make
further keypad entries. The program will then return
to block 236 to process any further keypad entries.
Assuming, for example, that the guest had selected
a premium television channel which had not been
authorized, the program would proceed from element 244
to block 240 and the DCC would send an approriate
control message to PC 60. PC 60 would then cause a
message to be displayed, advising the guest that a fee
will be charged for viewing the channel and instructing
the guest to switch to channel 82. As set forth in
Table 1, channel 82 is the premium television selection
channel. The guest will then be instructed to actuate
a system key in response to certain que~tions displayed
on the screen. For example, i~ the guest did not
desire premium television viewing, she would be asked
to actuate No key 172. If the guest did want such
viewing, additional requests would be displayed and
responded to by the guest.
Once the guest had authorized and agreed to pay
for premium channel viewing, a message would be
displayed, indicating which premium viewing channels
were now available. In addition, the channel matrix
stored in DCC RAM would be modified to transform the
premium viewing channels from UTV channels to ATV
channels. Thus, should the guest select any premium
viewing channel during the authorized time period, the
program will proceed directly from element 224 (Figure
8) to block 234 so that the channel will be tuned. No
control signal will be sent to PC 60. Accordin~ly,
there will be no difference apparent to the guest
~7762
-27-
between selecting a premium viewing channel or a non-
premium channel.
If the DCC is in the PC television mode and an ATV
channel selection is made, the program will proceed
directly to block 246 of the Figure 9 flow chart. The
DCC will send a control signal to the PC indicating
that it is switching to the ATV television mode. As
represented by blocks 248 and 250, the DCC will then
revert to the ATV mode illustrated in the Figure 8 flow
chart and the desired television channel will be tuned.
When the PC is processing a native program, i.e.,
an application program such as commercially-available
programs for word processing, video games, spread-sheet
analysis and the like, the ~CC is in the native PC
mode. In this mode, steps are taken to prevent the DCC
from interfering with the PC processing of native code.
The Figure 10 flow chart illustrates the operation
of the DCC in the native PC mode. Keypad entries are
irst detected, a~ represented ~y block 252. In the
event the guest wishes to exit the native PC mode, she
will have been instructed to actuate system Stop key
170. As shown by element 254, when actuation of the
Stop key is detected, the program will proceed to block
256, at which time the DCC will request the CSC at the
head end to reboot the PC, thereby causing the PC to
discontinue processing native code.
Some of the system keys located on lower front
panel section 136 (Figure 5) of the keypad can be used
when the PC is either processing native code or system
code. These keys include Reset key 162, Option key
164, Start key 166 and Select key 174, and are referred
to as PC function keys~ These keys are duplicated on
the PC keyboard 62. Stop key 170, Yes key 168, No key
17~, and Up and Down keys 178 and 176 are dedicated
system keys which are reserved for use only when the PC
is processing system (non-native) code. In the event
:
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,:,
1Z7776~
-28-
actuation of one of PC function keys is detected when
the DCC is in the native PC mode, the DCC will forward
an appropriate signal to the PC, as represented by
block 266. The PC will then respond to the signal in
the appropriate manner, as will be subsequently
described.
If the actuated key was not a PC function key, the
program will advance to element 258 at which time a
determination will be made as to whether an ATV channel
had been selected. Since this is the only remaining
proper entry, an error message will be displayed if a
non-ATV channel had been selected, as represented by
block 262.
If an ATV channel had been selected utilizing the
channel keys, the DCC will cause the converter to tune
to the selected channel and the corresponding channel
number will be displayed on channel display 52, as
indicated by blocks 268 and 270. In addition, the DCC
will reque~t the head end CSC to reboot the PC cau~ing
the PC to discontinue executing native code, as
represented by block 272. The DCC will then revert to
the ATV television mode, as indicated by block 274, the
operation of which was previously described in
connection with the Figure 8 flow chart.
Periodically, PC 60 provides data to the DCC which
is either intended to be used by the DCC or forwarded
- to the CSC at the head end. Figure 11 is a flow chart
depicting the manner in which the DCC processes data
received from the PC. Block 276 represents receipt of
data from the PC by the DCC. As shown by element 278
and block 280, if the data is a standard peripheral
request, the request is processed by the DCC, as will
be subsequently described. Such peripheral requests
include, for example, disk and printer status requests,
disk read requests and disk and printer write requests,
...
-29-
as will be described in connection with the Figure 12
flow chart.
If the PC data is not a standard peripheral
request, a determination will be made as to whether the
data is intended for the CSC at the head end, as
indicated by element 282. For example, the data may be
a request to mount a disk. Although an actual disk
will not be mounted, the CSC in combination with the
DCC can emulate an actual disk and mount what is termed
a virtual disk. Such virtual disk will actually be an
assigned section of the CSC memory, but as far as PC 60
is concerned, an actual disk will have been mounted.
The PC may also request, for example, that the CSC
dismount a disk. In addition, the PC may be providing
the CSC with guest billing data in the event the guest
has requested premium television viewing, video games,
room services and the like. The PC may also provide
the CSC with guest wakeup time data, guest checkout
requests and the like. As shown by block 284, the DCC
forward~ such reque~t# to the CSC.
PC data to the DCC which is intended for the DCC
may be a television control request to be used for
tuning a particular channel. The data may also be a
request for the DCC to read CSC replies and status
data, or a request to change the PC mode between a
system PC mode and a native PC mode. In addition, the
PC may provide the DCC with data indicating that the PC
is to be rebooted. The manner in which the DCC process
such requests will be subsequently described in
connection with Figure 13.
If the PC data does not fall within any of the
previously-described three categories, the DCC will
ignore such data, as indicated by block 280. This data
may, for example, relate to reserved functions which
could be added to the system.
1Z77~6~
-30-
The manner in which DCC 50 processes standard
peripheral requests from the PC, as represented by
block 280 of the Figure ll flow chart, is shown in the
Figure 12 flow chart. When a request is received, the
sequence proceeds from element 292 to element 294, at
which time a determination is made as to whether the
requests is a status request. The DCC is implemented
to emulate standard PC peripherals. Accordingly, the
DCC will respond to any status request by sending an
appropriate response back to the PC, as represented by
block 296 and element 298.
If the request was not a standard peripheral
request, the program will advance to element 300 at
which time a determination will be made as to whether
the request was a disk read request. If such a request
is made, the DCC will determine whether the data
requested to be read is already in the DCC cache
memory, as indicated by element 302. If the data is
present, the data is forwarded to the PC and the
sequence is completed, as represented by block 304 and
element 306. If the data i~ not in the cache memory,
the data must be obtained from the CSC located at the
head end. Accordingly, the DCC will forward the data
request to the CSC, at which time the sequence will be
completed, as represented by block 310 and element 312.
In the event the request was not a disk read
request, the program will proceed to element 308. If
the request is either a disk write or printer write
request, such request will be forwarded to the CSC for
processing, as represented by block 310. Once the
request has been forwarded, the sequence will be
completed as indicated by element 312.
PC 60 should only send the aforementioned
requests. If the requests do not fall within any of
the cateyories represented by elements 294, 300 or 308,
an error message will be sent to the PC and the
,~ .
:
1;~77 7~;2
-31-
sequence will be completed. The latter two steps are
represented by block 314 and element 316.
The manner in which the DCC processes PC requests
intended for the DCC, as represented by block 288 of
the Figure 11 flow chart, is shown in the Figure 13
~low chart. One such request is to send a data reply
which the DCC received from the CSC and which is
intended for the PC. As represented by element 320 and
block 322, if such a re~uest is made, the CSC data
reply is forwarded to the PC. Once the data reply has
been forwarded, the sequence is complete. Such CSC
data may include, for example, a message for the guest.
The PC may also issue requests to the DCC to set
the PC program mode. As previously noted, the PC mode
may be either the native mode wherein native code is
being executed by the PC or the system mode wherein
non-native code is being executed. If a PC mode
request has been made to the DCC, this fact will be
detected, as represented by element 326. The DCC will
then set the mode a8 instructed by the PC, thereby
completing the sequence, as represented by block 328
and element 330.
If the request was not a PC mode request, the
program will advance to element 332. A determination
will then be made as to whether the PC has issued a
room status request. If so, the DCC will advise the PC
of the room status. Room status data may include, for
; example, the room number, the number of guests in the
room, the current television channel, the current
keypad action, date and time, and special room
privileges. Once the room status data have been
forwarded, as represented by block 334, the sequence is
completed as indicated by element 336.
The PC may also issue a request to switch the
video source of the television receiver to either the
converter or PC modulator. If a video switch request
1Z~i~762
--32--
is detected, as represented by segment 338, block 340
and segment 342, the DCC causes the RF switch 46 to
select the requested video source, thereby completing
the sequence.
The PC may also request the DCC to tune converter
44 to a particular channel. As represente~ by element
344 and block 346, if a tune request has been made, the
DCC will cause the converter to tune to the ATV channel
specified. In some instances, the request may specify
that the new channel number will not be displayed. By
way of example, if a short video segment is to be
momentarily shown advertising a restaurant when dining
channel 84 has been selected, the channel number will
remain 84 even though a new channel had been
momentarily selected. Masking of such channel number
changes avoids confusing the guest.
As represented by element 348, a determination is
made by the DCC a~ to whether the PC indicates that the
new channel number i8 to be di~played on channel
display 52. If not, the 8equence is completed, as
indicated by element 354. If the new number is to be
displayed, the display is changed thereby completing
the sequence, as represented by block 350 and element
352.
The only remaining possible PC reque~t for the DCC
is a request for the DCC to inform the CSC to perform a
standard PC reboot. Thus, if the program has advanced
to block 356, the DCC will request a PC reboot, thereby
completing the sequence, as represented by element 358.
Figures 14A-14C are flow charts which illustrate
the manner in which DCC 50 processes data from the CSC.
Referring now to Figure 14A, block 360 indicates that
data from the CSC is received by the DCC by way of RF
modem 48, The data may relate to information which is
to be broadcast to all presentation stations or room
units. Such broadcast data would include date and time
lZ77762
-33-
data and/or banner data. A banner is a textual message
which may be periodically scrolled across the lower or
upper portion of the television screen.
As represented by element 362, a determination is
made as to whether the CSC data is a broadcast message.
If the data is such a message, a determination is then
made to determine the type of broadcast message, as
represented by element 364. If the message is for date
and time, the data is stored by the DCC, as represented
by block 366. Similarlyt if the message is not for
date and time, it is assumed that the data is for a
banner. In that case the banner data is stored, as
represented by block 368.
If banner data is received, an interrupt may be
given to the PC. If the PC is executing native code,
the PC will be permitted to continue executing such
code without interruption. As represented by element
370 and block 372, if non-native code is being executed
by the PC, an interrupt is given to the PC.
I~ the CSC data is not a broadcast message and i8
intended for a particular presentation station (room
unit), the program will proceed from element 362 to
element 374. At this time, a determination will be
made as to whether the data is a command to the DCC to
begin using the ROM program. If such a command has
been issued, the DCC will commence operating in the ROM
mode in the manner depicted in the Figure 6 flow
diagram, as indicated by element 376.
If the CSC data is not a ROM command, the program
will proceed to element 378, at which time a
determination will be made as to whether the data is a
reply to a PC request to the CSC for data. This is the
most common type of data provided by the CSC to the
DCC. Assuming that the data is such a reply, a
determination will be made as to whether the PC is
executing native code, as represented by block 380. If
1m762
-34-
native code is being executed, the DCC will refrain
from interrupting the PC. If the PC is executing
system code, the CSC data will be placed in a queue, as
represented by block 382, and a signal will be
forwarded to the PC, as indicated by block 372. The
data will be transferred to the PC when the PC asks for
it as represented by element 320 and block 322 of the
Figure 13 flow chart.
Referring now to Figure 14B, if the CSC data is
not a reply to a PC data request, a determination will
be made as to whether the data is a CSC reply to a PC
peripheral request forwarded by the DCC, as indicated
by element 384. Such reply would be in response to a
disk read request, a disk write request or a printer
write request. If the data is such a reply, the data
from the CSC is forwarded to the PC, as represented by
block 386.
If the data to the DCC is not a reply to a
peripheral request at this stage of the se~uence, the
data must be intended for the DCC itself. As ~ndicated
by element 388, a determination is then made as to
whether the data relates to housekeeping information.
By way of example, the CSC may request various statis-
tics such as the number of times a particular channel
had been selected. Such information can then be used
for marketing purposes and the like. Housekeeping
requests may also include a request for a DCC RAM dump,
a request to conduct a loopback (echo) test, request to
perform a memory patch or a command to restart the DCC
RAM program.
As indicated by block 390, if the data relates to
housekeeping functions, the functions are processed by
the DCC. Otherwise, the program will proceed to
element 392 to determine whether the data relates to
room status information. As previously noted, such
information may pertain to the room number, number of
lZ77762
-35-
guests in the room, or special privileges of the room
such as access to video games and the like. If the CSC
data is for room status, the DCC stores the data in RAM
as indicated by block 394.
If the CSC data does not relate to room status, a
determination is made at element 396 as to whether the
data pertains to channel data. By way of example,
channel data may contain the channel matrix which is to
be stored in RAM or a channel frequency table. Such
table indicates which frequencies are assigned to
channels 3, 5, etc., provided by converter 44.
If the CSC data is channel data, the data is
stored in the DCC RAM. Otherwise, the program will
proceed to element 400 at which time a determination
will be made as to whether the data is PC control data.
Such data instructs the DCC to either turn power on or
off to the PC.
I the CSC data is PC control data, the DCC will
switch power a~ directed and as indicated by block 402.
~therwise, the program will proceed to element 404 of
Figure 14C flow chart. At element 404, a determination
will be made as to whether the data is intended for
message light control. If so, the DCC will turn the
message light on or off, as directed, as indicated by
block 406.
The CSC can also send data, as does the PC, for
controlling the video source. Thus, if the CSC data
pertains to video source control, the DCC will cause
the RF switch to select the appropriate video source,
as indicated by element 408 and block 410. In
addition, the CSC can also æend data, as does the PC,
for tuning converter 44. If the program has proceeded
to block 412, the only remaining option is that the CSC
data is, in fact, for tuning the converter.
If the new channel number is to be displayed, the
channel display will be appropriately changed as
~`
' ,
~ ,
12~776~
-36-
indicated by element 414 and block 416. If the new
channel number is not to be displayed, the program will
return to block 360 of the Figure 14A flow chart.
Now that operation of the DCC in connection with
the PC and CSC has been described, reference is made to
Figures 15 through 18 which relate to the operation of
PC 60. Referring now to Figure 15, a flow chart of the
PC boot sequence as represented by element 480 is
depicted. The DCC first causes power to the PC to be
switched on so as to cause the PC to begin the
sequence, as indicated by block 482. Next, the PC
firmware reads system software from a virtual disk, as
indicated by block 484. As previosuly noted, a virtual
disk is an emulation of an actual disk and relates to a
data file in the CSC memory.
After the last boot block has been read by the PC,
the PC initializes various internal data. At this
point, PC 60 produces video signals for the system menu
such as depicted in Table 1, a8 represented by block
486. At this time, the television displays whatever
channel the DCC was last tuned to and does not switch
video. As previously noted~ the system could be
implemented to utilize a video display generator
located in controlled video source 32 for generating
the system menu video data. In that event, the menu
would be accessed by tuning converter 44 to the
appropriate channel.
; The PC then waits for interrupts from the DCC, as
represented by block 494. This stage in the sequence
can also be arrived at in the event the guest has
selected the system menu, as represented by element
495.
Once a DCC interrupt has been received, the PC
determines the reason for the interrupt by first
reading the status information from the DCC, as
represented by block 496. Next, as indicated by
;
~ ''"
~; .
1277762
element 498, if the interrupt is caused by the DCC as a
result of a guest having selected an unauthorized
television (UTV) channel, the program will proceed to
block 500. At that time, the PC will instruct the DCC
to switch the video source to the PC utilizing the RF
switch. The PC will then proceed to read data using a
Record Player (RP) program, represented by element 502,
which will subsequently be described in connection with
the flow chart of Figure 16. The RP is utilized to
construct an appropriate display of text on the
television screen. In the present case, the text will
inform the guest that she has selected a yet to be
authorized premium television channel and will instruct
the guest as to the manner in which the premium channel
can be enabled or authorized.
If the DCC interrupt does not relate to an UTV
channel, a determination will be made as to whether the
interrupt is the result of an asynchronous event, as
indicated by element 504. An exemplary asynchronous
event includes a wakeup signal from the CSC which had
been prevlously programmed by the guest. If such an
interrupt has been detected, the PC requests the DCC to
switch to the PC as the video source, as represented by
clock 506. The PC then enters the RP program, as
indicated by element 508, and causes text to be
displayed on the television explaining the event. By
way of example, if a wakeup signal has been detected, a
wakeup alarm is sounded by the DCC using speaker 58.
In addition, the PC will cause a wakeup message to be
displayed on the television provided, of course, the
television is turned on.
If the DCC interrupt does not pertain to an
asynchronous event, the interrupt must be the result of
; a new channel selection made by the guest. As
previously described, if the guest has selected an ATV
;~ channel, PC 60 is not utilized. System, ATV, UTV and
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illegal channels are, as previously explained, defined
by the channel matrix stored in the DCC RAM. If the
guest has selected a system channel, the DCC will be
requested to switch the video source to the PC as
represented by element 510 and block 512. Any other
type of interrupt detected at this point in the
sequence will be ignored.
Once the RF switch has selected the PC, the PC
will read appropriate graphics data from the CSC and
will generate a graphics display on the television
screen, as represented by block 514. The display will
typically inform the guest that she has selected a
system channel rather than an ordinary television
channel and will also display the channel number on the
screen. The PC will then proceed to execute the RP
program associated with the selected sys~em channel, as
represented by block 516 and element 518.
Referring now to Figure 16, the sequence used by
the PC for generating and di~playing text utilizing the
~P program i~ depicted. Each type o display i8
generated by sequentially reading one or more virtual
disks containing data for constructing the desired
display. The data typically contains information
relating to the title, a text display area, a selection
area, together with instructions and a location where
asynchronous information can be horizontally scrolled
across the lower or upper portion of the screen in the
form of a banner.
As represented by element 418 and block 420, the
first step in the RP sequence is to request the CSC,
through the DCC, to mount the first virtual disk
associated with the desired display. The virtual disk
is then read by the PC, through the DCC, as represented
by block 422. The PC then requests that the Yirtual
disk be dismounted once the data have been read. The
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sequence will be repeated if the data are stored in two
or more virtual disks.
The data loaded into the PC RAM by the RP program
may also contain executable code termed application
code. As indicated by element 426, a determination is
then made as to whether any such application code is
present. If so, the code will be executed, as
represented by block 428. By way of example, the
application code could cause software-generated objects
to move across the screen such as in a video game.
Another example, would be pressing the Yes key while
viewing a display explaining a chargable service which
will cause the PC to inform the CSC of the charge,
utilizing th~ DCC. Once such code has been executed or
if no such code is present, the program will proceed to
block 430. At this time, if any text is presently
being displayed, the PC will cause the screen to fade
to black. The PC will then cause the screen to fade up
to the appropriate color and display the desired text,
as represented by block 432. As previously noted, the
display will typ~cally include a title, a set o
in8tructions and a list of selections or choices which
can be scrolled by the guest past a fixed cursor.
Once the display or menu has been presented to the
guest, the PC will wait for an interrupt from the DCC.
The interrupt will either be caused by a keystroke
entry on the keypad or an asynchronous event such as a
banner. AB indicated by element 436, if a keystroke
interrupt is detected, the PC will be notified by the
DCC of the particular key actuated and begin executing
appropriate code for the keystroke, as represented by
block 438. By way of example, actuation of Down or Up
keys 176 and 178 will cause the variou~ selections on
the television screen to be scrolled past the cursor.
-~ 35 Actuation of Select key 174 will cause the selection
opposite the cursor to be selected. Certain entries by
-40-
the guest such as the Select key or tuning of another
system channel will cause the displayed menu to change,
as will be subsequently described in connection with
the flow chart of Figure 17. Actuation of the Stop key
or the tuning of an ATV television channel may cause
the current menu to be discarded and the PC to return
to displaying the system channel guide as represented
by block 495 of Figure 15.
As represented by element 520, a determination is
then made as to whether execution of the code has
caused the displayed menu to be changed. If a new menu
is to be displayed, the PC proceeds to execute a menu
change sequence in accordance with the flow chart of
Figure 17, as represented by block 522. If the
executed code did not require a menu change, a
determination will then be made as to whether the guest
had actuated Stop key 170, as represented by element
524. If the Stop key had been actuated, the PC will
cause the system menu depicted in Table 1 to be
displayed in accordance with the Figure 15 flow chart,
as represented by block 526. If the Stop key had not
been actuated, the PC would then wait for further
interrupts, as indicated by block 434.
If the interrupt was not caused by a keystroke
- 25 interrupt, then a determination is made as to whether
the interrupt was caused by a banner, as represented by
element 440. If not, the interrupt will be ignored and
the sequence will return to block 434 at which time the
PC will wait for further interrupts. If a banner
: ~ 30 interrupt is detected, the PC will cause the text of
the banner to scroll across the screen, provided the
~; banner is appropriate for the displayed menu and room,
as represented by block 442. For example, if a banner
contains information relating to a convention, only
those rooms having guests which are attending the
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convention, as determined by room status data, will
receive the banner.
~ eferring now to the Figure 17 flow chart, the
sequence by which the PC processes menu changes will
now be described. As previously noted, such changes
occur when the PC is executing code in response to a
keystroke interrupt, as represented by block 438 of the
Figure 16 flow chart.
Menu changes, as represented by element 444,
typically occur when the guest has made a selection
utilizing Select key 174. As indicated by block 446,
when such a change occurs, the menu currently being
displayed fades to black, with the exception of the
menu title. A determination is then made as to whether
a short video segment is to be displayed with the menu
change, as represented by element 448. As previously
noted, such segments originate from a video disk or
tape player located in the controlled video source 32
(Figure 1). If a segment is to be played, the PC will
a k the DCC whether the videotape or disc contained in
the controlled video source is busy. If the DCC
replies that the machine is busy, the segment is
skipped. If the machine is not busy, the DCC will
instruct the CSC to play the segment, command the
converter to tune to the channel on which the segment
is transmitted and command the RF switch to the
converter output. Once the segment has been played,
the DCC will notify the PC and switch the video source
from the converter back to the PC. The data will then
;~ 30 be displayed as represented by block 454.
The menu change may also involve an intermediate
display of graphics between menus. By way of example,
if the guest selects a restaurant guide, there may be
an intermediate presentation of a graphic
representation of an item of food or some other scene
associated with restaurants. By way of further
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example, if the guest selects a travel guide, there may
be an intermediate presentation of a graphic
representation of an airplane or some other mode of
transportation.
If a menu change calls for an intermediate display
o~ graphic data, the PC requests the CSC to mount a
virtual disk which contains the appropriate data. Once
the disk is read, the CSC is requested to dismount the
disk and the data is displayed. Preferably, the CSC
contains a set of graphic data for producing several
different displays for a particular menu change. The
PC informs the CSC of the type of graphic data and the
CSC randomly selects a particular display from the set
of displays associated with the change. By way of
example, if the guest requests information relating to
an American food restaurant, an item of American food
may be displayed. If the selection is made a second
time, it is likely that a different item of American
food will appear, ~ince the display is randomly
selected. Thus, the visual images seen by the guest as
she browses through the variou~ system channels are
constantly changing and, therefore, more interesting
than if the same graphic presentations were repeatedly
used.
If the transition between menus does not call for
an intermediate graphic display or if the display is
completed, the program will proceed to element 456 at
which time a determination will be made as to whether
the menu change is limited to changes in text only. If
so, the PC will commence scrolling in the title of the
new menu during the vertical blanking period of the
television receiver, as represented by block 458. The
PC will then commence reading data for constructing the
new menu from the virtual disk in accordance with the
Figure 16 Record Player tRP) program sequence as
represented by element 459.
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The only remaining possible menu change is a menu
involvin~ application code. As indicated by element
460 and block 462, if the menu change is not an
application code-type change, the change is iynored and
not acted upon. Otherwise, the PC commences to execute
the application code. If the guest had selected the
video jukebox channel, the application code would send
the guest's selection to the CSC through the DCC.
As previously noted, the application programs used
by the PC for playing video games and for performing
spread sheet analysis and other functions are
collectively referred to as native code. Figure 18 is
a flow chart illustrating the PC operation when
executing native code. Since the native code was
written specifically for the PC in preferably
unmodified form, the DCC will refrain from presenting
interrupts to the PC when such code is being executed
by the PC. As indicated by element 466 and block 468,
when the guest selects a channel re~uiring the use of
native code, the PC informs the DCC that it should go
to native PC mode thereby causing the DCC to refrain
from presenting interrupts. Next, the PC requests the
CSC to mount the virtual disk which contains the
appropriate native software, Then the PC power-up code
is executed, initiating a reboot, as represented by
block 472.
Once the reboot has been accomplished, the program
stored in the PC ROM, namely, the PC operating system,
boots the native code and executes the code normally.
At this time, the guest can utilize the PC in the
conventional manner via the associated joysticks and
keyboard. As represented by block 128 of Figure 4, the
DCC is capable of simulating various keyboard outputs.
These outputs include actuation of the Keyboard ~ption,
Select, Start and Reset keys (not depicted). Thus, the
guest has the capability of utilizing corresponding
l~rm~
keys 164, 174, 166 and 162, respectively, of the keypad
in lieu of the keyboard keys.
When the guest has completed playing the video
game or utilizing the business software, she can either
actuate Stop key 170 or select an ATV channel. In
either case, the DCC will instruct the CSC to mount a
system virtual disk for booting the PC, as indicated by
block 476. The PC boot sequence, as represented by
block 478 will then be carried out in accordance with
the Figure 15 flow chart.
Thus, a novel remote presentation station for use
in an interactive video computer system has been
disclosed. Although a preferred embodiment of such
station has been described in some detail, it is to be
understood that changes can be made by persons skilled
in the pertinent art without departing from the spirit
and scope of the subject invention as defined by the
appended claims.
