Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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TBLEPHONE P~c~ss DIBPLAY 8YSTEM WITH RENOTE MO~l,OKING
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This application is a divisional of application Serial
No. 607,071.
The present invention relates generally to a method of
displaying subscriber selected video information on a television
monitor. More particularly, the present invention relates to a
method including a programmed data processor, of operating a
system wherein remotely selected video information is broadcast
by a cable television or television transmitter to all television
receivers tuned to a predetermined channel. The selection occurs
using a telephone keypad at the viewer's location. The data
processor controls the retrieval of the information from its
storage location and broadcasts the video selection to all the
television receivers of cable subscribers or viewers.
There presently are systems that allow a subscriber to
view selected video information on cable television. In a first
such system, a transmitting station utilizes a coder unit to
scramble the video and audio signal so that a conventional
television cannot clearly receive the signals. A decoder is
provided for each subscriber to unscramble to coded signal. The
use of the decoder is recorded for billing purposes. Such a
system allows the subscriber to view video information chosen by
the cable company. However, the subscriber cannot view video
information chosen by the subscriber.
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In a second system, the subscriber is furnished with a
list of video information that may be chosen. This video
information is supplied through a free channel. The
subscriber actuates a control at his home which searches for
the free channel of a cable system. When that channel is
found, the subscriber actuates a selector control which
transmits a signal corresponding to the video information
selected over the free channel to the cable head end. The
head end then automatically selects the required film and
starts the broadcast of the video information. This type of
system is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,278,677 to Fannoy.
In a third system, such as shown in U.S. Patent No.
4,264,924 to Freeman, a private coaxial cable distribution
network allows a transmitting station to simultaneously
transmit a plurality of unscrambled subscription television
program signals to a plurality of subscribers on a plurality
of television channels. The signals are related in time and
content to each other. Each signal is transmitted at a dif-
ferent frequency which corresponds to a different television
reception channel, with regular or free television program-
ming being simultaneously provided at one or more further
different television reception channel frequencies. Each
subscriber is provided with a switch by which he can choose
to view free television, listen to music or view pay televi-
sion.
In a fourth system, a control unit is provided at the
subscriber's home. The subscriber is provided with a list of
video information that may be chosen. The subscriber actu-
ates the control or command terminal unit to select the video
information. This command terminal unit is a microprocessor
with a keypad coupled to the telephone system and a cable.
The cable system sends this video information in time
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compressed form to only the subscriber that requested it.
The video information is converted to real time before it is
broadcast at the subscriber's home. This type of system is
disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,590,516 and 4,567,512 to
Abraham.
In a fifth system, a telephone at the subscriber's home
is utilized instead of the control unit to select video
information for viewing. The subscriber dials the cable
television company and enters a digital code corresponding to
the selected video information. The video information is
sent via cable in time compressed form and is broadcast to
the subscriber requesting it. This type of system is
disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,521,806 to Abraham.
In U.S. Patent No. 4,381,522 to Lambert, a sixth system
is disclosed. A subscriber enters a digital code on a
telephone corresponding to the selected video information.
In this system, there are a plurality of channels. There is
a minicomputer at the cable station that responds to viewer
selection signals provided on the telephone line. The chan-
nel and start and stop times for the selected program are
displayed on the television monitor of all subscribers. The
program is then broadcast so that any subscriber interested
can view it. Each selected program is typically assigned for
broadcast in the order that it is received.
These systems, however, do not allow a subscriber or
viewer to select and view video information that will be
broadcast to all subscribers or viewers on one common channel
using only a conventional television receiver and a telephone
having a Touch Tone keypad. The systems described above
involve complex electronic equipment that increases the
overall cost and down time of the system.
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Nor do such systems allow for the remote diagnosis,
operation, and control provided by the present invention.
Such remote capabilities enable, for example, the receipt of
a dedication forwarded from a central or host station to be
displayed on a broadcast from a particular remote system
location. In addition, the present system can utilize an
audio track from one source and video information from
another source and place them both on the outgoing line for
display on each viewer's television receiver.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing, it should be apparent that
there still exists a need in the art for a method of operat-
ing a video information system so that a subscriber or viewer
can select video information to be broadcast to all subscrib-
ers or viewers on one common channel using only a
conventional Touch Tone keypad or telephone including such a
keypad. In addition, there exists a need in the art for a
method of and apparatus for operating a remote viewing system
of selected video program material at local subscriber remote
or slave locations which may be'controlled and monitored from
a remote centralized host location.
I-t is, therefore, an object of this invention to
provide a method for subscribers of a cable television system
to select video information to be broadcast on one common
channel to all subscribers' television monitors using a
telephone keypad.
It is another object of this invention to provide a
method for placing video information on queue to be broadcast
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in accordance with the time the selection was made by the
subscriber.
Another object of the present invention is to provide
a method of and apparatus for the remote monitoring and
controlling of slave remote systems for enabling the viewing of
selected video program material at local subscriber remote
receiving locations.
A further object of the present invention is to provide
for the remote selection at remote receiving locations of video
programs to be broadcast over the television receivers of all
viewers of a predetermined channel utilizing two-way cable or low
power RF input of selection signals by the viewers of cable
subscribers.
Still another object of the present invention is to
provide apparatus for and a method of using an audio track from
one source at a slave or host installation and video information
from another source at that same slave or host location, to be
output on a single channel from a video switch as controlled by
the host or slave computer, respectively.
These and other objects are achieved by a method of
operating a video information selection system using a programmed
data processor in which a subscriber or viewer can select certain
video information that is then displayed on one common channel
of the television monitors of all subscribers or viewers. The
subscriber's or viewer's telephone keypad is used to access a
data processor. The invention may be designed to be used with
the telephone company's "900" service. Using this service, a
caller is charged a nominal fee per call by the telephone
company. The -------------------------------------------------
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video information system then recovers a portion of the feefrom the phone company. The subscriber or viewer enters a
digital code on the telephone keypad that corresponds to the
video information desired for viewing. The selected video
information is retrieved by the data processor from a memory
device and broadcast over the cable system or by means of a
television transmitter to the television receivers of all
subscribers or viewers tuned to a predetermined single chan-
nel or frequency. The television transmitter may be a low
power television transmitter or any other type of television
transmitter.
The inventive method also includes the step of placing
the selected video information in line or on queue so that
the first video information selected is the first video
information broadcast on the common channel and subsequent
video information selected is broadcast in turn according to
the relative time it was selected.
The inventive method further contemplates a plurality
of slave or local cable television or low power RF transmit-
ting systems which may be accessed, by a viewer or subscriber
at a location remote from the slave cable system or televi-
sion transmitter for selecting video program material for
display over a single channel for viewing by all viewers hav-
ing television receivers tuned to that channel. While the
viewer may preferably make the selection utilizing a
telephone keypad, alternatively, a two-way cable box in the
case of a cable based system or a low power RF transmitter in
the case of either a cable or television transmitter system,
may be utilized by the viewer for such purpose. A low power
RF receiver, capable of receiving the signals transmitted by
the low power RF transmitter used by the viewer, would thus
be used to receive the signals transmitted by the subscriber
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or viewer for input into the computer of the slave or local
system. The host or master system is typically located at a
central location and controls, monitors and/or operates a
plurality of such slave systems using the programmed data
processors of the respective systems. Communication between host
and slave systems is accomplished by modems and telephone lines.
The inventive method and apparatus disclosed herein
also includes the ability of a host, slave or local system to
respond to multiple incoming telephone lines. Such multiple
incoming telephone lines can be used, for example, by viewers to
select several viewing options, such as one selection for a set
price and three selections for a different set price.
In a particular embodiment of the invention, there is
provided a system for the remote viewing of selected video
program material at viewer remote receiving locations, comprising
a television broadcasting device for providing a television
signal for transmission to the remote locations over a single
common channel, a plurality of selectable sources of program
material having video and audio portions, a selection device for
generating a video program selection signal from a viewer remote
receiving location with such selection being made through a
telephone system keypad, a switching device connected to the
plurality of selectable sources of program materials, for
selectively switching video and audio portions of the program
materials to the television broadcasting device, a programmed
data processor coupled to the plurality of selectable sources of
program materials and the switching device, the programmed data
processor being responsive to selection signals transmitted from
a remote location for providing control signals to at least one
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selectable source of program materials and to the switching
device in accordance with the desired program material selected
by a viewer such that selected video portions from one selectable
source and selected audio portions from another source are
transmitted to the television broadcasting device for broadcast
over the single common channel to all of the viewer remote
receiving locations viewing the single common channel
irrespective of whether the viewers at such locations have
selected any program material so that a viewer at a remote
receiving location may tune a television receiver at that
location to the single common channel in order to sequentially
view all of the selected program materials broadcast by the
television broadcasting means over the single common channel.
In a further embodiment there is provided a method for
remote viewing of selected video program material at viewer
remote receiving locations, comprising providing at a control
station a plurality of selectable sources of program material
having video and audio portions, transmitting program material
selection signals from a viewer at a remote receiving location
to the control station, receiving at the control station the
transmitted selection signals, retrieving from at least one
selectable source of program materials the program material
selected by a viewer, transmitting selected video portions from
one selectable source and selected audio portions from another
selectable source to a television broadcasting means remotely
located from the control station, transmitting the selected video
and audio portions over a single common channel to all of the
viewer remote receiving locations viewing the single common
channel irrespective of whether the viewers at such locations
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have selected any program material, tuning a television receiver
at a remote viewing location to the single common channel, and
sequentially viewing all of the selected program materials
transmitted by the television broadcasting means over the single
common channel.
With these and other objects, advantages and features
of the invention that may become hereinafter apparent, the nature
of the invention may be more clearly understood by reference to
the following detailed description of the invention, the appended
claims, and to the several drawings attached herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a flow chart showing the functional steps
utilized by the method of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a flow chart showing the functional steps
of the "Setup" subroutine of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a flow chart showing the functional steps
of the "Script" subroutine of the present invention;
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Figure 4 is a flow chart showing the functional steps
of the "Proc Beg", and "Proc" and "Proc End" subroutines of
the present invention;
Figure 5 is a flow chart showing the functional steps
of the SCRCMD subroutine of the present invention;
Figure 6 is a flow chart showing the functional steps
of the "BRK" s-ubroutine of the present invention;
Figure 7 is a flow chart showing the functional steps
of the "ISERV" subroutine of the present invention;
Figure 8 is a flow chart showing the functional steps
of the "TTServ" subroutine of the present invention;
Figure 9 is a flow chart showing the functional steps
of the "KyServ" subroutine of the present invention;
Figure 10 is a flow chart showing the functional steps
of the "Log Read" companion program to the present invention;
Figure 11 is a flow chart showing the functional steps
of the message procedure program utilized with the present
invention;
Figures 12-16 are flow charts showing the functional
steps and subroutines of the host program used with the
present invention;
Figures 17-22 are flow charts showing the functional
steps and subroutines of the slave program used with the
present invention;
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Figure 23 is a schematic functional block diagram of a
hardware system for use with the present invention; and
Figure 24 is a schematic functional block diagram of a
preferred alternative hardware system with use with the
present invention; and
Figures 25A-D are pictorials of menu screens and other
video and text information as displayed on a viewer's televi-
sion receiver by the system of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION FOR THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the drawings wherein like parts are
designated by like reference numerals throughout, there is
illustrated in Figure 1 a flow chart showing the overall
operation of the method of the present invention. That
method is designed to be utilized by a cable television
subscriber or a viewer of non-cable television, using the
subscriber's or viewer's television, a telephone keypad, a
modem and a programmed data processor. The television can be
connected to receive the television signal using any avail-
able means, such as by cable, satellite or other broadcast
transmission medium. The method of the present invention
allows subscribers to request video information for display
on one common channel of their televisions using a telephone
operated control link. The inventive method may also be used
on a plurality of independent channels.
The subscriber uses a telephone keypad to access the
CATV system's central computer or a separate computer located
at the head end of a CATV system or transmitter of a
broadcast station, by communicating through a modem. The
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subscriber can then select particular video information for
display on his own television and also on all televisions
tuned to the particular cable channel or broadcast channel
utilized by the CATV or television broadcast system by
providing a predetermined code to the system's computer via
his telephone. Such video information may include graphics,
text, music videos, or any other audio or video information.
Such audio/video information may be stored on a plurality of
suitable storage means, such as a laser disk player, a VCR,
other tape storage means, or any other suitable electronic
storage means. The method of the present invention also al-
lows an operator of the CATV data processor or separate
computer to select video information to be broadcast by
entering a digital code corresponding to the desired or
selected video information on the keyboard of the control
console or computer. The types of information broadcast may
be commercial spots, the results of contest polling informa-
tion, birthday messages, dedications or any other type of
.
messages.
At the beginning of utilizing the inventive method, the
program is read into the data processor and started 10. The
subscriber's television display screen is then cleared and
the display setup 12. The title logo and copyright notice is
then displayed 14. The program next determines whether the
setup file is on the command line 16. If the setup file is
on the command line, the setup file is retrieved from the
command line 18. The "Setup" subroutine is then executed 20.
If the setup file is not on the command line, then the setup
file is set to "TADSET.SET" 22. That functions to put the
setup file on the command line. The "Setup" subroutine is
then likewise executed 20.
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The program then sets up the attached hardware 24.
Such hardware may include the modem, a printer, a keyboard or
other peripherals. When the hardware is set up, the scroll
file is also set up and then read 26. The scroll file
contains a menu listing video information available for view-
ing by the subscriber. A sample menu listing is shown in
Table 1. It may contain music video selections as well as a
code for entry by a viewer or system operator for selecting a
desired music video or other video information. The program
then checks the keys and the modem using the "ISERV"
subroutine 28. IIISERV", as will be explained below, allows
the program to access a subscriber's telephone by modem or to
receive commands from the CATV or the system computer console
keys or keyboard.
The program then clears the recursion control variable
30. That step merely makes sure that the variables are set
to their lowest level. The "Script" subroutine 32 is then
executed. At this point, the "Script" subroutine runs only
the "Default" command. Those "Default" commands are executed
before the viewer makes a selection. The program then
determines whether the "Default" command is valid 34. Such
"Default" commands result in the television screen of the
viewers displaying instructional messages, for example, the
cost of each selection, the selections available and instruc-
tions for using the subscriber's telephone keypad in order to
make a selection. This inventive method may also display
this information while other video information is displayed,
such as a scrolling list of the video programs available,
together with their selection codes. If the "Defaultl' com-
mand is valid, then the program returns to A and once again
checks the input from the subscriber's or viewer's telephone
28. If the "Default" command is not valid, the program then
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displays the error and requests a new "Default" file 36. The
program then returns to A and once again checks the input
from the subscriber's or viewer's telephone 28.
Referring now to Figure 2, which illustrates the
"Setup" subroutine, when it is determined that the setup file
is on the command line, the file is passed to the "Setup"
subroutine 40, the program first sets defaults to all system
parameters 42. Next, the program determines if the setup
file is valid 44. If the setup file is not valid, an error
is displayed and the computer asks for a new setup file 46.
A determination is then made whether it is a new file or a
skip 48. If it is a skip, the program then returns to the
calling program 50. If it is a new setup file, the program
returns to B and once again determines whether the setup file
is valid 44. If the setup file is valid, the program then
reads the next line of the setup file 52 and determines
whether it is the end of the file 54. If it is the end of
the file, the program returns to the calling program 56. If
it is not the end of the file, the program returns to C and
once again reads the next line of the setup file 52.
Referring now to Figure 3, which illustrates the
"Script" subroutine 60, when the recursion variables are
cleared 30, the script subroutine is called 32. The program
first opens the script file 62 and determines whether the
file is valid 64. If the script file is not valid, an error
is displayed and the "Script" subroutine returns to the call-
ing program 68. If the file is valid, one is added to the
recursion level 70 and the local parameters are set up 72.
The current position, for example, is set to zero. The
program then reads the next line of the script file 74. A
determination is next made as to whether it is the end of the
file 76. If it is the end of the file, then one is
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subtracted from the recursion level 78 and the 'IScript'l
subroutine returns to the calling program 80. If it is not
the end of the file, then the program gets the next command
82. A determination is next made as to whether there is no
command 84. If there is no command, the program returns to D
and once again reads the next line of the script file 24. If
there is a command, then the program checks the input from
the subscriber's telephone 86. At this point, the "ISERV"
subroutine is called 86.
The program next determines whether it is the beginning
of a procedure 88. A procedure is a set of rules or steps to
be followed in operating equipment in the computer system.
If it is the beginning of a procedure, the program then calls
the 'IProc Beg" (Procedure Begin) subroutine 90. The program
then returns to D and once again reads the next line of the
script file 74. If it is not the beginning of a procedure,
the program then determines whether it is the end of the
procedure 92. If it is the end of the procedure, the program
calls the "Proc End" (Procedure End) subroutine 94 and
returns to D and reads the next line on the script file 74.
If it is not the end of a procedure, the program determines
whether there is a procedure 96. If there is a procedure,
the program executes the "Procll (Procedure) subroutine 98 and
then returns to D to read the next line of the script file
74.
The program next determines whether it is th~ beginning
of a repeat 100. If it is the beginning of a repeat, the
current position is saved 102 and the program returns to D
and reads the next line of the script file 74. A repeat is a
group of commands that are executed repeatedly. If it is not
a repeat beginning, the program determines whether it is the
end of a repeat 104. If it is the end of a repeat, the
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.
program goes to the saved position 106 and then returns to D
to read the next line of the script file 74. If it is not
the end of a repeat, the program determines whether it is
another command 108. If it is another command, the program
calls the "SCRCMD" or script command subroutine and then
returns to D and reads the next line of the script file 74.
If it is not another command, the program returns to D and
reads the next line of the script file 74.
Reference is now made to Figure 4, which illustrates
the "Proc Beg", "Proc End" and "Proc" subroutines. When it
is determined by the script subroutine that it is the begin-
ing of a procedure, the "Proc Beg" subroutine 120 is called
90. The program first determines if there are too many
procedures 122. If it is determined that there are too many
procedures, an error is displayed and the "Proc Beg"
subroutine returns to the "Script" subroutine 126. However,
if it is determined that there are not too many procedures,
the program saves the procedure begin position in a table
128. The program then gets the next command 130 and
determines whether that command is a procedure end command
132. If it is a procedure end command, then the "Proc Beg"
subroutine 120 returns to the "Script" subroutine 134.
The "Proc" subroutine 150 is called when it is
determined that the line in the script file is a procedure
98. The program first determines whether the return stack is
full 152. If the return stack is full, an error is displayed
154 and the program returns to the "Script" subroutine 156.
If the return stack is not full, then the program finds the
procedure in the table 158. It is then determined whether a
procedure is defined 160. If the procedure is not defined,
an error is displayed on the monitor at the CATV control
console 162 and the program returns to the "Script"
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subroutine. If the procedure is defined, the program saves
the return position in the return stack 166. The program
then sets the return to the procedure position 168 and
returns to the "Script" subroutine 170.
The "Proc End" subroutine 180 is called when it is
determined by the "Script" subroutine 60 that the line of the
script file is the end of a procedure 94. A determination is
then made as to whether there is a return in stage 187. If
it is determined that there is a return in stage, the return
is set to return position 184 and the "Proc End" subroutine
returns to the "Script" subroutine 188. If it is determined
that the return is not in stage, an error is displayed 186
and the program returns to the "Script" subroutine 190.
Referring now to Figure 5, which illustrates the
"SCRCMD" subroutine, when it is determined that a line in the
script file is another command, the "SCRCMD" subroutine 200
is called 110. The program first determines if the command
is a chain command 202. A chain command is a group of
logically related commands linked together by a pointer. If
the command is a chain command, it is determined whether that
chain command is valid 204. If that chain command is found
to be valid, it is executed recursively 206 and the program
then returns to the "Script" subroutine 208. If the chain
command is not valid, an error is displayed 210 and the
program returns to the "Script" subroutine 212.
If it is determined that the current line of the script
file is not a chain command, the program then asks whether it
is a "break" command 214. If it is a break command, the
program executes the "BRK" subroutine 216. The break command
allows the program to periodically check to see whether the
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default commands should be stopped because a subscriber or
viewer has called in.
If it is determined that the line in the script file is
not a break command, the program then determines if it is
some other command 218. If it is not another command, the
"ISERV" subroutine is executed 220 and the program returns to
the "Script" subroutine 222. If it is determined that the
current line in the script file is some other command, the
command is executed 224. Table I contains a list of commands
that the program may execute at this point. The program then
returns to the "Script" subroutine 226.
TABLE I
Textcoior Sets the color of the text to be displayed in the
scroll and in the current script number
displayed.
ackcolor Sets the color of the text background if any is
used.
Border Sets the color of the solid border.
Row Sets up the current row cursor position. To be
used with Printtext command.
Column - Sets up the current column cursor position. To
be used with Printtext command.
rinttext Prints string of text at current cursor position.
rasetext Erases text printed on a certain row.
Graphback Changes graphics background to a certain color.
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Dispic Retrieves file as a picture and displays it.
LVJB Selects section of laser disk to be played.
LWVJB Waits for section of laser disk to finish.
Delay Causes a delay for N amount of seconds.
Graphonly Displays graphics only with no video showing.
Superimp Superimposes graphics over video.
Vidoonly Displays video only with no graphics showing.
Audiocart Triggers audio cart switch.
ideotape Sends address and begins playing of certain spots
on tape machine.
videotape Waits for video tape to complete spot.
udiol Activates audio channel one.
udio2 Activates audio channel two.
witchon Turns external switch on.
witchoff Turns external switch off.
odemon Allows modem to answer.
odemoff Does not allow modem to answer.
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Addlog Adds a number to LG log.
Sound Activates a tone at console.
Referring now to Figure 6, which illustrates the "BRK"
or break subroutine 230, when it is determined by the
"SCRCMD" subroutine that the current command is a break com-
mand, the program executes the "BRK" subroutine 216. The
program first-determines whether the command is in the
default script 232. If it is not, then the program returns
to "SCRCMD" subroutine 234. The program then determines if
it has looped n times 236. If the program has looped n
times, the program then returns to the "SCRCMD" subroutine
238. If it is determined that the program has not looped n
times, then the script and number is displayed on the televi-
sion monitor of all subscribers or viewers tuned to the chan-
nel and the file or selection requested by the subscriber is
found 240.
A determination is then made as to whether the script
file is valid 242. If the script file is valid, the script
file is executed 244. The script is then logged in a log
file 246 and the display prompts removed from the television
monitor and the file removed from queue 250. As will be
explained below each selected video information is placed in
line or on queue to be broadcast after video information
previously selected. The program then returns to E and once
again determines if it has looped n times 236. If it is
determined that the file is not a valid script file, an error
is then displayed on the CATV control console 248, the
display prompts cleared and the file removed from queue 250.
The program likewise then returns to E and determines whether
it has looped n times 236.
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Referring now to Figure 7, which illustrates the
"ISERV" subroutine 300, which is called by the control
program after the scroll file is setup and read 28. "ISERV"
is called by the "Script" subroutine 60 when it is determined
that there is a command 86. "ISERV" is also called by the
"SCRCMD" subroutine 200 when a determination has been made
that the line of the script file read is not any other com-
mand 220. The "ISERV" subroutine first determines whether
there is a modem present 302. If there is no modem present,
the program next executes the "KYSERI" subroutine 306. If
there is a modem present, the "TTSERV" subroutine is executed
304 and then the "KYSERV" subroutine 306 is executed. The
program then returns 308 to the control program or the
subroutine that called it.
The "TTSERV" subroutine checks to see whether a
subscriber has called to make a selection. This subroutine
receives selections, processes the selections and places them
on queue. The "KYSERV" subroutine checks to see whether an
operator at the cable television station or broadcast station
has activated a key on the keyboard of the computer 1104 ~see
Figures 23 and 24). A request for display of video informa-
tion can also be made by an operator using the keyboard. The
keyboard also serves as a means of correcting errors and run-
ning tests. In the case of a host system, the keyboard also
serves as a means for monitoring, controlling and operating a
plurality of slave systems, as will be described.
Referring now to Figure 8, which illustrates the
"TTSERV" subroutine 500 which is called by the "ISERV"
subroutine when it is determined that there is a modem
present 304. A determination is first made as to whether the
telephone has been answered 502. If the telephone has not
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been answered, the program returns to the "ISERV" subroutine
504. If the telephone has been answered, a prompt is
transmitted on the channel, is displayed on all television
monitors tuned to that common channel or frequency, and the
audio turned on 506. In this manner, the inventive method
provides confirmation of the viewer's selection through both
the selecting viewer's telephone and the television monitor
of all viewers. Other audio information may also be provided
such as astrological and sports information. In addition,
advertising messages may be conveyed.
The program then receives the response of the viewer/
subscriber/caller 508. A determination is made as to whether
the subscriber has entered enough selection digits 510 to
select the desired video information. If it is determined
that the subscriber has entered enough digits, a determina-
tion is made as to whether the time to enter digits has
expired 512. If the time to enter digits has not expired,
the words "Thank You" are displayed on all subscribers'
television screens 514. The selection of the viewer or
subscriber is then added to the queue and logged in a log
file 516 in non-volatile memory. The message is cleared from
the viewers' screens and the phone hung up 522. It may then
be determined whether the subscriber is a club member 524.
I f the subscriber is a club member, the program returns to F
and once again answers with a display prompt and audio 506.
It is in this way that the program may give a multiple selec-
tion for the price of one. This feature can also be modified
by means of a determination of which of a plurality of incom-
ing telephone lines the call is received on, whether the
viewer/caller is entitled to make a predetermined plurality
of selections, at a higher cost than a single selection. If
the subscriber is not a club member, the program then returns
to the "ISERV" subroutine 526. The operator of the video
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selection system described herein may utilize a "900" service
of the phone company so that the phone company charges the
caller a nominal fee for calling and the operator of the
video selection system then receives the majority of this
fee.
If it is determined that the viewer did not enter
enough digits 510 or that the time to enter digits has
expired 512, then the subroutine calculates and displays a
Jukebox Pick 518. A Jukebox Pick is a random selection made
by the data processor 1104. The Jukebox Pick is then added
to the queue and logged in a Log file in non-volatile memory
520. An important feature of the present inventive method is
that a line or queue is made of all the video information
selected by the subscribers/viewers. Video information is
placed on queue with the earlier selected video information
preceding the later selected video information. Video
information is broadcast on a first-on-queue-first-broadcast
basis. The message is then cleared and the phone hung up
522. The subroutine then returns to the "ISERV" subroutine
524.
Reference is now made to ~igure 9, which is an il-
lustration of the "KYSERV" subroutine 400 that is called by
the "ISERV" subroutine after it is determined that there is
no modem present or after the modem has been served 306. The
subroutine 400 first determines whether keys on the system
keyboard have been actuated 402. If no key has been actu-
ated, the program returns to the "ISERV" subroutine 404. The
subroutine then determines whether an escape key has been
actuated 406. If an escape has not been actuated, the
program exits or ends 408.
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\
However, if no escape key has been actuated, it is
determined whether an F2 key has been actuated 410. If an F2
key has been actuated, test routines are executed 412 and the
program returns to the "ISERV" subroutine 414.
If it is determined that the F2 key has not been actu-
ated, it is then determined whether the Fl key has been actu-
ated 416. If it is determined that the Fl key has not been
actuated, the program returns to the "ISERV" subroutine 418.
If it is determined that the Fl key has been actuated,
a prompt is displayed and the user's response obtained 420.
The program then determines whether the key actuated was the
return key 422. If the return key was actuated, the program
determines whether a number was entered 424. If it is
determined that a number was entered, the number is added to
the queue 426. The display is then cleared 428 and the
program returns to the "ISERV" subroutine 430.
If it is determined that no return key has been actu-
ated, the user's display is cleared and the program returns
to the "ISERV" subroutine 430.
Reference is now made to Figure 10, which illustrates a
companion program useful for displaying or printing the
contents of log files generated by the inventive method.
These log files contain data including an identification of
the video information and commercials that have been
broadcast and other such useful information. Log files are
used primarily by the cable television system or video selec-
tion system operator, but may be available to the subscriber
or viewer under certain circumstances.
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I 336297
The log file is first read into the data processor 600.
The operator or user is then asked for options 602. A
determination is then made as to whether the log file is
valid 604. If the log file is not valid, an error is
displayed 606 and the program returns 608 to G and once again
asks for options 602. If it is determined that the log file
is valid, then the log file is read into a buffer memory 610.
A determination is next made as to whether the log file is
sorted by script number 612. If the log file is not sorted
by script number, then the buffer contents are sorted by
script number 614. After the log file is sorted by script
number or if the log file is already sorted by script number,
a determination is then made as to whether to print or
display the log file 616.
If it is determined that the log file is to be
displayed, a decision is then made whether to condense the
log file 618. If it is determined to condense the log file,
the buffer contents are then displayed in condensed format
622. If it is determined not to condense the log file, then
the buffer contents are then displayed in full format 620.
After the buffer contents are displayed in either
condensed or full format, a decision is made whether to
repeat the whole process 624. If it is determined that the
whole process is not to be repeated, then the program returns
to the calling program 632. If it is determined to repeat
the whole process, the program then returns to F and once
again asks the operator for options 602. If a determination
is made to print the log file, a decision is then made
~hether to condense the log file 626. If it is determined to
condense the log file, the buffer contents are printed in
co~densed format 630. If it is determined not to condense
the log file, the buffer contents are printed in full format
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628. After the buffer is printed in either format, a deci-
sion is made to determine whether the whole operation should
be repeated 624. If the whole operation is not to be
repeated, then the program returns to the calling program
632. If it is determined to repeat the whole operation, the
program then returns to F and once again asks the operator
for options 602.
Figure 11 is a flow-chart showing the functional steps
of the message procedure program utilized by a host video
selection system such as may be constructed as shown in
Figures 23 or 24. Once the message procedure subroutine 1120
begins, either command files can be prepared 1122 or audio
files can be prepared 1124. After either one or both of the
command or audio files are prepared, they are transmitted
using the host system 1126 to the slave system which
schedules the prepared message to run 1128. After scheduling
the messages to run on the slave 1128, the message procedure
1120 is completed 1130 and then returns.
In the manner as described and as shown in Figure 11, a
host system may be utilized to prepare a dedication by typing
the dedication information into the host computer, for
example, by preparing a command file 1122, preparing an audio
1124 and combining it therewith and then transmitting that
prepared file to the slave such that the message, together
with the audio, and video, if desired, will be run at the
time scheduled by the slave system as requested by the host
system. In a similar manner, certain other types of files,
for example, video files or other audio files or combinations
of both, can be downloaded together with the proper commands
from the host system into the slave system and scheduled to
run on the slave at any desired time.
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Figures 12-16 show a flow chart of the functional steps
and subroutines of the host program of the present invention.
Figure 12(a) shows the host program which is entered from the
screen 1200 which is reached by entering the ALT and F9 keys.
A decision is then made whether a modem is present and avail-
able 1202. If a modem is present and available, then certain
variables such as directory paths are initialized 1204 and
then the host menu is displayed 1206 on the monitor of the
host system. The user of the host system inputs the desired
menu selection 1208 and then a decision is made as to whether
the desired menu selection is the "Call System" subroutine
1210. If it is, the program calls the "Call System"
subroutine program 1212, which is shown in Figure 14.
If the input menu item selected from the host menu is
not the "Call System" subroutine, then the program determines
whether it is the "Exchange Mode" subroutine 1214. If the
"Exchange Mod~" subroutine has been selected, then the
program calls the "Exchange Mode" subroutine 1216, which is
shown in Figure 13.
If the "Exchange Mode" subroutine is not the input menu
item selected at step 1208, then the program determines
whether the "Modem Direct" subroutine 1220 has been selected
1218. If the "Modem Direct" subroutine 1220 has been
selected, then the program calls the "Modem Direct"
subroutine 1220, which is shown in Figure 13.
If the "Modem Direct" subroutine is not called, the
program continues. If the query to whether the modem is
present and available 1202 is no, then a modem error is
displayed 1222 on the monitor of the host system and the
program waits for a key to be entered on the keyboard of the
host system 1224, which serves to acknowledge that the user
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has seen the display modem error 1222, and then the program
exits.
After a negative determination that the "Modem Direct"
subroutine 1220 is the item selected at the input menu selec-
tion step 1208, the program determines whether a file is to
be transmitted 1226. If the transmit file menu item has been
selected, then the "Transmit File" subroutine 1228 is called.
If the "Transmit File" subroutine 1228 is not called,
then the program determines whether the menu item selected is
the receive file item 1230. If the receive file is selected
at the menu selection step 1208, then the "Receive File"
subroutine 1232 is called. The "Transmit File" subroutine
1228 is shown in Figure 15 and the "Receive Fiie" subroutine
1232 is shown in Figure 16.
If the program determines that the receive file is not
the item selected at the host item selection menu step 1208,
then the program queries whether the "Get Log" subroutine
1236 was the item selected 1234. If the "Get Log" subroutine
1236 is selected, then that subroutine is run. The "Get Log"
subroutine 1236 is shown in Figure 22.
If the item selected is not the "Get Log" subroutine,
then the system determines whether the item selected at item
selection step 1208 is the system call item 1238. If the
"System Call" subroutine 1240 is the item selected, then the
program calls the operating system 1240. After each of the
subroutines 1212, 1216, 1220, 1228, 1232, 1236 or 1240 has
been called and completed, the program, through the host main
return 1244 returns back to the display host menu step 1206.
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In the event that none of the subroutines available in
the host menu displayed at step 1206 is chosen at the input
step 1208, the program determines whether the selection exit
item 1242 has been chosen. If it has not, then the program
returns to the host main 1244. If exit is the item selected
at the input menu selection step 1208, then the program
returns to the message procedure shown in Figure 11.
Figure 13 shows the "Exchange Mode" subroutine 1216 and
the "Modem Direct" subroutine 1220. The "Modem Direct"
subroutine is merely an entry point, as will be described
hereinafter in the "Exchange Mode" subroutine 1216. The
"Exchange Mode" program allows the exchange of data and com-
mands between the host and slave systems. After entering the
"Exchange Mode" subroutine 1216, the determination is made as
to whether the connection between the host computer and the
slave system is valid 1300. If the connection is not valid,
then an error message of "No Connection" is displayed 1302 on
the host system monitor and the "Exchange Mode" program waits
for the user to enter a key 1304, indicating that he has
acknowledged that no connection has been made between the
host computer and the slave computer. The program then
returns 1306.
If a valid connection has been made between the host
computer and the slave computer, then an exchange mode com-
mand is sent to the slave computer from the host computer
1308. The program then determines whether a character has
been received from the slave 1310. If a character has been
received from the slave, which acknowledges the receipt of
the exchange mode command by the slave, then that character
is sent to and displayed on the screen of the host computer
1312. If it is determined that no character has been
received from the slave at decision step 1310, or in the
1 336297
event that a character has been sent to the screen 1312, then
a determination is made as to whether a key or character was
inputted from the keyboard of the host computer 1314.
If a key is determined to have been inputted from the
keyboard of the host computer, then that key is sent to the
slave computer 1316. The program then determines whether the
key that has been sent to the slave is the exit key 1318. If
the key that has been sent to the slave is the exit key, then
the program re-turns 1320. If the key sent to the slave is
determined not to be an exit key at decision point 1318 or if
no key is determined to have been inputted from the keyboard
of the host computer, then the program goes back and again
asks whether a character has been received from the slave
1310. It allows the user at the host system to directly ac-
cess the modem for calling any one of a plurality of slave
systems.
The "Modem Direct" subroutine 1320 enters the "Exchange
Mode" subroutine 1316 above decision point 1310 and then
proceeds in the same manner as described above in connection
with the "Exchange Mode" subroutine 1216, beginning with
decision point 1310.
Figure 14 illustrates the functional operation of the
"Call ~ystem" subroutine or subroutine 1212. A prompt for
the operator to enter a phone number is first displayed 1400
on the monitor at the host computer. In response to that
prompt 1400, the user enters the telephone number of the
particular slave system to be called 1402 and the program
determines whether the answered telephone number is a null or
incorrect entry 1404. If it is determined that the number
entered at step 1402 is a null entry, the program hangs up
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-
the accessed phone line 1406, clears the connect flag 1408
and returns to the "Host Process" program 1410.
If it is determined that the phone number entered in
step 1402 is correct at step 1404, then the program causes
the modem to dial the inputted phone number 1412 and a
determination is then made as to whether a connection has
been made 1414. If a connection has been made, then a
determination is made as to whether the slave system name has
been received at the host computer 1416. In the event that
an error occurs at step in the dialing of the slave system
phone number by the modem 1412 or a connection is not made at
step 1414 or an error occurs in the receipt of the slave
system name 1416, then the program informs the operator of
the error 1420, waits fo~ a key to be depressed by the
operator 1422 and then returns upon detecting receipt of that
key 1424.
In the event that the slave system name is received
with no error at 1416, then the program sends the host system
name 1418 and then sets a valid connection flag 1426 so that
the host and slave systems are indicated to the host computer
to be connected together. The program then returns 1428.
After the host and slave computer systems are connected
togethér by the "Call System" subroutine 1212, the "Transmit
File" subroutine 1228 is called. The "Transmit File"
subroutine 1228 first determines whether the connection is
valid 1500 and, if it is, displays a prompt for the user to
input the file to be transmitted 1502. The program waits for
the file name to be inputted 1504 and, upon determining that
the file name exists in the host computer system lS06,
displays a prompt for the name under which the file is to be
sent to the slave computer 1508. The program waits for the
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1 336297
name of the file as sent to the slave computer to be entered
1510 and then sends the file name to the slave 1512.
Once the file name has been sent to the slave at step
1512, the program reads a block of the file to be sent to the
slave 1514 and then sends that block to the slave system
1516. The program then determines whether the file transfer
from the host computer to the slave is complete 1518. If it
is not, then the next block of the file is read 1514 and sent
to the slave 1516 until all blocks of the file have been
transmitted from the host computer to the slave. The program
then displays an indication of the completion of the sending
of the file 1520 from the host to the slave system, waits for
an acknowledgment key to be entered by the user 1522 and then
returns 1524.
If during the process and operation of the "Transmit
File" subroutine 1228, the connection between the host and
slave systems, which is preferably made by means of standard
telephone lines, is determined to be an invalid connection,
at step 1500, then the program enters the host connection
mode 1322 and displays a "No Connection" message 1302. The
program waits for a key to be inputted 1304 and then returns
1306, as shown on Figure 13. If at step 1506 the file cor-
responding to the file name entered at 1504 is determined not
to exist or if an error occurs in the sending of the file
name to the slave system 1512 or an error occurs in the send-
ing of any block of the file from the host to the slave, the
program enters the host error mode 1324 and, as shown in
Figure 13, a new exchange mode command i~ sent to the slave
at step 1308 and the remaining steps of the "Exchange Mode"
subroutine 1216 are repe~ted.
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2 ~ 7
Figure 16 shows the functional steps of the "Receive
File" subroutine 1232 which is used when the host system
receives files from the slave computer system. The "Receive
Files" subroutine first determines whether the telephone con-
nection between the host computer system and the slave
computer system is valid 1600. If the connection is valid,
the program displays a prompt for the file name requested to
be sent by the slave system 1612. The file name is the name
of the requested file on the slave system. At step 1614, the
file name from the slave is received and then a decision is
made as to whether the files received from _he slave are
complete 1616. If the files received are complete, that is,
the slave has transmitted all of the files requested by the
host system, then a file transfer complete legend is
displayed on the host computer monitor 1618 and the program
then waits for the user to enter a key acknowledging that the
file transfer is complete 1620 and the program returns 1622.
If at decision step 1616 it is determined that not all
of the files requested by the host have been received, then
the file just received is backed-up 1624 and the slave is
instructed to get the next block of the requested file 1626
and that next block of file is written into the memory of the
host computer system 1628. A determination is then made as
to whether the received file is complete 1630. If it is,
then the subroutine branches back to step 1614 and determines
whether the file name has been received from the slave. If
the file is not complete, then the program repeats steps
1626, 1628, and 1630 until all of the current file being
transmitted by the slave system to the host system is
complete.
1 3362~7
As has been similarly described in connection with the
"Transmit File" subroutine, if, during the process of receiv-
ing a file transmitted from the slave system to the host
system the telephone connection fails for some reason, the
program aborts and goes into the host connection mode 1322
and performs steps 1302, 1304 and 1306, as shown in and
described in connection with Figure 13. If, during the
receiving process, the file name is not entered at step 1606,
the subroutine returns to the calling program 1632.
During the receiving process, if an error occurs during
the sending of the file name for the file to be transmitted
from the slave to the host system at step 1612, then the
program jumps to step 1626 and gets the next block of the
file. If an error occurs during the receipt of the file name
from the slave, then the program enters the host error mode
1324 which causes the program to begin executing the
"Exchange Mode" subroutine at step 1308 as shown in and
discussed in connection with Figure 13.
Figures 17-22 are flow diagrams showing the functional
steps of the programs in the slave computer system for use in
conjunction with the host computer system programs described
in connection with Figures 11-16. As shown in Figure 17a, by
means of the "Concurrent Process" subroutine 1700, the slave
computer system continually monitors an incoming telephone
line which is used solely by the host system to access the
slave system for performing, monitoring, control, and operat-
ing functions. A decision is first made as to whether the
phone line contains a ringing signal 1702. If there is no
ringing signal on the incoming phone line, then the program
merely recycles back and continually monitors the phone line
until there is a positive response to the query whether the
phone is ringing 1702. Once a positive response is received
1 336297
.
at decision step 1702, the slave system answers the phone and
connects itself to the host system 1704. The slave system
then sends its name to the host system 1706 so that the host
system is able to determine which of a plurality of slave
systems it is in communication with. The slave system then
receives from the host system the host system name so that
the slave system knows which host, in the event there is more
than one host system it is dealing with 1708. In the event
of an error in any of the steps 1704, 1706 or 1708, the
slave, by means of the "Concurrent Process" subroutine,
enters a slave error mode 1710 which causes it to save the
error in an error block memory 1712 and to hang up the phone
1714, thus disconnecting itself from the host computer
system. The program then again returns to the decision step
1702 to determine whether the phone is ringing 1702.
Once the slave computer system has received the host
system name at step 1708, it then determines whether it has
received a command from the host 1716. In the event of a
loss of the telephone connection between the slave system and
the host system at step 1716, the slave system enters a con-
nection loss mode 1718, hangs up the phone 1714 and then
returns to the decision step 1702 to again determine whether
the phone is ringing.
If a command is received from the host system by the
slave system, the slave system then determines whether that
command has instructed it to enter the monitor mode 1720. If
it has, the slave system enters the "Slave Monitor Mode" and
runs the slave monitor mode subroutine or subroutine 1722.
That "Slave Monitor Mode" subroutine 1722 is shown in Figure
18
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1 33~297
If the command received from the host at step 1716 by
the slave system is not a command to enter the slave monitor
mode, then the program determines whether the command is one
which instructs it to receive files from the host 1724. If
the command received from the host system at step 1716 is one
which instructs the slave system to receive files from the
host then the program calls the "Receive Files From Host"
subroutine 1726. The "Receive Files From Host" subroutine
1726 is shown in Figure 19.
-
If the command received from the host at step 1716 isnot a command instructing the slave that is to receive files
from the host system, then the program then determines
whether the command received is one which instructs the slave
system to transmit files to the host 1728. If the command
received by the slave system is one which instructs the slave
system to transmit files to the host, then the program calls
the "Transmit Files To Host" subroutine 1730. The "Transmit
Files To Host" subroutine 1730 is shown in Figure 20.
If the command received from the host by the slave
computer system at 1716 is not a monitor mode command, a
receive files to host command or a transmit files from host
command, then an error has occurred and that error is saved
in an error block memory 1732 and the program branches back
to the~receive command from host step 1716. Further, after
executing the "Slave Monitor Mode" subroutine 1722, or the
"Receive Files or Transmit Files To Host" subroutines 1726
and 1730, respectively, the program branches back to the
receive command from host step 1716 to await a further com-
mand from the host system.
Figure 18 shows the "Monitor Mode" subroutine 1722.
The program first causes a flag to be set to send the current
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1 336297
display of the slave system to the host system 1800. A
determination is then made as to whether the slave system is
on the main status screen 1802. If it is determined that the
slave system is on the main status screen, then the status
screen of the slave system is redisplayed 1804. If it is
determined that the slave system is not on the main status
screen, or after the redisplay of the status screen 1804, the
program then determines whether the connection between the
slave system and the host system is still a valid connection
1806. If the connection between the host and slave systems
is still a valid connection then a determination is made as
to whether an exit key has been received from the host 1808.
If no exit key has been received from the host, the program
branches back to determine whether the connection is still
valid 1806.
If an exit key has been received from the host at step
1808, the "Monitor Mode" subroutine 1722 clears the flag it
set to send the slave system display to the host 1810 and
returns 1812.
Figure 19 shows the functional steps of the "Receive
Files From Host" subroutine 1726. Upon being called, the
"Receive Files From Host" subroutine 1726 backs up the file
to be received if it exists 1900. The "Receive Files From
Host" subroutine then receives the next block of the file
transmitted by the host system 1902 and writes that received
block of the file into its memory 1904. A determination is
then made whether the file received is complete 1906. If the
file received from the host computer system by the slave
system is not complete, then the program branches back to
receive the next block of the file from the host 1902, writes
that received block of the file into its memory 1904 and then
determines again whether the received file is complete 1906.
1 336297
If the receive file is complete, then the subroutine returns
to its calling program 1908. If, however, during receipt of
a block of the file from the host computer system by the
slave system an error occurs, the slave system then enters
its slave connection mode 1910 which causes it to branch to
the received command from host step 1716 of the "Concurrent
Process" program 1700, as shown in Figure 17b.
Figure 20 is a flow chart of the logical function steps
of the "Transmit File To Host" subroutine 1730. Once the
"Transmit File To Host" subroutine 1730 is called, the
program sends the next file name it is to transmit to the
host 2000. The "Transmit File To Host" subroutine 1730 then
reads the next block of the file to be transmitted 2002 and
sends that block of the file to the host 2004. A determina-
tion is then made whether the file being transmitted has been
completed 2006. If not all of the file being transmitted has
been transmitted to the host system by the slave system, the
program branches and repeats the steps 2002 and 2004, reading
the next block of the file from its memory and transmitting
that block of the file to the host until all of the file has
been completely transmitted to the host. At that point, a
complete signal is sent to the host 2008 and the program
returns 2010 to the calling program.
However, if during the sending of the next file name to
the host at step 2000 or during the sending of the next block
of the file to be transmitted to the host at step 2004 an
error occurs, the program enters the slave connection mode
1910 and branches back to the receive command from host step
1716, as shown in Figure 17b.
Figure 21 shows the "Operating System Call" subroutine
1240 which may be accessed from the host computer system
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1 336297
"Host Process" subroutine 1200. If the "Operating System
Call" subroutine 1240 is called by the host system, the
program causes a prompt to be displayed and waits for a
Operating system command 2100. It then determines that a
Operating system command has been entered by the user 2102
and then determines whether the entered Operating system com-
mand is a null entry or a valid entry 2104. If it is
determined that the Operating system command entered at step
2102 is a null or invalid entry, then the then the "Operating
System Call" subroutine returns to the calling program 2106.
If the Operating system command entered at step 2102 is
determined at step 2104 to be a valid command, then that com-
mand is sent to the operating system of the host computer
system 2108 and the result of that command is displayed in
step 2110. The program then branches back to display a
prompt to request another system command 2100.
The "Get Logs" subroutine 1236 is shown in functional
logic form in Figure 22. Once the "Get Logs" subroutine 1236
is called, the program gets the logs from the slave system
using the receive file 2200 and then returns to the calling
program 2202.
Figure 23 is a functional schematic block diagram of
apparatus which may be used with the present invention. The
hardware system shown in Figure 23, using the method
disclosed above, may be used to answer a telephone call from
telephone 1100 using the modem 1102 and personal computer
1104, as previously described. The caller from the telephone
1100 would then enter a digital code corresponding to the
desired selection, as has also been previously described.
The programmed personal computer 1104 then directs the tape
controller and video switch 1110 to locate the appropriate
1 336297
video program device 1106 or 1108 and the location on that
video program device 1106 or 1108 of the selection desired by
the caller, as previously described herein. The tape
controller portion of the tape controller and video switch
1110 functions to control video tape machines such as those
set forth in Table III.
In addition, if a laser video disk player contains the
desired selection, then the personal computer 1104 directly
actuates that device and causes the output from the laser
video disk player to be fed to the video switch portion of
the tape controller and video switch 1110. The LVJB and LWVB
commands referred to previously are used to control such a
laser video disk player.
Once the appropriate video program source has been
located and instructed to output the selected video program
material, the video switch portion of the tape controller and
video switch 1110 operates to transmit the selected video
material to the graphics generator 1105. It is then
transmitted to the cable television system head end or to a
television transmitter 1112 for broadcast over one of the
channels of the cable television system or through the
atmosphere, respectively, to television receivers.
The menus generated by the computer 1104 are converted
to video graphics by the graphics generator 1105 and
superimposed on the video signal output from the video
controller and video switch 1110. The menus are generated in
accordance with the flow charts set forth in Figures 3-5.
Examples of the hardware that may be used as components
of the hardware system shown in Figure 23 are set forth in
Table II as follows:
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TABLE II
Personal Computer 1104
1. Model SMC-7OG Microcomputer, which includes
an internal graphics generator, manufactured
by Sony Corporation;
2. Model PC, XT or AT Microcomputer,
- manufactured by International Business
Machines Corporation; or
3. Any microcomputer which is compatible with
the IBM models listed in subparagraph 2
above, manufactured by various companies.
Graphics Generator 1105
1. Models TARGA-8, TARGA-16 or TARGA-32
Truevision advanced roster graphics adapters
which are internal to the microcomputers
described in subparagraphs b and c;
manufactured by American Telephone and
Telegraph Company (AT&T);
2. Model ICB Image Capture Board, another
internal device for IBM and compatible
microcomputers, also manufactured by AT&T; or
3. Model VP-2 Character Generator manufactured
by Chyron Video Products, Melville, New York.
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Modem 1102
1. PC DialLog manufactured by CMC International,
Bellevue, Washington; or
2. Model MS-2lT Touch Tone Decoding Host Modem,
manufactured by Microperipheral Corporation,
Redmond, Washington.
Video Switch and Tape Controller 1110
1. Models CSR-94, CSR-92 or CSR-91, which can
control respectively 4, 2, or a single video
cassette recorder or player, manufactured by
Texscan MSI/Compuvid, Salt Lake City, Utah;
2. VideoLink 232 RS 232 Video Tape Controller,
manufactured by BCD Associates, Oklahoma
City, Oklahoma;
3. Model VIPc Video Disc/Tape Controller,
manufactured by BCD Associates, Oklahoma
City, Oklahoma; or
4. Model Autoserter 1 Commercial Insertion
System, distributed by Falcone International,
Inc., Marietta, Georgia.
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Video Program Sources 1106, 1108
1. Model VP-5000 Video Cassette Player,
manufactured by Sony Corporation;
2. Model V0-5800 Video Cassette Recorder,
manufacatured by Sony Corporation;
3. Model V0-5850 Video Cassette Recorder,
manufactured by Sony Corporation;
4. Model VP-7000 with BKU-701 RS-232 Interface,
Video Cassette Player, manufactured by Sony
Corporation;
V0-9000 Video Cassette Recorder
VP 9000 Video Cassette Player
V0 9600 Video Cassette Recorder
5. Model V0-9000 Video Cassette Recorder with
BKU-701 RS-232 Interface, manufactured by
Sony Corporation;
6. Model VP-9000 Video Cassette Player with BKU-
701 RS-232 Interface, manufactured by Sony
-- Corporation;
7. Model V0-9600 Video Cassette Recorder with
BKU-701 RS-232 Interface, manufactured by
Sony Corporation;
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8. Model CR-6650 Color Video Cassette Recorder,
manufactured by Victor Company of Japan,
Limited;
Model MDC-30 Laser Disc Random Access Charger
Dual Robotic Laser Disc Player manufactured
by SY Nikkyo, Robotic Laser Disc Player
9. Model CR-8250U Electron Editing Color Video
Cassette Recorder, manufactured by JVC, Vic-
tor Company of Japan, Limited;
10. Model LDP-180 Video Disc Player, manufactured
by Sony Corporation;
11. Model LDP-2000 Series, Video Disc Player,
manufactured by Sony Corporation;
12. Model LD-V4000 Video Disc Player,
manufacatured by Pioneer Electronic Corpora-
tion, Tokyo, Japan;
13. Model LD-V6000 Industrial Laser Disc Player
available form Pioneer Video, Inc., Montvale,
Ne~7 Jersey; or
14. Model PR-7820 Video Disc Player,
manufacatured by MCA, Inc. Company, Carson,
California.
15. Model MDC-30 Laser Disc Random Access Changer
Dual Robotic Laser Disc Player, manufactured
by Nikkyo, Matsudo City, Japan
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Referring now to Figure 24, there is shown therein a
preferred embodiment of the video information selection
system hardware, as it may be configured for either a host
system or, more particularly, for a slave system. While the
host system may be configured as shown in Figure 24, only the
computer 1104, the modem 2400 and a telephone data line,
together with the programs described herein are necessary for
a host system if the host system is to serve only as a remote
monitoring, operating, and control system and not as a video
information selection system. Obviously, a host system may
be connected to a plurality of slave systems.
The computer 1104 is connected by means of computer
control lines to a plurality of video tape units, of which
the first video tape unit 2402 and a sixteenth tape unit 2404
are shown. Such video tape units may be embodied, for
example, as any of the video cassette players or recorders
disclosed for use as a video program source 1106 or 1108 in
connection with Figure 23. Preferably, Sony Model VP-7000's
are utilized. Alternatively, one or more of the video tape
sources 2402 and 2404 may be any of the video disk players
disclosed in Table II in connection with Figure 23.
The audio and video output of each of the video tape
units 2402 and 2404 is connected to an audio/video switcher
which may preferably be a Model No. 10XL available from Grass
Valley Group, Grass Valley, California which functions, under
control of the computer 1104, to simultaneously or separately
switch the audio and video components of the inputs received
from any of the video program sources connected in the
system, such as the video tape units 2402 and 2404 or the
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dual laser robotic player 2408. That is, the two audio chan-
nels are switched together separately or simultaneously from
the switching of the video signal.
The video component of the video program source output
signal is sent to a time base corrector 2410 which may
preferably be a Model No. FA-200 available from FOR - A
Corporation of America, Newton, Mass., which functions to
synchronize the video switching between video sources and
stabilize synchronizing errors inherent in some video tape
players such as the Sony VP-7000. If it is desired to
utilize an audio track from one program source with a video
program from another program source, they may be submitted
separately in the audio/video switcher 2406. Such feature--
is useful for preparing commercial spots.
The video output from the time base corrector 24îo is
fed to a graphics interface or generator 1105 which is
configured to receive text or graphics information from the
computer 1104, such as menus, and superimposes that text or
graphics information on the video signal input into the
graphics interface 1105 from the time base corrector 2410.
Thus, the video output from the graphics generator 1105
includes both the video component from the video program
source as well as the text or graphics from the computer
1104. ~The output from the graphics interface 1105 is fed to
a video distributor amplifier 2412 which functions to both
amplify the input video signal prior to transmitting it to a
stereo generator 2414 and also to distribute the amplified
video signal to a video monitor 2416 located at the video
information selection or slave system. The video monitor is
used by the operator of that system for both monitoring the
output from the slave or host system as well as for use as a
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monitor for the computer 1104 in conjunction with the
programs described herein.
An additional source of video programs may preferably
be a single or dual laser robotic player 2408 as disclosed in
Table II, which is connected in a manner similar to the video
tape sources 2402 and 2404. That is, under control of the
computer 1104, the single or dual laser robotic player 2408
outputs a combined audio/video signal to the audio/video
switcher 2406. In the case of a single laser player, any of
the laser players set forth for use as the video program
source 1106 or 1108 of Figure 23 may be utilized. In addi-
tion, two such laser disk players can be utilized in tandem
to provide additional storage.
The audio output from the audio/video switcher 2406 is
fed to an audio mixer 2418. The audio mixer mixes the audio
received from the video program source devices with the audio
received from the voice interface 2420. The purpose of the
voice interface 2420 is to convert computer generated digital
messages and signals into audio signals which are then mixed
in the audio mixer 2418 and output them to the stereo
generator 2414 for output together with the video signal
received from the video distributor amplifier 2412 as the
system feed out to the cable head end or television transmit-
ter. The voice interface 2420 may preferably be a model
Votalker IB available from Votrax Inc., Troy, Michigan.
In operation, a viewer or subscriber wishing to select
a video program for display over the single cable channel or
television transmission channel, by means of telephone 1100
calls one of a plurality of telephone numbers which, by means
of telephone request lines command telephone interface 2422
to the computer 1104 of the slave or host system. The
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telephone interface 2422 may preferably include a modem 1102,
as shown in Figure 23. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 24,
a combination RF transmitter 1101 at the viewer's location
and an RF receiver 1103 at the computer 1104 location may be
used. Also, a two-way cable box 1109 may be used with a
cable system, in a known manner, to allow a cable subscriber
to input a selection code to the computer 1104. Such a cable
box 1109 may preferably be a Model No. BA-6000, BA-5000N, BT-
H510 or BR-100, available from Pioneer Communications of
America, Inc., Columbus, Ohio, a STARUVE or STARFONE avail-
able from The Jerrold Division of General Instrument Corpora-
tion, Hatboro, Pennsylvania.
The caller selects one or more video programs by means
of inputting one or more selection code numbers over the
telephone request line used to connect his telephone to the
phone interface 24~2. Those telephone codes, which are
embodied as DTMF tones are translated into computer signals
and fed to the computer 1104. The computer 1104 determines
the particular video program source, for example, video tape
1 through video tape 16, or the single or dual laser robotic
players, as well as the location on the video program source
of the particular video program'selected. The computer then
instructs the particular video program source to proceed to
the storage location of the selected video program material
and to-output it to the audio/video switcher 2406. At the
appropriate time, the computer 1104 instructs the audio/video
switcher to output the selected video and audio material
received from the video program source.
As described above, the video component of the signal
is output to a time base corrector 2410 and then through a
graphics interface 110S where any additional video graphics
are superimposed on the video source signal. After
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amplification by the video distributor amplifier 2412, the
video is fed to the stereo generator 2414.
The audio signal output from the audio/video switcher
is mixed in the audio mixer 2418 with any additional
computer-generated audio signals generated by means of the
voice interface 2420, and then output to the stereo generator
2414 which outputs a video signal with stereo audio sound by
means of the system feed out to either the cable head end or
the television transmitter. All television receivers tuned
to the particular cable channel or television channel to
which the video information selection system is connected
will receive the selected video program material.
As also shown in Figure 24, multiple incoming telephone
request lines are connected by means of telephone interface
2422 to the computer 1104. The telephone interface 2422 may
preferably be constructed from telephone couplers, such as
multiple PC Dialog devices as set forth in Table II. By
means of polling, the computer 1104 is able to determine
which telephone request line is ringing. It then answers and
services that line accordingly. For example, if one
telephone request line is designed to allow the viewer to
make only a sing]e selection, for a set charge while a second
telephone request line allows the viewer to select three
video programs for a set but different charge, then the
computer is able to differentiate between the two (or more)
telephone request lines so that an appropriate number of
selections can be serviced.
The system of Figure 24 is also provided with a modem
2400 which is connected between the computer 1104 and a
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dedicated telephone data line. The modem 2400 and the con-
nected telephone data line are utilized for communications
between the host and slave systems.
Figures 25A-D show examples of menu screens which are
produced by the video selection system of the present inven-
tion. Figure 25A displays the number a viewer is to call to
select a video 2500 and the legend "three digit code" 2502
which informs the viewer to input a three digit code of the
video program to be selected. Figure 25A is typical of
information shown as a menu between the display of selected
video program material. Although the plurality of hundreds
of different selections may be available, only four are shown
on Figure 25A.
The menu screen shown in Figure 25A displays a plural-
ity of three digit codes 2504 which correspond to a like
plurality of video program selections. Each video program
selection is indicated by the title of the artist 2506 as
well as the title of the selection. The menu screen 25A also
indicates that the particular telephone operating company
charges a set fee per call as well as the current or last
selection being displayed in 2510.
During the display of either the menu screen or a
selected video, in addition to displaying the selection
number of the currently playing, or in the case of the menu,
the last played video selection, the video information selec-
tion system of the present invention also displays the artist
and title information in a scrolling manner. For example, as
shown in Figure 25B, the title of selection number 474 is
shown 2512. As shown in Figure 25D the artist for a
particular selection is also shown 2514. During broadcast by
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-
the video information selection system of the present inven-
tion, the entire menu is sequentially displayed in a scroll-
ing manner such that each selection number together with the
artist and then each selection together with the title of
that particular video program is sequentially scrolled at the
bottom of the screen of each of the viewer's television
receivers.
As shown in Figure 25C and as described herein,
whenever a viewer calls the information selection of the
present invention to select a video program, the word select,
in the event a single selection is to be made 2516 is
displayed on the screen of all of the viewer's television
monitors. As soon as the viewer makes the selection, the
number selected is shown on the screen below the word
"select". The system then replaces the word "select" with
the phrase "Thank You" and adds the selected program to the
queue as described hereinbefore. Ir. the event that the
viewer selects three videos for a different preset price,
then the graphics on the screen of each of the viewer's
television monitors sequentially display "Pick Number 1",
"Pick Number 2" and "Pick Number 3", followed by the words
"Thank You" after the viewer has entered the third selection
number. It should be noted, however, that each of the suc-
ceeding "Pick Number" phrases are not displayed until after a
selection has been made by the caller. In the event that the
caller fails to enter a selection within a predetermined
period of time, then, in the case of either a single selec-
tion or multiple selections, the video information selection
system makes a jukebox pick for the viewer.
As previously described, the invention disclosed herein
may be utilized to transmit dedication received at the host
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location by means of telephone company "800" numbers to the
appropriate slave video information selection system. Such
audio messages may be digitally recorded and then transmitted
as a file to the slave system and cause to play at the ap-
propriate time, by means of the programs disclosed herein for
use with the host and slave systems. Such digital recording
can be accomplished by means of the PC dialog device con-
nected to the audio mixer. More particularly, the incoming
telephone from a viewer wishing to place an audio message to
be transmitted by the video information
selection system will be answered by the PC dialog device
whose digital device is sent to the host computer which then,
using the appropriate program described herein, transmits
that digitally recorded message to the appropriate slave
video information selection system. The slave video informa-
tion selection system, using the audio mixer 2418 mixes the
audio message transmitted to it from the host system. The
audio message is then transmitted by the slave video informa-
tion selection system in the same manner as described above
in connection with Figure 24.
Although only a preferred embodiment is specifically
illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated that
many modifications and variations of the present invention
are possible in light of the above teachings and within the
purview of the appended claims without departing from the
spirit and intended scope of the invention.
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