Abstract:
Audio and control signals are digitized and inserted in the horizontal blanking intervals of the distributed composite television signal. The control signals are in the form of a data stream which includes a header containing group address, sync, and program-related information applicable to all receiving units, and a plurality of portions which are addressable to and contain information applicable to the control of particular individual receiving units in the addressed group. The information in the addressable portions can be altered on a real time basis such that the system operator has direct control over certain functions of individual receiving units from the transmission end.
Abstract:
An addressable CATV converter for connection with a remote headend in a cable distribution system contains a memory into which a unique address code identifying that converter is downloaded from the remote headend.
Abstract:
A polling pattern generator system for use in a CATV system including a polling pattern generator and a passive data monitor. The polling pattern generator periodically generates polling pattern signals each of which has a specific address code for calling a corresponding terminal unit and a command code for requesting a designated answer from the called terminal unit. The passive data monitor compares an up data signal outputted from the terminal unit in response to the command code with the designated answer requested by the command code and judges whether or not an operational state of the terminal unit is acceptable from the resultant comparison output. The passive data monitor sets the address code in the designated terminal unit.
Abstract:
A polling pattern generator system for use in a CATV system including a polling pattern generator and a passive data monitor. The polling pattern generator periodically generates polling pattern signals each of which has a specific address code for calling a corresponding terminal unit and a command code for requesting a designated answer from the called terminal unit. The passive data monitor compares an up data signal outputted from the terminal unit in response to the command code with the designated answer requested by the command code and judges whether or not an operational state of the terminal unit is acceptable from the resultant comparison output. The passive data monitor sets the address code in the designated terminal unit.
Abstract:
A novel remote monitoring system, described in the context of a cable antenna television system, which includes a control monitoring station for interrogating and monitoring various devices in a subscriber''s remote site. The interrogation signals are transmitted by means of high frequency FM transmission via a trunk cable to a multitude of remote sites. Each remote site is addressed by a unique code and each remote site stores information indicative of the status of its respective monitored devices. Upon request from the control monitor station, such information is transmitted to the control monitor station by means of low frequency FM transmission via the aforementioned trunk cable. For tv channel identification, as for pay tv billing, each individual channel is marked with an identification signal which may be stored in the respective subscriber''s remote unit until the control monitor station requests such information by interrogating the remote unit. The stored information is transmitted to the control monitor station and transferred to storage means, such as a computer, for billing or for other purposes.
Abstract:
A system and method are provided for transmitting signals while facilitating channel-specific signal insertion to local user terminals. In one mode, a communication device may operate to transmit signals from a remote signal source (via a communication network infrastructure) to one or more local user terminals. In a second, the communication device may insert a locally-obtained break-in signal into one or more downlink communication channels, and/or bands, thereby providing the break-in signal to one or more specific local user terminals. In this manner, communications over a communication channel to a local user terminal may be interrupted by or mixed with an inserted break-in signal to the user terminal. Additionally, the communication device may also operate to establish bidirectional communications between a local operator and one or more user terminals as well as relay communications between two or more local user terminals while bypassing the conventional network infrastructure.
Abstract:
A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc. At receiver stations, signals in received transmissions and from local inputs (225, 218, 22) cause control processors (200) and computers (205) to automate connection and operation of converters (201), tuners (215), decryptors (224), recorder/players (217), computers (205), furnaces (206), etc. Processors (71, 200) meter and monitor availability and usage of programming.
Abstract:
A method of activating mobile devices for events is provided. A mobile device owner pays for a subscription to receive local broadcasts of an event on a mobile device. An employee uses a scanner to scan a bar code on the mobile device, or the mobile device owner inputs information identifying the mobile device through a website. A database manager adds an identifier corresponding to the mobile device to an activation list. The broadcaster includes the activation list in the local broadcast stream, thereby activating the subscribed mobile devices for the event.
Abstract:
Systems, apparatus, methods and computer readable mediums for efficient and unconstrained information distribution and IP multicasting are provided. An exemplary method may include receiving, from a set top box, information indicative of criteria associated with targeted advertisement; and determining, at a set top box, whether the criteria corresponds to a characteristic of a household at which the criteria is received. The method may also include joining, from a set top box, a multicast group associated with the criteria in the event the criteria is determined to correspond to the characteristic of the household at which the criteria is received. The method may also include receiving, via multicast, at a set top box, the targeted advertisement associated with the criteria; and displaying, at a video display device, the targeted advertisement. The exemplary method may allow efficient and unconstrained information distribution leading to improved application quality and performance.
Abstract:
A system includes a processor configured to receive a message included with a digital radio signal. The processor is also configured to examine a message header to determine if the message is intended for receipt at a receiving vehicle. The processor is further configured to discard the message if not intended for receipt at the receiving vehicle. Also, the processor is configured to process the message if intended for receipt at the receiving vehicle and deliver the processed message to a vehicle occupant.