摘要:
A video program is broadcast to different video display sets in a broadcast reception area for display at the discretion of television viewers in that area. In order to determine the reaction of television viewers to the displayed broadcast video program, a determination of a relative number of sets responding to the particular broadcast is made. A display of the broadcast video program is provided with a pictorial representation of the relative number of responding sets. Potentially participating sets may be provided with a facility for registering any of a predetermined number of different types of viewer reactions to the broadcast video program. A display of the broadcast video program may be provided with a facility for displaying a number of pictorial representations corresponding to the predetermined number of different types of viewer reactions for individually indicating each viewer reaction type. Viewer reactions received through the registering facility may be displayed in the display of the broadcast video program according to reaction type through the corresponding pictorial representations.
摘要:
Method for selectively interrogating decoding devices which are located at remote stations. In one embodiment, a number of transponders which make up a final group within a larger group of transponders, all attached to a common line running from a central station, are selected and simultaneously caused to retransmit modified interrogation signals in accordance with certain informational characteristics and the identity of each transponder retransmitting. The final group of transponders, which include respective decoding devices, chosen to be interrogated is selected by first sending a number n of tones of a larger group of tones m down a branch line to partially activate some of the decoding devices. These tones are followed by a smaller number of tones k chosen from the group n to which only the decoding devices in the final group respond. The system is particularly designed for use in a subscriber television network and specific circuitry for accomplishing the logical and electrical functions required are described.
摘要:
A cable television and communication system is disclosed which is suitable for community antenna television (CATV) closed circuit television (CCTV) and other types of signal distribution systems with service function applications such as for use in hotel, motel, apartment complexes, and the like. The system has the capability of distribution and subscriber reception of unencoded and encoded or limited access video and audio programs with simultaneous two way digital data communication. The subscriber units are interconnected by a tree-organized wideband communication link such as co-axial cable system with a network central unit. Subscriber unit identification control and data exchange is accomplished by the use of a high speed time-slot organized format with each subscriber being assigned a predetermined unique television synchronization related time-slot. The central unit utilizes a small digital computer which functions to provide network supervision and management of subscriber requests, accounting, billing and other processing such as viewing analysis. The system utilizes a modular configuration which allows for a low cost and simple initial installation capable of being later expanded to a more sophisticated version.
摘要:
A remote monitoring terminal is disclosed for connection with a utility meter to encode and store the meter readings in digital form. The terminal can be interrogated to obtain the stored reading in serial form suitable for encoding and transmission over a communication line. Means are provided to prevent the stored meter reading from being lost in the event of a line-power interruption. A communication system is disclosed including a central office and a plurality of such remote monitoring terminals for addressing each of such terminals to retrieve the stored information therein to the central office.
摘要:
A bilateral communications system, as for CATV application, distributes commercially available and premium video programming on a subscriber demand--directly accountable basis. At least the premium video programming is impressed on the cable in a frequency band and/or format not recoverable by a standard television receiver, absent receipt at a particular subscriber location of a reception-authorizing message from the system head end.A central processor at the system head end sequentially polls cable subscribers under stored program control, permitting bilateral digital communications between the subscriber and the head end.
摘要:
A subscription television is disclosed wherein both subscription and non-subscription television system signals are distributed by a cable distribution system to a plurality of switching stations. Subscriber demand signals generated within one or more subscriber locations are detected within the switching station to couple subscription signals to the corresponding subscriber drops. Periodic interrogation signals cause the switching station to generate a return signal indicative of the presence of subscriber demand signals.
摘要:
Method and apparatus for selectively interrogating decoding devices which are located at remote stations. In one embodiment, a number of transponders which make up a final group within a larger group of transponders, all attached to a common line running from a central station, are selected and simultaneously caused to retransmit modified interrogation signals in accordance with certain informational characteristics and the identity of each transponder retransmitting. The final group of transponders, which include respective decoding devices, chosen to be interrogated is selected by first sending a number n of tones of a larger group of tones m down a branch line to partially activate some of the decoding devices. These tones are followed by a smaller number of tones k chosen from the group n to which only the decoding devices in the final group respond. The system is particularly designed for use in a subscriber television network and specific circuitry for accomplishing the logical and electrical functions required are described.
摘要:
A bilateral cable communications system - as for a lodging facility, distributes commercial and supplementary video programs from common equipment to spaced subscriber stations located, for example, in each hotel-motel room. Heterodyne converter apparatus is included at each station for viewing the supplementary programing on a standard television receiver. Time division multiplexed, full duplex digital communications are also effected via the distribution cable for providing signaling between the common equipment and the subscriber locations. The digital signaling implements administrative and supervisory control for supplementary video reception and monitoring - as for extra fee accounting purposes, and also general lodging service tasks.