Automatic interactive television terminal configuration

We claim:

1. A two-way interactive cable television entertainment terminal for communicating with a system manager of an entertainment system, the terminal comprising:

an analog transmission link for communicating via a radio frequency transmission media with the system manager,

a processor for processing data,

memory associated with the processor,

a character generator, responsive to the processor, for generating characters for display on a display screen,

a keypad for inputting information to the terminal, the input information for processing by the processor,

a power input,

the terminal, responsive to the application of power at the power input, entering an initialization made,

the processor, during the initialization mode, verifying proper operation of terminal components and software,

the terminal, during initialization, entering an automatic installation mode,

the character generator, responsive to the processor, for generating at least one display screen of characters requiring keyboard response, the required response being related to terminal installation,

the terminal, recognizing an appropriate response, configuring itself according to the response prior to entry of the terminal into the entertainment system.

2. A terminal according to claim 1, the at least one display screen of characters generated by the character generator being related to alignment of a test screen on the display of an associated television receiver.

3. A terminal according to claim 1, the at least one display screen of characters generated by the character generator for requesting terminal location information input.

4. A terminal according to claim 1, the at least one display screen of characters generated by the character generator for requesting input as to the interlaced or a non-interlaced character of the character screen display.

5. A terminal according to claim 1 further comprising a switched power output, the at least one display screen generated by the character generator for requesting input as to the provision of power to an associated device.

6. A terminal according to claim 3 further comprising a second display screen of characters for indicating acknowledgement of terminal entry into the system by the system manager.

7. A terminal according to claim 1, a first display screen of characters generated by the character being related to alignment of a test screen on the display of an associated television receiver, a second display screen of characters for requesting terminal location information input and a third display screen of characters for indicating acknowledgement of terminal entry into the system by the system manager.

8. A terminal according to claim 1, the terminal, responsive to the actuation of a predetermined key of the keypad, entering a maintenance mode,

the character generator, responsive to the recognition of the actuation of the predetermined key, for generating at least one display screen of characters related to the terminal maintenance mode.

9. A terminal according to claim 8, the at least one terminal maintenance mode display screen for displaying memory contents.

10. A terminal according to claim 9, the at least one terminal maintenance mode display screen for displaying memory contents in hexadecimal format.

11. A terminal according to claim 9, the at least one terminal maintenance mode display screen for displaying memory contents in ASCII format.

12. A terminal according to claim 9, the at least one terminal maintenance mode display screen being adaptable for the display of memory contents in a particular format.

13. A terminal according to claim 1, the keypad being either for remote control of the terminal or directly coupled to the terminal.

14. A terminal according to claim 13, the at least one display screen of characters generated by the character generator being related to terminal testing during manufacture.

15. A terminal according to claim 14 comprising a remote control command receiver, the processor recognizing the actuation of at least one predetermined key, the key being one not normally provided on either the remote control keypad or the directly coupled keypad for transmitting a predetermined control code to the remote control command receiver of the terminal, the predetermined control code being related to terminal testing during manufacture.

16. A two-way interactive cable television entertainment terminal comprising a data processor, a memory associated with the data processor, a keypad for inputting data to the data processor, and a character generator, responsive to the data processor, for generating characters for display on a display screen, the terminal, responsive to the application of power to the terminal, entering an initialization mode, during which mode, the microprocessor, responsive to the actuation of at least one predetermined key, controlling the character generator for generating more than one display screen related to screen alignment, terminal configuration and verification of entry into an entertainment system.

17. A terminal according to claim 16, the keypad comprising keys having programmable functions such that the keys have different functions depending on processor status, a present key function being displayed on the at least one display screen.

18. In a two-way interactive cable television entertainment terminal comprising a data processor, a memory associated with the data processor, a keypad for inputting data to the data processor, and a character generator, responsive to the data processor, for generating characters for display on a display screen, a method of enabling an automatic installation of the terminal for entry into an entertainment system comprising the steps of:

applying power to the terminal,

initializing operation of terminal components responsive to the application of power to the terminal,

actuating a display of at least one screen of characters, the display screen requiring keypad response,

recognizing an appropriate keypad response to the display screen, and

configuring the terminal according to the response prior to entry of the terminal into the entertainment system.

19. An automatic terminal installation method according to claim 18, comprising the additional step of:

recognizing the actuation of a predetermined key of the keypad during initialization within a predetermined period of time from the application of power to the terminal.

20. An automatic terminal installation method according to claim 18, the method comprising the additional steps of

recognizing an actuation of a different predetermined key and

quitting automatic terminal installation responsive to recognizing the actuation of the different predetermined key.

21. An automatic terminal installation method according to claim 18 further comprising the step of:

providing an indication of acknowledgement of entry of the terminal into the system.

22. An automatic terminal installation method according to claim 18 wherein the keyboard response may comprise a plurality of responses including at least the entry of information related to terminal location.

23. An automatic terminal installation method according to claim 21 wherein the acknowledgment indication is conditional upon the entry of valid information via the keypad.

24. An automatic terminal installation method according to claim 23 wherein the keypad entered information relates to terminal location.

25. A two-way interactive entertainment terminal for communicating with a system manager of an entertainment system, the terminal comprising:

a transmission link for communicating via a media with the system manager,

a processor for processing data,

memory associated with the processor,

a character generator, responsive to the processor, for generating characters for display on a display screen,

a keypad for inputting information to the terminal, the input information for processing by the processor,

a power input,

a switched power output,

the terminal, responsive to the application of power at the power input, entering an initialization mode,

the processor, during the initialization mode, verifying proper operation of terminal components and software,

the terminal, during the initialization mode, entering an automatic installation mode,

the character generator, responsive to the processor, for generating at least one display screen of characters requiring keyboard response, the required response being related to terminal installation,

the terminal, recognizing an appropriate response, configuring itself according to the response prior to entry of the terminal into the entertainment system,

the at least one display screen of characters generated by the character generator further includes a screen of characters for requesting input as to the provision of power to an associated device.

26. A two-way interactive cable television entertainment terminal for communicating with a system manager of an entertainment system, the terminal comprising:

an analog transmission link for communicating via a radio frequency transmission media with the system manager,

a processor for processing data,

memory associated with the processor,

a character generator, responsive to the processor, for generating characters for display on a display screen,

a keypad for inputting information to the terminal, the input information for processing by the processor,

a power input,

the terminal, responsive to the application of power at the power input, entering an initialization made,

the processor, during the initialization mode, verifying proper operation of terminal components and software,

the terminal, during initialization, entering an automatic installation mode,

the character generator, responsive to the processor, for generating at least one display screen of characters requiring keyboard response, the required response being related to terminal installation,

the terminal, recognizing an appropriate response, configuring itself according to the response prior to entry of the terminal into the entertainment system,

the at least one display screen of characters comprising a first screen generated by the character generator for requesting terminal location information input or terminal identification information input,

the at least one display screen of characters comprising a second screen for indicating acknowledgement of terminal entry into the system by the system manager after input of terminal identification or location information.

27. A two-way interactive entertainment terminal for communicating with a system manager of an entertainment system, the terminal comprising:

a transmission link for communicating via a media with the system manager,

a processor for processing data,

memory associated with the processor,

a character generator, responsive to the processor, for generating characters for display on a display screen,

a keypad for inputting information to the terminal, the input information for processing by the processor,

a power input,

a remote control command receiver,

a predetermined control code,

the terminal, responsive to the application of power at the power input, entering an initialization mode,

the processor, during the initialization mode, verifying proper operation of terminal components and software,

the terminal, during the initialization mode, entering an automatic installation mode,

the character generator, responsive to the processor, for generating at least one display screen of characters requiring keyboard response, the required response being related to terminal installation,

the terminal, recognizing an appropriate response, configuring itself according to the response prior to entry of the terminal into the entertainment system,

the at least one display screen of characters generated by the character generator being related to terminal testing during manufacture,

the keyboard being either for remote control of the terminal or directly coupled to the terminal,

the processor recognizing the actuation of at least one predetermined key,

said one predetermined key being one not normally provided on either the remote control keypad or the directly coupled keypad for transmitting a predetermined control code to the remote control command receiver of the terminal,

the predetermined control code being related to terminal testing during manufacture.

Description Submit all comments and votes

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

This invention primarily relates to the field of two way interactive entertainment systems typically provided over cable facilities to a user and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus enabling automatic configuration of a television terminal and of its association with a television receiver.

2. Description of the Relevant Art

Two way interactive cable television systems are known for transmitting entertainment, information and data signals over a cable facility toward a plurality of users. Data may be transmitted and addressed to a particular subscriber over a separate data channel or a so-called "in-band" data channel. In a downstream direction, addressed control data may represent services authorized to a particular terminal or control commands to that terminal. In an upstream direction from a terminal to the service provider or system manager location, control data may represent selections made by a user in response to a polling request or at the time of user selection.

Terminals are often manufactured with stored unique identification numbers which may be unknown to a user for security purposes. Nevertheless, the unique identification number is necessary for the system manager to enter a terminal into a system along with location related information and configuration information. When service is ordered, an installer may be dispatched to an installation location with a terminal but, in the past, has not been able to align a screen display of an associated television receiver without having to obtain access to the interior of the terminal. Further, the installer has not been able to actuate entry of the terminal into the entertainment system without the assistance of personnel at the system manager location. Further still, the installer has been unable to immediately and automatically verify entry of the terminal into the system.

In a hotel/hospital environment, considerable interaction between an installer and the system manager location may be required to accomplish terminal configuration. In fact, the installer may be required to travel between the locations of the terminal and of the system manager until terminal entry into the system is acknowledged.

No provision has been made in the past for the possibility that a user may purchase their own terminal and configure the terminal themselves. The user is dependent on installer installation processes.

The installer or user, then, to configure a terminal should be able to assure themselves that the individual components of the terminal are functioning properly. They should assure themselves that any software is handling tasks in a responsible, efficient manner. The association of the terminal with the terminal receiver should be verified in at least two ways. Firstly, each television receiver may react differently to commands to display a teletext screen of information. Consequently, there may be a requirement to align the display of a test screen on the television receiver. Secondly, the turning off of power to a television receiver may be inappropriate for a particular television receiver installation. Consequently, if power is supplied to the television receiver via the terminal, it may be appropriate to set a switched power outlet of the terminal to either a permanently ON or to a switched condition in which power is provided to the receiver only when the terminal is turned on. System entry is determined by, at least, the acceptance by a system manager of the unique terminal identification and, possibly, a secondary identification of the terminal and/or the user. Typically, a separate telephone communication is required for the user or installer to verify system entry.

Interactive terminals generally have been equipped without the capability of locally generating a display on an associated television receiver. Terminal-provided displays such as liquid crystal display of a selected channel number at a terminal are inadequate for providing an effective man/machine interface for accomplishing a complicated task such as terminal configuration. Supplementing any such display with an installation manual may still be inadequate and confuse the user or installer.

Keys normally provided at interactive terminals comprise a complement of numeric input keys, channel increment keys, volume control keys, a power button and a "buy" key. However, these keys are inappropriately labeled and may confuse the user if simultaneously employed for terminal configuration.

It is also known in the art of non-interactive cable television terminals having a programmable read only memory to enable a remote programming of the terminal via inputting a special code not provided with the standard remote control transmitter associated with the terminal. According to U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,972, which issued Dec. 20, 1988, entitled "Remote Programming of a CATV Channel Authorization Unit" and incorporated herein by reference, an installer employs a special programming unit equipped with, for example, an infrared transmitter to remotely program the read only memory of a so-called "plain Jane" converter, which is not addressable over a communications link by a system manager, nor is the converter capable of return transmissions. Via the special code, access is obtained to the read only memory into which memory is loaded premium channels and services authorization data. The converter is not equipped with a character generator and has no capability to locally generate character screens for display on an associated television receiver. All activities are controlled from the special code transmitting remote programming unit.

Consequently, there remains a requirement in the art for providing an interactive television terminal and method of enabling an automatic installation of the terminal comprising, for example, screen alignment, terminal configuration, or the acknowledgement of entry into an interactive entertainment system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an interactive terminal capable of automatic configuration.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automatically configurable terminal that is user friendly.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an automatically configurable, user friendly terminal which guides the user through the steps of screen alignment, terminal configuration and system entry verification.

The problems and related deficiencies of prior art interactive entertainment terminals are solved by the principles underlying a terminal according to the present invention comprising a processor, associated memory for storing an algorithm related to initial terminal installation, a character generator responsive to processor control, a keypad or remote control for inputting information to the processor for processing and a power supply input. Once power is applied to the terminal, the processor enters an initialization mode in which proper operation of terminal components and software algorithms is verified. During initialization and within a predetermined period of time since power application, if a certain key is actuated, the microprocessor enters an installation mode of operation. During the installation mode of operation, the character generator responsive to processor control generates at least one character screen on a display of an associated television receiver. The character screen is stored in permanent memory of the terminal and is not dependent on system manager transmission of screen contents to the terminal for storage. The screen may relate to screen alignment, terminal configuration or system manager or terminal status.

Screen alignment relates to the problem that a particular television receiver may behave differently dependent on the format of a teletext screen presented to the receiver for display. Consequently, a test screen may be aligned according to the present invention by actuating keys identified on the display up or down and to the right or left. These are functions unrelated to the labels of the keys. However, by displaying the functions on the displayed test screen for alignment, a user or installer is encouraged to actuate them despite their labeling. Consequently, screen alignment is made user friendly.

In a similar manner, terminal features may be configured by a second screen and terminal location related information such as user or location specific data may be entered. Terminal features may include, for example, the interlaced or non-interlaced character of the display or the status of a switched power outlet of the terminal.

A system manager will globally call for responses periodically from previously unconfigured terminals. A third screen may provide an indication to the user of system manager status as well as whether the system manager has acknowledged entry of a previously unconfigured terminal into the system.

These and other features of the present invention will become evident from the following detailed description of the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block schematic diagram of an interactive entertainment system in accordance with the present invention applied in a hotel or hospital system environment comprising automatically configurable, 2-way interactive terminals;

FIG. 2 is a block schematic diagram of a 2-way interactive terminal according to the present invention comprising a microprocessor, a memory, a character generator, a keypad and a television signal output to an associated television receiver;

FIG. 3 is a collection of four exemplary screens, three of which according to FIG. 3(a), (b) and (c) are for display on a television receiver associated with the terminal of FIG. 2 during an automatic installation mode of operation of the terminal and the fourth, according to FIG. 3(d), is for display during a terminal maintenance mode.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an algorithm of terminal software for accomplishing an automatic installation mode of operation or similarly implemented manufacturing or maintenance modes of operation.

FIG. 5 is a detailed flowchart of processor operation related to screen alignment.

FIG. 6 is a detailed flowchart of processor operation related to terminal configuration.

FIG. 7 is a detailed flowchart of processor operation related to system status and acknowledgement of system entry.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a block schematic diagram of an interactive entertainment system in accordance with the present invention. The depicted embodiment relates to its application in a hotel or hospital system environment; however, the present invention is not so limited. The present invention may also be applied in any two-way interactive entertainment system such as a cable or satellite television entertainment system involving a distribution network comprising trunk lines and feeder cables of optical or coaxial cable. For example, satellite receiver and decoder 3, cable receiver and descrambler 4, video modulator 5, addressable transmitter receiver 10, locally generated video modulator 11, and system manager 12 may all be located at the location of a cable television system head end. In this example, transmission link 6 can be a coaxial cable or optical fiber link which connects the cable television head end to two-way interactive terminals 7, 8 or 9 of the entertainment system located at individual subscriber premises.

On the other hand, the embodiment of FIG. 1 is especially exemplary of the application of the present invention in a hotel or hospital entertainment system. Transmission link 6, then, may simply comprise a coaxial or optical fiber cable link between an entertainment control center and N terminals, for example, terminals 7, 8 or 9 located in rooms of the facility.

In particular, at the entertainment system control center, a satellite signal may be received at satellite antenna 2 and then received and decoded at satellite receiver decoder 3 for distribution via modulator 5 over a transmission link 6 to the interactive terminals 7, 8 or 9 of the present invention. Additionally, a band of cable television channels received over cable facilities 1 are received and, if necessary, descrambled at cable receiver/descrambler 4. The descrambled video signals are then modulated at modulator 5 for distribution over transmission link 6 to interactive terminals 7, 8 or 9. If desired, an optional scrambler may be provided for scrambling premium channel transmissions to interactive terminals 7, 8 or 9. Of course, terminal 7, 8, or 9, then, would comprise descrambler circuitry capable of descrambling the scrambled