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Claims  |
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We claim:
1. A communications system having a transmitter, comprising a plurality of
hierarchically addressable receivers adaptable to receive and process
transmissions from the transmitter, which transmissions include an indexed
address list in which the index corresponds to a characteristic of at
least one receiver, for permitting each receiver to identify its
addresses, instructions, and data requirements.
2. A communications system according to claim 1 in which the transmissions
further comprise means for altering operational modes of the receivers
addressed.
3. A communications system according to claim 2 in which the altering means
comprises a sequence of commands capable of being processed by the
receivers addressed.
4. A communications system according to claim 1 in which at least one
receiver comprises means for receiving at least one signal transmitted via
satellite, which signal is selected from the group of signals consisting
of video signals, audio signals, and digital data signals.
5. A communications system according to claim 4 in which the digital data
signals represent information selected from the group consisting of
alpha-numerics, graphics primitives, raster graphics, modified format
videotext, clock, programs, lists, and scripts.
6. A communications system according to claim 5 in which the lists are
selected from the group consisting of address lists and operational lists.
7. A communications system according to claim 5 in which the scripts
comprise lists of commands addressable to at least one receiver.
8. A communications system according to claim 1 in which the receiver is
capable of demodulating a frequency shift keyed data subcarrier.
9. A communications system according to claim 1 in which the receiver is
capable of operating in a first mode until the occurrence of an event
selected from the group consisting of non-receipt of a valid data packet
for a preselected period of time, loss of video signals for a preselected
number of consecutive video fields, and receipt of data signals forcing
operation in a mode other than the first mode.
10. A communications system according to claim 1 in which the receiver
comprises means for receiving at least one signal transmitted from a local
source, which signal is selected from the group of signals consisting of
audio, video, data, telephone, keyboard input, weather sensor input, and
auxiliary audio signals.
11. A communications system according to claim 10 in which the weather
sensor input signals represent information selected from the group
consisting of temperature, humidity, wind direction and speed, rainfall,
and barometric pressure information.
12. A communications system comprising:
a. a transmitter for periodically transmitting first audio, video, and data
signals via satellite;
b. means for providing second signals selected from the group consisting of
audio, video, and data signals;
c. memory means associated with the transmitter; and
d. a plurality of hierarchically addressable receivers remote from the
transmitter, each of which receivers comprises:
i. means for receiving and processing the first audio, video, and data
signals transmitted form the transmitter via satellite;
ii. means for processing and storing the second signals;
iii. means for outputting the processed first and second signals; and
iv. means, to which the outputting means is responsive, for altering the
output of the outputting means if no transmissions from the transmitter
are received by the receiving and processing means within a preselected
period of time;
at least one of which transmissions from the transmitter includes (1) a
first address corresponding to a characteristic of at least one receiver,
(2) a second address corresponding on a 1:1 basis with the first address,
with first and second addresses are stored in the memory means in their
corresponding relationship, (3) a list containing periodically variable
addresses corresponding on an n:1 basis with the second address, where n
is an integer having a value of at least one, for permitting the at lest
one receiver having the characteristic to identify its periodically
variable addresses, and (4) instructions for processing the first and
second signals.
13. A communications system having a transmitter, comprising a plurality of
addressable receivers adaptable to receive and process periodic
transmissions from the transmitter, at least one of which transmissions
includes (1) a first address corresponding to a characteristic of at least
one receiver, (2) a second address corresponding on a 1:1 basis with the
first address, and (3) a list containing periodically variable addresses
corresponding on an n:1 basis with the second address, where n is an
integer having a value of at least one, for permitting the at least one
receiver having the characteristic to identify its periodically variable
addresses.
14. A communications system according to claim 13 further comprising memory
means associated with the transmitter for containing the first and second
addresses in their corresponding relationship.
15. A communications system according to claim 14 in which (1) at least one
of the transmissions includes addresses for each of the plurality of
receivers and instructions for changing the operating parameters of each
of the addressed plurality of receivers and (2) the plurality of receivers
are addressable hierarchically.
16. A communications system having a transmitter, comprising a plurality of
receivers adaptable to receive and process transmissions from the
transmitter, which transmissions convey first information related to a
fixed characteristic of a first one of the plurality of receivers and
second, at least periodically variable, information indexed to the first
information, which second information permits the first receiver to
identify and process conveyed third information intended for it while
precluding at least one other of the plurality of receivers from
processing the third information.
17. A method for communicating comprising the steps of:
a. providing a first transmitter for periodically transmitting audio,
video, and data signals via satellite;
b. providing a second transmitter for transmitting signals selected from
the group consisting of audio, video, and data signals;
c. providing memory means associated with the first transmitter; and
d. providing a plurality of hierarchically addressable receivers remote
from the first transmitter, each of which receivers comprises:
i. means for receiving and processing the audio, video, and data signals
transmitted from the first transmitter via satellite;
ii. means for processing and storing the signals transmitted from the
second transmitter;
iii. means for outputting the processed signals transmitted from the first
and second signals; and
iv. means, to which the outputting means is responsive, for altering the
output of the outputting means if no transmissions from the first
transmitter are received by the receiving and processing means within a
preselected period of time; and
e. transmitting at least one transmission from the first transmitter which
includes (1) a first address corresponding to a characteristic of at least
one receiver, (2) a second address corresponding on a 1:1 basis with the
first address, which first and second addresses are stored in the memory
means in their corresponding relationship, (3) a list containing
periodically variable addresses corresponding on an n:1 basis with the
second address, where n is an integer having a value of at least one, for
permitting the at least one receiver having the characteristic to identify
its periodically variable addresses, and (4instructions for processing the
signals transmitted from both the first and second transmitters. |
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Claims |
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Description |
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a communications system for transmission of
audio, video, data, and control signals to addressable remote receiving
locations for retransmission under the command of the control signals.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Transmission of audio and video signals to local receiving stations for
immediate use, rebroadcast, or recordation for later broadcast is
well-established practice, particularly in connection with distribution of
television programming by various television networks. Use of data to
generate characters which are displayed on a video screen over a single
color background or another video signal background is also established
practice.
However, expansion in the availability of data of both general and specific
interest to various groups of data consumers and need for a system capable
of efficiently transmitting such data to specific remote locations and to
control the further broadcast, display, or transmission of such data at
those locations have resulted in the need for audio, video, and data
transmission systems with associated control capabilities not previously
available.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,725,886, related to the present application as noted above,
discloses and claims communications systems utilizing a novel hardware and
software configuration simultaneously to transmit conventional video and
audio program material together with data and control commands within the
constraints of conventional television signal specifications to remote
signal processors or receivers within the system. The remote signal
processors or receivers receive the entire transmission and process it in
a predetermined manner such that the data and the conventional video and
audio signals may be utilized at the remote receivers, under network
control, particularly for broadcast on local cable television systems.
These systems transmit, typically utilizing a satellite transponder, a
first conventional video and audio television signal together with a
digital data stream transmitted in the vertical blanking interval of the
first video signal, or a subcarrier frequency or as otherwise appropriate.
The data stream comprises digital control, address, and text data. A local
unit may process and retransmit the first video (and audio) signal and,
utilizing a character generator, store the digital text data and process
it into a second ("satellite" text) video signal containing text for
retransmission. In addition, the unit may receive and retransmit a third
video (and audio) signal from a local source such as a video recorder, so
that local commercials or other material may be displayed, and it provides
a synchronization signal which may be input to the local source to
synchronize signals from it with other video signals processed or
generated by the unit. So that local cable operators may also be able to
compose and display textual data, the unit may also receive digital data
from a keyboard. This data, as well as data from local weather sensors, is
processed by the unit into a fourth video signal containing text. On
command from network control, the unit may select for output the first
satellite video (and audio) signal, the third local video (and audio)
signal, or a solid color background video signal, and may combine with any
of these signals the second (satellite) and/or fourth local textual video
signals.
The digital control and address data in the data stream of the first video
signal control the operating states, or modes, of such units and determine
the video, audio, and other outputs of a particular unit. Control data
sent in the "Output Mode Control Word" ("OMCW") of the data stream
determines, among other things, which video signals or combinations
thereof will be presented and which audio signals will be presented, by
controlling whether satellite video, local video, or character generator
input will be processed and sent by the unit.
The address words of the data stream and the control words following them
allow each such unit or a group of units to accept, store, and process
particular text data and to display this text in a particular format.
Thus, different digital text data may be stored by different units in
groups of units for simultaneous presentation in response to the OMCW
control data which controls timing of such presentation. Groups may be
organized into higher level groups, so that these systems allow
simultaneous control of units in a hierarchy of groups.
Units disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,725,886 may be utilized for a network of
local affiliates receiving transmissions from a single source dedicated to
television programming related to weather information and advertising,
financial data, sports, or other programming. Accordingly, the hierarchy
of addressability utilized in embodiments disclosed in that document
contemplates geographic organization of local units consistent with
weather patterns. That document emphasizes, however, that the invention
may also be adapted for transmission of entirely different programming and
data for other types of commercial broadcasting and for non-commercial
communications, including teletext-only communications, and aspects of the
invention may be adapted to other uses such as various remote control
networks.
A plurality of such units can be organized and addressed hierarchically for
purposes of receiving and processing satellite video and teletext data
according to a hierarchical address structure of four sub-fields: Service,
Zone, County, and Unit. The address of a unit is set by positioning
switches in the unit. The unit compares or matches sub-fields in addresses
of received data one sub-field at a time to determine whether messages are
addressed to it.
It has recently become useful, however, to arrange and control classes of
units not necessarily according to geographical location or a hierarchical
structure, but according to other criteria such as, for instance, a
certain market such as a metropolitan area comprising portions of several
counties or zones. Advertisers appreciate this capability as well as
viewers who wish to receive the same information as others in their area
without discrimination according to geographic boundaries or other
hierarchical structures. Pending U.S. application Ser. No. 07/323,089,
related to the present application as noted above, supplements the
capabilities of the unit disclosed and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,725,886
by allowing units to be controlled according to preselected classes
independent of their hierarchical address structures. This additional
capability results from changes to software in the units and the structure
of data sent to them, as disclosed more fully in the specification of that
application.
Other additional capabilities according to the invention disclosed in
application Ser. No. 07/323,089 are the ability to cause units to enter
into a "Crawl Alert" mode or state with satellite video and audio and with
a solid color background in the bottom region of the screen across which
messages may crawl, accompanied by intermittent audio signals. The
invention also allows units to display remotely collected weather
observations, such as those from local meteorological offices, if they
sense loss of connection with their corresponding temperature probes, and
to display crawl text corresponding to weather warning information stored
in RAM. The invention further allows for the rainfall counter circuits to
be easily reset or updated from the unit's keyboard.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention represents a continuation of the development of a
remotely controlled communications system. By providing a
multiply-hierarchical addressing scheme, the invention allows programs,
instructions, data, and addresses themselves to be transmitted by a source
or system host to individual and groups of individual units at cable
head-ends within the system. Information transmitted by the host controls
the operational modes of the various units, permitting centralized
management of the local broadcasts. Where communications systems disclosed
in the parent applications referenced above have utilized a relatively
"dumb" terminal approach or videotext/host processor philosophy, the
present invention includes a "smart" peripheral.
The hardware which may be used in connection with the invention is modular
in design to allow field implementation of hardware upgrades and includes
fewer components, reducing both the frequency and cost of repairs. The
software which may be used in connection with the present system also may
be modular, with much of the system software (programs, scripts, lists,
and data, more fully discussed below) capable of being sent to units via
satellite link. The present invention is capable of identifying modified
format videotext pages of the type disclosed in application Ser. No.
07/323,089, confirming the address and, if the address is valid, storing
the pages as text pages of the type disclosed herein. If appropriately
configured, the present system also can use these modified videotext
pages, the accompanying control word, and page attribute specifications to
emulate the display of the system disclosed in application Ser. No.
07/323,089.
The present invention is capable of supporting, processing, and controlling
signals comprising satellite video, satellite audio, digital satellite
data, local audio, local video, local data, telephone data, keyboard
input, and weather sensor inputs. The satellite data input accepts
preprocessed alpha-numerics in the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
format, alpha-numerics in a tabular format, graphics primitives, raster
graphics, modified format videotext as discussed above, clock information,
programs, lists, and scripts. The keyboard input provides only local crawl
message text and permits alteration of certain configuration table
parameters held in EEPROM. The RS-232 port (local data) allows for the
input of both text and raster graphics in an appropriate format. If the
cable head-end is remote from the cable operator, the modem allows input
of both text and graphics data via telephone.
The local digital input is assigned a portion of the on-board RAM, with
display of the input controlled either in real time or by script from the
system host. The unit also permits the cable operator to use a video
playback unit for inserting local video and audio into a broadcast. This
device is controlled either in real time or by script from the system
host. When the local inputs are active the unit treats the input in the
same manner as satellite input, thus allowing the system host to maintain
control.
Different instruction types may be downloaded from the data subcarrier or
via the RS-232/modem ports, including primitives, programs, lists, and
scripts. Each of these instruction types is described briefly as follows:
1. Primitives
Primitives are additions or deletions to the basic operating set (known as
"the kernel") which are stored in the volatile memory. These additions or
deletions must be consistent and continuously transmitted across the
network.
2. Programs
Programs specify such items as memory allocation, system operations, and
system configuration, and consist of program modules. These modules must
be consistent and continuously transmitted across the network.
3. Lists
Indexed address lists are downloaded periodically from the system host. The
system host maintains a "list table" which relates the index to a
characteristic of each unit such as its serial number. This list table is
periodically sent from the host and permits each unit to extract its own
addresses. Configuration data may be downloaded periodically using either
the index or any other of the address list items. From the addresses the
unit is able to classify its individual data requirements and identify its
individual instructions. Operational lists addressed to individual units
or groups of units contain the specific lists of National Weather Service
(NWS) messages. These lists are addressable both to the individual unit
and to groups of units as defined by the hierarchical addresses. Error
checking on downloaded operational lists also may be performed.
4. Scripts
Scripts are lists of commands and can be addressed to either individual
units or groups of units. Scripts are the specific instructions for the
production of both text and composite graphic products, the order of
display for planned sequences, and the commands to display. Real-time
control words are specialized one word scripts and may have priority on
the network and when received by the units. The host may assign priorities
other than the above upon instruction, however.
The embodiment of the invention described herein may be utilized for a
network of local affiliates receiving transmissions from a single source
or host dedicated to television programming relating to weather,
financial, sports, advertising, or program information. The invention may
also be adapted to use for transmission of entirely different programming
and data for other types of commercial broadcasting, including teletext
only communications, and aspects of the invention may be adapted to other
uses such as various remote control networks.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 represents a block diagram of the inputs to and outputs from the
receiver/processor apparatus which may be used in connection with the
present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the system of the present invention
illustrating a multiply-hierarchical addressing scheme which may be used
in connection with the system.
FIG. 3 is a diagram of a portion of a data framing scheme which may be used
in connection with the system of the present invention.
FIGS. 4A and 4B are flow charts illustrating operational modes of the
receiver/processor apparatus of FIG. 1 which may be used in connection
with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A. Inputs
FIG. 1 details the inputs to and outputs from the receiver/processor
apparatus 10 which may be used in connection with the system 14 (FIG. 2)
of the present invention. Apparatus 10 accepts satellite video 15, up to
three satellite audio 16, and digital satellite data 17 signals as input
from a satellite receiver and/or descrambler and is capable of
demodulating a frequency shift keyed (FSK) data subcarrier signal to
obtain the digital satellite data. Because apparatus 10 usually is
remotely located from the system host 18, transmission of signals 15-17
may be via satellite.
Satellite data signals 17 may include preprocessed alpha-numerics in the
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) format, alpha-numerics in a
tabular format, graphics primitives, raster graphics, modified format
videotext as discussed earlier, clock, programs, lists, and scripts. The
system host 18 also performs initial processing of any NWS data
transmitted by putting NWS data elements into fixed width columns in a
consistent format, although the narrative text of NWS messages is sent to
apparatus 10 unprocessed and requires formatting and pagination at the
apparatus 10. Information pertaining to almanac screens, such as tide data
and sunrise/sunset information, is processed at the host 18 and sent to
apparatus 10 in a format similar to preprocessed NWS data.
Apparatus 10 also accepts inputs from local sources, including local audio
19, local video 20, local data 21, telephone data 22, keyboard input 23,
(optional) weather sensor input 24, and auxiliary audio 25 signals. An
asynchronous RS-232 port may be used for input of local data signals 21 at
rates of 300, 1200, 2400, or 4800 Baud. Telephone data signals 22 may be
input via the public switched telephone network from a remote 300 Baud
serial asynchronous modem, and apparatus 10, which incorporates its own
300 Baud modem, may be configured to allow incoming telephone calls to
preempt keyboard input 23 if desired. Apparatus 10 may accept both raster
graphics and data through the RS-232 and modem ports, and these ports are
capable of accepting software to implement, for example, self-diagnostics
and software configurable adjustments under remote control. Input via
keyboard 23 is limited to local "Crawl Message" text and instructions to
alter selected configuration table parameters contained in RAM. By
accepting weather sensor input signals 24, apparatus 10 permits local
weather information and measurements to be input directly to individual
receivers. Weather sensor data frequently input to apparatus 10 include
temperature, humidity, wind direction and speed, rainfall, and barometric
pressure information. Apparatus 10 also is capable of calculating and
displaying maximum (gust) and average wind speeds and wind chill
temperatures.
Apparatus 10 reacts to local input signals 19-24, auxiliary audio signals
25, and satellite input signals 15-17 similarly. Local data input signals
21, for example, are assigned a portion of the RAM of apparatus 10 and
displayed under real time or script control of host 18. This centralized
control capability also permits a cable affiliate to use a video playback
unit for inserting local video and audio into a broadcast while
maintaining control of the broadcast itself at host 18.
B. Instruction Types
Apparatus 10 may download different instruction types, including
primitives, programs, lists, and scripts, from the data subcarrier of
digital satellite data signal 17 or via the RS-232 or modem ports used
respectively in connection with local data 21 and telephone data 22
signals. Primitives represent additions to or deletions from the basic
operating set of instructions ("the kernel" 28) and are stored in the
volatile memory of apparatus 10. Programs, which must be consistent across
the network of apparatus 10 and continuously transmitted by host 18,
specify such items as memory allocation, system operations, and system
configuration. At least two categories of lists also may be used in
connection with the present invention, including address lists and
operational lists. Address lists, suitably indexed as part of the system's
hierarchical addressing scheme 32, and which permit each apparatus 10 to
extract its own index or "STAR number," may be downloaded periodically
from host 18. Host 18 maintains a table which relates the STAR number to
the serial number of each apparatus 10. Configuration data may be capable
of being downloaded periodically using the serial number, the STAR number,
or any other of the address list items. By using the serial number of each
apparatus 10 solely to convey the STAR number, the host 18 may easily
allow for substitution of a new apparatus 10 should a unit failure occur.
From the addresses apparatus 10 is able to classify its individual data
requirements and identify its individual instructions. Operational lists,
addressable both to individual and groups of individual apparatus 10 as
defined by the hierarchical addresses, contain the specific lists of NWS
messages.
Scripts, finally, are lists of commands addressable either to individual or
groups of apparatus 10. These command lists, which may be nested, control
the flow of operations for apparatus 10 when executed by a script
processor and represent specific instructions for the production of both
text and composite graphic products, ordering the display for planned
sequences, and commanding the display. Real-time control words, which have
priority on the network and when received by apparatus 10, are specialized
one word scripts.
Message frames 36 similar to that shown in FIG. 3 containing downloadable
program modules, if correctly received at the apparatus 10 and identified
as having a different version number from the currently operating module,
are stored in RAM. Frames incorrectly received or identified as having the
current version number are rejected, and a new module is marked as
unusable until all frames are correctly received. On subsequent
transmissions of a particular module, message frames previously received
incorrectly are stored (assuming they are correctly received and contain
the same version number as previously stored frames) until such time as a
complete program module is available at the apparatus 10. Once the
complete program is available, the new module is available for updating
the operational software used in the apparatus 10.
The process of updating the operation software commences immediately after
receipt of a complete program unless the apparatus 10 previously has
received a command inhibiting automatic program module updates. Such a
command may be expressed as "INHIBIT-AUTO-UPDATE." If automatic updates
have been inhibited and a new module is available, the new module is
activated only upon receipt of a "RESET" command or an "ALLOW-AUTO-UPDATE"
command from the host 18.
C. Graphics, Text, and Aloha-Numerics
Apparatus 10 accepts digitized raster graphics and graphic primitives from
the data subcarrier and supports composite graphics generated from both
types of graphics information. Run length encoded raster images in an
appropriate format may be received through the data subcarrier for storage
and display and, upon receipt, assigned a resolution and color table and,
if a map, a geographic center, scale, and projection. Typical map image
projections include Lambert Conformal, Oblique Stereographic, Mercator,
and Pseudo G.0.E.S. One version of the image may be denoted as the
"master" version containing the original instruction set and may not be
easily subject to editing or deletion. A second or working version of the
image may be generated at apparatus 10 to allow merging of the image with
data overlays. In addition, affiliates having equipment producing raster
images compatible with the format accepted by apparatus 10 may input
images into certain sections of memory.
Apparatus 10 is capable of constructing graphics locally from graphic
primitives, with each graphic having a center, resolution, and associated
color table. These local graphics may occupy all or part of the display
and may be of high (768.times.480), medium (384.times.480), or low
(384.times.240) resolution. Graphics instructions accepted by apparatus 10
allow movement, or navigation, of various colored shapes over a background
which may be transparent, of solid color, or graduated. The graphics
instructions can be generated either in real time ("on the fly") or stored
in compressed raster format for later retrieval, and may specify a page
number and name for each graphic to be stored. Associated with each page
may be a current and master image version, with the current version
including any required variable information such as data overlays.
Run length encoded graphic images whose uncompressed display size greatly
exceeds the screen size ("supergraphics") also may be received by
apparatus 10 and, if desired, stored in RAM. Apparatus 10 is able to
extract a portion of the large scale image, as the image is received,
based upon its physical location (i.e. the latitude and longitude of the
apparatus 10) or other given data and display that portion on the screen.
If extraction is based upon latitude and longitude information, apparatus
10 positions its own geographic location at the center of the displayed
image. Requirements for normal, full screen graphics images also apply to
supergraphics.
Apparatus 10 supports placement of characters over graphics pages,
satellite video, and graduated and solid color backgrounds. A full array
of geometric shapes may be used in connection with the display, including
lines, circles, squares, rectangles, triangles, ellipses, and polygons,
all of which may be varied in terms of size, orientation, and shading. The
apparatus 10 also permits display of a video window in a graphic or
graphic series and partial or complete masking of video by graphics.
Apparatus 10 accepts text information from system host 18, follows the
associated instructions, and produces text overlays. Each text page has an
associated name and memory page number. A remote keyboard adaptor, such as
a Tandy RS-102 laptop computer, may serve as an interface between a user
and the RS-232 or modem ports and allow scheduling of local crawl
messages, and keyboard text may include entry and editing of crawl
messages and modifications of selected configuration table parameters.
Scrolling text display (both horizontally and vertically) is provided
within the system by dividing the broadcast screen into regions and
scrolling by scan line. Downloading script-callable font masters from host
18 transmissions allows variation in text size, typeface, borders, drop
shadows, spacing, slanting, and color.
For pre-processed NWS data bulletins each apparatus 10 may search and
select the bulletins for records of interest and construct a data overlay
to be merged with appropriate text and icons for display. The data overlay
may have a center, planned layout, and resolution. For text data overlays
over base maps, apparatus 10 converts table-supplied latitude and
longitude information for pertinent locations into two-dimensional
coordinates for on-screen display. Data positioning may be dependent upon
the map scale, projection used, and, in the case of supergraphics, the
latitude/longitude rectangle extracted from the transmitted image. If an
apparatus 10 receives a weather warning or advisory bulletin of interest,
a full copy of the text over a solid background with an audio alarm may be
produced.
D. Programming and Addressing
Each apparatus 10, as noted above, includes a kernel 28 comprising a basic
operating instruction set residing in its PROM. Apparatus 10 downloads the
remainder of its instruction sets, which include programs controlling
fundamental system operations, memory allocation, run-time diagnostics,
graphics function, message type identification, address checking, and
control mode establishment. Operational configuration data such as
configuration settings, phone numbers, and passwords may reside in an
EEPROM portion of the main memory of apparatus 10 accessible by the host
18. Programs may be modular to allow for real-time replacement of modules.
Each apparatus 10 also includes a machine and script-readable serial
number. Continuously updatable hierarchical addresses may be keyed,
directly or indirectly, to the individual serial numbers, and lists of
items to be performed or omitted may be installed according to groupings
determined by the addresses.
A script, analogous to or consisting of a high-level programming language,
is a list of instructions to be performed by an apparatus 10 or
hierarchical set of apparatus 10 either upon receipt of a real-time
control word, at predetermined times, or upon arrival of specific data.
The script language permits, among other things: access to internal data,
including available weather sensor data; flow control of programs via
"IF-THEN-ELSE" type compound conditional statement; nesting of script
command sets by means of subroutine calls; and testing of various items
such as signal presence, status or operating modes, arbitrary image
presence, weather sensor presence and outputs, date and time information,
and database data presence. Initially, script command sets are input to
apparatus 10 only through transmission from host 18. Software resident at
system host 18 provides script entry and editing using the host 18
facilities, script syntax checking, and pseudo-compilation to allow a
"token" command set to be transmitted to various apparatus 10.
Implementation of software at apparatus 10 allows such pseudo-compiled
scripts to be entered through the RS-232 and modem ports as well.
Time information keyed to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) may be provided to
apparatus 10 via the satellite link with host 18. Clock programming of
apparatus 10 confirms the time received, converts it to local time and
date for on-screen display using a downloadable GMT offset figure in its
configuration database, and marks locally acquired products or information
with the date and time received. Time-zone hierarchy may be used to
address apparatus 10 when providing the GMT offset figure.
Various password levels may be used to maintain the integrity of the
overall system when it is accessed via the RS-232 or modem ports. A
privileged password may be assigned to the host 18, allowing the system
host 18 to access all configuration data, memory, password modification,
run-time diagnostics, error log, and other information related to each
apparatus 10. Non-privileged passwords, on the other hand, may be assigned
to each affiliate and permit limited access to configuration settings and
to a variable portion of RAM in the corresponding apparatus 10 made
accessible by host 18. The present system allows affiliates to alter their
non-privileged passwords at any time.
Addressing of apparatus 10 is hierarchical and may be installed from the
host 18 by assigning logical addressing schemes to the machine readable
serial number on the backplane of each apparatus 10. The present system
supports at least four addressing schemes, including the format address
scheme disclosed in application Ser. No. 07/323,089 and U.S. Pat. No.
4,725,886, other geographic addressing of apparatus 10, addressing using
the state and county Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) code
assigned by the Department of Commerce as a hierarchy, and addressing
using designated market area (DMA) addresses. Additional addressing
schemes may be used, however, including non-geographic schemes, and
multiple addresses may be assigned within each scheme.
The present invention specifically contemplates addressing of both
alpha-numeric and graphics (raster and graphic primitive) products and the
inclusion of as many as several thousand apparatus 10 in the overall
system. The present system also supports separate addressing of two
thousand weather forecast and 1024 DMA areas in the United States,
significantly more than the 750 forecast and 300 DMA areas presently in
existence, and more may be supported if necessary. Forecast areas also may
be subdivided into states, counties and subcounties. For affiliates whose
broadcast areas include more than one forecast or DMA area, the multiple
addressing scheme permits receipt by the corresponding apparatus 10 of
multiple regional forecasts.
E. Modes
When power is applied to apparatus 10 it enters into a TEST procedure 40
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