Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a system and controller for distribution of audio/video signals on a pay-for-use basis, to a customer in a controlled environment such as a motel, hotel, bus station, bar or apartment building. The system includes a global authorization computer which transmits authorization to the customer over a telephone line. The customer has a telephone line/television control interface which receives the dual-tone multi-frequency authorization and allows the customer to select the authorized channel for a defined length of time. Without authorization, the telephone line/television control interface will deny the customer's attempt to tune his television to a pay-for-use channel. When the authorized time expires, the telephone line/television control interface tunes the customer's television to a non-pay-for-use channel. Additional options and embodiments are also presented.

Abstract: An apparatus for networking computer games in a centrally located game storage accessed by remote game key pads comprising a keypad interface for receiving game control data from the key pad, the game control data being frequency modulated with a center frequency above the audible frequency range to obtain a modulated data format and means for connecting the keypad interface in parallel across a telephone pair for communicating the modulated data format to a switched telephone network and a method for using such apparatus.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-function, hand-held, wireless, remote control apparatus for television viewer use. An apparatus that permits the viewer to use the public telephone network, to control the selection and distribution of television entertainment and educational programming, and to directly control recorded programming playback apparatus located at a remote central television control centre. The invention also relates to control apparatus that permits the television distribution centre to remotely control the viewer's television receiving and recording apparatus. Also the invention relates to apparatus for the interfacing of a standard remote control device to different models of television receiving and recording apparatus. In addition, the invention relates to a full featured, wirelessly controlled speakerphone apparatus.

Abstract: A system for controlling telephone and non-telephone equipment located on the premises of a telephone subscriber is disclosed. The system includes at least one internal tone control device (ITCD), connected between a telephone outlet and the controlled equipment. The ITCD receives, decodes and validates a sequence of DTMF signals, converts it into a d.c. control signal and monitors the respective equipment with the d.c. control signal which remotely switches on/off the respective equipment. A plurality of different appliances can be operated in a "non-line of sight" mode over the telephone lines. A unique sequence of DTMF signals is associated with each ITCD. The sequence is selected such that the conventional telephone switching center is not activated by it, for avoiding interference between the system of the present invention and the conventional telephone communication.

Abstract: A data communications system which comprises at least one group of subscriber data interface elements, with each interface element having at least one data input port and a data output port, and each output port being electrically connectable to a subscriber line of the telephone network to transmit data thereon without interfering with any telephone service that may be present on these subscriber line. A network data interface element, for each group of subscriber data interface elements, being located within a short distance from the farthest subscriber data interface element. Each subscriber data interface element having a data input port and a data output port, and each input port being electrically connectable to a subscriber line of the telephone network and in communication with these subscriber data interface elements thereover.

Abstract: A two-stage television signal distribution system, useful for distribution where the first stage of the television distribution occurs over satellite, has a distribution control center for encoding system control information in the vertical blanking interval of a television signal to be broadcast over a first transmission medium to at least one receive station, each receive station being provided with a plurality of video cassette recorders for storing incoming television signals under control of the system control information contained in the television signal. The system further includes a second transmission medium having multiple television channel capacity for transmitting television signals from a receive station to a plurality of terminations (i.e. the audience) where the television signals carried on the second transmission medium include television signals previously stored at the receiving station and may also include the television signal carried on the first transmission medium.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved system for the delivery of entertainment and educational programming from a plurality of electronic libraries to a plurality of users. Users actuate a hand operated control device to: review a listing of available programming; enable the delivery of a program from a library; or control the delivery of forwarding and rewinding through the programming, and authorizing the purchase of advertised consumer goods by entering in personal identification numbers. The network of libraries and the paths for delivering the programming stored therein is arranged for optimum transmission efficiency and maximum access capacity. The key idea in optimizing transmission efficiency and access capacity is to recognize that programming can be grouped into different classes, and that not all classes of programs should be stored in all libraries.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved system for the delivery of entertainment and educational programming from a plurality of electronic libraries to a plurality of users. Users actuate a hand operated control device to: review a listing of available programming; enable the delivery of a program from a library; or control the delivery of forwarding and rewinding through the programming, and authorizing the purchase of advertised consumer goods by entering in personal identification numbers. The network of libraries and the paths for delivering the programming stored therein is arranged for optimum transmission efficiency and maximum access capacity. The key idea in optimizing transmission efficiency and access capacity is to recognize that programming can be grouped into different classes, and that not all classes of programs should be stored in all libraries.