Abstract: An interactive video services system for enabling store and forward distribution of digitized video programming comprising merged graphics and video data from a minimum of two separate data storage devices is disclosed. In a departure from the art, an MPEG converter operating in tandem with an MPEG decoder device that has buffer capacity merges encoded and compressed digital video signals stored in a memory of a video server with digitized graphics generated by and stored in a memory of a systems control computer. The merged signals are then transmitted to and displayed on a TV set or monitor connected to the system. In this manner, multiple computers are able to transmit graphics or multimedia data to a video server to be displayed on the TV set or to be superimposed onto video programming that is being displayed on the TV set.

Abstract: System for enabling user access to and payment for amenities using a telephone is disclosed, The system includes a telephone for entering billing and amenity identification information connected to a central distribution computer for storing and processing entered billing and amenity selection information to facilitate payment for and presentation of the selected amenity, A pay-per-view system is connected to the central distribution computer for displaying the amenity, The central distribution computer comprises a store-and-forward switch connectable to the telephone for storing and processing the entered information and for issuing audio user prompts via the phone and a graphics circuit for generating graphic user prompts and/or amenity promotional information via the pay-per-view system.

Abstract: An amenity accessing system is provided that includes an access telephone (10) with a plurality of access keys. The telephone includes a line powered card reader (62) that interfaces with a CPU (60). Information stored in a memory (70) can then be output in response to a good card received by the card reader (62), this information being in the form of a calling string. The calling string is output to a switched network (22) and a store-and-forward switch (20). The store-and-forward switch (20) is operable to receive the calling string containing information as to the user's ID, credit card information, location of the access phone (10) and other relevant data. This billing information is validated at the store-and-forward switch (20) and, upon validation, an authorization code is then transmitted through a switched network (22) to one of various amenities (24)-(40).

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing operational status of a system including a television set includes a reference source, means for determining a level of operation of the system, and means for comparing the level of operation of the system to the reference source.

Abstract: A communications control system applicable to an existing master antenna television (MATV) system normally installed in a building, or CATV systems that use special entertainment feature inputs including movies and/or sporting events and special services on a controlled pay or non-pay basis, as desired. The system employs one-way intelligence transmission from TV set locations to a central processor receiver and opposite direction program transmission in a selective control monitored mode with minimal additional equipment requirements over those of a basic TV cable system.

Abstract: A digital data encoding circuit for use in a one-way transmission system utilizes three 8-bit multiplexers to generate and transmit a 64-bit message. Each bit in the message comprises a 4-chip, or time slot, code that includes an embedded clock therein. The encoding circuit repetitively generates the 64-bit coded message but only enables transmission of one message during periodically recurring intervals. In the event a priority message is sensed, the time between the intervals is reduced so that the rate of message transmission is increased.

Abstract: A communications system for transmission of low density digital data from a plurality of transmitters to a common receiver. It is a burst-mode frequency shift keying (FSK) communication system useable with a master antenna television (MATV) system that minimizes mutual interference between outputs of a large number of transmitters individually located with TV sets. The transmitters are combined with converters for transmission of programs through the system to individual TV sets as controlled by the users, and with information such as TV channel in use, room number identification, and specialized information such as completion of maid service, fire, and burglary alarms transmitted back through the system. In one system the transmitters use a carrier frequency of 12MH.sub.z, a frequency at the lower end of the passband of a coax system with FSK modulation at an equivalent switching rate of 20KH.sub.z and modulation index of 5 accepting a RF channel loading of up to 700 simultaneous users.

Abstract: An all saturated switching mode solid state gate device logic element used as an RF amplifier transmitter in a communication system.