Abstract: In a communication switching system controlled by a control processor, line port circuit connections are served by line call processing algorithms and trunk port circuit connections are served by trunk call processing algorithms. Trunk call processing algorithms offer the user a wide variety of call processing features and system management capabilities which are not included in normal line call processing algorithms. Host computer interconnections are typically established between digital line port circuits and therefore, host interconnections are administered by line call processing algorithms which offer only a limited set of services. To provide trunk services for host computer interconnections, an auxiliary algorithm has been added to the normal line call processing algorithms to interlink line to trunk call processing. In particular, when a host computer is served, the normal line call processing algorithm branches to the auxiliary algorithm.

Abstract: A monolithic module acting as the interface between a modem and leased ("LL") or switched ("SL") telephone lines, mainly characterized in that: 1. It can be formed on a silicon chip (due to the absence of electromechanical relays or similar switching means), and 2. Its architecture is such that it makes it possible, by interconnecting or "stacking" identical modules, not only to attach additional telephone lines, but also to increase the number of allowable modem configurations. The module (10, 10') comprises two controlled-type line amplifiers (DLL, DSL) which exhibit a high output impedance regardless of whether the power supplies are "on" or "off"; two controlled-type line receivers (RSL, RLL) which provide a very high input impedance whether the power supplies are "on" or "off"; and a wrap receiver (WRP) for testing the modem (to the exclusion of the telephone lines) and interconnecting or "stacking" identical modules.

Abstract: A cable meter for monitoring the channel selected by a converter of a television system which receives signals by means of cable. The cable is connected to the cable meter and the output of the cable meter is applied to the converter. The output of the converter is connected back to the cable meter which, in turn, provides an output to the television. During normal operation, signals received by the cable meter from the cable pass directly to the converter, and a selected channel from the converter passes through the cable meter to the television. To monitor the channel selected, an oscillator generates a substitution signal which is substituted for the television signal applied to the converter. The cable meter then monitors whether the substitution signal passes through the converter, during which period, the cable meter prohibits this substitution signal from reaching the television. By varying the frequency of the substitution signal, a search is performed for the selected channel.

Abstract: A "state of the art" Computer Security Processor (CSP) is disclosed to stop the "hacker" (a person who enjoys computers as a hobby) by making it virtually impossible to "break into" (a term meaning to falsely gain access to) a computer. A processor is disclosed comprising two units, a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter sends a special code over the telephone line to the receiver which recognizes a correct or a fraudulent code and then allows access to the host computer provided the code is correct. The unit uses special frequencies other than Touch Tone.RTM., and additionally boasts a wide variety of security codes numbering 8.sup.10 power. These codes can be changed as often as desired. The unit is lightweight, small, and has a low power drain, yet is extremely effective. The transmitter is self-contained and fully portable. The receiver uses normal 120 VAC current and is also portable. Both these units can be built in small housings.

Abstract: A method for independently centrally electronically accumulating market survey data from different content rapidly disseminated multiple inquiry market surveys from a plurality of panelist stations (14, 16, 18, 20) located at diverse locations. Variable market survey questionnaires to diverse located panelists may be remotely rapidly disseminated from a centrally located host computer (12) to the panelist stations (14, 16, 18, 20) over a common communications link (22 or 104) for individual visual display at the panelist stations (14, 16, 18, 20), such as on a CRT (42) or television set (44) or alphanumeric display (45), with the displayed questionnaires resulting from a downstream loaded set of control instructions stored in a local survey program RAM (54) whose content may be remotely varied from the head end or host computer (12).

Abstract: A cable television converter is retrofitted for use in reproducing stereophonic broadcast television sound. A composite signal is produced comprising the scrambled output signal from the converter tuner, the reception enable control signal from the converter's digital processor, and the output signal from the converter's remote control detection circuit. The composite signal is applied to a stereo adapter which separates the audio signal portion of the composite signal into left and right stereo signals, extracts the enable control signal from the composite signal, and outputs the left and right stereo signals for audio reproduction upon authorization indicated by the extracted enable control signal. Remote volume control and selection of a second audio program (SAP) is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interactive communication system, such as an interactive cable television system (10), for providing an interactive information output over a common output channel from a plurality of remotely transmitted different information inputs (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) and, more particularly, relates to an improved method for interactively creating a selection profile for a subscriber and interactively selecting in real time one of a plurality of messages, such as television commercials or game scores, based upon the selection profile whereby multiple users of a one-way television signal distribution network (60) may obtain an individualized or tailored program information content for a television programming sequence. The selection profile may be created in advance of transmission of the television program or commercial or during transmission of a given program and may be varied from the head end.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a dot printer (24) and a control unit for the printer connected to the line in parallel with a video display, the control unit is capable of processing the data received and storing it temporarily in a page memory in transcoded form in such a way as to associate with each character the relative print attributes and to be able directly to address a character generator. The control unit is capable of taking the transcoded data from the page memory for controlling the printer. The character generator comprises a portion for the alphanumeric characters, a portion for semigraphic characters and a portion for decoding colors with a corresponding grey value. The semigraphic characters are produced on a matrix of 10.times.12 dots in such a way that, for each grey value, the horizontal and vertical distance of the character dots of the same color remains constant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting direct coupled data devices to acoustic coupled devices is disclosed. The apparatus consists of an acoustic coupler and associated electronics to provide acoustic coupling to a telephone handset and to connect to a direct connect modem or other data device to allow operation of the direct connect modem in most modes as if directly connected to a telephone line. The device disclosed includes circuitry for off-hook detection for automatically turning on the electronics, so that battery power is only active when required. Other features and characteristics of the device are disclosed.

Abstract: In order to gather information on the reception of video channels in a household or other location equipped with a television receiver, partinent data such as identification and viewing time are injected into an assigned minor area of the TV picture at the receiving location. The injected data, appearing in digitized form in the assigned area where the TV picture has been blocked out, are picked up by a photosensor juxtaposed with the CRT screen of the receiver, or possibly from a video output thereof, and are fed to a processor for transmission over a telephone line with or without intermediate storage to an evaluation center. A data injector inserted between an antenna and an input terminal of the receiver blanks the incoming video signal of a selected channel during a small fraction of a frame-scanning cycle, while the CRT beam sweeps the assigned area, and replaces it with the digitized data.

Abstract: A sound system for use in government council chambers, corporate board rooms, and the like employs low level switching of the audio signal to selectively attenuate the audio output of a given speaker or group of speakers as a function of the source of that audio signal.

Abstract: A portable telephone hearing aid having an acousto-acoustic/magnetic amplifier providing a maximum gain of 20 dB has a circular housing at one end of a U-shaped resilient clip member for attaching it to the telephone receiver in a handset. A battery compartment, also housing an ON/OFF switch, and a gain control wheel, is located at the other end of the U-shaped clip.

Abstract: A telephone set-computer terminal assembly is provided having a single decimal keyboard and a switchable local supply. The telephone interface, connected to the decimal keyboard, is supplied by its line input through a switching relay which connects it at one time to a local power supply of the man-machine interface equipment and at another to the line through a switch depending on whether the line is unlooped or not. The telephone interface is connected to the man-machine interface equipment by message communication lines comprising a galvanic insulation device.

Abstract: Query signals are transmitted by wireless means from the television station to the television set. Response units at receiver locations have a radio frequency transmitter send a response to the station inquiry sent on horizontal lines of the T.V. signal at controlled times identifying each station. This response is a simple r-f beep synchronized with the T.V. signal, in such a way that each set transmitter emits the beep only in its unique time slot. Simplified response units are tuned to the standard intermediate frequency of the T.V. sets and thus need not be wired in and need not have a channel selector.

Abstract: A portable self-contained telephone system for use in hostage negotiation and barricade situations is disclosed. The system is powered by a battery pack or AC power source and provides telephone isolation of the perpetrator. The system can be connected into the telephone network and third parties can be dialed and connected to the perpetrator by the negotiator. The dial pad will redial the last number called at the push of a button. Conference calls between the negotiator, third-party and the perpetrator can be connected. The perpetrator's telephone can be rung automatically. The status of the perpetrator's telephone is displayed by the off hook indicator at all times.

Abstract: A two channel intercommunication system has a high degree of noise immunity. The gain of each channel is controlled by a gain control loop processing circuit. The signal condition in one channel turns off the other channel. Multiple active rectifier-filter circuits discriminte between speech and noise and provide timing of control signals.

Abstract: In a cable television (CATV) system improved upstream data communication is provided by the use of preferred frequencies. Harmonics of downstream video and audio carrier signals arising from cable discontinuities produce common mode nonlinear distortion. Cable discontinuities caused by a loose, defective or corroded connector operate as a downstream mixing diode. The cross- and intermodulation products thus produced are avoided in the present invention by the use of upstream frequencies displaced from these harmonics. In a preferred embodiment, two harmonically-related upstream carriers generated by a single signal source and centered between adjacent harmonic noise peaks provide reliable upstream data channels in a two-way CATV system. In another arrangement, each subscriber terminal transmits upstream in an alternating manner, first at one frequency and then at a second frequency, until an acknowledge signal is received from the CATV headend.

Abstract: A multichannel surface acoustic wave device is employed to respond to remote channel actuation signals to control the cable television program signals delivered to a subscriber premise.

Abstract: An improved door-mounted combination intercom and viewer is provided including a pair of identical housings, each having a microphone and a speaker therein. The microphones are isolated from contact with the housings by a vibration damping material to prevent feedback.

Abstract: The invention concerns an amusement and information system for use particularly on airlines. On each seat back is mounted an entertainment terminal including a keyboard and video display for use by the occupant of a subsequent seat. The keyboard provides access to video games and movies, and flight path and crew information. A clear, lens-like tray is provided such that in an upright position the display is visible through the tray while in the downward position the tray supports food, drinks, etc.