Abstract: A multi-channel audio messaging system for cable television, installed at the headend, enables multiple different input audio messages to be supplied to multiple different channels of a cable television system. Multiple analog audio input message sources are supplied as a multiplexed audio input to a digitizer which outputs digitized audio signals which are switched and decoded, under the control of a microprocessor to provide different audio messages on desired channels.

Abstract: An inventory monitoring system which is operative at a point of storage automatically to sense the presence and number of materials or product items stored in a storage volume generating a logical inventory map of the storage volume so that time-related mappings can be compared to detect item receipts and withdrawals. Preferred embodiments employ a novel electronic shelf unit equipped with a sensing grid or array of sensors that detect items supported on the shelf optically, or by pressure transducers or the like. Inventory information can be collected from multiple shelves and relayed to remote vendors or local computer systems for billing and reordering using infrared transceivers for communication between the shelves. A novel shelf supervisory unit has a modem to communicate remotely via the phone lines and an onboard processor to manage communications. The system has particular application to consignment marketing of surgical and medical supplies in medical suites.

Abstract: A cable television video messaging system for selectively overlaying or substituting a desired input message, for example an Emergency Broadcast System warning, onto multiple channels of a cable television system having a headend system where multiple external program signals are channelized by means of individual channel modulators. This achieved by a digital microprocessor powered message-management unit programmed to talk to a network of channel message units, one for each channel. Preferably the channel message units are also microprocessor powered and include character generator and channel synchronizer chips. General supervision of a cable television system's analog domain program distribution system by digital means is also possible.

Abstract: An improved photocomposition machine is provided including a keyboard and a cathode ray tube (CRT) which displays various function commands, such as font, point size, and line length and their selected values, in a function field area on the CRT screen. Changes in point size and font values made by the operator within a line appear on the screen with the type line characters in a sequence which they were entered. Upon completion of a type line, the last selected point size and font values appear in the function field area as the completed line is shifted to a predetermined location on the CRT screen, whereby the operator is provided with a visual record of the point size and font values for both current and previous lines.