Abstract: A communications system (10) is provided which comprises a plurality of network hubs (12), (14), and (16). Network hubs (12), (14), and (16) are interconnected through a communications network (18). The system (10) interconnects messaging systems (24), (26), (28), (30), (32), (34), (36), (40), (42) and (44) having disparate capabilities and using disparate communications protocols. The network hubs use numbers of connection processors (52) and (54) to interact with the messaging systems. A hub database (68) and message store (58) are used to store control information and messaging information within the network hubs. A network processor (60) is used to interact with other hubs within the communications system (10). A message router (72), connection manager (74), data replicator (76), and an administrative event manager (78) are used to control the operations of-the hub in processing a message.

Abstract: A communications system (10) is provided which comprises a plurality of network hubs (12), (14), and (16). Network hubs (12), (14), and (16) are interconnected through a communications network (18). The system (10) interconnects messaging systems (24), (26), (28), (30), (32), (34), (36), (40), (42) and (44) having disparate capabilities and using disparate communications protocols. The network hubs use numbers of connection processors (52) and (54) to interact with the messaging systems. A hub database (68) and message store (58) are used to store control information and messaging information within the network hubs. A network processor (60) is used to interact with other hubs within the communications system (10). A message router (72), connection manager (74), data replicator (76), and an administrative event manager (78) are used to control the operations of the hub in processing a message.

Abstract: A communications system (10) is provided which comprises a plurality of network hubs (12), (14), and (16). Network hubs (12), (14), and (16) are interconnected through a communications network (18). The system (10) interconnects messaging systems (24), (26), (28), (30), (32), (34), (36), (40), (42) and (44) having disparate capabilities and using disparate communications protocols. The network hubs use numbers of connection processors (52) and (54) to interact with the messaging systems. A hub database (68) and message store (58) are used to store control information and messaging information within the network hubs. A network processor (60) is used to interact with other hubs within the communications system (10). A message router (72), connection manager (74), data replicator (76), and an administrative event manager (78) are used to control the operations of the hub in processing a message.

Abstract: A communications system (10) is provided which comprises a plurality of network hubs (12), (14), and (16). Network hubs (12), (14), and (16) are interconnected through a communications network (18). The system (10) interconnects messaging systems (24), (26), (28), (30), (32), (34), (36), (40), (42) and (44) having disparate capabilities and using disparate communications protocols. The network hubs use numbers of connection processors (52) and (54) to interact with the messaging systems. A hub database (68) and message store (58) are used to store control information and messaging information within the network hubs. A network processor (60) is used to interact with other hubs within the communications system (10). A message router (72), connection manager (74), data replicator (76), and an administrative event manager (78) are used to control the operations of the hub in processing a message.

Abstract: Communications system (10) that includes a network hub system (12), (14) and (16) connectable to external voice messaging systems (24), (26), (28), (30), (32), (34), (36), (40), (42) and (44). The network hub system (12), (14) and (16) includes a database storage (68) operable to store a telephone-based address and a globally unique address for the users of the communications system (10). The database storage (68) is also operable to store an address type for the external voice messaging systems (24), (26), (28), (30), (32), (34), (36), (40), (42) and (44).

Abstract: A communications system (10) is provided which comprises a plurality of network hubs (12), (14), and (16). Network hubs (12), (14), and (16) are interconnected through a communications network (18). The system (10) interconnects messaging systems (24), (26), (28), (30), (32), (34), (36), (40), (42) and (44) having disparate capabilities and using disparate communications protocols. The network hubs use numbers of connection processors (52) and (54) to interact with the messaging systems. A hub database (68) and message store (58) are used to store control information and messaging information within the network hubs. A network processor (60) is used to interact with other hubs within the communications system (10). A message router (72), connection manager (74), data replicator (76), and an administrative event manager (78) are used to control the operations of the hub in processing a message.

Abstract: An addressable cable television control-system controls television program and data signal transmission from a central station to a plurality of user stations. The data signals include both control and text signals in video line format which are inserted on the vertical interval of the television signals, thereby freeing all channels for transmission of both television and data signals. Moreover, full-channel teletext data in video line format may be transmitted on dedicated text channels with the modification of only head end processors. An intelligent converter at each remote user location uses the data signals to control access to the system on the basis of channel, tier of service, special event and program subject matter. The converter uses a graphics display generator to generate display signals for the presentation of the text data on the television receiver and for the generation of predetermined messages for the viewer concerning access, emergencies and other functions.

Abstract: A data communications system utilizes computer control at central and remote locations to provide general data acquisition and control functions as part of a cable television network. The data system includes a central data processor communicating with a plurality of remote data processors, each of which in turn interrogates, monitors and controls a plurality of groups of remote terminal unit. Each terminal unit includes a variety of security monitoring devices as well as other data generating apparatus useful in process control and data retrieval functions. Each terminal unit communicates with its remote data processor concerning the status of the security devices and receives commands from the remote data processor to carry out data acquisition and control functions including controlling access to the cable television network by the terminals. The remote data processors communicate with the terminal units utilizing both time and frequency division multiplexing in a frequency shift key mode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for encoding and decoding a television signal are disclosed in which the horizontal sync pulses and the first section of the video signal are inverted, and the inverted horizontal sync pulses and video signals are reduced in amplitude by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A data communications system provides for the transmission of television signals from a central station to a plurality of remote user stations and the transmission of security data from the user stations back to the central station. The downstream television signals and upstream security data are processed through a plurality of remote hub stations, each servicing several of the remote user terminal stations. The remote hub stations convert downstream television control data and programming signals for reception by the users serviced by that station. The remote hub station also receive security monitoring data transmitted from each user station and generate additional security data for the central station. In one embodiment, the remote hub processing station includes a plurality of converters, each transmitting downstream on a separate dedicated communication link to a remote user station.

Abstract: An addressable cable television control system controls television program and data signal transmission from a central station to a plurality of user stations. The data signals include both control and text signals in video line format which are inserted on the vertical interval of the television signals, thereby freeing all channels for transmission of both television and data signals. Moreover, full-channel teletext data in video line format may be transmitted on dedicated text channels with the modification of only head end processors. An intelligent converter at each remote user location uses the data signals to control access to the system on the basis of channel, tier of service, special event and program subject matter. The converter uses a graphics display generator to generate display signals for the presentation of the text data on the television receiver and for the generation of predetermined messages for the viewer concerning access, emergencies and other functions.

Abstract: A data communications terminal is provided for interfacing with a central data processing system to handle a variety of data acquisition and control functions including the minitoring and control of security devices and pay television receivers. The terminal includes a microcomputer unit for receiving and processing data from the central processing system and from remote units which generate data signals in response to abnormal conditions. A data reception and transmission unit include a radio frequency modem for converting data to and from a frequency modulated format and a data converter for changing the serial bit data to parallel word data. An identification unit provides data to the microcomputer regarding the identification of the terminal which can be compared to the address portion of the incoming data from the central processing system. Data generating means are provided for generating and transmitting response data to the microcomputer for transmission to the central processing system.