Abstract: An interactive terminal comprises a processor, a local data store connected to the processor, a character generator responsive to processor control for generating a television signal output to an associated television receiver, a key pad or remote control for inputting information to the processor, and a power supply input. The terminal is coupled, via 2-way RF communications, to a central location, designated as the system manager, where the terminal is accessed by polling for monitoring and servicing terminal user requests. The interactive terminal has a local storage capacity for storing a number of character screen commands, accessed from a central data base at the system manager, for use in generating prompting screens displayed on the television receiver. In use, a user may call for a variety of services by operating the input keys of the key pad to cause a prompting screen to be displayed. Screen commands are stored at the terminal according to an assigned priority.

Abstract: A system and method for using two simple transactions to enable the disconnection of unauthorized receiver terminals. This is accomplished in accordance with the invention by sending an addressed transaction to every known valid receiver terminal giving each one the current authorization code. After this command has been sent several times to each valid receiver terminal, a global transaction is sent to all terminals containing the current and previous authorization codes. If any receiver terminal receiving this transaction does not find a match between its stored authorization code and either of the transmitted authorization codes, it will deauthorize itself. Once into the transmission cycle, the current authorization code will become the previous authorization code and a new authorization code will be generated. The global command will be sent periodically while all the valid receiver terminals are updated with the new authorization code.

Abstract: A cable television transaction terminal comprises a keyboard for entry of selection and field completion data and a teletext screen generator for actuating a visual display of teletext screens comprising selection items or completion fields. Each screen is uniquely identified and stored in terminal memory prior to display with an associated key template for defining selection and field completion data. A review of transactions is actuated by display of a first teletext screen and entry of an associated key response. Payment for transaction is actuated by display of a second teletext screen and entry of an associated key response. For example, a hotel guest may check out of a hotel room without visiting the front desk via the cable television terminal in his room or order room service for delivery at a particular time.

Abstract: A terminal apparatus for use in a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver is provided. The apparatus includes a memory for storing data for generating a plurality of predetermined character screens and for storing deauthorization data, a character generator for generating character screens from the stored character screen data at the television receiver, a deauthorization mechanism responsive to the deauthorization data in the memory for deauthoring selected ones of the plurality of channels, and a controller for controlling the memory and the character generator, and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for display at the television receiver in accordance with the deauthorization of a channel by the deauthorization mechanism.

Abstract: An interactive room status/time information system is provided having a terminal associated with a television comprising a processor for processing data, an associated memory for storing operation data and control algorithms, a keypad with remote control for inputting information, a character generator responsive to the processor for generating a multiple character, multiple line display, a power supply input, and a cable transmission link for communication at television frequencies with a system manager. A maid or inspector can send status information from a hotel/hospital room terminal over a cable television system to a system manager location. The status of a room for occupancy is determined by a two-step procedure. Input from both a maid and an inspector must be received before a room has a ready-for-occupancy status. Screens of compiled room status and historical data can be displayed at the system manager.

Abstract: A two-way interactive addressable entertainment terminal comprises a processor, a keyboard, a character generator responsive to the processor and memory for storage of an algorithm related to the installation of the terminal and to providing a verification indication at the terminal of acknowledged entry of the terminal into an entertainment system. The character generator, responsive to the passage of a predetermined period of time since the application of power to the terminal, causes a number of screens to be displayed on an associated television receiver. The display screens reinforce the algorithm and provide indications of programmed key functions despite labels of keys on the keyboard. Consequently, a user or installer is capable of installing a terminal according to the present invention without any communication with personnel at the location of a system manager.

Abstract: A two-way interactive addressable entertainment terminal comprises a processor, a keyboard, a character generator responsive to the processor and memory for storage of an algorithm related to the installation of the terminal and to providing a verification indication at the terminal of acknowledged entry of the terminal into an entertainment system. The character generator, responsive to the passage of a predetermined period of time since the application of power to the terminal, causes a number of screens to be displayed on an associated television receiver. The display screens reinforce the algorithm and provide indications of programmed key functions despite labels of keys on the keyboard. Consequently, a user or installer is capable of installing a terminal according to the present invention without any communication with personnel at the location of a system manager.

Abstract: A terminal apparatus for use in a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver is provided. The apparatus includes a memory for storing data for generating a plurality of predetermined character screens and for storing deauthorization data, a character generator for generating character screens from the stored character screen data at the television receiver, a deauthorization mechanism responsive to the deauthorization data in the memory for deauthoring selected ones of the plurality of channels, and a controller for controlling the memory and the character generator, and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for display at the television receiver in accordance with the deauthorization of a channel by the deauthorization mechanism.