Abstract: A device is disclosed for interfacing with a variety of transducer types to generate a measurement value of a certain property. The device has at least one sensor block that in turn has at least one sensor channel containing sensor circuitry. The sensor circuitry is configured to cooperate with a particular transducer to generate an electrical signal representing the property. Connected to the sensor block is a control block. The control block has configuration circuitry for enabling the sensor circuitry. Additionally, the control block contains conversion circuitry for converting the signal to the measurement value using a conversion equation. A user interface provides the means for inputting configuration information and outputting the measurement value. In one embodiment, the sensor block also contains a multiplicity of sensor channels and multiplexing circuitry for enabling the control block to address each sensor channel individually.

Abstract: An interactive system transfers video and audio information from a central facility to terminals by means of addressed television frames. Each audio frame includes information representing a single channel of time compressed audio. The terminals store correctly addressed frames. Video frames are repeatedly replayed to provide series of still-frame images. The audio frame is used to generate a normal speed audio output.

Abstract: A telecommunication system for synchronizing a digital bit stream sent from a central facility to a terminal on lines of television frames. Each active line starts with a horizontal sync pulse and a color burst. A first data clock at the central facility provides first data clock pulses synchronized with said color burst. A circuit at the central facility provides a flag bit one clock pulse wide delayed by a first constant number of clock pulses from the start of the line's horizontal sync pulse. A second data clock at the terminal provides second data clock pulses synchronized with said color burst. A circuit at said terminal provides a time window delayed by a second constant number of clock pulses from the start of the line's horizontal sync pulse so as to bracket said flag bit. A plurality of second data clock pulses occur during said time window.

Abstract: A telecommunication system for transmitting video and plural audio information on a transmission medium includes a facility and an addressable terminal. The facility includes arrangements for providing addressed video frames containing information corresponding to still images and for providing addressed audio frames containing information corresponding to audio bursts. There is also means for providing non-addressed signals containing information corresponding to at least one channel of continuous audio. The addressed video frames, addressed audio frames, and non-addressed signals are coupled to the transmission medium and sent to the terminal. The addressable terminal includes means for detecting said addressed video frames, addressed audio frames, and non-addressed signals on said transmission medium. Circuits select video frames and audio frames in response to their corresponding addresses.