Abstract: In a system for interactively viewing videos, a selected video is transmitted as a plurality of frames of digitized video data for playback on a viewing device. The system receives the transmitted video data and includes a memory buffer for storing a segment of a selected one of the videos. The segment includes a predetermined number of frames representing a predetermined time interval of the selected video. In addition, the memory buffer including a write pointer and a read pointer. Software controlled servers are provided for witting and reading video data of the selected video to and from the memory buffer, independently, at locations indicated by the write and read pointers to transfer the selected video to the viewing device. By using a remote controller the viewer can position the read and write pointers to view any portion of the selected video interactively.

Abstract: A fiber optic status monitoring system for a fiber optic cable television system is disclosed in which a computer serially polls a plurality of optical transmitter modules, optical receiver modules, or other cable television component modules to determine their operation. Each of the monitored components at a given location are connected together together by a common bus. In addition, each of the transmitter modules and the receiver modules include a monitoring/control unit. The computer transmits a command signal to an interface unit. The interface unit transmits the command signal to the transmitter modules via a bus. The command signal is modulated at the interface unit and transmitted over a bidirectional link. The modulated command signal is received and demodulated by a status monitoring interface unit. The status monitoring interface unit distributes the command signal to each of the monitored modules at that location.

Abstract: Location specific messages or programming are generally broadcast and selectively filtered by user terminals which have encoded one or more arbitrary locations of interest. The area surrounding a user, a remote location, a route to be travelled or the like may be selected for receipt of local warnings, local commercial messages and the like. Transmitted messages contain information targeted to geographical groups of users, with location designation coding accompanying location-specific messages. A geographic location selection code is entered into a data processor coupled to the user's receiver to define the user's selected location(s) of interest. The processor receives the information segment and its designation code and compares the designated location to the selected one. Segments where the designated and selected points or areas overlap are processed, e.g., being displayed, stored or used to trigger a warning. The user's selection code is variable and plural locations can be used and prioritized.

Abstract: The invention relates to the selection of a source from a plurality of sources by means of shunt switches and series switches, which are respectively turned on and mined off, and vice versa. For access to, for example, four sources the device has two intermediate terminals B.sub.1, B.sub.2), one series switch (SE.sub.a, SE.sub.b) is arranged between the user installation and each of the two intermediate terminals, and each of the intermediate terminals is coupled to two sources (IN.sub.1, IN.sub.2 or IN.sub.3, IN.sub.4) by each time one series switch (SE.sub.1, SE.sub.2, SE.sub.3, SE.sub.4). Moreover, each source (IN.sub.1, IN.sub.2, IN.sub.3, IN.sub.4) is a.c. coupled to earth by a matching impedance in series with a shunt switch (Z.sub.1, SH.sub.1, or Z.sub.2, SH.sub.2, or Z.sub.3, SH.sub.3, or Z.sub.4, SH.sub.4). The device is used in CATV.

Abstract: One or more channels in a multi-channel cable television distribution system is used for the transmission of interactive television (ITV) signals in the form of packetized digital information from the cable system headend to subscribers. A converter at each subscriber location is connected between the cable system and the subscriber's television receiver. Such converter contains a receiver for the ITV channels. Control packets in the ITV signals are addressed to individual converters to enable the receipt of one or more virtual channels by a converter. The converter decodes and expands the packetized digital information in such enabled channels and generates a conventional video signal, which is transmitted to the subscriber's television receiver on one of the channels used for the ITV signal from the headend, replacing the packetized digital information. The remaining channels from the cable system are forwarded to such television receiver unaltered.

Abstract: A CATV center facility transmits, together with the television signals of a plurality of programs, display control data indicating program names and selection numbers of the respective programs and channel data indicating the numbers of channels on which the respective programs are being broadcast or to be broadcast. A terminal apparatus detects the program names, selection numbers and channel numbers from the display control data and the channel data, and makes a TV receiver display the detected program names and selection numbers in an associated manner. While looking at a picture thus displayed, a user selects a desired program by pushing a corresponding numeral button of a remote controller or a keyboard. In response to the program selection by the user, the terminal apparatus is tuned to the channel of the selected program.

Abstract: In a system for distributing videos, a plurality of videos are stored on a mass storage device. Each video includes a plurality of frames of digitized video data for play-back on a viewing device. The system includes a memory buffer for storing a segment of a selected one of the videos. The segment includes a predetermined number of frames representing a predetermined time interval of the selected video. In addition, the memory buffer including a write pointer and a read pointer. Software controlled servers are provided for witting and reading video data of the selected video to and from the memory buffer, independently, at locations indicated by the write and read pointers to transfer the selected video to the viewing device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a distribution network for full motion video media, usually in the form of advertisements, allowing video programs to be transmitted from a distribution center (DC) to a multitude of receiving sites (RS), typically retail stores, dispersed over a wide geographic area. Preferably, programs are transmitted via satellite (8) and are receivable via antennae (10) at the receiving sites (RS). Television monitors (14) located at selected points in the receiving sites display the programs to an audience, which usually will include shoppers in the course of shopping. The invention provides for "customizing" video programs for particular target audiences or markets, such that the series of programs played in one receiving site could be quite different from that played in another.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for conducting local wireless audio signal transmissions from a local audio signal source to a person within a local signal transmission area. In certain embodiments, the transmissions are conducted over the 900 MHz local transmission band to a portable receiver unit supported on the headband of a stereo headphone unit. The receiver unit serves to down convert the 900 MHz signal to a local frequency band which is received by an FM receiver of the receiver unit which serves to reproduce the audio signals therefrom which are, in turn, converted to acoustic signals by electroacoustic transducers of the headphone. A transmitter unit includes a ceramic resonator stabilized FM transmitter, as well a filter for suppressing high frequency noise in an audio modulation signal, a stereo audio multiplexing unit utilizing a 3f.sub.H subcarrier and an overmodulation detection unit.

Abstract: A public switched telephone network (PSTN) provides digital video signals from a video information provider or digital service bureau to one or more of a plurality of subscriber premises. Administration of orders from subscribers is carried out by a video gateway and file servers at the central office. Asymmetrical digital subscriber line interface (ADSL) units over a local loop carry the necessary signalling between the subscribers and information providers. The interface units frequency multiplex digital video information with voice information to the subscriber and support transmission of a reverse control channel from the subscriber to the central office for transmission back to the information provider. Several enhancements and special features are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for selectively interconnecting a plurality of audio/video sources and a plurality of audio/video communication devices including a single switch, a mixer to combine the audio and video signals as a single signal from a source to the switch and a modulator for modulating the video signal after the switch for optical transmission to the communication devices. The modulated audio and video signals directly drive an optical transmitter as a composite signal. A programmable interface is provided at the sources and at the communication devices for translating system remote control signals to source and communication device control signals for the connected device. The interface provides ALL CALL overrides.

Abstract: Broadcasting system digitizes audio input signals before RF modulating and transmitting over airwaves to one or more remote receiving stations. Receiving station recovers the digitized signal by demodulating and exponentially expanding the received RF signal. Recovered digital signal is subsequently frequency modulated and sent, via an electrically conductive cable, to an FM radio, over which the original audio input signals are faithfully reproduced. A time switch in series with the RF receiver and the FM modulator is capable of temporarily disabling modulated transmissions to radio through the electrically conductive cable. Relay stations, (either land-based or satellite), allow for transmission beyond the range (i.e. "line-of-sight") of common FM radio transmissions.

Abstract: A method of transmitting broadband video services from a broadband digital signal source which includes forming the digital signal from said source into a plurality of channels of digital signals and modulating a plurality of carrier signals with respective channels of the digital signals. The resultant modulated channels are multiplexed to form a combined signal which is then used to modulate light from a laser light source. The modulated light signal is transmitted along a light fibre to a local distribution box where it is converted to electrical signals and broadcast to a number of subscriber set top terminals, Each set top terminal detects the modulated signal of a channel pre-assigned to that set top terminal. User control information is also received by that set top terminal and transmitted to the central office.

Abstract: A store-and-forward architecture which stores and distributes information programs to subscribers on demand includes: information warehouses which archive information programs from multiple service vendors and dispense information programs in segments to central offices in high speed bursts; central offices which manages subscriber's request for service and buffers segments of information programs for delivery to subscribers in real-time under the subscriber's interactive control; and customer premises equipment where a subscriber's requests and control signals for interactive play-out of information program are generated and information programs are received for the subscriber's use.

Abstract: A system for controlling reception or recording of television broadcasts according to censorship classifications. One or more persons monitoring broadcasts nominate a classification and cause an appropriate signal to be generated and transmitted to viewers' homes by means of a radio transmission network also used for transmission of other data signals, such as a pocket paging system. Means are provided to ensure that classification signals are transmitted with priority over paging signals or other non-time-critical data.

Abstract: An interactive multimedia system with distributed processing and storage of video picture information and associated data and sound in nodes disposed throughout a cable television distribution system. The nodes are coupled to the feeder cable of the cable distribution system. Each node in the system receives a substantially identical copy of the interactive video picture information and related data from a regional processing center. The nodes can receive the Video picture information through the cable television distribution system or externally of the cable system. The users at home televisions associated with a particular node interact directly with the video picture information in that node, rather than with the information stored in the regional processing center or some other remote location, which enables the system to quickly display photographic quality images and complex graphics, as well as sound, at the users' televisions in response to commands received by the users.

Abstract: A CATV system is provided with a head end apparatus which transmits program data to each subscriber of a chargeable program so that a subscriber knows at the time of applying for a chargeable program whether or not his request is accepted.

Abstract: A near video on demand time shifting feature for a subscriber terminal emulates the video cassette recorder functions of pause, fast forward, and rewind for a NVOD service subscription. The subscriber terminal stores global transactions concerning NVOD events in an event portion of memory. The subscriber terminal provides an on screen display feature for assisting in ordering the NVOD service and a user interface which provides the functions of pause, fast forward and rewind. When viewing a NVOD event, if the subscriber selects the pause function, the subscriber terminal causes a pause on screen display to be viewed for one time increment. After the elapse of the time increment, the subscriber terminal will tune the channel of the next showing which is one time increment earlier than that presently viewed. If the subscriber selects the rewind function, the subscriber terminal will tune the channel of the next showing which is one time increment earlier than that presently viewed.

Abstract: A cable television system has a multiplicity of television program sources providing television signals in various predefined television signal formats. The program sources include continuous television sources provided to all users free of charge as well as pay-per-view program sources transmitted to users only upon request. Each television has a multi-standard receiver for receiving television signals in those predefined television signal formats, and is coupled to a transmission medium such as a coaxial cable. A television signal switch transmits the television signals from various ones of the program sources onto the transmission media in assigned respective frequency channels. Hidden behind each television, or elsewhere out of view of the user, is a converter coupling the respective television to the transmission media. The only connection from the converter to the television is a cable connected to the television's cable or antennae input port.

Abstract: An interactive television system where interactive information is inserted in the vertical blanking interval of a standard television signal. The signal is received and decoded by a stetop decoder which sends the decoded signal via an infrared signal to a handheld device. The viewer using the handheld device can interact with a game, sports, or education event or other presentation on the television. The system includes a proprietary high level command language and programmer (PIU) tables which are maintained in the memory of the handheld device. The PIU tables store the transactions of the various events presented on the television. The transactions are sent from the insertion system to the decoder throughout the broadcast of the television program.

Abstract: A communications device is disclosed for use between a CATV distribution line and a plurality of CATV subscribed premises for monitoring the utilization of each subscriber of a plurality of subscribers of TV channels distributed over the CATV distribution line. The devise comprises a subscriber status monitor associated with each subscriber premises of the plurality of subscribers for connection to the distribution line and delivering one or more of the TV channels to the associated subscriber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cable broadcasting system and the transmission center employed therein. In the transmission center, plural images are divided into several groups in the same kinds and each image in one kind is repeated not simultaneously so that they are outputted as independent plural image signals, and the image that the subscribers have requested is selected from those plural image signals which is enciphered, modulated, and multiplexed to be transmitted in optical transmission lines through an available channel to the subscribers, while the transmission channel is validated as well as the enciphered image signal is deciphered at the subscribers' end in order to enable the subscribers to watch the image they have requested.

Abstract: A frequency modulation circuit includes a phase-locked loop having a reference frequency input and a controlled frequency output. The phase-locked loop has a phase detector, a filter and a voltage-controlled oscillator and, in a feedback path between the output and the phase detector, a frequency divider. Also included is a converter converting an input signal to a digital modulation signal M, and an adder inverting the most significant bit of the digital modulation signal and adding it to a digital word representing a selected frequency. The frequency divider divides a fractional number (N.F).+-.M, where N is an integer, F is a fraction and M is the digital value of modulation data.

Abstract: A circuit is supplied at the tap from a feeder which monitors certain signals coming from the single dwelling interdiction unit (SDI unit), and if the signals are interrupted, removes service from the premises. In order for service to be reinstituted to the subscriber DC power from the SDI unit must be received at the tap and the tap address must be communicated from memory in the SDI unit (where it had been previously stored upon installation by an installer) to the tap microprocessor. In accordance with an alternative embodiment in order for the service denial switch to remain closed, supplying signals to the SDI unit then to the home, the following must occur. Direct current power must be supplied from the SDI unit to the tap and data must be supplied from the SDI unit, in the form of pulses going from the normal powering level of, for example 12 volts, to 0 volts momentarily on a continual basis and not just at initialization as in the first embodiment.

Abstract: An automated pay-per-view activation method is disclosed for use in integrated television receive-only satellite receiver/descramblers. The automated procedure allows for automatic activation of the pay-per-view program event reception from all pay-per-view service providers. Taken in conjunction with a preprogrammed timer function, the present invention provides for the preprogrammed reception of pay-per-view programs in the absence of the operator.

Abstract: A CATV head end, terminal unit, and system permits time reservation of selected programs by the simple process of entering a program number at the terminal unit. At the head end selected programs are transmitted via cable to the terminal units and include a timer start command located at the start of a program, and a timer end command located at the end of a program. The commands identify the program by a program number, and the start command also identifies the channel on which the program is transmitted. At the terminal unit, the received commands are compared with the program number entered at the terminal unit. If the program numbers match, the power is turned on and the channel is selected, for a start command, or the power is turned off, for an end command.

Abstract: A signal transmission system includes concentratedly arranged various kinds of electronic apparatus capable of transmitting information such as audio and/or video, and so forth. The system is provided with a main controller for controlling those apparatus and an auxiliary controller arranged in a plurality of chambers via cables so that information can be properly watched and heard through the above main controller. The system processes the transmission of information in a short time and also provides possibility of controlling even an electronic apparatus having no means for receiving control signals through wire by having the signals outputted in parallel or in series control signals for demanding transmission of information properly are fed to the various kinds of electronic apparatus from the auxiliary controller through the main controller.

Abstract: In order to enable viewing of single events without requiring a CATV subscriber to order the event in advance, documents are distributed to subscribers containing cognizable (advertising) data concerning the event and a bar code symbol corresponding thereto. Each subscriber is provided with a transaction terminal enabling the entry of bar code data at any time and whenever the subscriber has the impulse to do so (impulse pay per view). The event codes are transmitted interactively from the transaction terminal to the equipment (a subscriber control unit) located off the subscribers' premises which normally interdicts the premium channels and thence to the head end of the CATV distribution system over the cables of the system. Data coming from the head end back to the subscriber control unit indicates that events are in progress (event number and premium channel data).

Abstract: An interactive multimedia system with distributed processing and storage of video picture information and associated data and sound in nodes disposed throughout a cable television distribution system. The nodes are coupled to the feeder cable of the cable distribution system. Each node in the system receives a substantially identical copy of the interactive video picture information and related data from a regional processing center. The users at home televisions associated with a particular node interact directly with the video picture information in that node, rather than with the information stored in the regional processing center or some other remote location, which enables the system to quickly display photographic quality images and complex graphics, as well as sound, at the users' televisions in response to commands received by the users.

Abstract: A device incorporated in a bidirectional CATV system for reducing noise introduced in an up-going channel at a subscriber station. A terminal unit and a protector perform monodirectional or bidirectional switching operations on the basis of a DC current which the terminal station selectively outputs.

Abstract: A satellite broadcast receiving system in which, when each receiver transmits a control pulse to a change-over divider via a signal cable, the change-over divider selects a desired broadcast signal in response to the control pulse, which is led to its output terminal, then transmitted to each receiver via the signal cable.

Abstract: In a home bus system control signals and information signals are carried between a transmission station at one location and reception stations at other locations. There are plural signal sources at the transmitting station and plural types of signal formats, such as monaural and stereo or NTSC and HDS. A request signal sent from a receiving station identifies the signal source to be accessed and the signal format capability of a receiver at the receiver station. The request signal is decoded at the transmission station and causes transmission of an information signal from the selected signal source in the identified signal format.

Abstract: A remote control system including a hand held remote control unit with an alphanumeric information display, for controlling and communicating with a first controlled device, such as a digital music tuner connected to a community antenna television (CATV) cable, and for controlling a selected one of a plurality of second controlled devices, such as CATV set-top units, VCRs, or television sets. A first, high speed, error free display information communications protocol is utilized for transmitting program content or other information from a device, such as the CATV-connected music tuner, to the remote control unit for display. A second or control communications protocol is utilized by the remote control unit for controlling the first controlled device and a selected one of the second controlled devices. The CATV cable-connected music tuner utilizes the 44.

Abstract: A receiver control circuit for a television, includes a main receiving part, a first receiving circuit, a driving control part, and a comparing part, wherein the main receiving part receives television signals for particular channels and, the first receiving circuit receives the television signals of particular channels and outputs driving adjusting signals. The driving control part outputs driving signals to the comparing circuit which compares the frequency bands of the television signals received by the main receiving part and the first receiving circuit to control the power source of the first receiving in order to prevent minors from watching undesirable broadcasting programs.

Abstract: The device of the invention comprises, in the terminal (7) of each subscriber, a carrier wave generator which sends this wave to a distribution center (1) as long as the television of this terminal is operating, the absence of this wave being detected in the center by a circuit (4) which then sends a shadow channel to the subscriber. The deflecting of the subscriber's television to a source independent of the center can be done only after the sending of a shadow channel to this subscriber.

Abstract: A system for generating product coupons at remote locations. The system includes an apparatus for receiving and storing product information signals broadcast from a central location. The apparatus is connected to a television at the remote location and has a coupon generating unit. The coupon generating unit can generate a product coupon having selectively entered product information thereon. The system further comprises a switch such that stored product information signals can be displayed on the television.

Abstract: A public switched telephone network (PSTN) provides digital video signals from a video information provider to one or more of a plurality of subscriber premises. A subscriber uses either a standard telephone instrument over the PSTN or a dedicated control device over an ISDN packet network to order video programming. The request is transmitted to a designated video information provider and digital transmission connectivity is established between the video information provider and the central office serving the subscriber. Connectivity between the central office and subscriber is provided by asymmetrical digital subscriber line interface units over a local loop. The interface units frequency multiplex digital video information with voice information to the subscriber and support transmission of a reverse control channel from the subscriber to the central office for transmission on the ISDN packet data network back to the video information provider.

Abstract: A subscriber terminal apparatus for a television in an in-band subscription television system is provided. The subscriber terminal is adapted to receive a television signal including video, audio, and data information. A tuner of the subscriber terminal tunes channels of the television signal and an on-screen display control circuit selectively provides a display of characters on the television. A tuner control tunes the tuner to a channel having in-band data when the display of characters is provided on the television.

Abstract: An off premises CATV system is disclosed. A headend transmits programming including pay-per-view programming and a cable distribution system distributes the programming. An off premises unit is coupled to the cable distribution system for supplying the programming to at least one subscriber. A subscriber terminal is coupled to the off premises unit over a communication link. The subscriber terminal including an input device for inputting subscriber-supplied signals indicative of a pay-per-view event to generate a message. A transmitter responsive to the subscriber-supplied signals transmits the message to the off premises unit over the communication link. The message is transmitted at a plurality of random times within a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Telephone DTMF keypad signalling is converted to a unique user input protocol in conjunction with interactive media and telecomputing network systems to permit one or more participants to provide directional, triggering, and other input to computer or computer controlled systems with telephone keypads or like devices as if using a computer system mouse, joystick, keyboard, or similar input device. Such utilization of readily available push-button telephones as a participant's computer input device, permits user interaction with computer generated, influenced, or controlled video programming, databases, and applications providing visual feedback over a video network.

Abstract: Methods for the evaluation of stimuli such as broadcast commercials intended to promote purchases by shoppers are disclosed. The methods quantify the effectiveness of controlled variables of stimuli and of inducements associated therewith. The immediate impact and degree of erosion of the impact of stimuli on families and on individual household members are measured. Inducements can take the form of printouts, such as monetary coupons, dispensed in homes of broadcast audience members who have responded to a task. The system and method for evaluating responses to broadcast or telephone programs, such as television programs, includes an instructional signal, such as a signal modulated onto a signal transmitted concurrently with the television program, or time-multiplexed therewith. At each of a plurality of remote receiving stations, one or more members of an audience has the opportunity to respond to a situation presented in the program by entering a response or a selection on a keyboard.

Abstract: An interactive multimedia system with distributed processing and storage of video picture information and associated data and sound in nodes disposed throughout a cable television distribution system. The nodes are coupled to the feeder cable of the cable distribution system. Each node in the system receives a substantially identical copy of the interactive video picture information and related data from a regional processing center. The users at home televisions associated with a particular node interact directly with the video picture information in that node, rather than with the information stored in the regional processing center or some other remote location, which enables the system to quickly display photographic quality images and complex graphics, as well as sound, at the users' televisions in response to commands received by the users.

Abstract: This is a supplemental signal splitting apparatus for use with television apparatus having a cable signal input including scrambled signal channels; a cable select box including a cable tuner for selecting a channel, descrambling circuitry for unscrambling scrambled signals, and first output circuitry for outputting a first signal on a television channel frequency; and a programmable video cassette recorder (VCR) including a VCR tuner for selecting a channel, an antenna input to the VCR tuner, an audio/video input, programmable selection means for selectively receiving an input signal from the VCR tuner or the audio/video input, and second output circuitry for outputting a second signal on a television channel frequency. The supplemental signal splitting apparatus allows the VCR to be programmed to record both an unscrambled pay channel and normal cable channels.

Abstract: VOD services are provided by providing at each subscriber location a switching apparatus (e.g., 23 of FIG. 2) which is remotely controlled from the head end (12) of the system. A set top box of each subscriber is provided with a single channel designation (X) for VOD reception. In response to a request from a subscriber for a particular TV program at a specified time, the provider at the head end actuates the switching apparatus (23) to permit the set top box to be tuned to a specified channel that corresponds to a channel upon which the requested VOD program will be transmitted. Then, when the subscriber selects on his set top box the single VOD channel designation (X), the set top box is capable of receiving the requested TV program on the specific TV channel of the transmission line (11) that has been designated for it by the provider at the head end.

Abstract: The network of the inventnion, of the type with star cabling, comprises a distribution center to which are connected by cable subscribers each having a remote control unit. The center comprises a video bus connected to the various program sources, this bus being connected to selection modules (M1 to MN) the number of which is equal to that of the subscribers and which are remotely controlled by these subscribers. A microcomputer monitors the legality of the connections established.

Abstract: In order to facilitate the installation of off-premises equipment which distributes CATV signals from a distribution cable to subscribers and to allow different subscribers to receive different classes of service (basic service alone or with one or more premium or pay-per-view channels), a pair of housings are used, one containing circuits for tapping the signals from the cable and the other for electronics hardware which processes the signals and distributes them to subscribers in accordance with the class of service which is ordered by the subscribers. The housing containing the tapping circuits is permanently connected to the cable and need not be removed or replaced when connecting additional subscribers or changing the class of service. The housing containing the electronics hardware for processing the signals may be attached to or along side of the first housing. The first housing may be suspended from the strand which supports the cable in an aerial mount configuration.

Abstract: A signal transmission system in which a variery of electronic apparatus which can transmit audio and/or video informations (AV informations) or the like are concentratedly installed is comprised of main control means for controlling a variety of electronic apparatus and sub-control means installed via cables within a plurality of sub-rooms so that the AV informations can be listened to and viewed through the main control means. In order to transmit much more informations within the narrow frequency band, the AV informations are allocated to predetermined channels and channel content information indicating the AV informations allocated to the respective channels and an owner information indicative of the sub-room of the owner who exclusively uses the electronic apparatus are frequency-multiplexed with the AV informations and transmitted.

Abstract: A digital, interactive communication system designed to provide a plurality of remote subscribers with any one of a variety of stored information service software packages through the use of a home computing assembly maintained within the subscriber's home and structured to display video as well as generating audio on a standard television receiver. A bi-directional communication link is established over telephone lines between the home computing assembly and a central remote information storage center wherein a selected one of the variety of information services is transmitted as a modulated carrier to the subscriber. Information service selection is controlled by a remote information storage center executive software program. Automatic billing is performed by computing equipment maintained in the remote information storage center and transmitted to a headquarters which also receives diagnostic messages associated with the remote information center and/or the associated plurality of home computing elements.

Abstract: Broadcasting system digitizes audio input signals before RF modulating and transmitting over airwaves to one or more remote receiving stations. Receiving station recovers the digitized signal by demodulating and exponentially expanding the received RF signal. Recovered digital signal is subsequently frequency modulated and sent, via an electrically conductive cable, to an FM radio, over which the original audio input signals are faithfully reproduced. A time switch in series with the RF receiver and the FM modulator is capable of temporarily disabling modulated transmissions to radio through the electrically conductive cable. Relay stations, (either land-based or satellite), allow for transmission beyond the range (i.e. "line-of-sight") of common FM radio transmissions.

Abstract: For realizing a highly sensitive and favorably linear frequency modulator stably operating with a small-sized and readily manufactured arrangement, input and output strip electrodes are disposed in face on both ends of a ferri-magnetic film deposited on a magnetic substrate and applied with a DC magnetic field perpendicular thereto, a high frequency electro-magnetic wave being applied through the input electrode, so as to generate a magneto-static forward volume wave propagating through the magnetic film, the propagation phase of which is modulated in response to the intensity variation of the applied magnetic field modulated by a signal, so as to derive a frequency modulated electro-magnetic wave from the output electrode.