GB2181925A - Television network - Google Patents

Abstract

Network 1 has a command centre 2, located at the headquarters of a bookmaker's organisation, the command centre 2 originating control information intended for the transmission to multiple sites namely bookmaker shops 3, 4 etc. via the use of telephone link 5. Additionally, audio signals are sent along the same path. At the shops 3, 4, the audio and control information is split at the interface unit 6. The audio information becomes an output which can be used as a sound source for output over the shop public address system 7. The FSK control signals are demodulated and fed to a processor which converts them to simulate the remote control or control information required to operate television receiving equipment 9 or 10, video recording equipment 11 and other equipment (e.g. solid-state store 12). <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Television network The present invention relates to a network of television receivers.

Conventionally, television programmes are distributed throughout the shops in a bookmaker's chain by use of a network in the form of a cable television system. The network consists of a central control unit at the headquarters of the bookmakers with a transmission line dedicated to the linking of the unit to television monitors in the bookmaker shops.

In operation, the television programme(s) of horse racing are produced, and/or edited, at the headquarters and, once in an appropriate video format, are sent down the dedicated transmission line for reception and display at the television monitors.

An object of the present invention is to provide a network which can be more readily, and quickly, installed than the above-described network. Another object of the present invention is to provide a network which can be installed at a reduced cost to that of the above-described network.

The present invention provides a network comprising: a main control unit; a transmission path linking the main control unit to a number of outstations for the transfer of signals between the main control unit and the outstations; each outstation having at least one television receiver; means, in the main control unit, to send along the transmission path to one or more of the outstations control signals to direct at least one television to receive a sequence of signals for display, the sequence not having been passed along the transmission path; means, at each of a number of outstations, to identify a relevant control signal and to operate at least one television receiver of the outstation accordingly.

Thus, a network is provided wherein control signals, rather than the entire content to be displayed, are passed over the transmission path. This may result in ease of installation and economy in the constituent parts and in the installation of the network itself.

Preferably, the main control unit has means to send control signals to direct a television receiver to receive any one or more of a number of terrestrial-broadcast television channels.

Additionally or alternatively, the main control unit may have means to send control signals to direct a television receiver to receive any one or more of a number of satellite-broadcast television channels.

In either instance, the main control unit may have means to send control signals to direct a television receiver to receive broadcast signals in teletext format.

Preferably, the main control unit has means to send control signals to direct a television receiver to receive signals from a solid-state storage means at the outstation. Additionally or alternatively, the main control unit may have means to send control signals to direct a television receiver to receive signals from a video recorder/playback machine.

The transmission path may comprise a telephone line, whether as part of a public telephone distribution system or as part of a private branch exchange. Alternatively the transmission path may comprise the broadcasting of a signal in teletext format.

Preferably, the main control unit has means to send, along the transmission path to one or more of the outstations, data signals for display on at least one television receiver in association with the sequence of signals not passed along the transmission path.

Preferably, the main control unit has means to send, along the transmission path to one or more of the outstations, signals representing audion information for output at the outstation locations.

The present invention also provides a main control unit for use in a network as defined hereinbefore, the main control unit comprising means to send along the transmission path to one or more of the outstations control signals to direct at least one television receiver to receive a sequence of signals for display, the sequence not having been passed along the transmission path.

The present invention also provides an outstation for use in a network as defined hereinbefore, the outstation comprising at least one television receiver and means to identify a relevant control signal and to operate at least one television receiver of the outstation accordingly.

In order that the invention may more readily be understood, a description is now given, by way of example only, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is as chematic view of a network embodying the present invention; Figure 2 is a block diagram of an outstation in the network of Fig. 1; Figure 3 is a schematic view of another network embodying the present invention; Figure 4 shows diagrammatically the central control unit for the network of Fig. 3; and Figure 5 shows diagrammatically an outstation for the network of Fig. 3.

The network 1 of Fig. 1 is composed of a command centre 2, located at the headquarters of the bookmaker's organisation, the command centre 2 originating control information intended for the transmission to multiple sites namely bookmaker shops 3, 4 etc. via the use of telephone link 5, alternatively (not shown) via independent data services.

The command centre has a bit pad connected to a microcomputer which will feed a transmit speech plus data modem. The data, which incorporates the control signals, is converted into FSK tones which are located above the speech band.

At the shops 3, 4, the voice and data information is split at the interface unit 6. The voice information becomes an output which can be used as a sound source for output over the shop public-address system 7. The FSK signals are demodulated and fed to a processor which converts the input command strings into a macro string which simulates the remote control or control information required to operated television receiving equipment 9 or 10, video recording equipment 11 and other equipment (e.g. solid-state store 12) in a way to give that equipment all the versatility as if it was controlled within that shop.

Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of some of the equipment in a shop. The speech plus data signal is input to interface 6 via a 600 series telephone jack. The signals are fed to the telephone line interface 6 which provides isolation between the unit and the telephone line. The output from the telephone line interface 6 is split into two paths - the speech path comes from the speech filter 13 which removes the FSK tones. It is then fed via an amplifier 14 to the counter audio output is where it is capable of providing a loudspeaker signal related to the telephone line voice information. The output from the speech filter 13 also is applied to a selector switch 16 along with the sounds from locally generated speech from two television receivers 9 and 10.

The other output from the telephone line interface 6 feeds the data demodulator 17 where the FSK tones are converted to TTL levels and applied to the microprocessor controller 18, which uses monitored default straps 19 at switch-on to determine what sort of environment it is in, i.e. what sort of television receivers and video equipment etc. it is to control.

The signals as applied to the microprocessor controller 18 are control signals which will follow to exercise the remote control system of either a television receiver, a video tape recorder or other remote control or controlled equipment. The output from the microprocessor controller 18 simulates a number of different types of remote control or controlled input to television receivers and video recorders as well as other types of equipment.

Another function of the network 1 is to control the sound output in shop. This can be from the television receivers whereby sound from a television is fed into the TVA and TVB inputs which then feed selector switch 15. The speech that is coming down the telephone line is also feeding the selector switch 16. Activated by the control signals coming down the telephone line 5 the microprocessor controller 18 can control the sound source that is feeding the shop publicaddress system 7. The sound source can from either of the television receivers or from the telephone line sound.

Each television receiver 9, 10 in a shop may be operated by control signals from command centre 2 to receive a video programme for display from any appropriate terrestrical - broadcast or satellite - broadcast television channel (received via an appropriate aerial 19, 20), or from a video recorder/playback machine 11 or a solid-state store 12, the source being specified by the control signals.

In a modification, the control signals are not sent by a telephone line, but are broadcast in a teletext format in accordance with an existing "customised - teletext" system.

There are numerous similarities between network 1 and a network 30 shown in Fig. 3, the latter constituting a variation which is more flexible in operation and having a number of additional features. Thus the command centre 31 has a text generator 32 for the production of captions or sub-titles in a signal form for passage along the telephone line 5 to the shops for display at television receivers 9, 10 to augment the displayed video programme originating from the broadcast channels or the stores in the shop. These augmenting display signals from text generator 32 may be sent along telephone line 5 as sound-format signals for as FSK signals.

Microprocessor 8 in each shop is capable of identifying and processing any such augmenting display signals.

Network 30 can also arrange for regular updating of the information held in the solid-state store 33 at each shop. Thus a current-information source 34 is provided at the headquarters of the bookmaker's organisation, whereby any up-dating data can be output from source 34 to command centre 31 for passage along telephone line 5 to the shops, where it is put to store 33, which has a capacity for up to 100 pages for information.

The network 30 is particularly applicable specifically for use in bookmakers' shops where a sophisticated display system is required. The unit is housed in a metal case and is suitable for installation in normal office environments.

The network is designed to be controlled by a remote computer system in the headquarters of the bookmakers organisation, whereby the system updates information stored within the unit and controls the operation of the display screens and ancillary equipment within the shop.

Each -shop has a unit which includes a page store which holds display pages of pre-race, show results and ante-post information. These are updated and selected for display by commands sent from the head office system via a telephone link, teletext or satellite links.

The shop unit produces a full text service. The pages are selected from a total database of 100 pages and 'carousels', or groups of pages, may be compiled for timed display on any of the screens. Additionally, one or more pages may also be transmitted on a secondary channel to allow sub-titles to be inlaid on the off-air broadcast picture.

The shop unit will also execute commands for the control of external equipment. This includes the television screens within the shop, the source of audio for replay over the shop publicaddress system and, optionally, a VHS recorder, and a Video Disc player. Commands for the television screens include the same kind of facilities as are found on a remote-control handset and are typically used to select a specified television channel and/or teletext page. Control of the VHS recorder similarly provides full remote-control type features and allows the head office to control tape playback onto one or more television screens. Audio may be selected from either one of the two TV channels upon which the shop unit is currently transmitting teletext, the VHS recorder (during tape playback) or Extel. The selected source is fed to the shop publicaddress system.There is also a Shop Managers microphone which overrides the sound source for important local announcements.

A 'Manager's Terminal' may be connected to the shop unit. This can be controlled by the head office, in the same manner as any other screen, but is also provided with certain locallycontrolled facilities. In addition to being able to display any page or television channel that is currently displayed on any of the screens in the shop, it can also display an index of all pages in the shop unit and select any for immediate display on that terminal. It also has privileged access to a special 'Message Page' which can contain information confidential from the punters originated by the head office. This terminal may also dial-up a viewdata system via a second 1200/75 modem and from which it can request pages for display and reply to response frames with alpha-numeric data. The terminal can also initiate the printing of the page currently on display.

A second manager's terminal may, optionally, be linked to the shop unit. This operates in a similar manner to the first terminal except that it does not have access to the viewdata system modem and connot initiate printing.

Important Messages intended for the manager can also be automatically printed and provides a one way telex service.

One or two 'Customer Addressable Terminals' ("CATS") may be connected to the shop unit.

These are standard teletext televisions but have restricted page selection facilities via a wired keypad also linked to the shop unit. The user may select the display of a special index page listing accessible pages and, by entry of a single-key page reference, select one of the available pages (typically 10) for display. The nomination of accessible pages is controlled by the head office system. The customer terminal is also capable of selecting a video display from off-air transmission, video tape or video disc sources.

A viewdata page printer is, optionally, linked to the shop unit and maybe used to print the page currently displayed on the main manager's terminal, or be initiated automatically under head office control.

The page store contains 100 pages, numbered 00-99 inclusive.

Updates to page data may be to a single page or a group of pages and may be to a line or portion of a line. A page may be cleared to spaces with a single command.

Most of these pages are available for use by the client's own software system; however, the following pages are reserved for special functions: a) Page 99: Viewdata Page. Not accessible from the host.

b) Page 98: Manager's Message Page.

c) Page 97: Manager's Index Page.

d) Page 96: Customer Addressable Terminal Index Page.

The software system uses pages numbered from 00 upwards for pre-race and result pages and will automatically generate the manager's index page from data entered. The Customer Addressable Terminal Index Page is to be created by the system operator using The Teletext Editor. Note that the system software provides a facility to identify 10 pages as being accessible by these terminals and link the single-digit page reference to the actual teletext page number.

The grouping of pages into carousels and their assignment for display screens is similarly under head office host system software control.

The sixteen pages transmitted on each cycle will be those identified for display on the sixteen screens at this time. Where a carousel of pages has been assigned to a screen, the page to be transmitted will be the next on the appropriate carousel list, with respect to the carousel cycle time. This is set by the head office and determines the time interval between the display of one page and the next within a particular carousel. The cycle time may be set independently for each carousel.

The teletext transmission is inserted on the primary incoming off-air broadcast channel and is determined by the head office. One or more pages may also be transmitted on a secondary, specified channel to allow the user to produce a sub-title inlaid on an off-air picture.

In the event that the head office requires that sub-title pages should be displayed over two off-air channels which are not the primary or secondary channel currently in use, the shop unit will select the required off-air channel in order to maintain the teletext service without the need to reselect a new channel on any screen currently displaying pages from the teletext service.

In the event of a loss of off-air signal, an internal sync generator is switched-in to ensure continuity of the teletext service.

A single 25 way-cable will be used to control the operation of up to 12 'display-only' televisions.

The facilities for control from head office will include selection of a specified television channel and/or teletext page.

Control of the other four display screens - the two manager's terminals and the two customer addressable terminals is via separate cables and is discussed in later sections.

The operation of a VHS recorder may be controlled from the shop unit. The useage is expected to be for timed playback of a cassette tape onto a selected screen.

Control facilities will be as for a standard remote control handset.

The head office can select the sound source which is to be relayed to the shop public-address system.

Any one of the following audio sources may be selected: a) Extel (Stereo capability) or own commentary; b) VHS (Stereo capability) or VHD Video Disc; c) Primary or Secondary television channel selected; d) Shop Manager's Microphone.

Internal presets may be adjusted for sound balance during installation and a rotary volume control is mounted on the front panel of the shop unit.

The Manager's Terminal ("MAT"), provides the following facilities: a) Viewing of the teletext page or video channel currently being displayed on any of the 12 "punter display" televisions within the shop.

b) Viewing of any other teletext page within the shop unit, irrespective of whether or not that page is currently being displayed on any screen, including a special confidential message page and an index page which lists all pages in the shop unit.

c) Dial-up and access of remote viewdata system.

d) Printing of any page displayed on the manager's terminal.

The shop unit allows two MAT's to be operated but the second unit does not have viewdata access and facilities and cannot initiate printing.

The MAT maybe a 16" teletext television, liked to the shop unit by a control lead through which the shop unit can control the operation of the set The manager requests pages to view, etc., by using a full alphanumeric keyboard (detailed below) which is also wired to the shop unit.

The MAT keyboard is a full alphanumeric keyboard with added function buttons such as Viewdata, Ring-off, Page, Print and Screen.

The Facility of 'Direct selection of Screen in Shop" allows the manager to view the teletext page or video channel currently displayed on any of the 12 main shop display screens. The procedure will be as follows: a) Press "Screen".

b) Press the required screen number key, as follows: Screen 1 - Press 1 Screen 2 - Press 2 etc Screen 9 - 9 10 - 0 11 - * 12 The facility of "View any teletext page" allows the manager to view any page in the shop unit, irrespective of whether or not the page is currently displayed on any other screen. The procedure is as follows: a) Press "Page".

b) Enter a two digit page reference using the keys 0-9 inclusive to identify the page required.

Note that the magazine number is not required since all pages in the shop unit to be used for display are within magazine 1.

The facility of "Viewdata" allows the manager to access an external viewdata system. The procedure is as follows: (i) To start viewdata access a) Press "Viewdata" b) The shop unit will display a list of 5 telephone numbers which can be dialled. The manager must select one of these by pressing keys 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. The shop unit will then select the 1200/75 baud modem, dial the specified number and make the call connection. The manager must then enter the account number and password before proceeding with page selection, etc.

The Terminal Identification number is stored in the shop unit.

(ii) To Terminate Call The manager will press the "Ring Off" key. The shop unit will terminate the call and release the telephone line.

(iii) Temporary Interruption The viewdata system access may be interrupted in one of two ways: a) By Head Office forcing the immediate display of a teletext page (eg. for urgent message display).

b) By the manager wishing to view other data (eg. a shop screen or teletext page) during the call.

In the first instance, the manager may resume the viewdata system access by pressing the viewdata key again.

In the second instance, the manager may select the display of other data by pressing the Screen or Page keys as indicated above. The viewdata system access is suspended with the line connection retained whilst this action proceeds. To resume the viewdata access, the manager will press the viewdata key again. The terminal will return to the same state as it was immediately prior to the interruption.

Pressing the "Print" key at any time will copy the page currently displayed on the MAT to the printer. If the key is pressed when a video channel is being displayed, no action will result. If the page currently displayed is a sub-title page, only those areas within 'boxes' will be printed.

One or, optionally, two "Customer Addressable Terminals" ("CATS") may be linked to the shop unit.

Nominally standard teletext televisions may be controlled by the head office system to display a specified television channel and/or teletext page. However, via a keypad wired direct to the shop unit, they also allow the punter restricted facilities for the display or other teletext pages, off-air broadcasts, broadcast teletext or video tape disc replay.

A special index page, created by the head office system (using The Teletext Editor or similar), is available for display on these terminals. Note that unlike the Manager's Index Page, this index is not automatically generated.

The user may then select for display any of these pages or facilities listed on that index via a single numeric key. The page selection is then converted, by software in the shop unit, to a teletext page number and the selected page or display is then displayed on the CAT screen.

Unlike the manger's terminals, the CAT's will not be able to select any page other than those listed on the CAT index page.

A viewdata printer may be linked to the shop unit. It may be used to print a page currently displayed on the first manager's terminal.

The system is capable of controlling the operation of teletext television monitors and video tape recorders sited in bookmaker shops by command signals sent from the Head Office control centre. The control signals are sent out concurrently with speech information originated or relayed by the Head Office location over the bookmaker telephone network.

At the Head Office location, a micro-computer is used to generate the commands, and to interface to the user with a menu driven program. The micro-computer is interfaced to the combined speech/data modem via an appropriate link.

The controls commands available on the micro-computer are as follows: TV Commands Cn Change to channel n (0-15) NB This sets it to TV Tnnn Select text page nnn M Mute X Mixed Mode P Picture T Text N Normalise S Set to Subtitles R Cancel Subtitles V Set to Video Channel The command format is Ts, (command), (command) where s is the screen number (1-2).

eg. T2, C4, T101 would set screen 2 to channel 4, text page 101.

VHS Commands Cn Change channel to n (1-16) O On X Off S Stop P Play R Rewind F Fast Forward The command format is V {command). i.e. VR is Rewind.

A block diagram of the Head Office configuration is shown in Fig. 4.

The micro-computer is linked to the micro transmitter via an appropriate link operating at 75 baud. The data signal is converted to FSK by a tone modulator and passed through a filter to remove out of band signals prior to being fed to the combining amplifier.

The speech signals are connected to the transmitter via a 5 pin 1800 din socket. The audio passes through a filter to remove signals in the modulator band and is then fed to the combining amplifier.

The audio and modulator signals are combined and pass to the telephone line enterface which provides line drive and isolation. The signals will enter the telephone line at a level of -9dbm.

A block diagram of the shop configuration is shown in Fig. 5.

The input from the telephone line should operate over the range -9dbm to -43dbm with carrier fail for the modem at -50dbm.

The line amplifier provides telephone line isolation and control.

The audio signal from the line amplifier passes through a filter to remove the modulator band of signals, is then fed to an AVC controlled amplifier which will give a constant output level of O dbm into 600 at the 5 pin din socket output point.

The data signal passes through a filter to remove speech components and is fed to a demodulator which will convert the telephone line FSK signal back into TTL data signals. The 75 baud data signals are interpreted by the control processor. The control processor drives the TV and VHS control circuits as appropriate. TV and VHS control is via separate 3.5 mm jack plug connections.

The system will also select one of four sound inputs, Extel, TV1, TV2 or Video and Switch the selected input to the output socket where it will feed the shop public-address system.

The technical characteristics of the transmitter are as follows: 1. the data link will be placed above the speech band using a channel frequency allocated for low frequency VFT; 2. the speech channel will be restricted by a low pass filter to 2700 Hz (-6db); 3. the data link will comprise a narrow band frequency modulated channel, centred on 3060 Hz, (the binary '1' frequency will be 3030 Hz, the binary '0' frequency will be 3090 Hz, maximum modulation rate is 75 baud, tolerances: Centred frequency= +/-2 Hz Frequency difference=+/-3 Hz); 4. the maximum transmitted power level will be -9dbm, with spectrum limited as indicated in Rec R35 by a suitable band pass filter.

The technical characteristics of the receiver are as follows: 1. the composite signal will be separated by filters, the speech channel being passed through a low pass filter to remove the data channel component, maximum input signal will be -9dbm; 2. the data channel will be recovered by a band pass filter and demodulated, a carrier detect signal will be provided with the thresholds as indicated, CDet ON for signal - -45dbm +/-ldb, CDet OFF for signal - --50dbm, minimum hysteresis 2db; 3. a plug-in unit comprising of a microprocessor and ROM will decode the demoudlated serial data; 4. buffered control outputs at TTL levels will be provided via 3 miniature jack sockets (3.5mm), a binary '1' frequency will be output as a high logic level; 5. an indicator will be provided for power and carrier signal; ; 6. the receiver will comprise a single externally powered card, the external power supply will provide low voltage AC and be fitted with an integral 13 amp plug, The receiver will be fitted into a free-standing moulded plastic case (approximate dimensions: 200 x 125x45mm).

The control output jacks and speech output connector, power input and telephone connector will be located on the rear of the unit.

The technical details of the telephone Line Interface are as follows: 1. the nominal input impedence of the receiver will be 600 ohms, the return loss will exceed 18 db over a range of 200 Hz to 4KHz, 2. the isolation barrier will be provided by a double insulated transformer.

3. The telephone line connection will be a two wire connection made via an integral lead fitted, terminated in a 600 type jack; The system offers the user a number of facilities, in particular: (i) The ability to insert "dont care" digits when setting time gather. This allows the user to automatically gather from a source every 10 minutes, every hour, every ten hours or every day.

(ii) The ability to periodically gather every several minutes. The time interval between gathers can be set to any number of minutes from 1 to 99.

(iii) All features associated with timed gather to Prestel-type services have now been extended to cover all four Teletext channels.

(iv) A card index system comprising 20 'cards' is available. Each card can store details of a message recipient. Name, telephone number, memories to send, password, and send/hold flag can all be easily entered. The entry of information is prompted, and when entries are completed, a status page can be displayed listing all 20 recipients and showing message status.

(v) The program can then be placed into either timed or immediate send mode. The program proceeds to the first enabled recipient, dials the telephone number stored, exchanges the communications password with the remote terminal and then transfers to memory those pages chosen for the recipient. On completion it will ring off and dial the next recipient on the list until all 20 cards have been completed.

The Carousel mode has been extended such that the terminal can now answer an incoming call whilst in carousel model. The terminal can also instigate a timed gather to either Teletext or Prestel whilst in carousel model. In this way, the shop terminal can be updated as required from the central office terminal.

Each of the networks described above has the facility of selective addressing of the shops.

Thus the Head Office can ensure that the control signals and audio are sent to all shops, if required. Alternatively, the Head Office can send control signals and audio to one or more selected (but not all the shops) when required. Alternatively, the Head Office can send the control signals and audio to all shops, and send one set of subtitles to some shops, and another set to other shops.

Claims (13)

1. A network comprising:- a main control unit; a transmission path linking the main control unit to a number of outstations for the transfr of signals between the main control unit and the outstations; each outstation having at least one television receiver; means, in the main control unit, to send along the transmission path to one or more of the outstations control signals to direct at least one television to receive a sequence of signals for display, the sequence not having been passed along the transmission path; means, at each of a number of outstations, to identify a relevant control signal and to operate at least one television receiver of the outstation accordingly.

2. A network according to Claim 1, wherein the main control unit has means to send control signals to direct a television receiver to receive any one or more of a number of terrestrialbroadcast television channels.

3. A network according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the main control unit has means to send control signals to direct a television receiver to receive any one or more of a numer of satellite-broadcast television channels.

4. A network according to Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the main control unit has means to send control signals to direct a television receiver to receive broadcast signals in teletext format.

5. A network according to any one of Claims 1 to 4 wherein the main control unit has means to send control signals to direct a television receiver to receive signals from a solid-state storage means at the outstation.

6. A network according to anyone of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the main control unit has means to send control signals to direct a television receiver to receive signals from a video recorder/playback machine.

7. A network according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission path comprises a telephone line.

8. A network according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the transmission path comprises the broadcasting of a signal in teletext format.

9. A network according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the main control unit has means to send, along the transmission path to one of the outstations, data signals for display on at least one receiver in association with the sequence of signals not passed along the transmission path.

10. A network according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the main control unit has means to send, along the transmission path to one or more of the outstations, signals representing audio information for output at the outstation locations.

11. A network substantially as herein before described with reference to and as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 or in Figs. 3 to 5 of the accompanying drawings.

12. A main control unit for use in a network according to anyone of Claims 1 to 11, the main control unit comprising means to send along a transmission path to one or more outstations control signals to direct at least one television at an outstation to receive a sequence of signals for display, the sequence not having been passed along the transmission path.

13. An outstation for use in a network according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, the outstation comprising at least one television receiver and means to identify a relevant control signal and to operate at least one television receiver of the outstation accordingly.