Multiple input processor for cable television head end controller

• US 5,548,323 A
• Filed: 03/30/1994
• Issued: 08/20/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 03/30/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hollyanne Corporation
• Original Assignee: Hollyanne Corporation
• Inventors: Callahan, Martin E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kostak, Victor R.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Flynn, Nathan J.
• Application Number:
  US08/220,437
• Time in Patent Office: 874 Days
• Field of Search: 348/9, 348/10, 348/460, 348/484, 340/503, 340/533, 340/288, 455/6.3, 455/4.1, 455/3.1
• US Class Current: 725/33
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/12 Arrangements for observation, testing or troubleshooting
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/59 for emergency or urgency
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/79 using downlink of the CATV systems, e.g. audio broadcast via CATV network
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/102 Circuits therefor, e.g. noise reducers, equalisers, amplifiers H04N7/108 takes precedence

Abstract

A multiple input processor includes apparatus for receiving inputs from multiple sources and processing the inputs for transmission to receivers along a television cable network. The processor includes an RF modulator to convert audio signals from signal sources to radio frequency signals for broadcasting through the cable TV system. A microcomputer in the processor processes signals received from multiple sources and selectively transmits the signals through the modulator, The processor includes an audio bus interconnecting the signal-sources and processor to permit receiving, processing, and transmission of audio signals. A telephone interface is connected to the audio bus to permit transmission of signals from a telephone line to the computer, as a separate signal source, and to permit transmission of signals from the audio bus to the telephone line for reporting and other auditing purposes. A modem is interfaced with the audio bus to permit self-diagnosis and testing, as well as transmission of reports from self-testing.

Claims

1. A multiple input processor for a cable television system, said cable television system of a type including a head end and plurality of receivers for receiving radio frequency signals from said head end, said receivers including means for converting said radio frequency signals to audible audio signals, comprising:

a first signal source means for providing at least one audio signal input for transmission to said receivers, connected to an audio bus means;

a second signal source means for providing at least one audio signal input for transmission to said receivers, connected to said audio bus means;

programmable processing means connected to said audio bus means, for processing said audio signal inputs from said first and second sources and selectively transmitting the processed signals to a modulator means;

modulator means for receiving processed audio signals and converting them into a radio frequency signal for broadcast to said receivers; and

voice storage means interfaced with said audio bus and said processing means, for storing audio signal inputs, said processing means programmed to selectively direct said audio signals to at least one of said voice storage means and said modulator means.

2. The multiple input processor of claim 1, further comprising telephone interface means connected to said audio bus and said processing means, for receiving and transmitting audio signals along a telephone line, said processing means programmed to selectively direct said audio signals to at least one of said voice storage means, modulator means and telephone interface means.

7. The multiple input processor of claim 2, wherein said first signal source means includes said telephone interface means, for transmitting an audio signal from a telephone line to said audio bus.

3. A multiple input processor for a cable television system, said cable television system of a type including a head end and plurality of receivers for receiving radio frequency signals from said head end, said receivers including means for converting said radio frequency signals to audible audio signals, comprising:

a first signal source means for providing at least one audio signal input for transmission to said receivers, connected to an audio bus means;

a second signal source means for providing at least one audio signal input for transmission to said receivers, connected to said audio bus means;

programmable processing means connected to said audio bus means, for processing said audio signal inputs from said first and second sources and selectively transmitting the processed signals to a modulator means; and

modulator means for receiving processed audio signals and converting them into a radio frequency signal for broadcast to said receivers;

said first signal source means including a radio receiver set at a predetermined radio frequency for receiving a signal input and providing an audio signal to said processing means.

4. The multiple input processor of claim 3, wherein said second signal source means includes a radio receiver set at a second predetermined radio frequency for receiving a signal input and providing an audio signal to said processing means.

5. The multiple input processor of claim 4, further comprising:

a third signal source means for providing at least one audio signal input for transmission to said receivers, connected to said audio bus means;

said processing means including means for processing audio signal inputs from said third source and selectively transmitting the processed signals to said modulator means.

6. The multiple input processor of claim 5, wherein said third signal source means includes a telephone interface means connected to said audio bus and said processing means, for transmitting audio signals from a telephone line to said audio bus.