Television system in a digital or analog network

• US 5,905,521 A
• Filed: 11/06/1995
• Issued: 05/18/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 11/09/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Dominique Bertrand, IGT (International Game Technology)
• Original Assignee: Dominique Bertrand, Jean-Marie Gatto
• Inventors: Bertrand, Dominique, Gatto, Jean Marie
• Primary Examiner(s): Tung, Bryan
• Assistant Examiner(s): DIEP, NHON THANH
• Application Number:
  US08/554,436
• Time in Patent Office: 1,289 Days
• Field of Search: 348/12, 348/13, 348/17, 348/18, 348/19, 345/327, 325/200.47, 325/200.48, 325/200.49, 455/3.1, 455/4.1, 455/4.2, 455/5.1, 455/6.3
• US Class Current: 725/95
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising

Abstract

An economic television system used in a digital or analog network (24) incorporating at least one user identification device, at least monodirectional or bidirectional connector to data systems and at least one image, sound and data decompression and/or compression element. This system also comprises at least one instantaneous acquisition means. Application to the fields of interactive multitransactions, remote monitoring, simultaneous transaction or other communications uses.

Claims

1. An "intelligent" television system linked with data processing systems by means of a digital or analog network, the intelligent television system comprising:

a standard television receiver integrated with a set of modules, including;

an encoding/decoding, compression/decompression module for digital information,

a user identification module,

a control module for controlling the television receiver and operable by a remote control means operated by a user,

a communication module for receiving information from the network permitting return of acknowledgement of receipt signal and for sending information to the network permitting the acceptance of an order,

an input/output module connectable to at least one "non intelligent" peripheral and to a local data processing network,

an interface module connected to at least one camera associated with at least one microphone making it possible to send back a picture and/or a sound chosen by the user,

a processing unit connected to each of said modules, the processing unit connected to a memory being used for processing information transmitted or received by the television receiver; and

a teleloadable "macro-routine" loading module for loading "macro-routines" into the memory for influencing operating parameters of the processing unit.

2. System according to claim 1, further comprising at least one instantaneous acquisition means.

3. System according to claim 1, further comprising a CD-ROM-type optical disk reader.

4. System according to claim 1, further comprising a remote control means.

5. System according to claim 1, further comprising a separate box having:

the encoding/decoding, compression/decompression module of digital information,

the user identification module,

the module for validating an order in conjunction with a control box in the hands of a user,

the communication module,

the processing unit, and

the input/output module.

6. System according to claim 1, wherein the local data processing network comprises a computer used for storing information transmitted or received by the television receiver.

7. System according to claim 6, wherein the television receiver and the computer form an "intelligent" television.

8. System according to claim 1, wherein the television receiver is identified by a unique, internal, specific code number.

9. System according to claim 1, wherein the user identification module is an electronic card reading module.

10. System according to claim 1, wherein the user identification module is a voice module.

11. System according to claim 1, wherein the user identification module is a reception module of a code which can be transmitted by a remote control.

12. System according to claim 1, wherein the microphone and camera are remotely controllable.

13. System according to claim 1, further comprising real time picture and sound processing means permitting editing of all or parts of picture and/or sound and/or data by modification or by substitution.

14. System according to claim 1, further comprising a processing unit permitting control of all transactions, routing of messages from at least one transmitter, sorting of messages sent by the user and return of messages in the desired direction.

15. System according to claim 1, further comprising a memory associated with the processing unit and a disk operating on a read-write basis permitting and extension of the memory.

16. System according to claim 1, further comprising at least one encrypting means associated with the compression/decompression means.

17. System according to claim 1, further comprising at least one electronic translation module.

18. System according to claim 1, wherein the set of modules is located inside the television receiver.

19. System according to claim 1, wherein the set of modules is located in a box separate from the television receiver.