Entertainment and information systems and related management networks for a remote video delivery system

• US 6,167,443 A
• Filed: 10/19/1999
• Issued: 12/26/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 01/22/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Maximus Multimedia International, LLC
• Original Assignee: SVI Systems Inc.
• Inventors: Owens, Dennis M., Decker, Donald E., Norcott, Alfred A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Faile, Andrew I.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Tran, Hai V.
• Application Number:
  US09/421,156
• Time in Patent Office: 434 Days
• Field of Search: 348/8-13, 709/219, 455/5.1, 455/4.2
• US Class Current: 709/219
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/61 for local area broadcast, e.g. instore broadcast
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/106 for domestic distribution
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/18 Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast

Abstract

A remote video delivery system transmits video and text from a hotel office to hotel rooms. A series of video players generates the video signals to modulators. The modulators transmit the signals on various frequencies. A system controller directs the signals from the modulators to the appropriate converter boxes within the rooms. An outside vendor runs a billing system to charge the guests for the video delivery without the need for involvement by the hotel staff.

Claims

1. A method for customizing preview programming for viewing at multiple local installation systems, wherein each of said local installation systems compiles its own customized preview programming based upon commands received from a remote central operations, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a master record of preview programs which includes multiple preview programs;

providing a data playback device for receiving said master record and controllably playing preview programs upon demand in association with each local installation system;

providing a system controller in association with each local installation system which periodically receives commands from said remote central operations dictating the order in which any number of said preview programs are to be played;

coupling said data playback device to said system controller whereupon said system controller directs said data playback device to play said preview programs in the order provided by said central system controller;

transmitting said previews to monitors at a hotel for viewing by system users.

2. A method for customizing preview programming according to claim 1 wherein said said preview programs are stored in compressed format.

3. A method for customizing preview programming according to claim 1, said method further comprising the step of decompressing said preview programs.