CA2017876C

CA2017876C - Apparatus for controlling a television receiver

Info

Publication number: CA2017876C
Application number: CA002017876A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Jack Beery
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1989-05-31
Filing date: 1990-05-30
Publication date: 2000-07-25
Anticipated expiration: 2010-05-30
Also published as: EP0401015A2; EP0401015A3; US5045947A; CA2017876A1; USRE35952E

Abstract

A television control system is for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation. A tuner (18) receives mufti-channel input signal (20), and in response to a processor signal, tunes out all but one selected channel. A memory (28) stares at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for the channel tuning designations. An operator-actuated control means (26) generates a first data signal representative of a desired channel select designation for one of the channel tuning designations, and a second data signal representative of a desired viewing channel identified by one of the channel select designations. A
processor (30) receives the first data signal from the control means, and in response, causes the memory to store the desired channel select designation as corresponding to the tuning designation. Upon receipt of the second data signal, the processor retrieves from the memory the channel tuning designation corresponding to the channel select designation, and generates the processor signal to correspond to the channel tuning designation.

Description

~i~.~~~~'~r~~
APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING A TELEVTSION RECEIVER
The present invention relates generally ~to devices for viewer.control of a television receiver and, more particularly, to such a control adapted especially for use with cable television service.
Historically, television channels have been identified by channel numbers, which numbers correspond both to a particular frequency with which the television signals are broadcast, and to a numerical designation on the controls ~f the television receiver. Specific channel numbers have been assigned to television broadcasting stations by governmental control agencies so as to minimize interference among the limited number of channels in use, typically by insuring adequate geographic separation between stations of the same channel number.' With the advent of cable television service in recent years, proper separation between different stations having the same channel number designation may no longer be possible.
Certain stations which may broadcast on a particular numbered channel in their local area have become regionally or nationally distributed channels through cable service. Further, other channels have become available only on cable service, providing movie, sports and similar special programming. Such channels are typically not associated with any traditional channel number.
Hecause cable television service provides its channels on frequencies which are different from traditional over-the-air broadcasting, it has become common practice for cable subscribers to tuns their television receivers to a desired channel using other than the normal tuning system. Even in the case of so-called "cable ready" receivers, the tuning band is different from that used in the absence of cable. Thus, cable service providers assign stations to channels available witr:in the cable frequency band. These channels are numerical, like those for over-the-air broadcasting, although the total number of such channels may be different.

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In general, cable providers assign over-the-air stations available on cable service to cable channels having the same numbers as the non-cable designation. For example, a channel "7" which may be received on the VHF broadcast band will be provided by the cable service on Cable Channel "7". However, it is not uncommon for more than one channel to be available on cable service having identical Channel designations. For example, two stations may be available with both identified for over-the-air broadcasting as channel "1°7". Further, some cable channels are not available as over-the-air broadcasts in any locations. These Channels may not have any numerical Channel associated with them, but may be designated by a single word (e. g., "WEATHER," "NEWS," etC.), Or by an acronym {e. g., "HBO,"
"ESPN,'° etC.j.
As a result, cable service providers assign the various channels to numerical designations which may or may not Correspond to the over-the-air channel designations with which the viewer is more likely to be familiar. A conversion chart must therefore be provided to the viewer, to enable him to locate 2t~ the proper numerical designation for the desired Channel. This can be awkward and inconvenient for the viewer, particularly in metropolitan areas having more than one cable service provider, or for travelers and others who may not be familiar with the local system.
25 A similar problem exists for television viewers who receive programming with a satellite .receiver. Indeed, the tuning designations of the satellite receiver are even less likely to have some Correspondence to the conventional, over-the-air channel designations of the desired programming.
What is needed, therefore, is a means by which cable and satellite television control devices may be made more Convenient for the viewer. In particular, such means should enable con'crol of television viewing using channel designations which match those with which the viewer is familiar, such as ,.

those published in a local newspaper, or other designations which are more meaningful to the viewer.
Accordingly, the invention in one aspect provides a method of controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a mufti-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation upon receipt of a channel tuning control signal, comprising the steps of:
generating using an operator-actuated control means a first control output signal comprising a first data set representative of at least one desired channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations;
storing in a memory said channel select designation as corresponding to the respective one of said channel tuning designations;
generating using said operator-actuated control means a second control output signal comprising a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations;
retrieving from said memory the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation; and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation.
In a further aspect the invention provides a system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a mufti-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation upon receipt of a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising:
memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations;

operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations;
processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and upon receipt of said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation;
wherein said memory means includes means for initially storing a channel select designation for each of said channel tuning designations which is identical thereto;
said operator-actuated control means including means for generating a memory clear signal;
said processor means including means for receiving said memory clear signal, and in response thereto, clearing said memory and restoring therein said channel select designation for each of said channel tuning designations which is identical thereto.
In a still further aspect the invention provides a system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television -S-channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation upon receipt of a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising:
memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations;
operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations;
processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and upon receipt of said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation;
wherein said memory means includes means for storing more than one of said channel select designations corresponding to a single one of said channel tuning designations.
In a still further aspect the invention provides a system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation upon receipt of a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising:

memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations;
first operator-actuated control means for generating a first control output signal comprising a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations;
second operator-actuated control means distinct and remotely located from said first operator-actuated control means for generating a second control output signal comprising a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations;
processor means for receiving said first and second control output signals from said first and second operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and upon receipt of said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation.
In a still further aspect the invention provides a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising:
tuner means for receiving a processor signal and a mufti-channel input signal, and in response to said processor signal, tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning designations;
memory means for storing at least one marker/order bit for at least one of said channel tuning designations, for retaining said channel tuning designations in an ordered cue;
operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of the presence of said marker/order bit associated with one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel tuning designation within said cue;
processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store any of said marker/order bits associated with one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to the respective place of said channel tuning designation within said cue, and in response to said second data set, reviewing said cue to determine a next in order of said channel tuning designations to have one of said marker/order bits associated therewith, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said next channel tuning designation.
In a still further aspect the invention provides a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising:
tuner means for receiving a processor signal and a mufti-channel input signal, and in response to said processor signal, tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning _g_ designations;
memory means for storing a marker value for at least one of said channel tuning designations, and means for retaining said channel tuning designations in a plurality of ordered cues;
operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of the presence of said marker value associated with one of said channel tuning designations and one of said cues, and (b) a second data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel tuning designation within a selected one of said cues;
processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said.memory means to store any of said marker values associated with one of said channel tuning designations, and upon receipt of said second data set, reviewing the corresponding one of said cues to determine a next of said channel tuning designations to have one of said marker values associated therewith which corresponds to said cue, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said next channel tuning designation.

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_g_ Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, reference will now be made to the .accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the television control system of the present invention incorporated into a television receiver;
20 Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a portion of 'the television control system located within a remote control unit:
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a remote control unit which may be used with the control system of Figs. 1 and 2; and Fig. 4, Fig. 5 (comprising Figs. 5A and 5B), Fig. 6 (comprising Figs. ~A and 6B) and Fig. 7 (comprising Figs. 7A and 7B) are flowchart diagrams of a program for operating the control system of the present invention.
A general block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the present invention may be seen generally by reference to Fig.
1. In general, the circuitry comprising the various blocks as shown in Fig. 1 are conventional, and the detailed design of the individual circuits will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in such circuitry.
The television system includes a screen 10, under immediate control of picture control circuitry 12 which for description purposes includes various power supply circuits, raster scan circuits, color control circuits and the like which are conventional and typically associated with a television receiver. A speaker 14 or other sound output means receives an audio output signal from audio control circuitry 15, again which includes conventional and typical circuitry including power supply, amplifier, audio filter and similar circuits.
A tuner 18 receives a mufti-channel input at 20 and tunes out all but a selected channel for viewing. It will be recognized that the mufti-channel input received by tuner 18 at 20 may be a convention cable input signal, but may also be the input signal received from a satellite transmission receiver.
Moreover, the present invention may be used with any television input signal, including a conventional over-the-air broadcast signal received through a conventional antenna.
Tuner 3g, and indeed, audio cantrol 16 and picture control 12, operate under the control of processing unit 22, which may be any conventional programmable microprocessor or l0 other means capable of receiving input control signals and producing a corresponding autput control signal. Processing unit 22 in turn is controlled by an operator-actuated control means.
In a preferred embodiment, aperator-actuated control means includes a hand-held remote control unit, illustrated in block diagram form in Fig. 2. Input from the remote unit is received, in a preferred embodiment, in the form of infrared transmissions by infrared receiver 24. This input is in turn supplied to processing unit 22. As an alternative, input may he received from a local control 26, such as a keypad or other control means located on the television receiver. Preferably, local control 26 may be provided in addition to a remote control means.
Processing unit 22 includes memory 28 for storing the control program for controlling the television receiver, control processor 30 for receiving input from memory 28 and operator input from either infrared receiver 24 or local control 26 and executing the control program, and output interface 32 for directing the output from control processor 30 to the appropriate circuits. As is known, these components may be located on one or more integrated circuit chips as appropriate.
cane embodiment for a remote control unit may be seen by reference to Fig. 2. The remote unit operates under control of its own processing unit 34, which may be for example a microprocessor located on a single integrated circuit chip.
Connected to processor unit 34 is an alphanumeric keypad 36 for ~~1~"~~'i~
operator input.
In one preferred embodiment, the remote unit is cordless, i.e., without physical connection to the television receiver. Thus, processing unit 36 is connected to a transmitter 38 which generates, preferably, an infrared s3~gna1 containing the control information. Such information is transmitted to the television receiver unit, being received by receiver 24. Of course, alternative means for transmitting the control signals to the television receiver may be used, such as by other than to infrared radiation or ultrasonic waves. Zn addition, a cable could be used connecting the remote unit to the television receiver.
Associated with processing unit 34 may be a memory 40 which includes some portion of the control data for use in controlling the television receiver. This memory 40 may carry out some functions in place of or in addition to some portion of memory 28.associated with the system control processor 30 of the processing unit 22 for the television receiver. As another option, a local display 42 may be provided for displaying 2o commands as they are entered through the keypad 3~, or for displaying control information concerning the television receiver or its tuning.
An important feature of the present invention is the memory available as memory 28 and/or as memory 40. These memories are connected to system control processor 30 and processing unit 34, respectively. At least one of these memories can be both read and written by the corresponding processor, and i~ preferably an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EE PROM), or a non-volatile random access memory (zJtT
3o RAM), the latter preferably equipped with a battery-powered back up. Either of these alternatives are well known to those skilled in the art, and are readily commercially available.
The invention enables the user of the television receiver to select a desired channel using a channel designation ~~~~.'7~"d which the user or some other operator has previously chosen for the particular channel desired. This designat:~on may be different from the designation assigned by the cable service provider or governmental agency. Tn this way, the user can select a designation (or °°select code'°) which makes sense to the individual user. Such a designation may be comprised of numeric characters, alphabetic characters, or both. Afterwards, appropriate keys on the keypad 36 of the remote unit are actuated for channel selection. Alternatively, appropriate controls in , local control 26 may be actuated for channel selection.
It should be recognized that channel designations other than alpha-/numeric characters could be used. ~'or example, the remote unit keypad 36 could .include a series of °°preset°' keys as is common in radio receivers, possibly coded or designated by key shape, color or the like, which 'the user could program to correspond to certain desired channels. (Such presets, as with channel designations comprised of characters, could be associated with a "display code" as defined below.) To facilitate. further description of the present invention, the following terminology will be used as defined:
''Channel code°° is the numerical (and perhaps also alphabetic) tuner designation at which a particular signal may be found. Such characters are the conventional input to a television receiver control system.
"Select code'° is the channel designation chosen by the viewer for subsequent use in selecting a particular channel.
"Display code" is a series of alpha-/numeric characters chosen by the viewer for subsequent display on the television screen or a display panel as a channel is chosen using the select code. The display code may, but does not have to, be different from the select code.
°'Cue" is the listing in memory of the various programmed entries made by the viewer, wherein each select code is stored along with its corresponding channel code and display ~~1"'"~~t°"~~

code.
A preferred embodiment for 'the layout of keypad 36 may be seen on the remote unit shown in Fig. 3. As can be seen, keypad 36 may be mounted in an appropriate housing 44 also containing a power source (not shown for the remote unit such as a dry cell battery. The keypad includes various specific keys, each with its designation imprinted thereon. hor example, alpha-numeric keys 46 for numerals 0-9 are provided. Alphabetic characters may be provided by the numeric keys as well, with most numeric keys alsa including up to three alphabetic designations per key. For instances where it is important to specify a particular alphabetic character, "alpha" keys 48, 50 and 52 are provided. An input from "alpha 1" key 48, for example, will indicate to processor 30 that the next key input will be one of the alpha-/numeric keys 46, and that such key should be interpreted as the first alphabetic character on 'the particular key. For instance, "alpha 2°' followed by the "5" key will represent the character °'M". Similarly, °'alpha 2°' followed by "4" will represent the character "K~'.
Keypad 36 also includes several special keys. The oa~l~,a~.°° key 54 and "enter°' key 56 are used in programming memory 28 and/or 40, as will be described below. Other keys conventional in remote television control devices may be provided, such as a channel advance or °'scroll" key 58 to step through a series of channel selections.
Also for use in programming memory 28 and/or 40 is a "program" switch 60, which may for example be a canventional slide switch. Switch 60 is used to alert processor 30 and/or processing unit 34, as will be described below, that input keystrokes are to be used in programm9.ng the memory.
Tt will, of course, be recognized that the remote unit shown in Fig. 3 includes only those controls critical to the system as described herein. It will be readily apparent that other controls may be provided in a known manner on the remote i :~..'~, ~'~' r14-control unit, such as power on/off and audio volume and muting controls.
It will further be recognized that ether means of inputing alpha characters using the keypad 36 may be used. for a example, more or less than three °°alpha°° keys 48, 50 and 52 may be provided. A complete set of 26 dedicated alphabetic keys may also be provided.
It will also be realized that while the television control input device is described herein as keys and the like located on a remote control unit, similar controls may be physically located on the television receiver itself. Such controls may be in addition to or in place of those incorporated into a remote unit.
Operation of the control system is in accordance with a program resident in either system control processor 300 located within the television receiver, or processing unit 34 located within the remote unit. Advantages to either location will be apparent to those skilled in the art, although it may be noted that operation of the control system by the remote control processor enables the control system to function as a °'universal°°
remote; that is, the remote control unit incorporating the control system described herein may be used with any television receiver capable of being remotely controlled. This permits the remote control to be manufactured by one other than the television manufacturer, whereas controlling the system from the television receiver as a practical matter requires the remote to be produced by the television manufacturer. On the other hand, this configuration simplifies or eliminates the processing unit 34 from the remote unit.
A preferred embodiment for the control program, regardless of which processor executes the program, may be seen by reference to Figs. 4-?. The control system operates in either a °°channel selection°' mode, wherein the operator selects the desired viewing channel using channel designations (select codes) ~.~,~_ which the operatar has p~°eviously assigned, or in a '°program'°
mode, wherein the select code assignments are anade, changed, reviewed and the like. This natter mode will he described first, with specific reference made to Fig. 4.
The program mode operates in the preferred embodiment as an interrupt: i.e., the program operates in its normal, program selectioxa mod until the lara~aan sw~it~a 60 is actuated.
At such tine, t3~e program iranediately ~oncsves °t~a -the routine shown in Fig. 4 beginning at block 62. Conversely, l~he program mode routine may be interrupted at any time by actuating the program switch 60 to return the control to the normal channel selection made.
At block 64° the operator is prompted "SELECT TV CHAN"
to indicate whether he wishes to assign a channel selection code.
An z~ppropriate response in the form of ~°~." for yes and "0" far Trod followed by the enter key (,blocks ,6~ seed ~8) is entered. if yes, the program moves (block ~fl) t~ the se3:e~t code entry routine shown in Fig. 5. If no, the program prompts the operator in block fit for °'SELECT CITE" wherein the operator may review the cue of previously assigned select and display codes. A response of ~'1" for yes axed "0" for na is gollowed by the enter key, blocks 7~ and 7~, whexeafter the program eithex moves to the select cue routixae (block 78) shozan in fig. E, or displays a "CLEAR PI20GRAM'° prompt at block 80. This prompt gives the operator the roptign to ent~.:x~ely:~c3:ear t~aewneanory of select and display codes.
In response to this prompt, the operator enters °'1°' for yes and "0" for no, followed by the enter key, blocks 82 and 84.
If the zesponse is no ("0"), the program reverts to the "SELECT
~0 TV CHAr3" prompt at block ~4. If, on the other hand, the response is yes ("1"), the operator is given a cDnfirmation prompt of °'ARE
YOU SITRE?" ~ black 86, t~ whach -the vieiaer responds with "3." or ''0" followed by tire enter key~ blocks 88 and 90. Only if an affirmative response is received will the me~a~ary be cleared, y 11.'~~ ~'~~
-~ 16--block 92. Tn the preferred embodiment, clearing of the memory substitutes codes wherein the select code is made equal to the tuning channel so that 'the television receiver may be used in a conventional manner.
Referring now to Fig. 5 (comprising Figs. 5A and SBj, the select code entry routine may be seen. This routine is entered from block 70 in Fig, 4, and commences with block 94 whereat the operator is prompted °°TV CHANNEL = ~ ~ ~°'.
In response, the operator enters the characters (typically numeric) corresponding to the tuner designation (or °'channel cede"j for the desired channel, block 96. Upon receipt of an "enter'°
keystroke, block 98, the entered channel code is temporarily stored in memory, block 100, while the channel cue is checked to determine whether any select nodes have been previously assigned to the channel on a restricted (or password) basis.
cane feature of the present invention is the ability to designate particular channels such that they may only be selected by entry of a password. Any selectable channel may be made such a restricted channel, thereby enabling, for example, a parent to restrict access to certain channels by children. As will be seen from the further description of the preferred embodiment, such feature can be readily incorporated iota the control system of the present invention.
As noted, when a particular channel code is entered for assigning a select code thereto, a check is made to determine whether this channel has previously been assigned a restricted access (password required) select code. This is to ensure that a restricted channel is not assigned both a restricted and unrestricted select code, thereby defeating the restricted access. Tf the channel has been made restricted, a message '°RESTRTCTED CHANNEL°° is displayed as flashing on the remote control unit da.splay or on the television screen, block 102. The operator in response actuates the "clear" key 54, block 104, whereafter the program returns to block 94 to request entry of a ~~ ~v..'~~~"~~
tuner channel.
If the requested tuner channel has not been previously made restricted, as determined at block 100, tree operator is .prompted (block 106) with °°SELECT = _ _, _ _ _ ~ °' ~
In response, the operator enters his desired select code of up to six characters, block 108, followed by the enter kE:y, block 110. A
check is made at block 7.12 as to whether the entered select code has been previously used and if so, a flashing display "PREVIOUS
USE" is shown (block 114) until the user actuates the "clear°' key (block 1.15) .
In the preferred embodiment, a select code may contain a maximum of six characters, although a code for a restricted channel must contain six characters and an unrestricted channel code must include less than six. Of course, it will be recognized that any other means may be used for distinguishing between restricted and unrestricted channels, but in the program of the preferred embodiment, a check of the entered code is next made at block 11.8 to determine whether the entered select code includes six characters. If less than six characters are found, indicating a nonrestricted node, the program moves to block 1.20.
One further feature of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is the ability to select a display code which differs from the select code used by.the operator to choose a channel for viewing. When a channel is selected for viewing, the display code is displayed either on the hand held remote display, on a display associated with the television receiver controls, or directly on the television screen. As can be seen, the display code may be entirely different from the select code (but need not be), so that the operator may choose, for example, the channel number of the selected channel to be displayed along with the station call letters, network affiliation, or other description.
Thus, at black 120, the user is prompted °'DISPZ.~AY =
with a maximum display of six characters provided in this embodiment. The operator enters these characters at block 122, -xs-actuates the enter key at block 124, and the display code is temporarily stored at block 126.
Yet another feature of the preferred embodiment is the .
ability of the operator to designate only certain channels to be placed into a ''scrall°' so that the operator may later "scroll" by actuating a single key through a number of fre~xaaently watched channels. Those channels to be placed in the scroll are flagged with a marker bit. Thus, at block 228, the operator is presented the opportunity to so mark the channel by responding to the ' prompt ''SCROLL ENABLE°°. At block 130, the user reSporids with °'1°' to enable scrolling of the channel and ''0" to not enable, followed by the enter key at 132.
The program the enters the channel code, select code, display code and scroll marker into the channel selection cue in the alpha-numeric order of select code. The program then returns to the point at which the program interrupt was initiated.
It is possible, in addition to the entries made as described above, to provide for entry along with the marker bit one or more order bits. Such entry makes it possible for the operator to predetermine the order of channels during scrolling.
Details of the various means by which such a feature could be provided are within the ardinary level of skill within the art.
If, at block 118, the program determines that the entered select code includes six characters, thereby signifying a restricted channel, the program branches to block 136 where a check is made to determine whether any. other select codes exist for this tuner channel. If same other select code is noted, indicating that the channel is not in fact a restricted channel, a display is presented at block 138 such as ''NOT RESTRICTED
CHANNEL°°. Once the operator clears this display using the clear key, black 3.40, the program returns to block 94.
If the tuner channel does not have a select code already associated therewith, the operator is.prompted at block 142 with ''RESTRICTED CF1ANNEL?°' to insure that the operator ~~~~'~~'l~

intends for the particular channel to be restricted. The operator responds at block 144 with °'1" for ''yes" or °'0°° for "no", followed by the enter key at block 146. If the response Was "0", a display of "TOO A9ANY DIGITS°° is shown at black 148, until the cperatpr actuates the °'clear°' key afi: block 150 to return the program to block 94. If the response was °'1", the operator is next prompted at block 152 with "L)ISPLAY = _ ~ _. _ _°°. The operator enters, block 154, the desired display code to be presented whenever the channel in question is selected, followed by the enter key at block 156.
At block 158, the program then enters the tuner channel, select code, and display code into the memory cue. This data is preferably entered in order of tuner channel designation, to further make difficult entry of the select code by an unauthorized operator. The program then pauses until the program switch is actuated t4 take the apparatus out of the control mode. .
The final portion of the program mode of the control system is the "SCROLL SELECT°', entered form block ?8 of Fig. 4, and which enables the operator to review the memory cue and cedes contained therein. Referring now to Fig. 6 (comprising Figs. 6A
and 6Bj, the program initially begins at the top of the cue, block 160, and displays the initial entry, showing its channel code, select code, display code and whether a marker bit has been entered for scrolling during channel selection. A sample display for an unrestricted channel selec~tian is shown in black 162.
At this point, the operator may enter, block 164, either the "scroll" key or the "clear°° key. In the former case, the program simply scrolls ahead to the next item in the cue, block 166. In the latter, the operator is prompted with °°nELETE, Y=1 N=0°', black 168. The operator then enters either "1" or °°0", block 170, followed by the enter key, block 172. If the operator chooses "1°', the cue entry is deleted, block 174, and the program scrolls forward to the next entry in the cue, block 166. If the operator chooses "0", the program returns to block 162 where the ;;
-2 0~-cue entry is simply displayed.
It should be noted that in a preferred embodiment, preprogrammed entries in memory are provided initially wherein the select code and display code are simply ~th~e same as the channel code. These entries are written over as select codes are chosen for the various channels. However, in 'the event all display codes for a given channel are deleted, the memory may be designed to reinstate the original entry far that channel code, so that such channel may be chosen by entering its tuner designation. A particular advantage of this feature is that the remote unit may be operated immediately to control the television receiver without programming.
A sample cue display for a restricted channel may be seen in block 176. It will be noted that the select code is shown as '°S=XXXXXX'°, with the characters "X" used in place of the actual characters of the code. The operator enters, at block 178, either the °'scroll" or °°clear'° key, with use of the scroll key advancing the scroll to the next item in the cue, block 180.
If the clear key is used, the prompt '°DEhETE Y=1, N=0" is shown, block 182. The operator enters '°1" or "0°', block 18~, followed by the enter key, block 186. If nOu is entered, the original.
display is again shown, block 176. If °°1°° is entered, the operator is prompted °°ENTER SECRET CODE NOw", block 188, whereafter the operator must xespond with the same secret code used to select the restricted channel followed by the enter key, block 190. Only if the correct code is ewtered is 'the entry deleted from the cue, black 192. Entry of an incorrect code returns the program to block 176. After deleting the entry, the program moves to the next record in the cue, block 182.
In the normal channel selection mode of operation, channels may be selected either by select code entry or by scrolling. In the case of scrolling, no flowchart is presented due to the simplicity of the operation. Each time the "scroll°' key is actuated, the program advances to the next item in the --z m cue. This entry is checked for the presence of a marker bit. If none is found, the program simply advances through the cue until a marker is found. The corresponding channel is then displayed on the screen, and the appropriate display code is also presented. Such routine is appropriate whether the °'scroll up"
key 58 or the "scroll down°° key 59 is actuated the particular key simply affects the direction of advance through the cue.
Channel selection may be seen by reference to Fig. 7 (comprised of Figs. 7A and 78). For channel selection, the operator enters the select code for the desired channel, followed by the enter key. However, pxpvision is made within the program for selection of the desired channel after entry of less than all the characters of the select code if such characters are unic,~ue to a single code. In ather words, if the user has entered a display code °°225" for a particular channel and no other display code begins with the numeral "2°°, entry of the single character °'2" will cause tuning of the receiver to the channel identified by the full code '°225°°.
Select codes comprising alphabetic characters may be handled in several manners, as wall be appreciated by those skilled in the art, depending upon the details of the program.
As one alternative, a select code may be initially entered using the alphabetic designatians of the keys (and using the.
appropriate °'alpha'° keyss see Fig. 3), but may be recalled for channel selection using only the numeric designations of the corresponding keys. For example, a select code °°ABC" may be originally entered using the keystrokes (see Fig. 3) "alpha 1"
key, C"A (or 1)" key, alpha mm2mm k~,y~ mmB (or 1)me kayo mmalpha 3" key and "C (or 1)" key. Channel selection may be made simply by aOtuating mmln a mm~mm ~ mm~mm Such an approach may be disadvantageous in that it precludes other select codes such as °'111'°, °°CBA°' Or "811°°.
Thus, as a further alternative, the program may be written to permit selection of select codes containing alphabetic characters ~a~:~°~~"~~

using corresponding numerals only if no conflict exists.
Otherwise, the select code must be entered using the °°alpha°°
keys.
Referring now to Fig. 7, the initial character is received at block 194. Tmmediately, the progr<~m checks at block 196 to determine whether more than one non-resi~rf~ted select code begins with the entered character. Restricted ~:hannels are treated as special oases and require entry of sill mix characters, followed by entry of the secret code. If there is no mare than l0 one select code beginning with the entered character, the program checks at block 198 whether there are any entries which begin .with the initial character. If not, an error message is given, block 200, and the program erases the entered character and awaits further input.
Tf at block 198 a single select code beginning with the first character is found, the program moves to block 202 where the select code having the entered initial character is selected from the non-restricted cue. At block 206, further keypad entry is temporarily blocked to avoid processing any further characters, and the selected channel is tuned and the corresponding display code is presented, block 206.
Returning to block 196, if more than one select code begins with the entered initial character, the program proceeds to block. 208 where the next keystroke, either a further character or the enter key, is received. If the keystrokei~ the enter key, the display code has been completely entered (consisting of one character). At block 208, a search for the entered select code is performed, and if such a code is found, the appropriate channel is tuned and display code is presented, block 212. If no such code is found, an error message such as "NO SUCH CODE°° is presented, block 214.
At block 208, the next keystroke may be a second character. As before, at block 216, a check is made as to whether more than one display code begins with the first two characters. If not, and if in fact no such display codes so begin, block 218, the appropriate error massage is shown, block 200. Tf from block 2~.8 a single corresponding select code is found, the corresponding channel is selected, blocks 202, 204 and 206. If more than one select code begins with the two entered characters at block 216, then a third character or an enter key is awaited at block 220.
similar processing of the third and fourth characters, if any, are performed. such operations are not shown in ~'ig. 7 l0 except by broken lines, but will be readily understood.
At block 222, the next entry can be either a fifth character or the enter key following the fourth character. If an enter key, the program proceeds to block 23.0 to work with the entered select code. If a fifth character, there is no need ~to 1~ consider whether more than one non-restricted code begin with the initial five characters since such a situation is not possible, and the pxogram accordingly at block 224 awaits the entry of the enter key or a sixth character. If an enter key is received, the program moves to block 210. If a sixth character is received, 20 the viewer has requested a restricted channel.
After receiving the sixth character at block 224, the program awaits an enter key at block 226. At block 228, the message °'ENTER SECRET CODE" is displayed. The operator enters the secret cods followed by an enter key at block 230, whereafter 25 the code is checked to determine whether it is valid. If the code is correct, the selected channel is tuned and the corresponding display code is shown at block 232. If the code is incorrect, the error message "'ENTER CODE AGAIN" is given at block 234, with the program returning to block 230 to await reentry of 30 the secret code.
Throughout the channel selection routine, entry of the c3.ear key will interrupt the channel selection program and return the program to a standby mode.
Other alternatives to the foregoing program will be Y

readily apparent to those skilled in the art. What is important is that means be provided whereby the user may enter his own selected designations for available channels, and that those user-designated channel identifications be used in selecting a channel for viewing.
However, it will be recognized that the processor, whether incorporated in the television receiver or in a hand-held remote, may be used to perform other tasks in addition to enabling user-designations to identify particular available ~ channels. For example, a clock circuit may be included, whereby restricting of channels unless the proper code is entered may be made necessary only during preselected days and/or times. In this way, parents for example may preclude children from viewing particular programs while leaving the channel in question available at other times, The manner in which the processor may be programmed to carry out this feature will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.
Another additional feature may be incorporated with respect to the '°scroll°° ability of the control system.
As described in connection with the preferred embodiment, a single, binary marker bit is used whereby a single scroll order is provided. However, it will be recognized that a multiple bit marker may be used. In such a case, it will be possible to create mare than one scroll sequence. Such sequences may be used to create subject matter scrolls ~e.g., news, educational programming, entertainment programming.and the like), or individual scroll sequences for each member of the same household.
Further, the preferred embodiment is described as incorporating an easily accessible program switch. It should be recognized, however, that the present invention may also be used in embodiments wherein programming of the control system, while similar in operating concept, is more difficult to carry out.
For example, hotels may wish to locate programming switches as DTP switches or the like positioned internally of the television receiver and/or remote unit to prevent guests from programming the units in a nonuniform manner. Alternatively, programming could be carried out remote from the unit, such as by utilizing a removable chip for the system memory. As yet a further alternative, the television receiver could include an accessible data port. ~n such a case, again using a hotel as an example, access to "premium" channels such as movie channels could be authorized only by office personnel through the data port.
A further alternative to programming the control system through a data port is to program the system through the cable itself. Such an alternative might be useful, for example, where the cable service company itself wishes to program its subscriber's control systems to match the designations it uses for channels which it provides, or the designations used by local newspapers in providing program information. One cable channel could be reserved for transmitting the necessary data.. The control system would be made responsive to such channel either on a periodic basis, or upon receiving an instruction to program itself from the incoming data stream.
One cable provider may wish to provide multiple programmed series, useful for example where a cable provider serves an area covered by newspapers using different designations in their television listings. While this approach coaald be implemented in a number of ways, one possibility is to reserve a separate cable channel for each channel designation series. This would in fact enable the user to select the series desired, by tuning to the appropriate channel for programming of the control unit.
It has been mentioned that similar controls may be provided both, on a remote control unit and on the television receiver itself. This may require separate programming of each control system for the same television -receiver. As an alternative to this approach, the remote unit may be provided ~~:~v'~~3'"~~

with a memory which serves merely to store the control data as it is being entered. The memory contents are subsequently dumped to a memory associated with the controls located on the television receiver. Channel select codes subsequently entered at the remote are simply passed through to the receiver's cantrols, where channel selection is made in a manner as already described.
Hence, the remote serves to "teach'° the television receiver.
This approach will be particularly useful where the uaer wishes to program two or more television receivers. once the remote has received the programming information, the remote may be used to teach any number of television receivers.
Specific implementation of any of the alternatives described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and may be accomplished using techniques well known in the art of circuit design.
It will also be recognized that while frequent reference is made herein to a ''television receiver°', such reference is intended to include not only conventional television sets, but also videocassette recorders, satellite receivers, or any other apparatus capable of tuning a television signal from a multiple-channel source.

Claims

1. A method of controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a mufti-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation upon receipt of a channel tuning control signal, comprising the steps of:
generating using an operator-actuated control means a first control output signal comprising a first data set representative of at least one desired channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations;
storing in a memory said channel select designation as corresponding to the respective one of said channel tuning designations;
generating using said operator-actuated control means a second control output signal comprising a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations;
retrieving from said memory the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation; and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of generating said first control output signal is performed by a first person, and wherein said step of generating said second control output signal is performed by a second person.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of generating said first control output signal is performed by a first person, and wherein said desired channel select designation is predetermined by a second person.

4. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation upon receipt of a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising:
memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations;
operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations;
processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and upon receipt of said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation;
wherein said memory means includes means for initially storing a channel select designation for each of said channel tuning designations which is identical thereto;
said operator-actuated control means including means for generating a memory clear signal;
said processor means including means for receiving said memory clear signal, and in response thereto, clearing said memory and restoring therein said channel select designation for each of said channel tuning designations which is identical thereto.

5. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation in response to a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising:
memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations;
operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations;
processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and in response to said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation;
said memory means including means for initially storing a channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations which is identical thereto.

6. A television control system as defined in claim 5, wherein said memory means includes means for storing, for a plurality of said channel tuning designations, a channel select designation for each of said plurality of channel tuning designations which is identical thereto.

7. A television control system as defined in claim 6, wherein said multi-channel input includes a plurality of active channels, said memory means including means for storing a channel select designation for each of said active channels which is identical thereto.

8. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation upon receipt of a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising:
memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations;
operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations;
processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and upon receipt of said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation;
wherein said memory means includes means for storing more than one of said channel select designations corresponding to a single one of said channel tuning designations.

9. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation upon receipt of a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising:
memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations;
first operator-actuated control means for generating a first control output signal comprising a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations;
second operator-actuated control means distinct and remotely located from said first operator-actuated control means for generating a second control output signal comprising a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations;
processor means for receiving said first and second control output signals from said first and second operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and upon receipt of said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation.

10. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation upon receipt of a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising:
memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations;
first operator-actuated control means for generating a first control output signal comprising a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations;
means for receiving said first data set and causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation;
second operator-actuated control means distinct and remotely located from said first operator-actuated control means for generating a second control output signal comprising a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations;
processor means for receiving said second control output signal from said second operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt thereof, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation.

11. In a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising:
tuner means for receiving a processor signal and a multi-channel input signal, and in response to said processor signal, tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning designations;
memory means for storing at least one marker/order bit for at least one of said channel tuning designations, for retaining said channel tuning designations in an ordered cue;
operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of the presence of said marker/order bit associated with one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel tuning designation within said cue;
processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store any of said marker/order bits associated with one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to the respective place of said channel tuning designation within said cue, and in response to said second data set, reviewing said cue to determine a next in order of said channel tuning designations to have one of said marker/order bits associated therewith, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said next channel tuning designation.

12. In a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising:
tuner means for receiving a processor signal and a multi-channel input signal, and in response to said processor signal, tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning designations;
memory means for storing at least one marker bit for at least one of said channel tuning designations, for retaining said channel tuning designations in an ordered cue;
operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of the presence of said marker bit associated with one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel tuning designation within said cue;
processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store any of said marker bits associated with one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to the respective place of said channel tuning designation within said cue, and upon receipt of said second data set, reviewing said cue to determine a next in order of said channel tuning designations to have one of said marker bits associated therewith, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said next channel tuning designation;
said memory means including means for storing at least one order bit for each of said channel tuning designations which have one of said marker bits associated therewith which comprises said means for retaining said channel tuning designations in said ordered cue;
said processor means, upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store an order bit associated with said channel tuning designation which has one of said marker bits associated therewith corresponding to the respective place of said channel tuning designation within said cue, and upon receipt of said third data signal, determining said next of said channel tuning designations which have one of said marker bits associated therewith by reviewing said order bits.

13. In a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising:
tuner means for receiving a processor signal and a multi-channel input signal, and in response to said processor signal, tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning designations;
memory means for storing a marker value for at least one of said channel tuning designations, and means for retaining said channel tuning designations in a plurality of ordered cues;
operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of the presence of said marker value associated with one of said channel tuning designations and one of said cues, and (b) a second data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel tuning designation within a selected one of said cues;
processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store any of said marker values associated with one of said channel tuning designations, and upon receipt of said second data set, reviewing the corresponding one of said cues to determine a next of said channel tuning designations to have one of said marker values associated therewith which corresponds to said cue, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said next channel tuning designation.

14. A television control apparatus as defined in claim 13, wherein said control means further includes means for generating a cue selection signal corresponding to one of said cues, and wherein said processor means, upon receipt of said cue selection signal reviews the one of said cues corresponding thereto.