CA1313405C - Message delivery system - Google Patents
Message delivery systemInfo
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- CA1313405C CA1313405C CA000557435A CA557435A CA1313405C CA 1313405 C CA1313405 C CA 1313405C CA 000557435 A CA000557435 A CA 000557435A CA 557435 A CA557435 A CA 557435A CA 1313405 C CA1313405 C CA 1313405C
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- signals
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- command signal
- video
- delivery system
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Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An information transmission system for transmitting signals from a transmitting side through a single transmission line to a plurality of terminal units.
When the terminal units are interrupted by a command signal from the transmitting side, transmission of ordinary information signals to the terminal units is inhibited. When the terminal units are released from the interrupt mode, transmission of ordinary information signals automatically resumes, so that the ordinary information signals are reproduced from the point in time point at which they were interrupted. Normal operation of the terminal units is partially or totally inhibited during the interrupt mode. The system may be embodied in a passenger vehicle, in which a terminal unit is provided at each of a plurality of passenger seats.
An information transmission system for transmitting signals from a transmitting side through a single transmission line to a plurality of terminal units.
When the terminal units are interrupted by a command signal from the transmitting side, transmission of ordinary information signals to the terminal units is inhibited. When the terminal units are released from the interrupt mode, transmission of ordinary information signals automatically resumes, so that the ordinary information signals are reproduced from the point in time point at which they were interrupted. Normal operation of the terminal units is partially or totally inhibited during the interrupt mode. The system may be embodied in a passenger vehicle, in which a terminal unit is provided at each of a plurality of passenger seats.
Description
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PATENT
MESSAGE DELIV~RY SYSTEM
Field of the Invention This invention relates to an information transmission system capable of transmitting in parallel a plurality of video signals, audio signals, and other signals between a central unit and a plurality of terminal units each provided at a different passenger seat in a passenger vehicle, or at a different seat in a stadium, theater, or the like. More particularly, the invention relates to a forced transmission of messages in an ~verride mode in a system of the type described in the preceding sentence.
Backqround of the Invention Aircraft are conventionally provided with an audio/video system to entertain passengers during flights of long duration. Conventional aircraft are further provided with a reading light and an attendant call light for each passenger seat.
However, in conventional aircraft and other passenger vehicles, routine announcements such as explanations regarding the manner in which lif~-~ackets are to be used and so on, are provided only at predetermined times, e.g. before a movie is started or the like.
Further, if an announcement is made ~for example in the event of an emergency) while a movie is being shown, some passengers may miss the announcement while observing the movie.
U.S. Patent 4,584,603,issued April 22, 1986 to Harrison discloses provision of a video display individually on the back of each seat in an alrcraft.
However, U.S. 4,584,603 fails to disclose an override operation for displaying messages or announcements at each video display.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is a message delivery system for transmitting signals to a plurality of terminal units which solves the above-mentioned problems. In a preferred embodiment in which each terminal unit is located at a different passenger seat in a passenger vehicle, the invention comprises:
(a) a head end apparatus comprising means for reproducing video programs, means for reproducing audio programs, means for reproducing messages, controller means having key means for generating a command signal for the messages, modulator means for modulating the video programs, the messages, the audio programs, and the command signal, in different fre~uency bands, respectively, and multiplexer means for multiplexing the modulated video programs, audio programs, messages and command signal;
(b~ a plurality of terminal units each comprising a tuner means for receiving and demodulating the video programs, the audio programs, the messayes and the command signal, a decoder means for decoding the command signal and generating in response to the command signal an override signal for forcing the tuner means to select the frequency band of the messages, a display means, an audio output terminal, a volume control, and a means for selecting the vid~o proyrams and the audio programs;
and (c) means for transmitting the video programs, the audio programs, the messages and the command signal from the head end apparatus to the terminal units.
These and other feature and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment taken in conjunction wi-th the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference numerals designate like elements and parts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a preferred embodiment of a message delivery system according to the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a plan view showing a panel o~ the selection indicating apparatus appearing in Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is a view of two units of the selection indicating apparatus of the invention, each attached to the back of a passenger seat;
Fig. 4 is a block diagram of another preferred ; embodiment of the invention;
Figs. 5A - 5C and 6A - 5D are diagrams showing signal formats used in the invention;
Figs. 7A - 7C are diagrams showing examples of messages of the type displayed by the invention; and Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
An embodiment of a message delivery system according to the present invention will hereinafter be explained with reference to Fig. l. The embodiment of Fig. l is adapted for the transmission of messages, video signals, audio signals, and other signals in an aircraft.
The "transmitting side" (also referred to as the "central control portion" or "central control unit") of invention will first be described w:ith reference to Fig.
1.
In Fig. 1, reference numerals :La to ld designate video tape recorders provided in the transmitting side such as in an aircraft crew's room. ~ideo tape recorder la is used for an override operation and may be loaded with a cassette tape explaining how to put on a life-jacket or the like. Each of video tape recorders lb to ld is loaded with a cassette tape of a video program such as a movie. Each of video tape recorders la to ld is respectively provided with a terminal V for outputting a reproduced video signal and with terminals L, R and A for outputting reproduced audio signals. In an embGdiment in which video tape recorders la to ld store bi-lingual programs, terminals L and R are used for outputting left-channel and right-channel audio signals in a first language, respectively, and terminal A is used for outputting a monaural audio signal in a second language.
Television tuner 2 is provided with a terminal V
for outputting a video signal and terminals L and R for outputting the left and right channels of an audio signal, respectively.
Still picture reproducing apparatus 3 is capable of reproducing still picture information recorded in a compact disk (CD) ROM~ such as maps, an airport guiding drawing, or the like. The still picture reproducing apparatus 3 is provided with a terminal V for outputting a video signal representative of a still picture and a terminal A for outputting an audio signal associated with the still picture.
Audio reproducing apparatus 4a and audio reproducing apparatus 4b each include three sets of compact disk players (CD players) and tape recorders~
The audio reproducin~ apparatus 4a, 4b are respectively provided with six pairs of terminals L and R for outputting left channel and right channel audio signals.
Controller 5 comprises a microphone 5a, a volume control 5b for adjusting the level of an audio signal received at the microphone 5a, an announce key 5c, an override key 5d and pause keys 5e to 5g for setting the video tape recorders lb to ld into a pause or stop mode.
Video signals from the respective terminals V of the video tape recorders la, lb and audio signals from the respective terminals ~, R and A of these recorders are supplied to controller 5. Controller 5 is provided with a terminal V for outputting a video signal and terminals L, R and A for outputtin~ audio signals~ Usually, the terminals V, L, R and A of the controller 5 output the video signal supplied from terminal V of the video tape recorder lb and the audio signals supplied from terminals L, R and A of video tape recorder lb.
However, when the override key 5d is pressed to trigger the override operation, the terminals V, L, R and ~ of the controller 5 output the video signal supplied from terminal V of video tape recorder la and audio signals supplied from terminals L, R and A of video tape recorder la. When the announce key 5c is pressed to initiate the announce operation, an audio signal from microphone 5a is delivered to the output terminal A of controller 5.
CADA encoders 6 and 7 are of the type used in the conventional cable digital audio/data transmission system (CADA system) disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,684,981 issued August 4, 1987. The CADA encoders are capable of time-division-multiplexing a plurality of digital audio and data signals and transmitting the multiplexed signals over a vacant one channel band width (6 MHz) of a CATV, thus transmitting signals (e.g., music) with high efficiency without damaging their quality. Each of CADA encoders 6 and 7 is provided with an A/D
(analog-to-digital) converter and a shift register. The time-division-multiplexing operatioll is carried out by converting a plurality of audio signals into digital signals in the A/D converter, inputting the digital signals in parallel to the shift register at predetermined locations, and then outputting the digital signals from the shift register in series at a high speed. Not only digital audio signals but also control data and data comprising computer soPtware can be multiplexed by the CADA encoders in this manner.
The audio signals delivered to the output terminals L, R and A of controller 5 are supplied to encoder 6.
The audio signals delivered to the output terminals L, R
and A of the video tape recorders lc and ld are also supplied to encoder 6. The audio signals delivered to the output terminals L and R of the tuner 2 and the output terminal A of the still picture reproducing apparatus 3 are also supplied to encoder 6. The audio signals delivered to the six pairs of output terminals L
and ~ of audio reproducing apparatus 4a and the six pairs of output terminals L and R of audio reproducing apparatus 4b are supplied to encoders 6 and 7 through controller 5.
When one of the override key 5d, the announce key 5c, and the pause keys 5e to 5g of the controller 5 is pressed, the controller 5 generates control data SCl having contents corresponding to the pressed key. The control data SC1 is supplied to the encoder 6.
Encoder 6 has output terminals A to E from each of which a pause or stop control signal is outputted in response to the control data SCl. The video tape recorders lb to ld and the audio reproducing apparatus 4a and 4b are respectively controlled by the pause or stop signals delivered from the terminals A to ~ of the encoder 6. More specifically, when the override key 5d and the announce key 5c are pressed, the pause control signal is outputted from all of the terminals A to E, so that the video tape recoxders lb to ld and the audio reproducing apparatus 4a and 4b all enter a pause or stop mode. When the pause keys 5e to 5g are pressed, pau6e or stop control signals are outputted from output terminals A to C, placing the video tape recorders lb to ld into a pause or stop mode, respectively.
~ master controller 8 is provided. Master controller 8 comprises a computer which controls the overall system, and is preferably located in the cabin of the aircraft. Master controller 8 is connected with a display 81 and a keyboard 82. Master controller 8 generates control data SC2 (fox controlling one or more terminal apparatus units located in the receiving side of the system) in response to a command from keyboard 82 and supplies control data SC2 to encoder 6. The control data SC2 may be, for example, data for controlling the luminance of a display in the terminal apparatus, data for polling the conditions of each passenger seat at which a terminal apparatus is located, or other data.
The data can be monitored by the display 81 connected to the master controller 8.
Menu data is written in ROM 9a, and a different set of game data is written in each of ROMs 9b to 9h. Each data signal SD read out from the ROMs 9a to gh (for example, for use with computer software) is supplied to a signal processing circuit lO in which, for example, an error correcting code may be added thereto, and is supplied to encoder 7 thereafter.
Control data signals SCl and SC2 are supplied also to the encoder 7 from the encoder 6.
A time-division-multiplexed signal SCAl emerges from output terminal 0 of encoder 6. Signal SCAl includes the plurality of digitally converted audio signals generated in encoder 6, and the control data SC1 and SC2 supplied to encoder 6~ The signal SCAl is supplied to a modulator llf to be amplitude-modulated, preferably by a VSB (vestigial sideband~ system.
A time-division-multiplexed signal SCA2 emerges from an output terminal 0 of the encoder 7u Signal SCA2 includes the plurality of digitally converted audio signals generated in encoder 7, and the control data (SC1 and SC2) and the signal SD supplied to encoder 7.
The signal S~2 is supplied to modulator llg to be amplitude-modulated, preferably by a VSB system.
The video signal delivered to the output terminal V
of controller 5 is supplied to modulator lla. The audio signal delivered to the terminal A of controller 5 is supplied both to modulator lla and to encodér 6. In modulator lla, an ordinary television signal is generated by frequency modulating the audio signal and frequency~multiplexing the frequency modulated audio signal with the video signal. This television signal is thereafter amplitude-modulated, preferably by a VSB
system.
The video signals delivered to the respective output terminals V of the video tape recorders lc, ld, the tuner 2, and the still picture reproducing apparatus 3 are respectively supplied to modulators llb to lle to be amplitude-modulated, preferably by a VSB system.
The modulators lla to llg modulate the signals supplied thereto in frequency bands chosen so as to prevent cross modulation, such as in every other channel _g_ above the ~0 channels of the television broadcasting band.
Output signals from the modulakors lla to l~g are supplied to an adder 12 in which they are frequency-multiplexed. The frequency--multiplexed signal SMF from the adder 12 is supplied through a signal distributor 13 to one end of a leaky cable 21. Cable 21 sexves as a bi-directional signal transmission means.
The other end of leaky cable 21 terminates at terminal resistor 22. A coaxial cable whose periphery is spirally indented so as to leak a large amount of signals i5 suitable for use as cable 21.
The receiving side o~ the system of the invention will next be described.
Fig. 1 shows terminal apparatus unit 30, of the type that preferably will be mounted on the back of a plurality of passenger seats in an aircraft. Although only one terminal apparatus unit 30 is illustrated in Fig. 1, preferably there will be the same number of terminal units ~O as there are passenger seats in the aircraft. Each terminal apparatus 30 is provided with an antenna 31 which receives the frequency multiplexed signal S~F leaking from the leaky cable 21. The frequency-multiplexed signal SMF recei~ed at the antenna 31 is supplied through a signal distributor 32 to a television tuner 33 and a CADA tuner 34. Tuner 33 is capable of seleotively receiving channels in the output frequ~ncy bands of the modulators lla to lle, while the tuner 34 is capable of selectively receiving channels in the output frequency bands of the modulators llf and llg. Tuners 33 and 34 are controlled in their channel seleotions by a ~election and display apparatus 35.
Video and audio si~nals emerging from tuner 33 are supplied to the selection and display apparatus 35, and the time-division-multiplexed signal SCAl or SCA2 emerging from tuner 34 is supplied to a CADA decoder 36. The CADA decoder 36 is constructed so as to effect substantially the inverse operations to those performed in CADA encoders 6 and 7. More specifically, CADA
decoder 36 decodes the time-division-multiplexed signal SCAl (or SCA2) or CADA data, produces a desired demultiplexed signal, and supplies the same to selection and display apparatus 35 or personal computer 37.
Decoder 36 is provided with a shift register and a D/A
con~erter. The time-division-multiplexed signals SCAl and SCA2 are serially input to the shift register. The control data SC1 or SC2 is extracted in parallel form at a predetermined location in the shi~t register. The desired audio signal and computer software data signal SD are also extracted in parallel form at predetermined locations in the shift register, in response to control signals from selection and display apparatus 35. The audio signal is converted into an analog signal by the D/A converter. Decoder 36 requires a pair of D/A
converters for the left channel and right channel of a stereo audio signal. The audio signals emerging from decoder 36 are supplied to selection and display apparatus 35. The computer software data SD is supplied to personal computer 37 and written into a random access memory (RAM) therein. An embodiment of decoder 36 is described in above-referenced U.S. Patent 4,684,981.
Fig. 2 is an example of a preferred arrangement of the panel of selection and display apparatus 35. The panel of selection and display apparatus 35 may be mounted on the back of a passenger seat, as shown in Fig. 3.
Fig. 2 shows a display 35a, which may comprise a flat cathode ray tube or an LCD (liquid crystal display) or the like, an audio output tPrminal 35b for connecting a pair of head phones 35c thereto, and a game terminal 35d for connecting a joy stick 35e (shown in Fig. 1), a keyboard 43 (indicated by dashed lines in Fig. l), or the like for playing games.
Further, the selection and display apparatus 35 is provided with a television selectinq key 35f, a music selecting key 35g, a channel display 35h, a channel-down key 35i and a channel-up key 35j.
The television channel can be sequentially changed by first pressing the television selecting key 35f and then pressing the channel-down key 35i or the channel-up key 35j. Thus, when the channel received by the television tuner 33 is changed se~uentiallyl the display 35a sequentially displays images reproduced ~rom the video signals derived from the video tape recorders lb to ld, the tuner 2 and the still picture reproducing apparatus 3, and corresponding audio signals from C~DA
decoder 36 are outputted to the audio output terminal 35b. When the audio signal is bi-lingual, two audio channels are assigned for one video display. A first language is outputted from the first channel; and a second language from the second channel.
The music channel can be sequentially changed by first pressing the music selecting key 35g and then pressing the channel-down key 35i or the channel-up key 35j. In this manner, the audio signal outputted from the CADA decoder 36 is changed, and the audio signals outputted from the audio reproducinq apparatus 4a and 4b are sequentially outputted to the audio signal output terminal 35bo The selection and display apparatus 35 is also provided with a menu display key 35k, a cursor-down key 35e, a cursor-up key 35m and an enter key 35n. By pressing the menu key 35k, a video signal based on data from the menu ROM 9a is supplied to the selection and display apparatus 35 from the personal computer 37 and a menu is displayed on thP display 35a.
By p.essing the enter key 35n after selecting a game by moving the cursor on the display with the cursox-down key 35~ and the cursor-up key 35m, a video signal and an audio signal based on data of the selected game from the game ROMs 9b to 9h are supplied from the personal computer 37 to the selection and display apparatus 35. Then, the game is displayed on the display 3~a and the game sound signal is outputted to the audio output terminal 35b.
Selection and display apparatus 35 also includes an attendant call key 35p, a reading light key 35q and a volume control 35r.
Selection and display apparatus 35 (also re:~erred to herein as "selection indicating apparatus 3511) is controlled by a CPU (not shown~ in CP.DA decoder 36 on the basis of the control data SCl, SC2 extracted by CADA
decoder 36O
If override key 5d of controller 5 is pressed to initiate an override operation while passengers are watching a movie on the display 35a or listening to music, tuner 33 is forced to recei~e the frequency channel having the output frequency band of modulator ll~, display 35a of selection indicating apparatus 35 is forced to display an imaye reproduced from the video signal outputted to terminal V of video tape recorder la, and audio output terminal 35b is forced to output the audio signal supplied to output terminal A of video tape recorder la.
When announce key 5c of controller 5 is pressed to initiate an announce operation, tuner 33 is forced to receive the frequency channel having the output frequency band of modulator lla, and audio output terminal 35b is forced to output the audio signal from microphone 5a. In this event, the video signal is muted so that display 35a does not display any image.
Further, any one of the television selecting key 35f, the music selecting key 35g, the channel-down key 35i, the channel-up key 35j and the ~olume adjuster 35r, or all of them are disabled (prohibited from operatin~.
Additionally, the volume to all terminal units may be caused to be uniform.
When CADA encoder 6 or 7 ceases to function, due to a malfunction for example, the control data SCl supplied to selection indicating apparatus 35 is the same as that indication initiation of an override operation, so that the selection indicating apparatus 35 is forced into the same mode of operation as in the override mode.
When an override operation is effected while a passenger is playing a game on terminal display 35a, perso~al computer 37 is temporarily prohibited from executing the game. Also in this case, all or some of the functions of unit 35 may be disabled, such as channel selection and volume adjustment by television selecting key 35f, music selecting key 35g and so on.
When the override key 5d or the announce key 5c is pressed again to terminate the override operation or the announce operation, selection and display apparatus 35 is released from the override condition and automatically returned to its condition as of initiation of the override or announce operation. More specifically, video tape recorders lb - ld and audio reproducers 4a and 4b are automatically released from the pause or stop state and set into the reproducing mode. The terminal units 30 are also returned to their selected conditions as of the initiation of the override or announce operation, so that reproduction of the video signal and the audio signal resumes from the respective interrupted points. Thus, the passengers can view a complete mo~ie or listen to musical program without missing any scene of the movie or any part of the music.
if the ovsrride or announcement operation had S interrupted a game, personal computer 37 resumes its execution, so that play of the game may resume.
When the selection state is overriden (forced into a condition) as described above, channel display 35h displays a signal indicative of the forced condition.
Selection and display apparatus 35 may optionally include an additional display may for this indication.
The luminance of display 35a is automatically controlled in accordance with the luminance of the passenger's cabin in response to control data SC2.
When the control data SC2 re~uests transmission of data from one or more units 35, the CPU within the CADA
decoder 36 of each relevant unit 35 generates data indicative of a condition of the associated one of units 35 or data detected by sensor 39 (such as data indicating whether the seat belt is fastened and whether the seat is reclined, or the like). The requested data is supplied to transmitter 38 to be modulated to a frequency outside the frequency bands of modulators lla through llg. Then, the modulated data is supplied through signal distributor 32 and antenna 3~ to leaky cable 21. The data is next supplied from leaky cable 21 through signal distributor 13 to CADA encoder 6 from which the data is supplied to master controller 8 to be utilized.
When attendant call key 35p on selection indicating apparatus 35 is pressed, control data is generated from the CPU in the asscciated CADA decoder 36. This control data is supplied to transmitter 38 to be modulated and is thereafter supplied through signal distributor 32 and antenna 31 to leaky cable 21. Then, the data is supplied from leaky cable 21 through signal distributor 13 to CADA encoder 6. A CPU (not shown) within CADA encoder 6 controls a switching box ~0 on the basis of the data received from cable 21 so as to light the corresponding attendant call lamp 41.
When reading light key 35q on selection indicating apparatus 35 is pressed, cvntrol data is generated from the CPU in the associated CADA decoder 36. This control data is supplied to transmitter 38 to be modulated and lo thereafter supplied through signal distributor 32 and antenna 31 to leaXy cable 21. Then, the data is supplied from leaky cable 21 through signal distributor 13 to CADA encoder 6. The CPU within CADA encoder 6 controls switching box 40 on the basis of the data received from cable 21 so as to turn on or off a corresponding reading lamp 42.
When keyboard 43 is connected to game terminal 35d, as shown by dashed lines in Fig. 1, the CP~ in the CADA decoder 36 generates control data. This control data is supplied to transmitter 38 to be modulated and thereafter supplied through signal distributor 32 and antenna 31 to leaky cable 21. The data is next supplied from leaky cable 21 through signal distributor 13 to CADA encoder 6 from which the data is supplied to master controller 8. In response thereto, master controller 8 supplies encoders 6 and 7 with a computer program such as a word processor program. The program (which will hereinafter be re~erred to as a word processor program ~or specificity) is supplied through leaky cable 21 to terminal apparatus 30 as a frequency-multiplexed signal and is received by personal computer 37. When a passenger inputs sentences or the like from the keyboard ~3, the sentences or the like are stored in a random access memory (P~M~ in personal computer 37. Display 35a displays the inputted sentences or the like so that the passenger using the word processor can correct the sentences or the like while viewing them on display 35a. When an instruction indicating the termination of a word processing operation is entered using keyboard 43, data representing the sentences or the like (converted into ASCII code) st~red in the RAM of personal computer 37 are supplied through CADA decoder 36 to transmitter 38 to be mod~llated and thereafter are supplied to leaky cable 21 through signal distributor 32 and antenna 31.
Then, the data is supplied from leaky cable 21 through signal distributor 13 to CADA encoder 6 from which the data is supplied to master controller 8. The data representing the sentences or the like may be supplied from master controller 8 to disk drive 44 to be recorded e.g. in a floppy disk. Otherwise, the data is supplied to printer 45 which prints the sentences or the like, or to transmitter 46 to be transmitted to a remote lvcation. The destination of the word processing data is selected by the user by entry of appropriate commands on keyboard 43~ Data indicative of the selected destination is supplied to master controller 8 together with the word processing data itself. The word processor program may be previously written in the ROM
provided in the personal computer 37 and then utilized.
Any record generated at memory unit 44 and any printed record generated at printer 45 may be delivered to the passenger, such as when the passenger exits the aircraft.
Next, another preferred embodiment of a message ~elivery system according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 4. The Figure 4 system is constructed so as to be able to individually control the reception of each of the plurality of terminal units 30. The components in Fig. 4 corresponding to those in FigO l are designated by the same reference numerals and the explanation thersof will ba omitted.
I~ the Fig, 4 embodiment, CADA encoder 6 generates an address ~ignal corresponding to the termi~al unit 30 which is to be controlled. The address i5 previously set by the master controller 8 by operatin~ the key board 8z be~ore th2 operation of the override key 5d or the announce key ~c. ~his addre~s signal is multiplexed with the control data SC1, Sc2 and supplied to the leaky cable 21 to be transmitted to the receiving side o~ the system.
The CADA decoder 3~ in each terminal unit o extracts the address signal from the signals SCA1, SCA~ which are ~upplied from CADA tuner 34. The address signal extracted by each CA~A decoder 36 is supplied to a comparator 52 wherein th~ extracted address signal is compared with an hddress ~ignal, generated from an addres~ ge~eratDr 53 including a read-only memory (R0~) or the lik~ provided in sach terminal unit 30. The selectio~ indicatin~ apparatus 3~ is controlled by an output signal ~rom comparator 52.
~ore specifically, only when the address signal extracted by the C~DA decoder 36 coincides with the address signal ~rom th~ address generator 53, is reception of ~he terminal unit 30 controlled by the control data SCl and 2~ SC2 in the manner described above.
~ he rest of the Figure 4 embodiment is constructed and arranged in the same manner as is the Figure 1 embodiment.
~ n t}l~ Fiyur~ 4 em~o~ment, eaGh te~min~l ~ppar~tu 30 corresponding to th2 address signal transmitted from tha transmitting side iæ solely control l ed in reception by tha control d~ta SC~ and SC2 . Therefore, the override, announceme~t, and sther operations described above with reference to Fig. 1~ may be directed to individual ones o~ the plurality of terminal units 30.
. ~ ............. . .
Next, signal fQrmats of the signals SCAl and ScA2 will be explained with reference to Figs. 5A - 5C. The signal format is improved from that disclosed in aforementioned U.S. Patent 4,684,981.
Multiplexed signal St shown in Fig. 5A, is a serial binary signal formed of a number of super-frames. One super-frame thereof is formed of 256 frames El through ~256. As shown in Fig. 5B, each frame includes 168 bits and the cyclic period of one frame is (32 kHz)-l. Each frame has an 8-bit synchronizing code SYNC, followed by a 4-bit service bit SB, followed by four 32 bit data packets PCTA - PCTD, followed by four 7-bit error correcting codes (ECCs).
There are two kinds of synchronizing code SYNC as shown in Fig. 5A: a super-frame-sync SS for the frame Fl at the head of the super-~frame and a frame-sync FS
~`or the subsequent 255 frames F2 - F256. The bit patterns of super-frame-sync SS and frame-sync FS are selected to differ from each other.
The service bits SB, the details of which will be provided below, are grouped into four groups each including 77 bits. Each service bit contains data such as a command, a seat number, and so on.
Each of data packets PCTA - PCTD is formed of 32 bits and is independent of the others. As shown in Fig.
5C, each of the packets PCTA - PCTD is divided into four channels M1 - M4, each being formed of 8 bits.
Each of the channels Ml - M4 contains a PCM signal obtained by sampling the audio signals L, R and A at a frequency of 32 kHz.
Since one frame contains four packets PCTA - PCTD
and each packet has fGur channels Ml - M4, 16-channel audio signals can be simultaneously transmitted in time-division multiplexed form by the use of one signal St. Each channel is sampled at a sampling fre~uency of -~313405 32 kHz and encoded in 8 bits, so that it complies with the PCM audio standard of an 8 mm video tape recorder (VTR).
Data signals from the ROMs 9a - 9h are converted into a time-division multiplexed bit sequence signal by signal processing circuit 10 (shown in Fig. 4). The time-division multiplexed signal emerging from circuit 10 is u~ed as one channel of the 16-channel signals.
The signal emerging from circuit 10 is cyclic, so that when the last bit of data from ROMs 9a- 9h is transmitted, the first bit of the data from these ROM's is retransmitted.
Each channel of the Fig. 5C signal is formed of eight bits, and eight ROMs 9a - 9h are provided.
Accordingly, in the channel for transmitting data from the ROMs 9a -9h, each of the first bit through the eighth bit of the channel corresponds to data from a different one of ROMs 9a through ROM 9h. Therefore, the transmission rate of data from each ROM is 32 kbps.
ZO The four error correcting codes ECCs respectively correct errors which may occur in the packets PCTA - PCTD.
Since the signal St has format determined as described above, the bit transmission rate thereof is calculated as follows:
168 bits x 32 kHz ~ 5.4 Mbps.
One half of the calculated value is the Ny~uist frequency, so that the signal St can be transmitted in a video signal bandwidth.
As described above, each of the encoders 6 and 7 can time-division-multiplex sixteen channels of audio signals, and the time division-multiplexed signal can be frequency-multiplexed with other video signals.
The service bits SB are preferably used in groups having a format as shown in Figs. 6A - 6D. To be 1313~05 specific, four service bits SB are provided for every frame, and may be designated Bl - B4. Assuming that continuous 77 frames are vertically aligned as one yroup, as schematically shown in Fig. 6A, the service bits SB for this group have a dimension of vertical 77 bits x h~rizontal 4 bits.
As shown in Fig. 6B, the service bits SB may be vertically grouped so that each set of 77 bits is - designated as one channel. A first such channel CHNA
includes 77 bits B1 and second - fourth such channels CHNB - CHND include bits B2s - B4s, respectively.
Each of the channels CHNA - CHND is divided into seven words WR~A - WRDG, ea~h being formed of ll bits as shown in Fig . 6B . Each word has its first bit set to ~'0" level and used as a start bit STRT, the subsequent eight bits are used as data bits DTBT, the next one bit used as a parity bit PRTY, and the last one bit determined to be "0" level and used as a stop bit STOP, as shown in Fig. 6C.
There is one data bit DTBT for each word in each of the channels CHNA-CHND, and there are seven words for each 77 frames. Therefore, there are seven data bits (seven bytes) for the 77 frames. Accordingly, there are 7 bytes x 4 channels of the data bits DTBTs in all.
The second channel CHNB has its first byte set in a predetermined bit pattern ("AA" in hexadecimal) and is used as a header HDER, its second byte is used as a command CMD for identifying a maximum of 256 kinds of commands, the third and fourth bytes are used as an address ADRS indicative o~ a seat number (or a number of identi~ying a particular terminal unit), the fifth and sixth bytes are used as status information STTS
indicative of data or parameters incident to the command CMD, and the last byte used as a check sum CS.
The command CMD of Fig. 6D represents control data SCl ~r SC2 ~rom controll r 5 and mas~er controller 8.
For example, when a terminal unit is forced into the message receiving state, the control data SC2 for this 5 operation is generated from master cont:roller 8 by operating center keyboard 82 and is tran~mitted as a command CMD of a signal having Fig. 6D format.
The address ADRS is arbitrarily changed by the operation of center keyboard 82, so that any of or all of the terminal units may be specified.
Figs. 7A - 7C are examples of messages which are supplied during an override operation from video tape recorder la shown in Figs. 1 and 4. Alternatively, an override message may be a moving picture showing how to put on a life-jacket and so on.
Fig. 8 shows a preferred embodiment o~ the invention which is installed in a cabin of an aircraft.
The components in Fig. B corresponding to those in Figs.
1 and 4 are designated by the same reference numerals.
Disk drive 44, printer 45 and external communication apparatus 46 are omitted in Fig. 8 for simplicity.
~OMs 9a - 9h and signal processing circuit 10 in Figs. 1 and 4 are accommodated in box 100, and CADA encoders 6 and 7, modulators lla - llg, adder 12 and signal distributor 3 are accommodated in box 200.
The above embodiments have been described for the case where the invention is embodied in an aircraft.
The invention may also be implemented in a vehicle such as a train, a bus or the like, or may be implemented to provide co~munication between a central unit and a terminal unit at each of a plurality of seats in a stadium, a theater, or the like.
In the above-described embodiments, each selection and display apparatus 35 is arranged on the back of a passenger seat. Alternatively, each unit 35 can be .
mounted at the vicinity of the seat, for example, on the arm portion of the seat, on a table attached to the seat or the like. Further, in one variation, only the display 35a is arranged on the back of a seat, while other components o~ unit 35 are arranged on the arm portion of the seat.
According to the present invention, when the announce or override operation is effected, one or more terminal units 30 are interrupted by the command siynal SC1 indicative of this operation and forced to receive and reproduce the announce or override signal.
Therefore, the passengers will never miss the audio and visual signals transmitted during the announce or override operation.
The components lb - ld, ~a, and 4b are ~`orced into a pause or stop state during the announce or override operation, and when the announce or override operation is terminated, the pause or stop mode of operation of each of components lb - ld, 4a and 4b, is ter~inated and - 20 the reproducing mode is resumed. At this time, each ter~inal unit 30 also is returned to its reproducing mode and may resume reproduction of the video signal V
and the audio siynals L, R, A from the point in time that the reproduction was interrupted by the announce or override operation so that the signals are not skipped and the passengers can view a complete video program or listen to a complete audio program without missing any part thereof.
Since each terminal apparatus 30 is partially or totally prohibited from sele~tion and operation during the announce and override operations, the passengers never miss the message.
Although several preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent that many modifications and variations on the described embodiments could be effected by one skilled in the art without departing Erom the spirit or scope o:E the invention, as claimed below.
PATENT
MESSAGE DELIV~RY SYSTEM
Field of the Invention This invention relates to an information transmission system capable of transmitting in parallel a plurality of video signals, audio signals, and other signals between a central unit and a plurality of terminal units each provided at a different passenger seat in a passenger vehicle, or at a different seat in a stadium, theater, or the like. More particularly, the invention relates to a forced transmission of messages in an ~verride mode in a system of the type described in the preceding sentence.
Backqround of the Invention Aircraft are conventionally provided with an audio/video system to entertain passengers during flights of long duration. Conventional aircraft are further provided with a reading light and an attendant call light for each passenger seat.
However, in conventional aircraft and other passenger vehicles, routine announcements such as explanations regarding the manner in which lif~-~ackets are to be used and so on, are provided only at predetermined times, e.g. before a movie is started or the like.
Further, if an announcement is made ~for example in the event of an emergency) while a movie is being shown, some passengers may miss the announcement while observing the movie.
U.S. Patent 4,584,603,issued April 22, 1986 to Harrison discloses provision of a video display individually on the back of each seat in an alrcraft.
However, U.S. 4,584,603 fails to disclose an override operation for displaying messages or announcements at each video display.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is a message delivery system for transmitting signals to a plurality of terminal units which solves the above-mentioned problems. In a preferred embodiment in which each terminal unit is located at a different passenger seat in a passenger vehicle, the invention comprises:
(a) a head end apparatus comprising means for reproducing video programs, means for reproducing audio programs, means for reproducing messages, controller means having key means for generating a command signal for the messages, modulator means for modulating the video programs, the messages, the audio programs, and the command signal, in different fre~uency bands, respectively, and multiplexer means for multiplexing the modulated video programs, audio programs, messages and command signal;
(b~ a plurality of terminal units each comprising a tuner means for receiving and demodulating the video programs, the audio programs, the messayes and the command signal, a decoder means for decoding the command signal and generating in response to the command signal an override signal for forcing the tuner means to select the frequency band of the messages, a display means, an audio output terminal, a volume control, and a means for selecting the vid~o proyrams and the audio programs;
and (c) means for transmitting the video programs, the audio programs, the messages and the command signal from the head end apparatus to the terminal units.
These and other feature and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment taken in conjunction wi-th the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference numerals designate like elements and parts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a preferred embodiment of a message delivery system according to the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a plan view showing a panel o~ the selection indicating apparatus appearing in Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is a view of two units of the selection indicating apparatus of the invention, each attached to the back of a passenger seat;
Fig. 4 is a block diagram of another preferred ; embodiment of the invention;
Figs. 5A - 5C and 6A - 5D are diagrams showing signal formats used in the invention;
Figs. 7A - 7C are diagrams showing examples of messages of the type displayed by the invention; and Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
An embodiment of a message delivery system according to the present invention will hereinafter be explained with reference to Fig. l. The embodiment of Fig. l is adapted for the transmission of messages, video signals, audio signals, and other signals in an aircraft.
The "transmitting side" (also referred to as the "central control portion" or "central control unit") of invention will first be described w:ith reference to Fig.
1.
In Fig. 1, reference numerals :La to ld designate video tape recorders provided in the transmitting side such as in an aircraft crew's room. ~ideo tape recorder la is used for an override operation and may be loaded with a cassette tape explaining how to put on a life-jacket or the like. Each of video tape recorders lb to ld is loaded with a cassette tape of a video program such as a movie. Each of video tape recorders la to ld is respectively provided with a terminal V for outputting a reproduced video signal and with terminals L, R and A for outputting reproduced audio signals. In an embGdiment in which video tape recorders la to ld store bi-lingual programs, terminals L and R are used for outputting left-channel and right-channel audio signals in a first language, respectively, and terminal A is used for outputting a monaural audio signal in a second language.
Television tuner 2 is provided with a terminal V
for outputting a video signal and terminals L and R for outputting the left and right channels of an audio signal, respectively.
Still picture reproducing apparatus 3 is capable of reproducing still picture information recorded in a compact disk (CD) ROM~ such as maps, an airport guiding drawing, or the like. The still picture reproducing apparatus 3 is provided with a terminal V for outputting a video signal representative of a still picture and a terminal A for outputting an audio signal associated with the still picture.
Audio reproducing apparatus 4a and audio reproducing apparatus 4b each include three sets of compact disk players (CD players) and tape recorders~
The audio reproducin~ apparatus 4a, 4b are respectively provided with six pairs of terminals L and R for outputting left channel and right channel audio signals.
Controller 5 comprises a microphone 5a, a volume control 5b for adjusting the level of an audio signal received at the microphone 5a, an announce key 5c, an override key 5d and pause keys 5e to 5g for setting the video tape recorders lb to ld into a pause or stop mode.
Video signals from the respective terminals V of the video tape recorders la, lb and audio signals from the respective terminals ~, R and A of these recorders are supplied to controller 5. Controller 5 is provided with a terminal V for outputting a video signal and terminals L, R and A for outputtin~ audio signals~ Usually, the terminals V, L, R and A of the controller 5 output the video signal supplied from terminal V of the video tape recorder lb and the audio signals supplied from terminals L, R and A of video tape recorder lb.
However, when the override key 5d is pressed to trigger the override operation, the terminals V, L, R and ~ of the controller 5 output the video signal supplied from terminal V of video tape recorder la and audio signals supplied from terminals L, R and A of video tape recorder la. When the announce key 5c is pressed to initiate the announce operation, an audio signal from microphone 5a is delivered to the output terminal A of controller 5.
CADA encoders 6 and 7 are of the type used in the conventional cable digital audio/data transmission system (CADA system) disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,684,981 issued August 4, 1987. The CADA encoders are capable of time-division-multiplexing a plurality of digital audio and data signals and transmitting the multiplexed signals over a vacant one channel band width (6 MHz) of a CATV, thus transmitting signals (e.g., music) with high efficiency without damaging their quality. Each of CADA encoders 6 and 7 is provided with an A/D
(analog-to-digital) converter and a shift register. The time-division-multiplexing operatioll is carried out by converting a plurality of audio signals into digital signals in the A/D converter, inputting the digital signals in parallel to the shift register at predetermined locations, and then outputting the digital signals from the shift register in series at a high speed. Not only digital audio signals but also control data and data comprising computer soPtware can be multiplexed by the CADA encoders in this manner.
The audio signals delivered to the output terminals L, R and A of controller 5 are supplied to encoder 6.
The audio signals delivered to the output terminals L, R
and A of the video tape recorders lc and ld are also supplied to encoder 6. The audio signals delivered to the output terminals L and R of the tuner 2 and the output terminal A of the still picture reproducing apparatus 3 are also supplied to encoder 6. The audio signals delivered to the six pairs of output terminals L
and ~ of audio reproducing apparatus 4a and the six pairs of output terminals L and R of audio reproducing apparatus 4b are supplied to encoders 6 and 7 through controller 5.
When one of the override key 5d, the announce key 5c, and the pause keys 5e to 5g of the controller 5 is pressed, the controller 5 generates control data SCl having contents corresponding to the pressed key. The control data SC1 is supplied to the encoder 6.
Encoder 6 has output terminals A to E from each of which a pause or stop control signal is outputted in response to the control data SCl. The video tape recorders lb to ld and the audio reproducing apparatus 4a and 4b are respectively controlled by the pause or stop signals delivered from the terminals A to ~ of the encoder 6. More specifically, when the override key 5d and the announce key 5c are pressed, the pause control signal is outputted from all of the terminals A to E, so that the video tape recoxders lb to ld and the audio reproducing apparatus 4a and 4b all enter a pause or stop mode. When the pause keys 5e to 5g are pressed, pau6e or stop control signals are outputted from output terminals A to C, placing the video tape recorders lb to ld into a pause or stop mode, respectively.
~ master controller 8 is provided. Master controller 8 comprises a computer which controls the overall system, and is preferably located in the cabin of the aircraft. Master controller 8 is connected with a display 81 and a keyboard 82. Master controller 8 generates control data SC2 (fox controlling one or more terminal apparatus units located in the receiving side of the system) in response to a command from keyboard 82 and supplies control data SC2 to encoder 6. The control data SC2 may be, for example, data for controlling the luminance of a display in the terminal apparatus, data for polling the conditions of each passenger seat at which a terminal apparatus is located, or other data.
The data can be monitored by the display 81 connected to the master controller 8.
Menu data is written in ROM 9a, and a different set of game data is written in each of ROMs 9b to 9h. Each data signal SD read out from the ROMs 9a to gh (for example, for use with computer software) is supplied to a signal processing circuit lO in which, for example, an error correcting code may be added thereto, and is supplied to encoder 7 thereafter.
Control data signals SCl and SC2 are supplied also to the encoder 7 from the encoder 6.
A time-division-multiplexed signal SCAl emerges from output terminal 0 of encoder 6. Signal SCAl includes the plurality of digitally converted audio signals generated in encoder 6, and the control data SC1 and SC2 supplied to encoder 6~ The signal SCAl is supplied to a modulator llf to be amplitude-modulated, preferably by a VSB (vestigial sideband~ system.
A time-division-multiplexed signal SCA2 emerges from an output terminal 0 of the encoder 7u Signal SCA2 includes the plurality of digitally converted audio signals generated in encoder 7, and the control data (SC1 and SC2) and the signal SD supplied to encoder 7.
The signal S~2 is supplied to modulator llg to be amplitude-modulated, preferably by a VSB system.
The video signal delivered to the output terminal V
of controller 5 is supplied to modulator lla. The audio signal delivered to the terminal A of controller 5 is supplied both to modulator lla and to encodér 6. In modulator lla, an ordinary television signal is generated by frequency modulating the audio signal and frequency~multiplexing the frequency modulated audio signal with the video signal. This television signal is thereafter amplitude-modulated, preferably by a VSB
system.
The video signals delivered to the respective output terminals V of the video tape recorders lc, ld, the tuner 2, and the still picture reproducing apparatus 3 are respectively supplied to modulators llb to lle to be amplitude-modulated, preferably by a VSB system.
The modulators lla to llg modulate the signals supplied thereto in frequency bands chosen so as to prevent cross modulation, such as in every other channel _g_ above the ~0 channels of the television broadcasting band.
Output signals from the modulakors lla to l~g are supplied to an adder 12 in which they are frequency-multiplexed. The frequency--multiplexed signal SMF from the adder 12 is supplied through a signal distributor 13 to one end of a leaky cable 21. Cable 21 sexves as a bi-directional signal transmission means.
The other end of leaky cable 21 terminates at terminal resistor 22. A coaxial cable whose periphery is spirally indented so as to leak a large amount of signals i5 suitable for use as cable 21.
The receiving side o~ the system of the invention will next be described.
Fig. 1 shows terminal apparatus unit 30, of the type that preferably will be mounted on the back of a plurality of passenger seats in an aircraft. Although only one terminal apparatus unit 30 is illustrated in Fig. 1, preferably there will be the same number of terminal units ~O as there are passenger seats in the aircraft. Each terminal apparatus 30 is provided with an antenna 31 which receives the frequency multiplexed signal S~F leaking from the leaky cable 21. The frequency-multiplexed signal SMF recei~ed at the antenna 31 is supplied through a signal distributor 32 to a television tuner 33 and a CADA tuner 34. Tuner 33 is capable of seleotively receiving channels in the output frequ~ncy bands of the modulators lla to lle, while the tuner 34 is capable of selectively receiving channels in the output frequency bands of the modulators llf and llg. Tuners 33 and 34 are controlled in their channel seleotions by a ~election and display apparatus 35.
Video and audio si~nals emerging from tuner 33 are supplied to the selection and display apparatus 35, and the time-division-multiplexed signal SCAl or SCA2 emerging from tuner 34 is supplied to a CADA decoder 36. The CADA decoder 36 is constructed so as to effect substantially the inverse operations to those performed in CADA encoders 6 and 7. More specifically, CADA
decoder 36 decodes the time-division-multiplexed signal SCAl (or SCA2) or CADA data, produces a desired demultiplexed signal, and supplies the same to selection and display apparatus 35 or personal computer 37.
Decoder 36 is provided with a shift register and a D/A
con~erter. The time-division-multiplexed signals SCAl and SCA2 are serially input to the shift register. The control data SC1 or SC2 is extracted in parallel form at a predetermined location in the shi~t register. The desired audio signal and computer software data signal SD are also extracted in parallel form at predetermined locations in the shift register, in response to control signals from selection and display apparatus 35. The audio signal is converted into an analog signal by the D/A converter. Decoder 36 requires a pair of D/A
converters for the left channel and right channel of a stereo audio signal. The audio signals emerging from decoder 36 are supplied to selection and display apparatus 35. The computer software data SD is supplied to personal computer 37 and written into a random access memory (RAM) therein. An embodiment of decoder 36 is described in above-referenced U.S. Patent 4,684,981.
Fig. 2 is an example of a preferred arrangement of the panel of selection and display apparatus 35. The panel of selection and display apparatus 35 may be mounted on the back of a passenger seat, as shown in Fig. 3.
Fig. 2 shows a display 35a, which may comprise a flat cathode ray tube or an LCD (liquid crystal display) or the like, an audio output tPrminal 35b for connecting a pair of head phones 35c thereto, and a game terminal 35d for connecting a joy stick 35e (shown in Fig. 1), a keyboard 43 (indicated by dashed lines in Fig. l), or the like for playing games.
Further, the selection and display apparatus 35 is provided with a television selectinq key 35f, a music selecting key 35g, a channel display 35h, a channel-down key 35i and a channel-up key 35j.
The television channel can be sequentially changed by first pressing the television selecting key 35f and then pressing the channel-down key 35i or the channel-up key 35j. Thus, when the channel received by the television tuner 33 is changed se~uentiallyl the display 35a sequentially displays images reproduced ~rom the video signals derived from the video tape recorders lb to ld, the tuner 2 and the still picture reproducing apparatus 3, and corresponding audio signals from C~DA
decoder 36 are outputted to the audio output terminal 35b. When the audio signal is bi-lingual, two audio channels are assigned for one video display. A first language is outputted from the first channel; and a second language from the second channel.
The music channel can be sequentially changed by first pressing the music selecting key 35g and then pressing the channel-down key 35i or the channel-up key 35j. In this manner, the audio signal outputted from the CADA decoder 36 is changed, and the audio signals outputted from the audio reproducinq apparatus 4a and 4b are sequentially outputted to the audio signal output terminal 35bo The selection and display apparatus 35 is also provided with a menu display key 35k, a cursor-down key 35e, a cursor-up key 35m and an enter key 35n. By pressing the menu key 35k, a video signal based on data from the menu ROM 9a is supplied to the selection and display apparatus 35 from the personal computer 37 and a menu is displayed on thP display 35a.
By p.essing the enter key 35n after selecting a game by moving the cursor on the display with the cursox-down key 35~ and the cursor-up key 35m, a video signal and an audio signal based on data of the selected game from the game ROMs 9b to 9h are supplied from the personal computer 37 to the selection and display apparatus 35. Then, the game is displayed on the display 3~a and the game sound signal is outputted to the audio output terminal 35b.
Selection and display apparatus 35 also includes an attendant call key 35p, a reading light key 35q and a volume control 35r.
Selection and display apparatus 35 (also re:~erred to herein as "selection indicating apparatus 3511) is controlled by a CPU (not shown~ in CP.DA decoder 36 on the basis of the control data SCl, SC2 extracted by CADA
decoder 36O
If override key 5d of controller 5 is pressed to initiate an override operation while passengers are watching a movie on the display 35a or listening to music, tuner 33 is forced to recei~e the frequency channel having the output frequency band of modulator ll~, display 35a of selection indicating apparatus 35 is forced to display an imaye reproduced from the video signal outputted to terminal V of video tape recorder la, and audio output terminal 35b is forced to output the audio signal supplied to output terminal A of video tape recorder la.
When announce key 5c of controller 5 is pressed to initiate an announce operation, tuner 33 is forced to receive the frequency channel having the output frequency band of modulator lla, and audio output terminal 35b is forced to output the audio signal from microphone 5a. In this event, the video signal is muted so that display 35a does not display any image.
Further, any one of the television selecting key 35f, the music selecting key 35g, the channel-down key 35i, the channel-up key 35j and the ~olume adjuster 35r, or all of them are disabled (prohibited from operatin~.
Additionally, the volume to all terminal units may be caused to be uniform.
When CADA encoder 6 or 7 ceases to function, due to a malfunction for example, the control data SCl supplied to selection indicating apparatus 35 is the same as that indication initiation of an override operation, so that the selection indicating apparatus 35 is forced into the same mode of operation as in the override mode.
When an override operation is effected while a passenger is playing a game on terminal display 35a, perso~al computer 37 is temporarily prohibited from executing the game. Also in this case, all or some of the functions of unit 35 may be disabled, such as channel selection and volume adjustment by television selecting key 35f, music selecting key 35g and so on.
When the override key 5d or the announce key 5c is pressed again to terminate the override operation or the announce operation, selection and display apparatus 35 is released from the override condition and automatically returned to its condition as of initiation of the override or announce operation. More specifically, video tape recorders lb - ld and audio reproducers 4a and 4b are automatically released from the pause or stop state and set into the reproducing mode. The terminal units 30 are also returned to their selected conditions as of the initiation of the override or announce operation, so that reproduction of the video signal and the audio signal resumes from the respective interrupted points. Thus, the passengers can view a complete mo~ie or listen to musical program without missing any scene of the movie or any part of the music.
if the ovsrride or announcement operation had S interrupted a game, personal computer 37 resumes its execution, so that play of the game may resume.
When the selection state is overriden (forced into a condition) as described above, channel display 35h displays a signal indicative of the forced condition.
Selection and display apparatus 35 may optionally include an additional display may for this indication.
The luminance of display 35a is automatically controlled in accordance with the luminance of the passenger's cabin in response to control data SC2.
When the control data SC2 re~uests transmission of data from one or more units 35, the CPU within the CADA
decoder 36 of each relevant unit 35 generates data indicative of a condition of the associated one of units 35 or data detected by sensor 39 (such as data indicating whether the seat belt is fastened and whether the seat is reclined, or the like). The requested data is supplied to transmitter 38 to be modulated to a frequency outside the frequency bands of modulators lla through llg. Then, the modulated data is supplied through signal distributor 32 and antenna 3~ to leaky cable 21. The data is next supplied from leaky cable 21 through signal distributor 13 to CADA encoder 6 from which the data is supplied to master controller 8 to be utilized.
When attendant call key 35p on selection indicating apparatus 35 is pressed, control data is generated from the CPU in the asscciated CADA decoder 36. This control data is supplied to transmitter 38 to be modulated and is thereafter supplied through signal distributor 32 and antenna 31 to leaky cable 21. Then, the data is supplied from leaky cable 21 through signal distributor 13 to CADA encoder 6. A CPU (not shown) within CADA encoder 6 controls a switching box ~0 on the basis of the data received from cable 21 so as to light the corresponding attendant call lamp 41.
When reading light key 35q on selection indicating apparatus 35 is pressed, cvntrol data is generated from the CPU in the associated CADA decoder 36. This control data is supplied to transmitter 38 to be modulated and lo thereafter supplied through signal distributor 32 and antenna 31 to leaXy cable 21. Then, the data is supplied from leaky cable 21 through signal distributor 13 to CADA encoder 6. The CPU within CADA encoder 6 controls switching box 40 on the basis of the data received from cable 21 so as to turn on or off a corresponding reading lamp 42.
When keyboard 43 is connected to game terminal 35d, as shown by dashed lines in Fig. 1, the CP~ in the CADA decoder 36 generates control data. This control data is supplied to transmitter 38 to be modulated and thereafter supplied through signal distributor 32 and antenna 31 to leaky cable 21. The data is next supplied from leaky cable 21 through signal distributor 13 to CADA encoder 6 from which the data is supplied to master controller 8. In response thereto, master controller 8 supplies encoders 6 and 7 with a computer program such as a word processor program. The program (which will hereinafter be re~erred to as a word processor program ~or specificity) is supplied through leaky cable 21 to terminal apparatus 30 as a frequency-multiplexed signal and is received by personal computer 37. When a passenger inputs sentences or the like from the keyboard ~3, the sentences or the like are stored in a random access memory (P~M~ in personal computer 37. Display 35a displays the inputted sentences or the like so that the passenger using the word processor can correct the sentences or the like while viewing them on display 35a. When an instruction indicating the termination of a word processing operation is entered using keyboard 43, data representing the sentences or the like (converted into ASCII code) st~red in the RAM of personal computer 37 are supplied through CADA decoder 36 to transmitter 38 to be mod~llated and thereafter are supplied to leaky cable 21 through signal distributor 32 and antenna 31.
Then, the data is supplied from leaky cable 21 through signal distributor 13 to CADA encoder 6 from which the data is supplied to master controller 8. The data representing the sentences or the like may be supplied from master controller 8 to disk drive 44 to be recorded e.g. in a floppy disk. Otherwise, the data is supplied to printer 45 which prints the sentences or the like, or to transmitter 46 to be transmitted to a remote lvcation. The destination of the word processing data is selected by the user by entry of appropriate commands on keyboard 43~ Data indicative of the selected destination is supplied to master controller 8 together with the word processing data itself. The word processor program may be previously written in the ROM
provided in the personal computer 37 and then utilized.
Any record generated at memory unit 44 and any printed record generated at printer 45 may be delivered to the passenger, such as when the passenger exits the aircraft.
Next, another preferred embodiment of a message ~elivery system according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 4. The Figure 4 system is constructed so as to be able to individually control the reception of each of the plurality of terminal units 30. The components in Fig. 4 corresponding to those in FigO l are designated by the same reference numerals and the explanation thersof will ba omitted.
I~ the Fig, 4 embodiment, CADA encoder 6 generates an address ~ignal corresponding to the termi~al unit 30 which is to be controlled. The address i5 previously set by the master controller 8 by operatin~ the key board 8z be~ore th2 operation of the override key 5d or the announce key ~c. ~his addre~s signal is multiplexed with the control data SC1, Sc2 and supplied to the leaky cable 21 to be transmitted to the receiving side o~ the system.
The CADA decoder 3~ in each terminal unit o extracts the address signal from the signals SCA1, SCA~ which are ~upplied from CADA tuner 34. The address signal extracted by each CA~A decoder 36 is supplied to a comparator 52 wherein th~ extracted address signal is compared with an hddress ~ignal, generated from an addres~ ge~eratDr 53 including a read-only memory (R0~) or the lik~ provided in sach terminal unit 30. The selectio~ indicatin~ apparatus 3~ is controlled by an output signal ~rom comparator 52.
~ore specifically, only when the address signal extracted by the C~DA decoder 36 coincides with the address signal ~rom th~ address generator 53, is reception of ~he terminal unit 30 controlled by the control data SCl and 2~ SC2 in the manner described above.
~ he rest of the Figure 4 embodiment is constructed and arranged in the same manner as is the Figure 1 embodiment.
~ n t}l~ Fiyur~ 4 em~o~ment, eaGh te~min~l ~ppar~tu 30 corresponding to th2 address signal transmitted from tha transmitting side iæ solely control l ed in reception by tha control d~ta SC~ and SC2 . Therefore, the override, announceme~t, and sther operations described above with reference to Fig. 1~ may be directed to individual ones o~ the plurality of terminal units 30.
. ~ ............. . .
Next, signal fQrmats of the signals SCAl and ScA2 will be explained with reference to Figs. 5A - 5C. The signal format is improved from that disclosed in aforementioned U.S. Patent 4,684,981.
Multiplexed signal St shown in Fig. 5A, is a serial binary signal formed of a number of super-frames. One super-frame thereof is formed of 256 frames El through ~256. As shown in Fig. 5B, each frame includes 168 bits and the cyclic period of one frame is (32 kHz)-l. Each frame has an 8-bit synchronizing code SYNC, followed by a 4-bit service bit SB, followed by four 32 bit data packets PCTA - PCTD, followed by four 7-bit error correcting codes (ECCs).
There are two kinds of synchronizing code SYNC as shown in Fig. 5A: a super-frame-sync SS for the frame Fl at the head of the super-~frame and a frame-sync FS
~`or the subsequent 255 frames F2 - F256. The bit patterns of super-frame-sync SS and frame-sync FS are selected to differ from each other.
The service bits SB, the details of which will be provided below, are grouped into four groups each including 77 bits. Each service bit contains data such as a command, a seat number, and so on.
Each of data packets PCTA - PCTD is formed of 32 bits and is independent of the others. As shown in Fig.
5C, each of the packets PCTA - PCTD is divided into four channels M1 - M4, each being formed of 8 bits.
Each of the channels Ml - M4 contains a PCM signal obtained by sampling the audio signals L, R and A at a frequency of 32 kHz.
Since one frame contains four packets PCTA - PCTD
and each packet has fGur channels Ml - M4, 16-channel audio signals can be simultaneously transmitted in time-division multiplexed form by the use of one signal St. Each channel is sampled at a sampling fre~uency of -~313405 32 kHz and encoded in 8 bits, so that it complies with the PCM audio standard of an 8 mm video tape recorder (VTR).
Data signals from the ROMs 9a - 9h are converted into a time-division multiplexed bit sequence signal by signal processing circuit 10 (shown in Fig. 4). The time-division multiplexed signal emerging from circuit 10 is u~ed as one channel of the 16-channel signals.
The signal emerging from circuit 10 is cyclic, so that when the last bit of data from ROMs 9a- 9h is transmitted, the first bit of the data from these ROM's is retransmitted.
Each channel of the Fig. 5C signal is formed of eight bits, and eight ROMs 9a - 9h are provided.
Accordingly, in the channel for transmitting data from the ROMs 9a -9h, each of the first bit through the eighth bit of the channel corresponds to data from a different one of ROMs 9a through ROM 9h. Therefore, the transmission rate of data from each ROM is 32 kbps.
ZO The four error correcting codes ECCs respectively correct errors which may occur in the packets PCTA - PCTD.
Since the signal St has format determined as described above, the bit transmission rate thereof is calculated as follows:
168 bits x 32 kHz ~ 5.4 Mbps.
One half of the calculated value is the Ny~uist frequency, so that the signal St can be transmitted in a video signal bandwidth.
As described above, each of the encoders 6 and 7 can time-division-multiplex sixteen channels of audio signals, and the time division-multiplexed signal can be frequency-multiplexed with other video signals.
The service bits SB are preferably used in groups having a format as shown in Figs. 6A - 6D. To be 1313~05 specific, four service bits SB are provided for every frame, and may be designated Bl - B4. Assuming that continuous 77 frames are vertically aligned as one yroup, as schematically shown in Fig. 6A, the service bits SB for this group have a dimension of vertical 77 bits x h~rizontal 4 bits.
As shown in Fig. 6B, the service bits SB may be vertically grouped so that each set of 77 bits is - designated as one channel. A first such channel CHNA
includes 77 bits B1 and second - fourth such channels CHNB - CHND include bits B2s - B4s, respectively.
Each of the channels CHNA - CHND is divided into seven words WR~A - WRDG, ea~h being formed of ll bits as shown in Fig . 6B . Each word has its first bit set to ~'0" level and used as a start bit STRT, the subsequent eight bits are used as data bits DTBT, the next one bit used as a parity bit PRTY, and the last one bit determined to be "0" level and used as a stop bit STOP, as shown in Fig. 6C.
There is one data bit DTBT for each word in each of the channels CHNA-CHND, and there are seven words for each 77 frames. Therefore, there are seven data bits (seven bytes) for the 77 frames. Accordingly, there are 7 bytes x 4 channels of the data bits DTBTs in all.
The second channel CHNB has its first byte set in a predetermined bit pattern ("AA" in hexadecimal) and is used as a header HDER, its second byte is used as a command CMD for identifying a maximum of 256 kinds of commands, the third and fourth bytes are used as an address ADRS indicative o~ a seat number (or a number of identi~ying a particular terminal unit), the fifth and sixth bytes are used as status information STTS
indicative of data or parameters incident to the command CMD, and the last byte used as a check sum CS.
The command CMD of Fig. 6D represents control data SCl ~r SC2 ~rom controll r 5 and mas~er controller 8.
For example, when a terminal unit is forced into the message receiving state, the control data SC2 for this 5 operation is generated from master cont:roller 8 by operating center keyboard 82 and is tran~mitted as a command CMD of a signal having Fig. 6D format.
The address ADRS is arbitrarily changed by the operation of center keyboard 82, so that any of or all of the terminal units may be specified.
Figs. 7A - 7C are examples of messages which are supplied during an override operation from video tape recorder la shown in Figs. 1 and 4. Alternatively, an override message may be a moving picture showing how to put on a life-jacket and so on.
Fig. 8 shows a preferred embodiment o~ the invention which is installed in a cabin of an aircraft.
The components in Fig. B corresponding to those in Figs.
1 and 4 are designated by the same reference numerals.
Disk drive 44, printer 45 and external communication apparatus 46 are omitted in Fig. 8 for simplicity.
~OMs 9a - 9h and signal processing circuit 10 in Figs. 1 and 4 are accommodated in box 100, and CADA encoders 6 and 7, modulators lla - llg, adder 12 and signal distributor 3 are accommodated in box 200.
The above embodiments have been described for the case where the invention is embodied in an aircraft.
The invention may also be implemented in a vehicle such as a train, a bus or the like, or may be implemented to provide co~munication between a central unit and a terminal unit at each of a plurality of seats in a stadium, a theater, or the like.
In the above-described embodiments, each selection and display apparatus 35 is arranged on the back of a passenger seat. Alternatively, each unit 35 can be .
mounted at the vicinity of the seat, for example, on the arm portion of the seat, on a table attached to the seat or the like. Further, in one variation, only the display 35a is arranged on the back of a seat, while other components o~ unit 35 are arranged on the arm portion of the seat.
According to the present invention, when the announce or override operation is effected, one or more terminal units 30 are interrupted by the command siynal SC1 indicative of this operation and forced to receive and reproduce the announce or override signal.
Therefore, the passengers will never miss the audio and visual signals transmitted during the announce or override operation.
The components lb - ld, ~a, and 4b are ~`orced into a pause or stop state during the announce or override operation, and when the announce or override operation is terminated, the pause or stop mode of operation of each of components lb - ld, 4a and 4b, is ter~inated and - 20 the reproducing mode is resumed. At this time, each ter~inal unit 30 also is returned to its reproducing mode and may resume reproduction of the video signal V
and the audio siynals L, R, A from the point in time that the reproduction was interrupted by the announce or override operation so that the signals are not skipped and the passengers can view a complete video program or listen to a complete audio program without missing any part thereof.
Since each terminal apparatus 30 is partially or totally prohibited from sele~tion and operation during the announce and override operations, the passengers never miss the message.
Although several preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent that many modifications and variations on the described embodiments could be effected by one skilled in the art without departing Erom the spirit or scope o:E the invention, as claimed below.
Claims (31)
1. A message delivery system for transmitting signals to a plurality of terminal units, comprising:
(a) a head end apparatus comprising means for reproducing video programs, means for reproducing audio programs, means for reproducing messages, controller means having key means for generating a command signal for said messages, modulator means for modulating said video programs, said messages, and said audio programs and said command signal in different frequency bands, respectively, and multiplexer means for multiplexing said modulated video programs, messages, audio programs and command signal;
(b) a plurality of terminal units each comprising a means for selecting desired ones of said multiplexed, modulated video programs and audio programs, a tuner coupled to the selecting means for receiving and demodulating said messages, said selected video programs, said selected audio programs, and said command signal, a decoder means for decoding said command signal and generating in response to the command signal an override signal for forcing the tuner to select the frequency band of said messages, a display means for displaying the selected video programs, an audio output terminal for receiving the selected audio programs, and a volume control for controlling the amplitude of the selected audio programs received by the audio output terminal; and (c) means for transmitting said video programs, said messages, said audio programs and said command signal from said head end apparatus to the terminal units.
(a) a head end apparatus comprising means for reproducing video programs, means for reproducing audio programs, means for reproducing messages, controller means having key means for generating a command signal for said messages, modulator means for modulating said video programs, said messages, and said audio programs and said command signal in different frequency bands, respectively, and multiplexer means for multiplexing said modulated video programs, messages, audio programs and command signal;
(b) a plurality of terminal units each comprising a means for selecting desired ones of said multiplexed, modulated video programs and audio programs, a tuner coupled to the selecting means for receiving and demodulating said messages, said selected video programs, said selected audio programs, and said command signal, a decoder means for decoding said command signal and generating in response to the command signal an override signal for forcing the tuner to select the frequency band of said messages, a display means for displaying the selected video programs, an audio output terminal for receiving the selected audio programs, and a volume control for controlling the amplitude of the selected audio programs received by the audio output terminal; and (c) means for transmitting said video programs, said messages, said audio programs and said command signal from said head end apparatus to the terminal units.
2. A message delivery system according to claim 1, in which said messages are video messages and said messages are displayed on said display means.
3. A message delivery system according to claim 1, in which said messages include video messages and audio messages and said video messages are displayed on said display means and said audio messages are received by said audio output terminal.
4. A message delivery system according to claim 1, in which said controller means generates pause or stop signals for said video program reproducing means and said audio program reproducing means when said key means is operated to generate the command signal.
5. A message delivery system according to claim 4, in which said controller means generates pause release signals for said video program reproducing means and said audio program reproducing means when said key means is operated again.
6. A message delivery system according to claim 5, in which operation of said selecting means is inhibited by said command signal.
7. A message delivery system according to claim 6, in which operation of said volume control is inhibited by said command signal.
8. A message delivery system according to claim 1, in which said head end apparatus fur her comprises a microphone connected to said control means, said key means includes an announce key, and voice signals obtained from said microphone are modulated in the modulator means when said announce key is actuated.
9. A message delivery system according to claim 8, in which a display generated at the display means is blanked when said announce key is actuated.
10. A message delivery system according to claim 8, in which said head end apparatus further comprises memory means for storing television game software signals, said modulator is capable of modulating said television game software signals, said multiplexer means is capable of multiplexing the modulated television game software signals, and each terminal unit further comprises a means for selecting desired ones of said television game software signals and a processor means for processing the selected television game software-signals.
11. A message delivery system according to claim 8, in which said head end apparatus further comprises an encoder means for digitally encoding an audio signal related to each video program, an audio program unrelated to a video program, and said command signal, in which said modulator means modulates the output of said encoder means in a different frequency band from that of said video programs, and in which said tuner includes a first tuner for receiving said video programs and said messages and a second tuner for receiving said audio signal, said audio program, and said command signal, the output of said second tuner being supplied to said decoder means, wherein said decoder means decodes said audio signal, said audio program and said command signal, and forces said first tuner to select the frequency band of said messages when said command signal is detected.
12. A message delivery system according to claim 11, in which said head end apparatus further comprises memory means for storing television game software signals, said decoder means decodes said television game software signals in addition to said audio signal, said audio program, and said command signal, and said terminal unit further comprises a means for selecting desired ones of said television game software signals and a processor means for processing the selected television game software signals, said processor means being connected to said decoder means in such a manner that the decoder means decodes the selected television game software signals and supplies the decoded, selected signals to the processor means.
13. A message delivery system according to claim 12, in which said controller means generates pause or stop signals for said video program reproducing means and said audio program reproducing means when said key means is operated to generate the command signal.
14. A message delivery system according to claim 13, in which operation of said video program and audio program selecting means and operation of said processor means is inhibited by said command signal.
15. A message delivery system according to claim 14, in which operation of said volume control is inhibited by said command signal.
16. A message delivery system according to claim 1, in which said command signal includes at least one address signal, each said address signal identifying one of said terminal units, wherein each terminal unit further comprises means for processing the command signal to determine whether the command signal includes an address signal corresponding to said each terminal unit, and in which only those terminal units identified by an address signal in the command signal are forced to receive said messages.
17. A message delivery system according to claim 1, in which each terminal unit serves a different passenger seat in a passenger vehicle.
18. A message delivery system according to claim 17, in which said passenger vehicle is an aircraft.
19. A message delivery system for transmitting signals to a plurality of terminal units, comprising:
(a) a head end apparatus comprising means for generating video and related audio signals, means for generating separate audio signals, means for generating override video signals, means for generating an override command signal, encoder means for encoding said audio signals and said override command signal, a means for modulating said video signals, said override video signals, and the encoded signal emerging from said encoder means, and a multiplexer means connected to said modulator means for multiplexing said video signals, all of said audio signals, said override video signals, and said override command signal;
(b) a plurality of terminal units, each comprising a selecting means for selecting any desired one of said video and related audio signals, and said separate audio signals, a first tuner for receiving said selected video signals and said override video signals, a second tuner for receiving said selected audio signals and said override command signal, each of the first tuner and the second tuner being coupled to the selecting means, a decoder means for decoding the output signal of said second tuner, a display means for displaying said selected video signals and said override video signals, an audio output terminal for receiving said selected audio signals, and a volume control for controlling the amplitude of the selected audio signals received by the audio output terminal, wherein said first tuner is forced to receive said override video signals when said override command signal is decoded; and (c) means for transmitting multiplexed signals generated by the multiplexer means from the head end apparatus to each terminal unit.
(a) a head end apparatus comprising means for generating video and related audio signals, means for generating separate audio signals, means for generating override video signals, means for generating an override command signal, encoder means for encoding said audio signals and said override command signal, a means for modulating said video signals, said override video signals, and the encoded signal emerging from said encoder means, and a multiplexer means connected to said modulator means for multiplexing said video signals, all of said audio signals, said override video signals, and said override command signal;
(b) a plurality of terminal units, each comprising a selecting means for selecting any desired one of said video and related audio signals, and said separate audio signals, a first tuner for receiving said selected video signals and said override video signals, a second tuner for receiving said selected audio signals and said override command signal, each of the first tuner and the second tuner being coupled to the selecting means, a decoder means for decoding the output signal of said second tuner, a display means for displaying said selected video signals and said override video signals, an audio output terminal for receiving said selected audio signals, and a volume control for controlling the amplitude of the selected audio signals received by the audio output terminal, wherein said first tuner is forced to receive said override video signals when said override command signal is decoded; and (c) means for transmitting multiplexed signals generated by the multiplexer means from the head end apparatus to each terminal unit.
20. A message delivery system according to claim 19, in which said head end apparatus further comprises memory means for storing television game software signals, said encoder means is capable of encoding said television game software signals, said multiplexer means is capable of multiplexing the modulated television game software signals with the video signals, the audio signals, the override video signals, and the override command signals, each terminal unit further comprises a means for selecting desired ones of said television game software signals, the second tuner is capable of receiving the selected television game software signals and supplying the selected television game software signals to the decoder means, and each terminal unit further comprises a processor means coupled to the decoding means for receiving and processing the decoded selected television game software signals.
21. A message delivery system according to claim 20, in which said override video signal generating means further generates corresponding override audio signals, said encoder means encodes the override audio signals, and said decoder means selectively decodes said encoded override audio signals when said override command signal is decoded.
22. A message delivery system according to claim 21, in which said head end apparatus further comprises a microphone, and an announce key provided at said override command signal generating means, wherein the output signals of said microphone are encoded instead of said override audio signals when said announce key is operated, and said decoder means selectively decodes said output signal of said microphone when said override command is decoded by said decoder means.
23. A message delivery system according to claim 20, in which operation of said selecting means is inhibited when said override command is decoded by said decoder means.
24. A message delivery system according to claim 21, in which operation of said selecting means and said volume control are inhibited when said override command signal is decoded by said decoder means.
25. A message delivery system according to claim 22, in which operation of said selecting means and said volume control are inhibited when said override command signal is decoded by said decoder means.
26. A message delivery system according to claim 20, wherein each terminal unit is positioned at a different passenger seat in a passenger vehicle.
27. A message delivery system for transmitting signals to a plurality of terminal units, comprising;
a head end apparatus comprising means for reproducing video programs, means for reproducing messages, controller means for enabling and disabling said message reproducing means and for generating a command signal and a pause or a stop signal for said video program reproducing means upon enablement of said message reproducing means, and multiplexer means for multiplexing said video programs, said messages and said command signal;
a plurality of terminal units, each comprising a selector means for selecting desired ones of said video programs, a tuner for receiving said selected video programs, said messages, and said command signal, a decoder means for decoding said command signal, and means for displaying said selected video programs and said messages, wherein said command signal forces said tuner to receive said messages when said command signal is received; and means for transmitting said video programs, said messages and said command signal from said head end apparatus to each said terminal unit.
a head end apparatus comprising means for reproducing video programs, means for reproducing messages, controller means for enabling and disabling said message reproducing means and for generating a command signal and a pause or a stop signal for said video program reproducing means upon enablement of said message reproducing means, and multiplexer means for multiplexing said video programs, said messages and said command signal;
a plurality of terminal units, each comprising a selector means for selecting desired ones of said video programs, a tuner for receiving said selected video programs, said messages, and said command signal, a decoder means for decoding said command signal, and means for displaying said selected video programs and said messages, wherein said command signal forces said tuner to receive said messages when said command signal is received; and means for transmitting said video programs, said messages and said command signal from said head end apparatus to each said terminal unit.
28. A message delivery system according to claim 27, in which said selector means is inhibited when said command signal is received.
29. A message delivery system according to claim 27, in which said controller means generates pause release signals for said video program reproducing means when said message reproducing means is disabled by said controller means.
30. A message delivery system according to claim 27, in which said head end apparatus further comprises a microphone for delivering oral messages, wherein said multiplexer means multiplexes said oral messages with said video programs, said messages and said command signal, wherein each terminal unit includes an audio output terminal for receiving said oral messages, wherein said command signal forces said tuner to receive said oral messages and said command signal forces the terminal unit to supply said received oral messages to said audio output terminal.
31. A message delivery system according to claim 27, wherein each terminal unit is positioned at a different passenger seat in a passenger vehicle.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP019982/87 | 1987-01-30 | ||
| JP62019982A JPS63187984A (en) | 1987-01-30 | 1987-01-30 | Information transmitter |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1313405C true CA1313405C (en) | 1993-02-02 |
Family
ID=12014386
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000557435A Expired - Fee Related CA1313405C (en) | 1987-01-30 | 1988-01-27 | Message delivery system |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPS63187984A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1313405C (en) |
-
1987
- 1987-01-30 JP JP62019982A patent/JPS63187984A/en active Pending
-
1988
- 1988-01-27 CA CA000557435A patent/CA1313405C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPS63187984A (en) | 1988-08-03 |
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