WO1990009720A1

WO1990009720A1 - System for teledistribution of unscheduled program signals

Info

Publication number: WO1990009720A1
Application number: PCT/US1990/000684
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven D. Kravitz
Original assignee: Kravitz Steven D
Priority date: 1989-02-07
Filing date: 1990-02-06
Publication date: 1990-08-23
Also published as: EP0438539A4; EP0438539A1; CA2026883A1

Abstract

A system and method is provided for the teledistribution of a substantially unlimited amount of unscheduled program signals containing items of information, each of which is simultaneously available, from a central service station (12) to an unlimited amount of subscribers (10). The system offers the unlimited amount of subscribers (10) spontaneous selection of each of the items of information at any starting time interval requested by the subscribers (10), and thereafter provides to the subscribers (10) instantaneous viewing access to the items of information at the selected starting time interval. The present system facilitates independent viewing control of a plurality of items of information by the subscriber (10).

Description

^■I-

System For Teledistribution of Unscheduled Program Signals

Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to a combined telephone and modulated carrier signal communication system and more particularly, to a system for teledistribution of unscheduled program signals, such as video programs, each of which is simultaneously available, from a source to an unlimited amount of subscribers at any starting time requested by the subscriber by inputing a predetermined selection code by means of a conventional telephone. The system facilitate independent viewing control by offering the subscriber spontaneous time selection and thereafter instantaneous viewing access to a virtually unlimited amount of items of information.

Background of the Invention

Communication systems for distributing audio and video programs on a subscription basis are widespread. For example, cable transmission of such program material is particularly popular for local broadcasts while long range broadcast systems utilize satellite relay facilities. However, a subscriber does not have independent viewing control in that the subscriber is generally limited to the broadcasters predetermined selection and broadcast schedule.

Alternatively, video stores have become very popular since the stores offer a wider selection of programs than the broadcast systems as well as viewing convenience. However, the trip to the video store to rent a program as well as returning the rented program can be very burdensome to the subscriber. Further, the desired movie selection is often rented by the time the subscriber arrives at the store due to limited availability of video tapes.

Various communication systems for distribution of prerecorded or stored entertainment and informational program materials by carrier signal transmission to subscribers have been provided. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,590,516 discloses a program communication system where selection signals are conducted through a separate signal path to a program selector at a remote program storing station from which program readout signals are conducted after a telephone link is broken to a signal carrier transmitter. A message signal is inserted during a time message period, after which program transmission begins. However, this process does not offer an unlimited amount of subscribers instantaneous access to a virtually unlimited amount of the same or different program selections.

Patent 4,499,568 discloses a process and system for sending audio signals over a video transmission channel. The read message is accelerated and recording of the information is carried out at a faster speed than normal. The read message is then decelerated in order to give it its normal speed. Again, such a system requires receiver modification and expensive equipment at the subscriber station. Accordingly, a combined telephone and modulated carrier signal communication system is desirable which offers an unlimited amount of subscribers spontaneous time selection and thereafter instantaneous viewing access to each of a virtually unlimited amount of items of information, such as video programs.

Objects and Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system for the teledistribution of a substantially unlimited amount of unscheduled program signals containing items of information, each of which is simultaneously available, from a source to an unlimited amount of subscribers.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system which offers the subscribers spontaneous selection to each of the items of information at any starting time interval requested by the subscribers.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system which provides the subscribers instantaneous viewing access to the items of information at the selected starting time interval. Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system which utilizes the telephone communication network.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system which utilizes a signal carrier distribution network.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system which is economical.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system which offers the subscribers a system having such features as fast forward, rewind, record and stop.

In 1988, approximately 3 billion movies were rented. It is estimated that demand will increase substantially in view of the system of the present invention because it will offer an unlimited amount of subscribers spontaneous time selection, and thereafter instantaneous access of virtually an unlimited amount of unscheduled program selections at the desired subscriber location. The present system will increase demand because it will eliminate the need to go out and rent a program and then have to return the program.

Additionally, the present system eliminates the problem of availability of program selections. Video programs are generally distributed based on estimated demand. If demand is low, the video program may not be mass-produced as reproduction is very expensive. With the system of the present invention, a single program can be accessed and viewed by virtually an unlimited amount of subscribers thus eliminating the problem of availability and the need to mass-produce the programs which is very costly. The system of the present invention also facilitates independent viewing control with the same benefits as if the subscribers rented a movie for viewing in a VCR at home. That is, the present system offers the subscribers features such as fast forward, rewind, record and stop. In accordance with the present invention, a system is provided for the teledistribution of items of information, such as video programs, from a source to subscribers at subscriber stations at any starting time selectable by the subscriber by inputing a predetermined selection code through a conventional telephone. Each subscriber station, such as the subscriber's home, has a conventional telephone instrument and a carrier signal broadcast receiver, such as a television, but not limited thereto. A selection code responsive means is connected to each broadcast receiver for conditioning the receiver to receive the predetermined selection code.

The telephone communication network is connected to each telephone and selection code responsive means at the subscriber station and is coupled to a central service station by a switching mechanism through which the selection codes are transmitted. An information bank storing a plurality of program information items such as video programs is associated with the central service station. A signal transmission means and distribution network is associated with the information bank for transmitting the programs to the broadcast receivers at the subscriber stations. More particularly , a system is provided for the teledistribution of a substantially unlimited amount of unscheduled program signals containing items of information, each of which is simultaneously available, from a source to an unlimited amount of subscribers. The system offers an unlimited amount of subscribers spontaneous selection to each of the items of information at any starting time interval requested by the subscribers, and thereafter provides to the subscribers instantaneous viewing access to the items of information at any of the selected starting time intervals. The system facilitates independent viewing control by the subscriber to the items of information. The system comprises: a plurality of subscriber stations each having a conventional telephone instrument and carrier signal broadcast receiver; code responsive means connected to the broadcast receiver for conditioning the receiver to receive the selected program signals; a telephone communication network associated with the telephone and the code responsive means; a central service station coupled to the telephone communication network by a switching network through which telephone dialed selection code signals from the subscriber station are transmitted to the central service station; information storage means operatively associated with the central service station for storing a plurality of items of information each of which is simultaneously available to a substantially unlimited amount of subscribers; and transmission means operatively associated with the central service station and with the information storage means for transmitting the items of information over a signal carrier distribution network associated therewith to the unlimited amount of subscribers at any of the starting time intervals requested by the subscribers in response to inputing the selection code through the telephone.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 discloses a block diagram of an embodiment of the system of the present invention.

Fig. 2 discloses one embodiment of the information bank of the present invention. Fig. 3 discloses another embodiment of the information bank of the present invention.

Fig. 4 discloses a view of the embodiment of Fig. 3 looking in a direction down the arm tube.

Fig. 5 discloses a sectional view of the laser pickup unit of the present invention.

Fig. 6 discloses a sectional view of the laser pickup unit of the present invention further illustrating the orientation of the chips within the laser pickup unit.

Fig. 7 discloses a further embodiment of the information bank of the present invention.

Fig. 8 discloses a top plan view of the information bank of Fig. 7 looking in a direction toward the laser disk.

Fig. 9 discloses a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the system of the present invention.

Fig. 10 discloses a still further embodiment of the information bank of the present invention.

Fig. 11 discloses a top plan view of the information bank of Fig. 10.

Detailed Description

A system is provided for the teledistribution of a substantially unlimited amount of unscheduled program signals containing items of information, each of which is simultaneously available, from a source to an unlimited amount of subscribers upon inputing a predetermined selection code by means of a conventional telephone. The system facilitates independent viewing control by offering an unlimited amount of subscribers spontaneous time selection, and thereafter instantaneous access to each of an unlimited amount of unscheduled items of information at any time interval selected by the subscribers.

The following embodiments of the present system are described hereinafter for purposes of illustration only and, not limitation. With reference to Figure 1, an embodiment of the system of the present invention may comprise a plurality of subscriber stations, one of which is shown at 10, a central service station 12, an information storage and transmission means 14 storing and transmitting a plurality of items of recorded information such as video programs, a transmission channel 16 and a telephone network 18. Located at the subscriber station 10, which may be a residential home, is a broadcast receiver 20, such as a conventional television set, but not limited thereto, and a conventional telephone instrument 22. The broadcast receiver 20 is not altered and may therefore function to receive and display audio/ ideo programs broadcast by existing networks including radio frequency, cable and satellite transmission systems. The telephone instrument 22 is also operative as part of an existing telephone communication network to receive and transmit voice communications through dial connections established at a central office of the telephone utility. The telephone network, generally indicated 18, includes a telephone line 24 and a public switching network 26 which establish a communication link between each subscriber station 10 and the central service station 12. The public switching network 26 is associated with the central office of the telephone utility and functions to distinguish and direct incoming signals to their appropriate locations. The subscriber at subscriber station 10 initiates a program selection by dialing a number over the telephone which accesses the central service station 12, and thereafter, enters a predetermined selection code number. The selection code number represents one video program stored within the information bank 36 at information storage and transmission means 14. The selection code is obtained from a published program directory furnished to each subscriber. Each video program within the directory has a specific selection code number to access that particular selection. A telephone communication link is thus established with the subscriber station 10 and the central service station 14 through the public switching network 26. In this connection, the incoming dialed telephone signal initiated from telephone 22 by the subscriber at subscriber station 10 travels via telephone line 24 through public switching network 26 and is transferred over line 24 to a control computer 30 at the central service station 12. When the program selection operation is completed by the subscriber who thereafter hangs up telephone 22 at subscriber station 10, control computer 30 searches a predetermined program schedule in accordance with the selection code number sent from the subscriber to match the selection code number with its corresponding program selection command signal. Thereafter, a selection command signal is fed from control computer 30 through public switching network 26 to subscriber station 10 via telephone lines 24. The selection command signal is in the form of a code sequence containing the program start time, stop time and channel number specific to the selection code number which corresponds to the program selected by the subscriber.

Each subscriber station includes a program selection box 32 operatively connected to receiver 20 and telephone line 24. The program selection box 32 is adapted to receive the selection command signal which is fed from control computer 30 through public switching network 26 to the subscriber station 10 over lines 24. The selection box 32 is of any suitable type commercially available and well known in the art capable of receiving a selection command signal and conditioning the broadcast receiver to receive the selected recorded program. By way of example, one form of selection box 32 may be of the minimum intelligence type and may include an on-board real-time clock. In accordance with the selection command signal, the code sequence sent by control computer 30, the program selection box 32 operates according to.the code sequence to switch the broadcast receiver 20 to the right channel at a specific start time to receive the selected program and to switch off after the program is over. Since this form of program selection box 32 may include a real-time clock there is no need to send a turn off signal after the movie is over. Furthermore, the telephone network 18 functions to switch the program selection box 32 instead of sending out the selection command signal over broadcast channel 16. A possible alternative form of selection box 32 may be of the type having a keyboard associated therewith for inputing a specific access code corresponding to a desired program selection. The purpose of having an access code which is to be entered prior to receiving the desired program selection is that it allows those providing the service in accordance with the present invention to prevent unauthorized access. For example, if broadcast channel 16 is a cable TV line, of the possible 400 channels on a cable TV line, one channel may be designated to scramble all incoming cable transmissions such that a subscriber would need to input the access code in addition to dialing the predetermined selection code prior to receiving the picture on their broadcast receiver. For purposes of illustration, each selection box may require three combinations of numbers to be programmed through the associated keyboard in order to unscramble the television frequencies so as to allow transmission. The access codes could be subscriber specific corresponding to their telephone number and received each month upon payment of the previous month's bill. Control computer 30 further operates a billing computer 34 upon completion of sending the selection command signal corresponding to the selection code number dialed by the subscriber. Since telephone numbers are customer specific at subscriber stations, an individual billing code number for each customer which is often burdensome, time consuming and costly, is not necessary. The billing computer may be comprised of any suitable type well known in the art. The billing computer bills the subscribers telephone bill for the movie selections viewed during the month. The billing system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,225,884 may be utilized with the system of the present invention, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Information storage and transmission means, generally indicated 14, may be a single unit or two separate units and preferably includes an information bank 36 for storing and readout of a plurality of items of information such as video programs. The signal output from information bank 36 may be combined in the form of audio-video carrier modulating signals by perhaps a multiplexer-modulator circuit 40 and transferred to carrier signal transmitting equipment (not shown) for transmission over a broadcast distribution network, generally indicated 16. The broadcast distribution network may include cable TV lines, twist telephone wires or optic fiber wires 42 for broadcasting the items of information in information bank 36. Also, a satellite relay system (not shown) may be used as the broadcast distribution network for extending the broadcast range of the items of information to cover very remote subscriber stations.

A substantially unlimited amount of items of information may be broadcasted over twist telephone wires, or optic fiber lines at any one time. For broadcast over the twist telephone wires, the signal output from information bank 36 may first be compressed and then digitized for subsequent transmission over the twist telephone wires as will be described in greater detail hereinafter. For broadcast over optic fiber lines, the signal output from information bank 36 may be broadcasted directly to a wide band switching network and then on to the subscriber station as will be described in greater detail hereinafter. With reference to the cable and satellite modes of broadcast, today each dedicated satellite can broadcast approximately 50 channels and cable can broadcast approximately 400 channels at full capacity. The number of movies M, multiplied by the number of sub-channels X, i.e. those with different start times, is limited by the number of channels that the cable or the satellite can handle. For purposes of example, for a 120 minute movie having a fifteen minute difference in start times offered to the subscribers, there is needed eight sub-channels.

Therefore, as many as fifty movies could be handled by one cable TV line and as many as six movies could be handles by satellite at any one broadcast time. If shorter time delay is desirable, that is, having a five minute difference of start times offered, one may increase the number of sub-channels while reducing the number of movies offered to the viewer. Conversely, if a longer time delay is desirable, one may decrease the number of sub-channels while increasing the number of movies offered to the viewer.

Program selection box 32 sends a channel code to receiver 20 corresponding to the command selection code sent by control computer 30 to selection box 32 which effects fine tuning of receiver 20 from an initial channel setting to a predetermined channel setting to enable reception of the selected audio and video carrier modulating signals corresponding to the video program selected by the subscriber. Once the video program transmission has ended, the real time clock in program selection box 32 switches off the station receiving the program transmission thereby restoring receiver 20 to normal operation. By way of example, the carrier signal transmitting equipment may be constantly broadcasting the items of information, such as video programs, stored in information bank 36 over the broadcast distribution network whereby the subscriber receives the selected program upon accessing information bank 36 through control computer 30 at central service station 12 upon inputing the selection code through telephone 22. Thereafter, selection box 32 receives the command selection code and send a channel code to receiver 20 to enable reception of the selection on the receiver. Alternatively, computer 30 may be linked to information storage and transmission means 14 over line 31 which activates the transmission of the selected video program within information bank 36, while simultaneously sending the appropriate selection command code to program selection box 32 at subscriber station 10. Here, the system would broadcast only that particular video program selected at any particular time. Information bank 36 stores numerous items of information such as video programs. It is understood that the use of video programs is for purposes of illustration only and, not limitation, and that any items of information such as educational programs and other broadcasts including live broadcasts is within the scope of the present invention.

Various embodiments for information bank 36 are disclosed hereinafter for purposes of illustration only and, not limitation. It will be understood that alternative embodiments as may suggest themselves to those of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the scope of the system of the present invention. One possible embodiment of information bank 36 may comprise a given number of conventional and commercially available laser disk players and an equal number of laser disks. The number, in turn equals the total number of video programs times the number of starting times offered during the duration of the video program. Referring to the previous example, for purposes of illustration, of broadcasting fifty two hour movies having fifteen minute staring times over cable TV lines it is apparent that each movie is being broadcasted four times an hour for the duration of the movie, two hours.

Accordingly, there would be required eight laser disk players and eight disks for each of the fifty movies offered to allow each of the subscribers to watch any one of the fifty movies every fifteen minutes of every hour of the day. If more starting times are desired then more laser disk players and laser disks would be required, although the number of movies offered at any one time would be decreased. In this connection, information bank 36 may offer a different selection set of fifty movies at various time intervals to increase the amount of program selections offered to the subscribers during the course of a week.

Another embodiment of information bank 36, may comprise a multi-head pickup arm and one disk for each of the movies offered. For example, if the number of start times for each movie is relatively small, i.e. eight start times for each movie as in the previously set forth example, the multi-head pickup arm of the present invention may be comprised by ganging laser readout heads of current design using standard laser technology. However, if the number of start times offered is large, the integrated optical device shown in Figure 2 may be used. Here, hundreds of wave guide channels are fabricated on one substrate and imaged through a lens system onto one laser disk. The separation between channels 46 after projection matches with track separation 48 on laser disc 50 so that all channels line up with the tracks simultaneously. For purposes of track following, a conventional laser head 52 attached to a multi-channel pickup head 54, and lens system 56 is used. The density of multi-channel pickup head 54 can easily be as high as five hundred channels per centimeter, but not limited thereto, with a channel separation of twenty microns. Photolithographic processing techniques provide the required channel density. The channels are fanned out to an unlimited amount of subscribers using conventional waveguide technology such that separation 60 matches the diameter of fibers 62. Fibers 62 are attached using an alignment chip 64 having built-in V-grooves 68. During assembly, a micro-manipulator jig (not shown) is used to line up the first and the last fiber through rotation and translation. Accordingly, all of the fibers line up with the waveguide channels automatically. At the end of each fiber a readout device (not shown) is attached. Since there is a time delay for the same information on the disk to be read over adjacent wave guide channels, this time delay becomes the separation between start times. Depending on the separation of channels, the difference in start times may be varied from a fraction of a second to minutes. For purposes of example, each video program recorded on a substrate such as a disk or cylinder is divided into sub-channels. The start time for the first sub-channel is T_n, for the second sub-channel T_Q + dt, for the third sub-channel T_n + 2dt and so forth, wherein dt is the change in start time from the first sub-channel to the second sub-channel. The number of sub-channels with different start times is "x". For example, if the movie is two hours long and one hundred sub-channels are available, each movie could be broadcasted to an unlimited amount of subscribers every 1.2 minutes. Alternatively, if the movie is two hours long and five hundred sub-channels are available, as proposed using the multi-channel pickup head 54, each movie could be broadcasted to an unlimited amount of subscribers at every 0.24 seconds.

A further embodiment of information bank 36, with reference to Figures 3 and 4, may include information distribution means 106 housed within central housing compartment 107 which may be comprised of any suitable structure and material. Information distribution means 106 is preferably located at the central service station and functions to access the particular video selected by the subscribers and to transmit the selection to the broadcast distribution network (not shown). A central tube 108 branches off housing compartment 107 and contains therein an optic fiber bundle 109. It is understood that the design of information bank 36, and more specifically housing compartment 107 and central tube 108 is for purposes of illustration only, and any design which may suggest itself to those skilled in the art is within the scope of the present invention. One end of the optic fibers in optic fiber bundle 109 are connected to information distribution means 106 in any conventional manner, and the other end thereof, as will soon become apparent to a chip housed within the laser pickup units. Central tube 108 further includes numerous arm tubes 110 branching outward therefrom. A plurality of laser cylinders 112 each approximately five inches in diameter and four to about five inches in length are connected on the exterior of each arm tube 110. Each laser cylinder 112 is of a size sufficient to store one full length video movie or other item of information and may be supported on arm tube 110 in any conventional manner, such as with support brace 114 and support arm 116. Laser cylinders 112 are rotated by motor 118 for readout at a pre-determined speed. The motor may be of any conventional type known in the art capable of rotating the cylinders at the pre-determined speed. Each arm tube 110 further may include one laser pickup unit 120 for each laser cylinder 112 attached to arm tube 110. Optic fiber ends 122 extend into arm tubes 110 and are connected to a chip housed within laser pickup unit 120. The chip comprises a small substrate containing complete optical and/or electronic circuits to carry out the pre-determined functions in accordance with the system of the present invention. Using micro-fabrication techniques, many identical circuits may be produced on a wafer. The wafer is subsequently cut into chips. Each chip may include a complete circuit and may contain optical waveguides (not shown) and lenses (not shown) for projection of the laser beam 113 and for collection of the reflected beam. Arm tubes 110 may further include a horizontal slit 111 extending therethrough directly adjacent and between laser pickup units 120 and laser cylinders 112 so that laser beam 113 may project from the laser pickup heads in the laser pickup units onto the laser cylinders 112. With reference to Figures 5 and 6, fabricated on each chip 124 at a fixed distance relative to one another are a linear array of laser pickup heads 126. Each laser pickup head includes a laser needle 128 fixed thereon from which laser beam 113 projects. The number of laser pickup heads 126 fabricated on each chip 124 may be determinative by the amount of starting times each movie will be requested by the subscribers. In operation, chip 124 moves back and forth in a linear direction on a track 130 facilitated by a linear actuator 132 driven in any conventional manner (not shown). Since chip 124 moves in a linear direction back and forth within laser pickup unit 120, each chip may be equivalent in length to one full playing cycle of the movie being shown on the laser cylinder so that no interruptions in transmissions would occur. With reference to Figures 7 and 8 a still further embodiment of information bank 36 showing one level of a multiple level system of commercially available laser disks and the laser pickup units arranged in accordance with the system of the present invention may comprise information distribution means 134 housed within central housing compartment 136 which is again may be comprised of any suitable material and structure. Information distribution means 134 is preferably located at the central service station and functions to access the particular video selected by the subscriber and transmit the selection to the broadcast distribution network (not shown). Within central housing compartment 136 are a plurality of arm tubes 138 each housing therein a laser pickup unit, generally indicated 139. Each arm tube 138 further includes an optic fiber line 140 extending therethrough. The optic fiber 140 is connected at one end thereof to information distribution means 134 and at the other end thereof to a chip housed within laser pickup unit 139. The read signals may be transmitted over optic fiber line 140 from laser pickup units 139 to information distribution means 134. The items of information, such as video movies, are fabricated on laser disks 142. The laser disks 142 may be mounted to a central housing compart ent 136 by support arm 144. A conventional motor (not shown) may be attached to the laser disks 142 for rotating the disks at a predetermined speed. The laser pickup units 139 comprise a series of chips 146, as aforedescribed, having laser pickup heads 148 fabricated thereon. Chips 146 are driven along a track (not shown) within arm tubes 138 by a linear actuator 150 which is driven in any conventional manner. As chip 146 moves along the track laser pickup heads 148 project the laser beam to read the disk. The laser pickup heads 148 showing lasers in an on position are indicated by white laser pickup head circles in Figure 8. As each laser pickup head 148 reaches the center of the laser disk 142 it has completed one full transmission of the information fabricated on laser disk 142 and is subsequently shut off. The laser pickup heads 148 having the lasers in an off position are indicated by black laser pickup head circles in Figure 8. When chip 146 has moved the complete length of the track, it reverses direction on the track and laser pickup heads 148 which are in an off mode- are reactivated to start reading the laser disk 142 as chip 146 moves back across the disk in the opposite direction. Furthermore, and with reference to Figure 7, the system may include from one to a plurality of arm tubes 138 superimposed on top of one another and each housing a laser pickup unit, for each laser disk 142. The number of arm tubes per laser disk again being dependent on the number of video starting times offered to the subscriber. A still further embodiment of information bank 36 within the scope of the present invention may be comprising the information bank of a film projection system. Here, the system comprises a VCR tape which is strung out in full length on a rotating rack. A virtually unlimited amount of fixed read heads are then placed adjacent to the VCR film so that as the film rotates it passes over each read head. Thereafter, each read head picks up the video information which is then projected over the transmission means to an unlimited amount of viewers. This alternative for the information bank is similar to the laser system described herein. For purposes of illustration only, and not limitation, and with reference to Figures 9 and 10, the VHS film tapes 152 are stretched out along a rotating film bracing rim 154. A fixed main stabilizing shaft 156 is located inside the film bracing rim 154. Extending outwardly from the main stabilizing shaft 156 are a plurality of film read heads 158. The film read heads 158 are connected to the main stabilizing shaft by an arm 160. The arm 160 further comprises reading transmission wires 162 located therein and which are connected at one end thereof to the read head 158 and at the other end thereof to a wire core 164. The wire core 164 connects to the central computer for transmission of signals therethrough. The film bracing rims 154 are assembled horizontally one on top of the other and secured by a vertical brace 166. The entire assembly comprising the film bracing rims, film and the vertical brace are connected to a motor 168 by conventional means 170 for rotating the system.

An additional feature of the embodiments of the system of the present invention is to include a write-head operatively associated with the read-heads to give the subscriber the ability to record on the system. In this connection, it is understood that the subscriber may perhaps utilize an analog to digital converter or a digital to analog converter at the subscriber station to convert the audio/video signals for transmission depending on whether the subscribers accessing or recording.

The features of fast forward and rewind may be available to subscribers using the various embodiments described herein of the system of the present invention. For example, when a subscribers calls in the predetermined access code the subscribers are connected to a laser pickup unit adjacent the video corresponding to the access code selection and at a time T_n also selected by the subscribers. The movie is then transmitted to the subscribers and viewed at regular speed until the subscribers access the available features fast forward or rewind by calling in another predetermined access code to the control computer at the central service station. Then, depending on the subscribers selection, the computer will connect the subscribers to a laser needle on a linear array of pickup heads in the laser pickup unit at [T₀ + n] for fast forward or [T_n - n] for rewind, where n is equal to the time differentiation requested by the subscribers. Using the above features requires a very short time delay, that is, for switching from one laser needle to another. Another feature also available to the subscribers is stop-start. Here, the subscriber dials in a predetermined access code which stops the movie and the subscriber requests at a later but specific time to resume the movie. Then, the control computer may either stores the information to stop and resume the movie at the times requested by the subscriber, or may subsequently program the on-board clock in the program selection box at the subscribers house to stop and resume the movie at the times requested by the subscribers. The subscribers may also call in to stop the movie and at a later time make another call to resume the movie at the same point. The control computer records the information dialed in by the subscribers and sends out commands to control the program selection box.

One mode for the subscribers to access the items of information, video programs, as previously described is over a conventional rotary or touch tone telephone. Alternatively, a remote control unit may be used. For purposes of illustration, several embodiments of a remote control unit follow. One such embodiment may include adapting a conventional television remote control to access the control computer at the central service station through a receiver connected to the television and telephone lines. In operation, the subscriber punches in the predetermined access code on the remote control. Thereafter the receiver sends a tone sequence corresponding to the access code over the telephone lines to the control computer. The control computer interprets the sequence and initiates accessing the appropriate video selection, as well as programming the selection box at the subscriber's home. Another embodiment may comprise a remote control unit separate from the television remote control. Here, the remote control would require its own receiver which would be connected only to the telephone lines. A further embodiment may comprise a remote control adapted to plug directly into the phone.

In implementing the system of the present invention, it is within the scope of the present invention to transmit the items of information, such as video programs, over the twist telephone wires and telephone switching system. But, bandwidth considerations limit sending video over the conventional 3002 telephone line. In this connection, the standard 3002 telephone line is limited to a bandwidth of approximately 3000hz i.e., 300hz to 3300hz. The bandwidth required for quality video transmissions is in the range of from about 2Mhz to about 3Mhz, although, it is possible to send viewable video transmissions with between 750Khz to 800Khz. Since the required bandwidth is considerably higher than that offered by the conventional 3002 telephone line it is necessary to utilize a line offering more bandwidth. One such line currently available at the telephone network is the Tl line and a slight modification at the telephone network system imposing the audio-video carrier on the standard copper pair lines may be necessary. In this connection, the bridges at the point of presence (POP) which insures no impedance mismatches on the Tl line and the load coils which limit the bandwidth at 3000hz may be removed. Then the Tl line capacity may be increased to a power sufficient to transmit audio-video signals. The Tl line has a higher bandwidth and is capable of digital transmissions as high as 1.544Mhz. However, in operation, it is necessary to first compress and digitize the items of information to be transmitted at the telephone companies central office prior to transmission over the Tl lines. Compression may be done by using a bandwidth limiting circuit. Digitation of the video signals may be accomplished by using a conventional digitizer which converts the video signals from analog into digital pulses. Of coarse, if the transmitted information is already in digital pulses than digitizing the information to be transmitted may not required. Thereafter, the digital pulses are fed into a T3 line switching system having a bandwidth range of about 44Mhz at the central office and then transmitted over the Tl lines. When the digitized signals reach the subscriber station, a digital to analog converter converts the digitized pulses back to analog signals. It is also within the scope of the present invention to implement the system disclosed herein in the future when the public telephone switching network is upgraded from the current twist wire pairs and 3000 hz bandwidth switches to optical fibers and switches with an analogue bandwidth in excess of 4.5 Mhz. It is generally agreed that such a full fiber optic network to the home is still about fifteen years away. However, fiber optic networks have been implemented already within small communities for testing purposes. With reference to Fig. 9, there is shown a block diagram of the system of the present invention implemented in a fiber optic network. The system may comprise a plurality of subscriber stations one of which is designated 70, a wide-band communication network 76, a central service station 72 including an information storage and transmission means 74, an information bank 75, a computer 94 and a billing computer 100. At subscriber station 70, which may be a residential home, is a conventional broadcast receiver 78, such as a standard television set, and a conventional telephone instrument 80. The broadcast receiver 78 is not altered and may therefore function to receive and display audio-video programs broadcast by existing networks including radio frequency, cable and satellite transmission systems. The telephone instrument 80 also is operative as part of the wide-band communication network to receive and transmit voice communications.

The wide-band communication network 76 may include telephone lines 82 which have a bandwidth capacity in excess of 4.5 Mhz, and wide-band public switching network 84 which establishes a communication link between each subscriber station 70 and the central service station 72. Each subscriber station 70 may also include an audio-video multiplexer-demultiplexer 86. The audio-video multiplexer-demultiplexer 86 is operatively connected to receiver 78 via line 88, to telephone 80 via line 90, and to wide-band public switching network 84 via line 82. The audio-video multiplexer-demultiplexer may be installed at each subscriber station 70 and operates to combine and/or separate incoming audio and video signals and combines outgoing telephone (audio) and TV camera (video) signals. In operation, the subscriber at station 70 initiates a video program selection by dialing a number to access the central service station 72, and thereafter enters a predetermined selection code number. The selection code number represents one program selection within information bank 75 which is obtained from a published program directory furnished each subscriber. Each video program within the directory has a specific selection code number to access that particular selection. A telephone communication link is thereby established between subscriber station 70 and central service station 72 through wide-band public switching network 84. That is, the incoming dialed telephone signal from telephone 80 is transmitted through audio-video multiplexer-demultiplexer 86, and travels via line 82 through wide-band public switching network 84 and, thereafter is transferred over switch control line 92 to a control computer 94 at the central service station 72. When the program selection operation is completed at subscriber station 70, computer 94 searches a program schedule in accordance with the selection code number sent from the subscriber to match the selection code number with its corresponding program selection command signal. The selection command signal in the form of a code sequence is fed from computer 94 through line 96 to information bank 75 within information storage and transmission means 74. Information bank 75 stores numerous items of information such as video programs 102-104 therein and is comprised of any of the embodiments described herein.

After the selection command signal accesses the corresponding item of information, such as video program 102, the video program is broadcasted through lines 98 to wide-band public switching network. Prior to broadcasting the requested video, control computer 94 sends a command signal through control line 105 to control the wide-band public switching network 84 so that the subscribers line 82 is connected with the particular broadcast line 98 which broadcasts the selected program. The program is then transmitted via customer lines 82 through multiplexer-demultiplexer 86 to receiver 78. Since lines 98 are one-way broadcast lines, one program selection within information bank 75 can be connected to many customer lines simultaneously so that each program selection can be viewed by virtually an unlimited amount of subscribers at the same time. The control computer 94 further operates a billing computer 100. The billing computer is of any suitable type well known in the art and bills the subscriber for the movie selections viewed during the month. An alternative to providing each subscriber with a monthly selection guide is to have a preview and schedule channel that provides preview, schedule, and instructions on how to place an order. The information on this channel would be broadcasted at all times.

It will be understood that the foregoing description and illustration is by way of example only and that such modifications and changes as may suggest themselves to those skilled in the art are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, still further embodiments of the information bank in accordance with the present invention may include comprising the information bank using micro-chip technology, floppy disk, hard disk drive technology, data base technology and a combination of magnetic tape with the laser pickup units of the present invention. What is claimed is:

Claims

1. A system for the teledistribution of a substantially unlimited amount of unscheduled program signals containing items of information, each of which is simultaneously available, from a source to an unlimited amount of subscribers, said system offering said unlimited amount of subscribers spontaneous selection of each of said items of information at any starting time interval requested by said subscribers, and thereafter providing to said subscribers instantaneous viewing access to said items of information at any of the selected starting time intervals such that said system facilitates independent viewing control by said subscriber to said items of information, comprising: a plurality of subscriber stations each having a conventional telephone instrument and carrier signal broadcast receiver; code responsive means connected to said broadcast receiver for conditioning said receiver to receive the selected program signals; a telephone communication network associated with said telephone and said code responsive means; a central service station coupled to said telephone communication network by a switching network through which telephone dialed selection code signals from said subscriber station are transmitted to said central service station; information storage means operatively associated with said central service station for storing a plurality of items of information each of which is simultaneously available to a substantially unlimited amount of subscribers; and transmission means operatively associated with said central service station and with said information storage means for transmitting said items of information over a signal carrier distribution network associated therewith to said unlimited amount of subscribers at any of the starting time intervals requested by said subscribers in response to inputing said selection code through the telephone such that said system facilitates independent viewing control by offering said subscriber spontaneous time selection, and thereafter instantaneous access to said items of information.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said information means comprises a plurality of mediums each operatively associated with a plurality of pick-up means.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein said pick-up means comprises a laser disk player.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein said pick-up means comprises a multi-head pick-up arm including a plurality of pick-up heads.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein said pick-up means comprises a laser pickup unit.

6. The system of claim 2, wherein said pick-up means comprises a number of read-heads.

7. The system of claim 2, wherein said pick-up means comprises a number of write-heads.

8. The system of claim 2, wherein each of said mediums contains one of said items of information.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein each of said mediums is a laser disks.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein each of said mediums is a laser cylinders.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein each of said mediums is a magnetic tape.

12. The system of claim 8, wherein each of said mediums is a micro-chip.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein said items of information are video movies.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein said items of information are educational materials.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein said items of information are live broadcasts.

16. The system of claim 1 wherein each of said broadcast receiver is a conventional television set.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein said code responsive means includes a program selection box having minimum intelligence and an on-board real time clock adapted to receive a code sequence containing a video start time, stop time and channel selection.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein said code responsive means is an audio-video multiplexer-demultiplexer for combining or separating signals.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein said code responsive means is a digital to analog converter for converting the selected program signals from digital pulses to analog signals.

20. The system of claim 1, wherein said code responsive means is an analog to digital converter for converting the selected program signals from analog signals to digital pulses.

21. The system of claim 1, wherein said telephone communication network is conventional twist telephone wires and a telephone switching network operatively associated therewith.

22. The system of claim 1, wherein said telephone communication network is optical fiber lines and a wide-band switching network operatively associated therewith.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein said wide-band switching network comprises a bandwidth of about 4.5 Mhz.

24. The system of claim 1, further including means for connecting said telephone instrument to said code responsive means and said telephone communication network.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein said means is a twist telephone wire.

26. The system of claim 24, wherein said means is an optic fiber line.

27. The system of claim 1, wherein said central service station further includes a control computer for. controlling said system and handling billing.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein said control computer is connected to said switching network by a conventional switch control.

29. The system of claim 27, wherein said control computer further comprises means associated therewith for transmitting code sequence signals over the telephone communication network to said subscriber station.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein said code sequence signals comprise a video start time, stop time and channel selection.

31. The system of claim 1, wherein said signal carrier distribution network is of the cable tv lines.

32. The system of claim 1, wherein said signal carrier distribution network is a satellite relay system.

33. The system of claim 1, wherein said signal carrier distribution network is twist telephone wires.

34. The system of claim 1, wherein said signal carrier distribution network is optic fiber lines.

34. The system of claim 1, wherein said means for inputing the predetermined selection code comprise a remote control unit.

35. The system of claim 1, wherein said information storage means further includes means for fast forwarding. , stopping and recording.

36. The system of claim 1, wherein said information storage means further includes means for rewinding.

37. The system of claim 1, wherein said information storage means further includes means for stopping.

38. A method for the teledistribution of a substantially unlimited amount of unscheduled program signals containing items of information, each of which is simultaneously available, from a central service station to an unlimited amount of subscribers, said system offering said unlimited amount of subscribers spontaneous selection of each of said items of information at any starting time interval requested by said subscribers, and thereafter providing to said subscribers instantaneous viewing access to said items of information at the selected starting time interval such that said system facilitates independent viewing control by said subscriber to said items of information, comprising: providing an information storage means operatively associated with said central service station for storing a plurality of items of information each of which is simultaneously available to a substantially unlimited amount of subscribers by said subscribers inputing a selection code by means of a telephone; inputing said selection code by means of said telephone; transmitting said selection code to said information storage means; accessing said item of information stored within said information storage means corresponding to said selection code transmitted thereto; and providing transmission means operatively associated with said central service station and with 'said information storage means for transmitting said items of information over a signal carrier distribution network associated therewith to said unlimited amount of subscribers at the starting time interval requested by said subscribers in response to inputing said selection code through the telephone such that said system facilitates independent viewing control by offering said subscriber spontaneous time selection, and thereafter instantaneous access to said items of information.