CA2097183C - Low cost communication terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an inexpensive telecommunications device utilizing exis tent components located in the home or office, such as a television receiver (15) and a telephone (2), for creating an interactive display terminal (17) for accessing information stored in remote computer databases. In one embodiment according to the inventio n, the terminal (17) is configured with the necessary logic components to communicate with a host computer system via teleph one lines (1). Alternatively, the device may be directly connected to an inhouse data retrieval network. The terminal (17) is so ftware controlled at the host database and can be dedicated to a particular host computer database system, or may be utilized with various host systems. A multiple screen memory, which is programmable at the host database, may be utilized for storing multiple television screens of information. Peripheral components, such as a printer or disk drive, may be attached to the terminal (17 ). The device, when disconnected from the host database, may be programmed to operate in a stand-alone capacity. A data compres sion technique is employed to reduce the communication time between the host computer system and the terminal (17).

Description

~ W092/09955 2 0 9 7 1 ~ 3 PCT/US91/0~987 LOW COST CO~ICATION T~ ~L
v FIELD OF THE lNV~NllON
The invention broadly relates to a low cost terminal for the interactive access of information from , computerized host databases, and more particularly, to a low cost telecommunications terminal having a 5 telephone interface to access information over telephone lines, which uses a telephone keypad to control the terminal, and a display device to display the information.

lO BACKGROUND OF THE I~v~NllON
In recent years, there has been a marked surge in the popularity of numerous commercial database systems, such as the Prodigy~ data retrieval service.
These database services provide various information and l5 popular services that may be sought by the public-at-large, such as travel information, news retrieval, or stock quotation indices. The computerized databases are designed to be accessed by end-users from the home or office.
In a typical database system, the desired information is accumulated at a host computer system or network, in which the information is stored in databases or files that may be accessed by the end-user. In order to access this information or t~ use 25 the services provided by the host computer network, a retrieval terminal or some other means to access information from the remote host database is required by the end-user.
Systems have been previously developed for accessing computerized databases through a telephone communication network by an apparatus that implements telephone functions and displays the requested data on a display monitor. As an example, Sargent (U.S. Patent No. 4,873,662) discloses a system for displaying 35 information retrieved over a telephone network on a ..... ., ,....... . .... . .. ., .... ~, .. , . ., "

W092/099~ PCT/US91/08987 ~-- 2 ~ 2097 183 terminal apparatus. Bendig tU.S. Patent No. 4,451,701) similarly proposes a system for providing interactive communication with a remote database over a telephone exchange, which utilizes a television receiver to display the data retrieved. Schussler et al. (U.S.
5 Patent No. 4,150,254) also relates to another system for displaying information received from a remote data bank via a telephone exchange, on a user's television receiver.
However, the above-mentioned systems suffer a 10 number of drawbacks. All of these systems require an additional peripheral device (and its associated cost) in order to utilize and control the operation of the device. The prior systems that utilize the telephone keypad as a control means do so only to establish 15 connection to a remote database. Consequently, the necessary addition of a peripheral keyboard or keypad to control the terminals inevitably increases the expense of these known systems.
Furthermore, in several of the prior systems, 20 and specifically the Sargent and Schussler et al.
systems, the display device that is utilized does not comprise a readily available component (for example, a conventional television receiver) but rather entails a modified or specifically equipped display device. The 25 use of such a specialized display device inevitably increases the cost of the overall system to the consumer/user.
An additional drawback of the previously-known systems is that they lack a reprogrammable memory 30 capability. A system without such a feature possesses significant limitations. For example, any required future enhancements, repairs or modifications to the units must be serviced by field personnel, or recalled from the consumer marketplace back to the manufacturer 35 for such changes. Such a costly servicing of the prior .

W092/0995~ PCT/US91/08987 _ 3 _ 2097~8~

systems may be avoided, in many cases, if a reprogrammable memory capability had been available, which would allow modifications to be easily , implemented from a remote location. Thus, the lack of programmable memory leaves the systems wanting in 5 expansibility due to their inflexibility.
Finally, these known systems are not designed to be used principally with existing accessory devices already possessed by the consumer, such as a telephone and television receiver. This would advantageously lO serve to render the device inexpensive.
As is known, home personal computers are often employed as a database access means. By connecting the personal computer to an external modem, the end-user is able to telephonically access 15 information located in the host computer database. In fact, the recent popularity and increased use of personal home computers by the public-at-large has fueled the development and expanded use of commercial database systems.
Although providing a feasible way for accessing the stored information, the home computer/modem/monitor combination presents a number of significant drawbacks. For example, although the cost of home computers has significantly decreased over the 25 years, the purchase price of most computers may be a deterrent for the average consumer who might consider subscribing to a commercial host database system.
Moreover, there are occasions when the potential end-user of the host database system has no need or desire 30 to purchase a personal computer other than for accessing the database system. The purchase of a home computer is thereby rendered impracticable for such an end-user.
Additionally, certain required peripherals, 35 such as an external modem and display monitor, must be . ~ , . . . , ~ . . .. .

W092/0~95~ PCT/US91/08987 _ 4 _ 2097183 purchased separately from the computer. These additional components are necessary to enable the computer to access and display the information retrieved from the host da~abasP. Thus, the cost to the consumer is further increased.
The above described cost barrier presents significant problems for host database operators, in that the potential market for end-users of the database system is significantly reduced. Because host database operators have had a somewhat limited market for 10 offering their information or system database services, subscription costs to the end-users currently subscribing to such services has remained at an inflated level. Thus, many potential subscribers who would normally subscribe to a commercial database 15 service will not do so because of the cost of using the service.
There are other concerns related to using personal computers as the access terminal. It would be advantageous for the host database operator to prevent 20 unauthorized end-users from accessing the database.
Also, it would be more cost efficient if host operators could vary the advertising viewed by the end-user each time the end-user logs onto the database system.
Although achievable with current personal computers, it 25 is necessary to include extra components with the system, which further adds to the cost to the end-user.
Apart from the stated concerns directed towards the access of information stored in remotely located commercial host database systems, it has become 30 typical for businesses or other organizations to create "in-house" information databases. Typically, the database is stored at a centralized-computer location.
The stored information is shared or accessed by the direct connection of personal computers to the central - - . . . .. . . . .
. ~
:

2V971~3 ~computer. This is exemplified, for example, by a "hAN"
network.
However, in order for the individual employees to make the most effective use of the - information found in those centralized computers, corporations must invest significant capital to purchase a sufficient number of access terminals. This is often cost prohibitive to the business. Thus, the corporate database may not be used at its maximum efficiency, thereby placing an added financial burden 10 onto the corporation.
Because of the size or bulkiness of most home personal computers, host database syste~s are not currently accessible to the end-user in certain desirable locations. For example, in the limited space 15 environment of commercial airliners, automobiles, or even pleasure boats, there may be occasions when a passenger or occupant wishes to access information from host databases. However, space limitations aboard those craft prohibit the placement of a personal 20 computer or similar unit.
Accordingly, it is an ob;ect of the present invention to provide an apparatus that is not complex in its use in order to facilitate the interactive access of information from computerized host databases 25 for the ordinary consumer/user.
A more specific object of the present invention to provide a apparatus for the interactive access of information from computerized host databases that employs conventional embodiments such as a 30 telephone and television for accessing and displaying the information retrieved.
It is a further object of the present~
invention to provide an apparatus for the interactlve access of information from remote computerized ' 35 .

. ' ~ .
'' - 6 _ 2~9~1'8~

v databases that is compact in its size 50 as to not require much additional space.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which is capable of operating in a stand alone manner for interactively 5 accessing and manipulating information from a computerized database.
Yet another object of the current invention is to provide a apparatus which may be programmably controlled and modified by a host database operator for '10 interactively altering the accessing of information from a computerized database.
The foregoing objects and advantages of the invention are illustrative of those which can be achieved by the present invention and are not intended 15 to be exhaustive or limiting of the possible advantages which can be realized. Thus, these and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description herein or can be learned from practicing the invention, both as embodied herein or as 20 modified in view of any variations which may be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the present invention resides in the novel parts, constructions, arrangements, combinations and improvements herein shown and described.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above and other objects according to the invention is accomplished by providing a telec_ ln;cation terminal which utilizes technology 30 presently available and commonly used. In one embodiment of the terminal according to the invention, the cost of achieving these objects is kept to a i ni al level through the utilization of the end-user's own conventional television receiver and a push-button 35 telephone as the display device and the communication . ..

W092/0995~ PCT/US91/08987 ~ 7 ~ 20~ 3 ~link, resp~ctively, connecting the terminal to the host database system. The terminal may include a telephone interface for connecting to a push button telephone and for connecting the terminal to a communications exchange, a modem device, a central processing unit, a 5video signal generator, and a RF modulator, thereby providing display of information on the screen of an unmodified television receiver by simply connecting the output of the te~ ; n~l to the cable/antenna terminals of the television receiver. In this regard, the lO elimination of a separate keyboard and video monitor constitutes a significant cost savings to the end-user.
Connection with a remote database, program selection and overall control of the terminal is accomplished through the simple use of the keypad of 15 the telephone attached to the terminal, replacing the need for an ~xpensive accessory keyboard. The invention, which contains the necessary logic circuitry, can communicate with a host computer base through a telephone line. Control software located at 20 the host database is responsive to signals received from the keypad, allowing the end-user to control operation of the device and display the information and services offered by the database service.
Additionally, the device may include control 25 software so as to program the terminal's registers and memory while the terminal is c~ n; cating with the host database, thereby allowing for future modification of the device. Communication between the terminal and the host database is further enhanced by the use of 30 data compression and error detection/correction techniques.
In another embodiment, the teL ; n~ 1 is directly connected to an in-house data storage location, providing a cost efficient means for 35 retrieving information stored therein. It should be W092/0~95~ PCT/US9l/08987 .
- 8 - 2 0 9 7~ ~ 3 ~noted that because of the invention's compact size, it requires very little additional space, regardless of its application. Furthermore, when integrated with a mini-screen and push button telephone circuitry, the terminal can become a stand-alone device..
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be further described by way of reference to the following drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the 10 interconnection of the terminal, according to the invention, to external components so as to create an interactive work station; and Figure 2 is a block diagram of the primary components of one embodiment of the communications 15 terminal according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like components, there is disclosed 20 in Figure 1 a block diagram related to the general arrangement of the components comprising the various embodiments of a low cost telecommunications terminall7 ("terminal" or "LCT") according to the invention.
The terminall7 may include, for example, a 25 telephone2 having, but not limited to, a twelve key keypadl6 with appropriate tone addressing circuitry.
The telephone2 may be connected by an acoustic coupler to a telephone interface3, or alternatively it may be connected serially or in parallel by wire to a 30 telephone interface3.. Because the terminall7 may function when the telephone2 is connected either.in a serial or in a parallel mode, it is not re~uired that the telephone2 be connected directly to the telephone interface3 of the teL ;nAll7 to operate (as in a serial 35 mode), but only that the telephone2 be connected to any . . . . .. . . . . ... . .. . . . ..... .... .................

~ W 0 92/0995~ PC~r/US91/08987 ~97~
telephone jack of the subscriber's telephone linel to whicll the terminal~7 is connected (as in a parallel mode). For example, in serial mode, the telephone2 may ~e connected directly to the terminal~7 which in turn is connected to a telephone jack of the subscriber's 5 telephone linel. Alternatively, in parallel mode, the terminall7 may be placed in a separate location from the telephone2, as long as both the terminall7 and the telephone2 are connected to the same subscriber telephone linel, whereby the terminall7 would still be 10 coupled to the telephone2.
Advantageously, the tPlephone keypadl6 serves as a keyboard for allowing the end-user of the database system to selectively control the operation of the terminall7. Alternatively, a keypad individually 15 adapted for use with the terminall7 may also be employed. For example, one may use a tone generating keypad (not shown) in lieu of, or in addition to, the telephone keypadl6. The keypadl6 may be either directly hardwired with the terminall7; or it may be 20 remotely coupled as by use of radio waves. As will be further explained, control software provided by the host database responds, under the control of the terminall7, to the tones created by the keypadl6 in order to operate the terminall7.
The telephone interface3 of the teL ;nall7 may comprise, for example, a FCC part #68 approved data access arrangement ("DAA"). The DAA includes a standard internal dual tone multi-frequency ("DTMF") decoder IC for data/voice co~ nication. :The DAA may 30 further contain standard circuity, known to those skillad art, for polarity protection and level detection of the telephone line. The DAA may also contain 2 to 4 wire translation and/or equalization to permit full duplex operation over the subscriber's 35 telephone linel.

.. . .
.
.

W092/099~ PCr/US91/08987 - lO - 209718~

An internal semiconductor device or a mechanical relay (not shown), under the control of a CPU5 commutates the telephone2 and the coupled DTNF
decoder onto and off of the subscriber telephone linel.
Additionally, the telephone interface3 may include 5 voltage limit circuitry (not shown) for preventing or minimizing line surge damage.
An individual telephone line connects the telephone interface3 to the telephone company's terminal jack (not shown) of the subscriber's telephone 10 linel so that the terminall7 may communicate with a remote host data base. This connection may be accomplished either by a hardwire connection or by means of a wireless remote coupling using technology familiar to one skilled in the art. The terminall7 may 15 function with, for example, either a pulse dialing or tone dialing subscriber telephone line, or an ISDN type line. Alternatively, a private branch telephone exchange system ("P~X") providing telephone switahing in an office or building may also be employed.
Notably, the terminall7 also features an internal modem4 so that the terminall7 may communicate and transmit information to and from the host database via the subsoriber's telephone linel. The modem4 may carry asynchronous or synchronous data from the 25 subscriber's telephone linel and through the DAA, where it is then converted to digitally encoded information for use by the CPU5 (described below). Alternatively, the modem4 will convert the digital information presented from the CPU5 into low frequency-analog 30 signals for the DAA to transmit to the host database 'via the subscriber's telephone linel.
- The modem4 may be constructed using known low - cost electronics for performing standard modulation techniques, in either full or half duplex mode. These 35 modulation techniques may include, but are not limited to, amplitude, frequency ("FSK") and phase ("PSK") modulation. The modem~ may comprise, for example, standard industry models such as a 300/1200 baud modem conforming to either Bell 212A, Bell 103, Bell 202 or international protocol V.22, V.21., but it will be 5 apparent to one skilled in the art that the particular model or type of modem employed is not so limited.
A central processing unit ("CPU")5, microprocessor IC, or other commonly-known, commercially available microcomputer device, serves to 10 control the overall operation of the terminall7. The particular CPU5 which is used may include, but is not limited to, read-only (ROM) and random access (RAM) memory arrays. The RAM memory, which may be volatile or non-volatile, may serve the function of storing both 15 the data transmitted from the host database that is displayable to the end-user and the programming information that is manipulated by the CPU5 itself.
Advantageously, all of the memory contents, that is, both the ROM and RAM memories, may be programmably 20 altered by the host software. The memory storage arrays may consist of either dynamic or static technologies; however, both types of technologies may co-exist according to design considerations. It should be understood that while a preferred embodiment of the 25 present invention may employ both ROM and RAM memory technologies, other memory storage techniques may be employed, depending upon the memory units utilized.
The memory storage circuitry may vary, according to need or desire. For examplej the memory 30 may include only battery-backed RAM. Moreover, any type of conventional electronically erasable/alterable ~ and programmable read only memory arrays ("EEPROM" or "EAPROM~') may also be utilized, thereby providing an alternative to ROM storage ICs.

W092/09955 PCT/US91/08987 i ', - 12 - 2~97 1 ~3 The CPU5 may further include various timers, data and memory management means, and addressing circuitry known to those skilled in the art;
input/output circuitry for enabling the CPU5 to communicate with the various other components that 5 comprise the terminall7; and serial and parallel interfaces ~12, 13, 1~) for attaching peripheral components to the terminall7, such as a keyboard, printer or a disk drive device (not shown).
The video generation unit6 (or "video 10 generator") includes a video processor which receives digital signals from the CPU5 and converts ("encodes") the digital signals into corresponding video signals, including, but not limited to NTSC, HDTV or IDTV
compatible video signals. As later discussed in 15 greater detail, the video signals are transmitted to an RF modulator7 for radio frequency modulation. The signals are thereby converted for output to a standard television set or compatible monitor.
The video processor may contain, for example, 20 a character generator, character memory, programmably alterable buffer memory, scan line counters, and vertical and horizontal timing generators. Further, the video generator6 may also include row/table addressing circuitry, color specification bits, 2S character attribute control, intensity controls, local scan delay counters, and row or column offset counters.
The output signal from the video processor is inputted to a video summing circuit which combines the various sync, intensity and data information for the 30 signal. The video s~ i ng circuit may comprise circuitry known to those skilled in the art. The values used for the various counters, generators, and controls may be contained in software settable registers or buffer memory internal to the terminall7, 35 which are configurable from the CPU5 under the control ' W092/09955 PCT/US91/08~87 v of the host software. Alternatively, these values may permanently reside within the circuitry of the video processor. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the video processor implements all of the logic functions required for the generation of the 5 necessary timing signals and video output signals.
Likewise, commonly used video terminal attributes are supported by the video processor including display refresh, data update functions and display character RAM for external character generation.
A radio frequency ("RF") modulator7, preferably of the type commonly encountered by those skilled in the art but not so limited, receives the encoded video signal from the video generator6 and modulates the signal using standard RF techniques to 15 produce an output television signai. The output signal may comprise, for example, a composite video signal which is amplitude modulated and an audio signal which is frequency modulated, tuned to any desired frequency.
In one mode, the output signal is modulated to 61.3MHz 20 or 67.3MHz (commonly known as channel 3 or 4) for input to a television receiverl5. Alternatively, the output signal may entail separate video and audio output signals, thereby allowing separate output of the video signal to VC~'s or monitor type television sets. A
25 switch8 may be employed to switch the output signal between channels 3 and 4, unless the mode of operation of the terminall7 utilizes a different output frequency. For example, an output signal modulated in the range of the 910-918 MHz bandwidth permits the use 30 of a radio waves means to c ;cate between the te~ ; nal 17 and a television receiverl5, thereby eliminating the use of switch8.
Advantageously, the RF modulator7 may contain color processing circuits to allow for the generation 35 of color-encoded data. The RF modulator7 receives such - 14 - 2~97~83 color data information from the video generator6. The RF modulator7 may also contain vestigial sideband filter circuitry for filtering undesirable signal components.
The RF modulator7 unit may further inciude a 5 switch9 for switching the signal input to the television receiverl5 between either the signals transmitted from the terminall7 and signals transmitted from a typical cable/antenna (not shown) attachment to the television receiverl5. The switch9 is controlled by the CPU5, and contains high frequency switching circuitry common to one skilled in the art.
The terminall7 may also include several peripheral interfaces. Any of these interfaces may be configured according to current industry standards, or l5 may be configured for custom peripherals. For example, one enhanced mode of the terminall7 may include a - keyboard interfacel2, a printer interfacel3, and a disk interfacel4. The peripheral interfaces allow the terminal to be used with or without traditional 20 computer peripherals, such as a keyboard, monitor and/or printer. Thus, in addition to use with a television receiverl5 and telephone2, the terminall7 may be used in a stand-alone capacity, similar to a personal computer. Even when such peripherals are not 25 employed, however, the terminall7 continues to function in a telecommunications capacity. In its preferred embodiment, the terminall7 is designed to be used principally with a telephone2 and television receiverl5, rendering the device inexpensive.
The operation of the terminall7 will now be explained. In accordance with the present invention, the end-user, after turning on the-LCT or terminall7 unit, depresses a specific key on the telephone keypadl6 to initiate use of the terminall7.
35 Advantageously, the terminall7 may be programmed such - 15 ~ 2a~7~ 83 that the CPU5 may prevent operation of the terminall7 unless and until a proper sequence of keys (e.g., corresponding to a "password") are depressed, thereby securing access to the terminall7 only by persons ' entering the proper "password."
Upon gaining acce~s to the terminall7 the end-user may then enter the telephone number of the desired computer database, or alternatively, may make a selection from a preprogrammed list of automatically dialed computer databases that may appear on the lO display screen, by depressing the corresponding key on the telephone keypadl6. When any of the keys are depressed on the telephone keypadl6, the telephone interface3 receives the keypad tone information and translates it into corresponding digital high and low 15 level signal states which are well known to those skilled in the art. Of course, it is understood that the invention is not limited in operation to the use of such logic signal states described above, since those skilled in the art can readily adapt the various 20 circuits to operate with other types of logic.
These digital signals from the telephone interface3 are always presented to the CPU5.
Advantageously, after the terminall7 has been accessed by the end-user, the CPU5 may then selectively switch 25 the telephone2 coupled with the DTMF decoder off of the subscriber telephone linel. Because the CPU5's functions also includes a dialing means and a telephone call dialing control means for initiating and maint~i n ing a telephone call from the numbers entered 30 into-the keypadl6, the terminall7 may then automatically dial and connect with a computer system's host database.
In one mode of operation, after access to the terminall7 has been achieved, the telephone2 along with 35 the DTMF decoder is switched off and disconnected from ., . . . . . . . .. ...... ~ . .. . . ... , .. . . - - . .- - - - - .; "

- 16 ~ 2097 183 ~the subscriber telephone linel circuit, and the DTMF
tones are now translated and transmitted internally to the CPU5 in order to control operation of the terminall7. This permits the use of DTMF tones as a data communication means linking the telephone keypadl6 5 and the terminall7, which signals are in turn relayed through the CPU5 to the remote host database in order to control the transmission of the desired information therefrom.
Accordingly, while commutated to the lO subscriber telephone linel, the CPU5 may in turn transmit the digital signals through the modem4 and over the subscriber telephone linel to the host computer. Tr~n~mission of the signal to the host computer occurs, for example, when the end-user wishes 15 to receive additional information from the database other than that already retrieved.
Likewise, the information received by the terminall7 is then converted into digital information by the modem4, processed by the CPU5, transformed into 20 corresponding video signals by the video generator6 and modulated for output to the television receiverl5 by the RF modulator7. When accessed, the information will appear on the end-user's television receiverl5 or other display device. Individual screens of data are stored 25 within the internal memory storage employed by the terminall7.
The end-user is able to control the data screens so as to selectively scan the database by depressing certain keys on the telephone keypadl6.
30 When directed by the end-user, the main menu, sub menu - or other information may appear for further access by the end-user. The end-user can also direct the te~ i n~ l17 to print a hard copy of the screen to a peripheral printer when one is attached to the 35 t~L i na ~ 17.

-.

u Since each terminall7 is provided with a - reprogrammable memory capability, the terminall7 may store multiple "screens" of video information and display these "screens" on the television receiverl5's screen when selPcted. Advantageously, the memory 5 storage can bP reprogrammed by the host system operator (through the host operator control software) at the time that the end-user is accessing the database. Such reprogramming would be transparent to thP end-user.
For example, by dedicating a number of "screens" for reprogramming each time the terminall7 accesses the database, the host database operator may display different messages, such as paid advertising or promotions, each time the end-user activates the teL ;nal17. Because of the increased advertising 15 revenue that can be generated, the operating costs of the host database system can be reduced, which could be further passed on to individual end-users in the form of lower subscription fees. The subscription market for the database may thereby be increased.
Additionally, the internal operation of the terminall7 can be reprogrammed by the host database operator. For example, internal program operation, communication tables and techniques, resident screen information, character generation fonts, figures or 25 dots, may be remotely modified by the host database operator. In one example of this feature, the functions associated with specific keys of the keypadl6 may be altered by the control software, whereby the individual keys would now be altered to correspond to 30 new or different database telephone numbers or selection offerings.: -- AdvantageousIy, the controlling software that is utilized by the host operator also enables the host to control access to the different host databases 35 according to identification means located within the WO92/Og955 PCT/US91/089X7 - 18 ~ 20971~3 individual terminall7. In one mode of operation, the individual identification code of the terminall7 may be located in the internal ROM of the terminall7, but one skilled in the art will realize that placement of the individual identification means is not so limited.
Once the terminal~7 has been linked to a host database, the end-user would be presented with any information that the host system desires to provide for access. The database may be supplied, for example, by a sponsor publication in a particular market, or it may l0 be supplied by a publication group in a regional or national market. This may include local, national, and international news retrieval; wire service information;
weather; stock market or other market information;
classified ads; retail shopping services; banking 15 services; or any other information or service provided for the end-user within a local, regional or national area.
As exemplary of one proposed use of the terminall7 according to the invention, the terminall7 20 may be employed to retrieve news information stored in a newspaper~s database. The end-user may activate the ~erminall7 and access the database via, for example, a dedicated key on the telephone keypadl6. Upon connection with the news service database, the 25 information (which may be tailored to the specific end-user) would be downloaded into the terminall7 memory while the end-user scans through different screens of data by selectively depressing certain keys on the keypadl6.
Further access to information within an individual database may be controlled-through a menu driven-selection of topics. As discussed, host database operators are provided with control software so that the database may interactively communicate with 35 the terminall7 via the cc -n~ generated by the .

.... ..

W092/0~5 PCT/US91/08987 209718~
~telephone keypadl6. To access a particular topic, the user may press the number on his or her keypadl6 corresponding to the desired menu selection. If a particular topic as selec~ed contains sub-categories, such as advertisement classifications, a sub-menu or - 5 any other applicable information may appear to further define the end-user's request. Using the news retrieval example previously recited, an end-user may be presented with a topic menu comprising, for example, sports, international events, financial news, etc. The 10 end-user, desirous of the previous night's football scores could depress a key corresponding to access of the sports subject located on the menu, and thereafter view the scores using sub-menus selected by the keypadl6.
Notably, the terminall7 may function independently from the host computer. In one mode of operation, after the desired information is downloaded from the host database into the internal memory storage, the terminall7 may be disconnected from the 20 host computer system. The end-user may still scan and manipulate the information in the terminall7's multiple "screens" of video information within the terminall7, without requiring the interaction of the host computer system.
The te~ inall7 may also be equipped with additional inputtoutput interfaces such as would allow connection to various manufacturer's peripheral devices, game computers and personal computers. Thus, for end-users who already own a personal computer, the 30 te~ ;n~117 could substitute for a conventional modem-to c icate data from the host database system to-the personal computer.- -Alternatively, in another embodiment of theinvention, wherein the teL ;nall7 is primarily intended 35 for "in-house" use, such as within the internal offices ., . , ., ~. . . , ... .. . ....... .. .. .. . ... ....... ... , .. .. , .. , , . . . . ... ... ... . ... ,,. ,., .... ~,~ .. j, W092/0995~ PCT/US91/08987 ~of a business, factory, etc., the subscriber telephone line may comprise a common hardwired network that is not connected to any telephone exchange. For example, the terminall7 may be coupled to a remote database in another part of the company without using a telephone sexchange system, but rather through the utilization of a simple hardwire connection. Thus, the terminall7 would provide a cost-efficient replacement for personal computers or other types of terminals now employed for retrieving information from a company's in-house centralized database.
In another mode of operation, the terminall7 may be programmed so as to monitor and record the telephone number and the length of time of all outgoing telephone calls placed on the subscriber's telephone 15 linel. Accordingly, such information could be later retrieved and displayed by the end-user, and perhaps be printed on a printer attached to the terminall7.
The terminall7 may also be programmed to monitor a telephone call while it is in progre~s, in 20 effect acting as a speaker phone. This may be accomplished in a mode of operation whereby the terminall7 allows the audio signals passing through the telephone interface3 to the telephone2 to also be transmitted through the terminall7 to the speaker in 25 the television receiverl5, thus permitting the telephone conversation to then be monitored.
The terminall7 may further include a communications speed.enhancer..technique.for reducing -the.transmission time for transmitting.and.receiving 30 coded:information over the subscriber.'s-.telephone ~.linel. .Specifically, this data.compression technique involves particular codes which contain a marker, a character and a repeat count, which are transmitted in place of repetitive data. This technique can be 35 implemented by analyzing the data to be transmitted and creating a "token" table of repetitive words or phrases, based upon their occurrence in the data tr~n! ; ssion.
In one mode of operation, the token table, which may be updated at any time, would reside in both 5 the transmitter thost computer system, in one mode) and the receiver (the terminall7, in the same mode) of the data link. Each repetitive or "token" phrase is assigned a separate code and is stored in the token tables in both the host computer system and the 10 teL i n~l 17. In essence, entire phrases or words are "compressed" into an associated code, and it is these codes that are transmitted in place of the entire phrase or word. Tr~n~;Asion time is thereby reduced.
To identify the transmission of a token's code to the 15 receiving unit, the code is pr~ce~ed by a marker (an "esc" co ~ nA, for instance).
As example of this data compression technique, the transmission of "llllll" may alternatively be transmitted as "[esc][6][l]", whereby 20 "~esc]" would be the marker designating that the data following it is encoded, "[6]" would designate the repeat count, which is followed by the data that is to be repeated, herein coded as "[l]."
Advantageously, the transmission of an entire 25 phrase such as "Enter your account number" may likewise be compressed by assigning a code to the phrase as a whole. For example, the code "l" may designate this phrase and would be stored in the token tables of both the receiver and transmitter. The transmission of this 30 entire phrase would then only require the tr~n i~sion of [esc][l], significantly reducing the amount of data necessary to be transmitted. Through the use of the token table on the receiving unit, the original phrase is reconstructed without any loss of data.
35 Additionally, the terminall7 may also be programmed to .

W092/09955 PCT/US91/089~7 - 22 -2097~3 ~employ data error detection/correction techniques common to one skilled in the art to ensure accurate transmission of any and all data over the subscriber's telephone linel.
In Figure 2, the components corresponding to sthose of Fig. l have the same reference numerals as in Figure l. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the invention in a basic design, without some of the features described in the enhanced embodiment depicted in Figure l. Specifically, the embodiment illustrated lO by Figure 2 shows the terminall7 as described above, but without any of the peripheral interfaces such as the keyboard interfacel2, the printer interfacel3 or the disk interfacel4. Additionally the telephone interface3 is hardwired to the terminal jack (not 15 shown) of the subscriber's telephone linel. Insofar as the operation of Figure 2 is the same as Figure l, it need not be described.
From the foregoing discussion, it will be obvious that numerous modifications, substitutions and 20 equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art, all o~ which fall within the spirit and scope contemplated by the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

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Claims (40)

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. A telecommunications device for creating an interactive terminal for accessing information from a remote computerized database using a communication exchange, wherein said interactive terminal is coupled to a home television receiver for displaying information retrieved from said computerized database, said television receiver having an input port, and to a telephone coupled to said communication exchange, said telephone having one or more keys for generating selective DTMF output signals, wherein said interactive terminal comprises:
interface means coupled to said telephone and to said communication exchange for communicating and receiving communication signals including carrier based signals over said communication exchange, said interface means responsive to receiving said selective DTMF output signals generated by said telephone for selectively uncoupling said telephone from said communication exchange and allowing a user to locally manipulate said information contained in said interactive terminal after it is retrieved from said remote database;
modem means coupled to said interface means for retrieving and converting said carrier based signals corresponding to said information from said remote database into digitally encoded data signals, and for converting digitally encoded data signals into carrier based signals for transmission via said communication exchange to said remote database;
control means coupled to said modem means for operating said telecommunications device, said control means responsive to said digitally encoded data signals from said modem means;
said control means further comprising programmable memory means for storing said digitally encoded data signals;
and video signal processing means coupled to said control means for converting said digitally encoded data signals into corresponding video data signals for transmitting to said television receiver said video data signal.

2. A telecommunications device according to claim 1, wherein said interface means includes a switching means for switching said telephone onto and off of said communications exchange such that said selective output signals are still received by said control means when said telephone is switched off of said communications exchange.

3. A telecommunications device according to claim 1, wherein said database employs control software responsive to said carrier based signals transmitted by said modem means via said communication exchange.

4. A telecommunications device according to claim 1, wherein said programmable memory means includes a first memory storage having control signals programmably alterable under the control of said computerized database.

5. A telecommunications device according to claim 1, wherein said control means includes a keyboard.

6. A telecommunications device according to claim 1, wherein said control means includes a disk storage device.

7. A telecommunications device according to claim 1 wherein said control means includes a printing device.

8. A telecommunications device according to claim 1, wherein said control means includes a second memory storage for storing a coded signal corresponding to an individual identification of said telecommunications device for controlling access to said computerized database.

9. A telecommunications device according to claim 8 wherein said control means includes mans for programmably altering contents of said second memory storage under the control of said computerized database.

10. A telecommunications device according to claim 1, further including a radio frequency modulating means coupled to said video processing means for receiving and modulating said video data signals over a carrier frequency, said radio frequency modulating means having a tuning circuit for tuning said modulated video signal across various frequencies; and a switching means coupled to said video processing means, to a broadcast/cable exchange, and to said input port of said display device wherein said switching means is controlled by said control means and is responsive to said video data signal for transmitting to said display device said modulated video signal or broadcast signals received from said broadcast/cable exchange.

11. A telecommunications device according to claim 1, wherein said selective output signal is a multi-frequency signal.

12. A telecommunications device for creating an interactive terminal for accessing information from a remote computerized database using a communication exchange, wherein said interactive terminal is coupled to a television receiver for displaying information retrieved from said computerized database, said television receiver having an input port; said interactive terminal comprising:
a telephone keypad having a plurality of keys for generating output signals corresponding to said keys when selected;
interface means coupled to said telephone keypad and to said communication exchange for communicating and receiving communication signals including carrier based signals over said communication exchange, said interface means responsive to receiving said output signals generated by said keypad means for selectively uncoupling said keypad from said communication exchange and allowing a user to manipulate said information after it is retrieved from said database;
modem means coupled to said interface means for retrieving and converting said carrier based signals corresponding to said information from said remote database into digitally encoded data signals, and for converting digitally encoded data signals into carrier based signals for transmission via said communication exchange to said database;
control means coupled to said modem means for operating said telecommunications device, said control means having a plurality of peripheral interfaces for supporting input/output devices, said control means responsive to said digitally encoded data signals;
programmable memory means coupled to said control means for storing said digitally encoded signals;

video signal processing means coupled to said control means for converting said digitally encoded data signals into corresponding video data signals including character generation;
radio frequency modulating means coupled to said video processing means for receiving and modulating said video data signals over a carrier frequency, said radio frequency modulating means having a tuning circuit for tuning said modulating video signal across various frequencies; and switching means coupled to a broadcast/cable exchange, to said input port of said television receiver and to said radio frequency modulating means, wherein said switching means is controlled by said control means and is responsive to said modulated video signal for transmitting to said television receiver said modulated video signal or broadcast signals received from said broadcast/cable exchange.

13. A telecommunications device according to claim 12, wherein said database employs control software responsive to said carrier based signals transmitted by said modem means via said communication exchange.

14. A telecommunications device according to claim 12, wherein said programmable memory means includes a first memory storage having control signals programmably alterable under the control of said computerized database.

15. A communications device according to claim 12, wherein said modem means includes means for implementing amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, and phase modulation.

16. A telecommunications device according to claim 12 wherein said control means includes a second memory storage for storing a coded signal corresponding to an individual identification of said telecommunications device for controlling access to said computerized database.

17. A telecommunications device according to claim 16 wherein said control means includes means for programmably altering the contents of said second memory storage under the control of said computerized database.

18. A telecommunication device according to claim 12, wherein said keypad means is a keypad of a telephone coupled to said interactive terminal.

19. A method of accessing information from a remote computerized database by a telecommunications device coupled to said database via a communications exchange, wherein said telecommunications device is also coupled to a television display and to a telephone having a keypad means for generating selective output signals; said telecommunications device including a control means, a local interface means, a modem means, a processing means, a video signal memory means, and a video generation means; wherein the method comprises the following steps:
generating said selective output signals by activating said keypad means, wherein said local interface means is coupled to said keypad means and to said communications exchange, the interface means responsive to receiving output signals generated by the keypad means for selectively uncoupling the keypad means from the communication exchange to allow a user to locally manipulate said information after it has been retrieved from said database;
converting said selective output signals into digital command signals by said telecommunications device for controlling the operation of said telecommunications device and for establishing communication with said database;
establishing communication between said telecommunications device and said database over said communications exchange via said modem means, for transmitting and retrieving said information;
retrieving said information from said database over said communications exchange, wherein said information is in the form of carrier based signals corresponding to said information;
converting said carrier based signals into digitally encoded data signals by said modem means;
storing said digitally encoded data in said memory means;
converting said digitally encoded data into corresponding video data signals by said video generation means;
transmitting said video data signals to said television display for displaying said information; and interactively manipulating the display of said information via said keypad means by generating said selective output signals to effect different control commands.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein said telecommunications device further includes a radio frequency modulator, further comprising the step of modulating said video data signals over various frequencies by said radio frequency modulator for transmission to said television display.

21. The method according to claim 19, further comprising the step of providing configuration commands and programmable control signals with said retrieved information from said database, to allow said telecommunications device to be configured by said database.

22. The method according to claim 19, wherein the step of retrieving said information from said database further comprises the step of compressing said information so as to reduce the transmission time of said information over said communications exchange.

23. The method according the claim 19, wherein said telecommunications device further comprises switching means, further comprising the step of switching said telephone onto and off of said communications exchange such that said selective output signals are still received by said control means when said telephone is switched off of said communications exchange.

24. The method according to claim 19, wherein said memory means is programmable, further comprising the step of providing a first memory storage having control signals programmably alterable under the control of said computerized database.

25. The method according to claim 19, wherein said control means includes memory storage for storing individual identification information corresponding to said telecommunications device, further comprising the step of comparing a coded signal against said individual identification stored in said control means for controlling access to said computerized database.

26. A method of accessing information by a telecommunications device, the telecommunications device creating an interactive terminal for accessing information from a remote computerized database using a communication exchange, wherein said interactive terminal is coupled to a television receiver for displaying information retrieved from said computerized database, said television receiver having an input port, said method comprising the following steps:
employing a telephone keypad having a plurality of keys for generating output signals corresponding to said keys when selected;
coupling said telephone keypad to an interface means and to said communication exchange for communicating and receiving communication signals including carrier based signals over said communication exchange, said interface means responsive to receiving said output signals generated by said keypad means for selectively uncoupling said keypad from said communication exchange and allowing a user to manipulate said information after it is retrieved from said database;
coupling said interface means to a modem means for retrieving and converting said carrier based signals corresponding to said information from said remote database into digitally encoded data signals, and for converting digitally encoded data signals into carrier based signals for transmission via said communication exchange to said database;
coupling said modem means to control means for operating said telecommunications device, said control means having a plurality of peripheral interfaces for supporting input/output devices, said control means responsive to said digitally encoded data signals;
coupling said control means to programmable memory means for storing said digitally encoded signals;
coupling said control means to video signal processing means for converting said digitally encoded data signals into corresponding video data signals including character generation;
coupling said video processing means to radio frequency modulating means for receiving and modulating said video data signals over a carrier frequency, said radio frequency modulating means having a tuning circuit for tuning said modulating video signal across various frequencies; and coupling said telecommunications device to a switching means, to a broadcast/cable exchange, to said input port of said celevision receiver and to said radio frequency modulating means, wherein said switching means is controlled by said control means and is responsive to said modulated video signal for transmitting to said television receiver said modulated video signal or broadcast signals received from said broadcast/cable exchange.

27. The method according to claim 26, further comprising the step of employing control software in said database responsive to said carrier-based signals transmitted by said modem means via said communication exchange.

28. The method according to claim 26, further comprising the step of providing a first memory storage to said programmable memory means, the first memory storage having control signals programmably alterable under the control of said computerized data.

29. The method according to claim 26, further comprising the step of implementing amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, and phase modulation through said modem means.

30. The method according to claim 26, further comprising the step of providing a second memory storage in said control means for storing a coded signal corresponding to an individual identification of said telecommunications device for controlling access to said computerized database.

31. The method according to claim 30, further comprising the step of programmably altering the contents of said second memory storage under the control of said computerized database.

32. A telecommunications device for creating an interactive terminal for accessing information from a remote computerized database using a communication exchange, wherein said interactive terminal is coupled to a television receiver for displaying information retrieved from said computerized database, said television receiver having an input port, and to a telephone coupled to said communication exchange, said telephone having one or more keys for generating selective output signals, wherein said interactive terminal comprises:
interface means coupled to said telephone and to said communication exchange for communicating and receiving communication signals including carrier based signals over said communication exchange, said interface means responsive to receiving said selective output signals generated by said telephone for selectively uncoupling said telephone from said communication exchange and allowing a user to locally manipulate said information contained in said interactive terminal after it is retrieved from said remote database;
modem means coupled to said interface means for retrieving and converting said carrier based signals corresponding to said information from said remote database into digitally encoded data signals, and for converting digitally encoded data signals into carrier based signals for transmission via said communication exchange to said remote database;
control means coupled to said modem means for operating said telecommunications device, said control means responsive to said digitally encoded data signals from said modem means;
said control means further comprising programmable memory means for storing said digitally encoded data signals;
and video signal processing means coupled to said control means for converting said digitally encoded data signals into corresponding video data signals for transmitting to said television receiver said video data signal.

33. A telecommunications device according to claim 32, wherein said interface means includes a switching means for switching said telephone onto and off of said communications exchange such that said selective output signals are still received by said control means when said telephone is switched off of said communications exchange.

34. A telecommunications device according to claim 32, wherein said database employs control software responsive to said carrier based signals transmitted by said modem means via said communication exchange.

35. A telecommunications device according to claim 32, wherein said programmable memory means includes a first memory storage having control signals programmably alterable under the control of said computerized database.

36. A telecommunications device according to claim 32, wherein said control means includes a keyboard.

37. A telecommunications device according to claim 32, wherein said control means includes a disk storage device.

38. A telecommunications device according to claim 32, wherein said control means includes a printing device.

39. A telecommunications device according to claim 32, wherein said control means includes a second memory storage for storing a coded signal corresponding to an individual identification of said telecommunications device for controlling access to said computerized database.

40. A telecommunications device according to claim 39, wherein said control means includes means for programmably altering contents of said memory storage under the control of said computerized database.