EON Corp. IP Holdings, LLC v. Apple Inc.

Filing 1

COMPLAINT against Apple Inc. ( Filing fee $ 350 receipt number 0540-3922929.), filed by EON Corp. IP Holdings, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - '757 Patent, # 2 Exhibit B - '101 Patent, # 3 Exhibit C - '546 Patent, # 4 Exhibit D - '491 Patent, # 5 Civil Cover Sheet)(Scardino, Daniel)

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EXHIBIT A 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 US005663757Cl c12) EX PARTE REEXAMINATION CERTIFICATE (9180th) United States Patent c1o) Morales (45) (54) SOFTWARE CONTROLLED MULTI-MODE INTERACTIVE TV SYSTEMS (75) Inventor: (73) Assignee: EON Corporation, Tyler, TX (US) Number: US 5,663,757 Cl Certificate Issued: Aug. 14, 2012 Primary Examiner-Joshua Campbell (57) Reexamination Request: No. 90/011,695, May 17, 2011 Reexamination Certificate for: Patent No.: 5,663,757 Issued: Sep. 2, 1997 Appl. No.: 07/674,169 Filed: Mar. 25, 1991 Related U.S. Application Data (63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 07/390,073, filed on Aug. 7, 1989, now Pat. No. 5,101,267, and a continuationin-part of application No. 07/379,921, filed on Jul. 14, 1989, now Pat. No. 5,036,389. (51) Int. Cl. H04N 7114 (52) U.S. Cl. ................... 725/5; 348/E7.07; 348/E7.019; 348/E7.033; 348/E7.034; 725/22; 725/24; 725/40; 725/45; 725/56; 725/60; 725/65 Field of Classification Search ........................ None See application file for complete search history. (58) (56) ABSTRACT Fernando Morales, Reston, VA (US) (2006.01) References Cited To view the complete listing of prior art documents cited during the proceeding for Reexamination Control Number 90/011,695, please refer to the USPTO's public Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system under the Display References tab. A wide range interactive two way communication video system operable nation-wide over satellite links has comprehensive local data processing stations for network subscribers that give a wide range of choices for customizing system features. In particular the system is soft-ware controlled by a programmable computer that comprehensively interconnects one or more interactive features or modes of operation in a local subscriber's unit that may be licensed to or chosen by individual subscribers. Such optionally selected features include data bases, audience response, instantaneous purchase and billing, channel and program selections, restructuring of system operation, and video games. Multiple slot software capability for receiving chips, discs or other software storage units are provided for customizing data bases, fiscal transactions, access to network facilities and remote stations, operational menus and program selection menus from broadcast, and cable or satellite communications. Subscriber participation is done from an armchair by flicking a finger without interrupting the viewing of program materials, without telephone lines or writing implements. A typical interactive transaction would be instantaneous response to an advertisement in a video broadcast program with a purchase decision which orders a product or service, pays, ships and reorders into inventory the product at different local sites in far-off cities. II' 12 000 000 000 illllllif:J STORE MAILBOX SOFTWARE. TEXT & DIS~1AYS TOll -)25 cREOrr PROGRAM AUiltENCE BANKING FISCAL SCHEDULES RESPONSe HISlORY MENUS US 5,663,757 Cl 1 2 program defining authorized operating conditions for EX PARTE that station, and operating means for programming said REEXAMINATION CERTIFICATE computer with said software control program to estabISSUED UNDER 35 U.S. C. 307 lish optional operating mode conditions authorized to said subscriber at the local data processing station as defined by the software control program, and means controlled by said replaceable software means Matter enclosed in heavy brackets [ ] appeared in the operable with said operation control system for reconpatent, but has been deleted and is no longer a part of the figuring the operating modes by adding or changing patent; matter printed in italics indicates additions made 10 features and introducing new menus. to the patent. 7. [The local data processing station as defined in claim 6 further comprising] A local subscriber's data processing staAS A RESULT OF REEXAMINATION, IT HAS BEEN tion for a wireless television program communication netDETERMINED THAT: work coupling together a set of interactive subscriber televi15 sian receiver stations, comprising in combination, Claims 1 and 7-10 are determined to be patentable as an operation control system in said data processing staamended. tion for controlling video signals, system operating modes and interactive communications available to the Claim 2-6, dependent on an amended claim, are detersubscriber, mined to be patentable. 20 a television receiver with a video display screen, program control means and television program channel selec1. A local subscriber's data processing station for a wiretion means, less television program communication network coupling a plurality ofsources of video text and television program together a set of interactive subscriber television receiver channels available from said network for individual stations, comprising in combination, 25 presentation on said display screen in response to an operation control system in said data processing station operator control by way of said operation control for controlling video signals, system operating modes system, and interactive communications available to the a programmable computer interconnected with said telesubscriber, vision receiver and said operation control system, a television receiver with a video display screen, program 30 radio wave transmission and reception means for sending control means and television program channel selection and receiving video and interactive control signal means, information wirelessly to and from the subscriber telea plurality of sources of video text and television program vision receiver stations in said network including meschannels available from said network for individual sages with subscriber identification, video text and conpresentation on said display screen in response to 35 trol signals for said television receiver, operator control by way of said operation control said operation control system providing local station system, organization and operation in different operating a programmable computer interconnected with said telemodes permitting various degrees ofinteractive particivision receiver and said operation control system, 40 pation by a local subscriber, including network commuradio wave transmission and reception means for sending nication interconnection between the subscriber televiand receiving video and interactive control signal inforsion receiver stations, television program viewing mation wirelessly to and from the subscriber television options, fiscal transactions and audience response receiver stations in said network including messages modes, with subscriber identification, video text and control 45 subscriber manual control means for interactive particisignals for said television receiver, pation and operation of said operation control system said operation control system providing local station orgaover an authorized range of optional features, nization and operation in different operating modes monitoring means for generating video displays of permitting various degrees of interactive participation instructions and interactive menus on said video screen by a local subscriber, including network communica- 50 related to said operating modes, tion interconnection between the subscriber television receiver stations, television program viewing options, self contained software programs operable with said fiscal transactions and audience response modes, operation control system at the subscriber's data prosubscriber manual control means for interactive participacessing station for identifYing program and operating tion and operation of said operation control system over 55 mode options individually authorized to the subscriber an authorized range of optional features, for controlling the local station options by means of said software programs, monitoring means for generating video displays of instructions and interactive menus on said video screen replaceable software means located at the subscriber starelated to said operating modes, tion for storing at least one replaceable software control program defining authorized operating conditions self contained software programs operable with said 60 for that station, and operating means for programming operation control system at the subscriber's data prosaid computer with said software control program to cessing station for identifying program and operating establish optional operating mode conditions authomode options individually authorized to the subscriber rized to said subscriber at the local data processing for controlling the local station options by means of station as defined by the software control program, said software programs, 65 replaceable software means located at the subscriber stainteractive selection means for establishing optionally a set of selectable interactive operation features identition for storing at least one replaceable software control THE PATENT IS HEREBY AMENDED AS INDICATED BELOW. US 5,663,757 Cl 3 4 fled by software programs stored on said replaceable means responsive to said self contained software for establishing a mode of operation for selection of one of software means, wherein the interactive selection means further comprises means for operating the sysa plurality of authorized television program channels tem in a manual control purchase authorization mode wherein a channel selection menu identifYing authorized channels is displayed automatically on said video for authorizing purchases in response to data displayed upon said video display screen, wherein at least one screen, replaceable software means comprises credit authorimeans establishing a first menu directed to different interzation data for payment for purchases authorized by actively selectable program theme subsets available said manual control purchase authorization means, from said authorized television program channels and means operable under control of said replaceable soft- 10 means for causing selected themes to automatically display a second menu displaying available television proware means and said operation control system for netgrams relating to that selected theme, means responsive work interconnection to place and confirm an order in to said subscriber manual control means for selecting a the purchase authorization mode with a remote station preferred theme from said different themes presented coupled into said network of interactive subscriber stations in response to said manual control purchase 15 when said first menu is displayed on said screen, and means in said control system for identifYing on said authorization, and second menu said television programs available relatmeans under control of said replaceable software means ing to the selected theme, and for indicating acknowledging of shipment of an order from a remote station coupled into said network of means controlled by replaceable software means operable interactive subscriber stations in real time in response 20 with said operation control system for reconjiguring the operating modes by adding or changing features and to a manual control purchase authorization transaction at said local subscriber's station. introducing new menus. 8. A local subscriber's data processing station for a wire9. A local subscriber's data processing station for a wireless television program communication network coupling less television program communication network coupling together a set of interactive subscriber television receiver 25 together a set of interactive subscriber television receiver stations, comprising in combination, stations, comprising in combination, an operation control system in said data processing station an operation control system in said data processing station for controlling video signals, system operating modes for controlling video signals, system operating modes and interactive communications available to the 30 and interactive communications available to the subscriber, subscriber, a television receiver with a video display screen, program a television receiver with a video display screen, program control means and television program channel selection control means and television program channel selection means, means, a plurality of sources of video text and television program 35 a plurality of sources of video text and television program channels available from said network for individual channels available from said network for individual presentation on said display screen in response to presentation on said display screen in response to operator control by way of paid operation control operator control by way of said operation control system, system, a programmable computer interconnected with said tele- 40 a programmable computer interconnected with said television receiver and said operation control system, vision receiver and said operation control system, radio wave transmission and reception means for sending radio wave transmission and reception means for sending and receiving video and interactive control signal inforand receiving video and interactive control signal information wirelessly to and from the subscriber television mation wirelessly to and from the subscriber television receiver stations in said network including messages 45 receiver stations in said network including messages with subscriber identification, video text and control with subscriber identification, video text and control signals for said television receiver, signals for said television receiver, said operation control system providing local station orgasaid operation control system providing local station organization and operation in different operating modes nization and operation in different operating modes 50 permitting various degrees of interactive participation permitting various degrees of interactive participation by a local subscriber, including network communicaby a local subscriber, including network communication interconnection between the subscriber television tion interconnection between the subscriber television receiver stations, television program viewing options, receiver stations, television program viewing options, fiscal transactions and audience response modes, fiscal transactions and audience response modes, 55 subscriber manual control means for interactive participasubscriber manual control means for interactive participation and operation of said operation control system over tion and operation of said operation control system over an authorized range of optional features, an authorized range of optional features, monitoring means for generating video displays of monitoring means for generating video displays of instructions and interactive menus on said video screen 60 instructions and interactive menus on said video screen related to said operating modes, related to said operating modes, self contained software programs operable with said self contained software programs operable with said operation control system at the subscriber's data prooperation control system at the subscriber's data processing station for identifying program and operating cessing station for identifying program and operating mode options individually authorized to the subscriber 65 mode options individually authorized to the subscriber for controlling the local station options by means of for controlling the local station options by means of said software programs, said software programs, US 5,663,757 Cl 5 means controlled by replaceable software means operable with said operation control system for establishing and controlling a mode of operation that records historical operating data of the local subscriber's data processing station, and reconjiguring the operating modes by adding or changing features and introducing new menus. 10. A local subscriber's data processing station for a wireless television program communication network coupling together a set of interactive subscriber television receiver stations, comprising in combination, 10 an operation control system in said data processing station for controlling video signals, system operating modes and interactive communications available to the subscriber, a television receiver with a video display screen, program 15 control means and television program channel selection means, a plurality of sources of video text and television program channels available from said network for individual presentation on said display screen in response to operator control by way of said operation control 20 system, a programmable computer interconnected with said television receiver and said operation control system, radio wave transmission and reception means for sending and receiving video and interactive control signal infor- 25 mation wirelessly to and from the subscriber television receiver stations in said network including messages with subscriber identification, video text and control signals for said television receiver, said operation control system providing local station orga- 30 nization and operation in different operating modes 6 permitting various degrees of interactive participation by a local subscriber, including network communication interconnection between the subscriber television receiver stations, television program viewing options, fiscal transactions and audience response modes, subscriber manual control means for interactive participation and operation of said operation control system over an authorized range of optional features, monitoring means for generating video displays of instructions and interactive menus on said video screen related to said operating modes, self contained software programs operable with said operation control system at the subscriber's data processing station for identifying program and operating mode options individually authorized by means of said software programs, means controlled by replaceable software means operable with said operator control system for establishing and controlling fiscal transactions with a further local station in said network of interactive communications, and means for establishing an accounting mode of operation for maintaining and reporting fiscal transactions incurred in the operation of the local subscriber's data processing station, and reconjiguring the operating modes by adding or changing features and introducing new menus. * * * * * 111111 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 US005663757A United States Patent [19] Morales Patent Number: Date of Patent: [11] [45] 5,663,757 Sep.2, 1997 [54] SOFTWARE CONTROLLED MULTI-MODE INTERACTIVE TV SYSTEMS Primary Examiner-Edward F. Urban Attorney, Agent, or Finn-LalITence R. Brown [76] Inventor: [57] [21] Appl. No.: 674,169 [22] Filed: Fernando Morales, 1941 Roland Clarke PL. Reston, Va. 22091 Mar. 25, 1991 Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-in-part of Sec. No. 379,921, Jul. 14, 1989, Pat No. 5,036,389, and a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 390, 073, Aug. 7, 1989, Pat. No. 5,101,267. [51] [52] [58] Int. Cl. 6 [56] ....................................................... H04N 7/14 U.S. CI.................................... 348/13; 455/2; 455/6.2 Field of Search ......................... 358/84. 86; 455/3.2. 455/4.1. 4.2. 5.1. 6.1. 6.3; 348/1. 13. 10 References Cited U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 4,506,383 311985 McGann .................................... 455/17 4,591,906 5/1986 Morales-Garza et al ................. 358/84 4,630,108 1211986 Gomersall ................................. 358/84 4,750,036 611988 Martinez ..................................... 34814 4,897,714 111990 Ichise et al .......................... 45515.1 X 4,926,256 5/1990 Nanba ....................................... 358/84 4,945,563 711990 Horton et al ............................. 358/84 5,041,972 8/1991 Frost ... ................ ...................... 358/84 5,051,822 911991 Rhoades .................................... 358/86 5,237,688 8/1993 Calvert et al ........................... 395nOO 5,327,554 7/1994 Palazzi, m et al ..................... 348/13 A wide range interactive two way communication video system operable nation-wide over satellite links has comprehensive local data processing stations for network subscribers that give a wide range of choices for customizing system featlITes. In particular the system is soft-ware controlled by a programmable computer that comprehensively interconnects one or more interactive featlITes or modes of operation in a local subscriber's unit that may be licensed to or chosen by individual subscribers. Such optionally selected featlITes include data bases. audience response, instantaneous plITchase and billing. channel and program selections. restructlITing of system operation, and video games. Multiple slot software capability for receiving chips. discs or other software storage units are provided for customizing data bases, fiscal transactions, access to network facilities and remote stations, operational menus and program selection menus from broadcast. and cable or satellite communications. Subscriber participation is done from an armchair by flicking a finger without interrupting the viewing of program materials, without telephone lines or writing implements. A typical interactive transaction would be instantaneous response to an advertisement in a video broadcast program with a plITchase decision which orders a product or service, pays, ships and reorders into inventory the product at different local sites in far-off cities. 10 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets ~~ EDUCATIONAL QQ _. ABSTRACT Jf" LANGUAGE ~~ MUSI~' PREMIUM SPECIAL INTEREST 11IIffi STORE IJlJ MAIL80X SOFTWARE TEXT & DISPLAYS TOil $25 CREDIT BANKING FISCAL PROGRAM SCHEDULES AUDIENCE RESPONSE HISTORY MENUS d • rJJ • ~ SATELLITE ;- I a fA 00 ......2r:/1~ -- - -- - ~ - - --""tI ",N I \C \C I-" ./\ 3A 2 ~ 1~18MH; + rf I 3--; II / 4 ~ ~ ~ I-" AUDIENCE RESPONSE DATACENTER LOCAL AREA REPEATER STATION FURTHER REPEATERS FIG. I III I RESPONSE UNIT FURTHER RESPONSE UNITS III S, 01 VI ... =" ...~ "'--l VI "'--l ~ • 00 • 5A ~ = a ~ ANTENNA 218 MHz rf 5C 5D ----- -...- I.R. -- --- ANSWERING DEVICE I I I I I ........ ..... I.R. 000 000 000 12 00 ~ ",N ,.... CH~3 CH-4 58 ..... ..... V.C.R. 5£ SPLITTER ~ -...l CH-3 &4 ......... ..... .... ..... ......... SF ............. .... I.R. .... .... ..... ~ ~ ~ .... .... .... .... N MENU .... .... S, !JI PIZZA $2.10 [KJ SANDWICH $1.75 <D 13 D .... .... .... D DESSERT $1.15 .... .... " II 01 t5 '.It c::::::::J F/G.2 c==:J c=:::J =" ~ '.It "I 01 "I ..--____;-5c NETWORK PROGRAMSCABLE ~--------,v 27 V RESPONSE UNIT CONTROL SYSTEM AUDIENCE PROCESSING STATION 25 TEXT GENERATOR NTSC FORMAT MICROPROCESSOR -" L:: • , rJJ. • V2~ CH-4 MODULATOR ~ to a OUT CH-4 CURSOR CONTROL 28 r.n. t ~ ",N SOFTWARE PROGRAM & SYSTEM CONTROL ;1 ~ ~ -...I 8 I-- /: INFRARED RECEIVER -- -- ---- Jel~I@'10 58 v<3 ./' ./' /' 000[,,-12 000 0g9t/3 - ------ "I~I~'C) Olrll H'BO 9, ) r.n. =r ('t) ~ W ~ (,It GI I - - - - + - - - - J - - - - l --.. THE ~ MOVIE}....! CHANNEL REMOTE .---_--,_ 1 CO~/5 FIG. 3 c::=:::J 10 0'1 0\ ~ '" ....:a ~ u.s. Patent Sep.2, 1997 v 33 RF ATTENUATOR RF CHANNEL r-- CHANNEL SELECTOR 30R4 TIMING FOR DISPLAY CURSOR V 37 ~I 40 V TO TV SET 5,663,757 Sheet 4 of 5 CHANNEL SELECTOR QUERY SELECT 'R.F. BEEP TRANSMITTER l.30 39 SYNC VIDEO SEPARATOR V 34~ V 3 c, DATA DETECTOR U MICROPROCESSOR ON A CHIP WITH RA.M. AND R.O.M. (8048) P.R.O.M. (10 NUMBER) r INFRARED 31 I~~~t?t?t?t?~~t?t?t?t?~t? EXTERNAL SOFTWARE SLOTS F/G.4 f32 f-ot-- DETECTOR (7N 7f 35 ~81 ~- 27 u.s. Patent Sep.2, 1997 ~ &fIB ... EDUCATIONAL as FOREIGN LANGUAGE MUSI~ PREMIUM m STORE G NEWS ~. SPORTS 12 It' NElWORKS 000 000 000 mJ e=J-=:I COMMERCIAL 1A~ Super Stations G-..- ~* SPECIAL INTEREST & 1: SHOPPING 5,663,757 Sheet 5 of 5 I ~ ~ MAILBOX A.T.M. ~ REMOTE CONTROL HELP SET UP 15 OFF • MICROPROCESSOR SOFTWARE 8 35 1 40 TEXT & DISPLAYS TOll t DATA BASE $25 i SYSTEM SWITCHING CONTROLS GAMES I CHANNEL SELECTOR PURCHASE CABLE TO TV 41 37 OPERATING MODES CREDIT BANKING FISCAL 13 <0 PROGRAM SCHEDULES AUDIENCE RESPONSE F/G.5 HISTORY MENUS 5,663,757 1 2 Thus such prior art systems have not been able to provide either real time instantaneous purchases, voting, communication or comprehensive interactive by audiences. This is a continuation in part of my applications Ser. No. Furthermore prior art systems have not been versatile 07/379,921 filed Jul. 14,1989 for Satellite Controlled Audi- 5 enough to provide customized participation features for the ence Polling System now U.S. Pat. No. 5,036,389, Ju1. 30, particular interests and financial capacities of a wide range 1991 and Ser. No. 07/390,073 filed Aug. 7, 1989 for Wireof subscribers. less Communication from the Response Unit to a National Accordingly it is a general objective of this invention to Central Location now U.S. Pat. No. 5,101,267, Mar. 31. provide improved comprehensive interactive TV systems 1992. 10 having instantaneous on-line nationwide communication capabilities. FIELD OF THE INVENTION It is a further object of the invention to provide customThis invention relates to television systems and more ized interactive TV systems providing a variety of optional particularly it relates to two-way communicating interactive features for manual control of a subscriber and a choice of television systems which permit user intervention and par- 15 system features. ticipation. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In accordance with this invention a local data processing Audience participation television systems with two way communication are well known. Exemplary is U.S. Pat. No. 20 station of a network subscriber controls video signals, local system operational modes and interactive communications 4,591.906, May 27, 1986 for Wireless Transmission from of a range of participating activities available for subscriber the Television Set to the Television Station. This system interaction. Thus, a television receiver with program control provides for instantaneous audience response to questions means and channel selection means has aremote control unit contained in television program pictures that may be processed from very large audiences of millions of subscribers 25 for manual control and interaction with the network and television receiver from an armchair position without diverton line in real time at a central processing station, typically ing attention away from the TV video display screen upon at a TV transmitter station. Provisions were made for idenwhich programs are viewed as well as selection menus for tifying each of about 29 million individual subscribers with audience participation voting, selection of system functions narrow band unmodulated r-f beep signals within the range of a television broadcast signal so that this system is well 30 and program options, etc. A programmable computer is interconnected with the adapted for a large city environment. local subscriber station TV receiver and the computer proIn the above identified co-pending applications, herein gram control means comprises software computer program contained in entirety by reference, the local TV station control means. preferably in the form of replaceable data transmission area audience participation was extended nationwide by means of processing audience response sig- 35 storage units such as read only memory chips, thereby to establish a variety of communication and program options nals over satellite links. This was possible because there was available to the subscriber for interactive control and parno need to store and recall data, and no telephone lines were ticipation in a way the licensing and charging is easily used with their system switching and limited peak. load administered. capacity bottlenecks, making them incapable of processing Radio wave transmission means for sending and receiving a nationwide audience instantaneously. Thus on-line real- 40 information over the network provides for satellite commutime audience responses to polls with instantaneous nationnication of instantaneous response communications in digiwide audience surveys are made possible. These systems tal form in narrow band r-f wave beep digital signal format also are most advantageous in providing armchair responses transmitted as audience response signals over a satellite without interruption to viewing of a program so that impulse voting and purchase decisions without afterthought was 45 communication channel to a nationwide audience in such a manner that many millions of participants can participate made feasible. This was achieved by means of a remote instantaneously without intermediate storage of data or controlled cursor positioning control unit that positioned the responses or waits and bottlenecks that discourage particicursor at a particular voting position on a television picture pation. screen menu format. Computers at the local response units Thus, a network of interconnected interactive communiwere operable to precisely define, time and transmit answers 50 cation stations and local viewing options are interconnected and to process therewith such other information as subfor instant armchair control and accessibility to the limited scriber identification. The remote control units were further extent permitted by restrictive software programming of used for other functions such as channel switching, VCR local computer controlled system configuration at the subunit operation and manipulation of television set controls such as loudness, etc. 55 scriber's local stations. The interaction and control is related to various system configurations and modes of operation and Prior art audience participation systems in general were corresponding menu displays on the video screen for expesingle purpose systems in that they controlled data such as diting manual control by placing a cursor at a selected option votes in response to polls or kept TV set operating history for on a menu displayed on the video screen. periodic billing purposes However, occasionally an auxilAccordingly a wide range of optional operational modes iary audience interactive feature was provided such as 60 playing of video games, as shown in U. S. Pat. No. 4,630, and interaction functions are available on a subscription basis to match the interests ahd finances of the individual 108 for Preprogrammed Over-the-air Marketing Research System, Dec. 16, 1986, E. R. Gomersall. However in such subscribers. Included in the interactive participation features systems, any satellite communication features were limited available from this system are features such as instantaneous to conventional broadcast of TV programs. and telephone 65 impulse purchase transactions with immediate payment. delivery. bookkeeping. inventory control and restocking at systems were necessary to relay stale stored participation various locations over the nation, all automatically initiated and operation data off-line. SOFTWARE CONTROLLED MULTI-MODE INTERACTIVE TV SYSTEMS 5,663,757 3 4 with a flick of a finger from an armchair viewing position without interruption of attention from the TV video screen. The purchaser may be identified and a credit card or bank transaction completed electronically without intervening voice or written communication. Similarly video games may be played, data banks accessed, programs selected, historical operation of the TV set recorded, available current program availabilities consulted, VCRs controlled and various other interactive participation and system features now available and offered in the future offered for optional control by audience participation. Further objects, features and advantages of the invention will be found throughout the following more detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention and its manner of construction as well as the accompanying drawings and claims. antenna 5C or equivalent cable system that provides a plurality of program channel choices for the local TV receiver SF and input messages from the network carried on existing programming materials. Thus, responses may be simultaneously transmitted from the answering device 5B while the TV screen is being viewed without interruption, phone calls or moving from an armchair viewing site by means of the remote control device 12, which as shown intercommunicates by means if infrared (LR.) wireless links with the answering device SB, the TV receiver 5F, the V.C.R. 8D and other interactive system units or control centers. The answering device may be that described in the U.S. Pat. 4,591,906, for example. The remote control unit 12 is operable in accordance with this invention to control the position and function of a cursor 6 on the video viewing screen 11, such as by means of a joystick control member 13. A decision, vote or purchase may be made and recorded by means of the selection pushbutton switch 15. Thus when the menu displayed on screen 11 from another subscriber in the form of an advertisement in a regularly programmed video program or otherwise, the cursor 6 is positioned at a video screen selection site and a transaction made by means of subscriber controlled manual control means 12 and its joystick 13 and selector 15. Various active menus may be locally generated together with local system operating modes for interaction as explained in more detail hereinafter. The splitter 5E, or other equivalent switching means, provides a choice of programs and local system units such as disc players (not shown) for independent use or selection on the TV receiver SF by its conventional tuning means, with or without the aid of the keyboard on remote control unit 12. In accordance with this invention, as better seen by reference to FIG. 3, a wide range of subscriber interaction, participation and control is made feasible by the software (8) controlled programmable microprocessor data processing system 27, which is later shown in more detail. The software controlled computer data processing system comprises a computer directed control system providing local station organization and operation in different operating modes. Thus such customized interactive features as network communication, menu selections, program viewing options including channel selections, processing of bank and fiscal transactions with credit and payment for purchases, audience response, data processing from data banks and local historical records with the video screen serving as the computer monitor, and a wide variety of other interactive functions useful to a local subscriber can be supplied from a standard low cost facility by means of software control. This software control feature systemwise permits the use of a software disk, chip or card to define and customize those licensed activities that individual subscribers order. It can identify the subscriber, a bank account or credit card that permits instant purchase transactions completed on impulse instantaneously without moving from an armchair, writing or telephoning. It can organize a computer controlled local system into many different configurations and modes of operation so that a wider range of interactivity by the subscriber is made affordable with standardized but highly flexible low cost equipment. Returning to the details of the system of FIG. 3, generally identified as the SB answering device, the parallel nature of the program sources 5C' and the two-way communications through the audience processing channel 25 is shorn as communicating with the response unit control system and 5 10 15 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters represent similar features, and primed reference characters indicate variations in the features, throughout the several views: FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wide area TV audience response system afforded by the invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a local response unit station at a subscriber's location for audience response by means of cursor positioning On the TV video display screen, FIG. 3 is a further local response unit subscriber station block diagram illustrating customized control of interaction features by means of software program and system control means, FIG. 4 is a block diagram in more detail of the software control system afforded by this invention, and FIG. 5 is a functional operation diagram illustrating typical customized control of interactive features by means of computer programming software in accordance with this invention. THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In operation of the customized interactive video subscriber's stations afforded by this invention, nationwide two-way communication networks are afforded by means of satellite communications identified in FIG. 1, and more fully disclosed in the aforesaid parent applications. Thus a family of local subscriber's units or stations 4 communicate with a local area repeater station 3 over a narrow band 128 MHz r-f wave link in the manner identified in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,591,906. One or more local area repeater stations 3 then are linked via satellite 1 and directional antennas lA, 3A and 2F to the remote station, here identified as audience response data center 2, at which audience responses nationwide may be assembled and retransmitted nationwide instantaneously in response to queries implicitly contained in program materials, for example. This network of interacting subscriber stations is characterized by twoway communication capabilities, wherein each subscriber nation-wide is identified individually for fiscal charges or audience analysis purposes. The audience response may be an answer to a poll question or a purchase of an advertised item. At the local subscriber's unit, some of the system and local interaction features are illustrated in FIG. 2. Note the two parallel communication means, namely, (1) the antenna 5A for the responsive beeps or equivalent communications initiated by subscriber manual control, and (2) the TV 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 5,663,757 5 6 microprocessor 27. Local video text for menus 11, such as shown on the Video screen are generated in NTSC format for U.S. standard television receivers at 25 and presented by way of modulator 26 on a selected interactive television processing channel to which the television receiver 10 and remote control unit 12 is responsive, such as channel four. Thus, this invention provides, for at least specified modes of operation, menus for interactive choices of the subscriber by means of location of a cursor at a menu choice location. This particular menu presents a universal format for selecting television network programs without identification of local channel numbers, for example, which can change from county to county on separate cable systems or with local cities with radio wave broadcast from different channels. Thus, an interactive feature of this invention is the provision of channel selection as one of the interactive modes of operation. In this particular illustrated menu version of channel selection, it may be seen for example that an out of town visitor in a hotel does not know what local channel is allocated to CNN or what cable channel is allocated to HBO. Thus those channels may be selected simply and without reference to a channel guide by locating a cursor at the appropriate menu position and operating selection switch 15 for automatic system selection of that channel. The coordinates on screen 7 are shown to identify nine different menu zones available in this embodiment. The channel selection feature is shown in more detail in FIG. 4 illustrating the relationship of the cursor control technique feature unique in this interactive television system and its interaction with the channel selection function. The control system block 27 (FIG. 3) is also related to the radio frequency beep transmitter 30 for network communication from the local subscriber station. Note that the software item P.R.O.M. 31 read only memory card or unit identifies the subscriber uniquely in the network beep siguals. Also note that external software 8' has a plurality of slots 7A 7N provided for receiving memory cards or discs that appropriately control the microprocessor 35 for organizing the control of the system, and the accessibility to the system by the subscriber based upon contract provisions or payment schedules, etc. Some software storage units 7 can be random access (R.AM.) and some may be read ouly (R.O.M.). The latter could be used for compiling historical data for audience analysis or billing purposes, for example. The R.O.M. units would include credit and banking restrictions for purchases or other fiscal transactions. Any restricted access features that involve costs or charges or license fees, etc. are thus controlled. Also this provides a medium by which the entire system configuration based upon the computer control system can be dynamically reconfigured from time to time to add or change features and to introduce new menus. This software-computer control configuration then truly provides a unique and versatile customizable interactive television system. Incoming program signals at line 33 can carry return signals from the two-way communication capabilities of this system in the form of queries or other communications identifiable to :flag audience response polls, etc. In general all timing is synchronized at 34 with the video sync signals to assure that cursor timing 39 and positioning on a picture raster is coordinated with the questions asked on the program picture, etc. Data detector 36.then processes the digital beep signals either implicit in the picture video or separately available at the query select means 37, which might for example be confined to particular incoming channels. The channel selector 41 is controlled by the microprocessor controlled control system such as by means of a software program for microprocessor Functional operational features for customizing the interaction facilities and programs for the subscriber are set out in the block diagram configuration of FIG. 5, as related to the menu 11'. This menu comprises a program selection menu, where programs relating to various themes may be selected, based upon stored information, that may be updated daily for example, about the times that scheduled concerts, games, movies, etc. are available. Thus, for example the optional choice of any box would bring up a more detailed menu for selection of an available channel. program or feature, either instantaneously or at the future time it appears, with the possibility of recording it on a VCR. The "store " option for example may include catalog shopping features from several commercial subscribers. The interaction between the software programs 8', the microprocessor 35 and system switching controls 40 to implement various operating modes 41 is illustrated. Thus for example video games such as chess, etc. may be played, a data base may be viewed or read, direct line banking transactions initiated, and the like. A basic system. for example, could provide audience response, purchase transaction and program selection modes of operation, with other features and system access being available at extra cost and configurated only by means of special unexpired software storage unit which could be employed in one or more of the slots (FIG. 4). Having therefore improved the nature of the art by providing a customized interactive video system with nationwide two-way communication capabilities, those features of novelty defining the spirit and nature of this invention are defined with particularity in the following claims. I claim: 1. A local subscriber's data processing station for a wireless television program communication network coupling together a set of interactive subscriber television receiver stations, comprising in combination, an operation control system in said data processing station for controlling video signals, system operating modes and interactive communications available to the subscriber, a television receiver with a video display screen, program control means and television program channel selection means, a plurality of sources of video text and television program channels available from said network for individual presentation on said display screen in response to operator control by way of said operation control system, a programmable computer interconnected with said television receiver and said operation control system, radio wave transmission and reception means for sending and receiving video and interactive control signal information wirelessly to and from the subscriber television receiver stations in said network including messages with subscriber identification, video text and control signals for said television receiver, said operation control system providing local station organization and operation in different operating modes permitting various degrees of interactive participation by a local subscriber, including network communication interconnection between the subscriber television receiver stations, television program viewing options, fiscal transactions and audience response modes, subscriber manual control means for interactive participation and operation of said operation control system over an authorized range of optional features, 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 5,663,757 7 8 monitoring means for generating video displays of presentation on said display screen in response to operator control by way of paid operation control instructions and interactive menus on said video screen system. related to said operating modes, a programmable computer interconnected with said teleself contained software programs operable with said vision receiver and said operation control system. operation control system at the subscriber's data pro- 5 radio wave transmission and reception means for sending cessing station for identifying program and operating and receiving video and interactive control signal informode options individually authorized to the subscriber mation wirelessly to and from the subscriber television for controlling the local station options by means of receiver stations in said network including messages said software programs, with subscriber identification. video text and control replaceable software means located at the subscriber 10 signals for said television receiver. station for storing at least one replaceable software said operation control system providing local station control program defining authorized operating condiorganization and operation in different operating modes tions for that station, and operating means for programpermitting various degrees of interactive participation ming said computer with said software control program by a local SUbscriber. including network communicato establish optional operating mode conditions autho- 15 tion interconnection between the subscriber television rized to said subscriber at the local data processing receiver stations. television program viewing options. station as defined by the software control program. fiscal transactions and audience response modes. 2. The local data processing station as defined in claim 1 subscriber manual control means for interactive particifurther comprising interactive selection means for establishpation and operation of said operation control system ing optionally a set of selectable interactive operation fea- 20 over an authorized range of optional features. tures identified by software programs stored on said replacemonitoring means for generating video displays of able software means. instructions and interactive menus on said video screen 3. The local data processing station as defined in claim 2 related to said operating modes. wherein at least one replaceable software program comprises a stored data base accessible for viewing on said video 25 self contained software programs operable with said display screen in response to said subscriber manual control operation control system at the subscriber's data promeans. cessing station for identifying program and operating 4. The local data processing station as defined in claim 2 mode options individually authorized to the subscriber wherein at least one replaceable software program authofor controlling the local station options by means of rizes a video game for display on said video display screen. 30 said software programs. 5. The local data processing station as defined in claim 2 means responsive to said self contained software for wherein the interactive selection means further comprises establishing a mode of operation for selection of one of means for operating the system in a manual control purchase a plurality of authorized television program channels authorization mode for authorizing purchases in response to wherein a channel selection menu identifying authodata displayed upon said video display screen. wherein at 35 rized channels is displayed automatically on said video least one replaceable software means comprises credit screen. authorization data for payment for purchases authorized by means establishing a first menu directed to different said manual control purchase authorization means. interactively selectable program theme subsets avail6. The local data processing station as defined in claim 5 able from said authorized television program channels further comprising means operable under control of said 40 and means for causing selected themes to automatically replaceable software means and said operation control sysdisplay a second menu displaying available television tem for network interconnection to place and confirm an programs relating to that selected theme. means responorder in the purchase authorization mode with a remote sive to said subscriber manual control means for selectstation coupled into said network of interactive subscriber ing a preferred theme from said different themes prestations in response to said manual control purchase autho- 45 sented when said first menu is displayed on said screen, rization. and means in said control system for identifying on said 7. The local data processing station as defined in claim 6 second menu said television programs available relatfurther comprising means under control of said replaceable ing to the selected theme. software means for indicating acknowledging of shipment of 9. A local subscriber's data processing station for a an order from a remote station coupled into said network of 50 wireless television program communication network couinteractive subscriber stations in real time in response to a pling together a set of interactive subscriber television manual control purchase authorization transaction at said receiver stations. comprising in combination. local subscriber's station. an operation control system in said data processing station S. A local subscriber's data processing station for a for controlling video signals. system operating modes wireless television program communication network cou- 55 and interactive communications available to the pling together a set of interactive subscriber television subscriber, receiver stations, comprising in combination. a television receiver with a video display screen, program an operation control system in said data processing station control means and television program channel selection for controlling video signals. system operating modes 60 means, and interactive communications available to the a plurality of sources of video text and television program subscriber, channels available from said network for individual a television receiver with a video display screen. program presentation on said display screen in response to control means and television program channel selection operator control by way of said operation control means, 65 system. a plurality of sources of video text and television program a programmable computer interconnected with said telechannels available from said network for individual vision receiver and said operation control system. 5,663,757 10 9 radio wave transmission and reception means for sending and receiving video and interactive control signal information wirelessly to and from the subscriber television receiver stations in said network including messages with subscriber identification, video text and control signals for said television receiver, said operation control system providing local station organization and operation in different operating modes permitting various degrees of interactive participation by a local subscriber. including network communication interconnection between the subscriber television receiver stations. television program viewing options. fiscal transactions and audience response modes. subscriber manual control means for interactive participation and operation of said operation control system over an authorized range of optional features, monitoring means for generating video displays of instructions and interactive menus on said video screen related to said operating modes, self contained software programs operable with said operation control system at the subscriber's data processing station for identifying program and operating mode options individually authorized to the subscriber for controlling the local station options by means of said software programs, means controlled by replaceable software means operable with said operation control system for establishing and controlling a mode of operation that records historical operating data of the local subscriber's data processing station. 10. A local subscriber's data processing station for a wireless television program communication network coupling together a set of interactive subscriber television receiver stations, comprising in combination. an operation control system in said data processing station for controlling video signals, system operating modes and interactive communications available to the subscriber, a television receiver with a video display screen, program control means and television program channel selection means, 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 a plurality of sources of video text and television program channels available from said network for individual presentation on said display screen in response to operator control by way of said operation control system. a programmable computer interconnected with said television receiver and said operation control system. radio wave transmission and reception means for sending and receiving video and interactive control signal information wirelessly to and from the subscriber television receiver stations in said network including messages with subscriber identification, video text and control signals for said television receiver, said operation control system providing local station organization and operation in different operating modes pennitting various degrees of interactive participation by a local subscriber, including network communication interconnection between the subscriber television receiver stations, television program viewing options, fiscal transactions and audience response modes. subscriber manual control means for interactive participation and operation of said operation control system over an authorized range of optional features, monitoring means for generating video displays of instructions and interactive menus on said video screen related to said operating modes, self contained software programs operable with said operation control system at the subscriber's data processing station for identifying program and operating mode options individually authorized by means of said software programs, means controlled by replaceable software means operable with said operator control system for establishing and controlling fiscal transactions with a further local station in said network of interactive communications, and means for establishing an accounting mode of operation for maintaining and reporting fiscal transactions incurred in the operation of the local subscriber's data processing station. * * * * *

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