Automatic interactive television terminal configuration

Abstract

A two-way interactive addressable entertainment terminal comprises a processor, a keyboard, a character generator responsive to the processor and memory for storage of an algorithm related to the installation of the terminal and to providing a verification indication at the terminal of acknowledged entry of the terminal into an entertainment system. The character generator, responsive to the passage of a predetermined period of time since the application of power to the terminal, causes a number of screens to be displayed on an associated television receiver. The display screens reinforce the algorithm and provide indications of programmed key functions despite labels of keys on the keyboard. Consequently, a user or installer is capable of installing a terminal according to the present invention without any communication with personnel at the location of a system manager. By requiring the practically simultaneous occurrence of two events the application of power and the actuation of a predetermined key, inadvertent entry into either an installation mode or a maintenance mode of terminal operation is prevented.

We claim: 
     
       1. A .[.two-way interactive.]. cable television entertainment terminal for communicating with a system manager of an entertainment system, the terminal comprising: an analog transmission link for communicating via a radio frequency transmission media with the system manager,   a processor for processing data,   memory associated with the processor,   a character generator, responsive to .Iadd.a signal from .Iaddend.the processor, for generating characters for display on a display screen,   a keypad for inputting information to the terminal, the input information for processing by the processor,   a power input,   the terminal, responsive to the application of power at the power input, entering an initialization .[.made.]. .Iadd.mode.Iaddend.,   the processor, during the initialization mode, verifying proper operation of terminal components and software,   the terminal.[., during initialization, entering.]. .Iadd.further including circuitry which provides entry into .Iaddend.an .[.automatic.]. installation mode.Iadd., the installation mode being entered by switching on the terminal and actuating a predetermined key of the keypad, the installation mode including a mode for at least one of aligning a screen of characters and configuring the terminal for providing power to an associated device.Iaddend.,   the character generator, responsive to .Iadd.the signal from .Iaddend.the processor, for generating at least one display screen of characters .[.requiring keyboard.]. .Iadd.requesting a keypad .Iaddend.response, the .[.required.]. .Iadd.requested .Iaddend.response being related to .[.terminal.]. .Iadd.the .Iaddend.installation .Iadd.mode.Iaddend.,   the terminal, recognizing an appropriate response, configuring itself according to the response prior to entry of the terminal into the entertainment system.   
     
     
       2. A terminal according to claim 1, .[.the at least one.]. .Iadd.a first .Iaddend.display screen of characters generated by the character generator being related to alignment of a test screen on the display .Iadd.screen .Iaddend.of an associated television receiver. 
     
     
       3. A terminal according to claim 1, .[.the at least one.]. .Iadd.a first .Iaddend.display screen of characters generated by the character generator for requesting terminal location information input. 
     
     
       4. A terminal according to claim 1, .[.the at least one.]. .Iadd.a first .Iaddend.display screen of characters generated by the character generator for requesting input as to .[.the.]. .Iadd.an .Iaddend.interlaced or a non-interlaced character of the .[.character screen.]. display .Iadd.screen.Iaddend.. 
     
     
       5. A terminal according to claim 1 further comprising a switched power output, the at least one display screen generated by the character generator for requesting input as to the provision of power to .[.an.]. .Iadd.the .Iaddend.associated device. 
     
     
       6. A terminal according to claim 3 further comprising a second display screen of characters for indicating acknowledgement of terminal entry into the system by the system manager. 
     
     
       7. A terminal according to claim 1, a first display screen of characters generated by the character .Iadd.generator .Iaddend.being related to alignment of a test screen on the display .Iadd.screen .Iaddend.of an associated television receiver, a second display screen of characters for requesting terminal location information input and a third display screen of characters for indicating acknowledgement of terminal entry into the system by the system manager. 
     
     
       8. A terminal according to claim 1, the terminal, responsive to .[.the.]. .Iadd.an .Iaddend.actuation of a .[.predetermined.]. .Iadd.maintenance .Iaddend.key of the keypad, entering a maintenance mode, the character generator, responsive to .[.the.]. .Iadd.a .Iaddend.recognition of the actuation of the .[.predetermined.]. .Iadd.maintenance .Iaddend.key, for generating at least one display screen of characters related to the terminal maintenance mode.   
     
     
       9. A terminal according to claim 8, .[.the at least one.]. .Iadd.a first .Iaddend.terminal maintenance mode display screen for displaying memory contents. 
     
     
       10. A terminal according to claim 9, the .[.at least one.]. .Iadd.first .Iaddend.terminal maintenance mode display screen for displaying memory contents in hexadecimal format. 
     
     
       11. A terminal according to claim 9, the .[.at least one.]. .Iadd.first .Iaddend.terminal maintenance mode display screen for displaying memory contents in ASCII format. 
     
     
       12. A terminal according to claim 9, the .[.at least one.]. .Iadd.first .Iaddend.terminal maintenance mode display screen being adaptable for .[.the display of.]. .Iadd.displaying .Iaddend.memory contents in a particular format. 
     
     
       13. A terminal according to claim 1, the keypad being .[.either for.]. .Iadd.one of a .Iaddend.remote control .[.of the terminal or.]. .Iadd.keypad and a .Iaddend.directly coupled .[.to.]. .Iadd.keypad for controlling .Iaddend.the terminal. 
     
     
       14. A terminal according to claim 13, .[.the at least one.]. .Iadd.a first .Iaddend.display screen of characters generated by the character generator being related to terminal testing during manufacture. 
     
     
       15. A terminal according to claim 14 comprising a remote control command receiver, the processor recognizing .[.the.]. .Iadd.an .Iaddend.actuation of at least one .[.predetermined.]. .Iadd.testing .Iaddend.key, the key being one not normally provided on .[.either.]. the remote control keypad .[.or.]. .Iadd.and not normally provided on .Iaddend.the directly coupled keypad for transmitting a predetermined control code to the remote control command receiver of the terminal, the predetermined control code being related to terminal testing during manufacture. 
     
     
       16. A two-way interactive cable television entertainment terminal comprising a data processor, a memory associated with the data processor, a keypad for inputting data to the data processor, and a character generator, responsive to the data processor, for generating characters for display on a display screen, the terminal, responsive to the application of power to the terminal, entering an initialization mode, during which mode, the microprocessor, responsive to the actuation of at least one predetermined key, controlling the character generator for generating more than one display screen related to screen alignment, terminal configuration and verification of entry into an entertainment system. .[.17. A terminal according to claim 16, the keypad comprising keys having programmable functions such that the keys have different functions depending on processor status, a present key function being displayed on 
     
     
        the at least one display screen..].18. In a .[.two-way interactive.]. cable television entertainment terminal comprising a data processor, a memory associated with the data processor, a keypad for inputting data to the data processor, and a character generator, responsive to .Iadd.a signal from .Iaddend.the data processor, for generating characters for display on a display screen, a method of enabling an .[.automatic.]. installation of the terminal for entry into an entertainment system comprising the steps of: applying power to the terminal,   initializing operation of terminal components responsive to the application of power to the terminal,   actuating a display of at least one screen of characters, the display screen .[.requiring.]. .Iadd.requesting a .Iaddend.keypad response,   recognizing an appropriate keypad response to the display screen, and   configuring the terminal according to the response prior to entry of the terminal into the entertainment system.Iadd.,   the installation of the terminal including one of aligning a screen of characters and configuring the terminal for providing power to an   
     
     
        associated device.Iaddend.. 19. .[.An automatic.]. .Iadd.A .Iaddend.terminal installation method according to claim 18, comprising the additional .[.step.]. .Iadd.steps .Iaddend.of: recognizing .[.the.]. .Iadd.an .Iaddend.actuation of a predetermined key of the keypad during initialization within a predetermined period of time from the application of power to the terminal.Iadd.; and   enabling the installation of the terminal when actuation of the   
     
     
        predetermined key is recognized.Iaddend.. 20. .[.An automatic.]. .Iadd.A .Iaddend.terminal installation method according to claim 18, the method comprising the additional steps of.Iadd.: .Iaddend. recognizing an actuation of a .[.different.]. predetermined key.Iadd.; .Iaddend.and   quitting .[.automatic terminal.]. .Iadd.the .Iaddend.installation .[.responsive to recognizing.]. .Iadd.of the .Iaddend..Iadd.terminal when .Iaddend.the actuation of the .[.different.]. predetermined key .Iadd.is   
     
     
        recognized.Iaddend.. 21. .[.An automatic.]. .Iadd.A .Iaddend.terminal installation method according to claim 18 further comprising the step of: providing an indication of acknowledgement of entry of the terminal into   
     
     
        the system. 22. .[.An automatic.]. .Iadd.A .Iaddend.terminal installation method according to claim 18 wherein the .[.keyboard.]. .Iadd.keypad .Iaddend.response may comprise a plurality of responses including at least .[.the.]. .Iadd.an .Iaddend.entry of information related to terminal 
     
     
        location. 23. .[.An automatic.]. .Iadd.A .Iaddend.terminal installation method according to claim 21 wherein the acknowledgment indication is conditional upon .[.the.]. .Iadd.an .Iaddend.entry of valid information 
     
     
        via the keypad. 24. .[.An automatic.]. .Iadd.A .Iaddend.terminal installation method according to claim 23 wherein the keypad entered 
     
     
        information relates to terminal location. 25. .[.A two-way interactive.]. .Iadd.A .Iaddend.entertainment terminal for communicating with a system manager of an entertainment system, the terminal comprising: a transmission link for communicating via a media with the system manager,   a processor for processing data,   memory associated with the processor,   a character generator, responsive to .Iadd.a signal from .Iaddend.the processor, for generating characters for display on a display screen,   a keypad for inputting information to the terminal, the input information for processing by the processor,   a power input,   a switched power output,   the terminal, responsive to the application of power at the power input, entering an initialization mode,   the processor, during the initialization mode, verifying proper operation of terminal components and software,   the terminal.[., during the initialization mode.]., .Iadd.after the application of power and responsive to an actuation of at least one predetermined key of the keypad, .Iaddend.entering an .[.automatic.]. installation mode,   the character generator, responsive to .Iadd.the signal from .Iaddend.the processor, for generating at least one display screen of characters .[.requiring keyboard.]. .Iadd.requesting a keypad .Iaddend.response, the .[.required.]. .Iadd.requested .Iaddend.response being related to .[.terminal.]. .Iadd.the .Iaddend.installation .Iadd.mode.Iaddend.,   the terminal, recognizing an appropriate response, configuring itself according to the response prior to entry of the terminal into the entertainment system,   the at least one display screen of characters generated by the character generator further includes a screen of characters for requesting input as   
     
     
        to the provision of power to an associated device. 26. A .[.two-way interactive.]. cable television entertainment terminal for communicating with a system manager of an entertainment system, the terminal comprising: an analog transmission link for communicating via a radio frequency transmission media with the system manager,   a processor for processing data,   memory associated with the processor,   a character generator, responsive to .Iadd.a signal from .Iaddend.the processor, for generating characters for display on a display screen,   a keypad for inputting information to the terminal, the input information for processing by the processor,   a power input,   the terminal, responsive to the application of power at the power input, entering an initialization .[.made.]. .Iadd.mode.Iaddend.,   the processor, during the initialization mode, verifying proper operation of terminal components and software,   the terminal, .[.during initialization.]. .Iadd.after application of power and responsive to an actuation of at least one predetermined key of the keypad.Iaddend., entering an .[.automatic.]. installation mode,   the character generator, responsive to .Iadd.the signal from .Iaddend.the processor, for generating at least one display screen of characters .[.requiring keyboard.]. .Iadd.requesting a keypad .Iaddend.response, the .[.required.]. .Iadd.requested .Iaddend.response being related to .[.terminal.]. .Iadd.the .Iaddend.installation .Iadd.mode.Iaddend.,   the terminal, recognizing an appropriate response, configuring itself according to the response prior to entry of the terminal into the entertainment system,   the at least one display screen of characters comprising a first screen generated by the character generator for requesting .Iadd.at least one of .Iaddend.terminal location information input .[.or.]. .Iadd.and .Iaddend.terminal identification information input,   the at least one display screen of characters comprising a second screen for indicating acknowledgement of terminal entry into the system by the system manager after input of .Iadd.at least one of .Iaddend.terminal   
     
     
        identification .[.or.]. .Iadd.and .Iaddend.location information. 27. .[.A two-way interactive.]. .Iadd.An .Iaddend.entertainment terminal for communicating with a system manager of an entertainment system, the terminal comprising: a transmission link for communicating via a media with the system manager,   a processor for processing data,   memory associated with the processor,   a character generator, responsive to .Iadd.a signal from .Iaddend.the processor, for generating characters for display on a display screen,   a keypad for inputting information to the terminal, the input information for processing by the processor,   a power input,   a remote control command receiver.[.,.]. .Iadd.for receiving .Iaddend.a predetermined control code,   the terminal, responsive to the application of power at the power input, entering an initialization mode,   the processor, during the initialization mode, verifying proper operation of terminal components and software,   the terminal, .[.during the initialization mode.]. .Iadd.after application of power and responsive to an actuation of at least one predetermined key of the keypad.Iaddend., entering an .[.automatic.]. installation mode,   the character generator, responsive to .Iadd.the signal from .Iaddend.the processor, for generating at least one display screen of characters .[.requiring keyboard.]. .Iadd.requesting a keypad .Iaddend.response, the .[.required.]. .Iadd.requested .Iaddend.response being related to .[.terminal.]. .Iadd.the .Iaddend.installation .Iadd.mode.Iaddend.,   the terminal, recognizing an appropriate response, configuring itself according to the response prior to entry of the terminal into the entertainment system,   .[.the at least one.]. .Iadd.a first .Iaddend.display screen of characters generated by the character generator being related to terminal testing during manufacture,   the .[.keyboard.]. .Iadd.keypad .Iaddend.being .[.either for.]. .Iadd.one of a .Iaddend.remote control .[.of the terminal or.]. .Iadd.keypad and a .Iaddend.directly coupled .[.to.]. .Iadd.keypad for controlling .Iaddend.the terminal,   the processor recognizing .[.the.]. .Iadd.an .Iaddend.actuation of at least one .[.predetermined.]. .Iadd.testing .Iaddend.key,   said one .[.predetermined.]. .Iadd.testing .Iaddend.key being one not normally provided on .[.either.]. the remote control keypad .[.or.]. .Iadd.and not normally provided on .Iaddend.the directly coupled keypad for transmitting .[.a.]. .Iadd.the .Iaddend.predetermined control code to the remote control command receiver of the terminal,   the predetermined control code being related to terminal testing during   
     
     
        manufacture. .Iadd.28.  A cable television terminal for communicating with a system manager of an entertainment system, the terminal comprising: a power switch;   circuitry providing entry into a mode for configuring the power switch to provide power to an associated device; and   means for generating at least one menu screen of characters while the terminal is operating in the mode for configuring, the at least one menu screen providing a cue to aid selection of a configuration of the power   
     
     
        switch. .Iaddend..Iadd.29.  A cable television terminal for communicating with a system manager of an entertainment system, the terminal comprising: circuitry capable of generating a screen of characters;   circuitry providing entry into a mode for aligning the screen of characters on a display of an associated device; and   means for generating a menu screen of characters while the terminal is operating in the mode for aligning. .Iaddend..Iadd.30. The cable television terminal of claim 29, wherein the menu screen provides a cue to aid alignment of the screen of characters, the cue including at least one of move up, move down, move left and move right. .Iaddend..Iadd.31. A cable television terminal for communicating with a system manager of an entertainment system, the terminal comprising:   circuitry providing entry into a terminal installation mode; and   means for generating at least one screen of characters while the terminal is operating in the terminal installation mode,   the terminal installation mode including a mode for at least one of aligning a first screen of characters and configuring a power switch. .Iaddend..Iadd.32. The cable television terminal of claim 31, wherein the circuitry providing entry includes a remote control device operated by a user. .Iaddend..Iadd.33. The cable television terminal of claim 31 further comprising means for aligning the first screen of characters on a display of an associated device while the terminal is operating in the terminal   
     
     
        installation mode. .Iaddend..Iadd.34.  The cable television terminal of claim 31 further comprising means for at least one of selecting and displaying a configuration of the power switch for providing power to an associated device while the terminal is operating in the terminal installation mode. .Iaddend..Iadd.35. The cable television terminal of claim 31 further comprising means for controlling an operation of the terminal while the terminal is operating in the terminal installation mode, the means for controlling including a remote control device operated by a user. .Iaddend..Iadd.36. The cable television terminal of claim 35, wherein the operation of the terminal includes aligning the first screen of characters on a display of an associated device. .Iaddend..Iadd.37. The cable television terminal of claim 35, wherein the operation of the terminal includes selecting a configuration of the power switch for providing power for an associated device. .Iaddend..Iadd.38. The cable television terminal of claim 35, wherein the operation of the terminal includes displaying a configuration of the power switch for providing power to an associated device. .Iaddend..Iadd.39. A two-way interactive cable television entertainment terminal comprising a data processor, a memory associated with the data processor, a keypad for inputting data to the data processor, and a character generator, responsive to a signal from the data processor, for generating characters for display on a display screen, the terminal, responsive to the application of power to the terminal, entering an initialization mode, during which mode, the microprocessor, responsive to the actuation of at least one predetermined key, controlling the character generator for generating more than one display screen related to screen alignment, terminal configuration and verification of entry into an entertainment system. .Iaddend..Iadd.40. In a two-way interactive cable television entertainment terminal comprising a data processor, a memory associated with the data processor, a keypad for inputting data to the data processor, and a character generator, responsive to a signal from the data processor for generating characters for display on a display screen, a method of enabling an automatic installation of the terminal for entry into an entertainment system comprising the steps of: applying power to the terminal,   initializing operation of terminal components responsive to the application of power to the terminal,   actuating a display of at least one screen of characters, the display screen requiring keypad response,   recognizing an appropriate keypad response to the display screen, and   configuring the terminal according to the response prior to entry of the terminal into the entertainment system. .Iaddend..Iadd.41. A cable television entertainment terminal comprising a data processor, a memory associated with the data processor, a keypad for inputting data to the data processor, and a character generator, responsive to a signal from the data processor, for generating characters for display on a display device, the terminal, responsive to the application of power to the terminal and an actuation of at least one predetermined key, controlling the character generator to generate more than one display screen related to at least one of screen alignment and terminal power output configuration.   
     
     
        .Iaddend..Iadd.42.  A cable television entertainment terminal comprising a power on switch, a keypad for inputting data, a character generator for generating at least one display screen for display on a display device, and circuitry, responsive to an actuation of the power on switch and at least one predetermined key, for controlling the character generator to generate more than one display screen of a plurality of screen displays related to at least one of screen alignment and terminal power output configuration. .Iaddend..Iadd.43. In a cable television terminal for communicating with a system manager of an entertainment system, a method for enabling installation of the terminal comprising steps of: entering into a mode for configuring a power switch in the terminal to provide power to an associated device; and   generating at least one menu screen of characters while the terminal is operating in the mode for configuring, the at least one menu screen providing a cue to aid selection of a configuration of the power switch. .Iaddend..Iadd.44. In a cable television terminal for communicating with a system manager of an entertainment system, a method for enabling installation of the terminal comprising steps of:   entering into a mode for aligning a screen of characters on a display of an associated device; and   generating at least one menu screen of characters while the terminal is operating in the mode for aligning. .Iaddend..Iadd.45. The method of claim 44, wherein a first menu screen provides a cue to aid alignment of the screen of characters, the cue including at least one of move up, move down, move left and move right. .Iaddend..Iadd.46. In a cable television terminal for communicating with a system manager of an entertainment system, a method for enabling installation of the terminal comprising steps of:   entering into a terminal installation mode; and   generating at least one screen of characters while the terminal is operating in the terminal installation mode,   the terminal installation mode including a mode for at least one of aligning a first screen of characters and configuring a power switch. .Iaddend..Iadd.47. The method of claim 46, wherein the step of entering includes operating a remote control device by a user. .Iaddend..Iadd.48. The method of claim 46 further comprising a step of aligning the first screen of characters on a display of an associated device while the terminal is operating in the terminal installation mode. .Iaddend..Iadd.49. The method of claim 46 further comprising a step of at least one of selecting and displaying a configuration of the power switch for providing power to an associated device while the terminal is   
     
     
        operating in the terminal installation mode. .Iaddend..Iadd.50.  The method of claim 46 further comprising a step of controlling an operation of the terminal while the terminal is operating in the terminal installation mode, the step of controlling including operating a remote control device by a user. .Iaddend..Iadd.51. The method of claim 50, wherein the step of controlling an operation of the terminal includes aligning the first screen of characters on a display of an associated device. .Iaddend..Iadd.52. The method of claim 50, wherein the step of controlling an operation of the terminal includes selecting a configuration of the power switch for providing power for an associated device. .Iaddend..Iadd.53. The method of claim 50, wherein the step of controlling an operation of the terminal includes displaying a configuration of the power switch for providing power to an associated device. .Iaddend..Iadd.54. In a cable television entertainment terminal, a method of enabling an installation of the terminal comprising steps of: applying power to the terminal,   actuating a display of at least one screen of characters, a first display screen requesting a keypad response,   recognizing an appropriate keypad response to the first display screen, and   configuring the terminal according to the keypad response,   the installation of the terminal including one of aligning a screen of characters and configuring the terminal for providing power to an   
     
     
        associated device. .Iaddend..Iadd.55.  The method according to claim 54, comprising additional steps of: recognizing an actuation of a predetermined key during the application of power to the terminal; and   enabling the installation of the terminal when actuation of the predetermined key is recognized. .Iaddend..Iadd.56. The method to claim 54, comprising additional steps of:   recognizing an actuation of a predetermined key; and   quitting the installation of the terminal when the actuation of the predetermined key is recognized. .Iaddend..Iadd.57. A cable television entertainment terminal for communicating with a system manager of an entertainment system, the terminal comprising:   a keypad for inputting information into the terminal,   a power input,   circuitry providing entry into an installation mode, the installation mode being entered by switching on power to the terminal and actuating a predetermined key of the keypad, the installation mode including a mode for at least one of aligning a screen of characters and configuring the terminal for providing power to an associated power using device,   a character generator for generating at least one display screen of characters requesting a keypad response while operating in the installation mode, the requested keypad response being related to the installation mode, and   means for installing the terminal according to the keypad response. .Iaddend..Iadd.58. A terminal according to claim 57, a first display screen of characters generated with the character generator being related to alignment of a test screen on a display of an associated display   
     
     
        device. .Iaddend..Iadd.59.  A terminal according to claim 57 further comprising a switched power output, a first display screen generated with the character generator being for requesting an input to configure the terminal for providing power to the associated power using device. 
     
     
        .Iaddend..Iadd.60.  An interactive entertainment terminal for communicating with a system manager of an entertainment system, the terminal comprising: transmission means for communicating with the system manager,   a keypad for inputting information to the terminal,   a power input,   a switched power output,   circuitry providing entry into an installation mode, the installation mode being entered by switching on power to the terminal and actuating a predetermined key of the keypad,   a character generator for generating at least one display screen of characters, a first display screen requesting a keypad response while operating in the installation mode, the requested keypad response being related to the installation mode, and   means for configuring the terminal according to the keypad response,   the first display screen including a screen of characters for requesting an input to configure the terminal for providing power to an associated device. .Iaddend..Iadd.61. A two-way interactive cable television entertainment terminal for communicating with a system manager of an entertainment system, the terminal comprising:   an analog transmission link for communicating via a radio frequency transmission media with the system manager,   a processor for processing data,   memory associated with the processor,   a character generator, responsive to a signal from the processor, for generating characters for display on a display screen,   a keypad for inputting information to the terminal, the input information for processing by the processor,   a power input,   the terminal, responsive to the application of power at the power input, entering an initialization mode,   the processor, during the initialization mode, verifying proper operation of terminal components and software,   the terminal, during initialization, entering an automatic installation mode,   the character generator, responsive to the signal from the processor, for generating at least one display screen of characters requiring keypad response, the required response being related to terminal installation,   the terminal, recognizing an appropriate response, configuring itself according to the response prior to entry of the terminal into the entertainment system. .Iaddend.