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AssigneeScientific-Atlanta, Inc.
InventorsCurt M. Kuban, Jeffrey C. Ting, Fitzroy E. Williams, Lee R. Johnson, Elizabeth A. Smith, Howard L. Myers
Estimating the term…
An interactive room status/time information system is provided having a terminal associated with a television comprising a processor for processing data, an associated memory for storing operation data and control algorithms, a keypad with remote control for inputting information, a character generator responsive to the processor for generating a multiple character, multiple line display, a power supply input, and a cable transmission link for communication at television frequencies with a system manager. A maid or inspector can send status information from a hotel/hospital room terminal over a cable television system to a system manager location. The status of a room for occupancy is determined by a two-step procedure. Input from both a maid and an inspector must be received before a room has a ready-for-occupancy status. Screens of compiled room status and historical data can be displayed at the system manager. Also, certain screens of room status data may be displayed on an associated television at the room terminal. Functions can be performed at the system manager location including searching stored status information for historical data of a particular room or maid. In accordance with a further time control feature of the present system, a hotel guest may actuate a wake-up mode of operation of a room terminal through a terminal keyboard or remote control. The system manager subsequently polls the terminal to determine if the room terminal is properly operating or if the wake-up alarm has been responded to. If not, hotel personnel may be dispatched to the room.
Two-way interactive room terminal for communicating room status information with a system manager of a cable television system, the terminal comprising:
Two-way interactive room system comprising:
Two-way interactive room terminal for communication of wake-up information with a system manager of a cable system, the terminal comprising:
A method of communicating room status information between a room terminal at a particular room location and a system manager of a cable television system, the method comprising the steps of:
A method of communicating accurate time information between a room terminal and a system manager of a cable television system, said system manager having an internal clock, the method comprising the steps of:
A method of communicating accurate time information between a terminal and a system manager of a cable television system, both said room terminal and system manager having internal clocks, the method comprising the steps of:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.