Multiple input processor for cable television head end controller

DETAILED DESCRIPTION It is therefore a general object of the present invention to provide a multiple input processor for a cable television network communications system.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a multiple input processor for cable head end controllers which will receive and process signals from radio frequency inputs, as well as telephone inputs.
Still another object is to provide a multiple input processor with its own system computer for control processing and decision activities.
Yet another object is to provide a multiple input processor which is capable of prioritizing input signals simultaneously received from multiple sources.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a multiple input processor which is self-monitoring and capable of issuing audit reports of its self-monitoring function.
Still another object is to provide a multiple input processor which provides an output signal to an audio speaker, to a cable television transmission line, and/or to a telephone interface.
These and other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
The multiple input processor of the present invention includes apparatus for receiving inputs from multiple sources and processing the inputs for transmission to receivers along a television cable network.
The processor includes an RF modulator to convert audio signals from signal sources to radio frequency signals for broadcasting through the cable TV system.
A microcomputer in the processor processes signals received from multiple sources and selectively transmits the signals through the modulator.
The processor includes an audio bus interconnecting the signal sources and processor to permit receiving, processing, and transmission of audio signals.
A telephone interface is connected to the audio bus to permit transmission of signals from a telephone line to the computer, as a separate signal source, and to permit transmission of signals from the audio bus to the telephone line for reporting and other auditing purposes