ICP Operator Manual

ICP Operator Manual v1.0
July 2, 1997
Copyright © 1997 Interactive Channel Technologies Inc.

All trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

CONTENTS

Interactive
Television Preface .......................................................................................................... vii
P f
What’s in this Manual ............................................................................................................... viii
Other Sources of Information ....................................................................................................... x
How to Contact The Interactive ChannelSM ................................................................................ xi

PART ONE: TUTORIAL

Chapter 1: The Basics of Interactive Television ............................................. 1-1
User Equipment ......................................................................................................................... 1-3
Source Control Receiver ........................................................................................................ 1-3
Remote Control...................................................................................................................... 1-5

Chapter 2: The Home Experience ................................................................. 2-1
Ch t 2
Attractor Screen ........................................................................................................................ 2-2
Creating a Session ..................................................................................................................... 2-3
Session .................................................................................................................................. 2-3

ICP Operator Manual / i

Contents

Presentations............................................................................................................................. 2-4
Navigating Between Presentations ....................................................................................... 2-6
Interactive Applications ............................................................................................................ 2-7
Exploring the What's on TV Application ............................................................................... 2-8
Terminating a Session ............................................................................................................. 2-10

Chapter 3: How it Works ............................................................................. 3-1
Inside the ICP ............................................................................................................................ 3-4
The ITS.................................................................................................................................. 3-4
The AIS ................................................................................................................................. 3-5
Management of Audio Playback ...................................................................................... 3-6
Interpretation of User Input.............................................................................................. 3-7
The VTS ................................................................................................................................ 3-7
Management of Video Playback ....................................................................................... 3-8
Processing of Terminal Commands ................................................................................... 3-8
Receiving User Input................................................................................................................. 3-9
Playing Presentations .............................................................................................................. 3-12
Playing Audio ..................................................................................................................... 3-14
Playing Video....................................................................................................................... 3-16
Overlays and Terminal Commands ...................................................................................... 3-18
Overlays ......................................................................................................................... 3-18
Terminal Commands ........................................................................................................ 3-18
Navigating Through Presentations ......................................................................................... 3-20
Navigation Session Task ..................................................................................................... 3-20
Presentation File Server ....................................................................................................... 3-21
Selecting a Presentation ...................................................................................................... 3-22
Managing User Sessions ........................................................................................................ 3-24
Creating a Session ............................................................................................................... 3-24
Terminating a Session ......................................................................................................... 3-26
Starting an Application ....................................................................................................... 3-28
Other Functions of the ICP...................................................................................................... 3-30
Logging Messages.............................................................................................................. 3-31
Recording Statistics ............................................................................................................ 3-32
Updating Presentation Databases ....................................................................................... 3-34

ii ICP Operator Manual

Contents

Chapter 4: The Electronic Transfer of Content .............................................. 4-1
Ch t 4
Locations................................................................................................................................... 4-2
Content Studio ...................................................................................................................... 4-2
ICP ......................................................................................................................................... 4-3
Inside the BUP .......................................................................................................................... 4-4
BUP Setup ............................................................................................................................. 4-4
BUP Steps ............................................................................................................................. 4-5
File Transfer...................................................................................................................... 4-6
File Distribution ................................................................................................................ 4-7
Version Control ................................................................................................................. 4-9
Cleanup .......................................................................................................................... 4-10
Activation....................................................................................................................... 4-11
Operator Information ...................................................................................................... 4-12
Version Control Tasks ............................................................................................................. 4-13
Depot Directory ................................................................................................................... 4-13
Versioned Directories .......................................................................................................... 4-15
Current Directory................................................................................................................. 4-17
Controlling the BUP ................................................................................................................ 4-18
Activate a PDB Manually .................................................................................................... 4-18
Change the PDB Activation Time ....................................................................................... 4-18
Disable/Enable Activation .................................................................................................. 4-18
Change PDB Versions ......................................................................................................... 4-18
Obtain Status Information ................................................................................................... 4-19

Chapter 5: Working with the ICP ................................................................. 5-1
Ch t 5
Starting the SMT ....................................................................................................................... 5-2
Description ................................................................................................................................ 5-3
SMT Screen ............................................................................................................................... 5-4
Title Bar ................................................................................................................................. 5-4
Menu Bar............................................................................................................................... 5-4
Server Status Activity Window ............................................................................................. 5-6
Log Messages Window ........................................................................................................ 5-7
Colors ........................................................................................................................................ 5-8
Non-content .......................................................................................................................... 5-8
Content.................................................................................................................................. 5-8

ICP Operator Manual / iii

Contents

Working with SMT Menus and Windows ................................................................................ 5-9
Log Message Details........................................................................................................... 5-12
Stopping the SMT ................................................................................................................... 5-13

PART TWO: REFERENCE

Chapter 6: Monitoring the System ................................................................ 6-1
Ch 6
Status ........................................................................................................................................ 6-2
Hosts ......................................................................................................................................... 6-5
Servers ...................................................................................................................................... 6-7

Chapter 7: Configuring the System ............................................................... 7-1
Ch t 7
Configuration File Syntax .......................................................................................................... 7-2
PROGRAM ............................................................................................................................ 7-3
PROC_CLASS ....................................................................................................................... 7-3
PATH ..................................................................................................................................... 7-3
ENV ....................................................................................................................................... 7-3
PARM .................................................................................................................................... 7-4
%INDEX Variable ............................................................................................................. 7-4
HEARTBEAT ......................................................................................................................... 7-4
MISSHBS .............................................................................................................................. 7-5
INSTANCES .......................................................................................................................... 7-5
STARTINDEX ....................................................................................................................... 7-5
SHUTDOWNINDEX ............................................................................................................. 7-6
RECOVERY ............................................................................................................................ 7-6
DELAY .................................................................................................................................. 7-6
SIGNAL_MASK ................................................................................................................... 7-7
WORKDIR ............................................................................................................................ 7-7
Viewing and Modifying Configuration Files ............................................................................. 7-8
Changing the Configuration File ......................................................................................... 7-10

iv ICP Operator Manual

Contents

Chapter 8: Performing Batch Updates .......................................................... 8-1
Ch t 8
Specifying Directory Information .............................................................................................. 8-2
Running the Setup Utility ...................................................................................................... 8-3
Obtaining Help ...................................................................................................................... 8-4
Exiting the Setup Utility ......................................................................................................... 8-4
Utility Commands .................................................................................................................. 8-5
Specifying Incoming and Staging Directories ....................................................................... 8-6
Specifying Presentation Directories ...................................................................................... 8-7
Specifying Audio and Video Directories ............................................................................... 8-8
Specifying Notification Information ...................................................................................... 8-9
Choosing a BUP Server ........................................................................................................... 8-11
Manually Activating a PDB .................................................................................................... 8-13
Changing the Activation Time ................................................................................................ 8-15
Disabling/Enabling Activation ................................................................................................ 8-17
Changing PDB Versions .......................................................................................................... 8-19
Viewing BUP Messages .......................................................................................................... 8-21
Viewing General BUP Information ........................................................................................... 8-22

Chapter 9: Starting and Stopping the System ................................................ 9-1
Ch t 9
Delayed Startup ......................................................................................................................... 9-2
Paused Startup .......................................................................................................................... 9-3
Automatic and Manual Startup ................................................................................................. 9-4
How to Start and Stop the System ............................................................................................ 9-6
Starting the System ............................................................................................................... 9-6
Stopping the System ............................................................................................................. 9-7
Starting and Stopping Sequence ............................................................................................... 9-9

Chapter 10: Troubleshooting ...................................................................... 10-1
Ch t 10

Appendix A: Log Files and Messages ......................................................... A-1
A di A
Naming and Location of Log Files ...........................................................................................A-2

ICP Operator Manual / v

Contents

Rollover by Size ....................................................................................................................A-2
Rollover by Time ..................................................................................................................A-3
Rollover by Operator ............................................................................................................A-3
Fields in a Log Message ..........................................................................................................A-4

Appendix B: File Types ............................................................................... B-1
A di B

Appendix C: ICP Directories ...................................................................... C-1
A di C
INS Directory Structure ............................................................................................................ C-3
AIS Directory Structure ............................................................................................................ C-4
VTS Directory Structure ........................................................................................................... C-5
ITS Directory Structure ............................................................................................................ C-6

Appendix D: Fault Recovery ....................................................................... D-1
A di D
Detecting Dead Processes ....................................................................................................... D-2
Recovery Actions .................................................................................................................... D-4
Shutdown ............................................................................................................................. D-4
Process Restart..................................................................................................................... D-6
Message Log........................................................................................................................ D-7
Ignore ................................................................................................................................... D-7

16 concurrent users
log_on:

log_off:

statistics
Appendix E: Statistics Files ......................................................................... E-1
peak time

A di E
Naming and Location of Statistics Files ................................................................................... E-2
Statistics File Rollover .............................................................................................................. E-3

Appendix F: Man-Pages ............................................................................. F-1
A di F

vi ICP Operator Manual

Contents

Appendix G: Your System ........................................................................... G-1
A di G

ICP
Studio
Content ITS
AIS S
VT

Glossary .......................................................................................... Glossary-1
Gl

Index
I d

ICP Operator Manual / vii

Preface

Interactive
Television

Preface

W
elcome to the Interactive Channel Platform (ICP), an interactive
television (ITV) technology. ITV permits users to receive on-demand
sound and images through their television. This manual explains the
basics of ITV and the tasks that an operator must perform in order to manage the
ICP’s technology. This manual is written specifically for ICP operators.

This manual doesn’t need to be read in its entirety. The chapters are organized so
that operators can easily access information from just one location. The ICP
Operator Manual is divided into two parts:

Part One, a tutorial, provides introductory information to an operator who
requires an overview of the system prior to managing its daily operation.

Part Two, a reference, provides specific information to an operator who man-
ages the daily operation of the system.

ICP Operator Manual / vii

Preface

WHAT’S IN THIS MANUAL
If you are new to the ICP or ITV, it is recommended that you read Part One
before using the reference material contained in Part Two.

This manual is arranged as follows:

PART ONE: TUTORIAL

Chapter 1, “The Basics of Interactive Television”
Fundamentals of interactive television.

Chapter 2, “The Home Experience”
Description of the ICP’s interactive services from a user’s perspective.

Chapter 3, “How It Works”
Explanation of the technology used in the ICP.

Chapter 4, “The Electronic Transfer of Content”
Explanation of the process used in the ICP to receive new interactive content.

Chapter 5, “Working with the ICP”
Introduction to the primary tool an operator uses to administer the ICP.

PART TWO: REFERENCE

Chapter 6, “Monitoring the System”
Description of the system information which can be viewed online.

Chapter 7, “Configuring the System”
Instructions on how to customize the ICP software.

Chapter 8, “Performing Batch Updates”
Instructions on how to monitor and control the Batch Update Process.

Chapter 9, “Starting and Stopping the System”
Explanation of how to start and stop the ICP.

viii ICP Operator Manual

Preface

Chapter 10, “Troubleshooting”
List of common problems encountered when operating the ICP and how to solve
them.

Appendix A, “Log Files and Messages”
List of system messages an operator can encounter and the files used by the
system to store them.

Appendix B, “File Types”
Explanation of the file types used by the system to store information.

Appendix C, “ICP Directories”
Description of the directory tree used to store ICP software and data.

Appendix D, “Fault Recovery”
Description of the ICP’s automatic fault detection and resolution capabilities.

Appendix E, “Statistics Files”
Description of the files used by the ICP to store statistics.

Appendix F, “Man-pages”
List of all relevant man-pages.

Appendix G, “Your System”
Detailed information about the system at your site.

Glossary

Explanation of the terminology related to the ICP and ITV. If you encounter an
unfamiliar term, refer to this section for a definition.

Index

ICP Operator Manual / ix

Preface

OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Most of the information an operator will need is contained in this manual.
However, other useful documents are available:

Other Available Documentation

manual pages

SCR Installation
XWITTE User Guide
Manual

Content Studio
User Guide

Installation Guide

Interactive Application
Environment
Developer Kit

Not every site will have all of these documents. If any of these documents are
required, contact your on-site ICP specialist or contact The Interactive
ChannelK (refer to the next section). Nevertheless, every ICP is installed with
the most important documentation available for an ICP operator - on-line docu-
mentation.

On-line documentation is installed with every ICP in the form of manual pages
(man-pages). Man-pages can be accessed at the operating system prompt by
typing man followed by the name of the required man-page. For convenience,
printed copies of ICP man-pages can be found in Appendix F: Man-Pages.
Note that online man-pages may be more up-to-date than the printed
man-pages.

x ICP Operator Manual

Preface

HOW TO CONTACT THE INTERACTIVE CHANNELK
This manual should provide answers to most of your questions regarding the
operation of the ICP. However, if this manual does not answer a question, large
sites have on-site ICP specialists to provide additional information. These
specialists are a useful resource that will answer any questions that you may
have regarding the operation of your system.

Smaller systems may not have an on-site ICP specialist from The Interactive
ChannelK. However, these sites can receive the same quality of service by
contacting The Interactive ChannelK directly using the information provided
below.

There are several methods you can use to contact us:

“insert telephone #”

You can telephone the Customer Support Department during normal business
hours from Monday to Friday.

“insert e-mail address here”

The best way to contact our Customer Support Department is by e-mail. Leave
your questions and/or comments at this e-mail address for the customer support
staff to process.

You can also mail your questions and/or comments to The Interactive ChannelK
by using the following address:

The Interactive ChannelK
Customer Support Department
Dallas, Texas

We welcome your comments, suggestions and inquiries.

ICP Operator Manual / xi

Chapter 1: The Basics of
Interactive Television

T
he Interactive Channel Platform (ICP) provides the hardware and software
solutions that permit users to receive interactive television (ITV). ITV
permits users to receive on-demand sound and images through their
televisions. Users of The Interactive ChannelK only require a Source Control
Receiver (SCR) and a remote control to interact with their televisions. Of course,
an account with the local cable company is also recommended! This chapter
focuses on the hardware that a user requires to receive ITV from The Interactive
ChannelK. Although this chapter is relatively brief, it is extremely important
because it serves as the foundation upon which all other chapters are based.

ICP Operator Manual / 1-1

The Basics of Interactive Television

There are two basic requirements for a user to receive ITV:
• Specialized hardware at the user’s location. This hardware is described later
in this chapter.

• Specialized hardware and software at the cable television (CATV) source. It
is the responsibility of the operator to manage the ICP at the CATV source
so that the users can receive ITV. This part of the system is introduced in
Chapter 3: How It Works and is discussed in greater detail in all following
chapters and appendices. Content Studio

ICP at CATV Source
ICP at CATV Source
ICP

User Input
Audio

SCR
CATV Head-end

Video

Remote
ICP1-01.EPS

1-2 ICP Operator Manual


USER EQUIPMENT
The ICP hardware at a user’s home consists of a settop box called a Source
Contol Receiver (SCR) and an alphanumeric remote control unit. Note that some
users will also have an infrared keyboard to communicate with the SCR.

Source Control Receiver
The SCR resembles a cable converter. It captures commands from the remote
control and delivers these commands to the ICP. The SCR also processes the
audio and video data sent from the ICP. The SCR is the link between the remote
control (discussed in the next section) and the ICP at the CATV source.

Note that the The SCR receives audio and video using a standard telephone line and a coaxial
user’s cable line, respectively. The SCR contains cable and telephone jacks to send and
telephone is
busy when the receive information. The SCR permits the user to receive on-demand audio and
SCR is video selections.
receiving audio.



The SCR operates in three modes:

1) OFF: The red light on the SCR is illuminated. Users cannot
receive ITV in this mode.

2) IDLE: The green light on the SCR is illuminated. The SCR is
turned on but users can’t receive ITV. When the SCR
is in this mode and the user is tuned to the ICP
channel, the ICP sends a special screen to the user.

3) INTERACTIVE: The green light and The Interactive ChannelK hand
on the SCR are illuminated. Users can receive ITV in
this mode.

Red Light Green Light Hand

The lights and symbols represent electronic communication occurring (or not
occurring) between the user and the ICP.

The SCR can be set to use Channel 3 or Channel 4 as the Output Channel. The
SCR has the following connectors on the rear panel:

• Audio Out
• Video Out
• To TV
• CATV In
• From Decoder
• Expansion Port

Refer to the Source Control Receiver Installation Manual for additional infor-
mation on the SCR.



Remote Control
The SCR works with a remote control to allow a user to enter input. This input
begins when a user presses keys on the remote control’s keypad and permits
communication with the ICP.

The remote control looks and acts like a standard remote
control. It sends signals to the SCR. Every key has a
specific function and individual keypresses send signals
through the SCR to the ICP where those signals are pro-
cessed.

SCR

Remote

The remote control communicates with an SCR via an infrared port. An infrared
receiver in the SCR interprets the keypresses. The remote control permits users
to start and stop ITV services.

Note that some users also use an infrared keyboard to communicate with the
SCR. The keyboard permits the user to compose sentences for e-mail and other
applications which permit the user to enter long alphabetic strings, perform
extensive typing, etc.



The following illustration shows the remote control and the functions of certain
keys:
SET UP TV
This key is used Logs the user off
by a technician. The Interactive Channel SM .

# LETTER KEYPAD
This key takes the user These keys type letters
to the next screen. and words. They also
function as HOT KEYS.
NUMBER KEYPAD
These keys correspond to HOT KEYS
number choices that are seen These keys are shortcuts
on the MAIN MENU to applications.
and elsewhere.
*
SHIFT This key takes the user to
This key makes alphabetic keys the previous screen.
produce upper case letters.
INSERT SYMBOL
MENU This key puts a space between
Users press MENU to go letters or numbers.
to the main menu.
DELETE
CH+ AND CH- This key permits a
Displays messages reminding selection to be deleted.
the user to use the TV remote
control to change channels. GUIDE
This key takes the user to the
What's on TV application.
ENTER
Users press the ENTER VOLUME SYMBOL
key after most commands. This key controls volume.
NEXT
PREV Takes the user to
This key is functional only the next screen.
when displayed onscreen.
FF
REW This key lets the useruser fast
key letslets the fast
the user fast
This key lets the user forward through a selection.
replay a selection.
BUY
MUTE/PAUSE This key sends the
This key stops a selection. user to the order screen.

It is the remote control, working with the SCR, that permits ITV to be received
at a user’s location. The next chapter details the interactive experience from a
user’s perspective.


Chapter 2: The Home Experience

Chapter 2

T
his chapter introduces the major concepts of how the user interacts with
the ICP, what the user sees and some of the basics of using the remote
control. This chapter also introduces important terminology which is used
throughout the manual. These new terms include attractor screen, presentation,
session, interactive application and navigation.


The Home Experience

ATTRACTOR SCREEN
An attractor screen is an image which identifies the ICP’s interactive services
and is the first screen a user sees after tuning to The Interactive ChannelSM.

When an SCR is in the IDLE mode and
the user is tuned to The Interactive
ChannelSM, the SCR displays an
attractor screen that is broadcast by the
ICP. The frequency at which the ICP
broadcasts the attractor screen is
established during initial system
configuration. Refer to Chapter 7:
Configuring the System for additional
information. This version of the ICP
accomodates only one attractor screen,
however, future releases will
accomodate numerous attractor screens. The operator will be able to manually
change these attractor screens using the Site Management Task (SMT). The
SMT is explained in Chapter 5: Working with the ICP and Chapter 6: Monitor-
ing the System.


The Home Experience

CREATING A SESSION
A user can begin interacting with the ICP system by pressing the key.
When pressed, the main menu appears on the television screen. This main menu
replaces the attractor screen described in the previous section. The
keypress sends an infrared signal to the SCR which communicates with the ICP.
The ICP interprets this signal and sends the main menu to the user. This process,
called logging onto the system, permits the user to receive interactive content.

ICP
Head-End
Main Menu

SCR Address ID
and
SCR Address ID
MENU keypress
SCR

User Input

Attractor Screen

The SCR signal that goes to the ICP during logon contains the SCR’s unique
address. This address lets the ICP identify the user’s SCR and enables it to send
information to that SCR only. The ICP responds by sending the main menu to
the SCR.

Session
Each SCR can A session occurs when a user connects or “logs” onto the ICP. Pressing the
be configured key starts a session. This keypress changes the mode of the SCR to
to have many
keys that cause
INTERACTIVE, as explained in Chapter 1: The Basics of Interactive Television.
a logon. It may Refer to Chapter 3: How it Works for an in-depth discussion on how a session is
(or may not) created.
include the
key.


The Home Experience

PRESENTATIONS
Presentations are units of audiovisual information sent by the ICP to users. A
typical presentation can include multiple video images, an optional supporting
audio stream, and one or more input choices. When the user selects an input
choice with the remote control, a new audiovisual presentation is transmitted.

8
*
0
#

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

ICP2-0005.EPS


The Home Experience

Input choices are presented as
menus and provide the user with
audiovisual selections. Menus
permit the user to move through
a series of different presenta-
tions. Each presentation is a
different collection of audio and
video segments. These presen-
tations are still-frame, photo-
graphic-quality television
pictures and can be accompa-
nied by audio. The ICP stores,
manages and distributes these
presentations as individual users
request them.

SM

trol
con
rce
sou

Dra
ma
Video
2
om
Sitc
4
edy
Com
1 ry
enta
um
3

5
Doc

Adu
lt En
terta
inm
ent

Graphics
Overlay
Text
Overlay
2

4

1

3

5
ma
Dra

om
Sitc

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Com
ry
enta
um
Doc ent
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Adu

ICP-0007.EPS

The video images of a presentation can be overlaid with text or simple graphics.
Some examples of graphic overlays include colored circles, squares and straight
lines. These overlays are not part of the actual video images stored on disk but
are generated dynamically during the course of a session. Text and graphics
overlays are further described in Chapter 3: How it Works.


The Home Experience

Navigating Between Presentations
Navigation is the process of moving from one presentation to another during a
session. User input drives navigation.

source control

ON

source control

Menu choice

source control

Menu choice

source control

Presentation

source control

Hot key

ICP2 0008 E

Users can navigate between presentations quicker by using special function
keys called hot keys. A user presses a hot key to navigate directly to a particular
presentation. Refer to Chapter 1: The Basics of Interactive Television for a
description of the remote control and its keys.


The Home Experience

INTERACTIVE APPLICATIONS
Interactive applications are software programs which deliver custom interactive
services as well as standard presentations to the user. Interactive applications
also process user input. What's on TV, Today and Trivia are examples of interac-
tive applications which are included with some ICP systems. Note that this
manual refers to interactive applications and applications interchangeably.

ICP

CATVHead-end
ICP Head-end

User Input
Audio

Interactive
Application

ICP2-0009.EPS


The Home Experience

Exploring the What's on TV Application
What's on TV is an interactive TV guide. Listings can be accessed for times of the
day, specific days of the week or by subject.

Of course, each ICP normally has numerous applications installed. The What’s on
TV application is just one possible example to introduce an operator to ICP
applications.


The Home Experience

To use What's on TV, follow these steps:

1) Press on the remote control after tuning to the ICP channel and wait
until logon is complete.

2) From the main menu, select the option What's on TV.

3) Choose a particular type of television listing, e.g. All Shows, Movies or
Sports.

4) After selecting a show category, a list of shows will be displayed. Choose a
show from this list to begin viewing it. (The TV channel will automatically
change to the show you select.)

Here are some other keys available in What’s on TV:

• displays additional channel information (each screen will
typically show 5 channels)

• sends the user to the previous screen

• gives the user channel information for different days of the
week

• returns the user to the main menu

Every application that a user (or an operator) encounters is likely to have a
different theme or purpose. It really doesn’t matter what application a user may
be using - each application and almost everthing that the ICP does is similarly
driven by the keypresses of a user. It is these keypresses which deliver an
attractor screen, create a session, allow a user to navigate between presentations
and explore applications. Of course, a keypress also permits users to
terminate a session and end the home experience as described in this chapter.

Refer to the IAE Developer Guide: Tutorial for a more in-depth explanation of
applications, including Trivia and User Registration.


The Home Experience

TERMINATING A SESSION
Press the or keys on the remote control to exit the system. Note

that the key also turns off the SCR, returning it to the OFF mode. These
keystrokes are sent to the SCR which relays them to the ICP. For more informa-
tion on what happens when a user logs off the ICP, see the Managing User
Sessions section in Chapter 3: How It Works.

Power TV
SCR

ICP2-0011.EPS


Chapter 3: How it Works

T
he first two chapters discuss the ICP from a user’s perspective. This
chapter focuses on the ICP hardware and software that:

• manages audio playback and captures the input keyed in by users
• manages video playback and processes terminal commands
This chapter also discusses how the ICP plays presentations, navigates through
presentations, manages user sessions and performs its important support
functions.


How it Works

ICP
ICP Head-end

ITS

VT
S
User Input AI
S
Audio

Video
<T
erm
ina
lC
om
ma
nds
>
ICP3-01.EPS

A process is The Audio/Input System (AIS) manages audio playback and captures user input.
one or more The Video/Terminal System (VTS) manages video playback and processes
computer terminal commands. These two processes are discussed later in this chapter.
programs.
The audio and video signals that carry multimedia presentations originate from
the ICP. These presentations are created using the Content Studio (CS) at sites
remote from the ICP. The Content Studio is a multimedia authoring tool that
creates presentations. For more information on the Content Studio, see the
Content Studio User Guide.


How it Works

A sequence of steps, collectively called the Batch Update Process (BUP), is
used to transfer the presentations from the Content Studio to the ICP. The BUP is
normally an automated process, however, the operator can intervene if necessary.
For more information on the BUP, see Chapter 4: The Electronic Transfer of
Content and Chapter 8: Performing Batch Updates.

ICP Content Studio
ICP Head-end

Presentations

The Content Studio sends presentations to the ICP which receives and stores
these presentations. Users can request these presentations. This chapter
focuses on the ICP and the components and processes that make interactive
services possible.


How it Works

INSIDE THE ICP
The ICP contains the hardware and software responsible for delivering interac-
tive services to users. These interactive services consist of audio segments
and video images which are driven by user input.

The ICP software consists of three major components:

• ITS (Interactive Teminal Server)
• AIS (Audio/Input System)
• VTS (Video/Terminal System)

The ITS
The ITS consists of processes which are responsible for:

• Interpreting user input
• Playing the presentations users receive

• Providing the support functions needed to keep the ICP operational
• Starting and stopping the ICP
• Creating and terminating sessions
• Recording log messages


How it Works

ICP Head-end
ICP

ITS
SCR

VTS

AIS

The AIS and the VTS are intermediaries between the SCR and ITS.

The AIS
The AIS manages audio playback and captures user input. In a standard configu-
ration, the AIS operates on a single, dedicated computer. However, in smaller
configurations, the AIS may share a computer with other components of the ICP
software. In larger configurations, there may be multiple AIS processes running
on multiple computers.


How it Works

An AIS can service up to 48 user sessions simultaneously. This limit
determines the number of AIS processes which are run. For example,
a 96-user system requires two AIS processes.

Small ICP Configuration Standard ICP Configuration Large ICP Configuration
(48 - user system) (96 - user system)

ITS
ITS ITS
VTS

VTS AIS

AIS/VTS AIS AIS

Management of Audio Playback
All audio information for a presentation is stored in the ICP. Each audio
segment is contained in its own file. The AIS is responsible for reading
data from these files and transmitting these audio segments to a user. Specialized
audio hardware permits transmission of audio segments. An audio segment is
transmitted to a user over a standard telephone line. The SCR receives the
segment and forwards it to a TV that plays the segment through its speakers.

ITS

VTS

AIS


How it Works

Interpretation of User Input
The AIS captures user input and relays it to the rest of the ITS software. The AIS
has many telephone line connections to receive input from multiple users. This
allows the ICP to process many simultaneous sessions. Refer to the AIS section
in Appendix G: Your System to find out how many lines are connected to your
system.

ICP
ICP Head-end

ITS

AI
S

User Input

The VTS
The VTS manages video playback and processes terminal commands. In a
standard configuration, all the processes of the VTS operate on a single com-
puter dedicated to video functions. However, in smaller configurations, the VTS
may share a computer with other components of the ICP software. In larger
configurations, there may be multiple VTS processes running on multiple
computers.


How it Works

Management of Video Playback
The VTS communicates with the rest of the ICP to coordinate the delivery of
video images to a user’s SCR.

All video information for a presentation
is stored in the ICP. This information is
stored in files on disk. The VTS pro-
cesses the video images and sends them
through the cable line connected to an
SCR. The VTS uses a specialized video
hardware card to deliver video images.

Processing of Terminal Commands
In addition to receiving video images and audio, the SCR accepts terminal
commands from the ICP. Terminal commands originate from interactive applica-
tions. These terminal commands are transmitted from the ICP by the VTS. The
VTS accepts commands from interactive applications and converts them into a
signal that can be sent through the cable connection to an SCR.

Refer to the Overlays and Terminal Commands section for additional
information on terminal commands.


How it Works

RECEIVING USER INPUT
Off-hook describes a line servicing an
active session with a user. This off-hook
line carries user input to the ICP. The ICP
can only receive user input when a line is
off-hook. A line remains off-hook during a
session and can be used for only one
session at a time. User
Input

Off-Hook
State

For more On-hook describes a line that is not
information on carrying the input (or delivering the audio)
logging on and
off the ICP, see of an active session. An on-hook line is
the Creating a available to deliver a logon request to the
Session and ICP and start a new session for a user.
Terminating a
Session
sections later
in this chapter.
On-Hook
State


How it Works

Here are the steps which make receiving input possible:

The user presses
keys on the
remote control.

The keystrokes
are transmitted via
infrared signal to
the SCR.

The SCR receives
and converts the
keystrokes to touch
tones and transmits
them through the
previously opened
telephone
connection to the
head-end.
ICP.


How it Works

The AIS captures the
touch tones and
any
relays the
commands,
indicating which
keys have been
pressed, to other
processes in the ICP.

These processes
respond to the input,
usually by delivering
new presentations to
the user.


How it Works

PLAYING PRESENTATIONS
Three ICP components are required to play presentations:

• AIS
• VTS
• Presentation Server
The AIS and VTS have already been discussed. However, the ICP also requires
the Presentation Server to play presentations. The Presentation Server synchro-
nizes the timing of audio and video elements to deliver ITV to a user’s location.

Here are the steps the Presentation Server performs when it receives a presenta-
tion play request:

The Presentation
Server separates
the presentation
into its elementary
video images,
audio segment
and input choices.

For the first video
image which must
be displayed, the
Presentation
Server submits a
play request to a
VTS. Normally,
there is only one
VTS and it
receives all play
requests. 3-16-


How it Works

For the audioaudio
first
segment which
must be played,
the Presentation
Server submits a
play request to an
AIS. This step is
bypassed if there
isn't an audio
segment in the
presentation.

If the Presentation
Server encounters
input choices in
the presentation, it
will send them to
the interactive
application which
is currently
running. This will
be used by the
application to
validate user input.

If there are any
remaining images
in the presentation,
the Presentation
Server instructs
the VTS to play
them at their
specified start
times.

Content producers determine the relative start times of the elements within each
presentation. They must set these times so the images and audio segment are
synchronized when played.


How it Works

Playing Audio
The Presentation Server needs the AIS and VTS to play the audio and video
images in a presentation. We will now describe the first of these two processes
that are so important to the ICP.

The number of As described previously, the AIS uses the same telephone line connection to an
lines attached SCR for both audio playback and user input reception. It must support the
to the ICP
simultaneous playback requirements for the many sessions that can be active at
determines the
maximum any time.
number of
simultaneous Here are the steps which make the delivery of audio possible:
sessions.

The user enters
input in response
to choices on the
TV screen.

The SCR
captures the
infrared signals
generated by the
remote control
and sends them to
the AIS.

The input is
captured by the
AIS and relayed to
other processes in
the ICP.

AI
S


How it Works

Processes within
the ICP instruct
the Presentation
Server to play the e
user-selected
presentation.
VT
S

The Presentation
Server submits a
play request to
the AIS.

AI
S

The AIS reads the
audio data from a
file on disk.

A specialized
audio hardware
card, under the
direction of the
AIS, decompresses
the audio data and
transmits it through
the telephone line
connection to the
user's SCR.

The SCR captures
the signal and plays
the audio over the
TV speakers.
i

The audio that is played may be mixed with background audio at the user’s
location. This is described in the Overlays and Terminal Commands section later
in this chapter.


How it Works

Playing Video
The VTS plays the video images of a presentation. Unlike the AIS that requires a
separate telephone line for every active session, the VTS can send images to
hundreds of SCRs through a single cable connection. However, there is a
limit to the number of users a single cable connection can support. If the
number of simultaneous ICP users exceeds this limit, additional cable
connections must be used.

Here are the steps which make the delivery of video possible:

The user enters
input in response
to choices on the
TV screen.

The SCR
captures the
infrared signals
generated by the
remote control
and sends them to
the ICP.
head-end.

The input is
captured by the AIS
and relayed to other
processes in the ICP.

Processes within
the ICP instruct
the Presentation
Server to play the
user-selected
presentation.
VT
S


How it Works

The Presentation
Server submits a play
request to the VTS.

VT
S
The VTS reads
image data from a
file on disk.

The VTS adds
Subsystem
address information
components add
address information
to the data so that n>
tio
orma
tocan be directed it
it the data so that Inf
ess
can be directed to
to the correct SCR. ddr
<A
the correct SCR.

Text and graphic
overlays (described
in the next section)
are added to the
image if there are
any used by an
application.

A specialized video
hardware card
Sei

decompresses the nfel
Mov d
ie
Hap s
py
Dav
Fri
ends

video data and
e

transmits it through
the telephone line
cable line
connection to the
user's SCR. Address
information and
overlays are sent with
this transmission.

The SCR captures
the signal and
displays the image
on the TV screen. 3-18-2.


How it Works

Overlays and Terminal Commands
In addition to images, the VTS delivers overlays and terminal commands.

Overlays
Text and graphic overlays are generated by interactive applications and are
displayed on top of images. These overlays are not produced as part of an image
so that they can be changed easily when content changes. In fact, interactive
applications can obtain the content for text and graphic overlays from a database
of up-to-date information. Text and graphics embedded in an image would be
much more difficult to change.
Graphic Overlay Text Overlay

1 Rue Madeleine

2 Conquest of Paradise

Terminal Commands
In addition to images and audio, the SCR can accept terminal commands from
applications. These include commands which make the SCR:

• enable/disable background audio
• write canned messages on a TV screen (refer to the Glossary for a definition
of canned messages)
• turn its message light on and off
• move the screen cursor


How it Works

CD Player
ion at Head-end
i cat
A ppl
ICP

VT
S

Cable
Connection
ICP3-21.EPS

Here is how enable/disable background audio works:

Note that the When the enable background audio command is executed by an application, the
MuzakTM feed VTS delivers audio from a MuzakTM feed (a connection to an external audio
or CD player supplier) or CD player at the head-end. The audio is transmitted through the
must be turned
on manually by cable connection to an SCR which mixes the audio with the audio segments of
an operator. presentations. Note that this audio is not sent like standard telephone line audio.
Another command is used to disable (or mute) background audio.


How it Works

NAVIGATING THROUGH PRESENTATIONS
Navigation was There are two processes which permit users to navigate through presentations:
first introduced
in Chapter 2:
The Home
• the Navigation Session Task (NST)
Experience.
• the Presentation File Server (PF Server)

Navigation Session Task
The NST is an application which interprets user input to determine which
presentation a user wants to visit. An NST is assigned to each session when it is
created and released when the session is terminated. This assignment enables an
NST to process user input by providing the Presentation Server with the presen-
tation data to play.

The ICP is Once assigned to a session, an NST normally remains with the session until it is
configured to
terminated. Note that the NST only services one session at a time (unlike most
have an NST
running for other ICP processes). Therefore, several NSTs are typically running within
every the ICP simultaneously.
telephone
connection at
the head-end.
<inactive> <inactive>
NST NST

NST NST

NST NST


How it Works

See Chapter 7: Configuring the System for more information on how the NST
can be configured by the system installer. See Appendix G: Your System to see
the number of simultaneous users which can be supported by your system (this
will correspond to the number of NSTs which are running on your system).

Presentation File Server
Do not The Presentation File Server (PF Server) reads presentations from disk files.
confuse the Presentations themselves are grouped into presentation databases (PDBs). A PF
Presentation
File Server
Server is assigned to each PDB.
with the
Presentation When an interactive application needs to read a presentation from a PDB, the
Server. application submits its request to the corresponding PF Server. The PF Server
responds by returning the correct data to that application.


How it Works

Selecting a Presentation
After a session has been created, the assigned NST instructs the Presentation
Server to play the root presentation of a designated PDB. Content producers
designate a presentation as the root. Subsequent presentations are then
played under the direction of user input.

Here are the steps involved in selecting a presentation:

The user selects an
input choice from the
current presentation
or presses one of the
keys.
special hot keys.
(Some presentations
do not require any
input from the user.
In this case, the NST
simply requests the
PF Server to retrieve
the previous
presentation.)

The AIS captures
the input signals
transmitted by the
SCR, and then
delivers the signals
to the NST
servicing the
session.


How it Works

The NST tracks the
available input
choices for the
current presentation.
This information is
used to validate the
user's input.

001
The NST then 1111101
commands the PF 011
0
Server to read the
appropriate
presentation.

The NST submits a
play request to the
Presentation Server
and supplies the
presentation data
obtained in the
previous steps. The
remaining steps in
the delivery of a
presentation have
already been
discussed.


How it Works

MANAGING USER SESSIONS
A user must logon to the ICP in order to receive interactive content. A
keypress allows users to logon to the ICP and begins a session with the ICP.
Logon delivers the main menu to a user. Presentations can be accessed from the
The logon and main menu area. A session lasts until the user logs off the system by pressing
logoff
procedures are the or keys.
called session
creation and
session The Session Manager manages multiple active
termination, sessions. Only one Session Manager is run on an
respectively.
ICP. When a user presses the key to logon,
the Session Manager assigns processes to play
presentations, interpret input, etc. When a user
presses the or key, the Session
Manager performs the logoff procedure.

During the course of a session, control can be transferred from the NST to
another interactive application. The Session Manager makes this possible as
well. The end of this section describes this in detail.

Creating a Session
Here are the steps the Session Manager takes when creating a session:

The user selects the
TV channel delivering
the interactive
services of the ICP
and presses the
key.


How it Works

The SCR dials the
phone number of the
ICP .head-end.

ICP
The head-end
answers the incoming
phone call.

The keystroke
is transmitted to the
head-endcaptured
ICP and and captured
by the AIS.

The AIS indicates to
the Session Manager
that a user wishes to
logon to the ICP.

The Session Manager
assigns a Presentation
Server, VTS and NST
to service the user's
session.

Control is given to
the session's NST so
the first presentation
can be delivered to
the user. Input
reception and
audio/video playback
can now occur.

The Session Manager does not assign an AIS because the one which fields the
initial logon request is automatically used to service the remainder of the session.
Refer to Chapter 2: The Home Experience for the user’s perspective on session
creation.


How it Works

Terminating a Session
The Session Manager also frees processes to service other sessions when a
user decides to logoff.

Here are the steps related to user logoff:

There are
The user presses the
several
conditions or keys on
which can their remote control.
result in session
termination.
See Chapter
10: Trouble-
shooting.

This keystroke is
transmitted to the
ICP by the the
head-end by
SCR and captured
by the AIS.

The NST (or another
interactive application)
servicing the session
receives the notice to
logoff (just as other
input was received
during the course of
the session).


How it Works

The NST instructs the
Session Manager to
terminate the session.

The Session Manager
frees the processes
assigned to the session
so they can service
other sessions.

Under the direction of
the Session Manager,
the AIS is instructed to
close the telephone
line connection to the
user's SCR. This
returns the telephone
line to its on-hook
state and makes it
available for new
incoming calls.

Refer to Chapter 2: The Home Experience for the user’s perspective on session
termination.


How it Works

Starting an Application
The Session The primary functions of the Session Manager have already been discussed:
Manager allowing users to logon and logoff the ICP. However, the Session Manager
allows any also allows the NST to give control of a session to other interactive
application to
start any other applications.
application.
A presentation consists of video images, input choices and possibly an audio
stream. Note that a presentation can also contain a reference to an interactive
application. When a user navigates to such a presentation, the specified applica-
tion is given control of their session.

Here are the steps which start an application such as What’s on TV or Today:

The user navigates
to a presentation
which has a reference
to an application.

The user input is
captured by the AIS.

AI
S


How it Works

The user input is
received by the NST
and it instructs the
Session Manager to
pass control to the
appropriate
application.

The Session Manager
gives control of the
session to the selected
application. If none is
available, the request is
denied and the user
must select another
input choice.

All subsequent input
by the user is delivered
to the interactive
application, not the
NST. This continues
until the application
terminates.

The Session Manager
returns control to the
NST which replays the
last presentation.
From here, user input
is directed to the NST
as before.

In the remainder of this chapter, we will explain some of the other functions which
are not visible to the operator, but are important nevertheless to system opera-
tion.


How it Works

OTHER FUNCTIONS OF THE ICP
The external functions of the ICP have already been discussed. These include:

• receiving user input
• playing presentations
• delivering audio and video
• user navigation
• session creation and termination
• entering and exiting interactive applications

These features are the most vital to the ICP because they have a direct impact on
users.

However, there are also three support functions performed by the ICP. The
three support functions are:

• Logging messages
This support function, performed by the ITS, occurs constantly while the ICP
is running. It allows an operator to monitor ICP events.
• Recording statistics
This support function, performed by the ITS, also occurs constantly while the
ICP is running. It allows the performance of the ICP to be analyzed. Note that
this function of the ICP may not be available on some systems.
• Updating presentation databases
This process occurs frequently for some PDBs and infrequently for others
depending on how often content changes.
These three important support functions will now be explained in greater detail.


How it Works

Logging Messages
The ICP has numerous internal processes to deliver ITV to users. These pro-
cesses will occassionally experience operating problems.

Most problems can be handled by the system automatically. However, serious
problems may require operator intervention. ICP processes record their actions in
order to make troubleshooting possible (see Chapter 10: Troubleshooting).

The Log Server allows ICP processes to record messages. These messages can
have the following levels of severity:

• regular
• warning
• severe
A complete listing of messages produced by ICP processes can be found in
Appendix A: Log Files and Messages.

The Log Server receives messages from every ICP process, including the
following:

NST Session Manager
Presentation Server

Log Server

VTS

AIS

ICP3-31.EPS


How it Works

The SMT is The Log Server saves messages to a log file in order to track messages. An
the operator ’s operator can examine the log file online using the Site Management Task (SMT).
window to the
ICP. At The SMT is described in Chapter 5: Working with the ICP and Chapter 6:
periodic Monitoring the System.
intervals, it
polls the Log A Log Server runs on each ICP computer and all the processes on a computer
Server for the
messages it has use only their local Log Server. Also, each Log Server has a log file. For more
received. information on the log file, see Appendix A: Log Files and Messages.

Processes produce messages from the time they start until they terminate.
Therefore, system installers normally configure the Log Server as one of the first
processes to be started during a system startup and among the last processes to
be stopped during a system shutdown.

Recording Statistics
The ICP can service a large number of users simultaneously. Therefore, it is
very important for system processes to quickly respond to user demands.
These statistics The Statistics Server allows ICP processes to record statistics which can
cannot be be used to evaluate system performance and compile business- and demo-
viewed by an
operator. The
graphic-related data. These statistics include:
only system
information • the number of active users at various points in time
available to an
operator is the • the number of times a presentation is viewed by users
information
provided by the • disk usage of a process
SMT.


ICP Operator Manual

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