Patent ID: 6588018
Filing Date: 2003-07-01
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A method of operating a master control switcher having a configuration/status described by a plurality of items of configuration/status information, each item having an associated value, the master control switcher combining input video signals in accordance with the current configuration/status of the master control switcher to generate an output video signal, and said method comprising:(a) selecting at least one item of configuration/status information, (b) sending a subscription command from an automation controller to the master control switcher, the subscription command specifying at least said one item of configuration/status information, (c) automatically sending the value associated with said one item of configuration/status information from the master control switcher to the automation controller when the value associated with said one item changes, and (d) storing the value associated with said one item of configuration/status information on the automation controller, and wherein step (b) includes generating a subscribe command having an array of subscription bits associated therewith, said array of subscription bits including a bit corresponding to each of said plurality of items of information and the status of a bit defining whether the corresponding item is selected.