Telesoftware

The term telesoftware was coined by W.J.G. Overington who invented the concept in 1974;[1] it literally means “software at a distance” and it often refers to the transmission of programs for a microprocessor or home computer via broadcast teletext, though the use of teletext was just a convenient way to implement the invention, which had been invented as a theoretical broadcasting concept previously. The concept being of producing local interactivity without the need for a return information link to a central computer. The invention arose as spin-off from research on function generators for a hybrid computer system for use in simulation of heat transfer in food preservation, and thus from outside of the broadcasting research establishments.[2]

Software bytes are presented to a terminal as pairs of standard teletext characters, thus utilizing an existing and well-proven broadcasting system.[3]

  1. ^ Overington, W.J.G. (May 1977). "Telesoftware". Computing.
  2. ^ Overington, W.J.G. (1975). "Analogue simulation of heat transfer in the thermal processing of food". Aston University. Archived from the original on 30 January 2023. Retrieved 7 August 2023.
  3. ^ Hedger, J (September 1978). "Telesoftware: Using Teletext to Support a Home Computer". IEE Conference Publication 166: 273–276.