US3716654A — Real time remote use metering for broadcast recei…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 257 words

In an over-the-air pay TV system of the type in which a characteristic of the composite video signal is varied between different conditions from time to time in accordance with a predetermined code schedule and in which a composite code signal having a plurality of components whose permutation varies in relation to said code schedule is broadcast from a transmitter associated with a central office to all receivers in the system concurrently with the coded composite video signal, and in which there are a multiplicity of code signal component permutations for each composite video signal condition, a system for providing real time remote use metering of said receivers comprising: a plurality of decoders, one associated with each receiver, for responding to said composite code signal to decode said coded composite video signal, each of said decoders comprising a permutation device responsive to a different permutation of said code signal components to develop a predetermined response signal; a common return link from all of said receivers to said central office; means causing said transmitter to send different ones of said multiplicity of code signal component permutations upon different recurrences of a given composite video signal code condition, whereby response signals are sequentially developed by those of said decoder permutation devices which are in current use; and means coupling all of said decoder permutation devices to said common return link to return to said central office response signals from all operating decoders in time sequence correlated with that of the different code signal component permutations sent by said transmitter.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 257 words

In an over-the-air pay TV system of the type in which a characteristic of the composite video signal is varied between different conditions from time to time in accordance with a predetermined code schedule and in which a composite code signal having a plurality of components whose permutation varies in relation to said code schedule is broadcast from a transmitter associated with a central office to all receivers in the system concurrently with the coded composite video signal, and in which there are a multiplicity of code signal component permutations for each composite video signal condition, a system for providing real time remote use metering of said receivers comprising: a plurality of decoders, one associated with each receiver, for responding to said composite code signal to decode said coded composite video signal, each of said decoders comprising a permutation device responsive to a different permutation of said code signal components to develop a predetermined response signal; a common return link from all of said receivers to said central office; means causing said transmitter to send different ones of said multiplicity of code signal component permutations upon different recurrences of a given composite video signal code condition, whereby response signals are sequentially developed by those of said decoder permutation devices which are in current use; and means coupling all of said decoder permutation devices to said common return link to return to said central office response signals from all operating decoders in time sequence correlated with that of the different code signal component permutations sent by said transmitter.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 257 words

In an over-the-air pay TV system of the type in which a characteristic of the composite video signal is varied between different conditions from time to time in accordance with a predetermined code schedule and in which a composite code signal having a plurality of components whose permutation varies in relation to said code schedule is broadcast from a transmitter associated with a central office to all receivers in the system concurrently with the coded composite video signal, and in which there are a multiplicity of code signal component permutations for each composite video signal condition, a system for providing real time remote use metering of said receivers comprising: a plurality of decoders, one associated with each receiver, for responding to said composite code signal to decode said coded composite video signal, each of said decoders comprising a permutation device responsive to a different permutation of said code signal components to develop a predetermined response signal; a common return link from all of said receivers to said central office; means causing said transmitter to send different ones of said multiplicity of code signal component permutations upon different recurrences of a given composite video signal code condition, whereby response signals are sequentially developed by those of said decoder permutation devices which are in current use; and means coupling all of said decoder permutation devices to said common return link to return to said central office response signals from all operating decoders in time sequence correlated with that of the different code signal component permutations sent by said transmitter.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 257 words

In an over-the-air pay TV system of the type in which a characteristic of the composite video signal is varied between different conditions from time to time in accordance with a predetermined code schedule and in which a composite code signal having a plurality of components whose permutation varies in relation to said code schedule is broadcast from a transmitter associated with a central office to all receivers in the system concurrently with the coded composite video signal, and in which there are a multiplicity of code signal component permutations for each composite video signal condition, a system for providing real time remote use metering of said receivers comprising: a plurality of decoders, one associated with each receiver, for responding to said composite code signal to decode said coded composite video signal, each of said decoders comprising a permutation device responsive to a different permutation of said code signal components to develop a predetermined response signal; a common return link from all of said receivers to said central office; means causing said transmitter to send different ones of said multiplicity of code signal component permutations upon different recurrences of a given composite video signal code condition, whereby response signals are sequentially developed by those of said decoder permutation devices which are in current use; and means coupling all of said decoder permutation devices to said common return link to return to said central office response signals from all operating decoders in time sequence correlated with that of the different code signal component permutations sent by said transmitter.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 16 words

A system in accordance with claim 1 where said common return link is a wire-line-return link.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 16 words

A system in accordance with claim 2 where said wire-line-return link comprises a dedicated telephone line.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 65 words

A system in accordance with claim 1, which further comprises an additional plurality of receivers all coupled to said central office by an additional common return link, and each such additional receiver comprising a decoder having a permutation device responsive to the same permutation of said code signal components as one of the decoders associated with the receivers coupled to the first common return link.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 283 words

In an over-the-air pay TV system of the type in which a characteristic of the composite video signal is varied from time to time in accordance with a predetermined code schedule and in which a composite code signal having a plurality of components whose permutation varies in relation to said code schedule is broadcast from a transmitter associated with a central office to all receivers in the system concurrently with the composite video signal, and in which there are a multiplicity of code signal permutations of each composite video signal condition, and in which there is a decoder associated with each said receiver which responds to said composite code signal to decode said coded composite video signal, a system for remotely disabling a selected decoder comprising: a plurality of permutation devices, one associated with each decoder, and each responsive to a different permutation of said code signal components to develop a predetermined response signal; means causing said transmitter to send the code signal component permutation corresponding to the permutation device of said selected decoder to be disabled, whereby response signals are developed by such permutation device; means coupled to each permutation device for responding to said response signals from said permutation device in a predetermined manner to establish a first predetermined condition; a common return link from all of said decoders to said central office; means coupling all of said decoder permutation devices to said common return link; means at said central office for establishing a second predetermined condition in said common return link; and disabling means associated with each decoder and coupled to said common return link and responsive to establishment of said first and second predetermined conditions for disabling said decoder.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 283 words

In an over-the-air pay TV system of the type in which a characteristic of the composite video signal is varied from time to time in accordance with a predetermined code schedule and in which a composite code signal having a plurality of components whose permutation varies in relation to said code schedule is broadcast from a transmitter associated with a central office to all receivers in the system concurrently with the composite video signal, and in which there are a multiplicity of code signal permutations of each composite video signal condition, and in which there is a decoder associated with each said receiver which responds to said composite code signal to decode said coded composite video signal, a system for remotely disabling a selected decoder comprising: a plurality of permutation devices, one associated with each decoder, and each responsive to a different permutation of said code signal components to develop a predetermined response signal; means causing said transmitter to send the code signal component permutation corresponding to the permutation device of said selected decoder to be disabled, whereby response signals are developed by such permutation device; means coupled to each permutation device for responding to said response signals from said permutation device in a predetermined manner to establish a first predetermined condition; a common return link from all of said decoders to said central office; means coupling all of said decoder permutation devices to said common return link; means at said central office for establishing a second predetermined condition in said common return link; and disabling means associated with each decoder and coupled to said common return link and responsive to establishment of said first and second predetermined conditions for disabling said decoder.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 17 words

A system in accordance with claim 5 where said disabling means is located within a locked enclosure.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 14 words

A system in accordance with claim 5 where said disabling means comprises a fuse.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 30 words

A system in accordance with claim 5 where said system comprises means for establishing said second predetermined condition in response to a response signal from the decoder to be disabled.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 43 words

A system in accordance with claim 5 where said system comprises means causing said transmitter to cease sending the permutation code corresponding to the permutation code to which said selected decoder is responsive upon recognition that said decoder is not in current use.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 43 words

A system in accordance with claim 5 where said means coupled to each said permutation device for responding to said response signals from said permutation device in a predetermined manner to establish a first predetermined condition is isolated from all other permutation devices.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 22 words

A system in accordance with claim 10 where said isolating means comprises the series connection of three inverters and an AND gate.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 134 words

In an over-the-air pay TV receiver of the type that receives composite video signals having a characteristic varied between different conditions from time to time in accordance with a predetermined code schedule and a composite code signal having a plurality of components whose permutation varies in relation to said code schedule where there are a multiplicity of code signal component permutations for each composite video signal condition and which decodes said coded composite video signal, means to enable real time remote use metering comprising: means for receiving said composite code signal; means for generating a permutation code signal; means for comparing said received composite code signal with said generated code signal; and means for providing a predetermined response when said received code signal and said generated code signal represent the same code signal permutation.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 134 words

In an over-the-air pay TV receiver of the type that receives composite video signals having a characteristic varied between different conditions from time to time in accordance with a predetermined code schedule and a composite code signal having a plurality of components whose permutation varies in relation to said code schedule where there are a multiplicity of code signal component permutations for each composite video signal condition and which decodes said coded composite video signal, means to enable real time remote use metering comprising: means for receiving said composite code signal; means for generating a permutation code signal; means for comparing said received composite code signal with said generated code signal; and means for providing a predetermined response when said received code signal and said generated code signal represent the same code signal permutation.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 52 words

An over-the-air pay TV receiver in accordance with claim 12 where said means for generating said permutation code signal comprises: means for generating successive rectangularly shaped pulses; means coupled to said generating means for combining certain ones of said pulses; and means coupled to said combining means for permuting said combined pulses.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 87 words

An over-the-air pay TV receiver in accordance with claim 12 where said means for comparing said received composite code signal with said generated code signal comprises: a two-input exclusive OR gate for each component of the code signal permutator; means coupling each received component to alternate inputs of said exclusive OR gates; means coupling said generated permutation code signal components to the unoccupied inputs corresponding to said received components; a four-input OR gate; and means coupling each exclusive OR gate to one of said OR gate inputs.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 163 words

An over-the-air pay TV receiver of the type which receives composite video signals having a characteristiC varied between different conditions from time to time in accordance with a predetermined code schedule and a composite code signal having a plurality of components whose permutation varies in relation to said code schedule where there are a multiplicity of code signal component permutations for each composite video signal condition, and in which decodes said coded composite video signal, means to enable remote disabling of said receiver comprising: means for receiving said composite code signal; means for generating a permutation code signal; means for comparing said received composite code signal with said generated code signal; means for providing a predetermined response when said received code signal and said generated code signal represent the same code signal permutation to establish a first predetermined condition; means for establishing a second predetermined condition; and disabling means responsive to establishment of said first and second predetermined conditions for disabling said receiver.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 163 words

An over-the-air pay TV receiver of the type which receives composite video signals having a characteristiC varied between different conditions from time to time in accordance with a predetermined code schedule and a composite code signal having a plurality of components whose permutation varies in relation to said code schedule where there are a multiplicity of code signal component permutations for each composite video signal condition, and in which decodes said coded composite video signal, means to enable remote disabling of said receiver comprising: means for receiving said composite code signal; means for generating a permutation code signal; means for comparing said received composite code signal with said generated code signal; means for providing a predetermined response when said received code signal and said generated code signal represent the same code signal permutation to establish a first predetermined condition; means for establishing a second predetermined condition; and disabling means responsive to establishment of said first and second predetermined conditions for disabling said receiver.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 38 words

An over-the-air pay TV receiver in accordance with claim 15 where said means for providing a predetermined response to establish a first predetermined condition comprises means for establishing said first condition upon predetermined plurality of said predetermined responses.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 76 words

A system in accordance with claim 15 which further comprises a means for preventing said response signals from said decoder to be disabled from disabling a decoder not to be disabled comprising: means at said decoder to be disabled for delaying said response signals; means at said decoder to be disabled for sensing the establishment of the first said predetermined condition; and means at said decoder for inhibiting said response signals from said common return link.

Claim 24

Independent Claim 226 words

A method of real time remote use metering for an over-the-air pay TV system of the type in which a characteristic of the composite video signal is varied between different conditions from time to time in accordance with a predetermined code schedule and in which a composite code signal having a plurality of components whose permutation varies in relation to said code schedule is broadcast from a transmitter associated with a central office to all receivers in the system concurrently with the coded composite video signals and in which there are a multiplicity of code signal component permutations for each composite video signal condition, which method comprises: broadcasting different ones of said multiplicity of code signal component permutations upon different recurrences of a given composite video signal code condition; generating at each operating receiver a code signal component permutation different from those generated by all other receivers; receiving at each operating receiver the broadcast code signal component permutations and comparing the received permutations with the signal component permutation generated by such receiver; developing a response signal at each operating receiver upon correlation of a received code signal permutation with the permutation generated at such receiver, and returning to said central office the response signals developed by all operating decoders in time sequence correlated with that of the different code signal component permutations sent by said transmitter.

Claim 25

Independent Claim 226 words

A method of real time remote use metering for an over-the-air pay TV system of the type in which a characteristic of the composite video signal is varied between different conditions from time to time in accordance with a predetermined code schedule and in which a composite code signal having a plurality of components whose permutation varies in relation to said code schedule is broadcast from a transmitter associated with a central office to all receivers in the system concurrently with the coded composite video signals and in which there are a multiplicity of code signal component permutations for each composite video signal condition, which method comprises: broadcasting different ones of said multiplicity of code signal component permutations upon different recurrences of a given composite video signal code condition; generating at each operating receiver a code signal component permutation different from those generated by all other receivers; receiving at each operating receiver the broadcast code signal component permutations and comparing the received permutations with the signal component permutation generated by such receiver; developing a response signal at each operating receiver upon correlation of a received code signal permutation with the permutation generated at such receiver, and returning to said central office the response signals developed by all operating decoders in time sequence correlated with that of the different code signal component permutations sent by said transmitter.

Claim 26

Independent Claim 225 words

A method of remotely disabling a selected receiver in an over-the-air pay TV system of the type in which a characteristic of the composite video signal is varied between different conditions from time to time in accordance with a predetermined code schedule and in which a composite code signal having a plurality of components whose permutation varies in relation to said code schedule is broadcast from a transmitter associated with a central office to all receivers in the system concurrently with the coded composite video signals, and in which all said receivers are linked in common with said transmitter, which method comprises: generating At each operating receiver a signal component permutation different from those generated by all other receivers; broadcasting the code signal component permutation corresponding to the signal component permutation generated by said selected receiver to be disabled; receiving at each operating receiver the broadcast code signal component permutation and comparing the received permutation with the signal component permutation generated by such receiver; developing a predetermined response signal at said selected receiver upon correlation of the received code signal permutation with the permutation generated at said selected receiver to establish a first predetermined condition; establishing at said central office a second predetermined condition in said common link; and disabling said selected receiver in response to the establishment of the first and second predetermined conditions.

Claim 27

Independent Claim 225 words

A method of remotely disabling a selected receiver in an over-the-air pay TV system of the type in which a characteristic of the composite video signal is varied between different conditions from time to time in accordance with a predetermined code schedule and in which a composite code signal having a plurality of components whose permutation varies in relation to said code schedule is broadcast from a transmitter associated with a central office to all receivers in the system concurrently with the coded composite video signals, and in which all said receivers are linked in common with said transmitter, which method comprises: generating At each operating receiver a signal component permutation different from those generated by all other receivers; broadcasting the code signal component permutation corresponding to the signal component permutation generated by said selected receiver to be disabled; receiving at each operating receiver the broadcast code signal component permutation and comparing the received permutation with the signal component permutation generated by such receiver; developing a predetermined response signal at said selected receiver upon correlation of the received code signal permutation with the permutation generated at said selected receiver to establish a first predetermined condition; establishing at said central office a second predetermined condition in said common link; and disabling said selected receiver in response to the establishment of the first and second predetermined conditions.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 249 words

In an over-the-air pay TV system of the type in which a characteristic of the composite video signal is varied from time to time in accordance with a predetermined code schedule and in which a composite code signal having a plurality of components whose permutation varies in relation to said code schedule, is broadcast from a transmitter associated with a central office to all receivers in the system concurrently with the composite video signal, and in which there are a multiplicity of code signal permutations for each composite video signal condition, and in which there is a decoder associated with each said receiver which responds to said composite code signal to decode said coded composite video signal, a system for remotely disabling a selected decoder comprising: a plurality of permutation devices, one associated with each decoder, and each responsive to a different permutation of said code signal component to develop a predetermined response signal; means causing said transmitter to repetitively send the code signal component permutation corresponding to the permutation device of said selected decoder to be disabled at times when said system is operating with a given composite video signal code condition whereby response signals are developed by said permutation device; means coupled to each permutation device for counting such response signals therefrom and for developing a predetermined control effect when a given number of said response signals have been counted; and disabling means associated with each decoder and responsive to said control effect for disabling said decoder.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 249 words

In an over-the-air pay TV system of the type in which a characteristic of the composite video signal is varied from time to time in accordance with a predetermined code schedule and in which a composite code signal having a plurality of components whose permutation varies in relation to said code schedule, is broadcast from a transmitter associated with a central office to all receivers in the system concurrently with the composite video signal, and in which there are a multiplicity of code signal permutations for each composite video signal condition, and in which there is a decoder associated with each said receiver which responds to said composite code signal to decode said coded composite video signal, a system for remotely disabling a selected decoder comprising: a plurality of permutation devices, one associated with each decoder, and each responsive to a different permutation of said code signal component to develop a predetermined response signal; means causing said transmitter to repetitively send the code signal component permutation corresponding to the permutation device of said selected decoder to be disabled at times when said system is operating with a given composite video signal code condition whereby response signals are developed by said permutation device; means coupled to each permutation device for counting such response signals therefrom and for developing a predetermined control effect when a given number of said response signals have been counted; and disabling means associated with each decoder and responsive to said control effect for disabling said decoder.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 158 words

An over-the-air pay TV receiver of the type which receives composite video signals having a characteristic varied between different conditions from time to time in accordance with a predetermined code schedule and a composite code signal having a plurality of components whose permutation varies in relation to said code schedule where there are a multiplicity of code signal component permutations for each composite video signal condition and which has a means to enable remote disabling of said receiver comprising: means for receiving said composite code signal; means for generating a permutation code signal; means for comparing said received composite code signal with said generated code signal and for providing a predetermined response when said received code signal and said generated code signal represent the same code signal permutation; means for counting said predetermined responses and for developing a control effect upon registration of a predetermined count; and disabling means responsive to said control effect for disabling said receiver.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 158 words

An over-the-air pay TV receiver of the type which receives composite video signals having a characteristic varied between different conditions from time to time in accordance with a predetermined code schedule and a composite code signal having a plurality of components whose permutation varies in relation to said code schedule where there are a multiplicity of code signal component permutations for each composite video signal condition and which has a means to enable remote disabling of said receiver comprising: means for receiving said composite code signal; means for generating a permutation code signal; means for comparing said received composite code signal with said generated code signal and for providing a predetermined response when said received code signal and said generated code signal represent the same code signal permutation; means for counting said predetermined responses and for developing a control effect upon registration of a predetermined count; and disabling means responsive to said control effect for disabling said receiver.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 23 words

An over-the-air pay TV receiver in accordance with claim 21 where said counting means comprises a monostable multivibrator for resetting said counting means.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 26 words

An over-the-air pay TV receiver in accordance with claim 21 where said counting means comprises means for developing said control effect upon counting three predetermined responses.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1976-02-13	1976-08-14	1977-02-13	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1980-02-13	1980-08-14	1981-02-13	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1984-02-13	1984-08-14	1985-02-13	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Real time remote use metering for broadcast receivers

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