Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
195 words
In combination with a set-top box for use with a television set, the set-top box providing one or more operators with adjustable features including a service level setting and a preference setting, the service level setting restricting access to one or more channels, a remote control comprising: a fingerprint reader which acquires a print from one or more operator's digit as a fingerprint signal; and wireless conveying means for conveying the fingerprint signal to the set-top box; the set-top fingerprint signal; and wireless conveying means for conveying the fingerprint signal to the set-top box; the set-top box comprising: storage means for storing a plurality of service level settings and a plurality of preference settings; comparison means for comparing the fingerprint signal to stored fingerprint data for a match; and means responsive to any match for adjusting a current setting of at least one of the service level setting and the preference setting to at least one of a preselected service level setting and preference setting, respectively, of the operator, the current setting being maintained until a next fingerprint signal is conveyed, the pre-selected service level setting and preference setting each comprising a plurality of settings.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
195 words
In combination with a set-top box for use with a television set, the set-top box providing one or more operators with adjustable features including a service level setting and a preference setting, the service level setting restricting access to one or more channels, a remote control comprising: a fingerprint reader which acquires a print from one or more operator's digit as a fingerprint signal; and wireless conveying means for conveying the fingerprint signal to the set-top box; the set-top fingerprint signal; and wireless conveying means for conveying the fingerprint signal to the set-top box; the set-top box comprising: storage means for storing a plurality of service level settings and a plurality of preference settings; comparison means for comparing the fingerprint signal to stored fingerprint data for a match; and means responsive to any match for adjusting a current setting of at least one of the service level setting and the preference setting to at least one of a preselected service level setting and preference setting, respectively, of the operator, the current setting being maintained until a next fingerprint signal is conveyed, the pre-selected service level setting and preference setting each comprising a plurality of settings.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The combination of claim 1, wherein the set-top box provides access to a plurality of channels, and wherein the service level is adjustable to normally restrict access to one or more of the plurality of channels.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
The combination of claim 2, wherein the means responsive to any match adjusts the service level to provide access to one or more of the plurality of channels that normally has its access restricted.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The combination of claim 3, wherein a pay-per-view channel is one of the plurality of channels that normally has its access restricted.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
52 words
The combination of claim 1, further comprising storage means within the set-top box for storing preference setting for each of the one or more operators, and wherein the means responsive to any match adjusts the preference setting so as to restore the stored preference setting for the operator whose fingerprint signal matched.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The combination of claim 5, wherein the preference setting is a channel priority configuration.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The combination of claim 1, wherein the set-top box provides a plurality of preference settings.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
The combination of claim 1, wherein the acquired print is provided as a fingerprint signal, and further comprising compression means within the remote control for compressing the fingerprint signal, wherein the conveying means conveys the compressed fingerprint signal.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
112 words
The combination of claim 1, further comprising: a housing including the fingerprint reader and conveying means, the fingerprint acquisition means including a platen, the housing having first and second surfaces, the first surface having an aperture therethrough, the platen being disposed within the housing and in register with the aperture, the second surface being displaced from the first surface to provide a grasping surface, the housing further having a prehensile shape to permit grasping the first and second surfaces within a hand of the person while the person's digit presses on the platen so that the digit applies even pressure to the platen and a broad print of the digit is acquired.