A restrictive access control system includes a 3-state switch for controlling the operating mode of the system and limiting tuning access to only designated channels. Tuning information is provided to a microprocessor via a control panel keyboard for storage in a nonvolatile memory and for subsequent recall therefrom when desired channel information is entered in the control panel by a viewer. In one embodiment, a 3-position key actuated switch has a first OFF position, a second PROGRAM position, and a third ON position. In the ON and OFF positions, the key may be removed from the switch while in the second PROGRAM position the key may not be removed from the switch. Programming of the nonvolatile memory may only be accomplished with the key in second PROGRAM position for storing either desired channels or locking out undesired channels. From the second PROGRAM position, the key may be turned to either the first OFF position for viewing all available channels or to the third ON position whereupon only authorized channels can be viewed. Turning the switch between the various positions, or modes of operation, is not possible without the key so as to provide a high level of viewing security, while affording the key bearer not only channel programming access, but also the capability of limiting tuning access to only designated channels. Other embodiments include (1) a two position key switch with key detector and limited access control selector and (2) program and limited access control selectors in combination with an optical card reader.
A satellite receiver which can selectively inhibit the reception of radio wave of the improper program. This receiver comprises: a receiver unit; a reproducer unit to reproduce the signal received by the receiver unit; a control unit including (a) a first memory to store the designated transponder number, (b) a second memory to store the transponder number which is parental locked, and (c) a generator to generate a parental lock signal when the memory contents of the first and second memories coincide; and means for disabling the signal from the designated transponder to be reproduced by the reproducer unit in response to the parental lock signal. With this receiver, the radio wave from the designated transponder cannot be received.
An apparatus is provided for allowing rating level control of the viewing of a program. The apparatus includes a device for entering a desired rating level for controlling the viewing of a program, a device for extracting rating data from a program video segment, the rating data indicating a rating level of the program video segment, and a device for extracting text data representative of the content of the program video segment from the program video segment. The apparatus includes a device for determining whether the extracted rating data indicates that the program video segment has an acceptable rating level for viewing with regard to the entered desired rating level and a device for blocking the playing of the program video segment if it is determined that the extracted rating data indicates that the program video segment has an unacceptable rating level for viewing with regard to the entered desired rating level. The apparatus further includes a device for substituting display of the extracted text data representative of the content of the program video segment for the blocked program video segment, if it is determined that the extracted rating data indicates that the program video segment has an unacceptable rating level for viewing with regard to the entered desired rating level.
Sterilizable hand-held programmer/interrogator for communication with an implanted defibrillator, including follow-up. An electromechanical key allows the programmer/interrogator to function fully as a data programmer and as a data interrogator. A removable electromechanical key controlled by a surgeon allows a limited number of programmable functions and only a certain amount of data to be revealed when the device is interrogated by the patient. Interrogated data from the programmer/interrogator can be linked directly to the surgeon via a modem.
A system for controlling reception or recording of television broadcasts according to censorship classifications. One or more persons monitoring broadcasts nominate a classification and cause an appropriate signal to be generated and transmitted to viewers' homes by means of a radio transmission network also used for transmission of other data signals, such as a pocket paging system. Means are provided to ensure that classification signals are transmitted with priority over paging signals or other non-time-critical data.
A video signal identifier ("VSI") electrically coupled to both a VCR and a television to control their operation. The VSI memorizes commercials then automatically controls the television and video cassette recorder upon identifying a re-occurrence of the commercial. The VSI automatically mutes then restores volume on a television or pauses then resumes VCR recording at the beginning and end of a commercial.
