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Cable terminal unit using bit set for selectively enabling a plurality of hardware functions with some functions having a plurality of selectively enabled hardware functions

  • US 5,752,080 A
  • Filed: 12/22/1994
  • Issued: 05/12/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/22/1994
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A terminal unit for use within a digital cable system having a head end control unit, the terminal unit comprising:

  • (a) processor means and at least one selectively enabled hardware function, wherein the at least one selectively enabled hardware function comprises a plurality of selectively enabled hardware functions, wherein each selectively enabled hardware function of the plurality of selectively enabled hardware functions can be uniquely enabled or disabled;

    (b) memory means for storing a bit set representative of the enabled or disabled status of each selectively enabled hardware function of the plurality of selectively enabled hardware functions;

    (c) means for setting the bit set to unable or disable each selectively enabled hardware function of the plurality of selectively enabled hardware functions in accordance with a control signal received by the terminal unit from the head end control unit; and

    (d) means for enabling or disabling each selectively enabled hardware function in accordance with the bit set.

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