Apparatus and method using compressed codes for scheduling broadcast information recording
First Claim
1. An apparatus for using compressed codes for information broadcast recording that comprises:
- means for entering compressed codes each having at least one digit and each representative of, and compressed in length from, the combination of a proper subset of the set of channel, time-of-day and length commands for an information broadcast;
means for decoding a compressed code having at least one digit into channel, time-of-day and length commands;
means for recording coupled to said means for decoding;
a clock for providing an output as a function of time coupled to said means for decoding;
means for selecting a channel to record in response to said decoded channel commands;
means for turning said means for recording on in response to comparison of said decoded time-of-day commands with said clock output; and
means for turning said means for recording off in response to comparison of the record on time with said decoded length commands.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Digital compressed codes, associated with advertisements enable a user to selectively record additional information, which would be broadcast on a television channel at a later time. The advertisement could be print advertisement or broadcast advertisement on television or radio. The user enters the digital code (I code) associated with an advertisement into a unit with a decoding unit which automatically converts the code into CTL (channel, time and length). The unit within a twenty four hour period activates a VCR to record information on the television channel at the right time for the proper length of time. The decoded channel, time and length information can be communicated directly to a VCR and used by the VCR directly to automatically activate the VCR to record a given television information broadcast corresponding to the communicated channel, time and length. Alternately, the channel, time and length information can be decoded directly in a remote control unit and only start record, stop record and channel selection commands sent to the VCR at the appropriate times. Algorithms for decoding the I codes can be a function of time to ensure security of the decoding method. A method is included for use of the I codes with cable channels.
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Citations
6 Claims
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1. An apparatus for using compressed codes for information broadcast recording that comprises:
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means for entering compressed codes each having at least one digit and each representative of, and compressed in length from, the combination of a proper subset of the set of channel, time-of-day and length commands for an information broadcast;
means for decoding a compressed code having at least one digit into channel, time-of-day and length commands;
means for recording coupled to said means for decoding;
a clock for providing an output as a function of time coupled to said means for decoding;
means for selecting a channel to record in response to said decoded channel commands;
means for turning said means for recording on in response to comparison of said decoded time-of-day commands with said clock output; and
means for turning said means for recording off in response to comparison of the record on time with said decoded length commands. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
said means for decoding a compressed code into channel, time-of-day and length commands performs the decoding as a function of said-clock output.
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3. The apparatus for using compressed codes of claim 1 wherein said means for entering a compressed code comprises:
means for remote control having a signal transmit means for communicating said compressed code to said means for decoding.
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4. The apparatus for using compressed codes of claim 1 wherein said means for entering a compressed code comprises a keyboard.
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5. An apparatus for using compressed codes for information broadcast recording that comprises:
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means for remote control;
means for entering compressed codes each having at least one digit and each representative of, and compressed in length from, the combination of a proper subset of the set of channel, time-of-day and length commands for an information broadcast coupled to said means for remote control;
means for decoding a compressed code having at least one digit into channel, time-of-day and length commands coupled to said remote control;
means for recording;
means for transmitting channel, time-of-day and length commands from said means for remote control to said means for recording;
a clock for providing an output as a function of time coupled to said means for recording;
means for selecting a channel to record in response to said decoded channel commands;
means for turning said means for recording on in response to comparison of said decoded time-of-day commands with said clock output; and
means for turning said means for recording off in response to comparison of the record on time with said decoded length commands.
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6. An apparatus for using compressed codes for information broadcast recording that comprises:
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means for universal remote control capable of learning protocols of a different remote controller with which said means for universal remote control interfaces;
means for entering compressed codes each having at least one digit and each representative of, and compressed in length from, the combination of a proper subset of the set of channel, time-of-day and length commands for an information broadcast coupled to said means for universal remote control;
means for decoding a compressed code having at least one digit into channel, time-of-day and length commands coupled to said universal remote control;
means for recording;
means for transmitting channel, time-of-day and length commands from said means for universal remote control to said means for recording;
a clock having an output as a function of time coupled to said means for recording;
means for selecting a channel to record in response to said decoded channel commands;
means for turning said means for recording on in response to comparison of said decoded time-of-day commands with said clock output; and
means for turning said means for recording off in response to comparison of the record on time with said decoded length commands.
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Specification