Patent FR530407A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5307173A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Apparatus and method using compressed codes for television program record scheduling
Assignee: Adeia Guides Inc
•
Filing: 1992-02-03
•
Granted: 1994-04-26
•
Expires: 2012-02-03
Abstract
Abstract Encoded video recorder/player timer preprogramming information listed in a television calendar allows a timer preprogramming feature on a video cassette recorder VCR to be programmed using a compressed code of as few as 1 to 8 digits, which are decoded by a decoder built into a television to convert the compressed code into channel, date, time and length information. The compressed code indications associated with each television program can be printed in a television program calendar in advance. The user would use the television remote or controls on the television to enter the code that signifies the program to be recorded. When the codes are entered they are transmitted to the television and the decoded in the television and then the codes themselves and the CDTL information, which is the result of decoding the codes, could be displayed "on screen" so that the user can verify that the proper codes have been entered. Then at the appropriate time the television would transmit the proper commands to a VCR and a cable box, if present, to command the recording of the selected program. This control function can be carried out by using an infrared link by placing infrared transmitters on the television cabinet, preferably at the corners. The television circuitry would include the capability of storing or learning the infrared code protocols for the VCR and the cable box. The decoder can be embedded into various other equipments associated with television, such as a video cassette recorder, cable box or satellite receiver. In any system the decoder would only have to be present in one of the equipments, such as the cable box, which would then at the appropriate time distribute the proper commands to the other equipments such as a VCR and a satellite receiver to record the desired program. The infrared transmitter can be placed in a infrared dome on the equipment, mounted behind the front panel, or attached to a mouse coupled via a cable to the equipment.
Inventors
- 👤 Henry C. Yuen
- 👤 Daniel S. Kwoh
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 19:10
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N5/00; H04N5/76; H04N5/765; H04N5/78; H04N5/782; H01; H01H; H01H9/00; H01H9/02; H01H9/0214; H01H9/0235; H01H9/025
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 128
Claim 1
Independent Claim
272 words
An apparatus for using compressed codes for recorder preprogramming that comprises: a television receiver; means for entering into said television receiver compressed codes each having at least one digit and each representative of, and compressed in length from, the combination of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands for a programs; said television receiver comprising: means for decoding each compressed code into the combination of channel, date, time-of-day and length commands, means for storing said combination of channel, date, time-of-day and length commands, a clock with an output as a function of time, means for reordering said combinations of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands in said means for storing into temporal order, and means for comparing the date and time-of-day commands of the temporally earliest in time combination in said means for storing to the output of the clock for a predetermined relation; means for recording; means for transmitting record on commands to said means for recording after the predetermined relation is found to exist according to the date and time-of-day commands of said temporally earliest in time combination, wherein said means for transmitting is compounded to said television receiver; means for channel selection; wherein said means for transmitting transmit channel select commands to said means for channel selection after the predetermined relation is found to exist according to the channel command of said temporally earliest in time combination wherein said means for transmitting is coupled to said television receiver; and wherein said means for transmitting transmit record off commands to said means for recording following an elapsed time interval corresponding to the length command of said temporally earliest in time combination.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
272 words
An apparatus for using compressed codes for recorder preprogramming that comprises: a television receiver; means for entering into said television receiver compressed codes each having at least one digit and each representative of, and compressed in length from, the combination of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands for a programs; said television receiver comprising: means for decoding each compressed code into the combination of channel, date, time-of-day and length commands, means for storing said combination of channel, date, time-of-day and length commands, a clock with an output as a function of time, means for reordering said combinations of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands in said means for storing into temporal order, and means for comparing the date and time-of-day commands of the temporally earliest in time combination in said means for storing to the output of the clock for a predetermined relation; means for recording; means for transmitting record on commands to said means for recording after the predetermined relation is found to exist according to the date and time-of-day commands of said temporally earliest in time combination, wherein said means for transmitting is compounded to said television receiver; means for channel selection; wherein said means for transmitting transmit channel select commands to said means for channel selection after the predetermined relation is found to exist according to the channel command of said temporally earliest in time combination wherein said means for transmitting is coupled to said television receiver; and wherein said means for transmitting transmit record off commands to said means for recording following an elapsed time interval corresponding to the length command of said temporally earliest in time combination.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for entering comprises a television remote controller.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for entering comprises controls coupled to said television receiver.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for channel selection comprises a cable box.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for channel selection comprises a satellite receiver.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for recording comprises a video cassette recorder.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus for using compressed codes for recorder preprogramming of claim 1 which further comprises means for substituting a local channel number for a channel number in at least one said channel command.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means for selecting a periodicity for repeating the operation of said means for.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a means for warning a user that said clock output will compare within a preset time to said date and time-of-day commands of said temporally earliest in times combination.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for transmitting comprises at least one infrared transmitter.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said means for transmitting further comprises a plurality of infrared transmitters positioned on said television receiver to transmit simultaneously in a plurality of directions.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said infrared transmitter is enclosed in a dome mounted on said television receiver.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising a mouse wherein said infrared transmitter is enclosed in said mouse and wherein said mouse is attached via a cable to said television receiver and wherein said mouse is placed near said means for recording.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising a mouse wherein said infrared transmitter is enclosed in said mouse and wherein said mouse is attached via a cable to said television receiver and wherein said mouse is placed near said means for channel selection.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising a miniature mouse wherein said infrared transmitter is enclosed in said miniature mouse and wherein said miniature mouse is attached via a cable to said television receiver and wherein said miniature mouse is placed near said means for recording.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising a miniature mouse wherein said infrared transmitter is enclosed in said miniature mouse and wherein said miniature mouse is attached via a cable to said television receiver and wherein said miniature mouse is placed near said means for channel selection.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 1 that further comprises: means for advancing time-of-day commands decoded from a compressed code by a predetermined time interval; and means for retarding time-of-day commands decoded from a compressed code by a predetermined time interval.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
62 words
The apparatus for using compressed codes for recorder preprogramming of claim 1 that further comprises: means for storing a plurality of protocol sets of record the channel select transmit signals coupled to said means for transmitting; means for selecting one of said protocol sets of record transmit signals; and means for selecting one of said protocol sets of channel select transmit signals.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
248 words
An apparatus for using compressed codes for recorder preprogramming that comprises: a video cassette recorder; means for entering into said video cassette recorder compressed codes each having at least one digit and each representative of, and compressed in length from, the combination of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands for a program; said video cassette recorder comprising: means for decoding each compressed code into the combination of channel, date, time-of-day and length commands, means for storing said combinations of channel, date, time-of-day and length commands, a clock with an output as a function of time, means for recording said combinations of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands in said means for storing into temporal order, and means for comparing the date and time-of-day commands of the temporally earliest in time combination in said means for storing to the output of the clock for a predetermined relation; wherein said video cassette recorder begins recording after the predetermined relationship is found to exist according to the date and time-of-day commands of said temporally earliest in time combination; means for channel selection; means for transmitting channel select commands to said means for channel selection after the predetermined relation is found to exist according to the channel command of said temporally earliest in time combination wherein said means for transmitting is coupled to said video cassette recorder; and wherein said video cassette recorder stops recording following an elapsed time interval corresponding to the length command of said temporally earliest in time combination.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
248 words
An apparatus for using compressed codes for recorder preprogramming that comprises: a video cassette recorder; means for entering into said video cassette recorder compressed codes each having at least one digit and each representative of, and compressed in length from, the combination of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands for a program; said video cassette recorder comprising: means for decoding each compressed code into the combination of channel, date, time-of-day and length commands, means for storing said combinations of channel, date, time-of-day and length commands, a clock with an output as a function of time, means for recording said combinations of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands in said means for storing into temporal order, and means for comparing the date and time-of-day commands of the temporally earliest in time combination in said means for storing to the output of the clock for a predetermined relation; wherein said video cassette recorder begins recording after the predetermined relationship is found to exist according to the date and time-of-day commands of said temporally earliest in time combination; means for channel selection; means for transmitting channel select commands to said means for channel selection after the predetermined relation is found to exist according to the channel command of said temporally earliest in time combination wherein said means for transmitting is coupled to said video cassette recorder; and wherein said video cassette recorder stops recording following an elapsed time interval corresponding to the length command of said temporally earliest in time combination.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said means for entering comprises a video cassette recorder remote controller.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said means for entering comprises controls coupled to said video cassette recorder.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said means for channel selection comprises a cable box.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said means for channel selection comprises a satellite receiver.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus for using compressed codes for recorder preprogramming of claim 19 which further comprises means for substituting a local channel number for a channel number in at least one said channel command.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising means for selecting a periodicity for repeating the operation of said means for.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising a means for warning a user that said clock output will compare within a preset time to said date and time-of-day commands of said temporally earliest in time combination.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said means for transmitting comprises at least one infrared transmitter.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said means for transmitting further comprises a plurality of infrared transmitters positioned on said television receiver to transmit simultaneously in a plurality of directions.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said infrared transmitter is enclosed in a dome mounted on said video cassette recorder.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 27 further comprising a mouse wherein said infrared transmitter is enclosed in said mouse and wherein said mouse is attached via a cable to said video cassette recorder and wherein said mouse is placed near said means for channel selection.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
48 words
The apparatus of claim 27 further comprising a miniature mouse wherein said infrared transmitter is enclosed in said miniature mouse and wherein said miniature mouse is attached via a cable to said video cassette recorder and wherein said miniature mouse is placed near said means for channel selection.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 19 that further comprises: means for advancing time-of-day commands decoded from a compressed code by a predetermined time interval; and means for retarding time-of-day commands decoded from a compressed code by a predetermined time interval.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus for using compressed codes for recorder preprogramming of claim 19 that further comprises: means for storing a plurality of protocol sets of record and channel select transmit signals coupled to said means for transmitting; and means for selecting one of said protocol sets of channel select transmit signals.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
260 words
An apparatus for using compressed codes for recorder preprogramming that comprises: a cable box; means for entering into said cable box compressed codes each having at least one digit and each representative of, and compressed in length from, the combination of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands for a program; said cable box comprising: means for decoding each compressed code into the combination of channel, date, time-of-day and length commands, means for storing said combinations of channel, date, time-of-day and length commands, a clock with an output as a function of time, means for reordering said combinations of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands in said means for storing into temporal order, and means for comparing the date and time-of-day commands of the temporally earliest in time combination in said means for storing to the output of the clock for a predetermined relation; means for recording; means for transmitting record on commands to said means for recording after the predetermined relation is found to exist according to the date and time-of-day commands of said temporally earliest in time combinations wherein said means for transmitting is coupled to said cable box; means for channel selection; wherein said means for transmitting transmit channel select commands to said means for channel selection after the predetermined relation is found to exist wherein said means for transmitting is coupled to said cable box; and wherein said means for transmitting transmit record off commands to said means for recording following an elapsed time interval corresponding to the length command of said temporally earliest in time combination.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
260 words
An apparatus for using compressed codes for recorder preprogramming that comprises: a cable box; means for entering into said cable box compressed codes each having at least one digit and each representative of, and compressed in length from, the combination of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands for a program; said cable box comprising: means for decoding each compressed code into the combination of channel, date, time-of-day and length commands, means for storing said combinations of channel, date, time-of-day and length commands, a clock with an output as a function of time, means for reordering said combinations of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands in said means for storing into temporal order, and means for comparing the date and time-of-day commands of the temporally earliest in time combination in said means for storing to the output of the clock for a predetermined relation; means for recording; means for transmitting record on commands to said means for recording after the predetermined relation is found to exist according to the date and time-of-day commands of said temporally earliest in time combinations wherein said means for transmitting is coupled to said cable box; means for channel selection; wherein said means for transmitting transmit channel select commands to said means for channel selection after the predetermined relation is found to exist wherein said means for transmitting is coupled to said cable box; and wherein said means for transmitting transmit record off commands to said means for recording following an elapsed time interval corresponding to the length command of said temporally earliest in time combination.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said means for entering comprises a cable box remote controller.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said means for entering comprises controls coupled to said cable box.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said means for channel selection comprises a satellite receiver.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said means for channel selection comprises a cable box.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said means for recording comprises a video cassette recorder.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus for using compressed codes for recorder preprogramming of claim 34 which further comprises means for substituting a local channel number for a channel number in at least one said channel command.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 34 further comprising means for selecting a periodicity for repeating the operation of said means for.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 34 further comprising a means for warning a user that said clock output will compare within a preset time to said date and time-of-day commands of said temporally earliest in time combination.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said means for transmitting comprises at least one infrared transmitter.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 43 wherein said means for transmitting further comprises a plurality of infrared transmitters positioned on said television receiver to transmit simultaneously in a plurality of directions.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 43 wherein said infrared transmitter is enclosed in a dome mounted on said cable box.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 43 further comprising a mouse wherein said infrared transmitter is enclosed in said mouse and wherein said mouse is attached via a cable to said cable box and wherein said mouse is placed near said means for recording.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 43 further comprising a mouse wherein said infrared transmitter is enclosed in said mouse and wherein said mouse is attached via a cable to said cable box and wherein saidmouse is placed near said means for channel selection.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus of claim 43 further comprising a miniature mouse wherein said infrared transmitter is enclosed in said miniature mouse and wherein said miniature mouse is attached via a cable to said cable box and wherein said miniature mouse is placed near said means for recording.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus of claim 43 further comprising a miniature mouse wherein said infrared transmitter is enclosed in said miniature mouse and wherein said miniature mouse is attached via a cable to said cable box and wherein said miniature mouse is placed near said means for channel selection.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 34 that further comprises: means for advancing time-of-day command decoded from a compressed code by a predetermined time interval; and means for retarding time-of-day commands decoded from a compressed code by a predetermined time interval.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
62 words
The apparatus for using compressed codes for recorder preprogramming of claim 34 that further comprises: means for storing a plurality of protocol sets of record and channel select transmit signals coupled to said means for transmitting; means for selecting one of said protocol sets of record transmit signals; and means for selecting one of said protocol sets of channel select transmit signals.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
260 words
An apparatus for using compressed codes for recorder preprogramming that comprises: a satellite receiver; means for entering into said satellite receiver compressed codes each having at least one digit and each representative of, and compressed in length from, the combination of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands for a program; said satellite receiver comprising: means for decoding each compressed code into the combination of channel, date, time-of-day and length commands, means for storing said combination of channel, date, time-of-day and length commands, a clock with an output as a function of time, means for reordering said combinations of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands in said means for storing into temporal order, and means for comparing the date and time-of-day commands of the temporally earliest in time combination in said means for storing to the output of the clock for a predetermined relation; means for recording; means for transmitting record on commands to said means for recording after the predetermined relation is found to exist according to the date and time-of-day commands of said temporally earliest in time combination, wherein said means for transmitting is coupled to said satellite receiver; means for channel selection; wherein said means for transmitting transmit channel select commands to said means for channel selection after the predetermined relation is found to exist wherein said means for transmitting is coupled to said satellite receiver; and wherein said means for transmitting transmit record off commands to said means for recording following an elapsed time interval corresponding to the length command of said temporally earliest in time combination.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
260 words
An apparatus for using compressed codes for recorder preprogramming that comprises: a satellite receiver; means for entering into said satellite receiver compressed codes each having at least one digit and each representative of, and compressed in length from, the combination of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands for a program; said satellite receiver comprising: means for decoding each compressed code into the combination of channel, date, time-of-day and length commands, means for storing said combination of channel, date, time-of-day and length commands, a clock with an output as a function of time, means for reordering said combinations of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands in said means for storing into temporal order, and means for comparing the date and time-of-day commands of the temporally earliest in time combination in said means for storing to the output of the clock for a predetermined relation; means for recording; means for transmitting record on commands to said means for recording after the predetermined relation is found to exist according to the date and time-of-day commands of said temporally earliest in time combination, wherein said means for transmitting is coupled to said satellite receiver; means for channel selection; wherein said means for transmitting transmit channel select commands to said means for channel selection after the predetermined relation is found to exist wherein said means for transmitting is coupled to said satellite receiver; and wherein said means for transmitting transmit record off commands to said means for recording following an elapsed time interval corresponding to the length command of said temporally earliest in time combination.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 52 wherein said means for entering comprises a satellite receiver remote controller.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 52 wherein said means for entering comprises controls coupled to said satellite receiver.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 52 wherein said means for channel selection comprises a cable box.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 52 wherein said means for channel selection comprises a satellite receiver.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 52 wherein said means for recording comprises a video cassette recorder.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus for using compressed codes for recorder preprogramming of claim 52 which further comprises means for substituting a local channel number for a channel number in at least one said channel command.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 52 further comprising means for selecting a periodicity for repeating the operation of said means for.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 52 further comprising a means for warning a user that said clock output will compare within a preset time to said date and time-of-day commands of said temporally earliest in time combination.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 52 wherein said means for transmitting comprises at least one infrared transmitter.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 61 wherein said means for transmitting further comprises a plurality of infrared transmitters positioned on said television receiver to transmit simultaneously in a plurality of directions.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 61 wherein said infrared transmitter is enclosed in a dome mounted on said satellite receiver.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 61 further comprising a mouse wherein said infrared transmitter is enclosed in said mouse and wherein said mouse is attached via a cable to said satellite receiver and wherein said mouse is placed near said means for recording.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 61 further comprising a mouse wherein said infrared transmitter is enclosed in said mouse and wherein said mouse is attached via a cable to said satellite receiver and wherein said mouse is placed near said means for channel selection.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus of claim 61 further comprising a miniature mouse wherein said infrared transmitter is enclosed in said miniature mouse and wherein said miniature mouse is attached via a cable to said satellite receiver and wherein said miniature mouse is placed near said means for recording.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus of claim 61 further comprising a miniature mouse wherein said infrared transmitter is enclosed in said miniature mouse and wherein said miniature mouse is attached via a cable to said satellite receiver and wherein said miniature mouse is placed near said means for channel selection.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 52 that further comprises: means for advancing time-of-day commands decoded from a compressed code by a predetermined time interval; and means for retarding time-of-day commands decoded from a compressed code by a predetermined time interval.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
62 words
The apparatus for using compressed codes for recorder preprogramming of claim 52 that further comprises: means for storing a plurality of protocol sets of record and channel select transmit signals coupled to said means for transmitting; means for selecting one of said protocol sets of record transmit signals; and means for selecting one of said protocol sets of channel select transmit signals.
Claim 74
Independent Claim
193 words
A method of permitting programs to be preprogrammed for recording by a recorder for time shifted viewing comprising: providing a television receiver having a means for transmitting signals and a clock with an output as a function of time; entering into said television receiver compressed codes each having at least one digit and each representative of, and compressed in length from, the combination of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands for a program; decoding each compressed code to obtain channel, time-of-day, date and length commands; providing a memory; storing each said channel, time-of-day, date and length commands into said memory; recording said channel, time-of-day, date and length commands in said memory into temporal order; comparing the date and time-of-day commands of the temporally earliest in time entry in said memory to the output of the clock for a predetermined relation; transmitting channel and record on commands from said television receiver after the predetermined relationship is found to exist; selecting the channel; recording the program; measuring length of time from transmitting record on command; and transmitting record off commands from said television receiver when the measured length of time compares with said length command.
Claim 75
Independent Claim
193 words
A method of permitting programs to be preprogrammed for recording by a recorder for time shifted viewing comprising: providing a television receiver having a means for transmitting signals and a clock with an output as a function of time; entering into said television receiver compressed codes each having at least one digit and each representative of, and compressed in length from, the combination of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands for a program; decoding each compressed code to obtain channel, time-of-day, date and length commands; providing a memory; storing each said channel, time-of-day, date and length commands into said memory; recording said channel, time-of-day, date and length commands in said memory into temporal order; comparing the date and time-of-day commands of the temporally earliest in time entry in said memory to the output of the clock for a predetermined relation; transmitting channel and record on commands from said television receiver after the predetermined relationship is found to exist; selecting the channel; recording the program; measuring length of time from transmitting record on command; and transmitting record off commands from said television receiver when the measured length of time compares with said length command.
Claim 76
Independent Claim
196 words
A method of permitting programs to be preprogrammed for recording by a recorder for time shifted viewing comprising: providing a video cassette recorder having a means for transmitting signals and a clock with an output as a function of time; entering into said video cassette recorder compressed codes each having at least one digit and each representative of, and compressed in length from, the combination of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands for a program; decoding each compressed code to obtain channel, time-of-day, date and length commands; providing a memory; storing each said channel, time-of-day, date and length commands in said memory into said memory; reordering said channel, time-of-day, date and length commands in said memory into temporal order; comparing the date and time-of-day commands of the temporally earliest in time entry in said memory to the output of the clock for a predetermined relation; transmitting channel commands from said video cassette recorder after the predetermined relationship is found to exist; selecting the channel; recording the program when predetermined relation is found to exist; measuring length of time from start of recording; and stopping recording when the measured length of time compares with said length command.
Claim 77
Independent Claim
196 words
A method of permitting programs to be preprogrammed for recording by a recorder for time shifted viewing comprising: providing a video cassette recorder having a means for transmitting signals and a clock with an output as a function of time; entering into said video cassette recorder compressed codes each having at least one digit and each representative of, and compressed in length from, the combination of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands for a program; decoding each compressed code to obtain channel, time-of-day, date and length commands; providing a memory; storing each said channel, time-of-day, date and length commands in said memory into said memory; reordering said channel, time-of-day, date and length commands in said memory into temporal order; comparing the date and time-of-day commands of the temporally earliest in time entry in said memory to the output of the clock for a predetermined relation; transmitting channel commands from said video cassette recorder after the predetermined relationship is found to exist; selecting the channel; recording the program when predetermined relation is found to exist; measuring length of time from start of recording; and stopping recording when the measured length of time compares with said length command.
Claim 78
Independent Claim
193 words
A method of permitting programs to be preprogrammed for recording by a recorder for time shifted viewing comprising: providing a cable box having a means for transmitting signals and a clock with an output as a function of time; entering into said cable box compressed codes each having at least one digit and each representative of, and compressed in length from, the combination of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands for a program; decoding each compressed code to obtain channel, time-of-day, date and length commands; providing a memory; storing each said channel, time-of-day, date and length commands into said memory; reordering said channel, time-of-day, date and length commands in said memory into temporal order; comparing the date and time-of-day commands of the temporally earliest in time entry in said memory to the output of the clock for a predetermined relation; transmitting channel and record on commands from said cable box after the predetermined relationship is found to exist; selecting the channel; recording the program; measuring length of time from transmitting record on command; and transmitting record off commands from said cable box when the measured length of time compares with said length command.
Claim 79
Independent Claim
193 words
A method of permitting programs to be preprogrammed for recording by a recorder for time shifted viewing comprising: providing a cable box having a means for transmitting signals and a clock with an output as a function of time; entering into said cable box compressed codes each having at least one digit and each representative of, and compressed in length from, the combination of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands for a program; decoding each compressed code to obtain channel, time-of-day, date and length commands; providing a memory; storing each said channel, time-of-day, date and length commands into said memory; reordering said channel, time-of-day, date and length commands in said memory into temporal order; comparing the date and time-of-day commands of the temporally earliest in time entry in said memory to the output of the clock for a predetermined relation; transmitting channel and record on commands from said cable box after the predetermined relationship is found to exist; selecting the channel; recording the program; measuring length of time from transmitting record on command; and transmitting record off commands from said cable box when the measured length of time compares with said length command.
Claim 80
Independent Claim
193 words
A method of permitting program to be preprogrammed for recording by a recorder for time shifted viewing comprising: providing a satellite receiver having a means for transmitting signals and a clock with an output as a function of time; entering into said satellite receiver compressed codes each having at least one digit and each representative of, and compressed in length from, the combination of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands for a program; decoding each compressed code to obtain channel, time-of-day, date and length commands; providing a memory; storing each said channel, time-of-day, date and length commands into said memory; reordering said channel, time-of-day, date and length commands in said memory into temporal order; comparing the date and time-of-day commands of the temporally earliest in time entry in said memory to the output of the clock for a predetermined relation; transmitting channel and record on commands from said satellite receiver after the predetermined relationship is found to exist; selecting the channel; recording the program; measuring length of time from transmitting record on command; and transmitting record off commands from said satellite receiver when the measured length of time compares with said length command.
Claim 81
Independent Claim
193 words
A method of permitting program to be preprogrammed for recording by a recorder for time shifted viewing comprising: providing a satellite receiver having a means for transmitting signals and a clock with an output as a function of time; entering into said satellite receiver compressed codes each having at least one digit and each representative of, and compressed in length from, the combination of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands for a program; decoding each compressed code to obtain channel, time-of-day, date and length commands; providing a memory; storing each said channel, time-of-day, date and length commands into said memory; reordering said channel, time-of-day, date and length commands in said memory into temporal order; comparing the date and time-of-day commands of the temporally earliest in time entry in said memory to the output of the clock for a predetermined relation; transmitting channel and record on commands from said satellite receiver after the predetermined relationship is found to exist; selecting the channel; recording the program; measuring length of time from transmitting record on command; and transmitting record off commands from said satellite receiver when the measured length of time compares with said length command.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 70, 71, 72 or 73 wherein the step of selecting and recording are performed by a video cassette recorder.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 70, 71, 72 or 73 wherein the step of selecting is performed by a cable box.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 70, 71, 72 or 73 wherein the step of selecting is performed by a satellite receiver.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 70, 71, 72 or 73 which further comprises the step of advancing said time-of-day command by a predetermined number of hours.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 70, 71, 72 or 73 which further comprises the step of retarding said time-of-day command by a predetermined number of hours.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 70, 71, 72 or 73 wherein the step of transmitting is performed by an infrared transmitter.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 70, 71, 72 or 73 wherein the step of transmitting is performed by an infrared transmitter attached to a cable.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 70, 71, 72 or 73 which further comprises the step of: selecting a periodicity for repeating the step of recording on a channel corresponding to said channel command at a time-of-day corresponding to said time-of-day command and for a length corresponding to said length command.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 70, 71, 72 or 73 wherein the step of entering is performed by a television remote.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 70, 71, 72 or 73 which further comprises the step of: warning a user that said clock output will compare within a preset time to said date and time-of-day commands.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 70, 71, 72 or 73 which further comprises the step of: substituting a local channel number for a channel number in said channel command.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 70, 71, 72 or 73 which further comprises the steps of: storing a plurality of protocol sets of transmit signals; and selecting a protocol set of transmit signals for a particular means for recording.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
83 words
The method of claim 70, 71, 72 or 73 wherein the step of decoding each compressed code to obtain channel, time-of-day, date and length commands comprises the step of: converting said compressed code into a binary number; recording the bits in said binary number to obtain a reordered binary compressed code; grouping said reordered binary compressed code into channel, date, time and length priority numbers; and deriving said channel, day, time-of-day and length commands from said channel, date, time and length priority numbers.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 86 wherein the steps of reordering comprises the step of performing said reordering as a function of the output of a clock.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 86 wherein the step of deriving comprises the step of performing said deriving as a function of the output of a clock.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
87 words
The method of claim 70, 71, 72 or 73 wherein the step of decoding each compressed code to obtain channel, time-of-day, date and length commands comprises the steps of: converting said compressed code into a mixed radix number; reordering the bits in said mixed radix number to obtain a reordered mixed radix compressed code; grouping said reordered mixed radix compressed code into channel, date, time and length priority numbers; and deriving said channel, day, time-of-day and length commands from said channel, date, time and length priority numbers.
Claim 98
Independent Claim
217 words
An apparatus for using compressed codes for recorder preprogramming that comprises: a television receiver; means for entering into said television receiver compressed codes each having at least one digit and each representative of, and compressed in length from, the combination of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands for a program; said television receiver comprising: means for decoding each compressed code into the combination of channel, date, time-of-day and length commands, means for storing said combinations of channel, date, time-of-day and length commands, a clock with an output as a function of time, means for reordering said combinations of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands in said means for storing into temporal order, and means for comparing said ate and time-of-day commands of the temporally earliest in time program entry in said means for storing to the output of the clock for a predetermined relation; means for transmitting channel select and record on commands to a recorder after the predetermined relationship is found to exist according to the channel, date and time-of-day command of said temporally earliest in time combination, wherein said means for transmitting is coupled to said television receiver; and wherein said means for transmitting transmits record off commands following an elapsed time interval corresponding to the length command of said temporally earliest in time combination.
Claim 99
Independent Claim
217 words
An apparatus for using compressed codes for recorder preprogramming that comprises: a television receiver; means for entering into said television receiver compressed codes each having at least one digit and each representative of, and compressed in length from, the combination of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands for a program; said television receiver comprising: means for decoding each compressed code into the combination of channel, date, time-of-day and length commands, means for storing said combinations of channel, date, time-of-day and length commands, a clock with an output as a function of time, means for reordering said combinations of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands in said means for storing into temporal order, and means for comparing said ate and time-of-day commands of the temporally earliest in time program entry in said means for storing to the output of the clock for a predetermined relation; means for transmitting channel select and record on commands to a recorder after the predetermined relationship is found to exist according to the channel, date and time-of-day command of said temporally earliest in time combination, wherein said means for transmitting is coupled to said television receiver; and wherein said means for transmitting transmits record off commands following an elapsed time interval corresponding to the length command of said temporally earliest in time combination.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 90 wherein said means for entering comprises a television remote control.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 90 wherein said means for entering comprises controls coupled to said television receiver.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 90 which further comprises: a channel selector responsive to said transmitted channel select commands; and a means for recording the program responsive to said transmitted record on and record off commands.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 93 wherein said channel selector comprises a cable box.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 93 wherein said means for recording comprises a video cassette recorder.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus for using compressed codes for recorder preprogramming of claim 90 which further comprises means for substituting a local channel number for a channel number in at least one of said channel commands.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 90 further comprising means for selecting a periodicity for repeating the operation of said means for transmitting.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 90 further comprising a means for warning a user that said clock output will compare within a preset time to said date and time-of-day commands of said temporally earliest in time combination.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 90 wherein said means for transmitting further comprises means for transmitting simultaneously in a plurality of directions.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 90 or 99 wherein said means for transmitting comprises at least one infrared transmitter.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 90 that further comprises: means for advancing time-of-day commands decoded from a compressed code by a predetermined time interval; and means for retarding time-of-day commands decoded from a compressed code by a predetermined time interval.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus for using compressed codes for recorder preprogramming of claim 90 that further comprises: means for storing a plurality of protocol sets of transmit signals coupled to said means for transmitting; and means for selecting one of said protocol sets of transmit signals.
Claim 112
Independent Claim
219 words
A method of permitting programs to be preprogrammed for recording by a recorder for time shifted viewing comprising: providing a television receiver having a decoder, a memory, means for transmitting signals to the recorder and a clock with an output as a function of time; entering into said television receiver compressed codes each having at least one digit and each representative of, and compressed in length from, the combination of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands for a program; decoding each compressed code into the combination of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands with said decoder; storing each said combination of said channel, time-of-day, date and length commands into said memory; reordering said combinations of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands in said memory into temporal order; comparing the date and time-of-day commands of the temporally earliest in time combination in said memory to the output of the clock for a predetermined relation; transmitting channel select and record on commands from said television receiver to the recorder after the predetermined relation is found to exist according to the channel, date and time-of-day commands of the temporally earliest in time combination; and transmitting record off commands from said television receiver to the recorder following an elapsed time interval corresponding to the length command of said temporally earliest in time combination.
Claim 113
Independent Claim
219 words
A method of permitting programs to be preprogrammed for recording by a recorder for time shifted viewing comprising: providing a television receiver having a decoder, a memory, means for transmitting signals to the recorder and a clock with an output as a function of time; entering into said television receiver compressed codes each having at least one digit and each representative of, and compressed in length from, the combination of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands for a program; decoding each compressed code into the combination of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands with said decoder; storing each said combination of said channel, time-of-day, date and length commands into said memory; reordering said combinations of channel, time-of-day, date and length commands in said memory into temporal order; comparing the date and time-of-day commands of the temporally earliest in time combination in said memory to the output of the clock for a predetermined relation; transmitting channel select and record on commands from said television receiver to the recorder after the predetermined relation is found to exist according to the channel, date and time-of-day commands of the temporally earliest in time combination; and transmitting record off commands from said television receiver to the recorder following an elapsed time interval corresponding to the length command of said temporally earliest in time combination.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 103 further comprising the steps of selecting a channel and recording a program corresponding to said temporally earliest in time combination and wherein the steps of selecting and recording are performed by a video cassette recorder.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 103 further comprising the steps of selecting a channel corresponding to said temporally earliest in time combination and wherein the steps of selecting is performed by a cable box.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 103 which further comprises the step of advancing said time-of-day commands by a predetermined time interval.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 103 which further comprises the step of retarding time-of-day commands by a predetermined time interval.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 103 wherein the steps of transmitting further comprise the step of transmitting simultaneously in a plurality of directions.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 103 which further comprises the step of selecting a periodicity for repeating the steps of transmitting.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 103 wherein the step of entering is performed by a television remote.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 103 wherein the step of entering is performed by controls coupled to said television receiver.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 103 which further comprises the step of warning a user that said clock output will compare within a preset time to said date and time-of-day commands of said temporally earliest in time combination.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 103 which further comprises the step of substituting a local channel number for a channel number in at least one of said channel commands. PG,85
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 103 which further comprises the step of: storing a plurality of protocol sets of transmit signals; and selecting one of said protocol sets of transmit signals.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
82 words
The method of claim 103 wherein the step of decoding each compressed code to obtain channel, time-of-day, date and length commands comprises the steps of: converting each said compressed code into a binary number; reordering the bits in said binary number to obtain a reordered binary compressed code; grouping said reordered binary compressed code into channel, date, time and length priority numbers; and deriving said combination of channel, date, time-of-day and length commands from said channel, date, time and length priority numbers.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 115 wherein the step of reordering comprises the step of performing said reordering as a function of the output of a clock.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 115 wherein the step of deriving comprises the step of performing said deriving as a function of the output of a clock.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
88 words
The method of claim 103 wherein the step of decoding each compressed code to obtain channel, time-of-day, date and length commands comprises the steps of: converting each said compressed code into a mixed radix number comprising bits; reordering the bits in said mixed radix number to obtain a reordered mixed radix compressed code; grouping said reordered mixed radix compressed code into channel, date, time and length priority numbers; and deriving said combination of channel, date, time-of-day and length commands from said channel, date, time and length priority numbers.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-04-25 | 1997-10-25 | 1998-04-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-04-25 | 2001-10-25 | 2002-04-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-04-25 | 2005-10-25 | 2006-04-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |