The Directv Group, Inc.

Other

Philip I Siegel

Raynold M Kahn

David J Kuether

Dennis R Flaharty

James D Allen

Daryl G Messenger

Toby Hallam

A method and apparatus for delivering video program content with selective viewing capability. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises a personal video recorder (PVR), which can be a portion of an Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD), an access key, coupled to the PVR, and a storage medium containing the video program content, wherein the video program content is stored on the storage medium in an encrypted manner, the access key is used to access the program content on the storage medium, and the storage medium is removable from the PVR.

Secure delivery of program content via a removable storage medium

A device and method for multiple access cards to interface to at least one integrated receiver/decoder (IRD) and methods for using the device. The interface device of the present invention contains multiple access card readers and houses multiple access cards. The device can switch between access cards based on pre-configured software that rotates the cards according to various conditions. In another embodiment, the device can simultaneously operate all the cards. The device can select one card for the IRD based on responses acquired for the various conditions. In addition, the present invention allows monitoring access card authorizations and blackout states in multiple IRDs. A single access card can be applied to more than one IRD simultaneously, and the IRDs can be different versions. In addition, the present invention provides a satellite broadcast center with the capability of testing multiple access cards in real time either sequentially, or in parallel, through multiple IRDs.

Receiver interface with multiple access cards

An IRD is provided with expanded self-test capabilities, both hardware and software, that will provide standardized and more precise diagnostics. The IRD runs a sequence of tests to determine the fitness of the IRD and the health of the ODU. As the tests are completed, the results are displayed on-screen and written to a report. If a test fails, the appropriate remedial action such as 'reset to factory default settings', 'service call' or &#x201c;replace IRD, access card, modem, ODU&#x201d; is also written to the report. The IRD appends the test report to a header message and forwards it to the service provider. The satellite service provider archives the report, modifies the header message to provide customer contact information and the responsible dealer, and forwards the file to the service dealer. To improve service and accountability, the dealer may send an acknowledgement back to the service provider and customer.

System and method for performing diagnostics for a customer IRD in a satellite television system

A smart card is provided comprising a first processor and a second processor. The first and second processors are capable of decoding a scrambled broadcast signal. The first processor is activated by a first activating signal, and the second processor is activated by a second activating signal that differs from the first activating signal. The first processor can be a primary processor that is used during normal operations, while the second processor can be a backup processor that is activated under emergency conditions. The second processor, to be used temporarily when backup service is required, can be of lower complexity than the first processor, thus reducing cost. The first and second processors are situated on the card so as to communicate with an opening in an electrical device such as a integrated receiver. Preferably, the first processor is situated so as to make electrical contact with the receiver within an opening when the card is in a first position, and the second processor is situated so as to make electrical contact with the receiver within the opening when the card is in a second position. Also provided is a method of providing a backup program service to a subscriber. The method comprises providing to the subscriber a smart card of the invention and transmitting a backup activating signal that activates the second, or backup, processor on the smart card. The backup activating signal is transmitted upon failure of the primary processor.

Dual chip smart card and method for using same

According to the present invention there is provided apparatus for removing a card from an opening in an electrical device. The apparatus comprises: a card including a semiconductor chip capable of making electrical connection with a contact in the opening and wherein the cards fits into the opening with substantially no part protruding therefrom and a tool that is adapted to effect removal of the card from the opening. This has the advantage that the card makes the appropriate internal contacts and can only be removed by authorized users. This stops theft of the card from retail outlets. In addition, the invention also prevents children and animals removing the card and damaging it in the home environment.

Secure smart card and tool for removing same

A universal camera support or mounting bracket is pivotally secured to a flash unit mounting device to provide the proper lighting conditions for a wide variety of cameras. The universal camera support bracket has a friction surfaced generally rectangular plate with a generally H-shaped through slot in the plate. A thumb screw is slidably secured in the slot. The flash unit mounting device has an integral handle formed at the bottom of a unitary standard with a bracket support integral with the handle and extending from the bottom of the handle pivotally connected to the camera support bracket. The standard includes a rod extending upwardly from the handle. The rod has a second bracket support formed integral with the top end of the rod and laterally extending therefrom. An extension rod is slidably adjustable within on internal passageway of the first rod and includes a third bracket support at the top end of the extension rod. A flash unit mounting bracket may be pivotally secured to the second or third bracket support.

Growing community of inventors

Fountain Valley, CA, United States of America

Philip I Siegel