The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 20, 1990
Filed:
Jan. 03, 1989
Vito Brugliera, Evanston, IL (US);
Barry Hardek, Windham, NH (US);
Michael E Long, Oak Brook, IL (US);
Paul A Snopko, Chicago, IL (US);
Zenith Electronics Corporation, Glenview, IL (US);
Abstract
One version of a microprocessor based auto dialer for a PPV television system includes an IR receiver for receiving impulse 'buy' decisions, in the form of one or more key pad entries from a portable IR transmitter, and a number generator for adding the appropriate digits to a partial ANI telephone number stored in memory. In another version, the auto dialer is connected to the serial port of a PM type CATV decoder and a PPV identifier and telephone number may be downloaded to the ANI auto dialer to eliminate the permanent storage of the telephone number and to simplify subscriber interaction. The auto dialer dials the telephone number of the cable head end. Further embodiments include carrier current interfaces between the IR receiver/detector and the auto dialer, and between the decoder and the auto dialer.