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:
May. 12, 1998
Filed:
Dec. 22, 1994
Lawrence D Ryan, Princeton Junction, NJ (US);
Intel Corporation, Santa Clara, CA (US);
Abstract
A terminal unit for use within a digital cable system having a head end control unit and a cable and related method for upgrading hardware functions. According to a preferred embodiment, the terminal unit is provided and comprises a processor and an optional hardware function, wherein the hardware function is enabled or disabled. The terminal unit further comprises a memory for storing a bit set representative of the enabled or disabled status of the optional hardware function. The bit set is set to enable or disable the optional hardware function in accordance with a control signal received by the terminal unit from the head end control unit. The terminal unit also enables or disables the optional hardware function in accordance with the bit set. The terminal unit and the head end control unit are connected to the cable, and the control signal is broadcasted with the head end control unit via the cable to the terminal unit.