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:
Aug. 02, 2011
Filed:
Aug. 03, 2009
Leo M. Pedlow, Jr., Ramona, CA (US);
Aran London Sadja, La Jolla, CA (US);
Eric James Holcomb, San Marcos, CA (US);
Leo M. Pedlow, Jr., Ramona, CA (US);
Aran London Sadja, La Jolla, CA (US);
Eric James Holcomb, San Marcos, CA (US);
Sony Corporation, Tokyo, JP;
Sony Electronics Inc., Park Ridge, NJ (US);
Abstract
A method of auditing operation of a television appliance consistent with certain embodiments involves detecting an event that triggers an audit; generating a fingerprint value, wherein the fingerprint value is function of the television network characteristics at an authorized installation location; comparing the fingerprint value with a stored reference value; if the fingerprint value is within specified limits of the stored reference value, permitting the television appliance to carry out a normal operational function; and if the fingerprint value is outside of specified limits of the stored reference value, inhibiting the television appliance from carrying out a normal operational function. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.