Cable terminal unit using bit set for selectively enabling a plurality of hardware functions with some functions having a plurality of selectively enabled hardware functions
US5752080A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 1994 |
| Grant date | May 12, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 22, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N7/17318
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.