Patents Represented by Attorney Georgeon S. Grunebach
  • Patent number: 6922780
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip I. Siegel