Abstract: A transmitter broadcasts a signal having a different code characteristic for each of several directions. A receiver receives the broadcast signal from one of the directions and generates an expected signal for that direction based on the code characteristic for that direction. The receiver detects the broadcast signal from the direction based on the expected signal for that direction.

Abstract: This invention features an improved technique for search and track surveillance. In this invention, distinct and random (in both space and time) signal beams are simultaneous transmitted from an array of transmitter source elements in a manner to cover all sectors about a source location. In addition, countermeasures against a system according to the invention are difficult because the signal waveforms for each beam are distinct and random, making prediction of any signal waveform for any beam very unlikely. An array of receiver sensor elements is provided to receive signals that are scattered from remote objects and may or may not be co-located with and share the elements of the source array element. The scattered signals are received and processed to yield the direction and range of the remote objects.

Abstract: A personal editing apparatus and method allowing a user to enter program selection criteria and based on those criteria, and received extended data, display personalized programming information to the user.

Abstract: The radio transmission circuit comprises 16 antenna elements in a broadside array. A carrier wave is routed to the 16 elements and the phase to each element is adjusted to direct the transmitted wavefront toward a selected receive point. Prior to transmission, however, the carrier to each element is independently modulated by a two-state (0/&pgr;) phase shifter. Each of the 16 carriers is modulated with the first 16 orthogonal Walsh waveforms (a digital counterpart of the Fourier Transform). The output power levels at all antennas are equal, only the phase of the RF carriers change. Depending upon the sign conditions (inverted or noninverted) for the various 16 modulation waveforms, a pulse position modulation (PPM) signal is transmitted in which the pulse can occupy one of 16 time positions.

Abstract: A television receiver is shown and described for receiving and displaying to a viewer a program content rated television program transmission which includes a data signal. Within the receiver the program content rating, which preferably conforms to the U.S. standard age-based rating and content categories, is derived from the data signal. A viewing control circuit, in response to user inputs, stores one or more program rating viewing authorizations. The derived program rating is compared with the stored viewing authorization for the viewer to develop a blanking control signal. A signal integrity monitoring circuit monitors the signal to provide a rating default control signal in the absence of a reliable program rating signal after a predetermined delay. A blanking circuit, responsive to the blanking control signal and the rating default signal, blanks the program video and mutes the program audio in the event the program level is not authorized to the viewer or the program content rating is not reliable.

Abstract: A broadcast signal receiver retrofit apparatus that receives broadcast signals, detects rating or category codes therein and compares the detected codes to a setting set in the retrofit device. If the comparison indicates that the incoming signal has a rating greater than that set or is of an undesired category the broadcast signal is blocked or an audio or visual alert is given. The retrofit device may be tamper-resistant to prevent disabling the device.

Abstract: A television receiver is described for receiving and displaying to a viewer a program content rated television program transmission which includes a data signal. The receiver includes a circuit for separating the data signal from the television program signal. The rating derivation circuit derives the program rating from the data signal. A selection circuit is used to store program rating viewing authorizations for viewers. Means are provided to compare the derived program rating with the stored viewing authorization and to generate a blanking control signal. A monitoring circuit monitors the integrity of at least a portion of the data signal, calculates an error rate for the data signal and generates a rating error default control signal when the error exceeds a predetermined threshold. A no code detection circuit generates a no code default control signal when the data signal is not received within a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A broadcast signal receiver retrofit apparatus that receives broadcast signals, detects rating or category codes therein and compares the detected codes to a setting set in the retrofit device. If the comparison indicates that the incoming signal has a rating greater than that set or is of an undesired category the broadcast signal is blocked or an audio or visual alert is given. The retrofit device may be tamper-resistant to prevent disabling the device.

Abstract: A broadcast signal receiver retrofit apparatus that receives broadcast signals, detects rating or category codes therein and compares the detected codes to a setting set in the retrofit device. If the comparison indicates that the incoming signal has a rating greater than that set or is of an undesired category the broadcast signal is blocked or an audio or visual alert is given. The retrofit device may be tamper-resistant to prevent disabling the device.

Abstract: A double diamond configuration of phase shift circuits are coupled via circulators, amplifiers, power dividers, and power combiners. The circuit arrangement serves to amplify signals in either direction while accurately maintaining relative phase shift. There is a 180 degree phase shift between components back to the originating transmission line, to this cancel them. The circuit may be used between microwave transmission lines, such as waveguides.

Abstract: An auxiliary circuit for remote control of television receiver blanking (audio and video) by digital code words transmitted as part of the video signal. The circuit detects and decodes the transmitted code and depending upon the code received, blanks either or both the audio and video signals in the receiver. A selector switch would be interconnected with the digital decoder to permit selection of particular code words which will cause the circuit to blank. The selector switch will normally be available for the television viewer to control. The transmitter for transmitting the digital code in the preferred configuration would comply with FCC Rules and Regulations specifying program related ASCII transmissions on line 21 of picture field 1.