Abstract: A system (100) and method of improving activation security allows a remote device (104) to identify that there is a difference between a first signal transmitted by a central site (102) and a first signal received by the remote device. A derived number is used. The derived number can be displayed to the user for verbal verification by the user, or the derived number can be used internally of the remote device, or the central site, for verification that is transparent to the user. A significant amount of security is added without substantially altering the communication protocol.

Abstract: A system (100) and method of improving activation security allows a remote device (104) to identify that there is a difference between a first signal transmitted by a central site (102) and a first signal received by the remote device. A derived number is used. The derived number can be displayed to the user for verbal verification by the user, or the derived number can be used internally of the remote device, or the central site, for verification that is transparent to the user. A significant amount of security is added without substantially altering the communication protocol.

Abstract: A remote confinement system provides a plurality of different unsupervised tests to determine the presence, identity or conduct of the prisoner. The tests preferably include an RF test performed continuously with an RF transmitter attached to the prisoner and a receiver at the remote location, a schedulable voice test performed to identify a person as the specified prisoner, and a breath alcohol test to determine the prisoner's sobriety. The tests are performed with equipment at the remote location in accordance with test selections and schedules selected in a prior automated communication with a central office computer. Events which include test results are communicated to the central office upon a selectively established communications link to the central office, in reply to which communication information selecting subsequent tests procedures or scheduling is communicated from the host to and stored at the remote location.

Abstract: A breath alcohol testing system for advantageous use in unsupervised blood alcohol testing includes a face mask having for receiving a breath sample, components to confirm the identity and components to insure that this identity act and breath delivery are performed by the same person. The system requires that the face mask continuously engage the face of the subject between identity confirmation and breath delivery. By making the continuing physical presence of a subject an operative link in the system during both identity confirmation and breath delivery, the integrity of unsupervised testing is greatly enhanced.

Abstract: A satellite scrambling communication network uses geographically separated uplinks to provide scrambled video and audio signals and descrambling control data to separated individual subscribers and to separated TV signal distribution systems. The network includes a business control center which provides a master data stream including individual subscriber address and encryption data and uplink channel allocation control data.A first uplink adds to the master data stream supplementary data peculiar to those TV channel distribution systems which will distribute the one or more TV channels from the first uplink. The transmission at the first uplink, in addition to the one ore more TV channels, includes the master data stream and the supplementary data peculiar to the first uplink. There are a plurality of geographically seperated additional satellite communication uplinks, each including means for receiving the master data stream as transmitted from the first uplink via the communication satellite.