Abstract: The information distribution system is a self-contained automatic interface unit for connecting an information receiver such as a FAX machine to an information and retrieval system on a predetermined schedule to obtain a predetermined set of information selected by the user. Programming of the interface unit by the user allows selection of schedule and information desired from an updated database source such as a stock quotation reporting system. Alteration of the selected times and desired information by the user through reprogramming of the interface unit allows the user to obtain only the desired information and allows autonomous operation of the information distribution system. Connection of broadcast receiver system having a controller and an information recording control allows access to additional information from broadcast programs.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for encrypting and decrypting information having a header portion and a body portion. The decrypting method includes the steps of reading a current month from a clock, extracting an odd/even month indication from the header portion, generating a first key based on the current month if the odd/even indication is odd and the current month is odd or if the odd/even indication is even and the current month is even, otherwise generating the first key based on a month previous to the current month read from the clock if the odd/even indication is odd and the current month is even or if the odd/even indication is even and the current month is odd, and using the first key for decrypting the encrypted body portion to generate a decrypted body portion.

Abstract: The information distribution system is a self-contained automatic interface unit for connecting an information receiver such as a FAX machine to an information and retrieval system on a predetermined schedule to obtain a predetermined set of information selected by the user. Programming of the interface unit by the user allows selection of schedule and information desired from an updated database source such as a stock quotation reporting system. Alteration of the selected times and desired information by the user through reprogramming of the interface unit allows the user to obtain only the desired information and allows autonomous operation of the information distribution system.

Abstract: A system for broadcasting audio music and broadcasting lyrics for display and highlighting substantially simultaneously with the occurrence of the lyrics in the accompanying audio music is provided. The system includes a audio music source that provides a data output and a analog audio signal output. A computer receives the data output by the music source and generates lyric text data and lyric timing commands. A subcarrier generator generates a subcarrier signal carrying the lyric text data and lyric timing commands. An FM transmitter broadcasts a composite signal that combines the analog output of the music source with the subcarrier signal. A lyric display unit receives the composite signal, separates and decodes the subcarrier signal and displays and highlights lyrics according the lyric text data and lyric timing commands decoded from the subcarrier signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for synchronizing a clock to a network clock. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a device for receiving a first compressed code representative of, and compressed in length from, the combination of a channel, a time-of-day, and a length of time for a first program on a first day and on a first channel currently displayed on a television, a decoder for decoding the first compressed code into a first channel, a first time-of-day, and a first length of time, a device for receiving an end of program indication for the program, and a device for loading the sum of the first time-of-day and the first length of time into the clock calendar in response to receiving the end of program indication.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for controlling a video system. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a remote controller including a device for scanning a printed input data card including a type code printed on the input data card, the type code for representing a category of input data printed on the card, and the type code printed as a line of patterns, each pattern being relatively dark or light to represent a binary one or binary zero, and the input data card including a plurality of printed input data, each input data printed as a line of patterns, each pattern being relatively dark or light to represent a binary one or binary zero. The apparatus further includes a television for storing the received input data and the type code and for enabling viewing of only programs in the stored input data, each program having a channel, a date, a time-of-day, and a length of time.

Abstract: A television for controlling a video cassette recorder to access programs on a video cassette tape, the television comprising a circuit for retrieving a directory of programs from a television signal received from the video cassette recorder, a circuit for retrieving a program identifier from the television signal received from the video cassette recorder, a circuit means for displaying the directory of programs to allow a user to select a program from the directory, a circuit for determining from the retrieved program identifier and the selected program the amount to either advance or rewind the video cassette tape to position the video cassette tape in the video cassette recorder at the beginning of the selected program, and a circuit for commanding the video cassette recorder to position the video cassette tape at the beginning of the selected program.

Abstract: An indexing VCR system which responds to broadcast information to record a program guide which may subsequently be displayed to apprise the user of programs to be broadcast during the next day or week, etc. The program guide enables the user to condition the VCR to record selected programs when they are broadcast. The program guide may also include film clips of selected programs to assist the user in making a decision as to whether he/she desires to record any particular program. The program guide is preferably recorded on the video tape in the VCR in the form of a multi-cell grid and as full frame video so that information concerning each program may be displayed in respective cells in the grid. Other information, such as the PLUSCODE.TM., address of the corresponding clip, etc., may be transmitted to the user during the VBI intervals, or by other means.

Abstract: A system for broadcasting audio music and broadcasting lyrics for display and highlighting substantially simultaneously with the occurrence of the lyrics in the accompanying audio music is provided. The system includes a audio music source that provides a data output and a analog audio signal output. A computer receives the data output by the music source and generates lyric text data and lyric timing commands. A subcarrier generator generates a subcarrier signal carrying the lyric text data and lyric timing commands. An FM transmitter broadcasts a composite signal that combines the analog output of the music source with the subcarrier signal. A lyric display unit receives the composite signal, separates and decodes the subcarrier signal and displays and highlights lyrics according the lyric text data and lyric timing commands decoded from the subcarrier signal.

Abstract: Decoding of data included in the vertical blanking interval of a television transmission signal and storage of the decoded data on a portable data coupon allows unavailable ease of use of commercial discounts, manufactures coupons, and other cost saving devices. The portable data coupon incorporates a receiver (16) for retransmitted encoded data and a storage device (36) for the received data. A display (22) for viewing the data is present in the storage device and a transmitting device (32) is incorporated for selectively transmitting portions of the encoded data for use such as in redeeming a coupon or discount. Selection of data received in the coupon from the VBI to be saved in storage for later redemption is accomplished through interactive input by the user and automatic timing for expiration of data and deletion of data upon redemption are also provided.

Abstract: A system capable of automatically recording television programs broadcast on different cable television channels. The system includes a cable box, a video recorder and a cable programmer. The consumer enters sets of channel, date, time-of-day and length commands ("CDTL information") or compressed codes representative of such sets of commands into the video recorder. From each set of commands, subsets of date, time-of-day and length ("DTL information") are stored in the video recorder's memory. At the same time or shortly thereafter, a subset of channel, date and time-of-day commands ("CDT information") from the same set of commands is transmitted to the cable programmer. The cable programmer and video recorder have independent control circuits the control certain aspects of the recording process according to the subsets of commands stored in their memories.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for connecting video components. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a notch filter for filtering frequencies of a first channel from a first video source, the first video source having a plurality of channels, to form a notch filter output having each of the plurality of channels except the frequencies of the first channel, a bandpass filter for filtering a second video source to pass only frequencies in a second channel in the second video source having the same frequencies as the frequencies of the first channel to form a bandpass filter output, and a summer for summing the notch filter output and the bandpass filter output to form a summed output. In another embodiment the apparatus includes a signal splitter for splitting a first input signal and providing a first and second output, the second output coupled to and providing the first video source into the notch filter.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for an electronic guide with video clips are provided. The method includes the step of providing a video cassette tape having a first length of video cassette tape having a first index mark written in the control track near the beginning of the first length and a second index mark written in the control track near the end of the first length, a guide grid to video clips on the video cassette tape written in the video track between the first and second index mark, and guide data written as tones in the audio track between the first and second index mark, the guide data associated with the guide grid including for each video clip contained on the video cassette tape a number of index marks either forward or backward on the tape from the guide data to the video clip.

Abstract: A lyrics adapter allows a standard cassette player to play tapes for karaoke that contain the lyrics to the music and timing data associated therewith that are recorded as audio tones on the tape. The adapter detects silent periods greater than a predetermined length on the audio signals from the cassette player and converts the subsequent audio tones into a digital signal. When an end of message (EOM) code is detected, the adapter connects the audio signals containing music to external speakers. As the music plays, a central processing unit (CPU) calculates the elapsed time from the EOM code and transfers the data corresponding to the lyrics that are to displayed at that time thereby displaying the lyrics in real time and in synchronization with the music as it is being played.

Abstract: A system for broadcasting audio music and broadcasting lyrics for display and highlighting substantially simultaneously with the occurrence of the lyrics in the accompanying audio music is provided. The system includes a audio music source that provides a data output and a analog audio signal output. A computer receives the data output by the music source and generates lyric text data and lyric timing commands. A subcarrier generator generates a subcarrier signal carrying the lyric text data and lyric timing commands. An FM transmitter broadcasts a composite signal that combines the analog output of the music source with the subcarrier signal. A lyric display unit receives the composite signal, separates and decodes the subcarrier signal and displays and highlights lyrics according the lyric text data and lyric timing commands decoded from the subcarrier signal.

Abstract: A preparation and method for suppressing skin eruptions caused by herpes simplex virus in a human subject, comprising butylated hydroxytoluene in solution with oleum melaleucae alternifolia.

Abstract: An apparatus for parental control of television use by excluding or including selected programs, channels, and/or times. The apparatus includes a command controller comprising a microprocessor, a read only memory, a memory for authorized identification numbers, and a memory for storing the selected programs, channels, dates and times; a keyboard or similar apparatus for use in entering an identification code into the controller; a clock with an output as a function of time located in the television receiver; apparatus for ordering each program, date, and time into temporal order; and, apparatus for storing the selected program, date, and time in temporal order.

Abstract: A preparation and method for suppressing skin eruptions caused by herpes simplex virus in a human subject, comprising butylated hydroxytoluene in solution with oleum melaleucae alternifolia.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for providing text information which identifies audio program selections, such as musical selections, stored on a compact disk (CD). Digital identification numbers encoded on the disk are provided by a compact disk player to a digital processor having a memory storage device. The identification numbers include an album identification number, and the track number selected for play. The memory storage device has stored therein text data identifying a plurality of program selections, organized by album and track identification number. The identification signals provided by the CD player are used to address the proper identifying text data for the selection being played. The identifying text data may be organized for radio broadcast along with the musical selection, and a receiver is used to display the data in text form to identify the musical selection as it is being reproduced.

Abstract: A broadcast receiver is disclosed which is powered by a solar cell in combination with a rechargeable battery mounted within a waterproof housing which is adapted for attachment to a lounge chair used for suntanning. The control of power, tuning and volume functions is accomplished using photodetectors mounted within and adjacent transparent areas of the housing. User operated shutters mounted external to the housing shield selective photodetectors from ambient light. A separate data entry shutter is used to enable memory circuits which store control signals corresponding to the shielded photodetectors. The stored control signals are used to control the operating functions of the receiver. Audio signals are inductively coupled through the housing to external headphones.