Abstract: The apparatus can manage transfers of video recording media bearing machine readable registration codes. This media is adapted to record video from a vehicle-mounted camera. The management apparatus (and the methods) operate with a user identification key carrying at least one machine readable, identification code, as well as a supplemental code. The apparatus has a port for reading and writing to the key, a registration device, and a processor. The port can provide in response to the key, an identification signal and supplemental signal corresponding to the identification and supplemental code. The registration device can read the registration codes borne by the video recording media and can provide in response thereto a registration signal.

Abstract: A TV/video viewing supervision system that enables a supervisor, typically a parent controlling children's viewing, to selectably program the hours, programs and/or channels of television, VCR, cable TV, satellite TV and/or game viewing that are allowed and/or blocked from viewing by comparing the signal source identification code embedded in the video signal with a programmed list of channels to be blocked. The system features a channel/time matrix that can be programmed with a keypad-controlled cursor of a hand-held remote unit to set up a viewing schedule for future time period, for example a coming week.

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: An arrangement for the control of viewing of a television program in which a classification code is transmitted with the video signal, for example, in an extension packet of a teletext signal, includes a decoder (23) which detects the received codes and passes them to a microcontroller (27). An authorized user is able to enter codes of permitted program classifications by means of a remote control unit (28). Codes representing these permitted classifications are stored in a non-volatile memory (29). The received and permitted codes are compared in the microcontroller (27) which inhibits the video (25) and/or audio (32) circuits if the received codes are not permitted codes. The non-volatile memory (29) is arranged to store a plurality of different program classifications, each of which is valid for different periods of the day.

Abstract: In a process for the display of three-dimensional video images, in which at least two associated stereoscopic left-hand and right-hand partial images are electro-optically sensed at a given read-in frequency and the partial images are then sequentially reproduced on a display, the sensing of the two partial images takes place with a constant delay time with respect to each other, so that a delay which remains constant is ensured between the image formation in the camera and the reproduction of the partial image.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transmitting a broadcast program selection control signal, and controlling selective viewing of a broadcast program for a video appliance in which a viewing-restriction grade is set for a broadcast program and viewing of the broadcast program is restricted in accordance with the set viewing-restriction grade. According to the apparatus, the viewing-restriction grade of the broadcast program is determined and a control signal corresponding to the determined viewing-restriction grade is transmitted along with the broadcast program signal. In a television receiver, whether to admit the viewing of the received broadcast program is discriminated by comparing the viewing-restriction grade corresponding to the control signal with that predetermined by a user.

Abstract: A received television program is blocked out when a rating of the program is not within a scope of a preset rating. The preset rating code can be easily changed with a macro function key. A function of the macro function key is registered, and a rating code corresponding to the registered macro function key is read out. The read-out rating code is compared with a preset rating code. If the read-out rating code is within the scope of the preset rating code, the preset rating code is replaced with the read-out rating code. Otherwise, a user is requested to input user's identification. When the user inputs the user's identification, this user's identification is compared with a registered identification. If the inputted user's identification is identical to the registered identification, the preset rating code is replaced with the read-out rating code. The macro function key can give the user convenience in setting a blocking-out rating code.

Abstract: In a broadcast system for transmitting a communication signal to a plurality of receiver units, each receiver unit having associated therewith respective authorization information identifying subsets of the communication signal the receiver unit is authorized to process, a method for controlling access to the communication signal includes the step of receiving a conditional instruction. The conditional instruction specifies a modification of the authorization information conditioned upon whether the receiver unit belongs to a receiver unit category. The method further includes the step of executing the conditional instruction to modify the authorization information conditioned upon whether the receiver unit belongs to the receiver unit category.

Abstract: A user friendly method for regulating the media environment of a television viewer by controlling content displayed on the television. The method controls content in response to a viewer's profile, accumulated viewing time and at least one content classification source. A viewer's profile is provided by a user which determines guidelines for an individual viewer. Content classification values for television are received and stored in response to a viewer's request for viewing a program. The content classification values correspond to television program availability and values attributed to viewing time. The content classification values are categorized into desirable content and undesirable content. The viewer profile data associates a viewer with a content classification value. Thereafter, the quantity of time a viewer spends viewing desirable content and the quantity of time a viewer spends viewing undesirable content is determined.

Abstract: A programmable remote control transmitter has a programming mode and a controlling mode and is used to control electric devices such as television sets. The remote control transmitter has a memory for storing a limited number of remote control codes. There is a keypad for selecting one of the stored codes and a transmitter for transmitting the remote control signal corresponding to the selected remote control code to the electric device such as a television set. Remote control codes are able to be input to the memory of the remote control transmitter only when the remote control transmitter is in programming mode. In normal operation the remote control transmitter is in controlling mode. A removable key must be used to change the mode of the remote control transmitter from controlling mode to programming mode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for parental control of television programs. Program schedule information including program titles are stored in a memory and displayed on a monitor. Compressed code is entered for the programs to be blocked. Alternatively, one or more program titles are selected from the displayed program schedule information for blocking by a parental control circuitry connected to a controller.

Abstract: A television system (TV) which enables a user to view display represented by a television signal as well as to access data network applications. The TV includes an on-screen-display (OSD) controller which stores the network application data and other display entities in a memory module as separate bit maps. A single image for display on a TV display screen is generated by overlaying all the display entities (including television signal, network application data, pointer, and low resolution data) according to a predetermined priority. Display entities (other than TV signal) are stored in separate portions of the memory module as independent surfaces to enable the displays of individual display entities to be generated and modified according to the individual display entity requirements.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling patient access to an entertainment program to encourage a patient to comply with a treatment plan. The method includes the step of collecting compliance data from the patient. In one embodiment, the compliance data includes measurements of a physiological condition of the patient as well as patient answers to compliance questions. The method further includes the step of comparing the compliance data to evaluation criteria selected by a healthcare provider to determine if the patient is in compliance with the treatment plan. If the patient is in compliance, access is granted to the entertainment program. If the patient is not in compliance, access to the entertainment program is restricted. In the preferred embodiment, the method includes the additional steps of transmitting and displaying the patient's compliance data and compliance status to the healthcare provider.

Abstract: A stereoscopic imaging arrangement comprises a) an optical device (1) having an objective (2) and further lens means (3) located remotely from but in the optical path of the objective and b) a stereoscopic imaging device (4) arranged to receive light from said further lens means and form an image on a photosensitive image plane (7), the stereoscopic imaging device having shutter means (5) arranged to selectively occlude light exiting from left and right regions of said further lens means to form right and left images on said image plane and having means for combining said right and left images to form a stereoscopic representation of the field of view of said objective. The image may be displayed on a monitor (9) and viewed stereoscopically with switching spectacles (10).

Abstract: An adaptive multidimensional media asset rating system and method for selective play of a media asset includes an N-dimensional rating vector encoded into the leader portion or meta-data portion of a media asset. This N dimensional rating vector has a magnitude value for each of the N dimensions and is assigned to each asset by the asset producer. A user programmable asset filter system, responsive to the encoded vector, is incorporated into or added on to the media asset playing device. The rating vector is then read from the asset by the filter system in or connected to the media asset playing device such as a TV, videotape recorder/player, radio receiver CD player, or other reception device prior to processing the asset for viewing. The user programs into the filter system coupled to the asset player or reception device a threshold N dimensional preference vector which has a magnitude value for each of the N dimensions.

Abstract: An eyewear type viewer having left and right LCD panels for the left and right eyes is arranged so that both LCD panels are driven and controlled by a single LCD drive circuit and a single timing control circuit, to reduce the weight and cost of the viewer. The timing control circuit controls the timings of the left and right LCD panels synchronously by sending a common timing control signal to both of the left and right panels, or controls the left and right panels individually by producing a first timing control signal for the left panel and a second timing control signal for the right panel. The timing control circuit may include a comparator which receives a composite control signal composed of a first component representing a write/hold signal, and a second component representing a quasi vertical synchronizing signal, and which separates the write/hold signal from the quasi vertical synchronizing signal.

Abstract: A security system is provided including an electronic device allowing the use thereof during normal operation, a lock button adapted to transmit a lock signal upon the depression thereof, and an alphanumeric keypad for allowing the entry of a password. Further provided is a control mechanism having a first mode upon the entry of a proper password wherein the electronic device is allowed normal operation and a second mode upon the receipt of the lock signal wherein the control mechanism is adapted to preclude the normal operation of the electronic device.

Abstract: An on-board vehicle display arrangement of a computer graphics device and two video cameras for generating left-viewpoint image and right-viewpoint image of vehicle guiding information, an image synthesizer for synthesizing the left-viewpoint image and right-viewpoint image by alternately arranging their elements by pixel, and a stereoscopic display for separately displaying a left-viewpoint image and a right-viewpoint image of the synthesized image, which images are provided inside the vehicle to display a stereoscopic image with outside information taken through the video cameras, vehicle travel guiding information generated by the computer graphics device according to navigation data, presumed travelling information generated by the computer graphics device according to a prospective running condition estimated from the results of detection of current driving conditions of the vehicle.

Abstract: A security system, for use with a chassis enclosing electrical circuitry and having a lid movable relative to the chassis to allow access to the electrical circuitry, including: (1) a plurality of switches, couplable to the electrical circuitry, that are configured to store a security code readable by the electrical circuitry and (2) a trip mechanism, coupled to the chassis, that alters the security code stored by the plurality of switches when the lid is moved relative to the chassis, whereby the electrical circuitry may detect that the lid has been moved by detecting that the security code has been altered.

Abstract: A charging method for use in an interactive on-line service where a server and terminals of users are mutually connected by a transmission medium, where a predetermined service is provided from the server to the terminals via the transmission medium, and where the fee for such service is collected from each user individually, includes the steps of opening, in the server, an imaginary account for a child of the relevant user with a limited maximum amount, and withdrawing from the imaginary account the fee for the service provided to the user's child. The server can provide a predetermined service to the relevant user's child within a range of the limited maximum amount preset in the imaginary account. When withdrawing the fee from the imaginary account, the server can restrict the service providable to the terminal.

Abstract: In order to give restriction to use of apparatus by children or minor persons or the like, a password is previously registered and when the power switch is turned on, a user inputs the password from the second remote controller. The controller controls the apparatus to turn on the image input switch SW only when the inputted password is matched with the registered password. Moreover, the controller displays, when the predetermined period has passed from initiation of image display, a warning for health of eyes on the liquid crystal display means and continues image display only when the will for continuous display such as repeated input of the password is indicated.

Abstract: A stereo-graphic system has an optical apparatus, an imaging apparatus and a recording and reproducing apparatus. The optical apparatus has a first optical device for providing right eye picture information which has a first direction. The optical apparatus also has a second optical device for providing left eye picture information which has a second direction which is coincident with the first direction. The right eye picture information and the left eye picture information are compressed along the first direction. The imaging apparatus has an imaging device which has an imaging area for providing an output image signal. The imaging area has a right region and a left region. A focusing device in the imaging apparatus focuses the right eye picture information and the left eye picture information on the right region and the left region respectively. The recording and reproducing apparatus has a recording medium, a recording device and a reproducing device.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a plurality of television sets in a cable distribution network, wherein each of the plurality of television sets contains an internal mechanism for controlling channel access to the television set, comprising a plurality of television addressable units, where each of the units controls a single television set, and each of the television addressable units has a demodulator and a microprocessor and associated memory operatively arranged to control the internal mechanism of said television set; a radio frequency transmitter operatively arranged to transmit a modulated radio frequency signal across the cable distribution network; and, a central processing unit operatively arranged to communicate with the plurality of television addressable units by generating control codes which are carried throughout the cable distribution network by the modulated radio frequency signal, wherein the control codes contain addressability information which enables the television addressable units to con

Abstract: A method and apparatus block the reception of television programming which meets specified criteria. Data packets describing television programming are broadcast with the television signal. The data packets include at least packets which contain category information specifying a level in one or more multi-level categories and/or label information specifying labels applied to the program content of the signal. Data packets in an incoming video signal are detected by a blocking apparatus and compared to preferences stored in non-volatile memory in the blocking apparatus. If the contents of the data packets match or exceed the stored preferences then the video signal is blocked. The apparatus is field configurable. Configuration information specifying the rating scheme is transmitted to the apparatus. The methods of the invention are extremely flexible and allow several different rating systems to be used simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus in a display system for setting an ID password includes a microprocessor, an input device and an output device. The input device incorporates an array of user manipulated keys so as to allow a user to input an ID code to the microprocessor. The microprocessor includes a program for comparing an inputted ID code with preset ID data stored in a memory to determine consistency therebetween. The microprocessor further includes a program for displaying information visually to a user and so as to allow only an authorized user to use the display thereby protecting private confidential information from misuse. A method for implementing the ID password system includes generally the steps of inputting an ID code via an input device, comparing an inputted ID code with a preset data stored in a memory and thereby controlling the display. As a result, a display employing an embodiment of the present invention may be used by an authorized user only.

Abstract: In synchronism with a vertical synchronizing signal of a display for temporarily alternatively displaying a right eye picture and a left eye picture cooperative with each other to provide binocular parallax information, a shifter is controlled to shift a first parallax barrier by half a pitch of stripe regions thereof to effect a switching between a state in which every other stripe region is transparent and the remaining stripe regions are all shading and a reversed state thereof so that the right eye picture and the left eye picture are independently observable by a right eye and a left eye of an observer, respectively, through the first parallax barrier and a second parallax barrier composed of a plurality of stripe regions of which every other one is transparent while the remaining ones are all shading.

Abstract: A stereographic image display apparatus for permitting the observation of a high resolution and sharp color stereographic image of a wide view field without requiring specially designed spectacles, comprises a display device for displaying an image by emitting a light, a focusing optical system for focusing the image displayed on said display device at a different position than that of said display device, and an image moving unit for rotating an image surface of the focusing optical system around one axis in the image surface as a rotation axis.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which gives feedback to a user of a remote control device, such as that for a television, to indicate when excessive use of the remote control (channel surfing) is occurring. The device detects transmission from a remote control device and counts the transmissions during an predetermined time period. When a predetermined maximum number of commands from the remote control device is received, an indication of such is provided to the viewer. This indication may take the form of a visual indication such as flashing a message, an auditory alarm, disabling of the remote control device by jamming the inferred signal, or automatically controlling operation of the remote control device, which may include turning off the device. Programming of the apparatus through use of the remote control to accomplish advanced features is also provided.

Abstract: An automatic control device is provided for automatically controlling a television. The automatic control device comprises a distance measuring portion (17) for measuring a distance between a screen of the television and a viewer watching the television, a control unit 11 for determining whether the distance measured by the distance measuring device (17) is shorter than a predetermined distance, a signal generating circuit (13) for outputting a power source signal when the control unit 11 determines that the measured distance is shorter than the predetermined distance, and an infrared-ray emitting diode 14 for emitting infrared rays of light for turning on or off an auxiliary power source of the television 20 in accordance with the power source signal.

Abstract: Apparatus in a receiver, for processing transmitted entitlement control information, includes a packet transport processor for selecting signal packets having payloads containing a conditional access payload header and a remaining payload of entitlement data. Respective payload headers include groups of bytes which are coded in a manner to allow or disallow the respective receiver from processing the entitlement data. A conditional access filter preprogrammed with a subscriber specific conditional access codeword examines respective byte groupings of the conditional access header for a match with the subscriber specific conditional access codeword. Only if a match occurs is the processor permitted to process the entitlement data. The entitlement data is thereafter utilized to generate decryption keys for descrambling portions of the transmitted signal.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3-D) virtual display system for displaying a flicker-free 3-D virtual image to each of N viewers randomly dispersed about a horizontally disposed viewing screen, where N is an integer greater than 1, includes a laser projector for generating N.times.M image pairs responsive to a video signal comprising the N.times.M image pairs, N transmitters associated with respective ones of the N viewers, each of the N transmitters generating a unique coded pulse, a detector for determining the position of each of the N viewers relative to the viewing screen responsive to the respective unique coded pulse and for generating respective position data, a graphics processor for generating the video signal responsive to the position data, and N selectors associated with the N viewers for selecting the M image pairs out of the N.times.M image pairs allocated to each of the N viewers, respectively. The projector includes an electron-beam-pumped semiconductor laser (EBSL) screen, e.g.

Abstract: A stereoscopic television which enables plural observers to simultaneously observe a stereoscopic images includes a color liquid-crystal plate, a monochrome TV display disposed behind the liquid-crystal plate, and a large format lens disposed between the color liquid-crystal plate and the monochrome TV display so as to focuss the observer's image on the screen of the TV display. The color liquid-crystal plate alternately displays stereo-pairs composed of left and right eye perspectives, and the monochrome TV display alternately displays inverted binary images of half face of each oberver. The large format lens distrubutes light emitted from the inverted binary images of half face of each observer to the left and right eyes of each observer through the color liquid-crystal plate, whereby the left and right eye perspectives of the stereo-pairs displayed by the liquid-crystal plate respectively reach the left and right eyes of each observer.

Abstract: An improved three dimensional display device, for a single viewer. To the apparatus of U.S. Pat. No. 5,132,839 is added a mechanism for tracking the eye motion of the viewer. Because the control system "knows" the angles at which the device must project the frame images, only two (stereoscopic) frame images need to be projected in each frame, and a more complete illusion of three dimensionality, with respect to both lateral and vertical movement of the viewer, is provided.

Abstract: A password (PW) restriction apparatus for cable television (CT) channels having a downward receiving signal controller (DRSC) for receiving a downward receiving signal output from a cable television transmitting/receiving portion (CTTRP) and transmitting digital signals to control the generation of video and audio (V and A) signals; a television/audio decoder (TAD) for decoding the digital signals to generate V and A; a central processing unit (CPU) for processing (PW) for enabling a user to at least select one of changing a password channel (PWC) and processing a new PW from the CTTRP; an upward transmitting signal controller for multiplexing a user-controlled signal and maintenance signal output from the CPU and transmitting the multiplexed signals to the CTTRP; an on-screen display controller for generating a user-controlled screen (UCS) on a user television screen and transmitting the generated USC to the TAD; a user-operated key pad for generating password channel selection (PWCS) and password channel re

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of selectively delivering programming to a viewer station on an interactive television or televideo (IT) system. Determinations as to whether programming is to be delivered are based upon the content or service level of the programming. With reference to content-based delivery of programming, the IT system identifies predetermined characteristics of the available programming. Each viewer at a selected viewer station is assigned a personal programming service level. The personal programming service level of each viewer is related to the particular characteristics and distinguishes appropriate and inappropriate programming for the viewer. The IT system compares the predetermined characteristics of the programming available at a time with the appropriate programming service level. The IT system delivers to the viewer station the available programming with predetermined characteristics that conform to the appropriate viewer service level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securely restricting the viewing of television programs. When a television program has been received along with rating data associated with a rating of the television program; length data associated with a length of the program, a microcomputer determines whether the rating data are higher than a predetermined viewing restricting level. If the rating data have been found higher, a muting circuit mutes the television program until it ends with reference to the television program length data, and the program corresponding to the rating data is outputted from a tuner.

Abstract: A master decoder for use with a master smart card and at least one slave decoder for use with a slave smart card are arranged in a pay tv system, wherein the master decoder receives slave entitlement messages from a central management device and writes the slave entitlement messages to the slave smart cards when the slave smart cards are inserted in the master decoder. This ensures that the slave decoders are used within close proximity of the master decoders, such as in the same dwelling.

Abstract: A power control system which causes a first slave apparatus to be disconnected from a master apparatus and a second slave apparatus to be connected to the master apparatus, by command from a user; and causes the power to be turned off to the first apparatus after disconnection--but does not disconnect the first apparatus before verifying that it is in fact already connected to the master apparatus.

Abstract: A locking method for system with OSD function is disclosed, which comprises;a procedure of waiting for the lock-function call; a procedure of storing and displaying the inputted secret code by using the OSD function when the lock-function is called; a prodecure of checking whether the system is in the locked state after the secret code input is completed; a procedure of storing the inputted secret code and locking the system if the system is not in locked state; a procedure of comparing the inputted secret code with the secret code already stored if the system is in locked state; a procedure of displaying error message by making use of the OSD function if the secret codes don't match each other; a procedure of unlocking the system if the secret codes match each other.The present locking method enables the system already having OSD function to lock itself without additional display unit by using the OSD function.

Abstract: In order to dispatch a newspaper to subscriber households through satellite communication, a newspaper edit/dispatch system in the head office of a newspaper publishing company electronically creates each paper sheet of national news section as first newspaper data, and transmits the first newspaper data to the branch offices of the company through a communication satellite. In a newspaper edit/broadcast system installed in each of the branch offices, the received first newspaper data and second newspaper data of a local news section are combined and edited into third newspaper data, the third newspaper data are encrypted, and the sort of newspaper and the date of issue thereof are affixed to the encrypted newspaper data. Such newspaper data are broadcast through the communication satellite.

Abstract: A broadcasting channel lock system including a broadcasting device for transmitting a broadcasting signal via one or more of a plurality of channels, and a receiving device for receiving the broadcasting signal. The receiving device is provided with a locking device for limiting reception of video and/or audio via a specific one or more of the channels. A screen saver is incorporated as a part of the locking device for limiting the video reception so as to allow the user to partially view the video in the specific channel, thereby stimulating the interest of the user to the contents in the specific channel.

Abstract: A stereoscopic image displaying apparatus includes: field switching signal generating unit for generating a field switching signal alternately indicating odd field periods and even field periods from an original picture signal; delaying unit for delaying the original picture signal and producing a delayed picture signal; stereoscopic image signal generating unit for alternately selecting one of the original picture signal and the delayed picture signal in accordance with the field switching signal to generate a stereoscopic image signal; and display unit for displaying the stereoscopic image signal by alternately supplying pictures of the original picture signal to one eye of a user and pictures of the delayed picture signal to the other eye of the user on the basis of the field switching signal.

Abstract: A device for restricting access to certain programs. The RCU comprises an entry pad, a controller, a read-only-memory ("ROM"), and an transmission system.

Abstract: An image display apparatus is disclosed which alternately displays an image for the right eye and an image for the left eye on a two-dimensional display and provides a stereoscopic image. A three-dimensional image unit outputs a signal with a shutter control signal superposed on a synchronizing signal or a video signal to a display unit. The display unit provided with an infrared ray transmitting device mounted on the front face thereof separates the shutter control signal from the superposed signal received from the three-dimensional image unit. It alternately displays the image for the right eye and the image for the left eye. The infrared ray transmitting device transmits the shutter control signal. A liquid crystal shutter for the right eye image and a liquid crystal shutter for the left eye image of a liquid crystal shuttered spectacle device are opened and shut in accordance with the shutter control signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a circuit and system for preventing tampering with services provided in a broadband transmission network. A coaxial relay is coupled between a cable providing signals in the network and the drop cable to the customer's premises. The coil which operates the relay is coupled to the shield conductor of the drop cable and to a source of dc potential. As long as a current flows through the shield portion and the coil, the customer is connected to the network through the relay. If current stops, as when the customer disconnects the drop cable, the customer is disconnected from the network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing periodic subscription television services comprises a way for subscribers who cannot afford the fees for full time television services such as a regular cable television service to obtain subscription service to a plurality of allocated channels on a periodic basis. The method comprises the steps of allocating channels to a periodic service offering and storing in memory of service denial apparatus service code data which represents the allocated channels. The service denial apparatus for providing periodic service comprises a service denial device such as a switch 389 or other circuit controlled by a controller 260 of service denial apparatus for periodically closing and opening service lines to the periodic service subscriber in accordance with predetermined periodic service intervals.

Abstract: A receiving device comprises a pseudo-random generator (18) initialized by a control word (CW) and a memory card reader (19). In accordance with the invention, it reads control word in a table of numbers contained in a read-only memory of a memory card (17) by utilizing a mode which is chosen from among several different modes, receives from the transmitter a signal which indicates the choice made in respect of said mode at a given instant.

Abstract: A technique for selectively inhibiting television receiving apparatus from displaying those television programs which satisfy predetermined content ratings criteria. Television program information associated with television programs that are receivable by the television receiving apparatus during a selected time interval, such as channel data representing the channels on which the television programs are received and rating data representing the contents of those programs, is stored. A rating code representing the content ratings criteria of those programs which a viewer wishes to inhibit from being displayed also is stored. When a desired channel is selected by the viewer, the stored rating data associated with that channel is compared with the rating code to determine if the television program transmitted on that channel satisfies the predetermined content ratings criteria.

Abstract: A stereoscopic display system unambiguously tags the perspective view for left and right video fields by encoding at least one of the video fields with a unique code, then detecting the code in order to drive shuttered eyewear in synchrony therewith.

Abstract: A viewer discretion television program control system including devices and methods for controlling access to television viewing, especially by children. It includes provision for storing suitability ratings for each program receivable by a television set, allocation of personal identification numbers to each of a plurality of potential viewers (e.g., children), and individual allocations of permissible viewing time and program content, all under the control of a local authority such as a parent or guardian.