Abstract: Methods and apparatus to calibrate media ratings based on return path data are disclosed. An apparatus includes a ratings calculator to calculate an initial local rating for media provided in a first geographic area based on local return path data (RPD) tuning information obtained from local RPD devices in subscriber households in the first geographic area. The subscriber households subscribe to a content provider that provides the media through the local RPD devices. The apparatus further includes a calibration factor calculator to calculate a nonsubscriber calibration factor based on a first panelist rating for the media corresponding to a first subset of panelist households that do not subscribe to the content provider. The ratings calculator modifies the initial local rating based on the nonsubscriber calibration factor to calculate a final local rating for the media in the first geographic area.

Abstract: A server for transmitting and receiving messages for a Signaling (S) layer in a Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) Media Transport (MMT) is provided. The server includes a first sub-layer of the S layer for producing first messages to provide information used for the use of MPEG, a second sub-layer of the S layer for producing second messages to provide information used for delivering MPEG media, and a Delivery (D) layer for making external and internal deliveries of the first and the second messages, wherein each of the first and the second messages includes at least one field corresponding to each of the message type, version, length, extension field and payload.

Abstract: A method of verifying a blackout event is disclosed that includes receiving blackout event data from an event log database of a video distribution platform at a subscriber event transmission interface (SETI) communicating with an electronic data warehouse (EDW) system. The method also includes creating at least one EDW load-ready file that includes at least a portion of the blackout event data.

Abstract: A method for controlling an image display apparatus includes determining a type of a video signal included in an input signal, determining whether three-dimensional (3D) format information is included in the input signal, if the video signal is a 3D video signal, requesting 3D format information about the video signal to a server that stores 3D format information, if the input signal does not include the 3D format information about the video signal, and processing, upon receipt of 3D format information from the server in response to the 3D format information request, the video signal according to the 3D format information and displaying a 3D image based on the processed video signal.

Abstract: A display apparatus, a paid broadcast processing apparatus, and a control method thereof are provided. The display apparatus includes: a tuner configured to receive at least one broadcast signal through at least one broadcast channel; a signal processor configured to signal-process the received at least one broadcast signal; a display configured to display the signal-processed at least one broadcast signal; an interface connected with at least one paid broadcast processing apparatus which descrambles at least one paid broadcast signal; and a controller configured to control the signal processor to signal-process the received at least one broadcast signal into a form that is displayable through the display, and, when the received at least one broadcast signal is the at least one paid broadcast signal, transmit the at least one paid broadcast signal to the paid broadcast processing apparatus through the interface.

Abstract: The concept of profiling the STB (01) through the Smart Cards (02) as per the service provider specific requirements makes towards interoperability. Smart cards (02) are embedded with greater operator specific intelligence. The scheme used in the present invention mainly focuses on downloading of profiling data from smart card (02) to the STB (01) and pushing CAS implementation fully from STB to Smart card (02).

Abstract: Two or more set-top boxes are installed in a household. A communications link, preferably a physical link, is provided between or among the set-top boxes. One of the boxes is designated as a “master” box while the other box or boxes are “slaves.” The slave box will use the communications link to communicate in a secured and encrypted manner with the master box. If that communication is severed, e.g., if an attempt is made to move the slave box to another household to provide unauthorized service in that household, the slave box will stop working when it can no longer communicate with the master box.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a first displaying device comprises an acquisition module, a display controller and a game time controller. The acquisition module is configured to obtain information related to a first terminal from a second displaying device. The first terminal of the second displaying device is coupled to a game device while a second terminal of the second displaying device is coupled to a network. The display controller is configured to display the information to indicate whether the first terminal is being coupled to the game device or not. The game time controller is configured to measure a time for which the first terminal is coupled to the game device, based on the information obtained by the acquisition module, and to prompt the second displaying device to exclude the connection between the first terminal and the game device, when the measured time reaches a predetermined time set in advance.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a system comprising a television decoding unit and a plurality of access modules, said access modules comprising wireless communication means with the television decoding unit, a memory comprising an identification of said module, said television decoding unit comprising means for detecting the presence and to receive the identification of an access module, means to apply a filter on events displayed on the television unit, said filter being defined with pre-defined filter category attached to the identification, and means to record the events consumption while the access module is detected by the television unit.

Abstract: Tools are provided for distributing access-restricted content in an internet protocol television (“IPTV”) environment based on portable entitlement keys. Such tools can include a decoder, an encoder, and a network entitlement handler. The decoder may be configured to receive a key associated with entitlement information, and transmit the entitlement information over a network. The encoder may be configured to receive content from content providers, and to encode the content to create IP-compatible content, with access restrictions based on entitlement. The network entitlement handler may be configured to receive a request for requested content from the decoder; receive the access-restricted content including (including the requested content) from the encoder; and transmit the requested content over the network to the decoder using IP, when the decoder is entitled to receive the requested content.

Abstract: A media player may stream media content, such as music, to other media players over a data network connection, for example, a WiFi/802.11 connection. An encounter object may be used to keep a record of each media object transmitted. The encounter object may include information about the transmission itself, such as a date and time when the media object was transmitted and the source and destination media players involved. The encounter object may also include metadata about the media object, such as genre, album, title, and artist, if the media object is a song. The DJ session may also support user interaction, such as sharing library listings, suggesting next plays (requests), and polls.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments of the method and system according to the present invention provide a system and method for controlling access to audiovisual content such as television shows, video-on-demand services or streaming video which can be delivered by cable, satellite, wired or wireless networks, cell phones, the Internet, etc. More particularly, the present invention provides a capability to define certain criteria which can be used to restrict access to content based on combinations of various parameters including, but not limited to, time of day, day of the week, type of content, source of content, content display device, etc. These criteria may also be provided by data storage arrangements or a network, and access restrictions specified by such criteria can be associated with a plurality of display devices.

Abstract: An iTV user interface includes a navigable menu area through which a user can select from among a variety of services and a content display area in which formatted data associated with a selected menu service are displayed to the user. The formatted data is displayed in a rotating or ticker fashion having both a passive mode, in which the formatted data is displayed in a sequence independent of any selection operations by a television viewer, and active mode, in which the formatted data is displayed in a sequence that depends on selection operations by the television viewer. Advertisements and/or promotions may be interspersed among the content items. The navigable menu area and the content display area may be displayed to the viewer at the same time as television programming is displayed on the television.

Abstract: A method for switching between minor channels for digital televisions is disclosed. The method includes determining whether a minor channel is in a non-signal state, analyzing information of a major channel, to which the minor channel in the non-signal state pertains, if the minor channel is in the non-signal state, followed by obtaining information of minor channels pertaining to the major channel, and selecting other minor channels excluding the minor channel in the non-signal state based on an analysis of the information of the minor channels to sequentially determine whether the selected minor channels are in a signal state, followed by switching from the minor channel in the non-signal state to a minor channel in the signal state if a minor channel in the signal state is present.

Abstract: A system that facilitates providing of commercial offers is described. During operation, this system receives financial information associated with a user of financial software. Then, the system presents an icon corresponding to the commercial offer to the user. This commercial offer is targeted to the user based on a financial history of the user, which includes multiple transactions with multiple commercial establishments. Moreover, the icon exhibits animated behavior which can vary over time, and the user can pursue the commercial offer by interacting with the icon.

Abstract: A method for controlling viewing a broadcast in a terminal. A terminal having a broadcast control function includes a first replaceable identity device attached to a portion of the terminal and a controller for setting a broadcast viewing level when a second identity device replaces the first identity device, wherein the broadcast viewing level was previously set by the first identity device.

Abstract: Multiple rating versions of content are provided and selectable by a viewer. A user can select one of the rating versions of the content for viewing. The user selection is dynamic such that the user can change the rating version selected while watching the content. Substitution instructions and substitution segments are downloaded and stored in a substitution cache. When a substitution descriptor is encountered in the content, a processor obtains at least one substitution instruction that corresponds to a substitution instruction identification code stored in the substitution descriptor. The processor executes the instruction to effect the rating change.

Abstract: A method for blocking objectionable information on a terminal. The method includes receiving header information corresponding to a particular multimedia content, extracting grade information from the header, determining if the extracted grade information is an allowable grade indicating that the particular multimedia content can be received by the terminal, receiving the particular multimedia content if the determining step determines the extracted grade information is the allowable grade, comparing the received multimedia content with objectionable information determination data stored in the terminal to determine if the multimedia content is objectionable, and assigning an objectionable grade to the header of the multimedia content when the comparing step determines the received multimedia content is objectionable.

Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system is disclosed that includes docking cradles that can store handheld controllers, and a management terminal. The management terminal controls an electronically controlled lock apparatus of the cradles to selectively lock the handheld controllers in a stored position within the docking cradles. The management terminal may receive and display the status of which of the docking cradles store a handheld controller, and may display at least one user selectable indicia that is touch selectable by a user to control one or more of the docking cradles to lock and unlock handheld controllers stored therein. Related inductive charging circuits, theft alert circuits, and other components of the vehicle entertainment system are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of providing coupons for shopping includes storing a shopping list in an electronic device including items for purchase via a merchant, storing electronic representations of coupons in the electronic device and associating the electronic representations of coupons with items included in the shopping list.

Abstract: A media transmission system and method for the transmission of a desired one of a plurality of broadcast media channels to a remote client over a data connection is disclosed. The system includes means for routing data for a first one of the broadcast media channels over the data connection to the remote client and means for routing data for an alternate one of the channels over the data connection following receipt of a channel change request from a user. This allows efficient use of a limited bandwidth data connection.

Abstract: Techniques described herein enable parents to establish a child-protective “kids zone” on a DVR. According to one technique, a DVR receives, from a parent, identities of content items that the parent does not want children to view. The DVR maps the identities to a kids zone. During times that the DVR is set to operate in the kids zone operational mode, the DVR prevents itself from presenting any content items that are associated with the identities. However, during these times, the DVR still may obtain and store these content items. At other times, during which the DVR is not set to operate in the kids zone operational mode, the DVR may allow itself to present the content items that are associated with the identities, including content items that the DVR obtained and stored during times that the DVR was set to operate in the kids zone operational mode.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus permit a one-way downloadable security for electronic signals such as cable television, free-to-air, direct broadcast satellite, electronic device enablement, and other services. The system can allow a broadcast transmission capability (1) to provide an encrypted signal to an individual reception capability (2) in a manner that maintains the full security of a traditional decryption key process while completely eliminating any need for a trusted authority. By including a nascent decryption key generator that may create a secure, key-based environment from an unsecure individualized information transmission (12), a sequence of key(s) from a root key(s) to a derived key(s) to a temporary key(s) and ultimately to a fully random key(s) can be generated in activating a device or a decryption capability for a subscriber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to system and method of reading and rewriting EDID in a video transmission system includes a transmitter transmitting a video signal and a receiver receiving the video signal that the transmitter transmitted which are connected to each other through digital interface, the method includes a reading step where the transmitter reads the EDID of the receiver through the digital interface; a first transmitting step where the transmitter transmit the video signal to the receiver on the basis of the EDID which the transmitter read; a second transmitting step where the receiver transmits a first message related to the EDID of the receiver; and a third transmitting step where the receiver transmits a second message related to the EDID of the receiver; wherein the transmitter, which received the first message from the receiver, does not read the EDID of the receiver until the second message is received.

Abstract: Provided is a method for the distribution and control of digital content such that Quality of Experience (QoE) is maintained. Content is protected from when the content is encrypted to when it is used. To ensure the QoE of particular content, a content owner embeds a list of required or preferred components that must be employed to render the content. The content owner's list of required or preferred components specifies specific components “trusted” to correctly process the content. The specified chain of preferred components is compared to possible devices in the system that processes the content. If there are multiple acceptable devices for a specific link, a preference system is employed to determine the device that executed the particular part of the chain. The preference system is based upon a number of factors, such as, but not limited to, performance characteristics, user preferences, expected stability, power requirements and system preferences.

Abstract: A media transmission system and method for the transmission of a desired one of a plurality of broadcast media channels to a remote client over a data connection is disclosed. The system includes means for routing data for a first one of the broadcast media channels over the data connection to the remote client and means for routing data for an alternate one of the channels over the data connection following receipt of a channel change request from a user. This allows efficient use of a limited bandwidth data connection.

Abstract: Technologies are disclosed to transfer responsibility and control over security from player makers to content authors by enabling integration of security logic and content. An exemplary optical disc carries an encrypted digital video title combined with data processing operations that implement the title's security policies and decryption processes. Player devices include a processing environment (e.g., a real-time virtual machine), which plays content by interpreting its processing operations. Players also provide procedure calls to enable content code to load data from media, perform network communications, determine playback environment configurations, access secure nonvolatile storage, submit data to CODECs for output, and/or perform cryptographic operations. Content can insert forensic watermarks in decoded output for tracing pirate copies.

Abstract: Disclosed is a secure/non-secure bypass switch, which includes a secure mode signal path, and a non-secure mode signal path, wherein signals are routed through an encryption device connected in the secure mode signal path when no power is supplied to the switch, and the signals are routed through the non-secure path when power is supplied to the switch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing a broadcast program are provided. The apparatus includes: a signal processing unit which generates an audio/video (A/V) file, an application file, and a first electronic program guide (EPG) file by appropriately processing a plurality of A/V signals, application information, and EPG information, respectively, which are included in an input broadcast program transport stream; a synchronization unit which receives the A/V file, the application file, and the first EPG file from the signal processing unit, generates storage information for the A/V file and storage information for the application file, and converts the first EPG file into a second EPG file comprising the storage information for the A/V file and the storage information for the application file; and a storage unit which stores the A/V file, the application file, and the second EPG file.

Abstract: Redirection of streaming content is described. In an implementation, a method includes receiving a request at a client from another client, wherein the request is to redirect on-demand content being streamed from a head end to the other client and includes a bookmark that specifies a point in time during an output of the on-demand content by the second client. A communication is formed for being communicated to the head end to cause redirection of the streaming of the on-demand content to the client corresponding to the point in time specified by the bookmark.

Abstract: A controller receives an encrypted media stream (“EMS”) and an identifier indicative of a selected content key from a headend. The EMS is encrypted with an encryption key and can be decrypted with a corresponding decryption key which is determinable from the selected content key. The controller receives indexes and content keys from the headend prior to receiving the EMS. Each index respectively corresponds to an identifier with one index corresponding to the identifier indicative of the selected content key. The content keys correspond to the indexes with one content key corresponding to the index corresponding to the identifier indicative of the selected content key. The controller selects the index corresponding to the identifier indicative of the selected content key upon receiving the EMS, determines the selected content key from the selected index, determines the decryption key from the selected content key, and decrypts the EMS with the decryption key.

Abstract: An electronic programming guide (EPG) system employing a preference engine and processing system that combines explicit rule profile, history profile, and feedback profile data to generate new predictions. Television shows are presumed to be indexed by many features. These features are extracted and counted for TV shows watched (implicit profile), and for TV shows rated by the viewer (feedback profile). These profiles are straightforward to combine with suitably greater weight being given to the feedback information. In addition, explicit profiles can make recommendations that stand alone or may be used to modify recommendations arising from either of the two sources. The modifications may take the form of additive or multiplicative changes to the existing recommendations or some other suitable mathematical form.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing content signals received from a plurality of different, and possibly dissimilar, signal sources, such as different satellite networks, and providing a display based on the content of those signals. The apparatus includes a tuner/demodulator for receiving content signals and demodulating the received content signals as programming bitstreams, and one or more access control devices for descrambling any conditional access present in the demodulated programming bitstreams. The apparatus further includes a processor, such as a system chip, which is responsible for all command and control functions. The system chip evaluates conditional access to determine whether the bitstream needs decryption, descrambling, or both, and processes a bitstream from one of the multiple signal sources for display on a suitable output device.

Abstract: In an information reproducing apparatus having an open architecture, a secure module stores first information, and has a structure which does not allow access to the first information from outside, and a memory has a structure which can be accessed from outside. A decryption unit loaded in the memory decrypts an encryption applied to the first information by using a predetermined key. A key supply unit implemented in the secure module supplies the predetermined key to the decryption unit. An authentication unit implemented in the secure module supplies second information to the decryption unit, refers to third information returned in response to the second information, and checks for authenticity of the decryption unit. A key-supply stop unit implemented in the secure module stops supply of the predetermined key by the key supply unit when the authentication unit does not authenticate the decryption unit.

Abstract: Techniques described herein enable parents to establish a child-protective “kids zone” on a DVR. According to one technique, a DVR receives, from a parent, identities of content items that the parent does not want children to view. The DVR maps the identities to a kids zone. During times that the DVR is set to operate in the kids zone operational mode, the DVR prevents itself from presenting any content items that are associated with the identities. However, during these times, the DVR still may obtain and store these content items. At other times, during which the DVR is not set to operate in the kids zone operational mode, the DVR may allow itself to present the content items that are associated with the identities, including content items that the DVR obtained and stored during times that the DVR was set to operate in the kids zone operational mode.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide for supporting programming blackouts is provided. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may unschedule the reminding and recording of blacked-out programs that have been scheduled by a user for reminding or recording. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may prevent a user from scheduling blacked-out programs for reminding and recording. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may prevent a user from ordering blacked-out pay-per-view programs. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may provide blackout information in information displays. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may provide replacement media for blacked-out programs.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus permit a one-way downloadable security for electronic signals such as cable television, free-to-air, direct broadcast satellite, electronic device enablement, and other services. The system can allow a broadcast transmission capability (1) to provide an encrypted signal to an individual reception capability (2) in a manner that maintains the full security of a traditional decryption key process while completely eliminating any need for a trusted authority. By including a nascent decryption key generator that may create a secure, key-based environment from an unsecure individualized information transmission (12), a sequence of key(s) from a root key(s) to a derived key(s) to a temporary key(s) and ultimately to a fully random key(s) can be generated in activating a device or a decryption capability for a subscriber.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a radio tuner capable of receiving broadcast media contents and information about each of the broadcast media contents from a plurality of radio stations; a user communication interface configured for receiving from a user a list of desired broadcast media contents; a memory; and a processor. According to the invention the processor is responsible for accessing the list of desired broadcast media contents stored in the memory; the radio tuner is controlled to detect the radio stations to retrieve information of the broadcast media contents that are currently being, or are in the near future to be, broadcast from the radio stations; the retrieved information is compared with the list of desired broadcast media contents; and the user is alerted via the user communication interface if the comparison reveals that a broadcast media content that is currently being, or are in the near future to be, broadcast is comprised in the list of desired broadcast media contents.

Abstract: A device for controlling cable signals between a network cable and drop cables to customers includes an input for receiving cable signals; a first output connector for sending the cable signals to a first customer; a second output connector for sending the cable signals to a second customer; electronics selectively connecting the input to the first output connector so as to permit or deny a provision of the cable signals to the first customer, and selectively connecting the input connector to the second output connector to permit or deny provision of the cable signals to the second customer; and a cable modem, the cable modem capable of receiving instructions via the input and sending the instructions to the microprocessor and sending information via the input. A device for connecting between a cable tap and drop cables is also provided, as are various methods and cable systems.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method for generating fees using a receiving device, involves distributing censored video from a distributor video to a receiving device; and uncensoring the censored video using the receiving device upon payment of a fee. The receiving device uses overlay data received from the distributor to uncensor the censored video by overlaying the overlay data over the censored video using a video overlay frame to overlay a video frame containing the censored video data in accordance with boundaries determined by an alpha plane within the receiving device. This abstract should not be considered limiting since embodiments consistent with the present invention may involve more, different or fewer elements.

Abstract: An integrated circuit restricts use of a data item and includes a data memory storing the data item; a value memory storing a value; a signature input that receives a signature derived from data in a data item field and a value in a value field, the signature being in a coded form; a decoding circuit that decodes the signature and outputs information representing the data in the data item field and the value in the value field; and a comparison circuit that receives the decoding circuit output, determines whether the information representing the data from the data item field corresponds to the stored data item and whether the information representing the value from the value field corresponds to the value stored in the value memory, and outputs a comparison signal according to the determinations. The circuit restricts the use of the data item according to the comparison signal.

Abstract: A program viewing control apparatus includes: a detection unit for detecting rating information regarding a viewing lock level of contents, which is added to data of the contents; a storing unit for storing rating information regarding the viewing lock level; a control unit for locking the contents based on comparison between the rating information detected by the detection unit and the rating information stored in the storing unit; a selection unit for inputting a selection signal for selecting whether to limit viewing of the contents or not when contents video based on data of the contents is displayed on a display section; and an update unit for updating the rating information stored in the storing unit based on the selection signal inputted from the selection unit.

Abstract: In a television receiver having a decryption unit and a video display unit which are stored in one casing, copyright protection is given to an encrypted digital video signal or analog video signal. When an encrypted digital video signal is inputted to a digital video signal input terminal, the signal is decrypted by a decoding circuit to obtain an after-decryption video signal that is copiable, and thereafter, the signal is visualized by a video display unit. When a casing cover is opened, a decoding control circuit converts a parameter that is needed for decryption, such as an encryption key, into a meaningless parameter, and outputs it to the decoding circuit, whereby the after-decryption video signal becomes a video signal that is not decrypted. On the other hand, during maintenance, a predetermined code is inputted from a button group (18) to output a regular decryption parameter to the decoding circuit (13).

Abstract: The protection of data against illicit transfer with respect to specific data can be ensured. An integrated receiver decoder determines whether or not ATRAC (Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding) data requiring authentication is contained in selected piece-of-music data in accordance with determination data added into transmitted data. When ATRAC data requiring authentication is contained, the integrated receiver decoder performs an authentication process between it and a storage which is a transfer destination of the ATRAC data, and performs downloading of the ATRAC data after confirming that the storage is a valid apparatus to which the downloading may be performed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a secure/non-secure bypass switch, including at least one input port for receiving signals; a control module for determining if a secure or a non-secure operating mode is selected; if a non-secure mode is selected, configuring at least one relay to route the signals through at least two fiber optic modems; and if a secure mode is selected, configuring the at least one relay to route the signals through an encryption device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a secure/non-secure bypass switch, comprising a first port for receiving input signals; a first relay having an input, a first output and a second output, said input connected to said first port, and said second output connected to a second port; a first fiber optic modem having an input and an output, said input connected to said first output of said first relay; a second fiber optic modem having an input and an output, said input connected to said output of said first fiber optic modem; and a second relay having an output, a first input and a second input, said first input connected to said output of said second fiber optic modem, said second input connected to a third port, and said output connected to a fourth port.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and media for a client device discovering remote user interface applications over a network are disclosed. Embodiments may include a remote user interface client of the client device receiving from a content directory service server a code fragment comprising a uniform resource indicator and determining whether the uniform resource indicator is associated with a remote-capable application. Further embodiments may include, in response to determining that the uniform resource indicator is associated with a remote-capable application, engaging by the client device a remote user interface server and receiving by the client device from the remote user interface server one or more display control commands associated with the remote-capable application and displaying a user interface based on the received display control commands. In some embodiments, engaging the remote user interface server comprises switching from the content directory service server. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an intelligent low-noise block down-converter (LNB) which is implemented to, only when an LNB ID contained therein is the same as an ID of a satellite receiver connected therewith, provide a down-converted signal (IF signal) to the satellite receiver, thereby making it possible to more securely prevent an ID card of the satellite receiver and/or a pay broadcast program from being duplicated.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for processing an encrypted data stream within a computer system adapted to receive the encrypted data stream from a data storage device. A data output device is coupled to a computer system and has a plurality of data output areas. An encrypted data stream is transferred from a data storage device to the data output device, the encrypted data stream being for output to one of the plurality of data output areas. The encrypted data stream is received and decrypted to produce a clear data stream for output to one of the plurality of data output areas. A decryption means receives a decryption key from the computer system, the decryption key relating only to the encrypted stream associated with the one of the plurality of data output areas.

Abstract: A key management apparatus which can be used to encrypt/decrypt content data in a content playback device includes a storing unit for storing a secret key, a key information decrypting unit for decrypting encrypted key information and an updating unit operable to update the secret key with an algorithm stored therein, when the decrypted key information is key-updating information. Seed information can be received for use with the algorithm to provide a new secret key, and preliminary trigger information can be used to poll a group of appliances to request key information to determine any duplication of appliances.