Abstract: To provide a method and a system for creating a mini time key from a time key, a plurality of mini time keys are created within a unit time period. First, a unit time decryption key is prepared immediately after the unit time is created. Then, the last mini time key is created by applying a one-way function to the unit time decryption key. A desired mini time key is created by applying the one-way function to a mini time key following the desired mini time key. In other words, the mini time keys are created as a timed series arranged in a descending order beginning with the last mini time key. In this manner, even when a specific mini time key is externally leaked for a specific reason, a following mini time key in a timed series can not be created by using this mini time key. In addition, even when the mini time keys are sequentially published, the security of the unit time decryption key is maintained.

Abstract: In order to provide a storage system for enabling an administrator to manage information for each apparatus in a straightforward manner, the present invention comprises an acquiring section for acquiring a connection relationship of host apparatus, host management apparatus, storage apparatus, and storage management apparatus, a storage relationship for programs of every host apparatus, and a saving time period for saving data of every program, based on external operation, and a display control section for displaying the connection relationship and storage relationship acquired by the acquiring section on a display screen, and displaying the saved time period of every program on the same screen as the connection relationship and the storage relationship.

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: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recommending system that recommends content so as to keep constant network traffic between a user terminal and a server. The recommending system includes a user terminal, a content server that transmits content prestored in a storage device to the user terminal, and a recommending server that transmits recommendation data, which are connected via a network. The recommending server includes a communications unit that transmits the recommendation data to the user terminal, the recommendation data containing an identifier of provided content and a time, at which the content server starts providing the content to the user terminal, in correspondence with the identifier of the provided content. The user terminal includes a download unit that transmits the content request containing the identifier of the provided content to the content server at the time in correspondence with the identifier of the provided content in the recommendation data.

Abstract: A method and system prevents a potential viewer, such as a child, from viewing programming under certain conditions. For example, a programming receiver may be set up to prevent a child from viewing programming having a rating outside of an authorized rating limit, and/or from viewing programming during certain time periods, and/or from viewing any and all programming. When the child wishes to view a desired program, and the programming receiver determines that viewing is not permitted, the child is asked if they wish to seek permission from their parent or guardian to view the desired program. If so, an electronic request is made to a communication device, associated with the parent or guardian, such as a computer, personal digital assistant, cellular phone, or another television. The Request provides the parent with information regarding the desired program, and perhaps the identity of the requester. Hence, the parent can grant or deny permission to view the desired programming, from a remote location.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a data processing system to protect an electronic data object from unauthorized access. Via a method, a) in a first step, an electronic data object identifier is generated dependent on the content of the data object, b) in a further step, an access right is determined dependent on the data object identifier, and c) in a last step, an access to the data object is allowed dependent of the access right. The data processing system comprises a data processing device and an access control module. Via the access control module, an electronic data object identifier can be generated dependent on the content of a data object, and an access right can be determined dependent on the data object identifier. The access right can comprises standard rights such as “Read” or “Write” and an “Execute” right to execute specific functionalities.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to distribution of media content and a system and method for presenting a user-selectable option to permit a user to change a setting for an advertising experience during presentation of such an advertising experience.

Abstract: The present invention provides a digital television system where access rights to a programme or channel are received analyzed by the decoder in determining whether to permit or prohibit full audio and visual access by the user to that programme or channel when displayed in respective windows of a mosaic formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for controlling the viewing of a video program by an end user. In one embodiment, the system comprises a program distribution system adapted to provide programs to one or more end user viewing devices, and a viewing control system in communication with the program distribution system and the end user viewing devices. In one embodiment, the viewing control system comprises a parental control programming system adapted to receive parental control rules from an end user. The parental control rules may define program viewing limits for one or more time periods.

Abstract: The invention consists of a method for controlling the use of a device for viewing audiovisual transmissions, aiming to limit the duration of viewing audiovisual transmissions during determined time periods. The method comprises steps of inserting and displaying a first and a second duration, which define a maximum viewing time. The method also comprises a step of displaying values of binary indicators associated with determined time periods, and a step of inserting a binary indicator value for each time period, the binary value allocating the first or the second duration at this time period in order to define the viewing duration authorized during this time period. The invention also relates to the viewing device for implementing the method and a graphics interface for presenting parameters of the method.

Abstract: When a digital data transmission such as a digital television transmission is received by a receiver (100), the receiver attempts to locate parental rating data for a program in the transmission for a home country or jurisdiction (105, 220) in which the receiver is located. If the home jurisdiction rating data is available, it is used to control blocking of the program (270). If the home jurisdiction rating data is not available, rating data is obtained from the transmission for a foreign jurisdiction to control blocking of the program (270). If ratings for multiple foreign jurisdictions are available, the highest, most strict rating (240), may be used to control blocking of the program.

Abstract: A method of providing rebroadcast programming includes encoding a rebroadcast program, specifying a preferred play time, and providing a broadcast that fits the preferred play time. The encoding of the rebroadcast program can use a replay plan which prioritizes portions of the rebroadcast. A priority can be assigned to commercials which have been made to be shortened or dropped, or an alternative commercial substituted, depending on time limitations. A rebroadcast packaging and playlist are provided.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a system for providing users access to audio/visual content, the system comprising means for storing content, means for broadcasting content on a scheduled basis, means for downloading the stored content from the storage means, means for enabling a user to access the downloaded content only within a specified time period, means for streaming content off the storage means, and means for receiving the content broadcast on a scheduled basis.

Abstract: An image output system configured of information terminals, each of which includes an identification information storage unit which stores identification information for identifying each of the information terminals and a transmission unit which transmits the identification information, and an image output apparatus which includes: an identification information receiving unit which receives the identification information transmitted by each of the information terminals; an output unit which obtains image information which is information for outputting images, and outputs images based on the obtained image information; a judgment unit which judges whether or not plural pieces of identification received by the identification information receiving unit satisfy a predetermined condition; and an output control unit which controls the output unit based on the judgment made by the judgment unit.

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: A TV set (20) with a parental guide mode is provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The TV set includes: a mode switching unit (204) for switching the TV set between a normal mode and the parental guide mode, under the normal mode the TV set being capable of broadcasting all channels and under the parental guide mode the TV set be capable of broadcasting one or more predetermined viewable channel(s); a memory (209) for storing identifier(s) of the predetermined viewable channel/channels; and a MCU (202) for controlling the TV set to broadcast the viewable channel/channels under the parental guide mode according to the identifier(s) of the predetermined viewable channel/channels stored in the memory.

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 television receiver is connected to a multi-directional antenna having multiple receiving directions for receiving a television signal by making one receiving direction active, and comprises a clock, a tuner, a memory for storing a receiving direction table having content containing channel numbers and a best receiving direction, and a microprocessor for controlling the receiver. Based on the time measured by the clock, the microprocessor renews the content of the table at a preset time, and outputs, to the antenna, a control signal to command a receiving direction for receiving one channel based on the renewed content of the table. The receiver can properly adapt to the variations in time of the receiving conditions of terrestrial broadcasts based on the renewed content of the table, and can automatically renew the content of the table in a time zone when a user does not view a television program.

Abstract: A system and method utilize temporal targeting of content, such as advertisements. The targeting may be based on time of day, day of year, season or upcoming holidays. In addition, prior search history may be utilized to determine current popularity and/or predict future popularity for a particular concept that may be used for targeting.

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: A method for selecting advertisement in a Set Top Box (STB) of a television network comprises receiving advertisement selection information for one or a plurality of advertisement associations. Each advertisement association associates an advertisement space with an advertisement. The advertisement selection information corresponds for each advertisement association to a value of probability for selecting the advertisement for the advertisement space. A selection of an advertisement for a determined advertisement space is triggered and a random value or a pseudo-random value generated. An advertisement is selected using the random value or the pseudo-random value, by selecting a determined advertisement association that associates an advertisement with the determined advertisement space and for which the corresponding advertisement selection information has a value of probability that relates to the random value or the pseudo-random value.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a secure time element comprising a timing device that outputs to a plurality of delay devices, wherein the delay devices have characteristic delay times which are alterable as a result of a tampering attempt to tamper therewith, and wherein a characteristic delay time of one of the delay devices changes differently from another one of the delay devices as a result of the tampering attempt.

Abstract: A method of establishing communications with one or more devices located in an environment using a wireless communication device is disclosed. The wireless communication device comprises a short-range transceiver that is able to communicate with a short-range transceiver located in the environment. A communication is received from the short-range transceiver of the wireless communication device that includes a request to establish communications with one or more device located in the environment. A request is transmitted to an environment directory server to determine if a user associated with the wireless communication device has permission to access any of the devices in the environment. A response is received from the environment directory server in response to the request. A communication is made to the short-range transceiver of the wireless communication device indicating whether the device can communicate with any of the devices in the environment.

Abstract: When image data in which a digital watermark is embedded accesses a server, particularly, a Web server, via a network, the server is appropriately selected and accessed via the network in accordance with the environments of the clients that access the server. A network access terminal includes an extraction unit for extracting first information from an image that includes the first information, which is multi-valued, an acquisition unit for acquiring from a predetermined storage device the first information extracted by the extraction unit and address information specified by second information different from the first information, from among a plurality of address information stored in the predetermined storage device, and a communication unit for accessing an address based on the address information obtained by the acquisition unit.

Abstract: Multiple levels of wireless network resource granting. A user who has an authorized key, e.g., an encryption key or a key indicating that they have paid for service, gets a first, better level of access to the network resources. One without the key is granted lesser access, e.g., less total bandwidth, less bandwidth speed, no access to files or the like.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to propose an accounting method of the consumption of transmitted services per time unit to a decoder in a system implementing a content encrypted by control words, the latter being modified according to a period named crypto-period. This method consists in verifying if the time-current (TC) is comprised in a time variable (Rdate) representative of the authorisation time of use of the service and, if this is the case, decrypting and returning the control words to the decoder, and if it is not the case, debiting an amount (CT) corresponding to a time of use (AT) and recharging the time variable (Rdate) with a corresponding time.

Abstract: A broadcasting service system and a delay broadcasting method in broadcasting service using the broadcasting service system, any of audiovisual systems is connected to a broadcasting set when any audiovisual system request a repeater station to view program contents broadcasted by a broadcast station, and advertisement contents stored in a advertisement contents storage are broadcasted to the audiovisual systems connected to the broadcasting set. An advertisement effect measurer measures an advertisement effect on the basis of a number of the connected audiovisual systems viewing the advertisement contents and a broadcasting time of the advertisement contents and allows the broadcasting set to start of the broadcasting of the program contents to the connected audiovisual systems only when the measured advertisement effect meets a predetermined target advertisement effect.

Abstract: A system for controlling the viewing of programs at a user location having one or more viewing devices. The system comprises a viewing control system, which is adapted to count a number of viewings of a program during a time period, determine whether the number of viewings exceeds a viewing limit for the time period, and prevent further viewings of the program if the number of viewings exceeds the viewing limit for the time period.

Abstract: When a secure counter malfunction detection unit 212 deters a malfunction in a secure counter 211, a content playability judgment unit 206 performs a content playability judgment based on information managed by a malfunctioning-state playback processing management unit 214. The malfunctioning-state playback processing management unit 214 stores a malfunctioning-state playback condition composed of information such as a playback count and a playback time. The content playability judgment unit 206 judges that content is playable when the malfunctioning-state playback condition is met, and a content playback unit 210 splays the content.

Abstract: An apparatus for reproducing a television broadcast program digest which stores a broadcast signal indicative of contents of at least one television broadcast program and guide data of the at least one television broadcast program. The apparatus pre-stores a period of time and a weight point as data for at least one attribute concerning program contents every different television broadcast program. The apparatus reads the broadcast signal and guide data of the at least one television broadcast program when a digest reproduction is performed. In accordance with the guide data, the apparatus reads a period of time and a weight point for each attribute corresponding to a television broadcast program consistent in terms of content with or similar to the at least one television broadcast program. The apparatus reproduces a partial signal having a length of time based on the weight point and the period of time.

Abstract: The technical level of a player can be reflected in the results of a game by evaluating the content of the game. In the present game program, when an event execution command for executing an event is issued from the control unit, an event process corresponding to the event execution command is executed by the control unit. When a command for a character during execution of the event is recognized by the control unit, the command for the character is executed by the control unit. The control unit then executes a process for using character evaluation data to evaluate the character that executed the action corresponding to the command. When the control unit executes the process for evaluating the content of the event on the basis of the character evaluation data, the control unit recognizes event content evaluation data that correspond to the evaluation of the event content.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for implementing a Pay Per View (PPV) multicast service, including: sending, by a user terminal, a PPV program playing request to an access device; determining, by the access device, whether the user terminal has the right to receive the PPV program based on the current time and the acquired right information of the user terminal; if the user terminal has the right, forwarding the PPV program data stream from a multicast source to the user terminal. In accordance with the present disclosure, an access device may control the time of forwarding a program data stream to a user terminal according to the right of the user terminal of receiving the program, thus a PPV multicast service is implemented.

Abstract: Upon connecting to a trusted device, an untrusted device: (a) acquires a trusted current time; (b) stores an elapsed time; (c) determines an estimated current time; and, (d) stores a time difference between the estimated current time and an untrusted current time. The untrusted device (e) repeats (b)-(d) until turned off. Upon being turned on and able to connect to the trusted device, the untrusted device (f) repeats (a)-(e). Otherwise, it: (g) determines a temporary current time; and, (h) compares the estimated current time of (c) with the temporary current time. The untrusted device, (i) where the estimated current time of (c) is less than the temporary current time, sets an offline current time as the temporary current time, or, (j) where the estimated current time of (c) is greater than the temporary current time, sets the offline current time as the estimated current time of (c).

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.

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: A remote control apparatus, besides the controlling system for controlling electronics devices such as a television, further includes a timing and alarm system, a display screen, and a recording system with which important data such as important TV programs or favorite channels can be recorded, and each record can be attached with an alarm time. Furthermore, when an alarm time is reached, not only can an alarm be sounded, or an audible announcement be heard, the apparatus can further transmit a control signal to switch the controlled device to the preset important or favorite channel. In addition, a microphone for detecting a response feed back signal from the controlled device, and a processor for processing by the remote control apparatus for responding to the feed back signal are also provided.

Abstract: A usage time control device disables a flow of output signals from a first apparatus such as a game console to a second apparatus such as a television. The device has a user input for determining when the flow of output signals from said first apparatus to said second apparatus is to be enabled or disabled. The device also has a timer control for incrementing an amount of usage time available.

Abstract: A method for presenting data through a wireless home entertainment hub in a home entertainment system includes obtaining a registration for one or more source devices and for one or more sink devices. An indication is received at the wireless home entertainment hub that one of the source devices has become active. Data is received from the active source device. One or more sink devices are selected to receive the data from the active source device, and the data is transmitted to one or more of the sink devices.

Abstract: A content recommendation device is provided, including a selection engine selects content items from a content item pool and generates a selection list including the selected content items, wherein said selection engine selects the content items from a content item pool according to a user profile, and/or a receiving unit configured to receive a selection list selected from a content item pool according to a user profile, and a user profiling engine that a part of at least one previously generated selection. The user feedback includes explicit and implicit feedback so that a very simple explicit feedback, which gets refined by the corresponding implicit feedback, is possible.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating between a signal generator and a signal receiver, for providing controlled access to information and/or communication channels, whereby the signal generator and the signal receiver are set to wirelessly transmit and receive a plurality of simultaneously transmitted signals, respectively, and the signal receiver is set to selectively provide access to information and/or communication channels on receiving the plurality of simultaneously transmitted signals from the signal generator, the signal generator comprising means for limiting a transmission of a predetermined signal to at least one of a prescribed duration and a prescribed number of activations for access to the information and/or communication channels.

Abstract: A control apparatus of an audio-visual display apparatus is provided, wherein only one remote control unit in a plurality of remote control units has a control right for controlling the audio-visual display apparatus, the control apparatus determines whether a signal is received from a remote control unit with the control right until a scrambling determination time elapses from a time when detecting that an operation command is received from a remote control unit without the control right; and deprives the remote control unit with the control right of the control right and provides the control right to other remote control unit if a signal is not received from the remote control unit with the control right within the scrambling determination time.

Abstract: A method and system to manage user access to resources and computing tasks on servers located on a network. The preferred embodiments of this system would enable a resource provider to manager user access to resources based on user specific criteria and resource specific criteria. The invention creates user associated access session(s) and generates tokens corresponding to such access session(s) to allow user access. The system is able to manage any type or any combination of licensing criteria, to manage different licensing criteria associated with the same user, to manage different licensing criteria associated with the same resource, and to manage different licensing relationship among users and resources. The system is scalable as additional sets of license managers can be added to manage additional users and resources. Optionally, secondary access sessions are provided to users to allow for completion of a current task when initial access session(s) are depleted.

Abstract: A segment announcing system is disclosed that contains one or more segment announcement receivers that receive one or more announcements over a network connection and/or other communication connection. The announcements contain content information about the content of broadcast information being broadcast, e.g., to a television. The segment announcement receivers have one or more control outputs to perform a function, typically to control the segment announcement receivers during processing of information called a content stream.

Abstract: An interactive entertainment network system has a video-on-demand (VOD) application which allows viewers to create their own customized lists of preferred video content programs, such as movies, games, TV shows, and so forth. Viewers are permitted to select criteria for grouping various video content programs into manageable sets. Lists of programs are provided in one or more scrollable lists, the scrolling rates of which are programmable. Once grouped, previews for the set of programs are displayed. The VOD application allows the viewers to browse the previews at their own rate, skipping forward to the next preview or backward to the previous preview. During this automated browsing, the VOD application enables the viewer to add any of the programs of interest to a customized list. The viewer can retrieve the customized list at any time. If the viewer orders a program from the customized list, the program remains available to the viewer for a rental period (which is adjustable).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for preventing a user from bypassing a viewer blocking system using program related information, such as content ratings, included in a program signal. The present invention prevents the user from exploiting the time delay associated with detecting, decoding and comparing the program related information by switching channels to observe portions of objectionable programs before the blocking system can react. The present system comprises a processor (110) which controls the output of a selected program signal (VIDEO, VIDEO IN, AUDIO IN) in response to a determination of whether an associated program related information meets a user selected blocking criteria. The processor blocks display of a program signal when a predetermined sequence of signal channel selections is detected and then continues to block the display of the program signal at least until the determination is performed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for managing playlists of a rewritable recording medium in order to prevent unlimited playback or illegal edition of television broadcast programs or movies wherein copyright protection is required. The present invention operates by adding information needed for automatic timed deletion of consecutively recorded clips of A/V streams and deletion time information into the playlists of a recording medium such as a high density rewritable optical disc (BD-RW), whereby referring to the recorded information, the corresponding clips of A/V streams are automatically deleted.

Abstract: A power distribution and timing device (PDTD) for controlling power supply to controlled device(s). This invention includes: an outlet; an alarm clock; a backup battery; a keyboard; a tamper switch; a display for showing day, time, modes of operation, programming steps, operational time remaining, warning signals and tamper attempts; and a microprocessor. The microprocessor includes: an integrated circuit for setting maintenance power to the controlled device(s); a program for securely programming the days and time periods when the controlled device(s) may be operated and the amount of time that the controlled device(s) may be operated; securely allowing power to the controlled device(s) to be increased to operating level when these time periods are not exceeded; and keeping power to the controlled devices at maintenance level when these time periods are exceeded. One or more of the outlets may be remote from the microprocessor and signals may be sent to such remote outlets via conventional means.