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Abstract

A cable-television usage system that enables subscribers to be charged based upon their actual usage of the cable channels offered. The system is compatible with current cable equipment and methods. It can be installed outside of the subscribers dwelling and it is capable of determining usage for multiple sets and various cable configurations including converter boxes. Channel usage is monitored using the local oscillator tuning circuit that tunes the channel for the subscriber's set. An unique switching design permits the carrier frequency to be acurately measured by briefly disconnecting the cable from the set. An electronic switching arrangement enables the measurement to be made during a random manner corresponding to one pixel's time on the TV screen. The invention also permits polling of subscriber's television preferences without any effort required by the subscribers.

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First Claim