Appeal No. 2000-2102
Application 08/771,947
control a VCR or similar type of video recording device based on
the content of the incoming video signal to cause it to record
only that information that is desired by the end user. The
selective control of the information recording device is carried
out by memorizing one or more segments of information and
thereafter comparing the contents of an incoming information
stream to the memorized segments. If a match is found between
the incoming information and a memorized segment, the recording
device is controlled to perform a desired operation. The
selective recording technique of the invention can be employed in
one or two different modes. In one mode, identified as "surfing"
in the disclosure, the recording device is activated to record
information of interest to the end user. For instance, if the
user has favorite programs that are to be recorded on a regular
basis, such as a daily soap opera or a talk show, the present
invention can be employed to control the recording device to
record that program any time that it is broadcast over any of the
channels that can be received at the user's premises. In an
alternative mode of operation, identified as the "zapping" mode,
the present invention can be employed to inhibit the recording of
undesirable material, such as advertisements, news updates, or
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