Systems and methods for subscriber authentication

摘要

Systems and methods for authenticating subscribers of video signals are disclosed. In accordance with the various embodiments, a subscriber authentication system includes an encoder coupled to a source of video signals and a source of subscriber data. The encoder generates encoded video signals having at least a portion of the subscriber data encoded in the video signals. An authentication indicating apparatus operable to receive the encoded video signals and to decode the received signals generates an authentication status for the subscriber.

主权项

1. A subscriber authentication system comprising:
an encoder coupled to a source of video signals and a source of subscriber data that is operable to generate encoded video signals having at least a portion of the subscriber data encoded thereon, wherein the subscriber data encoded on the encoded video signals are imperceptible to a viewer during presentation of the encoded video signals to the viewer; and an authentication indicating apparatus that is operable to receive the encoded video signals and to decode the encoded video signals that are received to determine an authentication status to at least one of confirm a level of service, validate a level of service, or substantiate a level of service in the video signals that the viewer is authorized to receive using the subscriber data, wherein the authentication indicating apparatus comprises one or more indicating devices positioned on an exterior portion of the apparatus that provide an observable indication of the authentication status for the subscriber.