Signal processing apparatus and methods

• US 5,887,243 A
• Filed: 06/07/1995
• Issued: 03/23/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 11/03/1981
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Personalized Media Communications, LLC
• Original Assignee: Personalized Media Communications, LLC
• Inventors: Harvey, John Christopher, Cuddihy, James William
• Primary Examiner(s): MEHTA, BHAVESH M
• Application Number:
  US08/480,060
• Time in Patent Office: 1,385 Days
• Field of Search: 348/1, 348/2, 348/3, 348/6, 348/7, 348/8, 348/9, 348/10, 348/11, 348/12, 348/468, 455/2, 455/3.1, 455/3.2, 455/3.3, 455/4.1, 455/4.2, 455/6.2, 455/6.3
• US Class Current: 725/136
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 1/071 containing electro-optic elements
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0251 Targeted advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/14 for monitoring programmes
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/28 Arrangements for simultaneous broadcast of plural pieces of information
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/30 by a single channel
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 2201/70 characterised in that receivers can be addressed
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 40/18 Arrangements characterised by circuits or components specially adapted for receiving
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/13 Arrangements for device control affected by the broadcast information
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/21 Billing for the use of broadcast information or broadcast-related information
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/23 using cryptography, e.g. encryption, authentication, key distribution
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/27 Arrangements for recording or accumulating broadcast information or broadcast-related information
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/31 Arrangements for monitoring the use made of the broadcast services
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/33 Arrangements for monitoring the users' behaviour or opinions
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/37 for identifying segments of broadcast information, e.g. scenes or extracting programme ID
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/40 for identifying broadcast time
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/41 for identifying broadcast space, i.e. broadcast channels, broadcast stations or broadcast areas
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/94 Telephonic networks for accessing the Internet H04H60/84
• CPC Class Codes: H04K 1/00 Secret communication
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/00 Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD] real-time bi-directional transmission of motion video data H04N7/14 ; broadcast or conference over packet switching networks H04L12/18
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/20 Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/21 : Server components or server architectures
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/21815 : comprising local storage units
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/222 : Secondary servers, e.g. proxy server, cable television Head-end provisioning of proxy services in data packet switching networks H04L67/56
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/235 : Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2351 : involving encryption of additional data arrangements using cryptography for the use of broadcast information or broadcast-related information H04H60/23
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/236 : Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video stream; Remultiplexing of multiplex streams; Insertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rate; Assembling of a packetised elementary stream multiplexing of data packets for data networks, e.g. RTP/UDP H04L65/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/23892 : involving embedding information at multiplex stream level, e.g. embedding a watermark at packet level
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2407 : Monitoring of transmitted content, e.g. distribution time, number of downloads arrangements for monitoring programmes for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast H04H20/14
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/25 : Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies maintenance or administration in data networks H04L41/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2541 : Rights Management protecting software against unauthorised usage in a vending or licensing environment G06F21/10; security in data switching network management H04L41/28; security management or policies for network security H04L63/20; access security in wireless networks H04W12/08
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2543 : Billing , e.g. for subscription services payment schemes, architectures or protocols G06Q20/00; e-commerce G06Q30/00; arrangements for billing for the use of broadcast information or broadcast-related information H04H60/21
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/41 : Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4117 : for generating hard copies of the content, e.g. printer, electronic paper interfaces to printers G06F3/12; printing data G06K15/02
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4131 : home appliance, e.g. lighting, air conditioning system, metering devices home automation data switching networks exchanging configuration information on appliance services H04L12/2807
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4135 : external recorder interface circuits between an apparatus for recording television signals and a television receiver H04N5/775
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/41415 : involving a public display, viewable by several users in a public space outside their home, e.g. movie theatre, information kiosk
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4143 : embedded in a Personal Computer [PC]
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4184 : providing storage capabilities, e.g. memory stick
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/426 : Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof H04N5/44 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/42684 : Client identification by a unique number or address, e.g. serial number, MAC address, socket ID network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming H04L61/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4307 : Synchronising the rendering of multiple content streams or additional data on devices, e.g. synchronisation of audio on a mobile phone with the video output on the TV screen
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/43072 : of multiple content streams on the same device
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/432 : Content retrieval operation from a local storage medium, e.g. hard-disk details of retrieval of video data and associated meta data in video databases G06F16/739
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4325 : by playing back content from the storage medium reproduction of recorded television signals H04N5/76; reproduction of recorded television signals H04N9/79
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/434 : Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams, extraction of additional data from a video stream; Remultiplexing of multiplex streams; Extraction or processing of SI; Disassembling of packetised elementary stream demultiplexing of data packets for data networks, e.g. RTP/UDP H04L65/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4353 : involving decryption of additional data arrangements using cryptography for the use of broadcast information or broadcast-related information H04H60/23
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/43615 : Interfacing a Home Network, e.g. for connecting the client to a plurality of peripherals home Audio Video Interoperability [HAVI] data switching networks H04L12/2805
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4363 : Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4382 : Demodulation or channel decoding, e.g. QPSK demodulation analog front ends or means for connecting modulators, demodulators or transceivers to a transmission line H04L27/0002
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4385 : Multiplex stream processing, e.g. multiplex stream decrypting
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4405 : involving video stream decryption
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/44227 : Monitoring of local network, e.g. connection or bandwidth variations; Detecting new devices in the local network configuring of peripheral devices in general G06F9/4411; monitoring connectivity in data switched networks H04L43/0811
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4432 : Powering on the client, e.g. bootstrap loading using setup parameters being stored locally or received from the server resetting in general G06F1/14; program loading or initiating in general G06F9/445; bootstrapping in general G06F9/4401; secure boots of computer platforms G06F21/57
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/45 : Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4532 : involving end-user characteristics, e.g. viewer profile, preferences monitoring of user activities for profile generation for accessing a video database G06F16/739; user profiles in network data switching protocols H04L67/306; processing of user preferences or user profiles in wireless networks H04W8/18
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/454 : Content or additional data filtering, e.g. blocking advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/458 : Scheduling content for creating a personalised stream, e.g. by combining a locally stored advertisement with an incoming stream; Updating operations, e.g. for OS modules ; time-related management operations arrangements for replacing or switching information during the broadcast or during the distribution H04H20/10
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4622 : Retrieving content or additional data from different sources, e.g. from a broadcast channel and the Internet web site content organization and management for information retrieval from the Internet G06F16/958; transmission by internet of broadcast information H04H60/82; stock exchange data over packet-switching network H04L12/1804; push services including data channel over packet-switching network H04L12/1859
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/47 : End-user applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/472 : End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content end-user interfaces for retrieving video data from a database G06F16/739; network services for supporting unicast streaming H04L65/612
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/488 : Data services, e.g. news ticker systems specially adapted for using meteorological information in broadcast systems H04H60/71
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4888 : for displaying teletext characters
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/63 : Control signaling related to video distribution between client, server and network components; Network processes for video distribution between server and clients or between remote clients, e.g. transmitting basic layer and enhancement layers over different transmission paths, setting up a peer-to-peer communication via Internet between remote STB's; Communication protocols; Addressing real-time session protocols H04L65/1101; distributed application using peer-to-peer [P2P] networks H04L67/104
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/633 : Control signals issued by server directed to the network components or client management of faults, events, alarms in data networks H04L41/06
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6543 : for forcing some client operations, e.g. recording remote booting in general G06F9/4416
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6582 : Data stored in the client, e.g. viewing habits, hardware capabilities, credit card number arrangements where receivers interact with the broadcast H04H20/38
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/818 : OS software
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8352 : involving content or source identification data, e.g. Unique Material Identifier [UMID]
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8355 : involving usage data, e.g. number of copies or viewings allowed
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/46 : for receiving on more than one standard at will deflecting circuits of multi-standard receivers H04N3/27
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/782 : on tape
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/08 : Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band , e.g. by time division H04N7/007 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/084 : with signal insertion during the horizontal blanking interval only
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/14 : Systems for two-way working H04N7/12, H04N7/173 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/173 : with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/24 : Systems for the transmission of television signals using pulse code modulation H04N21/00 takes precedence

Abstract

A unified system of programing 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. At receiver stations, signals in received transmissions and from local inputs (225, 218, 22) cause control processors (200) and computers (205) to automate connection and operation of converters (201), tuners (215), decryptors (224), recorder/players (217), computers (205), furnaces (206), etc. Processors (71, 200) meter and monitor availability and usage of programming.

Claims

1. A method of generating and delivering an individualized mass medium program presentation at a receiver station, said receiver station having a receiver for receiving a mass medium program signal, a computer for generating and communicating information, and at least one output device operatively connected to said receiver and said computer for delivering to a viewer a mass medium program and computer information, with said computer comprising at least one data storage location, said method comprising the steps of:

storing a timing signal specifying a viewer interest;

first controlling said computer at least one time based on said timing signal, said step of first controlling comprising;

(1) supplying a comparison signal, said comparison signal comprising an identification of a viewer interest or a time;

(2) selecting at least one datum, each selected datum designating a viewer interest or a time; and

(3) storing each selected datum at a storage location;

second controlling said computer at least one time based on said timing signal, said step of second controlling comprising;

(1) selecting at least one computer programming instruction;

(2) generating mass medium program information content in respect to a viewer interest; and

(3) preparing to communicate said generated mass medium program information content upon instruction;

third controlling said computer at least one time based on said timing signal;

said step of third controlling comprising;

(1) selecting mass medium program information content;

(2) selecting a location;

(3) communicating said selected mass medium program information content to said selected location; and

presenting to a subscriber at a controlled time a mass medium program with locally generated mass medium program information content, with said mass medium program and said locally generated mass medium program information content being outputted to said subscriber as at least one of the following;

(i) at least one of a combined and a sequential presentation at said at least one output device and

(ii) parallel presentations at a plurality of said at least one output device.

2. A method of generating and delivering an individualized mass medium program presentation at a receiver station, said receiver station having a receiver for receiving a mass medium program signal, a computer for generating and communicating information, and at least one output device operatively connected to said receiver and said computer for delivering to a viewer a mass medium program and computer information, with said computer comprising at least one data storage location, said method comprising the steps of:

storing a first datum specifying a viewer interest and a timing signal specifying a time;

first controlling said computer at least one time based on said timing signal, said step of first controlling comprising;

(1) supplying a comparison signal, said comparison signal comprising an identification of said viewer interest;

(2) selecting at least one second datum, each second datum designating one of a viewer interest and a time; and

(3) storing said selected at least one second datum at a storage location;

second controlling said computer at least one time based on said timing signal, said step of second controlling comprising;

(1) selecting at least one computer programming instruction;

(2) generating mass medium program information content in respect to a viewer interest; and

(3) preparing to communicate said generated mass medium program information content upon instruction;

third controlling said computer at least one time based on said timing signal;

said step of third controlling comprising;

(1) selecting mass medium program information content;

(2) selecting a location;

(3) communicating said selected mass medium program information content to said selected location; and

presenting to a subscriber at a controlled time a mass medium program with locally generated mass medium program information content, with said mass medium program and said locally generated mass medium program information content being outputted to said subscriber as at least one of the following;

(i) at least one of a combined and a sequential presentation at said at least one output device and

(ii) parallel presentations at a plurality of said at least one output device.

3. A method of generating and delivering an individualized mass medium program presentation at a receiver station, said receiver station having a receiver for receiving a mass medium program signal, a computer for generating and communicating information, and at least one output device operatively connected to said receiver and said computer for delivering to a viewer a mass medium program and computer information, with said computer comprising at least one data storage location, said method comprising the steps of:

storing at least one of (i) a timing signal specifying one of a time and a series of times and (ii) an identification signal specifying a viewer interest;

first controlling said computer based on one of said timing signal and a comparison of said identification signal to other data, said step of first controlling comprising;

(1) making a comparison between identification data for a viewer interest and other data including timing data to select a portion of said other data, said portion designating one of a time and data of interest to a viewer;

(2) selecting a storage location; and

(3) storing said selected portion of said other data at said selected storage location;

second controlling said computer based on one of said timing signal and a comparison of an identification signal to other data, said step of second controlling comprising;

(1) making a comparison between identification data for a viewer interest and other data including timing data to select at least one presentation control signal;

(2) selecting a storage location; and

(3) storing said selected at least one presentation control signal at said selected storage location; and

third controlling said computer based on one of said timing signal and a comparison of an identification signal to other data, said step of third controlling comprising;

(1) making a comparison between identification data for a viewer interest and other data including timing data to select mass medium program information content;

(2) selecting a storage location; and

(3) storing said selected mass medium program information content at said selected storage location;

presenting to a subscriber a mass medium program with local mass medium program information content in response to a command, with said mass medium program and said local information content being outputted to said subscriber as at least one of the following;

(i) at least one of a combined and a sequential presentation at said at least one output device and

(ii) parallel presentations at a plurality of said at least one output device.

4. A method of generating and delivering an individualized mass medium program presentation at a receiver station, said receiver station having a receiver for receiving a mass medium program signal, a computer for generating and communicating information, and at least one output device operatively connected to said receiver and said computer for delivering to a viewer a mass medium program and computer information, with said computer comprising at least one data storage locations, said method comprising the steps of:

storing at least one of a timing signal specifying a time and a first datum specifying a viewer interest;

first controlling said computer at least one time based on one of said timing signal and a comparison, said step of first controlling comprising;

(1) selecting said at least one first datum, said selected at least one first datum designating one of a viewer interest and a time;

(2) selecting a storage location; and

(3) storing said selected at least one first datum at said selected storage location;

second controlling said computer at least one time based on one of said timing signal and a comparison, said step of second controlling comprising;

(1) selecting at least one presentation control signal;

(2) selecting a storage location; and

(3) storing said selected at least one presentation control signal at said selected storage location; and

third controlling said computer at least one time based on one of said timing signal and a comparison, said step of third controlling comprising;

(1) selecting first mass medium program information content;

(2) selecting a storage location; and

(3) storing said selected mass medium program information content at said selected storage location;

presenting to a subscriber a mass medium program with local mass medium program information content in response to a command, with said mass medium program and said local information content being outputted to said subscriber as at least one of the following;

(i) at least one of a combined and a sequential presentation at said at least one output device and

(ii) parallel presentations at a plurality of said at least one output device.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein said command is a subscriber reaction to a prompt communicated in a mass medium program presentation, said method further comprising the steps of:

inputting said subscriber reaction at said receiver station; and

outputting second mass medium program information content in response to said inputted subscriber reaction.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein said first mass medium program information content is stored on a video recorder/player, said method further comprising the steps of:

causing said video recorder/player to communicate stored information to a processor and said at least one output device; and

causing said processor to respond to a second datum communicated from said video recorder/player.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein an electronic media presentation at said receiver station is initiated by said subscriber by one of turning on said receiver and changing a channel, said method further comprising the steps of:

detecting digital data received at said receiver; and

transferring said detected digital data to a processor.

8. The method of claim 4, wherein an electronic media presentation at said receiver station is initiated by said subscriber by one of turning on said receiver and changing a channel, said method further comprising the step of:

causing said receiver to communicate channel identification information to a processor.

9. A method of generating and delivering an individualized mass medium program presentation at a receiver station, said receiver station having a receiver for receiving a mass medium program signal, a computer for generating and communicating information, and at least one output device operatively connected to said receiver and said computer for delivering to a viewer a mass medium program and computer information, with said computer comprising at least one data storage location, said method comprising the steps of:

storing a timing signal specifying one of a time and a series of times and an identification datum specifying a viewer interest;

first controlling said computer based on said timing signal, said step of first controlling comprising;

(1) comparing said identification datum to other data to select at least one identification signal, said selected at least one identification signal including one of data, information content, and a first control signal respecting said mass medium program;

(2) selecting a storage location; and

(3) storing said selected at least one identification signal at said selected storage location;

second controlling said computer based on a comparison of said identification signal to other data, said step of second controlling comprising;

(1) generating a second control signal;

(2) selecting a device; and

(3) communicating said generated second control signal to said selected device;

third controlling said computer based on a comparison of said identification signal to other data, said step of third controlling comprising;

(1) selecting mass medium program information content; and

(2) communicating said selected mass medium program information content from a storage location; and

presenting to a subscriber a received mass medium program with local mass medium program information content, with said mass medium program and said local mass medium program information content being outputted to said subscriber as at least one of the following;

(i) at least one of a combined and a sequential presentation at said at least one output device and

(ii) parallel presentations at a plurality of said at least one output device.

10. A method of generating and delivering an individualized mass medium program presentation at a receiver station, said receiver station having a receiver for receiving a mass medium program signal, a computer for generating and communicating information, and at least one output device operatively connected to said receiver and said computer for delivering to a viewer a mass medium program and computer information, with said computer comprising at least one data storage location, said method comprising the steps of:

storing a timing signal specifying one of a time and a series of times and an identification signal specifying a viewer interest;

first controlling said computer based on said timing signal, said step of first controlling comprising;

(1) comparing one of said timing signal and said identification signal to other data to select at least one signal, said selected signal including one of data, information content, and a control signal respecting said mass medium program; and

(2) storing said selected at least one signal at a storage location;

second controlling said computer based on one of said timing signal and a comparison, said step of second controlling comprising;

(1) selecting at least one computer programming instruction;

(2) generating mass medium program information content in respect to a viewer interest; and

(3) preparing to communicate said generated mass medium program information content upon instruction;

third controlling said computer based on one of said timing signal and said comparison, said third step of controlling comprising;

(1) selecting mass medium program information content;

(2) selecting a location;

(3) communicating said selected mass medium program information content to said selected location; and

presenting to a subscriber at a controlled time a mass medium program with locally generated mass medium program information content, with said mass medium program and said locally generated mass medium program information content being outputted to said subscriber as at least one of the following;

(i) at least one of a combined and a sequential presentation at said at least one output device and

(ii) parallel presentations at a plurality of said at least one output device.

11. A method of generating and delivering an individualized mass medium program presentation at a receiver station, said receiver station having a receiver for receiving a mass medium program signal, a computer for generating and communicating information, and at least one output device operatively connected to said receiver and said computer for delivering to a viewer a mass medium program and computer information, with said computer comprising at least one data storage location, said method comprising the steps of:

storing a timing signal specifying one of a time and a series of times and an identification signal specifying a viewer interest;

first controlling said computer based on a comparison of one of said timing signal and said identification signal to first data, said step of first controlling comprising;

(1) inputting second data to said computer, said second data comprising one of (i) an identification of said mass medium program, (ii) at least one computer programming instructions, and (iii) a timing control signal;

(2) selecting a signal, said selected signal including one of data, information content, and one of a plurality of first control signals respecting said mass medium program; and

(3) storing said selected signal at a storage location;

second controlling said computer based on said first control signal, said step of second controlling comprising;

(1) selecting one of a broadcast and a cablecast signal, said one of a broadcast and a cablecast signal comprising said mass medium program and at least one second control signal;

(2) detecting said plurality of first control signals respecting said mass medium program; and

(3) inputting each of said plurality of detected control signals to a processor;

third controlling said computer based on said timing signal, said step of third controlling comprising;

(1) selecting mass medium program information content;

(2) selecting a location;

(3) communicating said selected mass medium program information content to said selected location; and

presenting to a subscriber at a controlled time said mass medium program with locally generated mass medium program information content, with said mass medium program and said locally generated mass medium program information content being outputted to said subscriber as at least one of the following;

(i) at least one of a combined and a sequential presentation at said at least one output device and

(ii) parallel presentations at a plurality of said at least one output device.

12. A method of generating and delivering an individualized mass medium program presentation at a receiver station, said receiver station having a receiver for receiving a mass medium program signal, a computer for generating and communicating information, and at least one output device operatively connected to said receiver and said computer for delivering to a viewer a mass medium program and computer information, with said computer comprising at least one data storage locations, said method comprising the steps of:

storing a timing signal specifying a time and a first datum specifying a viewer interest;

first controlling said computer at least one time based on a comparison, said step of first controlling comprising;

(1) inputting at least one second datum, said second datum designating one of said viewer interest and said time;

(2) selecting a signal, said selected signal including one of data, information content, and a control signal respecting said mass medium program; and

(3) storing said selected signal at a storage location;

second controlling said computer at least one based on said timing signal, said step of second controlling comprising;

(1) selecting at least one computer programming instruction;

(2) generating mass medium program information content in respect to said viewer interest; and

(3) preparing to communicate said generated mass medium program information content upon instruction;

third controlling said computer at least one time based on said timing signal;

said step of third controlling comprising;

(1) selecting said mass medium program information content;

(2) selecting a location;

(3) communicating said selected mass medium program information content to said selected location; and

presenting to a subscriber at a controlled time said mass medium program with locally generated mass medium program information content, with said mass medium program and said locally generated mass medium program information content being outputted to said subscriber as at least one of the following;

(i) at least one of a combined and a sequential presentation at said at least one output device and

(ii) parallel presentations at a plurality of said at least one output device.

13. A method of providing data of interest to a receiver station from a first remote data source, said data of interest for use at said receiver station in at least one of generating and outputting a receiver specific datum, said method comprising the steps of:

storing said data at said first remote data source;

receiving at said remote data source a query from said receiver station;

transmitting at least a portion of said data from said first remote data source to said receiver station in response to said step of receiving said query, said receiver station selecting and storing said transmitted at least a portion of said data and;

transmitting from a second remote source to said receiver station a signal which controls said receiver station to select and process an instruct signal which is effective at said receiver station to coordinate presentation of said at least a portion of said data with one of a mass medium program and a program segment presentation sequence.

14. A method of communicating subscriber station information from a subscriber station to at least one remote data collection stat, said method comprising the steps of:

(1) inputting one of a viewer'"'"'s and a participant'"'"'s reaction at said subscriber station;

(2) receiving at said subscriber station information that designates one of an instruct signal to process and an output to deliver in consequence of subscriber input;

(3) determining the presence of said subscriber input at said subscriber station by processing said one of a viewer'"'"'s and a participant'"'"'s reaction;

(4) processing said instruct signal which is effective to coordinate presentation of at least a mass medium program segment with a predetermined presentation sequence at said subscriber station in consequence of said step of determining; and

(5) transferring from said subscriber station to at least one remote data collection station an indicium effective to accomplish one of confirming completion of said step of processing and confirming delivery of said coordinated presentation from said step of processing.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein said instruct signal is input by a subscriber, said method further comprising the steps of:

storing a subscriber instruction to receive at least one of specific mass medium programs, data, news items, and computer control instructions; and

receiving said at least one of specific mass medium programs, data, news items, and computer control instructions in accordance with said instruction.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein said instruct signal is input by a subscriber, said method further comprising the steps of:

storing a subscriber instruction to one of process and present at least one of mass medium programs, data, news items, and computer control instructions in a specific fashion; and

one of processing and presenting said at least one of specific mass medium program , data, news items, and computer control instructions in accordance with said instruction.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein said information that designates one of an instruct signal to process and an output to deliver in consequence of subscriber input is detected in an information transmission from one of a data source and a programming source, said method further comprising the steps of:

programming a processor to respond to information communicated from said one of a data source and a programming source;

receiving said information transmission from said one of a data source and a programming source;

inputting at least a portion of said information transmission to a control signal detector;

detecting one of data and said instruct signal in said information transmission; and

passing said detected one of data and said instruct signal to said processor.

18. A method of controlling a remote intermediate mass medium programming transmitter station to communicate mass medium program material to at least one receiver stat, with said remote transmitter station including one of a broadcast and a cablecast transmitter for transmitting at least one unit of mass medium programming, a plurality of selective transfer devices each operatively connected to said one of a broadcast and a cablecast transmitter for communicating said at least one unit of mass medium programming, a mass medium programming receiver for receiving said at least one unit of mass medium programming from at least one origination transmitter station a control signal detector, and one of a controller and a computer capable of controlling at least one of said selective transfer devices, and with said remote transmitter station adapted to detect the presence of at least one control signal, to control the communication of specific units of mass medium programming in response to detected specific control signals, and to deliver at said one of a broadcast and a cablecast transmitter at least one unit of mass medium programming, said method of controlling comprising the steps of:

(1) receiving at said at least one origination transmitter station said at least one unit of mass medium programming to be transmitted by said remote intermediate mass medium programming transmitter station and delivering said at least one unit of mass medium programming to at least one origination transmitter, said at least one unit of mass medium programming having an instruct signal which is effective at said at least one receiver station to coordinate presentation of said at least one unit of mass medium programming with a predetermined presentation sequence;

(2) receiving said at least one control signal which at said remote intermediate mass medium programming transmitter station operates to control the communication of said at least one unit of mass medium programming; and

(3) transmitting said at least one control signal from said at least one origination transmitter before a specific time.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of embedding one of said at least one control signal in said at least one unit of mass medium programming before transmitting said at least one unit of mass medium programming to said remote intermediate mass medium programming transmitter station.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein said at least one control signal comprises one of a code and a datum which operates at said remote intermediate mass medium programming transmitter station to identify said at least one unit of mass medium programming, said method further comprising the step of transmitting a schedule which operates at said remote intermediate mass medium programming transmitter station to communicate said at least one unit of mass medium programming to said one of a broadcast and a cablecast transmitter at said specific time.

21. A method of controlling a receiver station including the steps of:

detecting one of the presence and the absence of one of a broadcast and a cablecast control signal at said receiver station;

inputting an instruct-to-react signal to a processor at said receiver station based on said step of detecting one of the presence and the absence of said control signal;

controlling said processor to output specific information in response to said step of inputting said instruct-to-react signal; and

coordinating presentation of at least a mass medium program segment with a predetermined presentation sequence on the basis of information received from said process or based on said step of controlling said processor.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein a buffer is operatively connected to said processor for buffering input, said method further comprising the step of inputting said instruct-to-react signal directly to said processor.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein said processor processes a datum designating one of a television channel and a television program, said method further comprising the step of controlling a tuner to tune a receiver to receive said one of a television channel and a television program designated by said processed datum.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein said processor processes a datum designating at least one specific channel of one of a multichannel cable and a broadcast signal, said method further comprising the step of controlling a tuner to tune a converter to receive said at least one specific channel designated by said processed datum.

25. The method of claim 21, wherein said processor processes a datum designating one of a television channel and a television program, said method further comprising the step of controlling a selective transfer device to input to a control signal detector at least a portion of said one of a television channel and a television program designated by said processed datum.

26. The method of claim 21, wherein said processor processes a datum designating one of a television channel and a television program, said method further comprising the step of controlling a control signal detector to search for at least one control signal in said one of a television channel and a television program designated by said processed datum.

27. The method of claim 21, wherein said processor processes a datum designating one of a television channel and a television program, said method further comprising the step of controlling a selective transfer device to input to a computer control signals detected in said one of a television channel and a television program designated by said processed datum.

28. The method of claim 21, wherein said processor processes a datum designating one of a television channel and a television program, said method further comprising the step of controlling a computer to respond to control signals detected in said one of a television channel and a television program designated by said processed datum.

29. The method of claim 21, wherein said processor processes a datum designating one of a television channel and a television program, said method further comprising the step of controlling a television monitor to display one of video and audio contained in said one of a television channel and a television program designated by said processed datum.

30. The method of claim 21, wherein said processor processes a datum designating one of a television channel and a television program, said method further comprising the step of controlling a video recorder/player to one of record and play one of video and audio contained in said one of a television channel and a television program designated by said processed datum.

31. The method of claim 21, wherein said processor processes a datum designating one of a television channel and a television program, said method further comprising the step of controlling a selective transfer device to communicate to one of a video recorder/player and a television monitor said one of a television channel and a television program designated by said processed datum.

32. The method of claim 21, wherein said processor processes a datum designating at least one specific channel of one of a multichannel cable and a broadcast signal, said method further comprising the step of controlling a selective transfer device to input to a control signal detector at least a portion of said at least one specific channel designated by said processed datum.

33. The method of claim 21, wherein said processor processes a datum designating at least one specific channel of one of a multichannel cable and a broadcast signal, said method further comprising the step of controlling a control signal detector to search for at least one control signal in said at least one specific channel designated by said processed datum.

34. The method of claim 21, wherein said processor processes a datum designating at least one specific channel of one of a multichannel cable and a broadcast signal, said method further comprising the step of controlling a selective transfer device to input to a computer control signals detected in said at least one specific channel designated by said processed datum.

35. The method of claim 21, wherein said processor processes a datum designating at least one specific channel of one of a multichannel cable and a broadcast signal, said method further comprising the step of controlling a computer to respond to control signals detected in said at least one specific channel designated by said processed datum.

36. The method of claim 21, wherein said processor processes a datum designating at least one specific channel of one of a multichannel cable and a broadcast signal, said method further comprising the step of controlling a television monitor to display one of video and audio contained in said at least one specific channel designated by said processed datum.

37. The method of claim 21, wherein said processor processes a datum designating at least one specific channel of one of a multichannel cable and a broadcast signal, said method further comprising the step of controlling a video recorder/player to one of record and play one of video and audio contained in said at least one specific channel designated by said processed datum.

38. The method of claim 21, wherein said processor processes a datum designating at least one specific channel of one of a multichannel cable and a broadcast signal, said method further comprising the step of controlling a selective transfer device to communicate to one of a storage device and an output device the at least one specific channel designated by said processed datum.

39. A method of controlling a receiver station, said receiver station having a processor for passing and executing instructions and a clock operatively connected to said processor for inputting a timing signal, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving one of a broadcast and a cablecast transmission;

demodulating said one of a broadcast and a cablecast transmission to detect an information transmission thereon, said information transmission comprising an instruct signal which is effective to coordinate presentation of at least a mass medium program segment with a predetermined presentation sequence;

detecting said instruct signal on said information transmission and passing said instruct signal to said processor;

delaying, under control of said processor, the passing of said instruct signal to a controllable apparatus;

passing said instruct signal to said controllable apparatus on the basis of said timing signal; and

controlling said controllable apparatus based on said instruct signal.

40. The method of claim 39, further comprising the steps of:

detecting said timing signal in said information transmission;

passing said timing signal to said clock; and

timing, under control of said clock, the passing of said instruct signal based on said timing signal.

41. A method of communicating program material to at least one receiver station which includes one of a broadcast and a cablecast program receiver, an output device, a control signal detector, a processor operatively connected to said output device, and with said at least one receiver station adapted to detect and respond to at least one instruct signal, said method of communicating comprising the steps of:

(1) receiving at least a program segment to be transmitted at a transmitter station and delivering said at least a program segment to a transmitter;

(2) receiving and storing said at least one instruct signal at said transmitter station, said at least one instruct signal at said receiver station operates to coordinate presentation of said at least a program segment with a predetermined presentation sequence;

(3) transferring said at least one instruct signal to said transmitter; and

(4) transmitting from said transmitter station an information transmission comprising said at least a program segment and said at least one instruct signal.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein one of identification data and said at least one instruct signal are embedded in a mass medium program signal containing said at least a program segment.

43. The method of claim 41, wherein said step of transmitting directs said one of a broadcast and a cablecast transmission to a plurality of receiver stations at the same time and each of said plurality of receiver stations one of receives and responds to said at least one instruct signal concurrently.

44. The method of claim 41, wherein said step of transmitting directs said one of a broadcast and a cablecast transmission to a plurality of receiver stations at first different times and each of said plurality of receiver stations responds to said at least one instruct signal at a second different time.

45. The method of claim 41, further comprising the steps of:

receiving said at least a program segment at a receiver in said transmitter station;

communicating said at least a program segment from said receiver to a memory location; and

storing said at least a program segment at said memory location for a period of time prior to communicating said at least a program segment to said transmitter.