Signal processing apparatus and methods

• US 7,752,649 B1
• Filed: 05/24/1995
• Issued: 07/06/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/03/1981
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: N/A
• Original Assignee: N/A
• Inventors: Harvey, John Christopher, Cuddihy, James William
• Primary Examiner(s): Moore, Jr., Michael J
• Application Number:
  US08/449,097
• Time in Patent Office: 5,522 Days
• Field of Search: 348/6, 348/7, 348/9, 348/10, 348/12, 348/13, 348/24, 348/3, 348/719, 348/466, 348/467, 348/246, 348/247, 348/616, 348/617, 380/20, 455/3.1, 455/3.2, 455/4.1, 455/4.2, 455/5.1, 455/6.2
• US Class Current: 725/139
• 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 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. 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 processing signals at a receiver station, said receiver station having a plurality of processors, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving an information transmission including a digital television signal and a message stream;

detecting said message stream in said information transmission;

selecting at least one message of said detected message stream;

inputting at least a first portion of said selected at least one message to a control processor;

selecting control information in said inputted first portion of said selected at least one message;

selecting and outputting under the control of said control processor, other portions of said message stream to said plurality of processors, based on said control information;

processing said selected other portions of said message stream simultaneously at said plurality of processors;

controlling the timing of communicating television programming in accordance with said message stream; and

storing information evidencing the availability, use or usage of said television programming or said message stream.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of programming said control processor to execute a controlled function in response to said at least one message.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising the step of programming said control processor to compare information stored in at least a first register memory with control function invoking information.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of programming said control processor to compare information stored in at least a second register memory with information that identifies a length or format of at least a portion of said at least one message.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein a register memory includes an input signal register memory further comprising the steps of:

communicating said at least a first portion of said selected at least one message to said input signal register memory;

selecting information at said input signal register memory to compare or communicate; and

communicating said control information to at least a second register memory.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising the step of communicating at least one of said other portions of said message stream to said input signal register memory.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of controlling a switch to output at least one of said selected other portions of said message stream to a specific one of said plurality of processors.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of controlling said switch to communicate said at least one of said selected other portions of said message stream from at least one of (1) said control processor and (2) a buffer that inputs to said control processor.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein said switch outputs said at least one of said selected other portions to said control processor.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein said switch outputs said at least one of said selected other portions to at least one of a signal processor and a central processor.

11. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of programming said control processor to control said switch based on information included in said message stream.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of:

programming said control processor with comparison information to serve as a basis for determining the length or format of said at least one message of said message stream; and

programming said control processor to compare information stored at said at least one register memory to said comparison information.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein said control processor and said switch are located on a single microchip.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein said control processor receives said at least a first portion of said message from a first of said plurality of processors and controls outputting to a second of said plurality of processors.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein said first control processor performs at least one of (1) converting information detected in said message stream based on protocols and (2) assembling processor code based on information detected in said message stream, said method further comprising the step of communicating machine language code to said second processor in said selected other portions of said message stream.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein a decryptor decrypts at least some of said message stream, said method further comprising the step of outputting one or more of said selected other portions of said message stream to said decryptor.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the steps of:

selecting at least a portion of said message stream; and

controlling said decryptor in accordance with said selected at least a portion of said message stream.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein said selected at least a portion of said message stream comprises a decryption key.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of decrypting at least some of said digital television signal in accordance with said decryption key.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising the steps of:

storing a decrypted portion of said at least some of said message stream at a register memory; and

processing decrypted portions of said message stream simultaneously.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of decrypting processor code included in said message stream.

22. The method of claim 1, wherein a standard informs said receiver station of a signal to be processed, said method further comprising the step of evaluating at least some of said selected at least one message based on said standard.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising the steps of:

storing at least a portion of said standard at one or more of a Standard Word and a Standard Length memory; and

programming said receiver station to compare data received in said information transmission to information included at said one or more of a Standard Word and a Standard Length memory.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein said receiver station identifies, based on said standard, one of (1) an end of a prior message and (2) a header in said selected at least one message.

25. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of causing said control processor to process an interrupt signal based on said standard.

26. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of programming said receiver station to communicate a processor interrupt signal to at least one of said plurality of processors.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein two or more of said plurality of processors are adapted to communicate or respond to processor interrupt signals, said method further comprising the step of programming said receiver station to select at least one of said two or more processors to interrupt.

28. The method of claim 1, wherein said receiver station includes a video monitor and a first of said plurality of processors generates a video signal to be displayed as part of said television programming, said method further comprising the step of outputting to said first processor a first of said selected other portions of said message stream which causes said first processor to communicate said video signal to said video monitor.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein said receiver station includes a speaker and a second of said plurality of processors generates an audio signal including audio to be emitted as part of said television programming, said method further comprising the step of outputting to said second processor a second of said selected other portions of said message stream which causes said second processor to communicate said audio signal to said speaker.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein said receiver station includes one or more of a tuner and a portion receiver and a third of said plurality of processors is adapted to control said one or more of a tuner and a portion receiver, said method further comprising the step of programming said third processor to control said one or more of a tuner and a portion receiver based on information included in said selected other portions of said message stream.

31. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of said selected other portions of said message stream includes first processor code that controls at least one of said plurality of processors to generate information content of one or more video or audio signals, said method further comprising the steps of:

selecting second processor code included in said selected at least one message; and

communicating said first processor code in accordance with said second processor code.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein said second processor code programs said control processor to select control information in said message stream and communicate said selected control information to a register memory, said method further comprising the step of processing control information of a new composition and/or length in accordance with said second processor code.

33. A method of processing signals at a receiver station, said receiver station having a plurality of processors, said plurality of processors including a first control processor which controls a remainder of said plurality of processors based on a message stream, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving an information transmission including a message stream at a transmission station;

generating a control portion'"'"' of said message stream at said transmission station that is effective at a receiver station to cause said first control processor to select portions of said message stream that control said control processor and said remainder of said plurality of processors to perform different functions comprising (i) processing television programming and (ii) controlling the timing of communicating said television programming; and

transmitting said message stream to be received at said receiver station.

34. The method of claim 33, further comprising the steps of:

generating a first instruction specifying a control function to be executed;

generating a second instruction specifying a data structure, length, or format;

organizing said first and second instructions in a sequence, said sequence comprising a command; and

communicating to a signal generator cadence information which operates at said receiver station to select a portion of at least one message of said message stream.

35. The method of claim 34, further comprising the steps of:

processing data specifying a condition which must exist at said receiver station; and

including said data specifying a condition in said command.

36. The method of claim 34, further comprising the step of transmitting an instruction which operates at said receiver station to control at least one of said plurality of processors to select a second processor to be interrupted.

37. The method of claim 33, further comprising the steps of selecting at least some of said television programming at said transmission station;

selecting meter-monitor data; and

organizing said message stream to include said selected at least some of said television programming and said selected meter-monitor data.

38. A method of processing signals in a network, comprising the steps of:

receiving an information transmission to be transmitted;

receiving an instruct signal which is effective at a transmitter station to generate at least a first message that is effective to enable a receiver station to control the reception or presentation of television programming, select and output portions of said information transmission to a plurality of processors at said receiver station based on control information in said first message, process said portions of said information transmission simultaneously at said plurality of processors and meter or monitor the availability, use or usage of said television programming or said at least a first message;

receiving a transmitter control signal which operates at said transmitter station to communicate said at least a first message to a transmitter; and

transmitting said information transmission, and said first message.

39. A method of processing signals in a television receiver, said television receiver having a plurality of processors, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving an information transmission including digital television signals and a message stream;

detecting said message stream in said information transmission;

inputting at least a first portion of said message stream to a control processor;

selecting control information in said at least a first portion of said message stream and communicating said selected control information to at least one register memory;

comparing stored function invoking data to the contents of said at least one register memory;

inputting said digital television signals to said plurality of processors on the basis of one or more matches;

processing of said digital television signals simultaneously at two or more of said plurality of processors; and

displaying television programming included in said digital television signals.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein said information transmission is processed using forward error correction techniques.

41. The method of claim 39, further comprising the step of programming said control processor to execute a controlled function in response to said message stream.

42. The method of claim 39, further comprising the step of programming said control processor to compare information stored at said at least one register memory to said stored function invoking data.

43. The method of claim 39, further comprising the step of programming said control processor to compare information stored at said at least one register memory with information that specifies a composition of said message stream.

44. The method of claim 39, wherein said step of selecting control information in said at least a first portion of said message stream and communicating said selected control information to at least one register memory includes:

communicating said control information to a first part of said at least one register memory; and

communicating said control information to a second part of said at least one register memory.

45. The method of claim 39, further comprising the step of controlling a digital switch on the basis of said one or more matches.

46. The method of claim 39, wherein said a digital switch communicates at least some of said digital television signals to said plurality of processors, said method further comprising the step of communicating said at least some of said digital television signals from said at least one register memory to at least one of said digital switch and one of said plurality of processors.

47. The method of claim 39, wherein said control processor receives said at least a first portion of said message stream from a first of said plurality of processors, said method further comprising the step of communicating at least a second portion of said message stream to a second of said plurality of processors.

48. The method of claim 39, wherein said television receiver includes a video monitor and information included in said message stream controls a first of said plurality of processors to generate video to be displayed as part of said television programming, said method further comprising the step of communicating to said first processor a first instruction which causes said first processor to communicate said video to said video monitor.

49. The method of claim 48, wherein said television receiver includes a speaker and information included in said message stream controls a second of said plurality of processors to generate an audio signal including audio to be emitted as part of said television programming, said method further comprising the step of communicating to said second processor a second instruction which causes said second processor to communicate said audio signal to said speaker.

50. The method of claim 48, wherein said first of said plurality of processors generates said video in accordance with information included in said message stream, said method further comprising the step of communicating at least some of said message stream to said plurality of processors.

51. The method of claim 48, wherein at least some of said digital television signals are included in said message stream.

52. The method of claim 39, wherein said message stream includes first processor code which controls said plurality of processors to generate information content of a video or audio signal, said method further comprising the steps of:

inputting to said control processor second processor code detected in said message stream; and

communicating said first processor code in accordance with said second processor code.

53. The method of claim 52, wherein said second processor code programs said control processor to select or respond to said control information.

54. A method of television or video signal processing at a television or video receiver, said television or video receiver having a plurality of processors, comprising the steps of:

receiving an information transmission, said information transmission including a message stream;

receiving a control signal which operates at a transmitter station to communicate said information transmission to a transmitter; and

transmitting said message stream, said message stream enabling said receiver station to select control information in said message stream, compare said control information to a stored function invoking datum, input selected digital television or digital video signals to said plurality of processors on the basis of one or more matches of said control information to said stored function invoking datum, simultaneously process said selected digital television or digital video signals at two or more of said plurality of processors, and display television programming or video information included in said selected digital television or digital video signals.

55. The method of claim 54, further comprising the steps of:

receiving said information transmission at a signal generator operatively connected to said transmitter;

generating first cadence information which is effective at said receiver station to execute a predetermined instruction and at least one message element including one or more instructions to be directed to a specific one of said plurality of processors; and

embedding said cadence information and said at least one message element in said information transmission before communicating said information transmission to said transmitter.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein said specific processor includes at least one register memory, said method further comprising the step of:

communicating to said signal generator second cadence information which operates at said at least one register memory to select or identify said control information.

57. The method of claim 54, further comprising the steps of:

generating a first instruction specifying a control function to be executed;

generating a second instruction specifying a data structure, length, or format;

organizing said first and second instructions in a sequence, said sequence comprising a command; and

embedding said command in said message stream.

58. The method of claim 57, further comprising the steps of:

processing data specifying a condition which must exist at said receiver; and

including said data specifying a condition in said command.

59. The method of claim 54, further comprising the steps of:

selecting television programming;

selecting meter-monitor data; and

embedding said selected television programming and said selected meter-monitor data in said message stream.

60. The method of claim 54, wherein information included in said message stream enables said receiver, or apparatus operatively connected to said receiver, to select said selected digital television or digital video signals, said method further comprising the step of transmitting said digital television or digital video signals.

61. A method of television or video signal processing at a television or video receiver, said television or video receiver having a plurality of processors, comprising the steps of:

receiving an information transmission including a message stream; and

causing said message stream to be communicated to a transmitter at a specific time, thereby to transmit said message stream, said message stream enabling said receiver station to select control information in said message stream, compare said control information to a stored function invoking datum, input selected digital television or digital video signals to said plurality of processors on the basis of one or more matches of said control information to said stored function invoking datum, simultaneously process said selected digital television or digital video signals at two or more of said plurality of processors, and display television programming or video information included in selected digital television or digital video signals.

62. A method of processing signals at a receiver station, said receiver station having a video monitor and a plurality of processors, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving an information transmission including digital video signals and control information;

detecting said control information in said information transmission and passing said control information to a control processor;

communicating said control information selectively to at least one register memory;

comparing stored function invoking data to the contents of said at least one register memory;

communicating said digital video signals to at least one of said plurality of processors on the basis of one or more matches;

processing said digital video signals simultaneously at two or more of said plurality of processors; and

displaying video included in said digital video signals.

63. The method of claim 62, wherein said video includes television programming.

64. The method of claim 62, wherein said control information is detected in a message stream, said method further comprising the step of communicating at least some of said message stream from a first of said plurality of processors.

65. The method of claim 62, wherein said control processor receives said control information from a first of said plurality of processors, said method further comprising the step of communicating said control information to a second of said plurality of processors.

66. The method of claim 65, wherein said first processor performs one of (1) converting information detected in said information transmission based on protocols and (2) assembling processor code based on data detected in at least a first portion of said information transmission, said method further comprising the step of communicating machine language code to said second processor based on data detected in at least a second portion of said information transmission.

67. A method of processing signals in a television receiver, said television receiver having a plurality of processors, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving an information transmission including digital television signals and cadence information;

detecting and passing said cadence information to a control processor;

communicating said cadence information selectively to at least one register memory;

comparing stored communication control information to the contents of said at least one register memory;

communicating said digital television signals to said plurality of processors on the basis of one or more matches;

processing said digital television signals simultaneously at two or more of said plurality of processors; and

displaying television programming included in said digital television signals.

68. The method of claim 67, wherein said control processor controls a decryptor to decrypt at least some of said digital television signals, said method further comprising the step of controlling a digital switch to communicate said at least some of said digital television signals to or from said decryptor in accordance with said cadence information.

69. The method of claim 68, wherein said cadence information is unencrypted.

70. The method of claim 68, wherein said cadence information is detected in a message stream, said method further comprising the steps of:

storing a decrypted portion of said message stream at said at least one register memory; and

processing decrypted portions of said message stream simultaneously.

71. The method of claim 67, wherein a standard identifies a signal to be processed, said method further comprising the step of identifying a start of one or more of (1) said digital television signals and (2) said cadence information based on said standard.

72. The method of claim 71, further comprising the steps of:

programming said television receiver to compare the contents of a first part of said at least one register memory to a second part of said at least one register memory; and

storing said standard at said at least one register memory.

73. The method of claim 71, wherein said receiver identifies, based on said standard, one of a start and an end of a message.

74. The method of claim 67, further comprising the step of causing said control processor to process an interrupt signal based on said cadence information.

75. A method of processing signals at a receiver station, said receiver station having a plurality of processors, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving a broadcast or cablecast information transmission including at least one of a digital video and a digital audio signal;

detecting a message stream in said broadcast or cablecast information transmission;

selecting a message communicated in said detected message stream;

inputting at least a portion of said selected message to a control processor;

communicating a predetermined datum to a flag memory;

outputting selected portions of said message to said plurality of processors;

processing said selected portions simultaneously;

selecting a processor from said plurality of processors to interrupt on the basis of control information included in said message;

communicating a processor interrupt to said selected processor; and

controlling apparatus presenting media programming based on the content of said flag memory.

76. A method of processing signals at a receiver station, said receiver station having a plurality of processors, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving a broadcast or cablecast information transmission at a transmission station;

generating a message that is effective to enable said receiver station to output selected portions of said message to said plurality of processors, to process said selected portions simultaneously, to select a processor from said plurality of processors to interrupt on the basis of control information included in said message to communicate a processor interrupt to said selected processor and to control apparatus presenting media programming based on the content of a flag memory; and

transmitting said message.

77. A method of processing signals in a network, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) receiving a broadcast or cablecast information transmission;

(b) receiving an instruct signal effective at a transmitter station to generate a first message of a message stream that is effective to enable a remote receiver station to;

(1) output selected portions of said message stream to a plurality of processors, (2) process said selected portions simultaneously, (3) select a processor from said plurality of processors to interrupt on the basis of control information included in said first message, (4) at least one of communicate and respond to a processor interrupt on the basis of the content of a flag memory, and (5) control apparatus presenting media programming based on said processor interrupt;

(c) receiving a transmitter control signal which operates at said transmitter station to communicate said first message to a transmitter; and

(d) transmitting said information transmission, signal, and said and said first message.

78. A method of processing signals in a television receiver, said television receiver having a plurality of processors, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving an information transmission including a digital television signal and a message stream;

detecting said message stream in said information transmission;

selecting at least one message of said detected message stream;

inputting at least a first portion of said selected at least one message to a control processor;

selecting control information in said inputted first portion of said selected at least one message and communicating said selected control information to a plurality of dedicated register memories;

controlling a digital switch on the basis of a plurality of comparisons at said memories;

outputting selected other portions of said message stream to said plurality of processors;

processing said selected other portions of said message stream simultaneously; and

controlling the reception or presentation of television programming in accordance with said selected other portions.

79. The method of claim 78, further comprising the step of programming said control processor to execute a controlled function in response to an execution instruction included in said at least one message.

80. The method of claim 79, further comprising the step of programming said control processor to compare information stored at some or all of a first of said plurality of dedicated register memories with control function invoking information.

81. The method of claim 80, further comprising the step of programming said control processor to compare information stored at some or all of a second of said plurality of dedicated register memories with information that identifies the composition of said at least one message.

82. The method of claim 78, wherein said plurality of dedicated register memories include an input signal register memory and said step of selecting control information in said inputted first portion of said selected at least one message and communicating said selected control information to a plurality of dedicated registers memories comprises:

communicating said at least a first portion of said selected at least one message to said input signal register memory;

selecting information at said input signal memory to compare or communicate; and

communicating said control information to a second of said plurality of dedicated register memories.

83. The method of claim 78, further comprising the step of communicating at least one of said other portions of said message stream to an input signal register memory included in said plurality of dedicated register memories.

84. The method of claim 83, further comprising the step of communicating said at least one of said other portions of said message stream from said input signal register memory to at least one of said digital switch and a second one of said plurality of processors.

85. The method of claim 78, wherein said control processor receives said at least a first portion of said message from a first of said plurality of processors, said method further comprising the step of controlling said digital switch to communicate one or more other portions of said message stream to one of said plurality of processors.

86. The method of claim 78, wherein said control processor controls a decryptor to decrypt at least some of said at least one message, said method further comprising the step of controlling said digital switch to communicate said at least some of said at least one message to or from said decryptor.

87. The method of claim 86, further comprising the steps of:

Storing a decrypted portion of said at least some of said at least one message at some of said plurality of dedicated register memories; and

processing decrypted portions of said message stream simultaneously.

88. The method of claim 78, wherein a standard identifies a signal to be processed, said method further comprising the step of identifying the start of said selected at least one message based on said standard.

89. The method of claim 88, further comprising the step of:

programming said television receiver to compare the contents of at least a first of said plurality of dedicated register memories to a second of said plurality of dedicated register memories; and

storing said standard at least one of said plurality of dedicated register memories.

90. The method of claim 88, wherein said receiver identifies, based on said standard, at least one of (1) an end of a prior message and (2) a header in said selected at least one message.

91. The method of claim 88, further comprising the step of causing said control processor to process an interrupt signal based on said identified signal to be processed.

92. The method of claim 78, wherein said television receiver includes a video monitor and information included in said message stream controls a first of said plurality of processors to generates a video signal to be displayed as part of said television programming, said method further comprising the step of causing at least one of said control processor and said digital switch to communicate to said first processor a first signal which causes said first processor to communicate said video signal to said video monitor.

93. The method of claim 92, wherein said television receiver includes a speaker and information included in said message stream controls a second of said plurality of processors to generate an audio signal including audio to be emitted as part of said television programming, said method further comprising the step of causing at least one of said control processor and said digital switch to communicate to said second processor a second signal which causes said second processor to communicate said audio signal to said speaker.

94. The method of claim 92, wherein said first of said plurality of processors generates said video signal in accordance with at least one of said selected other portions of said message stream, said method further comprising the step of controlling said digital switch to communicate said at least one of said selected other portions of said message stream to said first of said plurality of processors.

95. The method of claim 78, wherein at least one of said other portions of said message stream includes first processor code addressed to a processor that generates information content of a video or audio signal, said method further comprising the steps of:

Inputting to said control processor second processor code received in said selected at least one message; and

Communicating, in accordance with said second processor code, said at least one of said other portions of said message stream to said processor that generates said information content.

96. The method of claim 95, wherein said second processor code programs said control processor to select control information in said message stream and communicate said selected control information to said plurality of dedicated register memories, said method further comprising the step of processing control information of a new composition and/or length in accordance with said second processor code.

97. A method of video signal processing at a video receiver, said video receiver having a plurality of processors, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving an information transmission including a digital video signal and a message stream;

detecting said message stream in said information transmission;

selecting at least one message of said detected message stream;

inputting at least a portion of said selected at least one message to a control processor;

selecting control information in said inputted portion of said selected at least one message and communicating said selected control information to at least one dedicated register memory;

controlling a digital switch on the basis of a plurality of comparisons at said at least one dedicated register memory;

outputting selected portions of said message stream to said plurality of processors;

processing said selected portions of said message stream simultaneously; and

controlling the reception or presentation of video in accordance with said at least one message.

98. The method of claim 97, wherein said information transmission is processed using forward error correction techniques.

99. A method for an origination station or intermediate transmission station to control television or video signal processing at a television or video receiver, said television or video receiver having a plurality of processors, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving an information transmission, said information transmission including a message stream;

receiving a control signal which operates at a transmitter station to communicate said information transmission to a transmitter; and

transmitting said message stream, said message stream to effect said receiver to select a portion of at least one message from said message stream and control the presentation of television programming or video information in accordance with said at least one message by selecting and outputting portions of said information transmission to said plurality of processors based on control information in said at least one message and processing said portions of said information transmission simultaneously at said plurality of processors.

100. The method of claim 99, wherein said step of receiving an information transmission is at a signal generator operatively connected to said transmitter, and further comprising the steps of:

generating first cadence information which is effective at said receiver to execute a predetermined instruction and at least one message element including one or more instructions to be directed to a specific at least one of said plurality of processors; and

embedding said cadence information and said at least one message element in said information transmission before communicating said information transmission to said transmitter.

101. The method of claim 100, wherein said specific processor includes a plurality of dedicated register memories, said method further comprising the step of:

Communicating to said signal generator second cadence information which operates at said a plurality of dedicated register memories to select said portion of at least one message.

102. A method for an origination station or intermediate transmission station to control processing of signals in a television or video receiver, said television or video receiver having a plurality of processors, said method comprising the steps of:

(1) receiving an information transmission, including a message stream; and

(2) causing a portion of said message stream to be communicated to a transmitter at a specific time, thereby to transmit said portion of said message stream, said portion of said message stream to effect said receiver station to control the presentation of some television programming or video information in accordance with said message portion by selecting and outputting portions of said information transmission to said plurality of processors based on control information in said portion of said message stream and processing said portions of said information transmission simultaneously at said plurality of processors.