Signal processing apparatus and methods

• US 7,764,685 B1
• Filed: 06/02/1995
• Issued: 07/27/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/03/1981
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Personalized Media Communications, LLC
• Original Assignee: Personalized Media Communications, LLC
• Inventors: Harvey, John Christopher, Cuddihy, James William
• Primary Examiner(s): Moore, Jr., Michael J
• Application Number:
  US08/459,522
• Time in Patent Office: 5,534 Days
• Field of Search: 348/6, 348/7, 348/9, 348/10, 348/12, 348/13, 348/24, 348/246, 348/247, 348/466, 348/467, 348/616, 348/617, 348/719, 380/20, 455/3.1, 455/3.2, 455/4.1, 455/4.2, 455/5.1, 455/6.2, 370/452, 370/460, 370/470, 370/471, 370/474
• US Class Current: 370/392
• 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 programming a receiver station, said receiver station having a first processor and a memory operatively connected to said first processor, said method comprising the steps of:

generating a first message including first cadence information, an execution segment, and an information segment, said information segment including a first part of an instruction set and a data module, said data module to be processed in accordance with said instruction set;

generating one or more second messages, each of said second messages including second cadence information and some other part of said instruction set and said data module;

organizing said first message and said one or more second messages in a sequence, said first message and said one or more second messages in said sequence comprising a message stream;

transmitting said message stream;

detecting said message stream at said receiver station;

processing said first and second cadence information to determine the structure or composition of said message stream;

executing one or more preprogrammed operating instructions in accordance with said execution segment;

selecting said first part of said instruction set and said data module and said some other part of said instruction set and said data module in accordance with said one or more preprogrammed operating instructions; and

directing said instruction set to said first processor and said data module to said memory.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said first processor is one of a plurality of processors at said receiver station, said method further comprising the step of inputting said execution segment to a control processor.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said receiver station processes video or audio in accordance with said message stream, said method further comprising the step of transmitting said video or audio to said receiver station.

4. A method of composing and transmitting a message stream to program a receiver station, said receiver station having a first processor and a memory operatively connected to said first processor, said method comprising the steps of:

generating a first message including first cadence information, a first execution segment, and an information segment, said information segment including a first part of data and an instruction set;

generating one or more second messages, each of said second messages including second cadence information and some other part of said data and said instruction set;

firstly embedding said first message into one or more information transmissions;

subsequently embedding said one or more second messages into said one or more information transmissions, said first message and said one or more second messages in said one or more information transmissions comprising said message stream;

transmitting said message stream;

detecting said message stream at said receiver station;

processing said first and second cadence information to determine a structure or composition of said message stream;

executing one or more preprogrammed operating instructions in accordance with said first execution segment;

selecting said first part of data and said instruction set and said some other part of said data and said instruction set in accordance with said one or more preprogrammed operating instructions; and

directing said instruction set to said first processor and said data to said memory.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein at least one of said first and second messages includes a first part of said instruction set, said method further comprising the steps of:

generating one or more third messages, each of said third messages including some other part of said sequence of instruction sets; and

transmitting said one or more third messages into said message stream.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein said one or more second messages include said instruction set, said method further comprising the steps of selecting and transmitting information in said first execution segment which operates at said receiver station to store said data at a memory operatively connected to said first processor.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising the steps of selecting and transmitting a second execution segment information which operates at said receiver station to store at least some of said instruction set at a memory operatively connected to said first processor.

8. The method of claim 6, further comprising the steps of selecting and transmitting in a second execution segment information which operates at said receiver station to execute at least some of said instruction set.

9. The method of claim 4, wherein said data comprises a data module, said method further comprising the step of placing generally applicable video or audio into said data module.

10. The method of claim 4, wherein said instruction set comprises a formula, said method further comprising the steps of:

computing a value by processing stored data; and

incorporating said value into said formula.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein said formula is included in code, said method further comprising the step of one of assembling and compiling said code.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of transmitting one or more of higher language code and at least some of an assembly language.

13. The method of claim 4, wherein said information segment is of variable length and at least one element of said message stream designates one or more of a beginning and an end of said information segment.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of generating in one of said first and second messages multiple elements of fixed length, said generated multiple elements including one or more of a length token, a format field and an end of file signal.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein said generated multiple elements of fixed length include a header and said execution segment.

16. The method of claim 4, 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

transmitting said command to said receiver station.

17. The method of claim 16, 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.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein said command operates at said receiver station to execute one or more instructions included in said instruction set.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of transmitting operating instructions which enable said receiver station to execute said control function in response to said command.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein said command operates at said receiver station to present one or more receiver specific data at an output device, said receiver specific data generated in accordance with said instruction set, said method further comprising the step of transmitting one or more of (1) subscriber transaction data to be stored and processed at said receiver station and (2) meter-monitor data.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein said instruction set is one of an intermediate generation set and a program instruction set.

22. The method of claim 4, wherein said first and second messages include at least one combining synch command, said method further comprising the step of transmitting television programming to be presented at said receiver station simultaneously or sequentially with a receiver specific datum generated at said receiver station based on said message stream.

23. A method of controlling a receiver station, said receiver station having a first memory and one or more processors operatively connected to said first memory, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving an information transmission including an embedded message stream, said message stream having a first message and one or more second messages, said first message including first cadence information, an execution segment, and an information segment including a first part of an instruction set and a data module, said one or more second messages each including second cadence information and some other part of said instruction set and said data module;

detecting said message stream in said information transmission;

processing said first and second cadence information to determine the structure or composition of said message stream;

selecting said execution segment;

executing one or more preprogrammed operating instructions in accordance with said execution segment;

selecting said first part of said instruction set and said data module and said some other part of said instruction set and said data module in accordance with said one or more preprogrammed operating instructions;

directing said data module to said first memory; and

directing said instruction set to said one or more processors.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein said receiver station includes a plurality of processors and said instruction set comprises portions of a series of messages in said message stream, said method further comprising the steps of:

inputting at least some of said message stream to a control processor; and

directing selected parts of said series of messages to said first processor based on one or more comparisons performed by said control processor.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising the steps of:

detecting operating system instructions in said information transmission; and

programming said control processor to process said at least some of said message stream in accordance with said operating system instructions.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein a command is detected in said information transmission, said method further comprising the step of executing instructions in said one or more processors in accordance with said instruction set and in response to said command.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein said step of

executing instructions comprises:

storing information in a register memory of said one or more processors in accordance with at least one of said instruction set and said first command; and

subsequently comparing information received in said message stream to information stored in said register memory.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein said one or more processors clear said first memory if said step of comparing results in a failure to match.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein said one or more processors perform at least one of outputting the contents of a video RAM to a video monitor and outputting the contents of an audio RAM to a speaker if said step of comparing results in a match.

30. The method of claim 29, further comprising the steps of:

selecting at least some information included in said data module; and

placing said selected information in one of said video RAM and said audio RAM.

31. The method of claim 27, wherein said one or more processors execute a first of said instructions if said step of comparing information results in a match and a second of said instructions if said step of comparing information results in a failure to match.

32. The method of claim 23, wherein a programmable controller controls said one or more processors, said method further comprising the steps of:

receiving a control program; and

controlling said one or more processors to execute at least one of said instructions based on said control program.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein said control program causes said controller to communicate a processor interrupt to said one or more processors.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein said one or more processors control a computer to generate at least some of the video or audio of said television program, said method further comprising the step of communicating, in accordance with said instruction set, information detected in said message stream.

35. The method of claim 23, wherein a switch communicates portions of said information transmission to a computer and a television monitor, said method further comprising the step of controlling said switch to communicate in accordance with information included in said information transmission.

36. The method of claim 23, wherein said information transmission includes a first video image, and said instruction set operates (1) to generate a second video image by processing subscriber input and (2) to output, at a video monitor, a combined or sequential presentation of said first video image and said second video image.

37. The method of claim 36, further comprising the step of converting at least some of said instruction set from higher language code to a machine language.

38. The method of claim 23, wherein said massage stream is included in a code portion of said information transmission, said method further comprising the step of selecting said code portion.

176. The method of claim 37, further comprising the steps of:

identifying the beginning of said information segment by processing a first of a token, field, and distinctive signal; and

identifying the end of said information segment by processing a second of a token, field, or distinctive signal.

39. A method of composing and transmitting a message stream to a receiver station, said receiver station having a first processor and a memory operatively connected to said first processor, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving, at an intermediate transmission station, an information transmission in which some of said message stream is embedded, said information transmission including a first message having a first part of data and an instruction set and a first cadence information, and an execution segment;

detecting at least said first message in said information transmission;

processing said first cadence information, and execution segment to determine a structure or composition of said message stream;

executing one or more preprogrammed operating instructions in accordance with said execution segment;

directing said instruction set to said first processor;

generating a balance of said message stream, said balance of said message stream including second cadence information and some other part of said data and said instruction set;

embedding said balance of said message stream into said information transmission with said some of said message stream in a first sequence, said first sequence including said execution segment and comprising said message stream; and

transmitting said information transmission and said message stream.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein said some of said message stream includes a combining synch command, said method further comprising the step of transmitting one or more of video, audio, and graphic information to be processed or outputted at said receiver station in accordance with said combining synch command.

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

storing a schedule; and

causing one or more of a memory and a switch to communicate said one or more of video, audio, and at least one graphic to a transmitter in accordance with said schedule.

42. The method of claim 40, further comprising the step of causing one or more of a memory and a switch to communicate said some of said message stream to a transmitter in response to said first message.

43. The method of claim 39, wherein said message stream comprises a code portion of a signal containing mass medium programming, said method further comprising the step of changing a location of at least some of said code portion in said information transmission.

44. The method of claim 39, wherein a signal generator embeds said balance of said message stream into said information transmission, said method further comprising the step of causing at least one of a memory and a switch to communicate said information transmission and said some of said message stream to said signal generator.

45. The method of claim 39, wherein said step of generating a balance of said message stream comprises generating intermediate transmission station specific information by processing information stored at said intermediate transmission station.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein said instruction set operates at said receiver station to process said data, said method further comprising the steps of:

generating an instruction which operates at said receiver station to store said generated intermediate transmission station specific information; and

transmitting said instruction to said receiver station.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein said instruction includes a portion of a combining synch command, said method further comprising the step of transmitting one or more of video, audio, and graphic information to be processed or outputted at said receiver station based on said combining synch command.

48. The method of claim 46, wherein said data comprise one or more of (1) subscriber transaction data, (2) financial price data, and (3) price data of a product or service.

49. The method of claim 45, wherein said instruction set comprises code, said method further comprising the step of incorporating at least some of said generated intermediate transmission station specific information into said code.

50. The method of claim 45, wherein said step of generating a balance of said message stream further comprises completing a data module to be transmitted to said receiver station, said method further comprising the step of selecting, based on said intermediate transmission station specific information, data to be included in said data module.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein said selected data to be included in said data module comprise one or more of video, audio, and graphic information.

52. The method of claim 45, wherein said generated intermediate transmission station specific information comprises at least some of a command, said method further comprising the step of storing intermediate transmission station specific information to serve as a basis for generating said at least some of a command.

53. The method of claim 45, wherein said generated intermediate transmission station specific information comprises meter-monitor information, said method further comprising the step of transmitting an instruction which operates at said receiver station to transmit said meter-monitor information to a remote data collection station.

54. The method of claim 45, wherein said first part of said data and said instruction set comprise one or more of (1) an intermediate generation set and (2) generally applicable information of said instruction set, said method further comprising the step of storing formula and item information to be processed in accordance with said intermediate generation set.

55. The method of claim 54, further comprising the step of storing said intermediate generation set.

56. The method of claim 39, wherein said generated balance of said message stream includes a variable length message element, said method further comprising the step of generating at least one of a length token and an end of file signal designating an end of said variable length message element.

57. The method of claim 56, wherein said message stream includes a plurality of variable length message elements including at least one information segment, said method further comprising the step of generating at least a second of a length token and an end of file signal, said at least a second of a length token and an end of file signal enables said receive station to locate a beginning of said at least one information segment.

58. A method of signal processing comprising the steps of:

receiving a signal including a plurality of embedded messages, said messages having different data formats;

detecting a message having a plurality of segments;

identifying one or more of said plurality of segments on the basis of a header;

executing a controlled function in response to an execution segment;

generating and transmitting one or more first control signals in accordance with microprocessor instructions in an information segment;

controlling a plurality of receiver station functions on the basis of a plurality of second control signals generated in response to said plurality of embedded messages, said plurality of second control signals including at least said one or more first control signals;

assembling a signal record by processing the contents of a message segment; and

transmitting to a remote station data received in said plurality of messages.

59. A method of delivering a plurality of messages to at least one of a plurality of receiver stations, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving said plurality of messages, said plurality of messages having different data formats;

receiving a control signal which operates at a transmitter station to communicate said plurality of messages to a transmitter;

transmitting said plurality of messages, said plurality of messages effective to cause said at least one of a plurality of receiver stations to generate and transmit one or more control signals in accordance with microprocessor instructions included in an information segment of at least one of said plurality of messages;

detecting a message having a plurality of segments;

identifying one or more of said plurality of segments on the basis of a header;

executing a controlled function in response to an execution segment; and

controlling a plurality of receiver station functions on the basis of a plurality of control signals generated in response to said plurality of messages.

60. A method of delivering a plurality of messages to at least one of a plurality of receiver stations, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving and storing said plurality of messages, said plurality of messages having different data formats;

causing said plurality of messages to be communicated to a transmitter at a specific time, thereby to transmit said plurality of messages, said plurality of messages effective to cause said at least one of a plurality of receiver stations to generate and transmit one or more control signals in accordance with microprocessor instructions included in an information segment of at least one of said plurality of messages;

detecting a message having a plurality of segments;

identifying one or more of said plurality of segments on the basis of a header;

executing a controlled function in response to an execution segment; and

controlling a plurality of receiver station functions on the basis of a plurality of control signals generated in response to said plurality of messages.

61. A method of programming a plurality of processors in a communications network having at least one transmitter station and a plurality of receiver stations, said method comprising the steps of:

generating a plurality of different elements or fields, each element or field comprising an instruction to identify a structure, format or composition of information included in a message;

organizing a plurality of message components in a sequence including code to be directed to said plurality of processors, said sequence including said plurality of different elements or fields, said plurality of message components in said sequence with said code and said plurality of different elements or fields comprising a message, wherein said code comprises at least some of an operating system;

embedding said message into an information transmission including one or more of (1) a message stream, (2) video, and (3) audio;

transmitting said information transmission to said plurality of receiver stations;

detecting said message at one or more of said plurality of receiver stations;

controlling said plurality of receiver stations based on said message, said step of controlling comprising;

processing one or more first elements or fields in said message to determine a structure of said message;

processing one or more second elements or fields in said message to locate a processor instruction in said message;

processing one or more third elements or fields in said message to determine a format of said information included in said message; and

directing said code to at least one of said plurality of processors;

selecting at least one of said plurality of processors to program;

programming said plurality of processors with different processor instructions based on said message;

storing said at least some of an operating system at a memory operatively connected to said selected at least one of said plurality of processors.

62. The method of claim 61, further comprising the steps of:

transmitting video or audio; and

processing said video or audio in accordance with different processor instructions based on said message.

63. A method of composing and transmitting a message in order to program a plurality of processors at a receiver station, said method comprising the steps of:

selecting code to be directed to said plurality of processors wherein said code comprises at least some of an operating system;

generating one or more first elements or fields to identify a structure of said message;

generating one or more second elements or fields to identify one or more processor instructions in said message;

generating one or more third elements or fields to identify a data format in said message;

organizing said selected code in sequence with a plurality of message components, said sequence including said generated first, second and third elements or fields, said selected code organized in said sequence with said plurality of message components and said generated first, second, and third elements or fields comprising said message;

embedding said organized sequence into an information transmission, said information transmission including one or more of (1) a message stream, (2) video, and (3) audio;

transmitting said information transmission;

selecting at least one of said plurality of processors to program; and

storing said at least some of an operating system at a memory operatively connected to said selected at least one of said plurality of processors.

64. The method of claim 63, further comprising the step of generating code to be selected.

65. The method of claim 63, wherein said one or more first elements or fields comprise a header and said sequence is organized to have said header precede said second and third elements or fields.

66. The method of claim 63, wherein said one or more first elements or fields comprise a length token and said length token designates one or more of said message components.

67. The method of claim 63, wherein said one or more second elements or fields comprise an execution segment which operates at said receiver station to communicate or execute at least some portion of said selected code.

68. The method of claim 63, wherein said one or more second elements or fields comprise a format field and which operates at said receiver station to identify at least a portion of one or more of said message components.

69. The method of claim 63, wherein said one or more second elements or fields comprise an end of file signal.

70. The method of claim 63, wherein said message includes at least one variable length message component and a plurality of said first, second and third elements or fields are organized to occur in said sequence before the end of said at least one variable length message component.

71. The method of claim 63, wherein said message includes at least one variable length message component and at least one of said first, second and third elements or fields are organized to occur in said sequence following the end of said at least one variable length message component.

72. A method of programming a plurality of processors at a receiver station including:

receiving an information transmission including code and a control signal detecting said code and said control signal wherein said code comprises at least some of an operating system;

controlling said plurality of receiver stations based on said control signal, said step of controlling comprising;

processing one or more first elements or fields in said control signal to determine a data structure;

processing one or more second elements or fields in said control signal to invoke a predetermined processor instruction;

processing one or more third elements or fields in said control signal to determine a data format;

directing said code to said plurality of processors;

selecting at least one of said plurality of processors to program;

programming different ones of said plurality of processors with different processor instructions based on said code; and

storing said at least some of an operating system at a memory operatively connected to said selected at least one of said plurality of processors.

73. A method of composing and transmitting a signal in order to program one or more processors at a receiver station, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving, at an intermediate transmitter station, one or more first information transmissions including some of said signal, said some of said signal included in one or more signal components, at least some portion of at least one of said signal components being received from a remote origination station;

detecting said some of signal in said one or more first information transmissions;

processing one or more first signal elements or fields to identify signal composition or format;

processing one or more second signal elements or fields to identify code to be directed to said one or more processors;

selecting said code;

organizing said selected code in a sequence with said some of said signal, said

sequence including at least one of said processed first and second elements or fields, said selected code organized in said sequence with said some of said signal and said at least one of said processed first and second elements or fields comprising said signal;

embedding said organized sequence into an information transmission; and

transmitting said information transmission.

74. The method of claim 73, further comprising the steps of:

storing a schedule; and

executing said intermediate generation set based on said schedule.

75. The method of claim 74, wherein said one or more first information transmissions include mass medium programming, said method further comprising the step of communicating said mass medium programming to a transmitter at said intermediate transmitter station in accordance with said schedule.

76. The method of claim 73, wherein said organized sequence includes a variable length message element, said method further comprising the step of generating one of a length token and an end of file signal designating an end of said variable length message element.

77. The method of claim 73, further comprising the step of transmitting mass medium programming to said receiver station.

78. The method of claim 77, wherein said organized sequence is transmitted in a code portion of a signal including said mass medium programming, said method further comprising the step of changing the location of at least some of said code portion in said signal.

79. A method of programming and controlling one or more processors at a receiver station by communication of an information transmission including a message stream, said receiver station having a memory operatively connected to said one or more processors, said method comprising the steps of:

generating a first message including multiple elements of fixed length, said first message including an information segment including an instruction set;

generating a second message including multiple elements of fixed length, said second message comprising a command;

embedding said first message and said second message in said information transmission in a sequence, said first and second messages in said sequence comprising said message stream;

transmitting said information transmission to said receiver station;

receiving said information transmission at said receiver station;

detecting said message stream in said information transmission;

processing at least one portion of said detected message stream, said at least one portion including control information;

selecting said information segment and said command in said detected message stream on the basis of said step of processing;

storing said instruction set at said memory;

processing said multiple elements of fixed length of said first message and said second message to determine a structure or a composition of said message stream;

executing one or more preprogrammed operating instructions in accordance with at least one of said multiple elements of fixed length;

selecting said instruction set and said command in accordance with said one or more preprogrammed operating instructions; and

executing a series of instructions in said at least one processor in accordance with said instruction set and in response to said command.

80. A method of composing and transmitting a message stream to program and control a receiver station, said receiver station having one or more processors and a memory operatively connected to said one or more processors, said method comprising the steps of:

generating a first message including multiple elements of fixed length, said first message including an information segment including an instruction set;

generating a second message including multiple elements of fixed length, said second message comprising a command;

firstly embedding said first message in said information transmission;

subsequently embedding said second message in said information transmission, said first message firstly and said second message subsequently in said information transmission comprising said message stream;

transmitting said information transmission;

receiving said information transmission at said receiver station;

detecting said message stream in said information transmission;

processing said multiple elements of fixed length of said first message and said second message to determine a structure or composition of said message stream;

executing one or more preprogrammed operating instructions in accordance with at least one of said multiple elements of fixed length;

selecting said instruction set and said command in accordance with said one or more preprogrammed operating instructions;

storing said instruction set at said memory; and

subsequently executing a series of instructions in said one or more processors in accordance with said instruction set and in response to said command.

81. The method of claim 80, wherein said information segment is of variable length and at least one of message element of fixed length designates one or more of a beginning and an end of said information segment.

82. The method of claim 81, wherein said multiple elements of fixed length included in said first message and said second message include one or more of a length token, a format field and an end of file signal.

83. The method of claim 80, wherein said multiple elements of fixed length included in said first message and said second message include a header, an execution segment, one or more of a length token and a format field, and a end of file signal.

84. The method of claim 80, wherein said command operates at said receiver station to execute one or more instructions included in said instruction set.

85. The method of claim 84, further comprising the step of transmitting an execution instruction which operates at said receiver station to store said instruction set at said memory.

86. The method of claim 84, wherein said command operates at said receiver station to present mass medium programming at an output device, said method further comprising the step of transmitting said mass medium programming.

87. The method of claim 86, wherein said instruction set operates at said receiver station to control one or more of a signal processor, a control processor, a receiver, a decryptor, a switch, a signal stripper, and a signal generator.

88. The method of claim 84, wherein said command operates at said receiver station to present one or more receiver specific data at an output device, said method further comprising the step of transmitting one or more of (1) subscriber transaction data to be stored and processed at said receiver station and (2) meter-monitor data.

89. The method of claim 80, further comprising the step of transmitting a processor instruction which operates at said receiver station to store data to be processed in accordance with said instruction set.

90. A method of programming and controlling a receiver station, said receiver station having one or more processors and a memory operatively connected to said one or more processors, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving said information transmission including a message stream, said message stream having a first message with an information segment including an instruction set and a second message including a first command;

detecting said message stream in said information transmission;

processing at least one portion of said detected message stream, said at least one portion including control information;

selecting said information segment and said first command in said detected message stream on the basis of said step of processing;

storing said instruction set in said memory;

processing multiple elements of fixed length of said first message and said second message to determine a structure or composition of said message stream;

executing one or more preprogrammed operating instructions in accordance with at least one of said multiple elements of fixed length;

selecting said instruction set and first command in accordance with said one or more preprogrammed operating instructions and subsequently; and

executing a series of instructions in said at least one processor in accordance with said instruction set and in response to said first command.

91. The method of claim 90, wherein said step of executing a series of instructions comprises:

storing information in a register memory of said one or more processors in accordance with said instruction set; and

subsequently comparing information in said first command to information stored in said register memory.

92. The method of claim 91, wherein said one or more processors execute a first of said instructions if said step of comparing information results in a match and a second of said instructions if said step of comparing information results in a failure to match.

93. The method of claim 90, wherein said first message includes a second command, said method further comprising the steps of:

storing information in a register memory of said one or more processors in response to said second command; and

subsequently

comparing information in said first command to information stored in said register memory.

94. The method of claim 93, wherein said one or more processors output the contents of a memory if said step of comparing results in a match and clear a memory if said step of comparing results in a failure to match.

95. The method of claim 94, wherein said one or more processors perform at least one of outputting the contents of a video RAM to a video monitor and outputting the contents of an audio RAM to a speaker if said step of comparing results in a match.

96. The method of claim 95, wherein said one or more processors clear a memory including said instruction set if said step of comparing results in a failure to match.

97. The method of claim 90, wherein a programmable controller controls said one or more processors, said method further comprising the steps of:

receiving a control program; and

controlling said one or more processors to execute at least one of said instructions in accordance with said control program.

98. The method of claim 97, wherein said control program causes said controller to communicate a processor interrupt to said one or more processors.

99. The method of claim 90, wherein said one or more processors control a computer to generate at least some of the video or audio of a television program, said method further comprising the steps of:

communicating one or more second portions of said message stream to said computer in accordance with said instruction set; and

controlling said computer to execute instructions included in said one or more second portions in response to said first command.

100. The method of claim 99, further comprising the step of communicating a processor interrupt to said computer in response to said command.

101. The method of claim 99, wherein a switch communicates said one or more second portions of said message stream to said computer, said method further comprising the step of controlling said switch to communicate said one or more second portions from or to a decryptor.

102. The method of claim 99, wherein said one or more processors include a control processor and said control information is of a new composition or length, said method further comprising the steps of:

detecting operating system instructions in said information transmission; and

programming said control processor to process said control information in accordance with said operating system instructions.

103. The method of claim 90, further comprising the step of assembling at least some of said instruction set and said processor instructions.

104. The method of claim 103, wherein said information transmission includes a first video image, and said processor instructions operate (1) to generate a second video image by processing subscriber input and (2) to output, at a video monitor, a combined or sequential presentation of said first video image and said second video image.

105. The method of claim 90, wherein said step of executing instructions comprises:

modifying controlled function invoking information in accordance with said instruction set; and

subsequently

comparing information in said first command to said modified controlled function invoking information.

106. The method of claim 90, wherein said message stream is included in a code portion of said information transmission, said method further comprising the steps of:

selecting said code portion; and

inputting said selected code portion to a detector.

107. The method of claim 106, wherein said control signal is embedded in said code portion, said method further comprising the steps of:

comparing said control signal to controlled function invoking information; and

executing a first of said instructions in response to said control signal.

108. A method of composing and transmitting a message stream to program and control a receiver station, said receiver station having one or more processors and a memory operatively connected to said one or more processors, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving, at an intermediate transmission station, an information transmission including only some of said message stream, said only some of said message stream including a first message including at least one of a first instruction set and a first command;

detecting said only some of said message stream in said information transmission;

processing at least one portion of said detected only some of said message stream, said at least one portion including control information;

selecting said at least one of a first instruction set and a first command in said detected only some of said message stream on the basis of said step of said processing;

generating, based on said selected at least one of a first instruction set and a first command, a second message including multiple elements of fixed length, said second message including at least one of a second instruction set and a second command;

embedding said second message in said information transmission with said some of said message stream, said first message and said second message in a sequence, said embedded second message and said some of said message stream comprising said message stream; and

transmitting said information transmission, including said message stream, to said receiver station.

109. The method of claim 108, wherein said some of said message stream includes an intermediate generation set, said method further comprising the steps of:

storing formula or item information; and

processing said formula or item information in accordance with said intermediate generation set.

110. The method of claim 109, further comprising the steps of:

storing a schedule; and

executing said intermediate generation set based on said schedule.

111. The method of claim 110, wherein said information transmission includes mass medium programming, said method further comprising the step of communicating said mass medium programming to a transmitter at said intermediate transmission station in accordance with said schedule.

112. The method of claim 108, wherein said second message includes a variable length message element, said method further comprising the step of generating at least one of a length token and an end of file signal designating an end of said variable length message element.

113. The method of claim 112, wherein said message stream includes a plurality of variable length message elements including at least one information segment, said method further comprising the step of generating at least a second of a length token and an end of file signal, said at least a second of a length token and an end of file signal designating a beginning of said at least one information segment.

114. The method of claim 113, wherein a program instruction set is generated, in accordance with an intermediate generation set, and transmitted in said at least one information segment, said method further comprising the step of transmitting an end of file signal.

115. The method of claim 108, further comprising the step of transmitting mass medium programming to said receiver station.

116. The method of claim 115, wherein said message stream is transmitted in a code portion of a signal including said mass medium programming, said method further comprising the step of changing the location of at least some of said code portion in said signal.

117. A method of signal processing comprising the steps of:

receiving a signal including a plurality of embedded messages, said messages having different data formats;

detecting a message having a plurality of segments;

identifying one or more message segments on the basis of a header;

generating some portion of a television signal by processing data received in an information segment;

transferring said portion of a television signal to a television monitor;

assembling a signal record by processing the contents of a message segment;

transmitting to a remote station data received in a plurality of said messages;

executing a controlled function in response to an execution segment;

generating and transmitting one or more first control signals in accordance with microprocessor instructions in an information segment; and

controlling a plurality of receiver station functions on the basis of a plurality of second control signals generated in response to said plurality of embedded messages, said plurality of second control signals including at least said one or more first control signals.

118. A method of controlling a specific processor in a communications network having at least one transmitter station and one or more receiver stations, said method comprising the steps of:

generating a first digital sequence specifying a control function to be executed;

generating a second digital sequence specifying a condition which must exist;

organizing said first and second digital sequences into a command, said command including an element or field which operates at said receiver station to identify a data structure or format;

embedding said command into an information transmission including one or more of (1) a message stream, (2) video, and (3) audio;

transmitting said information transmission to said one or more receiver stations;

detecting said command at said one or more receiver stations;

processing a portion of said detected command based on said element or field;

determining whether said condition exists at said receiver station based on said step of processing said portion;

executing said control function if said condition exists at said receiver station; and

controlling said specific processor in accordance with said control function;

executing a predetermined instruction at a first of a plurality of processors based on cadence information;

processing a fixed length portion of said command and selecting said specific processor based on said predetermined instruction;

directing said at least one instruction to said specific processor; and

controlling said specific processor to execute said at least one instruction and said first processor to process a second message in said information transmission based on said fixed length portion.

119. The method of claim 118, further comprising the steps of:

transmitting video or audio; and

processing said video or audio in accordance with said command.

120. A method of composing and transmitting a command in order to control a receiver station, said method 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;

processing data specifying a condition, said data in said structure, length, or format specified by said second instruction;

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

embedding said command into an information transmission including one or more of (1) a message stream, (2) video, and (3) audio;

transmitting said information transmission;

receiving said information transmission and detecting said command at said receiver station;

executing a predetermined instruction at a first of a plurality of processors based on cadence information;

processing a fixed length portion of said command and selecting a specific processor based on said predetermined instruction;

directing said at least one instruction to said specific processor; and

controlling said specific processor to execute said at least one instruction and said first processor to process a second message in said information transmission based on said fixed length portion.

121. The method of claim 120, wherein receiver station generates output and said data specify said output, said method further comprising the step of transmitting processor instructions which program said receiver station to respond to said command.

122. The method of claim 120, wherein receiver station processes code and said data designate a portion of said code, said method further comprising the step of transmitting said code.

123. The method of claim 120, wherein receiver station includes a processor and said data specify said processor, said method further incorporating into said sequence code which operates at said receiver station to instruct said processor.

124. The method of claim 123, further comprising the step of generating a third instruction designating an end of said code.

125. The method of claim 120, wherein said first and second instructions precede said processed data in said sequence.

126. The method of claim 125, wherein said second instruction precedes said first instruction in said sequence.

127. The method of claim 125, wherein said second instruction is at least one of a header, a length token, and a format field.

128. A method of controlling a receiver station including:

receiving one or more information transmissions including code and a specified condition command, at least one information transmission including at least one of said code and said specified condition command received from a remote transmitter station;

detecting the presence of said code and said specified condition command at said receiver station;

processing data included in said specified condition command based on a portion of said specified condition command that specifies at least one of (1) the structure of said specified condition command, (2) the length of said data, and (3) the format of said data;

determining whether a condition exists at said receiver station based on said step of processing said data;

executing one of (1) a first portion of said code if said condition exists, and (2) a second portion of said code if said condition does not exist;

executing a predetermined instruction at a first of a plurality of processors based on cadence information;

processing a fixed length portion of said specified condition command and selecting a specific processor based on said predetermined instruction;

directing said at least one instruction to said specific processor; and

controlling said specific processor to execute said at least one instruction and said first processor to process a second message in said information transmission based on said fixed length portion.

129. The method of claim 128, wherein said receiver station includes a plurality of processors, said method further comprising the steps of:

selecting at least one of said plurality of processors; and

storing at least some of said code at a memory operatively connected to said selected processor.

130. A method of composing and transmitting a command in order to control a receiver station, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving, at an intermediate transmitter station, one or more first information transmissions including some of said command and an element or field specifying a format;

detecting the presence of said some of said command and said element or field at said intermediate transmitter station;

processing, based on said element or field, data specifying one or more of a control function and a condition;

organizing said some of said command and said processed data in a sequence, said sequence comprising said command and including digital information specifying a control function to be executed and a condition which must exist at said receiver station;

embedding said sequence in a second information transmission including one or more of (1) a message stream, (2) video, and (3) audio; and

transmitting said second information transmission.

131. The method of claim 130, wherein said one or more first information transmissions include an intermediate generation set, said method further comprising the step of generating at least some of command in accordance with said intermediate generation set.

132. The method of claim 131, further comprising the steps of

storing a schedule;

and

executing said intermediate generation set based on said schedule.

133. The method of claim 132, wherein said one or more first information transmissions include mass medium programming, said method further comprising the step of communicating said mass medium programming to a transmitter at said intermediate transmitter station in accordance with said schedule.

134. The method of claim 130, wherein said command which operates at said receiver station to present a simultaneous or sequential of mass medium programming and receiver specific data, said method further comprising the step of transmitting code which operates at said receiver station to generate said receiver specific data.

135. The method of claim 130, wherein said organized sequence includes a variable length message element, said method further comprising the step of generating one of a length token and an end of file signal designating an end of said variable length message element.

136. The method of claim 130, further comprising the step of transmitting mass medium programming to said receiver station.

137. The method of claim 136, wherein said organized sequence is transmitted in a code portion of a signal including said mass medium programming, said method further comprising the step of changing the location of at least some of said code portion in said signal.

138. A method of signal processing, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving a signal including a plurality of embedded messages, said messages having different data formats;

detecting a message having a plurality of segments;

identifying at least one of said plurality of segments on the basis of a header;

executing a controlled function in response to an execution segment of said plurality of segments;

determining at least one of length and format of said at least one segment by processing a selected field;

transferring data included in an information segment of said plurality of segments to a processor;

one of receiving and presenting at least a portion of combined medium programming in response to at least one of said plurality of embedded messages;

generating and transmitting one or more first control signals in accordance with microprocessor instructions in an information segment; and

controlling a plurality of receiver station functions on the basis of a plurality of second control signals generated in response to said plurality of embedded messages, said plurality of second control signals including at least said one or more first control signals.

139. The method of claim 138, further comprising the step of selecting said controlled function based on a comparison.

140. The method of claim 139, further comprising the step of programming a receiver station to control a device in accordance with said controlled function.

141. A method of programming and controlling a specific processor at a receiver station having a plurality of processors, said method comprising the steps of:

generating a message including multiple elements of fixed and variable length, said message includes (1) cadence information and (2) at least one variable length element including at least one instruction;

combining said message into an information transmission including a message stream;

transmitting said information transmission to said receiver station;

receiving said information transmission and detecting said message stream at said receiver station;

executing a predetermined instruction at a first of said plurality of processors based on said cadence information;

processing a fixed length portion of said message and selecting said specific processor based on said predetermined instruction;

directing said at least one instruction to said specific processor; and

controlling said specific processor to execute said at least one instruction and said first processor to process a second message in said message stream based on said fixed length portion.

142. A method of composing a message stream to program and control a specific processor at a receiver station having a plurality of processors, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving at a signal generator in a first transmitter station a first information transmission including at least a first message to be processed at said receiver station;

generating a second message including multiple elements of fixed and variable length, said second message including (1) cadence information which is effective at said receiver station to execute a predetermined instruction and (2) at least one variable length element including at least one instruction to be directed to said specific processor;

embedding said second message into said first information transmission in a first sequence with said first message, said first message and said second message in said first information transmission in said first sequence comprising said message stream;

transmitting said first information transmission to said receiver station;

receiving said first information transmission and detecting said message stream at said receiver station;

executing a predetermined instruction at a first of said plurality of processors based on cadence information;

processing a fixed length portion of said message and selecting said specific processor based on said predetermined instruction;

directing said at least one instruction to said specific processor; and

controlling said specific processor to execute said at least one instruction and said first processor to process a third message in said information transmission based on said fixed length portion.

143. The method of claim 142, further comprising the steps of:

receiving said first information transmission from a second transmitter station; and

directing said first information transmission to said signal generator.

144. The method of claim 142, further comprising the steps of:

detecting a third message at said first transmitter station; and

causing a computer to generate said second message in response to said third message.

145. The method of claim 142, wherein said receiver station receives or presents combined medium programming in accordance with said one or more instructions, said method further comprising the step of transmitting at least some of said combined medium programming.

146. The method of claim 145, wherein said transmitted at least some of said combined medium programming comprises video, said method further comprising the steps of:

receiving one or more second information transmissions including said video; and

directing said video to a transmitter.

147. The method of claim 142, wherein said at least one variable length element includes meter-monitor information, said method further comprising the steps of:

generating at least one of an intermediate generation set and a program instruction set; and

embedding said at least one of an intermediate generation set and a program instruction set into said first information transmission.

148. The method of claim 142, wherein data included in at least one of said first and second messages designate content of a third message, said method further comprising the steps of:

selecting code to be directed to at least one of said plurality of processors;

generating one or more first elements or fields to at least one of (i) to distinguish a structure of said third message and (ii) to identify one or more processor instructions in said third message;

generating one or more second elements or fields to specify a data format in said third message;

organizing said selected code in a second sequence with a plurality of message components, said second sequence including said generated first and second elements or fields, said selected code organized in said second sequence with said plurality of message components and said generated first and second elements or fields comprising said third message; and

embedding said third message into said first information transmission.

149. The method of claim 142, wherein said second message is received at said receiver station before said first message, said method further comprising the step of stripping at least a portion of information from said first information transmission before transmitting said at least said portion of said first information transmission.

150. The method of claim 142, further comprising the steps of:

generating a second variable length message element including at least one instruction and having at least one of (1) an internal length token, and (2) an associated signal designating a file, said at least one instruction directed to a second of said plurality of processors; and

embedding said second variable length message element into said first information transmission.

151. The method of claim 142, wherein at least one of said first and second messages include a first part of an instruction set, said method further comprising the step of embedding some other part of said instruction set into said first information transmission.

152. The method of claim 142, 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 second sequence, said second sequence comprising a command; and

embedding said command into said first information transmission.

153. The method of claim 152, 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 second sequence.

154. The method of claim 142, wherein at least some of said message stream is transmitted in a code portion of a signal including video, said method further comprising the step of changing the location of at least some of said code portion in said signal.

155. A method of programming and controlling a specific processor at a receiver station having a plurality of processors, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving an information transmission including a message stream, said message stream having a first message and a second message, said first message including multiple elements of fixed and variable length, said second message including (1) cadence information and (2) at least one variable length element including at least one instruction;

detecting said message stream in said information transmission;

executing a predetermined instruction at a first of said plurality of processors based on said cadence information;

processing a fixed length portion of said first message and selecting said specific processor based on said predetermined instruction;

directing said at least one instruction to said specific processor; and

controlling said specific processor to execute said at least one instruction and said first processor to process said second message based on said fixed length portion.

156. The method of claim 155, further comprising the step of assembling said at least one instruction.

157. The method of claim 155, further comprising the step of generating at least one of video and graphic output in response to said at least one instruction.

158. A method of composing and transmitting a message stream to program and control a specific processor at a receiver station having a plurality of processors, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving, at an intermediate transmitter station, a portion of said message stream and a first message, said a first message including fixed and variable length elements and including at least a first of (1) cadence information and (2) a variable length information element including one or more instructions;

detecting at least a control portion in said portion of said message stream and said first message;

processing said control portion based on said at least a first of (1) cadence information and (2) a variable length information element;

generating, based on said control portion, a second message including multiple elements of fixed and variable length, said second message including at least a second of (1) cadence information and (2) a variable length information element including one or more instructions;

organizing said portion of said message stream and said second message in a sequence, said portion of said message stream and said second message in said sequence comprising said message stream, said message stream including (1) cadence information operative at said receiver station to execute a predetermined instruction and (2) at least one variable length element including one or more instructions to be directed to said specific processor; and

transmitting said message stream to said receiver station.

159. The method of claim 158, wherein said some of said message stream includes generally applicable information of a program instruction set, said method further comprising the steps of:

storing formula or item information; and

processing said formula or item information in accordance with an intermediate generation set.

160. The method of claim 159, further comprising the steps of:

receiving a control signal from a remote origination station; and

executing said intermediate generation set in response to said control signal.

161. The method of claim 160, wherein said control signal comprises a schedule, said method further comprising the step of transmitting mass medium programming in accordance with said schedule.

162. The method of claim 158, further comprising the step of generating at least one of a length token and an end of file signal indicating an end of said variable length message element.

163. The method of claim 162, wherein said message stream includes a plurality of variable length message elements, said method further comprising the step of generating at least a second of a length token and an end of file signal, said at least a second of a length token and an end of file signal indicating a beginning of.

164. The method of claim 158, wherein said variable length information element includes an instruction which operates at said receiver station to assemble a record or specify a condition, said method further comprising the step of transmitting meter-monitor information.

165. The method of claim 158, further comprising the step of transmitting mass medium programming to said receiver station.

166. The method of claim 165, wherein said message stream is ‘

transmitted in a code portion of a signal including said mass medium programming said method further comprising the step of changing the location of at least some of said code portion in said signal.

167. The method of claim 158, wherein said step of organizing comprises communicating said only said portion of said message stream and said second message in said sequence.

168. The method of claim 158, wherein said step of organizing comprises storing at least part of said only said portion of said message stream and said second message.

169. The method of claim 158, wherein at least a portion of said step of organizing is performed in accordance with a schedule.

170. A method of signal processing comprising the steps of:

receiving a signal including a header and a plurality of embedded messages, said plurality of messages having different data formats;

detecting at least one of the plurality of messages, said at least one of the plurality of messages having a plurality of segments, the plurality of segments including an execution segment and an information segment;

identifying one or more of said plurality of segments on the basis of said header;

executing a controlled function in response to said execution segment;

determining at least one of the length and format of at least one of said plurality of message segments by processing a selected at least one of a token field and a distinctive signal;

transferring data included in said information segment to a processor;

processing user input based on the content of the information segment and the content of the execution segment;

generating and transmitting one or more first control signals in accordance with microprocessor instructions in an information segment; and

controlling a plurality of receiver station functions on the basis of a plurality of second control signals generated in response to said plurality of embedded messages, said plurality of second control signals including at least said one or more first control signals.

171. The method of claim 170, wherein the processing step includes the step of communicating said user input to a remote station.

172. The method of claim 170, further comprising the step of communicating to a remote station meter data or monitor data included in said plurality of embedded messages.

173. The method of claim 170, wherein said user input includes a response to mass medium programming outputted at said receiver station, said method further comprising the step of outputting said mass medium programming based on information included in said plurality of messages.

174. The method of claim 170, wherein said information segment includes one or more of a program instruction set and a data module, said method further comprising the step of presenting combined medium programming based on said user input.

175. The method of claim 170, further comprising the step of interrupting a processor based on said selected at least one of a token, field, and distinctive signal.

177. A method of programming a plurality of processors in a communications network having at least one transmitter station and a plurality of receiver stations, said method comprising the steps of:

generating a message including multiple elements of both fixed and variable length, including a plurality of variable length elements, each variable length element including at least one instruction and having at least one of an internal length token, and a following end of file signal;

embedding said message into an information transmission including one or more of a message stream, video, and audio;

transmitting said information transmission to said plurality of receiver stations;

receiving said information transmission at said plurality of receiver stations;

detecting said message in said information transmission;

processing one or more portions of said detected message, said one or more portions including control information, wherein said control information comprises at least some of an operating system;

selecting said plurality of variable length elements in said detected message on the basis of said processing of said portions;

directing to a first processor information included in a first of said plurality of variable length elements;

directing to a second processor information included in a second of said plurality of variable length elements;

programming said first and second processors to process in accordance with different instructions included in said message;

selecting at least one of said plurality of processors to program; and

storing said at least some of an operating system at a memory operatively connected to said selected at least one of said plurality of processors.

178. The method of claim 177, wherein said information transmission includes video or audio, said method further comprising the steps of:

transmitting said video or audio; and

processing said video or audio in accordance with said different instructions.

179. The method of claim 177, wherein said message includes operating system instructions and said first and second processors are different from each other, said method further comprising the step of transmitting to at least one of said plurality of receiver stations an identifier designating at least one of said first and second processors.

180. A method of composing and transmitting a message stream in order to program a plurality of processors at a receiver station, said method comprising the steps of:

generating at least one fixed length message element including specific cadence information which operates at said receiver station to execute one or more preprogrammed operating instructions;

generating a plurality of variable length message elements, each variable length element including at least one instruction and having at least one of an internal length token, and an associated signal designating a file, said plurality of variable length message elements including instructions directed to different ones of said plurality of processors;

organizing said generated at least one fixed length message element and said generated plurality of variable length message elements in a sequence, said at least one fixed length message element and said generated plurality of variable length message elements in said sequence comprising said message stream;

embedding said message stream into an information transmission including at least one of a graphic, video, and audio;

transmitting said information transmission;

receiving said information transmission at said plurality of receiver stations;

processing one or more portions of a detected message, said one or more portions including control information;

wherein said control information comprises at least some of an operating system;

selecting said plurality of variable length message elements in said detected message on the basis of said processing of said portions;

directing to a first processor information included in a first of said plurality of variable length elements;

programming said first and second processors to process in accordance with different instructions included in said information transmission;

selecting at least one of said plurality of processors to program; and

storing said at least some of an operating system at a memory operatively connected to said selected at least one of said plurality of processors.

181. The method of claim 180, further comprising the steps of:

generating a command which causes said receiver station to store said preprogrammed operating instructions; and

transmitting said command and said preprogrammed operating instructions.

182. The method of claim 181, further comprising the step of transmitting an assembly language.

183. The method of claim 181, further comprising the step of transmitting higher language code.

184. The method of claim 181, further comprising the step of transmitting machine language code to be processed at said receiver station in accordance with said operating instructions.

185. The method of claim 181, further comprising the step of transmitting data to be processed at said receiver station in accordance with said operating instructions.

186. The method of claim 181, further comprising the step of transmitting mass medium programming to be processed at said receiver station in accordance with said operating instructions.

187. The method of claim 180, further comprising the steps of:

receiving said information transmission including one or more of a graphic, video, and audio from a remote transmitter station; and

directing said information transmission to a signal generator; and

communicating said message stream to said signal generator.

188. The method of claim 180, further comprising the steps of:

detecting a message at said first transmitter station; and

causing a computer to generate at least some of said message stream in response to the message.

189. The method of claim 180, wherein said at least one of said plurality of variable length message elements includes meter-monitor information, said method further comprising the steps of:

generating at least one of an intermediate generation set and a program instruction set; and

organizing said message stream to include said at least one of an intermediate generation set and a program instruction set into said first information transmission.

190. The method of claim 180, wherein said associated signal designating a file is an end of file signal.

191. The method of claim 180, 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 second sequence, said second sequence comprising a command; and

embedding said command into said information transmission.

192. The method of claim 191, 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 second sequence.

193. A method of programming a plurality of processors at a receiver station including:

receiving an information transmission including an embedded message, said message including multiple elements of both fixed and variable length, including a plurality of variable length elements, each variable length element including at least one instruction and having at least one of an internal length token, and an associated signal designating a file, said message including cadence information in a specific sequence, said cadence information including said at least one of an internal length token, and an associated signal designating a file;

detecting said message in said information transmission;

processing said cadence information at a control processor;

selecting said plurality of variable length elements in said detected message on the basis of said cadence information;

directing information included in a first of said plurality of variable length elements to a first processor;

directing information included in a second of said plurality of variable length elements to a second processor;

programming said first and second processors to process in accordance with different instructions included in said message;

processing one or more portions of a detected message, said one or more portions including control information, wherein said control information comprises at least some of an operating system;

selecting at least one of said plurality of processors to program; and

storing said at least some of an operating system at a memory operatively connected to said selected at least one of said plurality of processors.

194. The method of claim 193, further comprising the steps of:

determining a type or version of receiver station apparatus based on information included in said message.

195. The method of claim 193, further comprising the step of assembling said at least on at least one instruction based on information included in said message.

196. The method of claim 193, further comprising the step of generating at least one of video and graphic based on information included in said message.

197. A method of composing and transmitting a message in order to program one or more processors at a receiver station, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving, at an intermediate transmitter station, one or more first information transmissions including some of said message, said some of said message included in multiple message elements of both fixed and variable length, said multiple message elements including one or more first variable length elements, each first variable length element including at least one first instruction and having at least a first of an associated length token, and an associated signal designating a file, said one or more first information transmissions including first cadence information received from a remote origination transmitter station in a specific sequence;

detecting said some of said message and said first cadence information in said one or more first information transmissions;

executing one or more preprogrammed operating instructions based on said first cadence information;

generating one or more second message elements, said second message elements including at least one second variable length message element including at least one second instruction and having at least a second of an associated length token, and an associated signal designating a file;

organizing said some of said message and said generated one or more second message elements to comprise said message, said message including at least one fixed length message element, at least one of said first and second instructions, and second cadence information which operates at said receiver station to execute at least one preprogrammed operating instruction, said at least one of said first and second instructions to be directed to said one or more processors;

embedding said second message in a second information transmission including one or more of (1) a message stream, (2) video, and (3) audio; and

transmitting said second information transmission.

198. The method of claim 197, wherein said some of said message stream includes generally applicable information of a program instruction set, said method further comprising the steps of:

storing formula or item information; and

processing said formula or item information in accordance with a computer program.

199. The method of claim 197, wherein said message enables said receiver station to receive or present mass medium programming, said method further comprising the step of transmitting said mass medium programming.

200. The method of claim 197, wherein said generated one or more second message elements include a length token and an end of file signal.

201. The method of claim 197, wherein one of said first and second instructions operates at said receiver station to assemble a record or specify a condition, said method further comprising the step of transmitting meter-monitor information.

202. The method of claim 197, wherein said message stream is transmitted in a code portion of a signal including said video, said method further comprising the step of changing the location of at least some of said code portion in said signal.

203. The method of claim 197, wherein at least some of said message stream is transmitted in a code portion of a signal including video, said

method further comprising the step of changing the location of at least some of said code portion in said signal.