Signal processing apparatus and methods

• US 7,805,749 B1
• Filed: 06/07/1995
• Issued: 09/28/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/03/1981
• Status: Expired

• Current Assignee: Personalized Media Communications, LLC
• Original Assignee: Personalized Media Communications, LLC
• Inventors: Harvey, John Christopher, Cuddihy, James William
• Primary Examiner(s): BATES, KEVIN T
• Application Number:
  US08/485,283
• Time in Patent Office: 5,592 Days
• Field of Search: 348/6, 348/7, 348/9, 348/10, 348/12, 348/13, 348/434, 348/435, 348/465, 348/467, 348/468, 455/3.1, 455/4.1, 455/4.2, 455/9.1, 455/6.3, 455/15, 705/26, 705/27, 725/139, 725/136, 725/86, 725/104
• US Class Current: 725/139
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0251 Targeted advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4143 embedded in a Personal Computer [PC]
• 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 21/4622 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 21/818 OS software

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. An apparatus for promoting and delivering programming at a television receiver station comprising:

a first receiver section for receiving a promotional television program at said television receiver station, said promotional television program promoting said programming, said programming being related to said promotional television program;

a television display operatively connected to said television receiver station for displaying said promotional television program;

a processor operatively connected to said television receiver station for receiving a signal used to decrypt said programming and for receiving a television viewer response to said promotional television program;

a second receiver section operatively connected to said processor for receiving said promotional television program in encrypted form; and

a storage device operatively connected to said processor for storing said viewer response and said signal used to decrypt said programming, said processor authorizing in response to said viewer response decryption and presentation of said programming related to said promotional television program.

2. A method for mass medium programming promotion and delivery for use with an interactive video viewing apparatus comprising the steps of:

receiving a first portion of said mass medium programming in a first programming signal, said first portion of mass medium programming including a video image that promotes a second portion of said mass medium programming;

displaying said video image, said interactive video viewing apparatus having an input device to receive input from a subscriber;

prompting said subscriber for a reply, during said step of displaying said video image, as to whether said subscriber wants said second portion of said mass medium programming promoted in said step of displaying of said video image, said interactive video viewing apparatus having a transmitter for communicating said reply to a remote site;

receiving said reply from said subscriber at said input device in response to said step of prompting said subscriber, said interactive video viewing apparatus having a processor for processing said reply;

processing said reply and selecting at least one of a code and a datum designating said second portion of said mass medium programming to authorize delivery of said second portion of said mass medium programming;

communicating said selected at least one of a code and a datum to a remote site;

receiving said second portion of said mass medium programming in a second programming signal;

decrypting said second portion of said mass medium programming by using said at least one of a code and a datum in response to said step of processing said reply; and

delivering said mass medium programming to an output device.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein said output device outputs at least one of audio, hard copy, and television, said method further comprising the steps of:

delivering instructions to said processor; and

communicating said delivered mass medium programming to said output device in accordance with said delivered instructions.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein said at least one of a code and a datum is embedded in the non-visible portion of a television signal and said step of prompting comprises emitting audio which performs at least one of offering and describing said second portion of said mass medium programming.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein said mass medium programming is delivered in a multichannel signal transmitted by one of a remote cable video image transmitter station and a satellite video image transmitter station, said method further comprising the step of tuning a converter to receive at least one instruction.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein evidence information evidences at least one of the availability and use of at least one of said video image and said mass medium programming, said evidence information being at least one of stored and communicated to a remote data collection station, said method further comprising the step of selecting said evidence information that at least one of identifies and designates at least one of:

(1) a mass medium program;

(2) a use of data;

(3) a transmission station;

(4) a network;

(5) a broadcast station;

(6) a channel on a cable system;

(7) a time of transmission;

(8) a unique identifier datum;

(9) a source of data;

(10) a supplier of data;

(11) a distributor; and

(12) an advertisement.

7. The method of claim 2, further comprising the steps of:

communicating code incorporated in an instruction to said processor, and performing, on the basis of said code, at least one of;

(1) receiving a signal including said second portion of said mass medium programming;

(2) actuating at least one of a video output device, audio output device, and print output device to output said second portion of said mass medium programming in a specific way;

(3) decrypting at least a portion of said mass medium programming;

(4) controlling a selective transmission device to communicate selected specific output to said output device;

(5) generating a receiver specific datum to present with said mass medium programming; and

(6) delivering a receiver specific datum at said interactive video viewing apparatus which functions at least one of simultaneously and sequentially with said mass medium programming.

8. The method of claim 2, said method further comprising the step of:

embedding an identifier in said video image that enables said interactive video viewing apparatus to process said second portion of said mass medium programming.

9. The method claim 2, wherein said interactive video viewing apparatus comprises a microcomputer.

10. The method of claim 2, wherein a storage device is operatively connected to said output device, said method further comprising the step of:

storing said mass medium programming at said storage device.

11. The method of claim 2, wherein a storage device is operatively connected to said processor, said method further comprising the step of:

storing, at said storage device, an instruct signal which is effective to process a subscriber reaction to a content of an information transmission which includes said mass medium programming.

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

storing, at said storage device, an instruct signal which is effective to establish communications with a remote station.

13. The method of claim 2, wherein a storage device is operatively connected to said processor, said method further comprising the step of:

storing, at said storage device, a signal which is effective to control said interactive video viewing apparatus to receive information to at least one of supplement said video image and to process said mass medium programming.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein said processor is operatively connected to said output device, said method further comprising the step of:

storing, at said storage device, at least one of a code and a datum to serve as a basis for enabling said output device to output programming.

15. A method for selectively outputting information at a receiver station in response to a viewer response synchronized with a television solicitation, said receiver station having a processor, a storage device, a television display, a decrypter and a viewer input device, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving first information transmission at said receiver station, said information transmission including a television signal and a control signal;

selecting said television signal from said information transmission;

displaying a television program on said television display from said television signal;

receiving a viewer response at said viewer input device in response to and coordinated with a solicitation in said television program;

processing said viewer response to identify whether said viewer response is affirmative to said television program solicitation from said step of receiving a viewer response;

transferring a code to said decrypter if said viewer response is affirmative;

receiving a second encrypted information transmission including said information at said receiver station;

controlling said decrypter to decrypt said second encrypted information transmission using said code; and

controlling a programming output device to output said information on the basis of said control signal if said viewer response is affirmative, said information being related to said television program.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein said receiver station has a plurality of output devices, said method further comprising the steps of:

controlling a selective transmission device to communicate said information to a specific at least one of said plurality of output devices;

communicating to a remote station at least one of;

(1) an order for said information;

(2) a datum designating delivery of said information; and

(3) some usage data regarding some functioning of said receiver station in respect of at least one of said information and said viewer response; and

billing for delivery of said information on the basis of information communicated to said remote station.

17. A method for selectively receiving information at a receiver station in response to a user reply synchronized with a television program solicitation, said receiver station having a processor, a storage device, a television display, a decrypter and a user input device, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving a multichannel transmission at a receiver station;

selecting a television channel from said multichannel transmission in said step of receiving;

displaying a television program on said television display from said television channel in said step of selecting;

receiving said user reply at said user input device in response to and coordinated with a solicitation in said television program in said step of displaying;

processing, at said receiver station, said user reply from said step of receiving said user reply to identify whether said user reply is affirmative to said television program solicitation;

passing a code to said decrypter in response to said step of processing said user reply;

selecting an encrypted digital information portion of said multichannel transmission in response to said step of processing said user reply, said digital information portion being related to said television program; and

processing said encrypted digital information portion of said multichannel transmission to decrypt said encrypted digital information portion of said multichannel transmission by using said code.

18. A method for data promotion and delivery for use with an interactive mass medium programming output apparatus comprising the steps of:

receiving mass medium programming in a first programming signal, said mass medium programming including information that promotes data;

outputting mass medium programming including said information that promotes data, said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus having an input device to receive input from a user;

prompting said user during said mass medium programming whether said user wants said data promoted in said step of outputting, said data being related to said mass medium programming, said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus having a transmitter for communicating user information to a remote site;

receiving a reply from said user at said input device in response to said step of prompting said user, said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus having a processor for processing at least one of said reply and said data;

processing said reply from said step of receiving said reply and selecting at least one of a code and a datum designating said data;

communicating said selected at least one of a code and a datum to a remote site;

passing a signal word to said processor in response to said step of processing said reply;

receiving a second programming signal including said data in encrypted form;

decrypting said data by using information included in said signal word; and

delivering said data to said processor.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein said selected at least one of a code and a datum identifies said data, said method further comprising the step of:

billing for delivery of said data.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein said data are embedded in the non-visible portion of a television signal, said method further comprising the steps of:

receiving said television signal;

inputting at least some of said received television signal to a detector; and

detecting said data in said received television signal.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein evidence information evidences at least one of the availability and use of at least one of said mass medium programming and said data, said evidence information being at least one of stored and communicated to a remote data collection station, said method further comprising the step of selecting said evidence information that at least one of identifies and designates at least one of:

(1) a mass medium program;

(2) a use of data;

(3) a transmission station;

(4) a receiver station;

(5) a network;

(6) a broadcast station;

(7) a channel on a cable system;

(8) a time of transmission;

(9) a unique identifier datum;

(10) a source of data;

(11) a payment obligation;

(12) a supplier of data;

(14) a distributor; and

(15) an advertisement.

22. The method of claim 18, further comprising the steps of:

receiving at least one bit of data that at least one of a) designates at least one of a time of transmission and a channel of transmission of at least one of said mass medium programming and said data and b) specifies at least one of a title and subject matter of at least one of said mass medium programming and said data; and

subsequently receiving at least one of said mass medium programming and said data on the basis of said at least one bit of data.

23. The method of claim 18, wherein said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus receives processor code, said method further comprising the steps of:

communicating said processor code to said processor; and

performing, as a result of execution of said processor code at said processor, at least one action selected from the group consisting of;

(1) receiving a signal including said data;

(2) actuating at least one of a video, audio, and print output device to output said data;

(3) decrypting at least a portion of said data;

(4) controlling a selective transfer device to communicate a selected specific output to a selected specific output device;

(5) generating a receiver specific datum to present with said data; and

delivering a receiver specific datum at said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus at least one of simultaneously and sequentially with at least one of said mass medium programming and said data.

24. The method of claim 18, wherein said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus comprises a microcomputer.

46. The method of claim 18 wherein said remote site is included in a network having a plurality of transmitter stations, and further comprising the step of:

assembling, in said network, at least a portion of at least one processor instruction, said at least one processor instruction being effective at said interactive mass medium program output apparatus to deliver said designated data, said interactive mass medium program output apparatus having a receiver for receiving said at least a portion of said at least one processor instruction from said remote site.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein at least a portion of said processor instruction is embedded in the non-visible portion of a television signal.

48. The method of claim 46, wherein said data is received at said interactive mass medium program output apparatus in a data portion of a multichannel signal, said method further comprising the step of:

decoding said data portion of said multichannel signal in response to said step of processing, said data portion of said multichannel signal being found outside at least one of the viewable and audible portion of said mass medium program.

25. An interactive television receiver station apparatus for accepting user input in response to a television program, said receiver station apparatus acting upon said user input to authorize delivery of a product or service at a receiver station, said receiver station apparatus comprising:

a first receiver for receiving a television signal, said television signal having a promotional television program;

a signal processor operatively connected to said first receiver for receiving said user input in response to said promotional television program and for selecting a first code or datum and a second code or datum received by said first receiver, said first code or datum authorizing delivery of at least one of a product and a service related to said television program, said second code or datum designating said at least one of a product and a service promoted in said promotional television program;

a television display operatively connected to said signal processor, said television display outputting said promotional television program at said receiver station;

a second receiver operatively connected to said signal processor for receiving encrypted information of said at least one of a product and a service, said signal processor authorizing the decryption and delivery of said designated at least one of a product and a service by passing information of said first code or datum to a decrypter for use in decrypting said encrypted information based on said user input.

26. A method for promoting and delivering at least one of a product and a service for use with an interactive television viewing apparatus, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving a television program in a first programming signal, said television program describing said at least one of a product and a service which is related to said television program;

displaying said television program that describes said at least one of a product and a service, said interactive television viewing apparatus having an input device to receive input from a user;

offering said at least one of a product and a service on condition of a user input, said interactive television viewing apparatus having a transmitter for communicating user information to a remote site;

receiving said user input at said input device, said interactive television viewing apparatus having a processor for processing said user input;

processing said user input and selecting a first code designating said at least one of a product and a service and a second code designating delivery of said at least one of a product and a service;

communicating at least one of said first code and said second code to said remote site;

passing an encryption code received in said first programming signal to a processor in response to said step of processing said user input;

receiving encrypted information of said at least one of a product and a service in a second programming signal;

decrypting said encrypted information with said encryption code; and

delivering said at least one of a product and a service to said user.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein said at least one of a product and a service is delivered at said interactive television viewing apparatus, said method further comprising the steps of:

detecting instructions which are effective to deliver said at least one of a product and a service; and

outputting said at least one of a product and a service on the basis of said instructions.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein said interactive television viewing apparatus has a plurality of output devices and said at least one of a product and a service is delivered at a specific one or more of said plurality of output devices, said method further comprising the steps of:

controlling a selective transfer device to communicate an instruction in respect of said at least one of a product and a service to said specific one or more of said plurality of output devices; and

actuating an output device to output a portion of said at least one of a product and a service on the basis of said communicated instruction.

29. The method of claim 26, further comprising the step of embedding said first code or said second code in the non-visible portion of a television signal including said television program.

30. The method of claim 26, wherein said first code and said second code are delivered in a multichannel signal, said method further comprising the step of:

decoding a data portion of said multichannel signal to detect at least one of said first code and said second code, said data portion of said multichannel signal being located outside the viewable portion of a television signal including said television programming.

31. The method of claim 26, wherein evidence information evidences availability, use or usage of said television program or delivery of said at least one of a product and a service, said evidence information being stored or communicated to a remote data collection station, said method further comprising the step of selecting said evidence information that identifies or designates one or more of:

(1) a mass medium program;

(2) a use of programming;

(3) a transmission station;

(4) a receiver station;

(5) a network;

(6) a broadcast station;

(7) a channel on a cable system;

(8) a time of transmission;

(9) a unique identifier datum;

(10) a source or supplier of data;

(11) a distributor or an advertisement; and

(12) a payment obligation.

32. The method of claim 26, wherein said at least one of said product and said service is delivered as the result of execution of processor control instructions, said method further comprising the steps of:

communicating at least a first of said processor control instructions to said signal processor; and

receiving a signal including programming or a second of said processor control instructions on the basis of said first of said processor control instructions.

33. The method of claim 26, wherein said at least one of a product and a service is delivered as the result of execution of processor control instructions, said method further comprising the steps of:

communicating at least a first of said processor control instructions to a signal processor; and

actuating a video, audio, or print output device, as appropriate, to output said at least one of a product and a service on the basis of said first of said processor control instructions.

34. The method of claim 26, wherein said at least one of a product and a service is delivered as the result of execution of processor control instructions, said method further comprising the steps of:

communicating at least a first of said processor control instructions to a signal processor; and

decrypting at least a portion of said television program or said processor control instructions on the basis of said first of said processor control instructions.

35. The method of claim 26, wherein said at least one of a product and a service is delivered as the result of execution of processor control instructions, said method further comprising the steps of:

communicating at least a first of said processor control instructions to a signal processor; and

controlling a selective transmission device to communicate at least some of said at least one of a product and a service to an output device on the basis of said first of said processor control instructions.

36. The method of claim 26, wherein said at least one of a product and a service is delivered as the result of execution of processor control instructions, said method further comprising the steps of:

communicating at least a first of said processor control instructions to a signal processor; and

generating a receiver specific datum to present with said at least one of a product and a service on the basis of said first of said processor control instructions.

37. The method of claim 26, wherein said at least one of a product and a service is delivered as the result of execution of processor control instructions, said method further comprising the steps of:

communicating at least a first of said processor control instructions to a signal processor; and

delivering a receiver specific datum at said interactive television viewing apparatus simultaneously or sequentially with said television program or said at least one of a product and a service on the basis of said first of said processor control instructions.

38. The method of claim 26, wherein at least some of said at least one of a product and a service is delivered as the result of execution of instructions, said method further comprising:

embedding a code or datum in said television program that enables said interactive television viewing apparatus to control a presentation of said at least one of a product and a service in accordance with said instructions.

39. The method of claim 26, wherein said interactive television viewing apparatus includes a storage device, said method further comprising:

communicating an identification code to said storage device and storing said identification code at a storage location associated with said television program.

40. The method of claim 26, wherein said interactive television viewing apparatus includes a storage device, said method further comprising:

communicating to and storing at said storage device information to evidence an availability, use, or usage of said television program or a portion of digital data.

41. The method of claim 26, wherein said interactive television viewing apparatus includes a storage device, said method further comprising:

storing at said storage device an instruct signal which is effective to generate output associated with said at least one of a product and a service.

42. The method of claim 26, wherein said interactive television viewing apparatus includes a storage device, said method further comprising:

storing at said storage device an instruct signal which is effective to process a user response to content of an information transmission which includes said television program or said at least one of a product and a service.

43. The method of claim 26, wherein said interactive television viewing apparatus includes a storage device, said method further comprising:

storing at said storage device an instruct signal which is effective to establish communication with a remote station.

44. The method of claim 26, wherein said interactive television viewing apparatus includes a storage device, said method further comprising:

storing at said storage device an instruct signal which is effective to process digital information in a television signal.

45. The method of claim 26, wherein said interactive television viewing apparatus includes a storage device, said method further comprising:

storing at said storage device a code or datum to serve as a basis for enabling an output device to output at least some of said at least one of a product and a service.

49. A method of processing signals at a receiver station having a receiver, a processor, an input device and at least one output device, said processor being operatively connected to said receiver for receiving a control signal and operatively connected to said at least one output device for controlling said at least one output device, said input device being operatively connected to said processor for inputting a signal, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving a first information transmission including mass medium programming and said control signal;

passing said mass medium programming to said at least one output device;

outputting said mass medium programming at said at least one output device;

prompting a subscriber during said mass medium programming for a subscriber reply to receive additional material related to said programming;

receiving said subscriber reply from said subscriber at said input device in response to said step of prompting said subscriber;

inputting information to said processor based on said subscriber reply;

detecting said control signal;

passing said control signal to said processor based on said subscriber reply;

receiving a second information transmission including said additional material in encrypted form;

decrypting said additional material based on said control signal; and

controlling said at least one output device to output said additional material based on said subscriber reply.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein said control signal includes downloadable code and said controlling further comprises the steps of:

executing said downloadable code based on said subscriber reply; and

controlling said at least one output device in accordance with said downloadable code.

51. The method of claim 49, wherein said control signal includes downloadable code and said step of controlling further comprises the steps of:

selecting a portion of said downloadable code;

decrypting a portion of said downloadable code based on said selected portion; and

controlling said at least one output device in accordance with said decrypted portion.

52. The method of claim 49, wherein said step of controlling further comprises the steps of:

enabling said control signal based on said subscriber reply; and

controlling said at least one output device based on said enabled control signal.

53. The method of claim 49, wherein said receiver station includes a storage device, said additional material includes at least one of video, text, and a graphic and said step of controlling further comprises the step of:

controlling said at least one output device to output at least one of a combined presentation and sequential presentation of said programming and said at least one of video, text, and a graphic.

54. The method of claim 49, wherein said control signal is embedded in a signal including a television program, said method further comprising the step of:

controlling a tuner to tune to receive said second information transmission on the basis of said subscriber reply.

55. The method of claim 49, wherein said information transmission includes a plurality of channels and said step of controlling further comprises the step of:

controlling a converter to receive said second information transmission.