Signal processing apparatus and methods

• US 7,958,527 B1
• Filed: 06/07/1995
• Issued: 06/07/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 09/11/1987
• 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): Park, Chan S
• Application Number:
  US08/477,711
• Time in Patent Office: 5,844 Days
• Field of Search: 348/1, 348/6, 348/7, 348/468, 348/478, 455 31- 63, 725 27- 38, 725/49, 380210-212, 380/218, 709245-247, 370/270
• US Class Current: 725/38
• 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 controlling the transmission of embedded signals by a transmitter station, said transmitter station comprising at least one signal generator for embedding signals in information transmissions;

at least one transmitter for transmitting one of a broadcast and a cablecast information transmission; and

a processor controlling the embedding of information at said at least one signal generator, said method comprising the steps of;

embedding, using said at least one signal generator, first signals in said at least one of a broadcast and a cablecast information transmission including a video signal;

communicating said at least one of a broadcast and a cablecast information transmission to said at least one transmitter;

transmitting, from said at least one transmitter, said at least one of a broadcast and a cablecast information transmission to at least one remote receiver station;

receiving an instruct-to-embed signal from at least one remote transmitter station; and

causing, using said processor, said at least one signal generator to cease embedding said first signals in response to said instruct-to-embed signal;

causing, using said processor, said at least one signal generator to embed, in response to said instruct-to-embed signal, second signals in an incomplete information transmission transmitted in said one of a broadcast and cablecast information transmission, said second signals for processing at said at least one remote receiver station to control output of information that completes said incomplete information transmission at said at least one remote receiver station; and

continuing to transmit said at least one of a broadcast and a cablecast information transmission to said at least one remote receiver station.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said first signals are generated at said transmitter station.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of causing at least one said signal generator to embed said second signals in said incomplete information transmission further comprises one of increasing and decreasing the size of a portion of said incomplete information transmission in which said second signals are embedded.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said first signals operate at said at least one remote receiver station to generate a series of complete video images for said incomplete information transmission by processing said first signals.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein a synchronizing instruction synchronizes processing of code by a plurality of processors at said at least one remote receiver station, said method further comprising the step of transmitting at least one of said synchronizing instruction and said code.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of transmitting at least one of a program instruction set and a combining synch command in first and said second signals.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of transmitting at least one of a data module and a meter-monitor segment in at least one of said first signals and said second signals.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said at least one of a broadcast and cablecast information transmission includes a television programming transmission, said method further comprising the steps of:

receiving said television programming transmission from said at least one remote transmitter station; and

communicating said television programming transmission to at least one said signal generator.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of detecting said instruct-to-embed signal in said television programming transmission.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of storing said television programming transmission for a period of time before communicating said television programming transmission to said signal generator.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein said second signals serve as basis, at said at least one remote receiver station, for completing of at least one of video programming and audio programming.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of including in said second signals at least one processor instruction which operates to deliver at least some data included in said second signals at least one of a video display device and an audio speaker.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein said second signals are transmitted in a code portion of said one of a broadcast and a cablecast information transmission, said method further comprising the step of transmitting only some of said at least one of video programming and audio programming in said incomplete information transmission and transmitted in a different portion of said one of a broadcast and a cablecast information transmission than said code portion, said only some of said at least one of video programming and audio programming to be completed at said at least one remote receiver station.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein said remote receiver station assembles information received in said one of a broadcast and a cablecast information transmission, said method further comprising the step of including higher language code in at least one of said first signals and said second signals.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of transmitting assembly language code.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of (1) said step of embedding said first signals and (2) said step of causing said at least one signal generator to embed said second signals is performed in accordance with a schedule, said method further comprising the step of storing said schedule.

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

receiving said schedule from said at least one remote transmitter station; and

communicating said schedule to said processor.

18. A method of controlling the transmission of signals by one of a remote transmitter station, said remote transmitter station comprising at least one receiver for receiving one of a broadcast and a cablecast information transmission including a video signal from an origination transmitter station;

at least one signal generator for embedding signals in said one of a broadcast and a cablecast information transmission;

at least one transmitter for transmitting said one of a broadcast and a cablecast information transmission; and

a processor, for controlling embedding of information at said signal generator, comprising the steps of;

generating an incomplete information transmission at said origination transmitter station;

generating an instruct-to-embed signal effective to cause said processor at said transmitter station to cease embedding first signals in said one of a broadcast and a cablecast information transmission, and embed second signals in said incomplete information transmission for transmission in said broadcast or cablecast information transmission, said second signals for processing at least one remote receiver station to control output of information that completes said incomplete information transmission; and

transmitting said incomplete information transmission and said instruct-to-embed signal from said origination transmitter station to said remote transmitter station.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein embedding said second in said incomplete information transmission further comprises one of increasing and decreasing the size of a portion of said one of a broadcast and a cablecast information transmission in which said second signals are embedded.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein said signals operate at said at least one remote receiver station to generate a series of complete video images for said one of a broadcast and a cablecast information transmission by processing a control signal in said first signals.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein said one of a broadcast and a cablecast information transmission includes a television programming transmission, said method further comprising the steps of:

generating said television programming transmission at said origination transmitter station; and

transmitting said television programming transmission to said transmitter station.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising the step of embedding said instruct-to-embed signal in said television programming transmission.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein said transmitter station stores said television programming transmission for a period of time before transmitting said one of a broadcast and a cablecast transmission, said method further comprising the step of transmitting an instruction which is effective at transmitter station to store said television programming transmission.

24. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of embedding said instruct-to-embed signal in said broadcast or cablecast information transmission.