Signal processing apparatus and methods

• US 8,587,720 B1
• Filed: 06/05/1995
• Issued: 11/19/2013
• 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): Rao, Andy
• Application Number:
  US08/480,059
• Time in Patent Office: 6,742 Days
• Field of Search: 3483841-496, 37524001-24029
• US Class Current: 348/460
• 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 for collecting and reporting information in a data network at a receiver station from a plurality of sources, said receiver station having a data network connection, a processor, an input device, and a data storage device, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving at said input device a set of information collection parameters;

generating a query at said receiver station from said set of information collection parameters;

promulgating said query from said step of generating a query from said receiver station to said data network through said data network connection;

recording in a first data record at said storage device a datum evidencing one of said step of promulgating and a response to said step of promulgating;

generating, under control of said processor, output information based on said data record; and

outputting said output information.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

transferring said first data record from said step of recording from said storage device to a data collection station on said data network through said data network connection.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said data network connection comprises a telephone interface connection.

34. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

recording in one of said first data record and a second data record at said storage device a datum evidencing at least one of said steps of generating and said step of outputting.

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

transferring said first data record and said second data record from said storage device to a data collection station on said data network through said data network connection.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein said data collection station tracks performance of at least one of said steps of generating, promulgating, transferring and outputting by gathering statistics based on at least one of said first data record and said second data record.

4. A method for tracking, at a data collection station, use at a receiver station of information in a first information network, said receiver station having a data network connection, a processor, an input device, and a data storage device, said information network having a plurality of information sources, said method comprising the steps of:

providing said information to a plurality of receiver stations from said plurality of information sources;

performing a first function on a first portion of said information at said receiver station;

recording in said data storage device a datum evidencing said first function performed in said step of performing; and

transferring a record of said datum evidencing said first function performed at said receiver station to said data collection station on said information network through said data network connection.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein said data network connection includes a telephone network connection.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein said first function in said step of performing a function includes a series of data processing functions performed by a computer, said method further comprising the steps of:

performing a second function as a consequence of said first function; and

transferring an indication of said second function to said data collection station.

7. A method for tracking use of a computer programming feature in a communication network having a data collection receiver station and a user station, said user station having a processor, said method comprising the steps of:

detecting use of a first computer programming feature by said computer at said user station;

processing, at said processor, in a first data record data evidencing said use of said first computer programming feature; and

reporting, based on said step of processing, said use of said first computer programming feature from said user station to said data collection receiver station.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein said computer programming feature includes a control signal to output a video signal to a computer peripheral device and said user station includes a video display device.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein said computer programming feature includes a control signal to output a video signal to a computer peripheral device and said user station includes a video recorder.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein said video recorder includes a video tape recorder.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein said computer programming feature includes a control signal to output an audio signal to a computer peripheral device and said user station includes a speaker.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said computer peripheral device includes an audio recorder.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein said computer peripheral device includes an audio amplifier.

14. The method of claim 7, wherein said computer programming feature includes a control signal to control a computer peripheral device and said user station includes a device capable of operating under computer control.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein said computer peripheral device includes a heating device.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein said computer peripheral device includes a cooling device.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein said computer peripheral device includes an electromechanical device.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein said electromechanical device is capable of producing physical movement.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein said electromechanical device includes a printer.

20. The method of claim 7, wherein said use of said computer programming feature results in telecommunication and said user station comprises a telecommunication device.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein said telecommunication device includes a telephone.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein said telecommunication device includes a computer.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein said telecommunication device comprises an autodialer.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein said telecommunication device is controlled in accordance with said computer programming feature.

25. The method of claim 7, wherein said computer programming feature comprises a control signal to control a multimedia device;

and said user station includes a device capable of processing multimedia input and providing multimedia output.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein said user station comprises a computer and a laser disk player.

27. A method of controlling a network comprising a plurality of receiver stations each of which includes one of a broadcast and a cablecast signal receiver, at least one processor, a signal detector, said signal detector adapted to receive signals from said one of a broadcast and a cablecast signal receiver, and said processor programmed to respond to at least one control signal communicated from said detector, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving at one of a broadcast and a cablecast transmitter station an instruct signal which is effective at said plurality of receiver stations to at least one of execute and report a use at at least one of said plurality of receiver stations of a computer program by recording in a first data record a datum evidencing said use;

transferring said instruct signal to a transmitter;

receiving said at least one control signal at said one of a broadcast and a cablecast transmitter station, said at least one control signal designating said at least one of said plurality of receiver stations in which said instruct signal is addressed; and

formatting said at least one control signal; and

transferring said at least one formatted control signal to said transmitter, said transmitter transmitting said instruct signal and said at least one control signal to said plurality of receiver stations.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein at least one of said instruct signal and said control signal is embedded in a non-visible portion of one of a television signal and a multichannel signal that includes video.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein at least one receiver station is one of adapted to detect the presence of said at least one control signal and programmed to respond to said instruct signal on the basis of the location of a signal in an information transmission, said method further comprising the step of causing at least some of said at least one control signal and said instruct signal to be transmitted in said location.

30. A method of gathering information pertaining to use of a computer related product or service at a user station, said user station comprising a processor and a plurality of computer peripherals, with said processor for processing and communicating data of said computer related product or service, said processor operatively connected to a first of said plurality of computer peripherals, said method comprising the steps of:

communicating to said at least one of said plurality of computer peripherals a datum which serves as a basis for identifying a function performed through use of said computer related product or service;

performing, at said at least one of said plurality of computer peripherals, said function;

detecting, based on said step of performing, said datum which serves as a basis for identifying said function;

formatting a digital signal containing said datum; and

communicating to a remote data collection station said digital signal to serve as a basis for identifying said function, said remote data collection station gathering said datum to serve as a basis for identifying said function in order to determine use at said user station of said computer related product or service.

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

inputting an instruction to a computer; and

performing said step of communicating said digital signal based on said step of inputting an instruction to said computer.

32. The method of claim 30, wherein said user station further comprises a first programming receiver for receiving a first programming signal transmitted by a remote station or stored at said user station, said method further comprising the step of:

communicating to a remote data collection station a datum identifying said first programming receiver.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein said user station further comprises a second signal receiver for receiving a second signal and a computer or processor for controlling said second signal receiver, with said second signal receiver being one of:

(a) a second programming receiver capable of receiving a second programming signal transmitted by a remote station or stored at said user station; and

(b) a decoder capable of detecting a second signal in said first programming signal, said method further comprising the steps of;

detecting an instruction in said first programming signal;

controlling said second signal receiver to receive a second signal;

detecting a second datum in said second signal; and

communicating said second datum to a remote data collection station.