Signal processing apparatus and methods

• US 8,640,184 B1
• Filed: 06/07/1995
• Issued: 01/28/2014
• 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): BATES, KEVIN T
• Application Number:
  US08/487,428
• Time in Patent Office: 6,810 Days
• Field of Search: 348/13, 348/7, 348/8, 348/9, 348/10, 348/12, 348/14, 348/16, 348/426, 348/5, 348/3, 348/723, 348/724, 348/725, 380/9, 380/10, 380/16, 380/20, 379/105, 379/131, 455/5.1, 455/3.1, 455/4.2, 455/12.1, 364/521, 725/60, 725/110, 725/106, 725/122, 725/136, 725/142
• US Class Current: 725/136
• 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 outputting programming for use with an interactive mass medium programming output apparatus comprising the steps of:

receiving information to be used in characterizing a subscriber originated at a source external to said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus;

selecting information characterizing a subscriber in said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus by processing said information to be used in characterizing a subscriber;

storing said information characterizing a subscriber in said interactive mass medium program output apparatus;

receiving mass medium programming at said interactive mass medium output apparatus;

outputting simultaneously said mass medium programming and said information characterizing a subscriber, said output comprising audio or video content that prompts said subscriber for first input, said interactive mass medium output apparatus having an input device to receive said first input from said subscriber;

receiving said first input from said subscriber at said input device in response to simultaneously outputting said mass medium programming and said information characterizing a subscriber that prompts said subscriber, said first input indicating that said subscriber wants first user specific programming to be output in conjunction with said mass medium programming;

commencing a process required to enable said interactive mass medium output apparatus to output said first user subscriber specific programming based on said step of receiving first input, said process combining simultaneously said mass medium programming and a portion of local subscriber specific information;

completing said process; and

outputting said first user specific programming at said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus wherein said first user specific programming is personalized to said subscriber by including content based on said stored information characterizing a subscriber.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of outputting comprises printing said first user specific programming at a printer of said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of ordering a product based on said first input.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of ordering a service to be performed based on said first input.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of outputting comprises emitting a portion of said first user specific programming as sound at a speaker.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein a portion of said first user specific programming is output to a television monitor.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein a portion of said user specific programming comprises an image.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of storing a record of said first input.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of communicating said record to a remote site.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of outputting comprises delivering a portion of said first user specific programming to a device capable of communicating said first user specific programming to a remote station.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein said portion of said first user specific programming comprises an address of said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein said device capable of communicating said first user specific programming to a remote station comprises a telephone, said method further comprising the step of causing said telephone to dial a telephone number.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of selecting said telephone number.

14. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

prompting said subscriber for second input during said step of outputting;

receiving said second input; and

outputting second user specific programming at said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus based on said second input.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein said information characterizing a subscriber comprises preference information.

16. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

receiving a first control signal from a remote station, and

storing a portion of said information characterizing a subscriber at said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus in response to said first control signal.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein a second control signal is received from said remote station following said step of storing said portion of said information characterizing a subscriber, said method further comprising the step of processing said stored portion of said information characterizing a subscriber in response to said second control signal.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of outputting second user specific programming at said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus based on said step of processing.

19. A method for combined medium programming delivery for use with an interactive combined medium programming output apparatus comprising the steps of:

receiving information characterizing a subscriber originated at a source external to said interactive combined medium programming output apparatus;

storing said information characterizing a subscriber in said interactive combined medium programming output apparatus;

generating first subscriber specific information in said interactive combined medium programming output apparatus by processing said information characterizing a subscriber;

outputting a first combined medium programming presentation after said steps of storing and generating at said interactive combined medium program output apparatus, said first combined medium programming presentation including audio or video content that prompts said subscriber for first input, a portion of said first combined medium programming presentation comprising audio or video of general interest output simultaneously at said interactive combined medium programming output apparatus with said first subscriber specific information, said interactive combined medium programming output apparatus having an input device to receive said first input from said subscriber;

receiving said first input from said subscriber at said input device in response to said first combined medium programming presentation;

commencing a process required to enable said interactive mass medium output apparatus to output a second combined medium programming presentation based on said step of receiving said first input, said process simultaneously combining video of general interest and a portion of local subscriber specific information;

completing said process; and

delivering said second combined medium programming presentation at said interactive combined medium programming output apparatus, said second combined medium programming presentation simultaneously including video of general interest and a portion of local subscriber specific information, said second combined medium programming presentation personalized to said subscriber by including content based on said stored information characterizing a subscriber and said first input.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein said step of delivering comprises printing said second subscriber specific information at a printer at said interactive combined medium program output apparatus.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein said information characterizing a subscriber comprises property information.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein said information characterizing a subscriber comprises financial information.

23. The method of claim 19, wherein said information characterizing a subscriber comprises at least one of a history and a projection.

24. The method of claim 19, wherein said information characterizing a subscriber comprises at least one of a revenue and a profit.

25. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of modifying said information characterizing a subscriber based on said input from said subscriber.

26. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of communicating a portion of said information characterizing a subscriber to a remote station.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising the steps of:

generating programming at said remote station based on said step of communicating; and

transmitting said generated programming to said interactive combined medium programming output apparatus.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein said step of delivering is based on said steps of generating and transmitting.

29. The method of claim 19, wherein a portion of combined medium programming is outputted at said interactive combined medium programming output apparatus as a sound.

30. The method of claim 19, wherein a portion of combined medium programming is outputted at said interactive combined medium programming displayed apparatus as video.

31. A method for outputting programming for use with an interactive mass medium programming output apparatus, said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus including a first output device, said method comprising the steps of:

storing information characterizing interests of a subscriber in said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus;

receiving mass medium programming output at said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus;

outputting said mass medium programming output, said mass medium programming output to be outputted for a first period of time, said first period of time including a specific moment after which local subscriber specific information is to be outputted, said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus having an input device to receive input from a local subscriber;

prompting said local subscriber for said input, said prompting including audible or visual content, wherein said prompting is performed by said mass medium programming output before said specific moment;

receiving said input from said local subscriber at said input device in response to outputting said mass medium programming output that prompts said local subscriber, said local input indicating that said local subscriber wants local subscriber specific information to be output simultaneously with said mass medium programming output;

commencing a process required to enable said interactive mass medium output apparatus to output said local subscriber specific programming based on said step of receiving local input, said process requiring a second period of time to complete, said process simultaneously combining said mass medium programming output and a portion of local subscriber specific information;

completing said process; and

outputting, subsequent to performing said step of completing said process, a presentation of said local subscriber specific programming at said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus, wherein said local subscriber specific programming includes a portion of said mass medium programming output outputted simultaneously in conjunction with a portion of local subscriber specific information at said first output device and said portion of local subscriber specific information is personalized to said subscriber by including content based on said stored information characterizing interests of a subscriber.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein said local subscriber specific information is to be outputted in a plurality of different portions each outputted at a different time, and said step of outputting said first user specific programming further comprises the steps of:

selecting a first portion of said plurality of different portions of said local subscriber specific information; and

communicating said selected first portion of said local subscriber specific information to said first output device at a first specific time.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein a first portion of said information characterizing interests of a subscriber does not exist when said process required to enable said interactive mass medium to output said local subscriber specific programming commences and said process required to enable said interactive mass medium to output said local subscriber specific programming comprises computing said first portion of said information characterizing interests of a subscriber by processing said stored information to be used in characterizing a subscriber.

34. A method for outputting programming for use with an interactive mass medium programming output apparatus having apparatus for selecting and communicating information, said method comprising the steps of:

storing information characterizing interests of a subscriber in said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus;

receiving mass medium programming at said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus;

outputting said mass medium programming, including audible or visual content that prompts a local subscriber for input, said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus having an input device to receive said input from said a local subscriber;

receiving said local input from said local subscriber at said input device in response to outputting said mass medium programming that prompts said local subscriber, said local input indicating that said local subscriber wants local subscriber specific programming to be output simultaneously in conjunction with said mass medium programming;

selecting a first specific portion of said stored information to be used to characterize interests of a subscriber, said mass medium programming output apparatus including a plurality of different kinds of output apparatus;

commencing a process to simultaneously combine said mass medium programming and said first specific portion of said stored information characterizing interests of a subscriber;

completing said process;

communicating said simultaneously combined mass medium programming and said selected first portion of said stored information to characterizing interests of a subscriber, to a specific one of said plurality of different kinds of output apparatus at a specific time based on said steps of selecting, commencing a process and completing said process; and

outputting said local subscriber specific programming simultaneously in conjunction with a portion of said mass medium programming at said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus, wherein said local subscriber specific programming is personalized to said subscriber by including content based on said stored information characterizing interests of a subscriber.

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

determining, on the basis of a second portion of said stored information to be used to characterize interests of a subscriber, that said first specific portion of said stored information to be used to characterize interests of a subscriber should be selected and used to characterize an interest of said local subscriber; and

performing said step selecting said first specific portion of said stored information to be used to characterize interests of a subscriber as a consequence of said step of determining.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein said interactive mass medium output apparatus further includes computational apparatus, said method further comprising the steps of:

detecting a timing control signal at said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus;

passing said timing control signal to said computational apparatus; and

causing said computational apparatus, in response to said timing control signal, to communicate information characterizing a value to an output device at a specific time in said selected information characterizing an interest of said subscriber.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein said computational apparatus is operationally connected to said apparatus for selecting and communicating information,

said method further comprising the steps of:

computing a value with said computational apparatus; and

causing said apparatus for selecting and communicating information to select said information characterizing said value from said stored information to be used in characterizing interests of a subscriber.

38. A method for outputting programming for use with an interactive mass medium programming output apparatus comprising the steps of:

storing information characterizing interests of a subscriber in said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus;

receiving mass medium programming at said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus;

outputting said mass medium programming, said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus having an input device to receive input from a local subscriber;

prompting said local subscriber for input, said prompting performed in audio or video by said mass medium programming output, wherein said prompting comprises describing a subscriber consideration pertaining to local subscriber specific information;

receiving local input from said local subscriber at said input device in response to outputting said mass medium programming that prompts said local subscriber, said local input indicating that said local subscriber wants said local subscriber specific information to be output simultaneously in conjunction with said mass medium programming;

commencing a process required to enable said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus to output said local subscriber specific programming based on said step of receiving local input, said process combining simultaneously said mass medium programming and a portion of local subscriber specific information;

completing said process; and

outputting said local subscriber specific programming simultaneously in conjunction with a portion of said mass medium programming at said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus, wherein said local subscriber specific programming is personalized to said local subscriber by including content based on said stored information characterizing interests of a subscriber.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein said step of prompting comprises outputting one or more words.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein a word is at least one of “

if,”

“

you,”

“

are,”

“

interested,”

“

in,”

“

and,”

“

want,”

“

your,”

“

own,”

“

copy,”

“

tailored,”

“

to,”

“

tastes,”

“

shopping,”

“

list,”

“

charge,”

“

only,”

“

10,”

“

cents,” and

“

enter”

is outputted in said step of prompting.

41. The method of claim 39, wherein said word is outputted in said audio.

42. The method of claim 38, wherein said step of prompting comprises describing a use, benefit, or price of said local subscriber specific information.

43. The method of claim 38, wherein said step of prompting comprises encouraging said local subscriber to input a specific input and said step of receiving local input from said local subscriber comprises receiving said specific input.

44. The method of claim 43, further comprising the step of advertising at least one of a product and a service based on said step of receiving local input from said local subscriber.

45. A method for outputting programming at an interactive mass medium programming output apparatus based on information communicated from a device that transmits first computer programming that controls the operation of a parallel processing computer system, said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus including a detector, computational apparatus that operate as a part of said parallel processing computer system, and a plurality of output devices, said method comprising the steps of:

programming said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus with operating instructions that enable said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus to process said computer programming;

storing information characterizing interests of a subscriber in said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus;

receiving mass medium programming at said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus;

outputting said mass medium programming output, including audible or visual content that prompts a local subscriber for input, said interactive mass medium output apparatus having an input device to receive said input from said local subscriber;

receiving said local input from said local subscriber at said input device in response to outputting said mass medium programming output that prompts said local subscriber, said local input indicating that said local subscriber wants local subscriber specific programming to be output simultaneously in conjunction with said mass medium programming output;

detecting said computer programming at said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus;

passing said computer programming to said computational apparatus;

executing said computer programming based on said step of receiving local input, said step of executing combining simultaneously a portion of said mass medium programming and said local subscriber specific programming; and

outputting said local subscriber specific programming simultaneously in conjunction with a portion of said mass medium programming at said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus, wherein said local subscriber specific programming is personalized to said local subscriber by including content based on said stored information characterizing interests of a subscriber and includes at least a portion of said mass medium programming output and subscriber specific information outputted at least one of simultaneously and sequentially at a first one of said plurality of output devices.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus includes a printer and said mass medium programming and said local subscriber specific information are outputted sequentially at said printer and displayed in output simultaneously.

47. The method of claim 45, wherein said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus includes a video monitor and said mass medium programming and said local subscriber specific information are outputted sequentially to said video monitor and displayed at said video monitor simultaneously.

48. The method of claim 45, wherein said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus includes a speaker and a first portion of said mass medium programming and said local subscriber specific information are outputted sequentially at said speaker.

49. The method of claim 45, wherein said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus further includes an image display device and a second portion of said mass medium programming is outputted at said image display device simultaneously with the output of said local subscriber specific information at said speaker.

50. A method for outputting programming for use with an interactive mass medium programming output apparatus, said interactive mass medium output apparatus includes a plurality of output devices, said method comprising the steps of:

storing information characterizing interests of a subscriber in said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus;

receiving mass medium programming at said interactive mass medium output apparatus;

outputting said mass medium programming output, including audible or visual content that prompts a local subscriber for input, said interactive mass medium output apparatus having an input device to receive said input from said a local subscriber;

receiving first local input from said local subscriber at said input device in response to outputting said mass medium programming output that prompts a first time said local subscriber, said local input indicating that said local subscriber wants first further programming outputted simultaneously in conjunction with said mass medium programming or a first product or first service acquired;

storing further information characterizing interests of a subscriber in said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus based on said step of receiving first local input from said local subscriber;

commencing a process required to enable said interactive mass medium output apparatus to advertise at least one of second further programming, a second product and a second service based on said step of receiving local input, said process combining simultaneously said mass medium programming and a portion of said stored local subscriber specific information;

completing said process; and

advertising said at least one of second further programming, a second product and a second service, said step of advertising personalized to said subscriber by simultaneously including content based on said step of storing further information characterizing interests of a subscriber and based on said mass medium programming.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus includes a video monitor and said mass medium programming and information characterizing interests of a subscriber are displayed simultaneously at said video monitor in conjunction with said step of advertising.

52. The method of claim 50, wherein said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus includes a speaker said mass medium programming and information characterizing interests of a subscriber are outputted at said speaker in conjunction with said step of advertising.

53. The method of claim 50, further comprising the step of prompting said local subscriber for further input, in said mass medium programming, said local subscriber specific information, and said step of advertising.

54. The method of claim 50, further comprising the step of receiving further local input from said local subscriber in response to said step of prompting further said local subscriber, said local input indicating said local input indicating that said local subscriber wants further information outputted or said first product or said first service acquired.

55. The method of claim 54, further comprising the step of outputting an order for at least one of said further information, said first product, and said first service in response to said step of receiving further local input from said local subscriber.

56. The method of claim 50, wherein said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus includes an image display device and said mass medium programming and information characterizing interests of a subscriber are displayed simultaneously in output of said image display device in conjunction with said step of advertising.

57. The method of claim 56, wherein said output of said image display device comprises one of an offer and a coupon.

58. The method of claim 57, wherein said offer includes a price.

59. The method of claim 58, wherein said price comprises local subscriber specific information.

60. The method of claim 59, further comprising the step of computing said price.

61. A method for outputting programming for use with an interactive mass medium programming output apparatus, said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus including a computational apparatus, said method comprising the steps of:

storing information characterizing interests of a subscriber in said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus;

receiving mass medium programming at said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus, at least a portion of said mass medium programming received in a transmission transmitted from a remote transmitter station, said interactive mass medium-programming output apparatus having a detector for detecting a timing control signal;

detecting said timing control signal in said transmission transmitted from said remote transmitter station;

passing said timing control signal to said computational apparatus;

outputting said mass medium programming, including audible or visual content that prompts a local subscriber for input, said interactive mass medium output programming apparatus having an input device to receive said input from said local subscriber;

receiving local input from said local subscriber at said input device in response to outputting said mass medium programming that prompts said local subscriber, said local input indicating that said local subscriber wants local subscriber specific programming to be output simultaneously in conjunction with said mass medium programming;

determining at said computational apparatus that specific output should occur based on said local input;

selecting, at said computational apparatus and based on said step of determining, information characterizing an interest of said subscriber by selecting information characterizing said specific output from said stored information to be used in characterizing interests of a subscriber;

causing said computational apparatus to communicate said selected information characterizing a value to an output device at a specific time in said selected information characterizing an interest of said subscriber at a specific time in response to said detected and passed timing control signal;

outputting simultaneously said local subscriber specific programming and said mass medium programming at said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus, said local subscriber specific programming including a portion of said mass medium programming presented simultaneously at said interactive mass medium programming output device with said selected information characterizing an interest of said subscriber,

wherein said local subscriber specific programming is personalized to said local subscriber by simultaneously including content based on said stored information to be used to characterize interests of a subscriber.

62. A method for combined medium programming delivery for use at an interactive combined medium programming output station based on information communicated from a device that transmits first computer programming that controls the operation of a parallel processing computer system, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving over a network, mass medium programming including at least one of an image and a sound of general interest, originated at a source external to said interactive mass medium programming output station;

programming said interactive combined medium program output station with operating instructions that enable said interactive combined medium programming output station to process said computer programming;

storing information characterizing a subscriber in said interactive combined medium programming output station;

outputting a first combined medium programming presentation after said step of storing at said interactive combined medium programming output station, said first combined medium programming presentation comprising said at least one of an image and a sound of general interest and first subscriber specific information, both said at least one of an image and a sound and said first subscriber specific information are output simultaneously at said interactive combined medium programming output station for use by a local subscriber, said interactive combined medium programming output station having an input device to receive input from said local subscriber;

receiving input from said local subscriber at said input device in response to said first combined medium programming presentation;

inputting said received input from said local subscriber to said parallel processing computer system;

commencing a process required to enable said interactive combined medium programming output station to deliver said second combined medium programming presentation, said process combining simultaneously said mass medium programming including at least one of image and a sound of general interest and second subscriber specific information based on at least a portion of said stored information characterizing a subscriber and said input;

completing said process; and

delivering a second combined medium programming presentation at said interactive combined medium programming output station, said second combined medium programming presentation simultaneously including said mass medium programming including at least one of image and a sound of general interest and said second subscriber specific information based on at least a portion of said stored information characterizing a subscriber and said input.

63. A method for combined medium programming delivery for use with interactive combined medium programming output apparatus based on information communicated from a device that transmits first computer programming that controls the operation of a parallel processing computer system, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving over a network, mass medium programming including at least one of an image and a sound of general interest, originated at a source external to said interactive mass medium program output station;

programming said interactive combined medium programming output apparatus with operating instructions that enable said interactive combined medium programming output apparatus to process said computer programming;

storing information characterizing each of a plurality of subscribers in said interactive combined medium programming output apparatus;

outputting a plurality of first combined medium programming presentations after said step of storing at said interactive combined medium programming output apparatus, said plurality of first combined medium programming presentations each comprising said at least one of an image and a sound of general interest and first subscriber specific information, both said at least one of an image and a sound and said first subscriber specific information are simultaneously output at said interactive combined medium programming output apparatus for use by each of a plurality of local subscribers, said interactive combined medium programming output apparatus having a plurality of local input devices each to receive input from a different one of said plurality of local subscribers;

receiving input from one local subscriber at one of said plurality of input devices in response to one of said plurality of first combined medium programming presentations;

inputting said received input from said one local subscriber to said parallel processing computer system;

commencing a process required to enable said interactive combined medium programming output station to deliver said second combined medium programming presentation, said process combining simultaneously said mass medium programming including at least one of image and a sound of general interest and a second subscriber specific information based on at least a portion of said stored information characterizing a subscriber and said input;

completing said process; and

delivering a second combined medium programming presentation at said interactive combined medium programming output apparatus, said second combined medium programming presentation simultaneously including said mass medium programming including at least one of image and a sound of general interest and a second subscriber specific information based on at least a portion of said stored information characterizing a subscriber and said input.