Signal processing apparatus and methods

• US 8,752,088 B1
• Filed: 06/07/1995
• Issued: 06/10/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 11/03/1981
• Status: Expired

• Current Assignee: N/A
• Original Assignee: N/A
• Inventors: Harvey, John Christopher, Cuddihy, James William
• Primary Examiner(s): Moore, Jr., Michael J
• Application Number:
  US08/483,980
• Time in Patent Office: 6,943 Days
• Field of Search: 455/3.1, 455/4.1, 455/4.2, 455/5.1, 455/6.1, 455/6.2, 348/2, 348/3, 348/6, 348/7, 348/10, 348/12
• 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 gathering information on use of a control signal at a receiver station, said receiver station having a plurality of inputs, a processor, and at least one controllable device, said receiver station transferring said gathered information to a remote station, said method comprising the steps of:

identifying a control signal;

searching for said identified control signal in an input data stream based on said step of identifying;

passing said identified control signal from said processor to said at least one controllable device, said control signal operating said at least one controllable device, wherein a way, channel, and at least one controllable device of said passing is chosen based on said step of searching; and

communicating information on a use of said identified control signal, wherein the use of said identified control signal comprises information on the passing of said identified control signal from said receiver station to said remote station.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said receiver station is a television receiver station, said television receiver station receiving signals including television programming information.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said control signal in said step of identifying is directed to an external device.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein said external device is a storage device.

5. The method of claim 3 wherein said external device is a switch.

6. The method of claim 3 wherein said external device is a building facilities operating device.

7. The method of claim 3 wherein said external device is a tuner.

8. The method of claim 3 wherein said external device is a computer.

9. The method of claim 3 wherein said external device is a recorder.

10. The method of claim 3 wherein said external device is a printer.

11. The method of claim 3 wherein said external device is a disk.

12. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of:

generating a bill for the use of said control signal at said remote station based on the identification and passing of said control signal at said receiver station.

13. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of:

storing information on the passing of said identified control signal on a storage device at said receiver station before said step of communicating; and

delaying said step of communicating for a predetermined time.

14. A multimedia receiving apparatus for gathering information on use of signals comprising:

a plurality of input ports for receiving multimedia signals;

an output port;

a processor operatively connected to said plurality of input ports and said output port;

said processor programmed for;

identifying a signal from at least one of said plurality of input ports;

passing said signal from said processor to said output port, wherein a way the signal is passed from said output port is based on said step of identifying;

communicating information on a use of said identified signal, wherein the use of said identified signal comprises information of the passing of said identified signal based on said step of passing.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said processor is programmed for:

storing said information on the passing of said identified control signal on a storage device before said step of communicating; and

delaying said step of communicating based on a predetermined condition.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said predetermined condition delay is calculated to reduce communication costs.

17. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said processor is further programmed for communicating information from said apparatus to a remote data collection station using a telephone interface.

18. The apparatus of claim 14 where said output port is connected to an external device.

19. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said output port is connected to an internal device.

20. A method for delivery of informative materials in a communications network having a transmitter station and a plurality of receiver stations, each of said receiver stations having a display, a processor and a storage device, and a user, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving at each of said plurality of receiver stations from said communications network a television program;

receiving at each of said plurality of receiver stations from said communications network said informative materials in an encoded transmission, said informative materials that directly informs said user;

decoding said informative materials in said encoded transmission at each of said plurality of receiver stations;

storing said informative materials from said step of decoding at said storage device at of each of said receiver stations;

recording the use of said informative materials at each of said plurality of receiver stations; and

reporting the record of the use of said informative materials from said step of recording from each of said plurality of receiver stations to said transmitter station.

21. The method of claim 20 comprising the further steps of;

buffering the records of use of said informative materials at each of said plurality of receiver stations at said storage device in each of said plurality of receiver stations;

autodialing a modem from each of said plurality of receiver stations to said transmitter station in response to a buffer in said each of said storage device reaching a predetermined amount.

22. The method of claim 20 wherein said encoded transmission is an encoded television signal.

23. The method of claim 20 wherein said encoded transmission is an encoded carrier wave.

24. A method of gathering information on aggregate use of at least one of programming, data, equipment and a control signal at a receiver station, said receiver station having a processor and a controlled device, said receiver station transferring said gathered information to a remote station, said method comprising the steps of:

(1) identifying said at least one of programming, data, equipment and a control signal;

(2) monitoring aggregate use of said at least one of programming, data, equipment and a control signal at said receiver station;

(3) storing a record of the aggregate use of said at least one of programming, data, equipment and a control signal from said step of monitoring; and

(4) communicating information evidencing said aggregate use of said at least one of programming, data, equipment and a control signal from said step of storing a record from said receiver station to a remote station.

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

selecting information designating programming included in at least one of a broadcast and a cablecast television signal; and

communicating said selected information from said step of selecting to said remote station.

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

selecting information designating a function performed in respect of at least one of a broadcast and a cablecast data signal; and

communicating said selected information from said step of selecting to said remote station.

27. The method of claim 24, further comprising the step:

processing information designating a source of said at least one of said programming, data, equipment and said control signal; and

communicating said source information from said step of processing to said remote station.

28. The method of claim 24, further comprising the step:

processing information designating a time in respect of said at least one of said programming, data, equipment and said control signal; and

communicating said time information from said step of processing to said remote station.

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

selecting information designating at least one of a plurality of control signals; and

communicating said selected information from said step of selecting to said remote station.

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

selecting information designating at least one of a plurality of resources; and

communicating said selected information from said step of selecting to said remote station.

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

selecting information designating at least one of a plurality of devices; and

communicating said selected information from said step of selecting to said remote station.

32. The method of claim 24, wherein said communicated evidence information performs at least one of the functions of identifying and designating at least one of:

(1) a mass medium program;

(2) a proper use of programming;

(3) a transmission station;

(4) a receiver station;

(5) a network;

(6) a broadcast station;

(7) a channel on a cable system;

(8) a time of transmission;

(9) a unique identifier datum;

(10) a source or supplier of data;

(11) at least one of a distributor and an advertisement; and

(12) an indication of payment obligation.

33. The method of claim 24, wherein said method further comprises the step of:

storing at least one of a code and a datum which is operative to identify at least one of said programming, data, equipment and said control signal.

34. A method for gathering an identifying signal from a plurality of identifying signals generated by passing a control signal at a receiver station to at least one controlled device, said receiver station having an input and an output, a processor and a storage device, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving a control signal at said receiver station;

detecting said control signal at said receiver station;

passing said control signal from a detector to said at least one controlled device, said control signal operating said controlled device;

generating based on said step of passing said control signal, a plurality of signals that identify characteristics of said control signal in said step of passing, based on the control signal'"'"'s content;

selecting at least one identifying signal from said plurality of identifying signals based on said step of generating said identifying signals; and

storing said at least one identifying signal based on said step of selecting said at least one identifying signal in said storage device.

35. The method of claim 34, further comprising the step of communicating said stored at least one identifying signal based on said step of storing from said receiver station to an external data collection station.

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

generating a bill one of at and from said at least one remote data collection station based on said at least one identifying signal communicated to said external data collection station.

37. The method of claim 34, wherein said at least one identifying signal identifies a source of said control signal.

38. The method of claim 34, wherein said at least one identifying signal identifies a supplier of said control signal.

39. The method of claim 34, wherein said at least one identifying signal identifies a content of said control signal.

40. The method of claim 34, wherein said at least one identifying signal identifies one of a time and a period of time.

41. The method of claim 34, wherein said at least one identifying signal identifies a function performed at said receiver station in consequence of said control signal.

42. The method of claim 34, wherein said at least one identifying signal identifies programming outputted at said receiver station in consequence of said control signal.

43. The method of claim 34, wherein said at least one identifying signal identifies apparatus controlled at said receiver station in consequence of said control signal.

44. The method of claim 34, further comprising the step of discarding at least one of said plurality of identifying signals.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein said discarded at least one of said plurality of identifying signals includes a duplicate identifying signal.

46. The method of claim 34, wherein said step of generating includes creating said at least one identifying signal by appending digital information.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein said appended digital information includes a first of said plurality of signals that identify characteristics.

48. The method of claim 34, wherein said step of generating includes counting.

49. The method of claim 34, wherein said step of generating results in a record.

50. A media receiving apparatus for gathering at least one identifying signal from a plurality of identifying signals comprising:

input apparatus for receiving media signals;

an output port;

a storage device;

a processor operatively connected to said input apparatus, said output port, and said storage device, said processor programmed for;

receiving a media signal from said input apparatus;

detecting a control signal from said media signal;

passing said control signal from said media signal, to said output port, said output port transferring said control signal to an external device, said control signal operating said external device;

generating said plurality of identifying signals that identify characteristics of said control signal from the step of passing said control signal;

selecting said at least one identifying signal from said plurality of identifying signals from said step of generating said plurality of identifying signals; and

storing said at least one identifying signal from said step of selecting at least one said identifying signal in said storage device.

51. The apparatus of claim 50, further comprising:

a telephone interface operatively connected to said processor;

said processor further programmed for;

communicating said at least one identifying signal from said storage device to an external data collection station with said telephone interface.

52. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein said output port is connected to said external device.

53. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein said external device is selected from a group consisting of:

a heater, an air conditioner, a radio receiver, a player, a computer, a storage device, a tuner, and a printer.

54. A method for tracking results of a comparison of control signals at a receiver station in a communications network, said network having at least one transmitter station and at least one receiver station, said at least one receiver station having at least one processor, at least one storage device, and at least one input device adapted to receive user input, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving at said at least one input device at least one user input based on a request for user input;

storing said at least one user input at said at least one storage device;

receiving at said at least one receiver station at least one information transmission from said at least one transmitter station, said at least one information transmission including at least one processor instruction, said processor instruction comprising executable computer code that enables a processor to execute a function;

comparing said received at least one processor instruction with said stored at least one user input based on said received at least one information transmission;

authorizing processing at said at least one receiver station of said at least one processor instruction based on the result from said step of comparing; and

tracking a result of said step of comparing, by recording an indication of said result at said at least one storage device and an indication of processing said at least one processor instruction.

55. The method of claim 54, wherein said step of authorizing processing of said processor instructions employs an instruct to decrypt signal.

56. A method of processing signals at a receiver station having a computer, a programmable controller, and an output device, said computer being programmed to store user data and communicate information based on said stored user data, said programmable controller being programmed to control said receiver station in response to processor code from a remote supplier, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) receiving processor code;

(b) detecting said processor code;

(c) passing a portion of said processor code selectively to a first apparatus;

(d) executing a portion of said processor code at said programmable controller;

(e) controlling said computer in accordance with said processor code; and

(f) storing information evidencing the step of passing a portion of said processor code selectively to a first apparatus and evidencing execution of a function performed by or initiated by said first apparatus in consequence of processor code having been passed selectively to said first apparatus.

57. A method of processing signals at a receiver station, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving an information transmission at a receiver station, said information transmission including television programming and a plurality of embedded signals;

detecting and identifying at least one of said plurality of embedded signals in said information transmission;

selecting a controllable receiver station apparatus based on information within said at least one identified embedded signal;

passing said at least one identified embedded signal to or within at least one reprogrammable device at said receiver station;

controlling said controllable receiver station apparatus based on executable processor code within said at least one identified embedded signal; and

monitoring information evidencing said step of controlling by storing information evidencing said step of passing and information evidencing said step of controlling.

58. The method of claim 57, wherein said step of storing comprises storing some information that evidences a function performed by or initiated by said controllable receiver station apparatus in consequence of said at least one identified embedded signal having been passed to said receiver station apparatus.

59. The method of claim 57, wherein said stored information evidences at least one from the group consisting of:

(a) an output at said receiver station;

(b) a result of processing performed by said receiver station apparatus;

(c) an identification of some programming processed by said receiver station apparatus;

(d) a time or date of some function performed by said receiver station apparatus;

(e) an input received by said controllable receiver station apparatus;

(f) a source of input to said controllable receiver station apparatus;

(g) a device controlled by said controllable receiver station apparatus;

(h) a step of decrypting or otherwise enabling a presentation;

(i) an output device of said receiver station; and

(j) a time or date of an output at said receiver station.

60. The method of claim 57, wherein said at least one identified embedded signal instructs the receiver station to execute a conditional operation of a command signal, said method further comprising the steps of:

determining on the basis of stored information that said command signal is present; and

executing said conditional operation.

61. The method of claim 60, further comprising the steps of:

storing information evidencing a passing of a second of said at least one identified embedded signal to a processor; and

storing information evidencing a function performed by or initiated by at least one of a first of said at least one identified embedded signal and said second of said at least one identified embedded signal.

62. The method of claim 57, wherein at least one identified embedded signal instructs the receiver station to perform a function in response to a command signal, said function selected from the group consisting of:

(a) controlling a tuner to tune to a selected programming, data, or command signal transmission;

(b) controlling a switch or transmission device to communicate programming, data, or a command signal from a selected input source to a selected output source;

(c) controlling a decryptor, descrambler, or enabling device to decrypt, descramble, or enable selected information or to decrypt, descramble, or enable information in consequence of a selected command signal;

(d) controlling an output device to prepare to output selected programming or data; and

(e) controlling a processor, controller, or computer to respond to one or more selected command signals or instructions or to process one or more selected data.

63. The method of claim 57, wherein the receiver station identifies a plurality of embedded signals each of which designates the availability of at least one unit of data, programming, or command signals, said method further comprising the steps of:

passing each identified embedded signal to a receiver station apparatus that selects data, programming or command signals of interest to a viewer, listener, or user;

controlling said controllable receiver station apparatus to select at least one or more units of data, programming, or command signals in response to at least a first identified embedded signal; and

storing some information that evidences the selection of a particular unit of data, programming, or command signals or of a particular carrier transmission, with said particular unit or particular carrier transmission being selected in consequence of an identified embedded signal.

64. The method of claim 63, including the additional step of:

storing in consequence of each identified embedded signal, information that evidences the availability of some data or programming at said receiver station or receiving of a particular information transmission.

65. The method of claim 64, wherein said stored information evidences at least one from the group consisting of:

(a) an origin of a transmission;

(b) a subject matter of some information included in a transmission;

(c) an identification of some programming included in a transmission;

(d) a time or date that a transmission is transmitted or received;

(e) a supplier or owner of some programming included in a transmission;

(f) a step of processing or controlling performed at a transmission station that communicates signals to said receiver station;

(g) some programming that is not processed by or outputted at said receiver station;

(h) an input received by said receiver station; and

(i) a source of input to or at said receiver station.

66. The method of claim 57, wherein the receiver station stores some information that evidences a second passing of said at least one identified embedded signal.

67. The method of claim 66, wherein a storage device stores data, programming, or one or more control signals and the evidence of said second passing is selected from the group consisting of:

(a) two or more sources of an embedded signal, with at least one of said sources designating a storage device; and

(b) two or more different times designating an embedded signal, with at least one of said times designating time shifting.

68. The method of claim 57, wherein a viewer, listener, or user inputs a command signal or wherein said step of storing includes storing some information that evidences a function performed by or initiated by a user at said station, with said step of storing being in consequence of said at least one identified embedded signal having been passed to the first selected apparatus.

69. The method of claim 68, wherein said information that evidences a function is selected from the group consisting of:

(a) a purchase made by a viewer, listener, or user;

(b) the identity the presence of someone at said receiver station;

(c) a reaction of a user to an output;

(d) programming presented to a user or at said station in response to an input; and

(e) decrypting or otherwise enabling of a presentation authorized at said receiver station.

70. The method of claim 57, wherein:

said step of detecting and identifying comprises the steps of;

detecting digital information in the information transmission; and

identifying a signal in the digital information;

said step of passing comprises at least one of the steps of;

passing information in the signal; and

passing one or more preprogrammed data in response to said signal information;

said step of controlling is selected from the group consisting of;

(a) causing said controllable receiver station apparatus to respond to passed information; and

(b) causing said controllable receiver station apparatus to respond to said passed data; and

said step of storing comprises the steps of;

selecting some information in one of said signal and a second signal; and

storing said selected information.

71. The method of claim 57, wherein said receiver station communicates evidence information to a remote data collection station, said remote station being a billing or monitoring station or a station that collects information communicated in a signal transmission, said method further including a step selected from the group consisting of:

(a) discarding some evidence information detected in a signal transmission at a time when said receiver station is not communicating evidence information to said remote station;

(b) selecting at least one or a plurality of remote stations to communicate information to;

(c) initiating communication with a remote station; and

(d) causing a remote station to process information detected at said receiver station.

72. The method of claim 57, wherein a processor assembles the evidence information into a signal record, said method further having at least one step selected from the group consisting of:

(a) discarding some stored evidence information;

(b) modifying a time datum in a signal record in response to evidence information;

(c) initiating a signal record in response to evidence information;

(d) selecting a stored datum of evidence in response to information detected in a signal transmission;

(e) selecting an evidence datum to store in a signal record; and

(f) communicating evidence information to a remote station based on a precondition or communicating evidence information to a memory location that stores signal records.

73. The method of claim 57, wherein a processor assembles the evidence information into a signal record or communicates evidence information to a remote station and said at least one identified embedded signal includes a record assembly or communication instruction, said method further comprising the steps of:

passing said record assembly or communication instruction to said processor.

74. The method of claim 73, wherein said processor is said selected receiver station apparatus and the passing of the said at least one identified embedded signal is evidenced in the assembled or communicated evidence information.

75. The method of claim 57, wherein a plurality of receiver station apparatus communicate evidence information to a processor that assembles evidence information into a signal record, said method further comprising the steps of:

(a) buffering evidence information communicated from said plurality of apparatus;

(b) identifying specific ones of said plurality of apparatus as sources of specific data of said communicated evidence information;

(c) causing one or more of said receiver station apparatus to communicate evidence information in response to a control signal or to an embedded signal;

(d) outputting a control signal to a controlled device and evidence information to the processor in response to said at least one identified embedded signal; and

(e) controlling one or more of said receiver station apparatus as to a fashion of receiving, detecting, or identifying embedded signals or evidence information.

76. The method of claim 57, wherein said receiver station further comprises a data collection device for collecting stored evidence information, said method further comprising the step of:

causing a processor, controller, or computer to pass stored evidence information to said data collection device in response to said at least one identified embedded signal.

77. The method of claim 57, wherein said receiver station comprises a memory location for storing some information of programming availability and said selected receiver station apparatus comprises a processor or computer for selecting programming to receive, store, process, or present to a subscriber, wherein:

said step of detecting and identifying further comprises the steps of;

(1) detecting a signal including information of programming availability;

(2) identifying the information of programming availability;

said step of passing further comprises the step of;

passing the information of programming availability to the processor or computer; and

said step of controlling further comprises the step of;

causing the processor or computer to select available programming.

78. The method of claim 57, wherein said receiver station comprises an output device and said selected receiver station apparatus comprises a computer, wherein:

said step of passing comprises the step of passing an instruct-to-output signal to the computer;

said step of controlling comprises the step of causing the computer to output information stored in the computer'"'"'s memory to said output device.

79. The method of claim 57, wherein said selected receiver station apparatus includes a computer wherein:

said step of detecting and identifying comprises the step of detecting and identifying an instruct-to-generate signal;

said step of passing comprises the step of passing said instruct-to-generate signal to said computer; and

said step of controlling comprises the step of causing the computer to process information stored in the computer'"'"'s memory in response to the instruct-to-generate signal and thereby generate one or more receiver specific data.

80. A method of collecting and reporting the electronic distribution of data programming material in a communications network having a transmitter station and a receiver station, said transmitter station having an input device for inputting a command, a processor for distributing said data programming material and collecting billing records and a storage device to store said data programming material, said receiver station having apparatus to receive said billing records, said method comprising the steps of:

inputting a command at said input device at said transmitter station;

distributing said data programming material from said storage device at said transmitter station in response to said command from said step of inputting a command;

creating a billing record comprising user specific data at said transmitter station to evidence use of said data programming material at said transmitter station, said billing record evidencing how said data programming material is used by a subscriber;

transmitting said billing record from said step of creating a billing record to said receiver station over a data network; and

receiving said billing record from said step of transmitting said billing record at said receiver station from said data network.

81. The method of claim 80, comprising the further steps of:

storing said billing record from said step of creating a billing record at said transmitter station to accumulate a plurality of billing records; and

transmitting said plurality of billing records in response to said accumulated plurality of billing records reaching a predetermined amount.

82. The method of claim 80, comprising the further steps of:

autodialing said receiver station from said transmitter station to establish a datalink between said receiver station and said transmitter station in response to said step of transmitting said billing record.

83. The method of claim 80, comprising the further step of:

establishing a datalink from said receiver station to said transmitter station in response to a signal at said receiver station.

84. The method of claim 80, wherein said data programming material includes computer programming material.

85. The method of claim 80, wherein said data programming material is distributed based on an obligation to pay and said billing record reflects electronic distribution of said data programming material.

86. The method of claim 80, wherein said data programming material includes television programming.

87. The method of claim 80, wherein said communication network comprises a telephone communications network.

88. The method of claim 80, comprising the further step of:

generating a bill at said receiver station in response to said step of receiving said billing record.

89. A method for collecting and reporting the electronic distribution of programming material in a communication network having a transmitter station and a plurality of receiver stations, said transmitter station having apparatus to collect data from said plurality of receiver stations, each at least one of said plurality of receiver stations having a processor for detecting identification signals and establishing local use of said programming material and a storage device to record said local use of said programming material, said method comprising the steps of:

transmitting programming material from said transmitter station to a plurality of receiver stations;

transmitting identification signals that correspond to said programming material transmitted in said step of transmitting programming material; and

receiving automatically from each of said plurality of receiver stations, after local use at said plurality of receiver stations of said programming material transmitted in said step of transmitting programming material, data that reflect local use of said programming material,

wherein said data include at least a portion of said program identification signals, and time information evidencing when the programming was used.

90. The method of claim 89, comprising the further step of:

generating a bill at said transmitter station to reflect the use of said transmitted programming material at at least one of said plurality of receiver stations.

91. The method of claim 89, wherein said step of receiving is from a telephone communication network.

92. The method of claim 89, wherein at least a portion of said programming material is distributed based on an obligation to pay.

93. The method of claim 89, wherein at least one of said identification signals in said step of transmitting identification signals is embedded into said programming material from said step of transmitting programming material.

94. The method of claim 89, wherein at least one of said identification signals is encoded on a radio frequency carrier, said radio frequency carrier transmitted concurrently with said programming material from said step of transmitting program material.

95. The method of claim 89, wherein at least one of said identification signals is encoded on a television frequency carrier, said television frequency carrier transmitted concurrently with said programming material from said step of transmitting programming material.

96. A method of processing signals at a receiver station, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving an information transmission at a receiver station, said information transmission including television programming and a plurality of embedded signals;

detecting and identifying at least one of said plurality of embedded signals in said information transmission;

selecting a controllable receiver station apparatus based on information within said at least one identified embedded signal;

passing said at least one identified embedded signal to or within at least one reprogrammable device at said receiver station;

controlling said controllable receiver station apparatus based on instructions within said at least one identified embedded signal; and

storing information evidencing said step of controlling,

wherein the receiver station stores some information that evidences a second passing of said at least one identified embedded signal, and

wherein a storage device stores data, programming, or one or more control signals and the evidence of said second passing is selected from the group consisting of;

(a) two or more sources of an embedded signal, with at least one of said sources designating a storage device; and

(b) two or more different times designating an embedded signal, with at least one of said times designating time shifting.

97. A method of collecting and reporting the electronic distribution of data programming material in a communications network having a transmitter station and a receiver station, said transmitter station having an input device for inputting a command, a processor for distributing said data programming material and collecting billing records and a storage device to store said data programming material, said receiver station having apparatus to receive said billing records, said method comprising the steps of:

inputting a command at said input device at said transmitter station;

distributing said data programming material from said storage device at said transmitter station in response to said command from said step of inputting a command;

creating a billing record at said transmitter station to evidence use of said data programming material at said transmitter station;

transmitting said billing record from said step of creating a billing record to said receiver station over a data network;

receiving said billing record from said step of transmitting said billing record at said receiver station from said data network;

storing said billing record from said step of creating a billing record at said transmitter station to accumulate a plurality of billing records; and

transmitting said plurality of billing records in response to said accumulated plurality of billing records reaching a predetermined amount.