Method of delivering information over a communication network

US 6,133,912 A
Filed: 05/04/1998
Issued: 10/17/2000
Est. Priority Date: 05/04/1998
Status: Expired due to Term

First Claim

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1. A method of delivering information to subscribers on a communication network, wherein a plurality of data providers and a plurality of processing devices, each processing device uniquely associated with a subscriber, are connected to said network, comprising the steps of:

receiving a sequence of INFO IDs by said plurality of processing devices, each INFO ID uniquely identifying information in a plurality of INFO sources connected to said network;

reading a sequence of information from said plurality of INFO sources in accordance with said sequence of INFO IDs;

selecting at least one data provider by each subscriber to display data that is received from said at least one data provider via said network; and

continuously displaying said sequence of information simultaneously with said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber on an associated processing device such that said sequence of information and said data requested by said each subscriber are simultaneously viewable, and wherein said data to be displayed on said associated processing device is selectable by said each subscriber, the display of said sequence of information is not controllable by said each subscriber and does not change in response to the selection of said data by said each subscriber.

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Abstract

A technique and apparatus for delivering information to the subscribers (terminals) on a communication network. The information is simultaneously displayed without interfering with the reception and/or display of subscriber'"'"'s selected data or program.

325 Citations

415 Claims

1. A method of delivering information to subscribers on a communication network, wherein a plurality of data providers and a plurality of processing devices, each processing device uniquely associated with a subscriber, are connected to said network, comprising the steps of:
- receiving a sequence of INFO IDs by said plurality of processing devices, each INFO ID uniquely identifying information in a plurality of INFO sources connected to said network;
  
  reading a sequence of information from said plurality of INFO sources in accordance with said sequence of INFO IDs;
  
  selecting at least one data provider by each subscriber to display data that is received from said at least one data provider via said network; and
  
  continuously displaying said sequence of information simultaneously with said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber on an associated processing device such that said sequence of information and said data requested by said each subscriber are simultaneously viewable, and wherein said data to be displayed on said associated processing device is selectable by said each subscriber, the display of said sequence of information is not controllable by said each subscriber and does not change in response to the selection of said data by said each subscriber.
- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 57, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84)
- - 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of selecting another data provider in response to an input from said each subscriber and wherein the step of continuously displaying displays said sequence of information simultaneously with data received from said other data provider.
  - 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of continuously displaying displays said sequence of information without interfering with the display of said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber.
  - 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:
    - verifying the authorization of said each subscriber to determine if said each subscriber is authorized to connect to said network; and
      
      inhibiting said associated processing device from displaying said sequence of information if it is determined that said each subscriber is not authorized to connect to said network.
  - 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of inhibiting said associated processing device from displaying said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber if it is determined that said each subscriber is not authorized to connect to said network.
  - 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:
    - verifying the authorization of said each subscriber to determine if said each subscriber is authorized to connect to said network; and
      
      inhibiting said associated processing device from displaying said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber if it is determined that said each subscriber is not authorized to connect to said network.
  - 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of advertisements.
  - 8. The method of claim 1, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of messages or announcements.
  - 9. The method of claim 1, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of news.
  - 10. The method of claim 1, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of updates.
  - 11. The method of claim 1, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of advertisements, messages or announcements, news and updates.
  - 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the information comprises texts.
  - 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the information comprises still pictures.
  - 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the information comprises moving pictures.
  - 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the information comprises a video component and an audio component.
  - 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the information is a combination of text, still pictures, moving pictures having video and audio components.
  - 17. The method of claim 5, wherein said network is a computer network and said plurality of processing devices are terminals.
  - 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of:
    - assigning a unique subscriber ID and a password to said each subscriber on said communication network; and
      
      storing said subscriber ID and said password for said each subscriber in a database.
  - 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of establishing a connection between each of said terminals and said computer network.
  - 20. The method of claim 19, wherein each terminal includes an input device and wherein the step of establishing the connection includes the steps of:
    - entering a subscriber ID and a password on said input device by said each subscriber to initiate connection between a terminal associated with said each subscriber and said communication network;
      
      transmitting said subscriber ID and said password entered on said input device to said database for verification;
      
      determining whether said subscriber ID entered on said input device matches one of said subscriber IDs stored in said database to provide a verified subscriber ID;
      
      verifying said password entered on said input device matches said password associated with said verified subscriber ID if said verified subscriber ID is found; and
      
      connecting said terminal associated with said each subscriber to said computer network if it is determined that said password entered on said input device matches a password stored in said database which is associated with said verified subscriber ID.
  - 21. The method of claim 3, wherein said network is a computer network and said plurality of processing devices are terminals.
  - 22. The method of claim 21, wherein each of said plurality of data providers is a server on said computer network and further comprising the step of selecting data to be displayed from said at least one data provider by said each subscriber.
  - 23. The method of claim 22, wherein each of said terminals includes an input device and wherein the step of selecting data includes the step of:
    - entering a request for said data from said at least one server connected to said computer network on said input device of a terminal associated with said each subscriber; and
      
      transmitting said request for said data to said at least one server from said terminal associated with said each subscriber.
  - 24. The method of claim 1, wherein said network is a computer network and wherein the step of receiving a sequence of information includes the steps of:
    - receiving a sequence of addresses from a database connected to a network, each address indicating the location of the information in said plurality of INFO sources; and
      
      reading said sequence of information from said plurality of INFO sources in accordance with said sequence of addresses.
  - 25. The method of claim 5, further comprising the steps of:
    - assigning an unique subscriber ID to each of said plurality of processing devices;
      
      generating a login time and a login date for said each subscriber if it is determined that said each subscriber is authorized to connect to said network; and
      
      storing said subscriber ID, said login time and said login date for said each subscriber in a database connected to said network if it is determined that said each subscriber is authorized to connect said network.
  - 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the step of generating login time and login date includes the steps of:
    - receiving from a source connected to said network a virtual date and a virtual time; and
      
      generating said login time and said login date for said each subscriber as a function of said virtual time and said virtual date, respectively.
  - 27. The method of claim 25, further comprising the steps of:
    - determining whether a processing device is no longer connected to said network;
      
      generating a logout time and a logout date for said each subscriber if it is determined that said processing device associated with said each subscriber is no longer connected to said network; and
      
      storing said logout time and said logout date for said each subscriber in said database if it is determined that said processing device associated with said each subscriber is no longer connected to said network.
  - 28. The method of claim 27, further comprising the steps of:
    - generating a session duration for said each subscriber as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout date and said logout time; and
      
      storing said session duration for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 29. The method of claim 28, further comprising the steps of:
    - generating a session usage record for said each subscriber containing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time and said session duration; and
      
      storing said session usage record for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 31. The method of claim 26, further comprising the steps of:
    - determining whether a processing device is no longer connected to said network;
      
      generating a logout time and a logout date for said each subscriber as a function of said virtual date and said virtual time if it is determined that said processing device associated with said each subscriber is no longer connected to said network; and
      
      storing said logout date and said logout time for said each subscriber to said database if it is determined that said processing device associated with said each subscriber is no longer connected to said network.
  - 32. The method of claim 31, further comprising the steps of:
    - generating a session duration for said each subscriber as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout date and said logout time; and
      
      storing said session duration for said each subscriber to said database.
  - 33. The method of claim 32, further comprising the steps of:
    - generating a session usage record for said each subscriber containing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time and said session duration; and
      
      storing said session usage record for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 34. The method of claim 27, further comprising the steps of:
    - assigning an INFO duration to each information in said sequence of information to provide a plurality of INFO durationsstoring said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations in said database; and
      
      wherein the step of continuously displaying displays said each information in said sequence of information for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information.
  - 35. The method of claim 34, further comprising the steps of:
    - determining which information in said sequence of information was displayed on said associated processing device as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time and said plurality of INFO durations to provide a list of displayed information for said each subscriber; and
      
      storing said list of displayed information for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 36. The method of claim 35, wherein said list of displayed information for said each subscriber contains a list of INFO IDs corresponding to the displayed information.
  - 37. The method of claim 36, further comprising the steps of:
    - determining date and time that each INFO ID in said list of displayed information was displayed on said associated processing device as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout time, said logout date and said plurality of INFO durations to provide a display date and a display time for said each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber; and
      
      storing said display date and said display time for said each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 38. The method of claim 37, further comprising the steps of:
    - generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID and said subscriber ID of said each subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID; and
      
      storing said INFO display record in said database.
  - 39. The method of claim 31, further comprising the steps of:
    - assigning an INFO duration to each information in said sequence of information to provide a plurality of INFO durations;
      
      storing said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations in said database; and
      
      wherein the step of continuously displaying displays said each information in said sequence of information for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information.
  - 40. The method of claim 39, further comprising the steps of:
    - determining which information in said sequence of information was display to said each subscriber as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time and said plurality of INFO durations to provide a list of display information for said each subscriber; and
      
      storing said list of display information for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 41. The method of claim 40, wherein said list of displayed information for said each subscriber contains a list of INFO IDs corresponding to the displayed information.
  - 42. The method of claim 41, further comprising the steps of:
    - determining date and time that each INFO ID in said list of displayed information was displayed on said associated processing device as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout time, said logout date and said plurality of INFO durations to provide a display date and a display time for said each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber; and
      
      storing said display date and said display time for said each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 43. The method of claim 42, further comprising the steps of:
    - generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID and said subscriber ID of said each subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID; and
      
      storing said INFO display record in said database.
  - 44. The method of claim 37, further comprising the steps of:
    - assigning a location ID for said each subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and
      
      storing said location ID for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 45. The method of claim 44, wherein said location ID includes a zip code;
    - wherein said associated processing device includes a storage device; and
      
      the method further comprising the steps of;
      
      generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID and said location ID of said each subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID;
      
      storing said INFO display record in said storage device of said associated processing device; and
      
      transmitting said INFO display record to said database.
  - 46. The method of claim 44, further comprising the steps of:
    - generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID and said location ID of said each subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID; and
      
      storing said INFO display record in said database.
  - 47. The method of claim 42, further comprising the steps of:
    - assigning a location ID for said each subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and
      
      storing said location ID for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 48. The method of claim 47, further comprising the steps of:
    - generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID and said location ID of said each subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID; and
      
      storing said INFO display record in said database.
  - 49. The method of claim 47, wherein said location ID includes a zip code;
    - wherein said associated processing device includes a storage device; and
      
      the method further comprising the steps of;
      
      generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID and said location ID of said each subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID;
      
      storing said INFO display record in said storage device of said associated processing device; and
      
      transmitting said INFO display record to said database.
  - 50. The method of claim 32, further comprising the steps of:
    - assigning a location ID for said each subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and
      
      storing said location ID for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 51. The method of claim 50, wherein said location ID includes a zip code.
  - 52. The method of claim 50, further comprising the steps of:
    - generating a session usage record for said each subscriber containing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time, said session duration and said location ID; and
      
      storing said session usage record for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 53. The method of claim 28, further comprising the steps of:
    - assigning a location ID for said each subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and
      
      storing said location ID for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 54. The method of claim 53, wherein said location ID includes a zip code.
  - 55. The method of claim 53, further comprising the steps of:
    - generating a session usage record for said each subscriber containing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time, said session duration and said location ID; and
      
      storing said session usage record for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 57. The method of claim 31, further comprising the steps of:
    - generating a ping signal every predetermined interval by said associated processing device if it is determined that said each subscriber is authorized to connect to said network;
      
      transmitting said ping signal to said database;
      
      updating said database to indicate expected time of next ping signal from said each subscriber; and
      
      wherein the step of generating said logout time and said logout date generates said logout time and said logout date for said each subscriber when said ping signal is not received from said associated processing device substantially within said expected time.
  - 63. The method of claim 3, wherein each of said plurality of processing devices includes a monitor having a first portion and a second portion, and an input device;
    - and wherein the step of continuously displaying displays said sequence of information in said first portion of said monitor and displays said data received from said at least one data provider selected by each subscriber in said second portion of said monitor.
  - 64. The method of claim 63, further comprising the steps of:
    - assigning an INFO duration to each information in said sequence of information to provide a plurality of INFO durations;
      
      storing said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations in a database connected to said network; and
      
      wherein the step of continuously displaying displays said each information in said sequence of information for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information.
  - 65. The method of claim 64 wherein said first portion of said monitor is divided into a plurality of linked regions and a plurality of unlinked regions, each of said plurality of linked regions is linked to one of said plurality of data providers;
    - and the method further comprising the step of selecting one of said plurality of linked regions by said each subscriber to receive additional information.
  - 66. The method of claim 65, wherein each of said plurality of data providers is uniquely identified by a data provider ID and further comprising the steps of:
    - assigning an unique subscriber ID to said associated processing device;
      
      detecting which information in said sequence of information is being displayed on said first portion of said monitor associated with said associated processing device to provide a displayed INFO ID;
      
      determining date and time that information corresponding to said displayed INFO ID was displayed on said associated processing device to provide a display date and a display time, respectively;
      
      detecting which one of said plurality of linked regions was selected by said each subscriber during the display of information corresponding to said displayed INFO ID to provide a selected data provider ID; and
      
      storing said subscriber ID, said displayed INFO ID, said selected data provider ID, said display date and said display time for said each subscriber in said database if it is detected that said one of said plurality of linked regions was selected by said each subscriber.
  - 67. The method of claim 66, further comprising the steps of:
    - assigning a location ID for said each subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and
      
      storing said location ID for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 68. The method of claim 67, wherein said location ID includes a zip code;
    - wherein said associated processing device includes a storage device; and
      
      the method further comprising the steps of;
      
      generating a plurality of clicked event records for said each subscriber, each clicked event record for said each subscriber being associated with a single selected data provider ID and said each clicked event record contains said subscriber ID, said location ID and said single selected data provider ID, and said displayed INFO ID, said display date and said display time associated with said single selected data provider ID;
      
      storing said plurality of clicked event records for said each subscriber in said storage device of said associated processing device; and
      
      transmitting said plurality of clicked event records for said each subscriber to said database.
  - 69. The method of claim 67, further comprising the steps of:
    - generating a plurality of clicked event records for said each subscriber, each clicked event record for said each subscriber being associated with a single selected data provider ID and said each clicked event record contains said subscriber ID, said location ID and said single selected data provider ID, and said displayed INFO ID, said display date and said display time associated with said single selected data provider ID; and
      
      storing said plurality of clicked event records for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 70. The method of claim 1, wherein each information in said sequence of information is a unsolicited request for data from one of said plurality of data providers.
  - 71. The method of claim 70, wherein said unsolicited request for data is limited to a subset of said plurality of data providers.
  - 72. The method of claim 71, wherein the step of selecting at least one data provider inhibits the selection of a data provider in said subset by said each subscriber.
  - 73. The method of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of data providers is uniquely identified by a data provider ID and further comprising the steps of storing said subscriber ID and said data provider ID associated with at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber in a database connected to said network.
  - 74. The method of claim 73, further comprising the steps of:
    - determining date and time said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber was displayed on said associated processing device to provide a display date and a display time, respectively; and
      
      storing said display date and said display time in said database.
  - 75. The method of claim 74, further comprising the steps of:
    - assigning a location ID for said each subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and
      
      storing said location ID for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 76. The method of claim 75, wherein said location ID includes a zip code;
    - wherein said associated processing device includes a storage device; and
      
      wherein the method further comprising the steps of;
      
      generating a plurality of data display records for said each subscriber, each data display record for said each subscriber being associated with a single data provider ID stored in said database and said each data display record containing said subscriber ID, said location ID and said single data provider ID, and said display date and said display time associated with said single data provider ID;
      
      storing said plurality of data display records for said each subscriber in said storage device of said associated processing device; and
      
      transmitting said plurality of data display records for said each subscriber to said database.
  - 77. The method of claim 75, further comprising the steps of:
    - generating a plurality of data display records for said each subscriber, each data display record for said each subscriber being associated with a single data provider ID stored in said database and said each data display record containing said subscriber ID, said location ID and said single data provider ID, and said display date and said display time associated with said single data provider ID; and
      
      storing said plurality of data display records for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 78. The method of claim 2, wherein said network is a cable television network;
    - and wherein said plurality of processing devices are converter boxes.
  - 79. The method of claim 78, wherein said each of said plurality of data providers represents a broadcast channel on said cable television network.
  - 80. The method of claim 79, wherein each of said converter boxes includes a television receiving apparatus, wherein the step of selecting at least one data provider selects a broadcast channel to display a program that is received on said selected broadcast channel and wherein the step of continuously displaying displays said sequence of information simultaneously with said program received on said selected broadcast channel.
  - 81. The method of claim 80, wherein the step of selecting another data provider selects a next broadcast channel to display a program that is received on said next broadcast channel in response to said input from said each subscriber and wherein the step of continuously displaying displays said sequence of information simultaneously with said program received on said next broadcast channel.
  - 82. The method of claim 81, wherein the step of selecting another data provider includes operating a channel up button or a channel down button on a channel selector operable with said convertor box.
  - 83. The method of claim 66, wherein the step of selecting one of said plurality of linked regions includes the step of displaying said additional information in said second portion of said monitor.
  - 84. The method of claim 66, wherein the step of selecting one of said plurality of linked regions includes the steps of:
    - displaying a request for additional data to said each subscriber in said second portion of said monitor;
      
      entering said additional data on said input device by said each subscriber; and
      
      storing said additional data in said database.

30. A method of delivering information to subscribers on a communication network, wherein a plurality of data providers and a plurality of processing devices, each processing device uniquely associated with a subscriber, are connected to said network, comprising the steps of:
- assigning an unique INFO ID and an INFO duration to each information from a plurality of INFO sources connected to said network to provide a plurality of INFO IDs and a plurality of INFO durations;
  
  storing said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations in a database connected to said network;
  
  receiving a sequence of information by said plurality of processing devices;
  
  selecting at least one data provider by each subscriber to display data that is received from said at least one data provider via said network; and
  
  continuously displaying said sequence of information simultaneously with said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber on an associated processing device such that said sequence of information and said data requested by said each subscriber are simultaneously viewable, and wherein said data to be displayed on said associated processing device is selectable by said each subscriber, the display of said sequence of information is not controllable by said each subscriber and said each information in said sequence of information is displayed for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information.
- View Dependent Claims (58, 59, 60, 61, 62)
- - 58. The method of claim 30, wherein the step of continuously displaying includes the steps of:
    - determining date and time that each information in said sequence of information is displayed on said associated processing device to provide a display date and a display time, respectively; and
      
      storing said display date and said display time for said each information for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 59. The method of claim 58, further comprising the steps of:
    - generating a plurality of INFO display records for said each subscriber, each INFO display record containing subscriber ID of said each subscriber, and said INFO ID, said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said each information; and
      
      storing said plurality of INFO display records for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 60. The method of claim 58, further comprising the steps of:
    - assigning a location ID for said each subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and
      
      storing said location ID for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 61. The method of claim 60, wherein said location ID includes a zip code;
    - wherein said associated processing device includes a storage device; and
      
      the method further comprising the steps of;
      
      generating a plurality of INFO display records for said each subscriber, each INFO display record containing subscriber ID and location ID of said each subscriber, and said INFO ID, said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said each information;
      
      storing said plurality of INFO display records for said each subscriber in said storage device of said associated processing device; and
      
      transmitting said plurality of INFO display records for said each subscriber to said database.
  - 62. The method of claim 60, further comprising the steps of:
    - generating a plurality of INFO display records for said each subscriber, each INFO display record containing subscriber ID and location ID of said each subscriber, and said INFO ID, said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said each information; and
      
      storing said plurality of INFO display records for said each subscriber in said database.

56. A method of delivering information to subscribers on a communication network, wherein a plurality of data providers and a plurality of processing devices, each processing device uniquely associated with a subscriber, are connected to said network, comprising the steps of:
- assigning an unique subscriber ID to each of said plurality of processing devices;
  
  verifying the authorization of said each subscriber to determine if said each subscriber is authorized to connect to said network;
  
  generating a login time and a login date for said each subscriber if it is determined that said each subscriber is authorized to connect to said network;
  
  storing said subscriber ID, said login time and said login date for said each subscriber in a database connected to said network if it is determined that said each subscriber is authorized to connect said network;
  
  receiving a sequence of information by said plurality of processing devices from a plurality of INFO sources connected to said network;
  
  selecting at least one data provider by each subscriber to display data that is received from said at least one data provider via said network;
  
  continuously displaying said sequence of information simultaneously with said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber on an associated processing device if it is determined that said each subscriber is authorized to connect to said network, such that said sequence of information and said data requested by said each subscriber are simultaneously viewable, and wherein said data to be displayed on said associated processing device is selectable by said each subscriber and the display of said sequence of information is not controllable by said each subscriber;
  
  generating a ping signal every predetermined interval by said associated processing device if it is determined that said each subscriber is authorized to connect to said network;
  
  transmitting said ping signal to said database;
  
  updating said database to indicate expected time of next ping signal from said each subscriber;
  
  generating a logout time and a logout date for said each subscriber when said ping signal is not received from said associated processing device substantially within said expected time; and
  
  storing said logout time and said logout date for said each subscriber in said database.

85. A method of selectively delivering information to subscribers on a communication network, wherein a plurality of data providers and a plurality of processing devices, each processing device uniquely associated with a subscriber, are connected to said network, comprising the steps of:
- storing profile data in a database connected to said network for each subscriber;
  
  storing a plurality of information received from a plurality of INFO sources connected to said network in said database;
  
  selecting a sequence of information for said each subscriber from said plurality of information in accordance with said profile data of said each subscriber, each information in said sequence of information being uniquely identified by an INFO ID;
  
  receiving a sequence of INFO IDs for said each subscriber by a processing device associated with said each subscriber;
  
  reading a sequence of information from said plurality of INFO sources in accordance with said sequence of INFO IDs;
  
  selecting at least one data provider by said each subscriber to display data that is received from said at least one data provider via said network; and
  
  continuously displaying said sequence of information for said each subscriber simultaneously with said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber on said associated processing device such that said sequence of information for said each subscriber and said data requested by said each subscriber a resimultaneously viewable, and wherein said data to be displayed on said associated processing device is selectable by said each subscriber, the display of said sequence of information for said each subscriber is not controllable by said each subscriber and does not change in response to the selection of said data by said each subscriber.
- View Dependent Claims (86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 142, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207)
- - 86. The method of claim 85, further comprising the step of selecting another data provider in response to an input from said each subscriber and wherein the step of continuously displaying displays said sequence of information for said each subscriber simultaneously with data received from said other data provider.
  - 87. The method of claim 85, wherein the step of continuously displaying displays said sequence of information for said each subscriber without interfering with the display of said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber.
  - 88. The method of claim 85, wherein each of said plurality of INFO sources includes an INFO database and wherein the step of storing a plurality of information includes the step of retrieving information from each database to generate said plurality of information.
  - 89. The method of claim 85, further comprising the steps of:
    - verifying the authorization of said each subscriber to determine if said each subscriber is authorized to connect to said network; and
      
      inhibiting said associated processing device from displaying said sequence of information for said each subscriber if it is determined that said each subscriber is not authorized to connect to said network.
  - 90. The method of claim 89, further comprising the step of inhibiting said associated processing device from displaying said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber if it is determined that said each subscriber is not authorized to connect to said network.
  - 91. The method of claim 85, further comprising the steps of:
    - verifying the authorization of said each subscriber to determine if said each subscriber is authorized to connect to said network; and
      
      inhibiting said associated processing device from displaying said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber if it is determined that said each subscriber is not authorized to connect to said network.
  - 92. The method of claim 85, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of advertisements.
  - 93. The method of claim 85, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of messages or announcements.
  - 94. The method of claim 85, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of news.
  - 95. The method of claim 85, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of updates.
  - 96. The method of claim 85, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of advertisements, messages or announcements, news and updates.
  - 97. The method of claim 85, wherein the information comprises texts.
  - 98. The method of claim 85, wherein the information comprises still pictures.
  - 99. The method of claim 85, wherein the information comprises moving pictures.
  - 100. The method of claim 85, wherein the information comprises a video and audio component.
  - 101. The method of claim 85, wherein the information is a combination of text, still pictures and moving pictures.
  - 102. The method of claim 90, wherein said network is a computer network and said plurality of processing devices are terminals.
  - 103. The method of claim 102, further comprising the steps of:
    - assigning a unique subscriber ID and a password to said each subscriber on said communication network; and
      
      storing said subscriber ID and said password for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 104. The method of claim 103, further comprising the step of establishing a connection between each of said terminals and said computer network.
  - 105. The method of claim 104, wherein each terminal includes an input device and wherein the step of establishing the connection includes the steps of:
    - entering a subscriber ID and a password on said input device by said each subscriber to initiate connection between a terminal associated with said each subscriber and said communication network;
      
      transmitting said subscriber ID and said password entered on said input device to said database for verification;
      
      determining whether said subscriber ID entered on said input device matches one of said subscriber IDs stored in said database to provide a verified subscriber ID;
      
      verifying said password entered on said input device matches said password associated with said verified subscriber ID if said verified subscriber ID is found; and
      
      connecting said terminal associated with said each subscriber to said computer network if it is determined that said password entered on said input device matches a password stored in said database which is associated with said verified subscriber ID.
  - 106. The method of claim 87, wherein said network is a computer network and said plurality of processing devices are terminals.
  - 107. The method of claim 106, wherein each of said plurality of data providers is a server on said computer network and further comprising the step of selecting data to be displayed from said at least one data provider by said each subscriber.
  - 108. The method of claim 107, wherein each of said terminals includes an input device and wherein the step of selecting data includes the step of:
    - entering a request for said data from said at least one server connected to said computer network on said input device of a terminal associated with said each subscriber; and
      
      transmitting said request for said data to said at least one server from said terminal associated with said each subscriber.
  - 109. The method of claim 85, wherein said network is a computer network and wherein said sequence of INFO IDs represents a sequence of addresses, each address indicating the location of one of said sequence of information in said plurality of INFO sources.
  - 110. The method of claim 90, further comprising the steps of:
    - assigning an unique subscriber ID to each of said plurality of processing devices;
      
      generating a login time and a login date for said each subscriber if it is determined that said each subscriber is authorized to connect to said network; and
      
      storing said subscriber ID, said login time and said login date for said each subscriber in said database if it is determined that said each subscriber is authorized to connect said network.
  - 111. The method of claim 110, wherein the step of generating login time and login date includes the steps of:
    - receiving from a source connected to said network a virtual date and a virtual time; and
      
      generating said login time and said login date for said each subscriber as a function of said virtual time and said virtual date, respectively.
  - 112. The method of claim 110, further comprising the steps of:
    - determining whether a processing device is no longer connected to said network;
      
      generating a logout time and a logout date for said each subscriber if it is determined that said processing device associated with said each subscriber is no longer connected to said network; and
      
      storing said logout time and said logout date for said each subscriber in said database if it is determined that said processing device associated with said each subscriber is no longer connected to said network.
  - 113. The method of claim 112, further comprising the steps of:
    - generating a session duration for said each subscriber as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout date and said logout time; and
      
      storing said session duration for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 114. The method of claim 113, further comprising the steps of:
    - generating a session usage record for said each subscriber containing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time and said session duration; and
      
      storing said session usage record for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 116. The method of claim 111, further comprising the steps of:
    - determining whether a processing device is no longer connected to said network;
      
      generating a logout time and a logout date for said each subscriber as a function of said virtual date and said virtual time if it is determined that said processing device associated with said each subscriber is no longer connected to said network; and
      
      storing said logout date and said logout time for said each subscriber to said database if it is determined that said processing device associated with said each subscriber is no longer connected to said network.
  - 117. The method of claim 116, further comprising the steps of:
    - generating a session duration for said each subscriber as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout date and said logout time; and
      
      storing said session duration for said each subscriber to said database.
  - 118. The method of claim 117, further comprising the steps of:
    - generating a session usage record for said each subscriber containing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time and said session duration; and
      
      storing said session usage record for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 119. The method of claim 112, further comprising the steps of:
    - assigning an INFO duration to each information in said plurality of information a plurality of INFO durations;
      
      storing said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations in said database; and
      
      wherein the step of continuously displaying displays said each information in said sequence of information for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information for said each subscriber.
  - 120. The method of claim 119, further comprising the steps of:
    - determining which information in said sequence of information for said each subscriber was displayed on said associated processing device as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time and said INFO durations assigned to each information in said sequence of information for said each subscriber to provide a list of displayed information for said each subscriber; and
      
      storing said list of displayed information for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 121. The method of claim 120, wherein said list of displayed information for said each subscriber contains a list of INFO IDs corresponding to the displayed information.
  - 122. The method of claim 121, further comprising the steps of:
    - determining date and time that each INFO ID in said list of displayed information was displayed on said associated processing device as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout time, said logout date and said INFO durations assigned to each information in said sequence of information for said each subscriber to provide a display date and a display time for said each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber; and
      
      storing said display date and said display time for said each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 123. The method of claim 122, further comprising the steps of:
    - generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID and said subscriber ID of said each subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID; and
      
      storing said INFO display record in said database.
  - 124. The method of claim 116, further comprising the steps of:
    - assigning an INFO duration to each information in said plurality of information to provide a plurality of INFO durations;
      
      storing said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations in said database; and
      
      wherein the step of continuously displaying displays said each information in said sequence of information for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information for said each subscriber.
  - 125. The method of claim 124, further comprising the steps of:
    - determining which information in said sequence of information for said each subscriber was displayed on said associated processing device as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time and said INFO duration assigned to each information in said sequence of information for said each subscriber to provide a list of display information for said each subscriber; and
      
      storing said list of displayed information for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 126. The method of claim 125, wherein said list of displayed information for said each subscriber contains a list of INFO IDs corresponding to the displayed information.
  - 127. The method of claim 126, further comprising the steps of:
    - determining date and time that each INFO ID in said list of displayed information was displayed on said associated processing device as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout time, said logout date and said INFO duration assigned to each information in said sequence of information for said each subscriber to provide a display date and a display time for said each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber; and
      
      storing said display date and said display time for said each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 128. The method of claim 127, further comprising the steps of:
    - generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID and said subscriber ID of said each subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID; and
      
      storing said INFO display record in said database.
  - 129. The method of claim 122, further comprising the steps of:
    - assigning a location ID for said each subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and
      
      storing said location ID for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 130. The method of claim 129, wherein said location ID includes a zip code;
    - wherein said associated processing device includes a storage device; and
      
      the method further comprising the steps of;
      
      generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID and said location ID of said each subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID;
      
      storing said INFO display record in said storage device of said associated processing device; and
      
      transmitting said INFO display record to said database.
  - 131. The method of claim 129, further comprising the steps of:
    - generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID and said location ID of said each subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID; and
      
      storing said INFO display record in said database.
  - 132. The method of claim 127, further comprising the steps of:
    - assigning a location ID for said each subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and
      
      storing said location ID for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 133. The method of claim 132, further comprising the steps of:
    - generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID and said location ID of said each subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFOduration associated with said INFO ID; and
      
      storing said INFO display record in said database.
  - 134. The method of claim 132, wherein said location ID includes a zip code;
    - wherein said associated processing device includes a storage device; and
      
      the method further comprising the steps of;
      
      generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID and said location ID of said each subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID;
      
      storing said INFO display record in said storage device of said associated processing device; and
      
      transmitting said INFO display record to said database.
  - 135. The method of claim 117, further comprising the steps of:
    - assigning a location ID for said each subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and
      
      storing said location ID for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 136. The method of claim 135, wherein said location ID includes a zip code.
  - 137. The method of claim 135, further comprising the steps of:
    - generating a session usage record for said each subscriber containing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time, said session duration and said location ID; and
      
      storing said session usage record for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 138. The method of claim 113, further comprising the steps of:
    - assigning a location ID for said each subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and
      
      storing said location ID for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 139. The method of claim 138, wherein said location ID includes a zip code.
  - 140. The method of claim 138, further comprising the steps of:
    - generating a session usage record for said each subscriber containing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time, said session duration and said location ID; and
      
      storing said session usage record for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 142. The method of claim 116, further comprising the steps of:
    - generating a ping signal every predetermined interval by said associated processing device if it is determined that said each subscriber is authorized to connect to said network;
      
      transmitting said ping signal to said database;
      
      updating said database to indicate expected time of next ping signal from said each subscriber; and
      
      wherein the step of generating said logout time and said logout date generates said logout time and said logout date for said each subscriber when said ping signal is not received from said associated processing device substantially within said expected time.
  - 148. The method of claim 87, wherein each of said plurality of processing devices includes a monitor having a first portion and a second portion, and an input device;
    - and wherein the step of continuously displaying displays said sequence of information for said each subscriber in said first portion of said monitor and displays said data received from said at least one data provider selected by each subscriber in said second portion of said monitor.
  - 149. The method of claim 148, further comprising the steps of:
    - assigning an INFO duration to each information in said plurality of information to provide a plurality of INFO durations;
      
      storing said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations in said database; and
      
      wherein the step of continuously displaying displays said each information in said sequence of information for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information for said each subscriber.
  - 150. The method of claim 149, wherein said first portion of said monitor is divided into a plurality of linked regions and a plurality of unlinked regions, each of said plurality of linked regions is linked to one of said plurality of data providers;
    - and the method further comprising the step of selecting one of said plurality of linked regions by said each subscriber to receive additional information.
  - 151. The method of claim 150, wherein each of said plurality of data providers is uniquely identified by a data provider ID and further comprising the steps of:
    - assigning an unique subscriber ID to said associated processing device;
      
      detecting which information in said sequence of information for said each subscriber is being displayed on said first portion of said monitor associated with said associated processing device to provide a displayed INFO ID;
      
      determining date and time that information corresponding to said displayed INFO ID was displayed on said associated processing device to provide a display date and a display time, respectively;
      
      detecting which one of said plurality of linked regions was selected by said each subscriber during the display of information corresponding to said displayed INFO ID to provide a selected data provider ID; and
      
      storing said subscriber ID, said displayed INFO ID, said selected data provider ID, said display date and said display time for said each subscriber in said database if it is detected that said one of said plurality of linked regions was selected by said each subscriber.
  - 152. The method of claim 151, further comprising the steps of:
    - assigning a location ID for said each subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and
      
      storing said location ID for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 153. The method of claim 152, wherein said location ID includes a zip code;
    - wherein said associated processing device includes a storage device; and
      
      the method further comprising the steps of;
      
      generating a plurality of clicked event records for said each subscriber, wherein each clicked event record for said each subscriber is associated with a single selected data provider ID and said each clicked event record contains said subscriber ID, said location ID and said single selected data provider ID, and said displayed INFO ID, said display date and said display time associated with said single selected data provider ID;
      
      storing said plurality of clicked event records for said each subscriber in said storage device of said associated processing device; and
      
      transmitting said plurality of clicked event records for said each subscriber to said database.
  - 154. The method of claim 152, further comprising the steps of:
    - generating a plurality of clicked event records for said each subscriber, wherein each clicked event record for said each subscriber is associated with a single selected data provider ID and said each clicked event record contains said subscriber ID, said location ID and said single selected data provider ID, and said displayed INFO ID, said display date and said display time associated with said single selected data provider ID; and
      
      storing said plurality of clicked event records for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 155. The method of claim 85, wherein each information in said sequence of information is a unsolicited request for data from one of said plurality of data providers.
  - 156. The method of claim 155, wherein said unsolicited request for data is limited to a subset of said plurality of data providers.
  - 157. The method of claim 156, wherein the step of selecting at least one data provider inhibits the selection of a data provider in said subset by said each subscriber.
  - 158. The method of claim 85, wherein each of said plurality of data providers is uniquely identified by a data provider ID and further comprising the steps of storing said subscriber ID and said data provider ID associated with at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber in said database.
  - 159. The method of claim 158, further comprising the steps of:
    - determining a display date and a display time of said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber on said associated processing device; and
      
      storing said display date and said display time in said database.
  - 160. The method of claim 159, further comprising the steps of:
    - assigning a location ID for said each subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and
      
      storing said location ID for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 161. The method of claim 160, wherein said location ID includes a zip code;
    - wherein said associated processing device includes a local storage; and
      
      the method further comprising the steps of;
      
      generating a plurality of data display records for said each subscriber, wherein each data display record for said each subscriber is associated with a single data provider ID stored in said database and said each data display record contains said subscriber ID, said location ID and said single data provider ID, and said display date and said display time associated with said single data provider ID;
      
      storing said plurality of data display records for said each subscriber in said storage device of said associated processing device; and
      
      transmitting said plurality of data display records for said each subscriber to said database.
  - 162. The method of claim 160, further comprising the steps of:
    - generating a plurality of data display records for said each subscriber, wherein each data display record for said each subscriber is associated with a single data provider ID stored in said database and said each data display record contains said subscriber ID, said location ID and said single data provider ID, and said display date and said display time associated with said single data provider ID; and
      
      storing said plurality of data display records for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 163. The method of claim 86, wherein said communication network is a cable television network and wherein said plurality of processing devices are converter boxes.
  - 164. The method of claim 163, wherein said each of said plurality of data providers represents a broadcast channel on said cable television network.
  - 165. The method of claim 164, wherein each of said converter boxes includes a television receiving apparatus, wherein the step of selecting at least one data provider selects a broadcast channel to display a program that is received on said selected broadcast channel and wherein the step of continuously displaying displays said sequence of information for said each subscriber simultaneously with said program received on said selected broadcast channel.
  - 166. The method of claim 165, wherein the step of selecting another data provider selects a next broadcast channel to display a program that is received on said next broadcast channel in response to said input from said each subscriber and wherein the step of continuously displaying displays said sequence of information for said each subscriber simultaneously with said program received on said next broadcast channel.
  - 167. The method of claim 166, wherein the step of selecting another data provider includes operating a channel up button or a channel down button on a channel selector operable with said convertor box.
  - 168. The method of claim 105, wherein the step of connecting said terminal includes the steps of:
    - selecting an access phone number by said each subscriber; and
      
      connecting said terminal to said computer network using said access phone number.
  - 169. The method of claim 168, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said access phone number associated with said each subscriber.
  - 170. The method of claim 168, further comprising the steps of:
    - assigning a location ID for said each subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and
      
      storing said location ID for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 171. The method of claim 170, wherein said location id includes at least a zip code.
  - 172. The method of claim 171, further comprising the steps of:
    - determining whether said zip code stored for said each subscriber is associated with said access phone number selected by said each subscriber;
      
      assigning said zip code as a location zip code for said each subscriber if it is determined that said zip code is associated with said access phone number; and
      
      assigning said location zip code for said each subscriber in accordance with said access phone number if it is determined that said zip code is not associated with said access phone number.
  - 173. The method of claim 172, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said location zip code associated with said each subscriber.
  - 174. The method of claim 173, further comprising the step of determining a time zone in accordance with said location zip code.
  - 175. The method of claim 174, further comprising the steps of:
    - assigning a display time range to each of said plurality of information to provide a plurality of display time ranges; and
      
      storing said plurality of display time ranges in said database.
  - 176. The method of claim 175, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data, said location zip code, a current time and said time zone associated with said each subscriber, and said plurality of display time ranges.
  - 177. The method of claim 168, further comprising the steps of:
    - assigning a display time range to each of said plurality of information to provide a plurality of display time ranges; and
      
      storing said plurality of display time ranges in said database.
  - 178. The method of claim 168, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data, said access phone number and a current time associated with said each subscriber, and said plurality of display time ranges.
  - 179. The method of claim 85, wherein each of said plurality of processing devices includes an input device and wherein the method of storing profile data includes the step of entering said profile data on said input device of said associated processing device by said each subscriber.
  - 180. The method of claim 179, further comprising the steps of:
    - assigning an unique subscriber ID to each of said plurality of processing devices;
      
      entering additional profile data on said input device by said each subscriber; and
      
      storing said subscriber ID and said additional profile data for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 181. The method of claim 180, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said additional profile data.
  - 182. The method of claim 114, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said session usage record.
  - 183. The method of claim 118, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said session usage record.
  - 184. The method of claim 137, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said session usage record.
  - 185. The method of claim 140, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said session usage record.
  - 186. The method of claim 123, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said INFO display record.
  - 187. The method of claim 128, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said INFO display record.
  - 188. The method of claim 131, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said INFO display record.
  - 189. The method of claim 133, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said INFO display record.
  - 192. The method of claim 154, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said plurality of clicked event records.
  - 193. The method of claim 162, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said plurality of data display records.
  - 194. The method of claim 85, wherein said database comprises at least first and second databases;
    - wherein the method of storing profile data stores said profile data in said first database; and
      
      wherein the method of storing a plurality of information stores said plurality of information in said second database.
  - 195. The method of claim 103, wherein said database comprises at least first, second and third databases;
    - wherein the method of storing profile data stores said profile data in said first database;
      
      wherein the method of storing a plurality of information stores said plurality of information in said second database; and
      
      wherein the method of storing said subscriber ID and said password stores said subscriber ID and said password in said third database.
  - 196. The method of claim 114, wherein said database comprises at least first, second and third databases;
    - wherein the method of storing profile data stores said profile data in said first database;
      
      wherein the method of storing a plurality of information stores said plurality of information in said second database;
      
      wherein the method of storing said subscriber ID, said login time and said login date stores said subscriber ID, said login time and said login date in said third database;
      
      wherein the method of storing said logout time and said logout date stores said logout time and said logout date in said third database;
      
      wherein the method of storing said session duration stores said session duration in said third database; and
      
      wherein the method of storing said session usage record stores said session usage records in said third database.
  - 197. The method of claim 128, wherein said database comprises at least first, second and third databases;
    - wherein the method of storing profile data stores said profile data in said first database;
      
      wherein the method of storing a plurality of information stores said plurality of information in said second database;
      
      wherein the method of storing said subscriber ID, said login time and said login date stores said subscriber ID, said login time and said login date in said third database;
      
      wherein the method of storing said logout time and said logout date stores said logout time and said logout date in said third database;
      
      wherein the method of storing said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations stores said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations in said third database;
      
      wherein the method of storing said list of displayed information stores said list of displayed information in said third database;
      
      wherein the method of storing said display date and said display time stores said display date and said display time in said third database; and
      
      wherein the method of storing said INFO display record stores said INFO display record in said third database.
  - 198. The method of claim 131, wherein said database comprises at least first, second and third databases;
    - wherein the method of storing profile data stores said profile data in said first database;
      
      wherein the method of storing a plurality of information stores said plurality of information in said second database;
      
      wherein the method of storing said subscriber ID, said login time and said login date stores said subscriber ID, said login time and said login date in said third database;
      
      wherein the method of storing said logout time and said logout date stores said logout time and said logout date in said third database;
      
      wherein the method of storing said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations stores said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations in said third database;
      
      wherein the method of storing said list of displayed information stores said list of displayed information in said third database;
      
      wherein the method of storing said display date and said display time stores said display date and said display time in said third database;
      
      wherein the method of storing said location ID stores said location ID in said third database; and
      
      wherein the method of storing said INFO display record stores said INFO display record in said third database.
  - 199. The method of claim 137, wherein said database comprises at least first, second and third databases;
    - wherein the method of storing profile data stores said profile data in said first database;
      
      wherein the method of storing a plurality of information stores said plurality of information in said second database;
      
      wherein the method of storing said subscriber ID, said login time and said login date stores said subscriber ID, said login time and said login date in said third database;
      
      wherein the method of storing said logout time and said logout date stores said logout time and said logout date in said third database;
      
      wherein the method of storing said session duration stores said session duration in said third database;
      
      wherein the method of storing location ID stores said location ID in said third database; and
      
      wherein the method of storing said session usage record stores said session usage records in said third database.
  - 200. The method of claim 154, wherein said database comprises at least first, second and third databases;
    - wherein the method of storing profile data stores said profile data in said first database;
      
      wherein the method of storing a plurality of information stores said plurality of information in said second database;
      
      wherein the method of storing said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations stores said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations in said third database;
      
      wherein the method of storing said subscriber ID, said displayed INFO ID, said selected data provider ID, said display date and said display time stores said subscriber ID, said displayed INFO ID, said selected data provider ID, said display date and said display time in said third database;
      
      wherein the method of storing location ID stores said location ID in said third database; and
      
      wherein the method of storing said plurality of clicked event records stores said plurality of clicked event records in said third database.
  - 201. The method of claim 162, wherein said database comprises at least first, second and third databases;
    - wherein the method of storing profile data stores said profile data in said first database;
      
      wherein the method of storing a plurality of information stores said plurality of information in said second database;
      
      wherein the method of storing said subscriber ID and said data provider ID stores said subscriber ID and said data provider ID in said third database;
      
      wherein the method of storing said display date and said display time stores said display date and said display time in said third database;
      
      wherein the method of storing said location ID stores said location ID in said third database; and
      
      wherein the method of storing said plurality of data display records stores said plurality of data display records in said third database.
  - 202. The method of claim 180, wherein said database comprises at least first, second and third databases;
    - wherein the method of storing profile data stores said profile data in said first database;
      
      wherein the method of storing a plurality of information stores said plurality of information in said second database; and
      
      wherein the method of storing said subscriber ID and said additional profile data stores said subscriber ID and said additional profile data in said third database.
  - 203. The method of claim 160, further comprising the steps of:
    - generating a plurality of data display records for each of said plurality of data providers, each data display record containing said profile data, said location ID and said single data provider ID, and said display date and said display time associated with said single data provider ID; and
      
      storing said plurality of data display records for said each of said plurality of data providers in said database.
  - 204. The method of claim 203, wherein said database comprises at least first, second and third databases;
    - wherein the method of storing profile data stores said profile data in said first database;
      
      wherein the method of storing a plurality of information stores said plurality of information in said second database;
      
      wherein the method of storing said data provider ID in said third database;
      
      wherein the method of storing said display date and said display time stores said display date and said display time in said third database;
      
      wherein the method of storing said location ID stores said location ID in said third database; and
      
      wherein the method of storing said plurality of data display records stores said plurality of data display records in said third database.
  - 205. The method of claim 160, wherein said location ID includes a zip code;
    - wherein said associated processing device includes a storage device; and
      
      the method further comprising the steps of;
      
      generating a plurality of data display records for each of said plurality of data providers, each data display record containing said profile data, said location ID and said single data provider ID, and said display date and said display time associated with said single data provider ID;
      
      storing said plurality of data display records for said each of said plurality of data providers in said storage device of said associated processing device; and
      
      transmitting said plurality of data display records for said each of said plurality of data providers to said database.
  - 206. The method of claim 151, wherein the step of selecting includes the step of displaying said additional information in said second portion of said monitor.
  - 207. The method of claim 151, wherein the step of selecting includes the steps of:
    - displaying a request for additional data to said each subscriber in said second portion of said monitor;
      
      entering said additional data on said input device by said each subscriber;
      
      reading said profile data corresponding to said subscriber ID from said database;
      
      generating a packet containing said subscriber ID, said profile data and said additional data; and
      
      storing said packet in said database.

115. A method of selectively delivering information to subscribers on a communication network, wherein a plurality of data providers and a plurality of processing devices, each processing device uniquely associated with a subscriber, are connected to said network, comprising the steps of:
- storing profile data in a database connected to said network for each subscriber;
  
  storing a plurality of information received from a plurality of INFO sources connected to said network in said database;
  
  assigning an unique INFO ID and an INFO duration to each information in said plurality of information to provide a plurality of INFO IDs and a plurality of INFO durations;
  
  storing said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations in said database;
  
  selecting a sequence of information for said each subscriber from said plurality of information in accordance with said profile data of said each subscriber;
  
  receiving said sequence of information for said each subscriber by a processing device associated with said each subscriber;
  
  selecting at least one data provider by said each subscriber to display data that is received from said at least one data provider via said network; and
  
  continuously displaying said sequence of information for said each subscriber simultaneously with said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber on said associated processing device such that said sequence of information for said each subscriber and said data requested by said each subscriber are simultaneously viewable, and wherein said data to be displayed on said associated processing device is selectable by said each subscriber, the display of said sequence of information for said each subscriber is not controllable by said each subscriber and said each information in said sequence of information is displayed for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information for said each subscriber.
- View Dependent Claims (143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 190, 191)
- - 143. The method of claim 115, wherein the step of continuously displaying includes the steps of:
    - determining date and time that each information in said sequence of information for each said subscriber was displayed on said associated processing device to provide a display date and a display time, respectively; and
      
      storing said display date and said display time of said each information for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 144. The method of claim 143, further comprising the steps of:
    - generating a plurality of INFO display records for said each subscriber, each INFO display record containing subscriber ID of said each subscriber, and said INFO ID, said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said each information; and
      
      storing said plurality of INFO display records for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 145. The method of claim 143, further comprising the steps of:
    - assigning a location ID for said each subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and
      
      storing said location ID for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 146. The method of claim 145, wherein said location ID includes a zip code;
    - wherein said associated processing device includes a storage device; and
      
      the method further comprising the steps of;
      
      generating a plurality of INFO display records for said each subscriber, each INFO display record containing subscriber ID and location ID of said each subscriber, and said INFO ID, said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said each information;
      
      storing said plurality of INFO display records for said each subscriber in said storage device of said associated processing device; and
      
      transmitting said plurality of INFO display records for said each subscriber to said database.
  - 147. The method of claim 145, further comprising the steps of:
    - generating a plurality of INFO display records for said each subscriber, each INFO display record containing subscriber ID and location ID of said each subscriber, and said INFO ID, said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said each information; and
      
      storing said plurality of INFO display records for said each subscriber in said database.
  - 190. The method of claim 144, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said INFO display record.
  - 191. The method of claim 147, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said INFO display record.

141. A method of selectively delivering information to subscribers on a communication network, wherein a plurality of data providers and a plurality of processing devices, each processing device uniquely associated with a subscriber, are connected to said network, comprising the steps of:
- assigning an unique subscriber ID to each of said plurality of processing devices;
  
  storing profile data in a database connected to said network for each subscriber;
  
  storing a plurality of information received from a plurality of INFO sources connected to said network in said database;
  
  selecting a sequence of information for said each subscriber from said plurality of information in accordance with said profile data of said each subscriber;
  
  verifying the authorization of said each subscriber to determine if said each subscriber is authorized to connect to said network;
  
  generating a login time and a login date for said each subscriber if it is determined that said each subscriber is authorized to connect to said network;
  
  storing said subscriber ID, said login time and said login date for said each subscriber in said database if it is determined that said each subscriber is authorized to connect said network;
  
  receiving said sequence of information for said each subscriber by a processing device associated with said each subscriber;
  
  selecting at least one data provider by said each subscriber to display data that is received from said at least one data provider via said network;
  
  continuously displaying said sequence of information for said each subscriber simultaneously with said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber on said associated processing device if it is determined that said each subscriber is authorized to connect to said network, such that said sequence of information for said each subscriber and said data requested by said each subscriber are simultaneously viewable, and wherein said data to be displayed on said associated processing device is selectable by said each subscriber and the display of said sequence of information for said each subscriber is not controllable by said each subscriber;
  
  generating a ping signal every predetermined interval by said associated processing device if it is determined that said each subscriber is authorized to connect to said network;
  
  transmitting said ping signal to said database;
  
  updating said database to indicate expected time of next ping signal from said each subscriber;
  
  generating a logout time and a logout date for said each subscriber when said ping signal is not received from said associated processing device substantially within said expected time; and
  
  storing said logout time and said logout date for said each subscriber in said database.

208. A system for delivering information to subscribers on a communication network, comprising:
- a plurality of data providers connected to said network;
  
  a plurality of INFO sources connected to said network for providing a sequence of information, each information uniquely identified by an INFO ID; and
  
  a plurality of processing devices connected to said network, each uniquely associated with a subscriber to provide an associated processing device and having a receiver for receiving a sequence of INFO IDs from said plurality of INFO sources, a device for reading said sequence of information from said plurality of INFO sources in accordance with said sequence of INFO IDs, a selector for selecting at least one data provider by said subscriber and a display device for continuously displaying said sequence of information simultaneously with said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber such that said sequence of information and said data requested by said subscriber are simultaneously viewable, and wherein said data to be displayed on said display device is selectable by said subscriber, the display of said sequence of information on said display device is not controllable by said subscriber and does not change in response to the selection of said data by said each subscriber.
- View Dependent Claims (209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 265, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292)
- - 209. The system of claim 208, wherein said selector is operable to select another data provider in response to an input from said subscriber and wherein said display device is operable to continuously display said sequence of information simultaneously with data received from said other data provider.
  - 210. The system of claim 208, wherein said display device is operable to continuously display said sequence of information without interfering with the display of said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber.
  - 211. The system of claim 208, wherein each of said plurality of INFO sources includes a storage device and wherein said receiver includes a reading device for reading information from each storage device to generate said sequence of information.
  - 212. The system of claim 208, further comprising:
    - a verifying device for verifying the authorization of said subscriber to determine if said subscriber is authorized to connect to said network; and
      
      an inhibiting device for inhibiting said displaying device from displaying said sequence of information if it is determined that said subscriber is not authorized to connect to said network.
  - 213. The system of claim 212, wherein said inhibiting device is operable to inhibit said display device from displaying said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber if it is determined that said subscriber is not authorized to connect to said network.
  - 214. The system of claim 208, further comprising:
    - a device for verifying the authorization of said subscriber to determine if said subscriber is authorized to connect to said network; and
      
      an inhibiting device for inhibiting said display device from displaying said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber if it is determined that said subscriber is not authorized to connect to said network.
  - 215. The system of claim 208, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of advertisements.
  - 216. The system of claim 208, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of messages or announcements.
  - 217. The system of claim 208, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of news.
  - 218. The system of claim 208, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of updates.
  - 219. The system of claim 208, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of advertisements, messages or announcements, news and updates.
  - 220. The system of claim 208, wherein the information comprises texts.
  - 221. The system of claim 208, wherein the information comprises still pictures.
  - 222. The system of claim 208, wherein the information comprises moving pictures.
  - 223. The system of claim 208, wherein the information comprises a video and audio component.
  - 224. The system of claim 208, wherein the information is a combination of text, still pictures and moving pictures.
  - 225. The system of claim 213, wherein said network is a computer network and said associated processing device is a terminal.
  - 226. The system of claim 225, further comprising:
    - a device for assigning a unique subscriber ID and a password to said subscriber on said communication network; and
      
      a storage device for storing said subscriber ID and said password for said subscriber.
  - 227. The system of claim 226, wherein said terminal includes a connecting device for establishing a connection between said terminal and said computer network.
  - 228. The system of claim 227, wherein said terminal further includes an input device for entering a subscriber ID and a password by said subscriber to initiate a connection between said terminal and said communication network and a transmitter for transmitting said subscriber ID and said password entered on said input device to said storage device for verification;
    - the system further comprising a device for determining whether said subscriber ID entered on said input device matches one of said subscriber IDs stored in said storage device to provide a verified subscriber ID;
      
      wherein said verifying device is operable to verify said password entered on said input device matches said password associated with said verified subscriber ID if said verified subscriber ID is found; and
      
      wherein said connecting device is operable to connect said terminal associated with said subscriber to said computer network if it is determined that said password entered on said input device matches a password stored in said storage device which is associated with said verified subscriber ID.
  - 229. The system of claim 210, wherein said network is a computer network and said associated processing device is a terminal.
  - 230. The system of claim 229, wherein each of said plurality of data providers is a server on said computer network and wherein said selector is operable to select data to be displayed from said at least one data provider by said subscriber.
  - 231. The system of claim 230, wherein said selector includes:
    - an input device for entering a request for said data from said at least one server connected to said computer network by said subscriber; and
      
      a transmitter for transmitting said request for said data to said at least one server from said terminal associated with said subscriber.
  - 232. The system of claim 208, wherein said network is a computer network;
    - wherein said receiver is operable for receiving a sequence of addresses from an INFO address provider connected to said network, each address indicating the location of one of said sequence of information in said plurality of INFO sources; and
      
      wherein said device for reading reads said sequence of information from said plurality of INFO sources in accordance with said sequence of addresses.
  - 233. The system of claim 213, further comprising:
    - a device for assigning an unique subscriber ID to each of said plurality of processing devices;
      
      a time device for generating a login time and a login date for said subscriber if it is determined that said subscriber is authorized to connect to said network; and
      
      a storage device connected to said network for storing said subscriber ID, said login time and said login date for said subscriber if it is determined that said subscriber is authorized to connect said network.
  - 234. The system of claim 233, wherein said time device is located within said associated processing device, operable to receive a virtual date and a virtual time from a source connected to said network and operable to generate said login time and said login date for said subscriber as a function of said virtual time and said virtual date, respectively.
  - 235. The system of claim 233, further comprising a disconnect device for determining whether said associated processing device is no longer connected to said network;
    - and wherein said time device is operable to generate a logout time and a logout date for said subscriber if it is determined that said associated processing device is no longer connected to said network; and
      
      wherein said storage device is operable to store said logout time and said logout date for said subscriber if it is determined that said associated processing device is no longer connected to said network.
  - 236. The system of claim 235, wherein said disconnect device is operable to generate a session duration for said subscriber as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout date and said logout time;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said session duration for said subscriber.
  - 237. The system of claim 236, wherein said disconnect device is operable to generate a session usage record for said subscriber containing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time and said session duration;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said session usage record.
  - 239. The system of claim 234, further comprising a disconnect device for determining whether said associated processing device is no longer connected to said network;
    - and wherein said time device is operable to generate a logout time and a logout date for said subscriber if it is determined that said associated processing device is no longer connected to said network; and
      
      wherein said storage device is operable to store said logout time and said logout date for said subscriber if it is determined that said associated processing device is no longer connected to said network.
  - 240. The system of claim 239, wherein said disconnect device is operable to generate a session duration for said subscriber as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout date and said logout time;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said session duration for said subscriber.
  - 241. The system of claim 240, wherein said disconnect device is operable to generate a session usage record for said subscriber containing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time and said session duration;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said session usage record.
  - 242. The system of claim 235, further comprising a device for assigning an INFO duration to each information in said sequence of information to provide a plurality of INFO durations;
    - wherein said storage device is operable to store said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations; and
      
      wherein said display device is operable to display said each information in said sequence of information for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information.
  - 243. The system of claim 242, wherein said associated processing device includes a device for determining which information in said sequence of information was displayed on said associated processing device as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time and said plurality of INFO durations to provide a list of displayed information for said subscriber;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said list of displayed information for said subscriber.
  - 244. The system of claim 243, wherein said list of displayed information for said subscriber contains a list of INFO IDs corresponding to the displayed information.
  - 245. The system of claim 244, wherein said associated processing device further includes a device for determining date and time that each INFO ID in said list of displayed information was displayed on said associated processing device as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout time, said logout date and said plurality of INFO durations to provide a display date and a display time for said each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said display date and said display time for said each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber.
  - 246. The system of claim 245, wherein said associated processing device includes a device for generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID of said subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said INFO display record.
  - 247. The system of claim 239, further comprising a device for assigning an INFO duration to each information in said sequence of information to provide a plurality of INFO durations;
    - wherein said storage device is operable to store said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations; and
      
      wherein said display device is operable to display said each information in said sequence of information for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information.
  - 248. The system of claim 247, wherein said associated processing device includes a device for determining which information in said sequence of information was displayed on said associated processing device as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time and said plurality of INFO durations to provide a list of displayed information for said subscriber;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said list of displayed information for said subscriber.
  - 249. The system of claim 248, wherein said list of displayed information for said subscriber contains a list of INFO IDs corresponding to the displayed information.
  - 250. The system of claim 249, wherein said associated processing device further includes a device for determining date and time that each INFO ID in said list of displayed information was displayed on said associated processing device as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout time, said logout date and said plurality of INFO durations to provide a display date and a display time for said each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said display date and said display time for said each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber.
  - 251. The system of claim 250, wherein said associated processing device includes a device for generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID of said subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said INFO display record.
  - 252. The system of claim 245, further comprising a device for assigning a location ID for said subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said location ID for said subscriber.
  - 253. The system of claim 252, wherein said location ID includes a zip code;
    - and wherein said associated processing device includes;
      
      a device for generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID and said location ID of said subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID;
      
      a local storage device for locally storing said INFO display record; and
      
      a transmitter for transmitting said INFO display record to said storage device connected to said network.
  - 254. The system of claim 252, wherein said associated processing device includes a device for generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID and said location ID of said subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said INFO display record.
  - 255. The system of claim 250, further comprising a device for assigning a location ID for said subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said location ID for said subscriber.
  - 256. The system of claim 255, wherein said associated processing device includes a device for generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID and said location ID of said subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said INFO display record.
  - 257. The system of claim 255, wherein said location ID includes a zip code;
    - and wherein said associated processing device includes;
      
      a device for generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID and said location ID of said subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID;
      
      a local storage device for locally storing said INFO display record; and
      
      a transmitter for transmitting said INFO display record to said storage device connected to said network.
  - 258. The system of claim 240, further comprising a device for assigning a location ID for said subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said location ID for said subscriber.
  - 259. The system of claim 258, wherein said location ID includes a zip code.
  - 260. The system of claim 258, wherein said disconnect device is operable to generate a session usage record for said subscriber containing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time, said session duration and said location ID;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said session usage record.
  - 261. The system of claim 236, further comprising a device for assigning a location ID for said subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said location ID for said subscriber.
  - 262. The system of claim 261, wherein said location ID includes a zip code.
  - 263. The system of claim 261, wherein said disconnect device is operable to generate a session usage record for said subscriber containing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time, said session duration and said location ID;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said session usage record.
  - 265. The system of claim 239, wherein said associated processing device further includes:
    - a device for generating a ping signal every predetermined interval if it is determined that said subscriber is authorized to connect to said network; and
      
      a transmitter for transmitting said ping signal to said storage device; and
      
      wherein said storage device is operable to update an expected time of next ping signal from said subscriber; and
      
      wherein said time device is operable to generate said logout time and said logout date for said subscriber when said ping signal is not received from said associated processing device substantially within said expected time.
  - 271. The system of claim 210, wherein said associated processing device includes an input device;
    - and wherein said display devices includes a first portion for displaying said sequence of information and a second portion for displaying said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber.
  - 272. The system of claim 271, further comprising:
    - a device for assigning an INFO duration to each information in said sequence of information to provide a plurality of INFO durations; and
      
      a storage device connected to said network for storing said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations; and
      
      wherein said display device is operable to display said each information in said sequence of information for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information for said subscriber.
  - 273. The system of claim 272, wherein said first portion of said display device is divided into a plurality of linked regions and a plurality of unlinked regions, each of said plurality of linked regions is linked to one of said plurality of data providers;
    - and wherein said associated processing device further includes a region selector for selecting one of said plurality of linked regions by said each subscriber to receive additional information.
  - 274. The system of claim 273, further comprising a device for assigning an unique subscriber ID to said associated processing device;
    - wherein each of said plurality of data providers is uniquely identified by a data provider ID; and
      
      wherein said associated processing device further includes;
      
      a detector for detecting which information in said sequence of information is being displayed on said first portion of said display device to provide a displayed INFO ID; and
      
      a time device for determining date and time that information corresponding to said displayed INFO ID was displayed on said associated processing device to provide a display date and a display time, respectively; and
      
      wherein said detector is operable to detect which one of said plurality of linked regions was selected by said subscriber during the display of information corresponding to said displayed INFO ID to provide a selected data provider ID; and
      
      wherein said storing device is operable to store said subscriber ID, said displayed INFO ID, said selected data provider ID, said display date and said display time for said subscriber if it is detected that said one of said plurality of linked regions was selected by said subscriber.
  - 275. The system of claim 274, further comprising a device for assigning a location ID for said subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said location ID for said subscriber.
  - 276. The system of claim 275, wherein said location ID includes a zip code;
    - and wherein said associated processing device further includes;
      
      a device for generating a plurality of clicked event records for said subscriber, each clicked event record for said subscriber being associated with a single selected data provider ID and said each clicked event record containing said subscriber ID, said location ID and said single selected data provider ID, and said displayed INFO ID, said display date and said display time associated with said single selected data provider ID;
      
      a local storage device for locally storing said plurality of clicked event records for said subscriber; and
      
      a transmitter for said plurality of clicked event records for said subscriber to said storage device connected to said network.
  - 277. The system of claim 275, wherein said associated processing device further includes a device for generating a plurality of clicked event records for said subscriber, each clicked event record for said subscriber being associated with a single selected data provider ID and said each clicked event record containing said subscriber ID, said location ID and said single selected data provider ID, and said displayed INFO ID, said display date and said display time associated with said single selected data provider ID;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said plurality of clicked event records for said subscriber.
  - 278. The system of claim 208, wherein each information in said sequence of information for said subscriber is a unsolicited request for data from one of said plurality of data providers.
  - 279. The system of claim 278, wherein said unsolicited request for data is limited to a subset of said plurality of data providers.
  - 280. The system of claim 279, further comprising an inhibiting device for inhibiting said selector from selecting a data provider in said subset by said subscriber.
  - 281. The system of claim 208, wherein each of said plurality of data providers is uniquely identified by a data provider ID and further comprising a storage device connected to said network for storing said subscriber ID and said data provider ID associated with at least one data provider selected by said subscriber.
  - 282. The system of claim 281, wherein said associated processing device further includes a time device for determining date and time said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber was displayed on said display device to provide a display date and a display time, respectively;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said display date and said display time.
  - 283. The system of claim 282, further comprising a device for assigning a location ID for said subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said location ID for said subscriber.
  - 284. The system of claim 283, wherein said location ID includes a zip code;
    - and wherein said associated processing device further includes;
      
      a device for generating a plurality of data display records for said subscriber, each data display record for said subscriber being associated with a single data provider ID stored in said storage device and said each data display record containing said subscriber ID, said location ID and said single data provider ID, and said display date and said display time associated with said single data provider ID;
      
      a local storage device for locally storing said plurality of data display records for said subscriber; and
      
      a transmitter for transmitting said plurality of data display records for said subscriber to said storage device connected to said network.
  - 285. The system of claim 283, wherein said associated processing device further includes a device for generating a plurality of data display records for said subscriber, each data display record for said subscriber being associated with a single data provider ID stored in said storage device and said each data display record containing said subscriber ID, said location ID and said single data provider ID, and said display date and said display time associated with said single data provider ID;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said plurality of data display records for said subscriber.
  - 286. The system of claim 209, wherein said network is a cable television network and wherein said plurality of processing devices are converter boxes.
  - 287. The system of claim 286, wherein said each of said plurality of data providers represents a broadcast channel on said cable television network.
  - 288. The system of claim 287, wherein each of said converter boxes includes a television receiving apparatus, wherein said selector is operable to select a broadcast channel to display a program that is received on said selected broadcast channel and wherein said display device is operable to continuously display said sequence of information simultaneously with said program received on said selected broadcast channel.
  - 289. The system of claim 288, wherein said selector is operable to select a next broadcast channel to display a program that is received on said next broadcast channel in response to said input from said subscriber and wherein said display device is operable to continuously display said sequence of information simultaneously with said program received on said next broadcast channel.
  - 290. The system of claim 289, wherein said selector includes a channel up button or a channel down button operable with said convertor box.
  - 291. The system of claim 274, wherein said region selector is operable to control said display device to display said additional information in said second portion of said display device.
  - 292. The system of claim 274, wherein said region selector is operable to control said display device to display a request for additional data to said subscriber in said second portion of said display device;
    - wherein said input device is operable to enter said additional data by said subscriber; and
      
      wherein said storage device is operable to store said additional data.

238. A system for delivering information to subscribers on a communication network, comprising:
- a plurality of data providers connected to said network;
  
  a plurality of INFO sources connected to said network for providing a sequence of information;
  
  a device for assigning an unique INFO ID and an INFO duration to each information from said plurality of INFO sources to provide a plurality of INFO IDs and a plurality of INFO durations;
  
  a storage device connected to said network for storing said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations; and
  
  a plurality of processing devices connected to said network, each uniquely associated with a subscriber to provide an associated processing device and having a receiver for receiving said sequence of information from said plurality of INFO sources, a selector for selecting at least one data provider by said subscriber and a display device for continuously displaying said sequence of information simultaneously with said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber such that said sequence of information and said data requested by said subscriber are simultaneously viewable, and wherein said data to be displayed on said display device is selectable by said subscriber, the display of said sequence of information on said display device is not controllable by said subscriber and said each information in said sequence of information is displayed for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information.
- View Dependent Claims (266, 267, 268, 269, 270)
- - 266. The system of claim 238, wherein said associated processing device includes a device for determining date and time that each information in said sequence of information is displayed on said associated processing device to provide a display date and a display time, respectively;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said display date and said display time for said each information for said subscriber.
  - 267. The system of claim 266, wherein said associated processing device includes a device for generating a plurality of INFO display records for said subscriber, each INFO display record containing subscriber ID of said subscriber, and said INFO ID, said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said each information;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said plurality of INFO display records.
  - 268. The system of claim 266, further comprising a device for assigning a location ID for said subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said location ID for said subscriber.
  - 269. The system of claim 268, wherein said location ID includes a zip code;
    - and wherein said associated processing device includes;
      
      a device for generating a plurality of INFO display records for said subscriber, each INFO display record containing subscriber ID and location ID of said subscriber, and said INFO ID, said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said each information;
      
      a local storage device for locally storing said plurality of display records; and
      
      a transmitter for transmitting said plurality of INFO display records to said storage device connected to said network.
  - 270. The system of claim 268, wherein said associated processing device includes a device for generating a plurality of INFO display records for said subscriber, each INFO display record containing subscriber ID and location ID of said subscriber, and said INFO ID, said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said each information;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said plurality of INFO display records.

264. A system for delivering information to subscribers on a communication network, comprising:
- a plurality of data providers connected to said network;
  
  a plurality of INFO sources connected to said network for providing a sequence of information;
  
  a verifying device for verifying the authorization of said subscriber to determine if said subscriber is authorized to connect to said network;
  
  a plurality of processing devices connected to said network, each uniquely associated with a subscriber to provide an associated processing device and having a receiver for receiving said sequence of information from said plurality of INFO sources, a selector for selecting at least one data provider by said subscriber and a display device for continuously displaying said sequence of information simultaneously with said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber if it is determined that said subscriber is authorized to connect to said network, such that said sequence of information and said data requested by said subscriber are simultaneously viewable, and wherein said data to be displayed on said display device is selectable by said subscriber and the display of said sequence of information on said display device is not controllable by said subscriber;
  
  a device for assigning an unique subscriber ID to each of said plurality of processing devices;
  
  a device for generating a ping signal every predetermined interval if it is determined that said subscriber is authorized to connect to said network; and
  
  a transmitter for transmitting said ping signal to said storage device;
  
  a time device for generating a login time and a login date for said subscriber if it is determined that said subscriber is authorized to connect to said network and for generating a logout time and a logout date for said subscriber when said ping signal is not received from said associated processing device substantially within said expected time; and
  
  a storage device connected to said network for storing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout time and said logout date for said subscriber if it is determined that said subscriber is authorized to connect said network and for updating an expected time of next ping signal from said subscriber.

293. A system for selectively delivering information to subscribers on a communication network, comprising:
- a plurality of data providers connected to said network;
  
  a storage device connected to said network for storing profile data of each subscriber and a plurality of information received from a plurality of INFO sources connected to said network, each information uniquely identified by an INFO ID;
  
  an INFO selector for selecting a sequence of INFO IDs for said each subscriber from said plurality of information in accordance with said profile data of said each subscriber; and
  
  a plurality of processing devices connected to said network, each uniquely associated with a subscriber to provide an associated processing device and having a receiver for receiving said sequence of INFO IDs for said subscriber from said INFO selector, a device for reading a sequence of information from said plurality of INFO sources in accordance with said sequence of INFO IDs, a data selector for selecting at least one data provider by said subscriber and a display device for continuously displaying said sequence of information for said subscriber simultaneously with said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber such that said sequence of information for said subscriber and said data requested by said subscriber are simultaneously viewable, and wherein said data to be displayed on said display device is selectable by said subscriber, the display of said sequence of information for said subscriber is not controllable by said subscriber and does not change in response to the selection of said data by said each subscriber.
- View Dependent Claims (294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 350, 356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367, 368, 369, 370, 371, 372, 373, 374, 375, 376, 377, 378, 379, 380, 381, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415)
- - 294. The system of claim 293, wherein said data selector is operable to select another data provider in response to an input from said subscriber and wherein said display device is operable to continuously display said sequence of information for said subscriber simultaneously with data received from said other data provider.
  - 295. The system of claim 293, wherein said display device is operable to continuously display said sequence of information for said subscriber without interfering with the display of said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber.
  - 296. The system of claim 293, wherein each of said plurality of INFO sources includes an INFO database and further comprising a device for retrieving information from each INFO database to generate said plurality of information.
  - 297. The system of claim 293, further comprising:
    - a verifying device for verifying the authorization of said subscriber to determine if said subscriber is authorized to connect to said network; and
      
      an inhibiting device for inhibiting said display device from displaying said sequence of information for said subscriber if it is determined that said subscriber is not authorized to connect to said network.
  - 298. The system of claim 297, wherein said inhibiting device is operable to inhibit said display device from displaying said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber if it is determined that said subscriber is not authorized to connect to said network.
  - 299. The system of claim 293, further comprising:
    - a device for verifying the authorization of said subscriber to determine if said subscriber is authorized to connect to said network; and
      
      an inhibiting device for inhibiting said display device from displaying said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber if it is determined that said subscriber is not authorized to connect to said network.
  - 300. The system of claim 293, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of advertisements.
  - 301. The system of claim 293, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of messages or announcements.
  - 302. The system of claim 293, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of news.
  - 303. The system of claim 293, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of updates.
  - 304. The system of claim 293, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of advertisements, messages or announcements, news and updates.
  - 305. The system of claim 293, wherein the information comprises texts.
  - 306. The system of claim 293, wherein the information comprises still pictures.
  - 307. The system of claim 293, wherein the information comprises moving pictures.
  - 308. The system of claim 293, wherein the information comprises a video and audio component.
  - 309. The system of claim 293, wherein the information is a combination of text, still pictures and moving pictures.
  - 310. The system of claim 298, wherein said network is a computer network and said associated processing device is a terminal.
  - 311. The system of claim 310, further comprising a device for assigning a unique subscriber ID and a password to said subscriber on said communication network;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said subscriber ID and said password for said subscriber.
  - 312. The system of claim 311, wherein said terminal includes a connecting device for establishing a connection between said terminal and said computer network.
  - 313. The system of claim 312, wherein said terminal further includes an input device for entering a subscriber ID and a password by said subscriber to initiate a connection between said terminal and said communication network and a transmitter for transmitting said subscriber ID and said password entered on said input device to said storage device for verification;
    - the system further comprising a device for determining whether said subscriber ID entered on said input device matches one of said subscriber IDs stored in said storage device to provide a verified subscriber ID;
      
      wherein said verifying device is operable to verify said password entered on said input device matches said password associated with said verified subscriber ID if said verified subscriber ID is found; and
      
      wherein said connecting device is operable to connect said terminal associated with said subscriber to said computer network if it is determined that said password entered on said input device matches a password stored in said database which is associated with said verified subscriber ID.
  - 314. The system of claim 295, wherein said network is a computer network and said associated processing device is a terminal.
  - 315. The system of claim 314, wherein each of said plurality of data providers is a server on said computer network and wherein said data selector is operable to select data to be displayed from said at least one data provider by said subscriber.
  - 316. The system of claim 315, wherein said selector includes:
    - an input device for entering a request for said data from said at least one server connected to said computer network by said subscriber; and
      
      a transmitter for transmitting said request for said data to said at least one server from said terminal associated with said subscriber.
  - 317. The system of claim 293, wherein said network is a computer network and wherein said receiver is operable for receiving a sequence of addresses from said storage device, each address indicating the location of one of said sequence of information in said plurality of INFO sources;
    - and wherein said device for reading reads said sequence of information from said plurality of INFO sources in accordance with said sequence of addresses.
  - 318. The system of claim 298, further comprising:
    - a device for assigning an unique subscriber ID to each of said plurality of processing devices;
      
      a time device for generating a login time and a login date for said subscriber if it is determined that said subscriber is authorized to connect to said network; and
      
      wherein said storage device is operable to store said subscriber ID, said login time and said login date for said subscriber in said database if it is determined that said each subscriber is authorized to connect said network.
  - 319. The system of claim 318, wherein said time device is located within said associated processing device, operable to receive a virtual date and a virtual time from a source connected to said network and operable to generate said login time and said login date for said subscriber as a function of said virtual time and said virtual date, respectively.
  - 320. The system of claim 318, further comprising a disconnect device for determining whether said associated processing device is no longer connected to said network;
    - and wherein said time device is operable to generate a logout time and a logout date for said subscriber if it is determined that said associated processing device is no longer connected to said network; and
      
      wherein said storage device is operable to store said logout time and said logout date for said subscriber if it is determined that said associated processing device is no longer connected to said network.
  - 321. The system of claim 320, wherein said disconnect device is operable to generate a session duration for said subscriber as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout date and said logout time;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said session duration for said subscriber.
  - 322. The system of claim 321, wherein said disconnect device is operable to generate a session usage record for said subscriber containing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time and said session duration;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said session usage record.
  - 324. The system of claim 319, further comprising a disconnect device for determining whether said associated processing device is no longer connected to said network;
    - and wherein said time device is operable to generate a logout time and a logout date for said subscriber if it is determined that said associated processing device is no longer connected to said network; and
      
      wherein said storage device is operable to store said logout time and said logout date for said subscriber if it is determined that said associated processing device is no longer connected to said network.
  - 325. The system of claim 324, wherein said disconnect device is operable to generate a session duration for said subscriber as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout date and said logout time;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said session duration for said subscriber.
  - 326. The system of claim 325, wherein said disconnect device is operable to generate a session usage record for said subscriber containing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time and said session duration;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said session usage record.
  - 327. The system of claim 320, further comprising a device for assigning an INFO duration to each information in said plurality of information to provide a plurality of INFO durations;
    - wherein said storage device is operable to store said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations; and
      
      wherein said display device is operable to display said each information in said sequence of information for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information for said subscriber.
  - 328. The system of claim 327, wherein said associated processing device includes a device for determining which information in said sequence of information for said subscriber was displayed on said associated processing device as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time and said plurality of INFO durations to provide a list of displayed information for said subscriber;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said list of displayed information for said subscriber.
  - 329. The system of claim 328, wherein said list of displayed information for said subscriber contains a list of INFO IDs corresponding to the displayed information.
  - 330. The system of claim 329, wherein said associated processing device further includes a device for determining date and time that each INFO ID in said list of displayed information was displayed on said associated processing device as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout time, said logout date and said INFO durations assigned to each information in said sequence of information for said subscriber to provide a display date and a display time for said each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said display date and said display time for said each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber.
  - 331. The system of claim 330, wherein said associated processing device includes a device for generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID and said subscriber ID of said subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said INFO display record in said database.
  - 332. The system of claim 324, further comprising a device for assigning an INFO duration to each information in said plurality of information to provide a plurality of INFO durations;
    - wherein said storage device is operable to store said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations; and
      
      wherein said display device is operable to display said each information in said sequence of information for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information for said subscriber.
  - 333. The system of claim 332, wherein said associated processing device further includes a device for determining which information in said sequence of information for said subscriber was displayed on said associated processing device as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time and said INFO duration assigned to each information in said sequence of information for said subscriber to provide a list of display information for said subscriber;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said list of displayed information for said subscriber.
  - 334. The system of claim 333, wherein said list of displayed information for said subscriber contains a list of INFO IDs corresponding to the displayed information.
  - 335. The system of claim 334, wherein said associated processing device further includes a device for determining date and time that each INFO ID in said list of displayed information was displayed on said associated processing device as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout time, said logout date and said INFO duration assigned to each information in said sequence of information for said subscriber to provide a display date and a display time for said each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said display date and said display time for said each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber.
  - 336. The system of claim 335, wherein said associated processing device further includes a device for generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID of said subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said INFO display record.
  - 337. The system of claim 330, further comprising a device for assigning a location ID for said subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said location ID for said subscriber.
  - 338. The system of claim 337, wherein said location ID includes a zip code;
    - and wherein said associated processing device includes;
      
      a device for generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID and said location ID of said subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID;
      
      a local storage device for locally storing said INFO display record; and
      
      a transmitter for transmitting said INFO display record to said storage device connected to said network.
  - 339. The system of claim 337, wherein said associated processing device includes a device for generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID and said location ID of said subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said INFO display record.
  - 340. The system of claim 335, further comprising a device for assigning a location ID for said subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said location ID for said subscriber.
  - 341. The system of claim 340, wherein said associated processing device further includes a device for generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID and said location ID of said subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said INFO display record.
  - 342. The system of claim 340, wherein said location ID includes a zip code;
    - and wherein said associated processing device further includes;
      
      a device for generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID and said location ID of said subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID;
      
      a local storage device for locally storing said INFO display record; and
      
      a transmitter for transmitting said INFO display record to said storage device connected to said network.
  - 343. The system of claim 325, further comprising a device for assigning a location ID for said subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said location ID for said subscriber.
  - 344. The system of claim 343, wherein said location ID includes a zip code.
  - 345. The system of claim 343, wherein said disconnect device is operable to generate a session usage record for said subscriber containing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time, said session duration and said location ID;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said session usage record for said subscriber.
  - 346. The system of claim 321, further comprising a device for assigning a location ID for said subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said location ID for said subscriber.
  - 347. The system of claim 346, wherein said location ID includes a zip code.
  - 348. The system of claim 346, wherein said disconnect device is operable to generate a session usage record for said subscriber containing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time, said session duration and said location ID;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said session usage record for said subscriber.
  - 350. The system of claim 324, wherein said associated processing device further includes:
    - a device for generating a ping signal every predetermined interval if it is determined that said subscriber is authorized to connect to said network; and
      
      a transmitter for transmitting said ping signal to said storage device; and
      
      wherein said storage device is operable to update an expected time of next ping signal from said subscriber; and
      
      wherein said time device is operable to generate said logout time and said logout date for said subscriber when said ping signal is not received from said associated processing device substantially within said expected time.
  - 356. The system of claim 295, wherein said associated processing device includes an input device;
    - and wherein said display devices includes a first portion for displaying said sequence of information and a second portion for displaying said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber.
  - 357. The system of claim 356, further comprising a device for assigning an INFO duration to each information in said sequence of information to provide a plurality of INFO durations;
    - wherein said storage device is operable to store said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations; and
      
      wherein said display device is operable to display said each information in said sequence of information for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information for said subscriber.
  - 358. The system of claim 357, wherein said first portion of said display device is divided into a plurality of linked regions and a plurality of unlinked regions, each of said plurality of linked regions is linked to one of said plurality of data providers;
    - and wherein said associated processing device further includes a region selector for selecting one of said plurality of linked regions by said each subscriber to receive additional information.
  - 359. The system of claim 358, further comprising a device for assigning an unique subscriber ID to said associated processing device;
    - wherein each of said plurality of data providers is uniquely identified by a data provider ID; and
      
      wherein said associated processing device further includes;
      
      a detector for detecting which information in said sequence of information is being displayed on said first portion of said display device to provide a displayed INFO ID; and
      
      a time device for determining date and time that information corresponding to said displayed INFO ID was displayed on said associated processing device to provide a display date and a display time, respectively; and
      
      wherein said detector is operable to detect which one of said plurality of linked regions was selected by said subscriber during the display of information corresponding to said displayed INFO ID to provide a selected data provider ID; and
      
      wherein said storing device is operable to store said subscriber ID, said displayed INFO ID, said selected data provider ID, said display date and said display time for said subscriber if it is detected that said one of said plurality of linked regions was selected by said subscriber.
  - 360. The system of claim 359, further comprising a device for assigning a location ID for said subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said location ID for said subscriber.
  - 361. The system of claim 360, wherein said location ID includes a zip code;
    - and wherein said associated processing device further includes;
      
      a device for generating a plurality of clicked event records for said subscriber, each clicked event record for said subscriber being associated with a single selected data provider ID and said each clicked event record containing said subscriber ID, said location ID and said single selected data provider ID, and said displayed INFO ID, said display date and said display time associated with said single selected data provider ID;
      
      a local storage device for locally storing said plurality of clicked event records for said subscriber; and
      
      a transmitter for transmitting said plurality of clicked event records for said subscriber to said storage device connected to said network.
  - 362. The system of claim 360, wherein said associated processing device further includes a device for generating a plurality of clicked event records for said subscriber, each clicked event record for said subscriber being associated with a single selected data provider ID and said each clicked event record containing said subscriber ID, said location ID and said single selected data provider ID, and said displayed INFO ID, said display date and said display time associated with said single selected data provider ID;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said plurality of clicked event records for said subscriber.
  - 363. The system of claim 293, wherein each information in said sequence of information for said subscriber is a unsolicited request for data from one of said plurality of data providers.
  - 364. The system of claim 363, wherein said unsolicited request for data is limited to a subset of said plurality of data providers.
  - 365. The system of claim 364, further comprising an inhibiting device for inhibiting said selector from selecting a data provider in said subset by said subscriber.
  - 366. The system of claim 293, wherein each of said plurality of data providers is uniquely identified by a data provider ID and further comprising a storage device connected to said network for storing said subscriber ID and said data provider ID associated with at least one data provider selected by said subscriber.
  - 367. The system of claim 366, wherein said associated processing device further includes a time device for determining date and time said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber was displayed on said display device to provide a display date and a display time, respectively;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said display date and said display time.
  - 368. The system of claim 367, further comprising a device for assigning a location ID for said subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said location ID for said subscriber.
  - 369. The system of claim 368, wherein said location ID includes a zip code;
    - and wherein said associated processing device further includes;
      
      a device for generating a plurality of data display records for said subscriber, each data display record for said subscriber being associated with a single data provider ID stored in said storage device and said each data display record containing said subscriber ID, said location ID and said single data provider ID, and said display date and said display time associated with said single data provider ID;
      
      a local storage device for locally storing said plurality of data display records for said subscriber; and
      
      a transmitter for transmitting said plurality of data display records for said subscriber to said storage device connected to said network.
  - 370. The system of claim 368, wherein said associated processing device further includes a device for generating a plurality of data display records for said subscriber, each data display record for said subscriber being associated with a single data provider ID stored in said storage device and said each data display record containing said subscriber ID, said location ID and said single data provider ID, and said display date and said display time associated with said single data provider ID;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said plurality of data display records for said subscriber.
  - 371. The system of claim 294, wherein said network is a cable television network and wherein said plurality of processing devices are converter boxes.
  - 372. The system of claim 371, wherein said each of said plurality of data providers represents a broadcast channel on said cable television network.
  - 373. The system of claim 372, wherein each of said converter boxes includes a television receiving apparatus, wherein said selector is operable to select a broadcast channel to display a program that is received on said selected broadcast channel and wherein said display device is operable to continuously display said sequence of information simultaneously with said program received on said selected broadcast channel.
  - 374. The system of claim 373, wherein said selector is operable to select a next broadcast channel to display a program that is received on said next broadcast channel in response to said input from said subscriber and wherein said display device is operable to continuously display said sequence of information simultaneously with said program received on said next broadcast channel.
  - 375. The system of claim 374, wherein said selector includes a channel up button or a channel down button operable with said convertor box.
  - 376. The system of claim 313, wherein said connecting device includes a phone selector for selecting an access phone number by said subscriber;
    - and wherein said connecting device is operable to connect said terminal to said computer network using said access phone number.
  - 377. The system of claim 376, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said access phone number associated with said subscriber.
  - 378. The system of claim 376, further comprising a device for assigning a location ID for said subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said location ID for said subscriber.
  - 379. The system of claim 378, wherein said location id includes at least a zip code.
  - 380. The system of claim 379, further comprising:
    - a device for determining whether said zip code stored for said subscriber is associated with said access phone number selected by said subscriber; and
      
      an assigning device for assigning said zip code as a location zip code for said subscriber if it is determined that said zip code is associated with said access phone number; and
      
      wherein said assigning device is operable to assign said location zip code for said subscriber in accordance with said access phone number if it is determined that said zip code is not associated with said access phone number.
  - 381. The system of claim 380, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said location zip code associated with said subscriber.
  - 382. The system of claim 381, further comprising a device for determining a time zone in accordance with said location zip code.
  - 383. The system of claim 382, further comprising a device for assigning a display time range to each of said plurality of information to provide a plurality of display time ranges;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said plurality of display time ranges.
  - 384. The system of claim 383, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data, said location zip code, a current time and said time zone associated with said subscriber, and said plurality of display time ranges.
  - 385. The system of claim 376, further comprising a device for assigning a display time range to each of said plurality of information to provide a plurality of display time ranges;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said plurality of display time ranges.
  - 386. The system of claim 385, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data, said access phone number and a current time associated with said subscriber, and said plurality of display time ranges.
  - 387. The system of claim 293, wherein said associated processing device includes an input device for entering said profile data by said subscriber;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said profile data entered by said subscriber.
  - 388. The system of claim 387, further comprising a device for assigning an unique subscriber ID to each of said plurality of processing devices;
    - wherein said input device is operable to enter additional profile data by said subscriber; and
      
      wherein said storage device is operable to store said subscriber ID and said additional profile data for said subscriber.
  - 389. The system of claim 388, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said additional profile data.
  - 390. The system of claim 322, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said session usage record.
  - 391. The system of claim 326, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said session usage record.
  - 392. The system of claim 345, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said session usage record.
  - 393. The system of claim 348, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said session usage record.
  - 394. The system of claim 331, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said INFO display record.
  - 395. The system of claim 336, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said INFO display record.
  - 396. The system of claim 339, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said INFO display record.
  - 397. The system of claim 341, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said INFO display record.
  - 400. The system of claim 362, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said plurality of clicked event records.
  - 401. The system of claim 370, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said plurality of data display records.
  - 402. The system of claim 293, wherein said storage device comprises at least a first storage device for storing said profile data and a second storage device for storing said plurality of information.
  - 403. The system of claim 311, wherein said storage device comprises at least a first storage device for storing said profile data, a second storage device for storing said plurality of information and a third storage device for storing said subscriber ID and said password.
  - 404. The system of claim 322, wherein said storage device comprises at least a first storage device for storing said profile data, a second storage device for storing said plurality of information and a third storage device for storing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout time, said logout date, said session duration and said session usage records.
  - 405. The system of claim 336, wherein said storage device comprises at least a first storage device for storing said profile data, a second storage device for storing said plurality of information and a third storage device for storing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout time, said logout date, said plurality of INFO IDs, said plurality of INFO durations, said list of displayed information, said display date, said display time and said INFO display record.
  - 406. The system of claim 339, wherein said storage device comprises at least a first storage device for storing said profile data, a second storage device for storing said plurality of information and a third storage device for storing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout time, said logout date, said plurality of INFO IDs, said plurality of INFO durations, said list of displayed information, said display date, said display time, said location ID and said INFO display record.
  - 407. The system of claim 345, wherein said storage device comprises at least a first storage device for storing said profile data, a second storage device for storing said plurality of information and a third storage device for storing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout time, said logout date, said session duration, said location ID and said session usage records.
  - 408. The system of claim 362, wherein said storage device comprises at least a first storage device for storing said profile data, a second storage device for storing said plurality of information and a third storage device for storing said subscriber ID, said plurality of INFO IDs, said plurality of INFO durations, said displayed INFO ID, said selected data provider ID, said display date, said display time, said location ID and said plurality of clicked event records.
  - 409. The system of claim 370, wherein said storage device comprises at least a first storage device for storing said profile data, a second storage device for storing said plurality of information and a third storage device for storing said subscriber ID, said data provider ID, said display date, said display time, said location ID and said plurality of data display records.
  - 410. The system of claim 388, wherein said storage device comprises at least a first storage device for storing said profile data, a second storage device for storing said plurality of information and a third storage device for storing said subscriber ID and said additional profile data.
  - 411. The system of claim 368, wherein said associated processing device further includes a device for generating a plurality of data display records for each plurality of data providers, each data display record containing said profile data, said location ID and said single data provider ID, and said display date and said display time associated with said single data provider ID;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said plurality of data display records for said subscriber.
  - 412. The system of claim 411, wherein said storage device comprises at least a first storage device for storing said profile data, a second storage device for storing said plurality of information and a third storage device for storing said data provider ID, said display date, said display time, said location ID and said plurality of data display records.
  - 413. The system of claim 368, wherein said associated processing device includes:
    - a device for generating a plurality of data display records for each of said plurality of data providers, each data display record containing said profile data, said location ID and said single data provider ID, and said display date and said display time associated with said single data provider ID;
      
      a local storage device for locally storing said plurality of data display records for said each of said plurality of data providers; and
      
      a transmitter for transmitting said plurality of data display records for said each of said plurality of data providers to said storage device connected to said network.
  - 414. The system of claim of 359, wherein said region selector is operable to control said display device to display said additional information in said second portion of said display device.
  - 415. The system of claim 359, wherein said region selector is operable to control said display device to display a request for additional data to said subscriber in said second portion of said display device;
    - wherein said input device is operable to enter said additional data by said subscriber;
      
      wherein said associated processing device includes a reading said profile data corresponding to said subscriber ID from said storage device and a device for generating a packet containing said subscriber ID, said profile data and said additional data; and
      
      wherein said storage device is operable to store said packet.

323. A system for selectively delivering information to subscribers on a communication network, comprising:
- a plurality of data providers connected to said network;
  
  a device for assigning an unique INFO ID and an INFO duration to each information in a plurality of information received from a plurality of INFO sources connected to said network to provide a plurality of INFO IDs and a plurality of INFO durations;
  
  a storage device connected to said network for storing profile data of each subscriber, said plurality of information, said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations;
  
  an INFO selector for selecting a sequence of information for said each subscriber from said plurality of information in accordance with said profile data of said each subscriber;
  
  a plurality of processing devices connected to said network, each uniquely associated with a subscriber to provide an associated processing device and having a receiver for receiving said sequence of information for said subscriber from said INFO selector, a data selector for selecting at least one data provider by said subscriber and a display device for continuously displaying said sequence of information for said subscriber simultaneously with said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber such that said sequence of information for said subscriber and said data requested by said subscriber are simultaneously viewable, and wherein said data to be displayed on said display device is selectable by said subscriber, the display of said sequence of information for said subscriber is not controllable by said subscriber and said each information in said sequence of information is displayed for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information for said subscriber.
- View Dependent Claims (351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 398, 399)
- - 351. The system of claim 323, wherein said associated processing device further includes a device for determining date and time that each information in said sequence of information for said subscriber was displayed on said associated processing device to provide a display date and a display time, respectively;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said display date and said display time of said each information for said subscriber.
  - 352. The system of claim 351, wherein said associated processing device further includes a device for generating a plurality of INFO display records for said subscriber, each INFO display record containing subscriber ID of said subscriber, and said INFO ID, said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said each information;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said plurality of INFO display records.
  - 353. The system of claim 351, further comprising a device for assigning a location ID for said subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said location ID for said subscriber.
  - 354. The system of claim 353, wherein said location ID includes a zip code;
    - and wherein said associated processing device includes;
      
      a device for generating a plurality of INFO display records for said subscriber, each INFO display record containing subscriber ID and location ID of said subscriber, and said INFO ID, said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said each information;
      
      a storage device for locally storing said plurality of INFO display records for said subscriber; and
      
      a transmitter for transmitting said plurality of INFO display records for said subscriber to said storage device connected to said network.
  - 355. The system of claim 353, wherein said associated processing device includes a device for generating a plurality of INFO display records for said subscriber, each INFO display record containing subscriber ID and location ID of said subscriber, and said INFO ID, said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said each information;
    - and wherein said storage device is operable to store said plurality of INFO display records.
  - 398. The system of claim 352, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said INFO display record.
  - 399. The system of claim 355, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said INFO display record.

349. A system for selectively delivering information to subscribers on a communication network, comprising:
- a plurality of data providers connected to said network;
  
  a storage device connected to said network for storing profile data of each subscriber and a plurality of information received from a plurality of INFO sources connected to said network;
  
  an INFO selector for selecting a sequence of information for said each subscriber from said plurality of information in accordance with said profile data of said each subscriber;
  
  a verifying device for verifying the authorization of a subscriber to determine if said subscriber is authorized to connect to said network;
  
  a plurality of processing devices connected to said network, each uniquely associated with a subscriber to provide an associated processing device and having a receiver for receiving said sequence of information for said subscriber from said INFO selector, a data selector for selecting at least one data provider by said subscriber and a display device for continuously displaying said sequence of information for said subscriber simultaneously with said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber if it is determined that said subscriber is authorized to connect to said network, such that said sequence of information for said subscriber and said data requested by said subscriber are simultaneously viewable, and wherein said data to be displayed on said display device is selectable by said subscriber and the display of said sequence of information for said subscriber is not controllable by said subscriber;
  
  a device for assigning an unique subscriber ID to each of said plurality of processing devices;
  
  a device for generating a ping signal every predetermined interval if it is determined that said subscriber is authorized to connect to said network;
  
  a transmitter for transmitting said ping signal to said storage device;
  
  a time device for generating a login time and a login date for said subscriber if it is determined that said subscriber is authorized to connect to said network and for generating a logout time and a logout date for said subscriber when said ping signal is not received from said associated processing device substantially within said expected time; and
  
  wherein said storage device is operable to store said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout time, said logout date for said subscriber in said database if it is determined that said each subscriber is authorized to connect said network and for updating an expected time of next ping signal from said subscriber.

Specification

Resources

Litigation Campaign Assessment

Current Assignee
V3 Software Development Corporation
Original Assignee
Frank J. Montero
Inventors
Montero, Frank J.
Primary Examiner(s)
Flynn, Nathan
Assistant Examiner(s)
Srivastava, Vivek

Application Number

US09/071,874
Time in Patent Office

897 Days
Field of Search

345/327, 345/113, 345/114, 345/115, 345/116, 345/118, 345/119, 345/120, 348/588, 348/589, 348/584, 348/564, 348/565, 348/566, 348/567, 348/568, 348/461, 348/465, 348/468, 348/12, 348/13, 348/10, 348/6
US Class Current

715/716
CPC Class Codes

G06Q 30/02   Marketing; Price estimation...

H04N 21/25883   being end-user demographica...

H04N 21/25891   being end-user preferences ...

H04N 21/2668   Creating a channel for a de...

H04N 21/4263   involving specific tuning a...

H04N 21/44224   Monitoring of user activity...

H04N 21/4622   Retrieving content or addit...

H04N 21/47   End-user applications

H04N 21/4722   for requesting additional d...

H04N 21/4782   Web browsing , e.g. WebTV

H04N 21/812   involving advertisement dat...

H04N 7/17354   in an intermediate station ...

Method of delivering information over a communication network

First Claim

1 Assignment

0 Petitions

Accused Products

Abstract

325 Citations

415 Claims

Specification

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Method of delivering information over a communication network

First Claim

1 Assignment

Subscription Required

Subscription Required

0 Petitions

Subscription Required

Accused Products

Subscription Required

Abstract

325 Citations

415 Claims

Specification

Subscription Required

Solutions

Use Cases

Quick Links