Signal processing apparatus and methods

• US 7,769,344 B1
• Filed: 05/16/1995
• Issued: 08/03/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/03/1981
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Personalized Media Communications, LLC
• Original Assignee: Personalized Media Communications, LLC
• Inventors: Harvey, John Christopher, Cuddihy, James William
• Primary Examiner(s): PAPPAS, PETER
• Application Number:
  US08/442,383
• Time in Patent Office: 5,558 Days
• Field of Search: 348 6- 13, 348/468, 455 31- 63
• US Class Current: 455/39
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0251 Targeted advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4143 embedded in a Personal Computer [PC]
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4432 Powering on the client, e.g. bootstrap loading using setup parameters being stored locally or received from the server resetting in general G06F1/14; program loading or initiating in general G06F9/445; bootstrapping in general G06F9/4401; secure boots of computer platforms G06F21/57
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4622 Retrieving content or additional data from different sources, e.g. from a broadcast channel and the Internet web site content organization and management for information retrieval from the Internet G06F16/958; transmission by internet of broadcast information H04H60/82; stock exchange data over packet-switching network H04L12/1804; push services including data channel over packet-switching network H04L12/1859
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/818 OS software

Abstract

A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc. At receiver stations, signals in received transmissions and from local inputs (225, 218, 22) cause control processors (200) and computers (205) to automate connection and operation of converters (201), tuners (215), decryptors (224), recorder/players (217), computers (205), furnaces (206), etc. Processors (71, 200) meter and monitor availability and usage of programming.

Claims

1. A method for reprogramming a receiver station that receives television or radio programming, said receiver station having a data network connection to an external data network, a processor, an input device, and a data storage device, said method comprising the steps of:

storing first operating instructions at said receiver station, executing said first operating instructions at said processor to perform a first function, said first operating instructions being different from permanent operating instructions permanently stored at said receiver station;

generating a query at said receiver station, said query comprising a request by said receiver station for reprogramming;

promulgating said query from said receiver station under control of said processor executing said first operating instructions through said data network connection to said external data network;

receiving second operating instructions different from both said permanent operating instructions and said first operating instructions in response to said step of promulgating said query, said second operating instructions for controlling operation of said processor, wherein said first and said second operating instructions do not include audio data, video data, image data and any combination thereof;

reprogramming said processor with said received second operating instructions;

performing a second function by executing said second operating instructions at said processor, said second function including controlling reception of signals required to output a video programming transmission;

receiving said signals required to output said video programming transmission;

processing said signals to enable the output of said video programming transmission; and

outputting said video programming transmission for display to a viewer.

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

storing a data record evidencing said step of processing or outputting; and

transferring said data record from said receiver station data storage device to a data collection station in said external data network through said data network connection.

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

4. A method of delivering one of broadcast programming and cablecast programming to a subscriber in a communications network, said communications network including a transmitter station and a receiver station, said transmitter station communicating a processor control signal associated with said one of broadcast programming and cablecast programming, said receiver station having an input device for inputting subscriber information, a processor for storing and processing subscriber data in response to said processor control signal, a communications device for transmitting information to a remote site, and an output device for displaying a television program, said method comprising the steps of:

storing first operating instructions at said receiver station, executing said first operating instructions at said processor to control operation of said receiver station, said first operating instructions being different from permanent operating instructions permanently stored at said receiver station;

displaying said television program at said output device;

inputting a command at said input device;

communicating, from said receiver station to said transmitter station, an event signal based on said command inputted at said receiver station;

transmitting, from said transmitter station to said receiver station, second operating instructions associated with said one of broadcast programming and cablecast programming, in response to said event signal communicated from said receiver station, said second operating instructions being different from both said permanent operating instructions and said first operating instructions, wherein said first and said second operating instructions do not include audio data, video data, image data and any combination thereof;

reprogramming said processor at said receiver station, on the basis of said second transmitted operating instructions;

controlling said processor by executing said second operating instructions such that said processor responds in a predetermined fashion to said processor control signal;

receiving, at said receiver station, said processor control signal;

processing at said receiver station said processor control signal by executing processor instructions using said processor; and

receiving and outputting said one of broadcast programming and cablecast programming in accordance with said processor control signal by controlling said receiver station with said processor executing said processor instructions.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein said command is a subscriber reaction to said television program.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein said event signal communicated from said receiver station comprises a customer order for said one of broadcast programming and cablecast programming.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein said processor control signal is an instruct-to-tune signal that causes a receiver to receive a selected transmission.

8. The method of claim 4, wherein said processor control signal is an instruct-to-activate signal that controls a switch or inputs power to an apparatus.

9. The method of claim 4, wherein said processor control signal is an instruct-to-enable signal that causes a transfer device to transfer a signal to said output device.

10. The method of claim 4, wherein said received and processed processor control signal is an instruct-how-to-decrypt signal that controls a decryptor.

11. The method of claim 4, wherein said processor control signal is an instruct-to-coordinate signal that coordinates a multimedia presentation.

12. The method of claim 4, wherein said processor control signal is an instruct-to-generate signal that generates information that supplements said one of broadcast programming and cablecast programming.

13. The method of claim 4, wherein said processor control signal is an instruct-to-generate signal that generates information that completes said one of broadcast programming and cablecast programming.