Signal processing apparatus and methods

• US 8,675,775 B1
• Filed: 06/07/1995
• Issued: 03/18/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 11/03/1981
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Personalized Media Communications, LLC
• Original Assignee: Personalized Media Communications, LLC
• Inventors: Harvey, John Christopher, Cuddihy, James William
• Primary Examiner(s): Burd, Kevin M
• Application Number:
  US08/473,997
• Time in Patent Office: 6,859 Days
• Field of Search: 348/7, 348/12, 348/13, 348/476, 348/477, 348/478, 348/463.465, 380/10, 380/15, 380/20, 375/295, 375/316, 713/163, 370/270, 709245-247, 725/116, 725/153, 725/146, 725/152
• US Class Current: 375/316
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 1/071 containing electro-optic elements
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0251 Targeted advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/14 for monitoring programmes
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/28 Arrangements for simultaneous broadcast of plural pieces of information
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/30 by a single channel
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 2201/70 characterised in that receivers can be addressed
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 40/18 Arrangements characterised by circuits or components specially adapted for receiving
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/13 Arrangements for device control affected by the broadcast information
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/21 Billing for the use of broadcast information or broadcast-related information
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/23 using cryptography, e.g. encryption, authentication, key distribution
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/27 Arrangements for recording or accumulating broadcast information or broadcast-related information
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/31 Arrangements for monitoring the use made of the broadcast services
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/33 Arrangements for monitoring the users' behaviour or opinions
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/37 for identifying segments of broadcast information, e.g. scenes or extracting programme ID
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/40 for identifying broadcast time
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/41 for identifying broadcast space, i.e. broadcast channels, broadcast stations or broadcast areas
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/94 Telephonic networks for accessing the Internet H04H60/84
• CPC Class Codes: H04K 1/00 Secret communication
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/00 Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD] real-time bi-directional transmission of motion video data H04N7/14 ; broadcast or conference over packet switching networks H04L12/18
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/20 Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/21 : Server components or server architectures
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/21815 : comprising local storage units
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/222 : Secondary servers, e.g. proxy server, cable television Head-end provisioning of proxy services in data packet switching networks H04L67/56
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/235 : Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2351 : involving encryption of additional data arrangements using cryptography for the use of broadcast information or broadcast-related information H04H60/23
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/236 : Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video stream; Remultiplexing of multiplex streams; Insertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rate; Assembling of a packetised elementary stream multiplexing of data packets for data networks, e.g. RTP/UDP H04L65/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/23892 : involving embedding information at multiplex stream level, e.g. embedding a watermark at packet level
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2407 : Monitoring of transmitted content, e.g. distribution time, number of downloads arrangements for monitoring programmes for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast H04H20/14
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/25 : Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies maintenance or administration in data networks H04L41/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2541 : Rights Management protecting software against unauthorised usage in a vending or licensing environment G06F21/10; security in data switching network management H04L41/28; security management or policies for network security H04L63/20; access security in wireless networks H04W12/08
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2543 : Billing , e.g. for subscription services payment schemes, architectures or protocols G06Q20/00; e-commerce G06Q30/00; arrangements for billing for the use of broadcast information or broadcast-related information H04H60/21
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/41 : Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4117 : for generating hard copies of the content, e.g. printer, electronic paper interfaces to printers G06F3/12; printing data G06K15/02
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4131 : home appliance, e.g. lighting, air conditioning system, metering devices home automation data switching networks exchanging configuration information on appliance services H04L12/2807
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4135 : external recorder interface circuits between an apparatus for recording television signals and a television receiver H04N5/775
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/41415 : involving a public display, viewable by several users in a public space outside their home, e.g. movie theatre, information kiosk
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4143 : embedded in a Personal Computer [PC]
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4184 : providing storage capabilities, e.g. memory stick
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/426 : Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof H04N5/44 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/42684 : Client identification by a unique number or address, e.g. serial number, MAC address, socket ID network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming H04L61/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4307 : Synchronising the rendering of multiple content streams or additional data on devices, e.g. synchronisation of audio on a mobile phone with the video output on the TV screen
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/43072 : of multiple content streams on the same device
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/432 : Content retrieval operation from a local storage medium, e.g. hard-disk details of retrieval of video data and associated meta data in video databases G06F16/739
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4325 : by playing back content from the storage medium reproduction of recorded television signals H04N5/76; reproduction of recorded television signals H04N9/79
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/434 : Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams, extraction of additional data from a video stream; Remultiplexing of multiplex streams; Extraction or processing of SI; Disassembling of packetised elementary stream demultiplexing of data packets for data networks, e.g. RTP/UDP H04L65/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4353 : involving decryption of additional data arrangements using cryptography for the use of broadcast information or broadcast-related information H04H60/23
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/43615 : Interfacing a Home Network, e.g. for connecting the client to a plurality of peripherals home Audio Video Interoperability [HAVI] data switching networks H04L12/2805
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4363 : Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4382 : Demodulation or channel decoding, e.g. QPSK demodulation analog front ends or means for connecting modulators, demodulators or transceivers to a transmission line H04L27/0002
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4385 : Multiplex stream processing, e.g. multiplex stream decrypting
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4405 : involving video stream decryption
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/44227 : Monitoring of local network, e.g. connection or bandwidth variations; Detecting new devices in the local network configuring of peripheral devices in general G06F9/4411; monitoring connectivity in data switched networks H04L43/0811
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4432 : Powering on the client, e.g. bootstrap loading using setup parameters being stored locally or received from the server resetting in general G06F1/14; program loading or initiating in general G06F9/445; bootstrapping in general G06F9/4401; secure boots of computer platforms G06F21/57
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/45 : Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4532 : involving end-user characteristics, e.g. viewer profile, preferences monitoring of user activities for profile generation for accessing a video database G06F16/739; user profiles in network data switching protocols H04L67/306; processing of user preferences or user profiles in wireless networks H04W8/18
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/454 : Content or additional data filtering, e.g. blocking advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/458 : Scheduling content for creating a personalised stream, e.g. by combining a locally stored advertisement with an incoming stream; Updating operations, e.g. for OS modules ; time-related management operations arrangements for replacing or switching information during the broadcast or during the distribution H04H20/10
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4622 : Retrieving content or additional data from different sources, e.g. from a broadcast channel and the Internet web site content organization and management for information retrieval from the Internet G06F16/958; transmission by internet of broadcast information H04H60/82; stock exchange data over packet-switching network H04L12/1804; push services including data channel over packet-switching network H04L12/1859
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/47 : End-user applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/472 : End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content end-user interfaces for retrieving video data from a database G06F16/739; network services for supporting unicast streaming H04L65/612
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/488 : Data services, e.g. news ticker systems specially adapted for using meteorological information in broadcast systems H04H60/71
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4888 : for displaying teletext characters
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/63 : Control signaling related to video distribution between client, server and network components; Network processes for video distribution between server and clients or between remote clients, e.g. transmitting basic layer and enhancement layers over different transmission paths, setting up a peer-to-peer communication via Internet between remote STB's; Communication protocols; Addressing real-time session protocols H04L65/1101; distributed application using peer-to-peer [P2P] networks H04L67/104
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/633 : Control signals issued by server directed to the network components or client management of faults, events, alarms in data networks H04L41/06
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6543 : for forcing some client operations, e.g. recording remote booting in general G06F9/4416
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6582 : Data stored in the client, e.g. viewing habits, hardware capabilities, credit card number arrangements where receivers interact with the broadcast H04H20/38
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/818 : OS software
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8352 : involving content or source identification data, e.g. Unique Material Identifier [UMID]
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8355 : involving usage data, e.g. number of copies or viewings allowed
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/46 : for receiving on more than one standard at will deflecting circuits of multi-standard receivers H04N3/27
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/782 : on tape
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/08 : Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band , e.g. by time division H04N7/007 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/084 : with signal insertion during the horizontal blanking interval only
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/14 : Systems for two-way working H04N7/12, H04N7/173 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/173 : with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/24 : Systems for the transmission of television signals using pulse code modulation H04N21/00 takes precedence

Abstract

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

Claims

1. A method of communicating video to a plurality of receiver stations each of which includes one of a broadcast and a cablecast program receiver, a video monitor, a decoder capable of decoding and transferring one of an expanded and a contracted code portion information transmissions, a processor capable of generating video, and with each said receiver station adapted to control the decoder in order to generate and deliver video at the video monitor, said method of communicating comprising the steps of:

(1) receiving data which is effective at the receiver station to serve as a basis for generating at least some of each of a series of video images and delivering the data to a signal generator;

(2) generating a signal containing said data in a code portion and transferring said signal to a transmitter; and

(3) causing said code portion to be expanded and contracted, thereby to transmit an information transmission comprising the data and the expanded and contracted code portion.

2. A method of processing signals at a receiver station having a decoder, detector, a processor, and a video monitor to deliver at least some of each of a series of video images at the video monitor, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) receiving an information transmission containing a code portion;

(b) receiving a control signal;

(c) decoding the code portion of said information transmission and transferring it to the detector;

(d) detecting data in said decoded and transferred code portion and passing said data to said processor;

(e) generating said at least some of each of a series of video images by processing said detected and passed data;

(f) communicating said at least some of each of a series of video images to said video monitor; and

(g) controlling the decoder,

whereby the decoder is capable of decoding and transferring, based the control signal, an expanded and a contracted code portion information transmissions in order to generate and deliver video at said video monitor.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising steps of:

detecting said control signal in said decoded code portion; and

performing one of the functions of expanding and contracting the portion of said received information transmission that is decoded and transferred in response to said detected control signal.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein said information transmission is a television signal.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein said information transmission is one of a multichannel broadcast and a multichannel cablecast signal, said method further comprising the steps of:

selecting at least some of said one of said multichannel broadcast and said multichannel cablecast signal; and

inputting said selected at least some of said one of said multichannel broadcast and said multichannel cablecast signal to said decoder.

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

producing all of at least one video image based on decoded data during a time when one of an expanded code portion and a contracted code portion information transmission is decoded and transferred.

7. A method of communicating video to a plurality of receiver stations each of which includes one of a broadcast and a cablecast program receiver, a video monitor, a decoder capable of decoding and transferring at least one of expanded and contracted code portion information transmissions, a processor capable of producing video, and with each said receiver station adapted to control the decoder in order to produce and deliver video at the video monitor, said method of communicating comprising the steps of:

(1) receiving data which is effective at the receiver station to serve as a basis for producing at least some of a video image and delivering the data to a signal generator;

(2) generating a signal containing said data in a code portion and transferring said signal to a transmitter; and

(3) causing said code portion to be expanded and contracted;

thereby to transmit an information transmission comprising the data and the expanded and contracted code portion.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein said code portion includes at least some part of a television signal, said method further comprising the step of:

transmitting a television signal.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein said code portion is at least some part of one of a multichannel broadcast and a multichannel cablecast signal, said method further comprising the steps of:

transmitting said one of said multichannel broadcast and said multichannel cablecast signal; and

embedding said generated signal in said one of said multichannel broadcast and said multichannel cablecast signal.

10. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of delivering to said transmitter and transmitting a control signal which is effective at each receiver station to control the decoder to perform one of the function of expanding and contracting the code portion information transmission decoded and transferred.

11. A method of processing signals at a receiver station having a portion receiver, a detector, a processor, and a video monitor to deliver at least some of a video image at the video monitor, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) receiving an information transmission containing a code portion;

(b) receiving a control signal;

(c) receiving the code portion of said information transmission and transferring it to the detector;

(d) detecting data in said received and transferred code portion and passing said data to said processor;

(e) processing said detected and passed data to produce said at least some of said video image;

(f) communicating said at least some of said video image to said video monitor; and

(g) controlling the portion receiver, based on said control signal, to receive and transfer an expanded and a contracted code portion information transmission.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said at least some of said video image is a complete video image, said method further comprising the step of:

detecting in the code portion said control signal which operates to perform at least one of the functions of producing at least some of said complete video image.

13. The method of claim 12 further comprising the steps of:

executing prestored programming in response to information contained in said control signal; and

based on said step of executing prestored programming, performing one of;

(1) receiving a specific code portion of said information transmission and

(2) expanding the portion of said information transmission transferred to said detector.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein a controller is operatively connected to said portion receiver, said method further comprising the step of:

processing said control signal to perform one of the functions of locating and identifying an instruction which operates to instruct one of said processor and said controller.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein said receiver station includes a memory operatively connected to said processor and the step of producing at least some of said video image comprises the step of:

clearing said memory before communicating said at least some of said video image to said video monitor.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein said memory is a video RAM and said step of communicating said at least some of said video image to said video monitor comprises the step of:

communicating video information from said video RAM to said video monitor.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein said receiver station receives from a video source a series of video images to be completed, said method further comprising the step of:

completing a first of said series of video images based on said step of communicating said at least some of said video image to said video monitor.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of:

detecting a first processor instruction; and

synchronizing the delivery at said video monitor of said at least some of said video image and said first of said series of video images to be completed in accordance with said first processor instruction.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein said first processor instruction is detected in said code portion.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein said information transmission contains a television signal, said method further comprising the step of:

detecting at least some of said data in a normally visible portion of said television signal at a time when said video monitor displays at least some of a television image received in said television signal.

21. The method of claim 11, wherein said receiver station receives at least one complete video image in a signal transmitted from a remote station, said method further comprising the steps of:

detecting at least one computer program instruction in said signal transmitted from said remote station;

storing said detected at least one computer program instruction; and

subsequently processing data detected in said code portion to produce video in accordance with said at least one computer program instructions.

22. The method of claim 11, wherein said information transmission contains a television signal, said method further comprising the step of:

controlling the portion receiver to transfer to the detector a code portion of said information transmission outside the range of a convention television signal.

23. A method of processing signals at a receiver station having a portion receiver, a detector, a processor, and a video monitor to deliver at least some of a video image at the video monitor, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving an information transmission containing a code portion;

receiving the code portion of said information transmission and transferring it to the detector;

detecting data in said received and transferred code portion and passing said data to said processor;

processing said detected and passed data to produce said at least some of said video image;

communicating said at least some of said video image to said video monitor;

controlling the portion receiver to receive and transfer one of an expanded and a contracted code portion information transmission; and

programming said receiver station selectively to receive at least two specific code portions, a first of said at least two code portions having a greater signal volume being an expanded code portion, a second of said at least two code portions having a lesser signal volume being a contracted code portion.

24. A receiver station apparatus for processing signals to deliver at least some of a video image, said station having a video monitor, said apparatus comprising:

a first portion receiver comprising means for;

(1) receiving an information transmission containing a code portion; and

(2) receiving and transferring the code portion of said information transmission;

(3) receiving a control signal;

a first detector operatively connected to said first portion receiver comprising means for;

(1) detecting data in said received and transferred code portion; and

(2) passing said detected data to a first processor;

said first processor operatively connected to said video monitor comprising means for;

(1) processing said detected and passed data to produce said at least some of said video image; and

(2) communicating said produced at least some of said video image to said video monitor; and

a first controller operatively connected to said first portion receiver for controlling, based on said control signal, said first portion receiver to receive and transfer expanded and contracted code portion information transmissions.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said detected and passed data include at least one instruct signal, said apparatus further comprising a second processor operatively connected to said first detector for processing said detected and passed data to perform at least one of the functions of locating and identifying said at least one instruct signals.

26. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein at least one of said first processor and said first controller is programmable, said apparatus further comprising a memory operatively connected to said at least one of said first processor and said first controller.

27. The apparatus of claim 24, further comprising a control processor operatively connected to said at least one of said first processor and said first controller for controlling the communication of information detected in said information transmission.

28. A method of communicating video to a plurality of receiver stations each of which includes one of a broadcast and a cablecast program receiver, an output device, a portion receiver capable of receiving and transferring expanded and contracted code portion information transmissions, a detector capable of detecting data in a code portion, a processor capable of producing at least some video, and with each said receiver station adapted to control the portion receiver in order to produce and deliver video at the output device, said method of communicating comprising the steps of:

(1) receiving data which are effective at the receiver station to serve as a basis for producing at least some of a video image and delivering the data to a signal generator;

(2) generating a signal containing said data in a code portion and transferring said signal to a transmitter; and

(3) causing said code portion to be selectively expanded and contracted before a specific time, thereby to transmit an information transmission comprising the data and the one of expanded and contracted code portion;

(4) transmitting an instruct signal, wherein at least one portion receiver of a receiver station at least one of expanding and contracting the received code portion according to said instruct signal.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the receiver station produces said at least some of said video image in accordance with a computer program, said method further comprising the steps of:

receiving said computer program at the transmitter station;

embedding said computer program in said code portion; and

transmitting said computer program to said plurality of receiver stations in said code portion.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein said produced at least some of said video image is outputted at the receiver station as part of a television programming, said method further comprising the steps of:

transmitting a television signal containing said television programming; and

,

transmitting at least some of said data in a code portion outside the range of said television signal.

31. The method of claim 28, wherein said transmitter station transmits a television signal and said television signal is contained in said information transmission, said method further comprising the step of:

transmitting at least some of said code portion in a range of said television signal that normally contains the visible television image.

32. The method of claim 28, wherein said transmitter station is an intermediate transmitter station and at least one of said plurality of receiver stations includes a memory operatively connected to the processor, said method further comprising the step of:

transmitting a control signal which is effective at said each said at least one of said plurality of receiver stations to communicate said instruct signal to at least one of a specific processor and a memory prior to said specific time.

33. A transmitter station apparatus for processing signals and communicating video to a plurality of receiver stations each of which includes a portion receiver capable of receiving and transferring expanded and contracted code portion information transmissions, a detector capable of detecting data in a code portion, a processor capable of producing at least some video, and an output device, and with each said receiver station adapted to control the portion receiver in order to produce and deliver at the output device a signal containing video for output, said transmitter station apparatus comprising:

one of a broadcast and a cablecast transmitter for communicating to a plurality of receiver stations an information transmission containing a code portion;

a signal generator operatively connected to said transmitter for communicating to said transmitter a signal containing a code portion;

a first input device operatively connected to said signal generator for receiving data which are effective at the receiver station to serve as a basis for producing at least some of a video image and delivering said data to said signal generator; and

a second input device operatively connected to said signal generator for causing said signal generator to perform the functions of expanding and contracting said code portion before a specific time,

thereby to communicate said data to said receiver stations in at least one of an expanded and a contracted code portion.

34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein at least one of said plurality of receiver stations is programmed to respond to a control signal transmitted in said code portion, said apparatus further comprising a third input device operatively connected to said signal generator for inputting said control signal.

35. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein at least some of said data are communicated to said signal generator in a predetermined order, said apparatus further comprising:

one of a first memory and a recorder operatively connected to said first input device for receiving and storing at least one of (1) said at least some of said data and (2) information of said predetermined order.

36. A method of changing the volume of processor data detected in a television signal at a receiver station, said receiver station comprising a first processor for processing first data, a first detector operatively connected to said first processor for detecting said first data, a first portion receiver for receiving some of a television signal, and a first controller for controlling said first portion receiver, said method comprising the steps of:

transferring a television signal to be transmitted;

processing an instruct signal which is effective to effect a transmitter station to generate second data, said second data effective to effect said receiver station to control said first portion receiver to vary the amount of said television signal which is searched for said first data, said first portion receiver communicating an increased or decreased amount of said television signal to said detector to detect said changing volume of said signal;

searching for said first data in said varied amount of television signal;

transferring a transmitter control signal which operates at said transmitter station to communicate said second data to a transmitter station transmitter; and

transmitting said television signal, said instruct signal, and said transmitter control signal.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein said transmitter station receives and retransmits said television signal.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein said transmitter control signal causes said transmitter station to retransmit said television signal.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein said transmitter control signal causes said transmitter station to store said television signal before transmitting said television signal.

40. The method of claim 36, wherein said transmitter station includes a second processor for processing said first data, a second detector for detecting said first data, a second portion receiver for receiving at least some of a second signal, and a second controller for controlling said second portion receiver, said method further comprising the step of:

controlling said second portion receiver to vary the amount of said second signal which is searched for said first data and to communicate an increased or decreased amount of said second signal to said second detector to detect said changing volume of said second signal.

41. A method of changing the volume of processor data detected in a television signal at a receiver station, said receiver station comprising a first processor for processing first data, a first detector operatively connected to said first processor for detecting said first data, a first portion receiver for receiving some of a television signal, and a first controller for controlling said first portion receiver, said method comprising the steps of:

transferring a television signal to be transmitted;

processing an instruct signal which is effective to effect said receiver station to generate a second data effective to effect said receiver station to control said first portion receiver to vary the amount of said television signal which is searched for said first data, said first portion receiver to communicating an increased or decreased amount of said television signal to said detector to detect said changing volume of said signal;

searching for said first data in said varied amount of television signal;

transferring a transmitter control signal which operates at a transmitter station to communicate said instruct signal to a transmitter station transmitter; and

transmitting said television signal, said instruct signal, and said transmitter control signal.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein said transmitter station includes a second processor for processing said first data, a second detector for detecting said first data, a second portion receiver for receiving at least some of a second signal, and a second controller for controlling said second portion receiver, said method further comprising the step of:

controlling said second portion receiver to vary the amount of said second signal which is searched for said first data and to communicate an increased or decreased amount of said second signal to said second detector to detect said changing volume of said second signal.

43. The method of claim 41, wherein said transmitter station receives and retransmits said television signal.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein said transmitter control signal causes said transmitter station to retransmit said television signal.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein said transmitter control signal causes said transmitter station to store said television signal before transmitting said television signal.