US5887243A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Signal processing apparatus and methods
Assignee: Personalized Media Communications LLC
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Filing: 1995-06-07
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Granted: 1999-03-23
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Expires: 2015-06-07
Abstract
Abstract A unified system of programing 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.
Inventors
- 👤 John Christopher Harvey
- 👤 James William Cuddihy
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 10:08
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N21/00; H04N21/20; H04N21/23; H04N21/236; H04N21/40; H04N21/43; H04N21/4302; H04N21/4307; H04N21/43072; G; G01; G01R; G01R1/00; G01R1/02; G01R1/06; G01R1/067; G01R1/07; G01R1/071; H04H; H04H20/00; H04H20/28; H04H40/00; H04H40/18; H04H60/00; H04H60/09; H04H60/13; H04H60/29; H04H60/31; H04H60/33; H04H60/35; H04H60/38; H04H60/40; H04H60/41; H04K; H04K1/00; H04N21/21; H04N21/218; H04N21/21815; H04N21/222; H04N21/235; H04N21/2351; H04N21/238; H04N21/2389; H04N21/23892; H04N21/24; H04N21/2407; H04N21/25; H04N21/254; H04N21/2541; H04N21/41; H04N21/4104; H04N21/4117; H04N21/4131; H04N21/4135; H04N21/414; H04N21/4143; H04N21/418; H04N21/4184; H04N21/426; H04N21/432; H04N21/4325; H04N21/434; H04N21/435; H04N21/4353; H04N21/436; H04N21/43615; H04N21/4363; H04N21/438; H04N21/4385; H04N21/44; H04N21/4405; H04N21/442; H04N21/44227; H04N21/443; H04N21/4432; H04N21/45; H04N21/4508; H04N21/4532; H04N21/454; H04N21/458; H04N21/462; H04N21/4622; H04N21/47; H04N21/472; H04N21/488; H04N21/4888; H04N21/60; H04N21/63; H04N21/633; H04N21/65; H04N21/654; H04N21/6543; H04N21/658; H04N21/6582; H04N21/80; H04N21/81; H04N21/8166; H04N21/818; H04N5/00; H04N5/44; H04N5/46; H04N7/00; H04N7/08; H04N7/084; H04N7/14; H04N7/16; H04N7/173; H04N7/24; G06; G06Q; G06Q30/00; G06Q30/02; G06Q30/0241; G06Q30/0251; H04H20/12; H04H20/14; H04H20/30; H04H2201/00; H04H2201/70; H04H60/14; H04H60/21; H04H60/23; H04H60/27; H04H60/37; H04H60/76; H04H60/81; H04H60/93; H04H60/94; H04N21/2543; H04N21/41415; H04N21/42684; H04N21/4382; H04N21/83; H04N21/835; H04N21/8352; H04N21/8355; H04N5/76; H04N5/78; H04N5/782
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 59
Claim 1
Independent Claim
325 words
A method of generating and delivering an individualized mass medium program presentation at a receiver station, said receiver station having a receiver for receiving a mass medium program signal, a computer for generating and communicating information, and at least one output device operatively connected to said receiver and said computer for delivering to a viewer a mass medium program and computer information, with said computer comprising at least one data storage location, said method comprising the steps of: storing a timing signal specifying a viewer interest; first controlling said computer at least one time based on said timing signal, said step of first controlling comprising: (1) supplying a comparison signal, said comparison signal comprising an identification of a viewer interest or a time; (2) selecting at least one datum, each selected datum designating a viewer interest or a time; and (3) storing each selected datum at a storage location; second controlling said computer at least one time based on said timing signal, said step of second controlling comprising: (1) selecting at least one computer programming instruction; (2) generating mass medium program information content in respect to a viewer interest; and (3) preparing to communicate said generated mass medium program information content upon instruction; third controlling said computer at least one time based on said timing signal; said step of third controlling comprising: (1) selecting mass medium program information content; (2) selecting a location; (3) communicating said selected mass medium program information content to said selected location; and presenting to a subscriber at a controlled time a mass medium program with locally generated mass medium program information content, with said mass medium program and said locally generated mass medium program information content being outputted to said subscriber as at least one of the following: (i) at least one of a combined and a sequential presentation at said at least one output device and (ii) parallel presentations at a plurality of said at least one output device.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
325 words
A method of generating and delivering an individualized mass medium program presentation at a receiver station, said receiver station having a receiver for receiving a mass medium program signal, a computer for generating and communicating information, and at least one output device operatively connected to said receiver and said computer for delivering to a viewer a mass medium program and computer information, with said computer comprising at least one data storage location, said method comprising the steps of: storing a timing signal specifying a viewer interest; first controlling said computer at least one time based on said timing signal, said step of first controlling comprising: (1) supplying a comparison signal, said comparison signal comprising an identification of a viewer interest or a time; (2) selecting at least one datum, each selected datum designating a viewer interest or a time; and (3) storing each selected datum at a storage location; second controlling said computer at least one time based on said timing signal, said step of second controlling comprising: (1) selecting at least one computer programming instruction; (2) generating mass medium program information content in respect to a viewer interest; and (3) preparing to communicate said generated mass medium program information content upon instruction; third controlling said computer at least one time based on said timing signal; said step of third controlling comprising: (1) selecting mass medium program information content; (2) selecting a location; (3) communicating said selected mass medium program information content to said selected location; and presenting to a subscriber at a controlled time a mass medium program with locally generated mass medium program information content, with said mass medium program and said locally generated mass medium program information content being outputted to said subscriber as at least one of the following: (i) at least one of a combined and a sequential presentation at said at least one output device and (ii) parallel presentations at a plurality of said at least one output device.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
336 words
A method of generating and delivering an individualized mass medium program presentation at a receiver station, said receiver station having a receiver for receiving a mass medium program signal, a computer for generating and communicating information, and at least one output device operatively connected to said receiver and said computer for delivering to a viewer a mass medium program and computer information, with said computer comprising at least one data storage location, said method comprising the steps of: storing a first datum specifying a viewer interest and a timing signal specifying a time; first controlling said computer at least one time based on said timing signal, said step of first controlling comprising: (1) supplying a comparison signal, said comparison signal comprising an identification of said viewer interest; (2) selecting at least one second datum, each second datum designating one of a viewer interest and a time; and (3) storing said selected at least one second datum at a storage location; second controlling said computer at least one time based on said timing signal, said step of second controlling comprising: (1) selecting at least one computer programming instruction; (2) generating mass medium program information content in respect to a viewer interest; and (3) preparing to communicate said generated mass medium program information content upon instruction; third controlling said computer at least one time based on said timing signal; said step of third controlling comprising: (1) selecting mass medium program information content; (2) selecting a location; (3) communicating said selected mass medium program information content to said selected location; and presenting to a subscriber at a controlled time a mass medium program with locally generated mass medium program information content, with said mass medium program and said locally generated mass medium program information content being outputted to said subscriber as at least one of the following: (i) at least one of a combined and a sequential presentation at said at least one output device and (ii) parallel presentations at a plurality of said at least one output device.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
336 words
A method of generating and delivering an individualized mass medium program presentation at a receiver station, said receiver station having a receiver for receiving a mass medium program signal, a computer for generating and communicating information, and at least one output device operatively connected to said receiver and said computer for delivering to a viewer a mass medium program and computer information, with said computer comprising at least one data storage location, said method comprising the steps of: storing a first datum specifying a viewer interest and a timing signal specifying a time; first controlling said computer at least one time based on said timing signal, said step of first controlling comprising: (1) supplying a comparison signal, said comparison signal comprising an identification of said viewer interest; (2) selecting at least one second datum, each second datum designating one of a viewer interest and a time; and (3) storing said selected at least one second datum at a storage location; second controlling said computer at least one time based on said timing signal, said step of second controlling comprising: (1) selecting at least one computer programming instruction; (2) generating mass medium program information content in respect to a viewer interest; and (3) preparing to communicate said generated mass medium program information content upon instruction; third controlling said computer at least one time based on said timing signal; said step of third controlling comprising: (1) selecting mass medium program information content; (2) selecting a location; (3) communicating said selected mass medium program information content to said selected location; and presenting to a subscriber at a controlled time a mass medium program with locally generated mass medium program information content, with said mass medium program and said locally generated mass medium program information content being outputted to said subscriber as at least one of the following: (i) at least one of a combined and a sequential presentation at said at least one output device and (ii) parallel presentations at a plurality of said at least one output device.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
411 words
A method of generating and delivering an individualized mass medium program presentation at a receiver station, said receiver station having a receiver for receiving a mass medium program signal, a computer for generating and communicating information, and at least one output device operatively connected to said receiver and said computer for delivering to a viewer a mass medium program and computer information, with said computer comprising at least one data storage location, said method comprising the steps of: storing at least one of (i) a timing signal specifying one of a time and a series of times and (ii) an identification signal specifying a viewer interest; first controlling said computer based on one of said timing signal and a comparison of said identification signal to other data, said step of first controlling comprising: (1) making a comparison between identification data for a viewer interest and other data including timing data to select a portion of said other data, said portion designating one of a time and data of interest to a viewer; (2) selecting a storage location; and (3) storing said selected portion of said other data at said selected storage location; second controlling said computer based on one of said timing signal and a comparison of an identification signal to other data, said step of second controlling comprising: (1) making a comparison between identification data for a viewer interest and other data including timing data to select at least one presentation control signal; (2) selecting a storage location; and (3) storing said selected at least one presentation control signal at said selected storage location; and third controlling said computer based on one of said timing signal and a comparison of an identification signal to other data, said step of third controlling comprising: (1) making a comparison between identification data for a viewer interest and other data including timing data to select mass medium program information content; (2) selecting a storage location; and (3) storing said selected mass medium program information content at said selected storage location; presenting to a subscriber a mass medium program with local mass medium program information content in response to a command, with said mass medium program and said local information content being outputted to said subscriber as at least one of the following: (i) at least one of a combined and a sequential presentation at said at least one output device and (ii) parallel presentations at a plurality of said at least one output device.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
411 words
A method of generating and delivering an individualized mass medium program presentation at a receiver station, said receiver station having a receiver for receiving a mass medium program signal, a computer for generating and communicating information, and at least one output device operatively connected to said receiver and said computer for delivering to a viewer a mass medium program and computer information, with said computer comprising at least one data storage location, said method comprising the steps of: storing at least one of (i) a timing signal specifying one of a time and a series of times and (ii) an identification signal specifying a viewer interest; first controlling said computer based on one of said timing signal and a comparison of said identification signal to other data, said step of first controlling comprising: (1) making a comparison between identification data for a viewer interest and other data including timing data to select a portion of said other data, said portion designating one of a time and data of interest to a viewer; (2) selecting a storage location; and (3) storing said selected portion of said other data at said selected storage location; second controlling said computer based on one of said timing signal and a comparison of an identification signal to other data, said step of second controlling comprising: (1) making a comparison between identification data for a viewer interest and other data including timing data to select at least one presentation control signal; (2) selecting a storage location; and (3) storing said selected at least one presentation control signal at said selected storage location; and third controlling said computer based on one of said timing signal and a comparison of an identification signal to other data, said step of third controlling comprising: (1) making a comparison between identification data for a viewer interest and other data including timing data to select mass medium program information content; (2) selecting a storage location; and (3) storing said selected mass medium program information content at said selected storage location; presenting to a subscriber a mass medium program with local mass medium program information content in response to a command, with said mass medium program and said local information content being outputted to said subscriber as at least one of the following: (i) at least one of a combined and a sequential presentation at said at least one output device and (ii) parallel presentations at a plurality of said at least one output device.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
345 words
A method of generating and delivering an individualized mass medium program presentation at a receiver station, said receiver station having a receiver for receiving a mass medium program signal, a computer for generating and communicating information, and at least one output device operatively connected to said receiver and said computer for delivering to a viewer a mass medium program and computer information, with said computer comprising at least one data storage locations, said method comprising the steps of: storing at least one of a timing signal specifying a time and a first datum specifying a viewer interest; first controlling said computer at least one time based on one of said timing signal and a comparison, said step of first controlling comprising: (1) selecting said at least one first datum, said selected at least one first datum designating one of a viewer interest and a time; (2) selecting a storage location; and (3) storing said selected at least one first datum at said selected storage location; second controlling said computer at least one time based on one of said timing signal and a comparison, said step of second controlling comprising: (1) selecting at least one presentation control signal; (2) selecting a storage location; and (3) storing said selected at least one presentation control signal at said selected storage location; and third controlling said computer at least one time based on one of said timing signal and a comparison, said step of third controlling comprising: (1) selecting first mass medium program information content; (2) selecting a storage location; and (3) storing said selected mass medium program information content at said selected storage location; presenting to a subscriber a mass medium program with local mass medium program information content in response to a command, with said mass medium program and said local information content being outputted to said subscriber as at least one of the following: (i) at least one of a combined and a sequential presentation at said at least one output device and (ii) parallel presentations at a plurality of said at least one output device.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
345 words
A method of generating and delivering an individualized mass medium program presentation at a receiver station, said receiver station having a receiver for receiving a mass medium program signal, a computer for generating and communicating information, and at least one output device operatively connected to said receiver and said computer for delivering to a viewer a mass medium program and computer information, with said computer comprising at least one data storage locations, said method comprising the steps of: storing at least one of a timing signal specifying a time and a first datum specifying a viewer interest; first controlling said computer at least one time based on one of said timing signal and a comparison, said step of first controlling comprising: (1) selecting said at least one first datum, said selected at least one first datum designating one of a viewer interest and a time; (2) selecting a storage location; and (3) storing said selected at least one first datum at said selected storage location; second controlling said computer at least one time based on one of said timing signal and a comparison, said step of second controlling comprising: (1) selecting at least one presentation control signal; (2) selecting a storage location; and (3) storing said selected at least one presentation control signal at said selected storage location; and third controlling said computer at least one time based on one of said timing signal and a comparison, said step of third controlling comprising: (1) selecting first mass medium program information content; (2) selecting a storage location; and (3) storing said selected mass medium program information content at said selected storage location; presenting to a subscriber a mass medium program with local mass medium program information content in response to a command, with said mass medium program and said local information content being outputted to said subscriber as at least one of the following: (i) at least one of a combined and a sequential presentation at said at least one output device and (ii) parallel presentations at a plurality of said at least one output device.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 4, wherein said command is a subscriber reaction to a prompt communicated in a mass medium program presentation, said method further comprising the steps of: inputting said subscriber reaction at said receiver station; and outputting second mass medium program information content in response to said inputted subscriber reaction.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
59 words
The method of claim 4, wherein said first mass medium program information content is stored on a video recorder/player, said method further comprising the steps of: causing said video recorder/player to communicate stored information to a processor and said at least one output device; and causing said processor to respond to a second datum communicated from said video recorder/player.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of claim 4, wherein an electronic media presentation at said receiver station is initiated by said subscriber by one of turning on said receiver and changing a channel, said method further comprising the steps of: detecting digital data received at said receiver; and transferring said detected digital data to a processor.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method of claim 4, wherein an electronic media presentation at said receiver station is initiated by said subscriber by one of turning on said receiver and changing a channel, said method further comprising the step of: causing said receiver to communicate channel identification information to a processor.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
332 words
A method of generating and delivering an individualized mass medium program presentation at a receiver station, said receiver station having a receiver for receiving a mass medium program signal, a computer for generating and communicating information, and at least one output device operatively connected to said receiver and said computer for delivering to a viewer a mass medium program and computer information, with said computer comprising at least one data storage location, said method comprising the steps of: storing a timing signal specifying one of a time and a series of times and an identification datum specifying a viewer interest; first controlling said computer based on said timing signal, said step of first controlling comprising: (1) comparing said identification datum to other data to select at least one identification signal, said selected at least one identification signal including one of data, information content, and a first control signal respecting said mass medium program; (2) selecting a storage location; and (3) storing said selected at least one identification signal at said selected storage location; second controlling said computer based on a comparison of said identification signal to other data, said step of second controlling comprising: (1) generating a second control signal; (2) selecting a device; and (3) communicating said generated second control signal to said selected device; third controlling said computer based on a comparison of said identification signal to other data, said step of third controlling comprising: (1) selecting mass medium program information content; and (2) communicating said selected mass medium program information content from a storage location; and presenting to a subscriber a received mass medium program with local mass medium program information content, with said mass medium program and said local mass medium program information content being outputted to said subscriber as at least one of the following: (i) at least one of a combined and a sequential presentation at said at least one output device and (ii) parallel presentations at a plurality of said at least one output device.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
332 words
A method of generating and delivering an individualized mass medium program presentation at a receiver station, said receiver station having a receiver for receiving a mass medium program signal, a computer for generating and communicating information, and at least one output device operatively connected to said receiver and said computer for delivering to a viewer a mass medium program and computer information, with said computer comprising at least one data storage location, said method comprising the steps of: storing a timing signal specifying one of a time and a series of times and an identification datum specifying a viewer interest; first controlling said computer based on said timing signal, said step of first controlling comprising: (1) comparing said identification datum to other data to select at least one identification signal, said selected at least one identification signal including one of data, information content, and a first control signal respecting said mass medium program; (2) selecting a storage location; and (3) storing said selected at least one identification signal at said selected storage location; second controlling said computer based on a comparison of said identification signal to other data, said step of second controlling comprising: (1) generating a second control signal; (2) selecting a device; and (3) communicating said generated second control signal to said selected device; third controlling said computer based on a comparison of said identification signal to other data, said step of third controlling comprising: (1) selecting mass medium program information content; and (2) communicating said selected mass medium program information content from a storage location; and presenting to a subscriber a received mass medium program with local mass medium program information content, with said mass medium program and said local mass medium program information content being outputted to said subscriber as at least one of the following: (i) at least one of a combined and a sequential presentation at said at least one output device and (ii) parallel presentations at a plurality of said at least one output device.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
344 words
A method of generating and delivering an individualized mass medium program presentation at a receiver station, said receiver station having a receiver for receiving a mass medium program signal, a computer for generating and communicating information, and at least one output device operatively connected to said receiver and said computer for delivering to a viewer a mass medium program and computer information, with said computer comprising at least one data storage location, said method comprising the steps of: storing a timing signal specifying one of a time and a series of times and an identification signal specifying a viewer interest; first controlling said computer based on said timing signal, said step of first controlling comprising: (1) comparing one of said timing signal and said identification signal to other data to select at least one signal, said selected signal including one of data, information content, and a control signal respecting said mass medium program; and (2) storing said selected at least one signal at a storage location; second controlling said computer based on one of said timing signal and a comparison, said step of second controlling comprising: (1) selecting at least one computer programming instruction; (2) generating mass medium program information content in respect to a viewer interest; and (3) preparing to communicate said generated mass medium program information content upon instruction; third controlling said computer based on one of said timing signal and said comparison, said third step of controlling comprising: (1) selecting mass medium program information content; (2) selecting a location; (3) communicating said selected mass medium program information content to said selected location; and presenting to a subscriber at a controlled time a mass medium program with locally generated mass medium program information content, with said mass medium program and said locally generated mass medium program information content being outputted to said subscriber as at least one of the following: (i) at least one of a combined and a sequential presentation at said at least one output device and (ii) parallel presentations at a plurality of said at least one output device.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
344 words
A method of generating and delivering an individualized mass medium program presentation at a receiver station, said receiver station having a receiver for receiving a mass medium program signal, a computer for generating and communicating information, and at least one output device operatively connected to said receiver and said computer for delivering to a viewer a mass medium program and computer information, with said computer comprising at least one data storage location, said method comprising the steps of: storing a timing signal specifying one of a time and a series of times and an identification signal specifying a viewer interest; first controlling said computer based on said timing signal, said step of first controlling comprising: (1) comparing one of said timing signal and said identification signal to other data to select at least one signal, said selected signal including one of data, information content, and a control signal respecting said mass medium program; and (2) storing said selected at least one signal at a storage location; second controlling said computer based on one of said timing signal and a comparison, said step of second controlling comprising: (1) selecting at least one computer programming instruction; (2) generating mass medium program information content in respect to a viewer interest; and (3) preparing to communicate said generated mass medium program information content upon instruction; third controlling said computer based on one of said timing signal and said comparison, said third step of controlling comprising: (1) selecting mass medium program information content; (2) selecting a location; (3) communicating said selected mass medium program information content to said selected location; and presenting to a subscriber at a controlled time a mass medium program with locally generated mass medium program information content, with said mass medium program and said locally generated mass medium program information content being outputted to said subscriber as at least one of the following: (i) at least one of a combined and a sequential presentation at said at least one output device and (ii) parallel presentations at a plurality of said at least one output device.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
390 words
A method of generating and delivering an individualized mass medium program presentation at a receiver station, said receiver station having a receiver for receiving a mass medium program signal, a computer for generating and communicating information, and at least one output device operatively connected to said receiver and said computer for delivering to a viewer a mass medium program and computer information, with said computer comprising at least one data storage location, said method comprising the steps of: storing a timing signal specifying one of a time and a series of times and an identification signal specifying a viewer interest; first controlling said computer based on a comparison of one of said timing signal and said identification signal to first data, said step of first controlling comprising: (1) inputting second data to said computer, said second data comprising one of (i) an identification of said mass medium program, (ii) at least one computer programming instructions, and (iii) a timing control signal; (2) selecting a signal, said selected signal including one of data, information content, and one of a plurality of first control signals respecting said mass medium program; and (3) storing said selected signal at a storage location; second controlling said computer based on said first control signal, said step of second controlling comprising: (1) selecting one of a broadcast and a cablecast signal, said one of a broadcast and a cablecast signal comprising said mass medium program and at least one second control signal; (2) detecting said plurality of first control signals respecting said mass medium program; and (3) inputting each of said plurality of detected control signals to a processor; third controlling said computer based on said timing signal, said step of third controlling comprising: (1) selecting mass medium program information content; (2) selecting a location; (3) communicating said selected mass medium program information content to said selected location; and presenting to a subscriber at a controlled time said mass medium program with locally generated mass medium program information content, with said mass medium program and said locally generated mass medium program information content being outputted to said subscriber as at least one of the following: (i) at least one of a combined and a sequential presentation at said at least one output device and (ii) parallel presentations at a plurality of said at least one output device.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
390 words
A method of generating and delivering an individualized mass medium program presentation at a receiver station, said receiver station having a receiver for receiving a mass medium program signal, a computer for generating and communicating information, and at least one output device operatively connected to said receiver and said computer for delivering to a viewer a mass medium program and computer information, with said computer comprising at least one data storage location, said method comprising the steps of: storing a timing signal specifying one of a time and a series of times and an identification signal specifying a viewer interest; first controlling said computer based on a comparison of one of said timing signal and said identification signal to first data, said step of first controlling comprising: (1) inputting second data to said computer, said second data comprising one of (i) an identification of said mass medium program, (ii) at least one computer programming instructions, and (iii) a timing control signal; (2) selecting a signal, said selected signal including one of data, information content, and one of a plurality of first control signals respecting said mass medium program; and (3) storing said selected signal at a storage location; second controlling said computer based on said first control signal, said step of second controlling comprising: (1) selecting one of a broadcast and a cablecast signal, said one of a broadcast and a cablecast signal comprising said mass medium program and at least one second control signal; (2) detecting said plurality of first control signals respecting said mass medium program; and (3) inputting each of said plurality of detected control signals to a processor; third controlling said computer based on said timing signal, said step of third controlling comprising: (1) selecting mass medium program information content; (2) selecting a location; (3) communicating said selected mass medium program information content to said selected location; and presenting to a subscriber at a controlled time said mass medium program with locally generated mass medium program information content, with said mass medium program and said locally generated mass medium program information content being outputted to said subscriber as at least one of the following: (i) at least one of a combined and a sequential presentation at said at least one output device and (ii) parallel presentations at a plurality of said at least one output device.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
338 words
A method of generating and delivering an individualized mass medium program presentation at a receiver station, said receiver station having a receiver for receiving a mass medium program signal, a computer for generating and communicating information, and at least one output device operatively connected to said receiver and said computer for delivering to a viewer a mass medium program and computer information, with said computer comprising at least one data storage locations, said method comprising the steps of: storing a timing signal specifying a time and a first datum specifying a viewer interest; first controlling said computer at least one time based on a comparison, said step of first controlling comprising: (1) inputting at least one second datum, said second datum designating one of said viewer interest and said time; (2) selecting a signal, said selected signal including one of data, information content, and a control signal respecting said mass medium program; and (3) storing said selected signal at a storage location; second controlling said computer at least one based on said timing signal, said step of second controlling comprising: (1) selecting at least one computer programming instruction; (2) generating mass medium program information content in respect to said viewer interest; and (3) preparing to communicate said generated mass medium program information content upon instruction; third controlling said computer at least one time based on said timing signal; said step of third controlling comprising: (1) selecting said mass medium program information content; (2) selecting a location; (3) communicating said selected mass medium program information content to said selected location; and presenting to a subscriber at a controlled time said mass medium program with locally generated mass medium program information content, with said mass medium program and said locally generated mass medium program information content being outputted to said subscriber as at least one of the following: (i) at least one of a combined and a sequential presentation at said at least one output device and (ii) parallel presentations at a plurality of said at least one output device.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
338 words
A method of generating and delivering an individualized mass medium program presentation at a receiver station, said receiver station having a receiver for receiving a mass medium program signal, a computer for generating and communicating information, and at least one output device operatively connected to said receiver and said computer for delivering to a viewer a mass medium program and computer information, with said computer comprising at least one data storage locations, said method comprising the steps of: storing a timing signal specifying a time and a first datum specifying a viewer interest; first controlling said computer at least one time based on a comparison, said step of first controlling comprising: (1) inputting at least one second datum, said second datum designating one of said viewer interest and said time; (2) selecting a signal, said selected signal including one of data, information content, and a control signal respecting said mass medium program; and (3) storing said selected signal at a storage location; second controlling said computer at least one based on said timing signal, said step of second controlling comprising: (1) selecting at least one computer programming instruction; (2) generating mass medium program information content in respect to said viewer interest; and (3) preparing to communicate said generated mass medium program information content upon instruction; third controlling said computer at least one time based on said timing signal; said step of third controlling comprising: (1) selecting said mass medium program information content; (2) selecting a location; (3) communicating said selected mass medium program information content to said selected location; and presenting to a subscriber at a controlled time said mass medium program with locally generated mass medium program information content, with said mass medium program and said locally generated mass medium program information content being outputted to said subscriber as at least one of the following: (i) at least one of a combined and a sequential presentation at said at least one output device and (ii) parallel presentations at a plurality of said at least one output device.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
165 words
A method of providing data of interest to a receiver station from a first remote data source, said data of interest for use at said receiver station in at least one of generating and outputting a receiver specific datum, said method comprising the steps of: storing said data at said first remote data source; receiving at said remote data source a query from said receiver station; transmitting at least a portion of said data from said first remote data source to said receiver station in response to said step of receiving said query, said receiver station selecting and storing said transmitted at least a portion of said data and; transmitting from a second remote source to said receiver station a signal which controls said receiver station to select and process an instruct signal which is effective at said receiver station to coordinate presentation of said at least a portion of said data with one of a mass medium program and a program segment presentation sequence.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
165 words
A method of providing data of interest to a receiver station from a first remote data source, said data of interest for use at said receiver station in at least one of generating and outputting a receiver specific datum, said method comprising the steps of: storing said data at said first remote data source; receiving at said remote data source a query from said receiver station; transmitting at least a portion of said data from said first remote data source to said receiver station in response to said step of receiving said query, said receiver station selecting and storing said transmitted at least a portion of said data and; transmitting from a second remote source to said receiver station a signal which controls said receiver station to select and process an instruct signal which is effective at said receiver station to coordinate presentation of said at least a portion of said data with one of a mass medium program and a program segment presentation sequence.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
164 words
A method of communicating subscriber station information from a subscriber station to at least one remote data collection stat, said method comprising the steps of: (1) inputting one of a viewer's and a participant's reaction at said subscriber station; (2) receiving at said subscriber station information that designates one of an instruct signal to process and an output to deliver in consequence of subscriber input; (3) determining the presence of said subscriber input at said subscriber station by processing said one of a viewer's and a participant's reaction; (4) processing said instruct signal which is effective to coordinate presentation of at least a mass medium program segment with a predetermined presentation sequence at said subscriber station in consequence of said step of determining; and (5) transferring from said subscriber station to at least one remote data collection station an indicium effective to accomplish one of confirming completion of said step of processing and confirming delivery of said coordinated presentation from said step of processing.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
164 words
A method of communicating subscriber station information from a subscriber station to at least one remote data collection stat, said method comprising the steps of: (1) inputting one of a viewer's and a participant's reaction at said subscriber station; (2) receiving at said subscriber station information that designates one of an instruct signal to process and an output to deliver in consequence of subscriber input; (3) determining the presence of said subscriber input at said subscriber station by processing said one of a viewer's and a participant's reaction; (4) processing said instruct signal which is effective to coordinate presentation of at least a mass medium program segment with a predetermined presentation sequence at said subscriber station in consequence of said step of determining; and (5) transferring from said subscriber station to at least one remote data collection station an indicium effective to accomplish one of confirming completion of said step of processing and confirming delivery of said coordinated presentation from said step of processing.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
65 words
The method of claim 14, wherein said instruct signal is input by a subscriber, said method further comprising the steps of: storing a subscriber instruction to receive at least one of specific mass medium programs, data, news items, and computer control instructions; and receiving said at least one of specific mass medium programs, data, news items, and computer control instructions in accordance with said instruction.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
77 words
The method of claim 14, wherein said instruct signal is input by a subscriber, said method further comprising the steps of: storing a subscriber instruction to one of process and present at least one of mass medium programs, data, news items, and computer control instructions in a specific fashion; and one of processing and presenting said at least one of specific mass medium program , data, news items, and computer control instructions in accordance with said instruction.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
124 words
The method of claim 14, wherein said information that designates one of an instruct signal to process and an output to deliver in consequence of subscriber input is detected in an information transmission from one of a data source and a programming source, said method further comprising the steps of: programming a processor to respond to information communicated from said one of a data source and a programming source; receiving said information transmission from said one of a data source and a programming source; inputting at least a portion of said information transmission to a control signal detector; detecting one of data and said instruct signal in said information transmission; and passing said detected one of data and said instruct signal to said processor.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
330 words
A method of controlling a remote intermediate mass medium programming transmitter station to communicate mass medium program material to at least one receiver stat, with said remote transmitter station including one of a broadcast and a cablecast transmitter for transmitting at least one unit of mass medium programming, a plurality of selective transfer devices each operatively connected to said one of a broadcast and a cablecast transmitter for communicating said at least one unit of mass medium programming, a mass medium programming receiver for receiving said at least one unit of mass medium programming from at least one origination transmitter station a control signal detector, and one of a controller and a computer capable of controlling at least one of said selective transfer devices, and with said remote transmitter station adapted to detect the presence of at least one control signal, to control the communication of specific units of mass medium programming in response to detected specific control signals, and to deliver at said one of a broadcast and a cablecast transmitter at least one unit of mass medium programming, said method of controlling comprising the steps of: (1) receiving at said at least one origination transmitter station said at least one unit of mass medium programming to be transmitted by said remote intermediate mass medium programming transmitter station and delivering said at least one unit of mass medium programming to at least one origination transmitter, said at least one unit of mass medium programming having an instruct signal which is effective at said at least one receiver station to coordinate presentation of said at least one unit of mass medium programming with a predetermined presentation sequence; (2) receiving said at least one control signal which at said remote intermediate mass medium programming transmitter station operates to control the communication of said at least one unit of mass medium programming; and (3) transmitting said at least one control signal from said at least one origination transmitter before a specific time.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
330 words
A method of controlling a remote intermediate mass medium programming transmitter station to communicate mass medium program material to at least one receiver stat, with said remote transmitter station including one of a broadcast and a cablecast transmitter for transmitting at least one unit of mass medium programming, a plurality of selective transfer devices each operatively connected to said one of a broadcast and a cablecast transmitter for communicating said at least one unit of mass medium programming, a mass medium programming receiver for receiving said at least one unit of mass medium programming from at least one origination transmitter station a control signal detector, and one of a controller and a computer capable of controlling at least one of said selective transfer devices, and with said remote transmitter station adapted to detect the presence of at least one control signal, to control the communication of specific units of mass medium programming in response to detected specific control signals, and to deliver at said one of a broadcast and a cablecast transmitter at least one unit of mass medium programming, said method of controlling comprising the steps of: (1) receiving at said at least one origination transmitter station said at least one unit of mass medium programming to be transmitted by said remote intermediate mass medium programming transmitter station and delivering said at least one unit of mass medium programming to at least one origination transmitter, said at least one unit of mass medium programming having an instruct signal which is effective at said at least one receiver station to coordinate presentation of said at least one unit of mass medium programming with a predetermined presentation sequence; (2) receiving said at least one control signal which at said remote intermediate mass medium programming transmitter station operates to control the communication of said at least one unit of mass medium programming; and (3) transmitting said at least one control signal from said at least one origination transmitter before a specific time.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of embedding one of said at least one control signal in said at least one unit of mass medium programming before transmitting said at least one unit of mass medium programming to said remote intermediate mass medium programming transmitter station.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
88 words
The method of claim 18, wherein said at least one control signal comprises one of a code and a datum which operates at said remote intermediate mass medium programming transmitter station to identify said at least one unit of mass medium programming, said method further comprising the step of transmitting a schedule which operates at said remote intermediate mass medium programming transmitter station to communicate said at least one unit of mass medium programming to said one of a broadcast and a cablecast transmitter at said specific time.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
112 words
A method of controlling a receiver station including the steps of: detecting one of the presence and the absence of one of a broadcast and a cablecast control signal at said receiver station; inputting an instruct-to-react signal to a processor at said receiver station based on said step of detecting one of the presence and the absence of said control signal; controlling said processor to output specific information in response to said step of inputting said instruct-to-react signal; and coordinating presentation of at least a mass medium program segment with a predetermined presentation sequence on the basis of information received from said process or based on said step of controlling said processor.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
112 words
A method of controlling a receiver station including the steps of: detecting one of the presence and the absence of one of a broadcast and a cablecast control signal at said receiver station; inputting an instruct-to-react signal to a processor at said receiver station based on said step of detecting one of the presence and the absence of said control signal; controlling said processor to output specific information in response to said step of inputting said instruct-to-react signal; and coordinating presentation of at least a mass medium program segment with a predetermined presentation sequence on the basis of information received from said process or based on said step of controlling said processor.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 21, wherein a buffer is operatively connected to said processor for buffering input, said method further comprising the step of inputting said instruct-to-react signal directly to said processor.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 21, wherein said processor processes a datum designating one of a television channel and a television program, said method further comprising the step of controlling a tuner to tune a receiver to receive said one of a television channel and a television program designated by said processed datum.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
54 words
The method of claim 21, wherein said processor processes a datum designating at least one specific channel of one of a multichannel cable and a broadcast signal, said method further comprising the step of controlling a tuner to tune a converter to receive said at least one specific channel designated by said processed datum.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method of claim 21, wherein said processor processes a datum designating one of a television channel and a television program, said method further comprising the step of controlling a selective transfer device to input to a control signal detector at least a portion of said one of a television channel and a television program designated by said processed datum.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of claim 21, wherein said processor processes a datum designating one of a television channel and a television program, said method further comprising the step of controlling a control signal detector to search for at least one control signal in said one of a television channel and a television program designated by said processed datum.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of claim 21, wherein said processor processes a datum designating one of a television channel and a television program, said method further comprising the step of controlling a selective transfer device to input to a computer control signals detected in said one of a television channel and a television program designated by said processed datum.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of claim 21, wherein said processor processes a datum designating one of a television channel and a television program, said method further comprising the step of controlling a computer to respond to control signals detected in said one of a television channel and a television program designated by said processed datum.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method of claim 21, wherein said processor processes a datum designating one of a television channel and a television program, said method further comprising the step of controlling a television monitor to display one of video and audio contained in said one of a television channel and a television program designated by said processed datum.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method of claim 21, wherein said processor processes a datum designating one of a television channel and a television program, said method further comprising the step of controlling a video recorder/player to one of record and play one of video and audio contained in said one of a television channel and a television program designated by said processed datum.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method of claim 21, wherein said processor processes a datum designating one of a television channel and a television program, said method further comprising the step of controlling a selective transfer device to communicate to one of a video recorder/player and a television monitor said one of a television channel and a television program designated by said processed datum.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
62 words
The method of claim 21, wherein said processor processes a datum designating at least one specific channel of one of a multichannel cable and a broadcast signal, said method further comprising the step of controlling a selective transfer device to input to a control signal detector at least a portion of said at least one specific channel designated by said processed datum.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
59 words
The method of claim 21, wherein said processor processes a datum designating at least one specific channel of one of a multichannel cable and a broadcast signal, said method further comprising the step of controlling a control signal detector to search for at least one control signal in said at least one specific channel designated by said processed datum.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
59 words
The method of claim 21, wherein said processor processes a datum designating at least one specific channel of one of a multichannel cable and a broadcast signal, said method further comprising the step of controlling a selective transfer device to input to a computer control signals detected in said at least one specific channel designated by said processed datum.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method of claim 21, wherein said processor processes a datum designating at least one specific channel of one of a multichannel cable and a broadcast signal, said method further comprising the step of controlling a computer to respond to control signals detected in said at least one specific channel designated by said processed datum.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method of claim 21, wherein said processor processes a datum designating at least one specific channel of one of a multichannel cable and a broadcast signal, said method further comprising the step of controlling a television monitor to display one of video and audio contained in said at least one specific channel designated by said processed datum.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
62 words
The method of claim 21, wherein said processor processes a datum designating at least one specific channel of one of a multichannel cable and a broadcast signal, said method further comprising the step of controlling a video recorder/player to one of record and play one of video and audio contained in said at least one specific channel designated by said processed datum.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
62 words
The method of claim 21, wherein said processor processes a datum designating at least one specific channel of one of a multichannel cable and a broadcast signal, said method further comprising the step of controlling a selective transfer device to communicate to one of a storage device and an output device the at least one specific channel designated by said processed datum.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
145 words
A method of controlling a receiver station, said receiver station having a processor for passing and executing instructions and a clock operatively connected to said processor for inputting a timing signal, said method comprising the steps of: receiving one of a broadcast and a cablecast transmission; demodulating said one of a broadcast and a cablecast transmission to detect an information transmission thereon, said information transmission comprising an instruct signal which is effective to coordinate presentation of at least a mass medium program segment with a predetermined presentation sequence; detecting said instruct signal on said information transmission and passing said instruct signal to said processor; delaying, under control of said processor, the passing of said instruct signal to a controllable apparatus; passing said instruct signal to said controllable apparatus on the basis of said timing signal; and controlling said controllable apparatus based on said instruct signal.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
145 words
A method of controlling a receiver station, said receiver station having a processor for passing and executing instructions and a clock operatively connected to said processor for inputting a timing signal, said method comprising the steps of: receiving one of a broadcast and a cablecast transmission; demodulating said one of a broadcast and a cablecast transmission to detect an information transmission thereon, said information transmission comprising an instruct signal which is effective to coordinate presentation of at least a mass medium program segment with a predetermined presentation sequence; detecting said instruct signal on said information transmission and passing said instruct signal to said processor; delaying, under control of said processor, the passing of said instruct signal to a controllable apparatus; passing said instruct signal to said controllable apparatus on the basis of said timing signal; and controlling said controllable apparatus based on said instruct signal.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 39, further comprising the steps of: detecting said timing signal in said information transmission; passing said timing signal to said clock; and timing, under control of said clock, the passing of said instruct signal based on said timing signal.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
165 words
A method of communicating program material to at least one receiver station which includes one of a broadcast and a cablecast program receiver, an output device, a control signal detector, a processor operatively connected to said output device, and with said at least one receiver station adapted to detect and respond to at least one instruct signal, said method of communicating comprising the steps of: (1) receiving at least a program segment to be transmitted at a transmitter station and delivering said at least a program segment to a transmitter; (2) receiving and storing said at least one instruct signal at said transmitter station, said at least one instruct signal at said receiver station operates to coordinate presentation of said at least a program segment with a predetermined presentation sequence; (3) transferring said at least one instruct signal to said transmitter; and (4) transmitting from said transmitter station an information transmission comprising said at least a program segment and said at least one instruct signal.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
165 words
A method of communicating program material to at least one receiver station which includes one of a broadcast and a cablecast program receiver, an output device, a control signal detector, a processor operatively connected to said output device, and with said at least one receiver station adapted to detect and respond to at least one instruct signal, said method of communicating comprising the steps of: (1) receiving at least a program segment to be transmitted at a transmitter station and delivering said at least a program segment to a transmitter; (2) receiving and storing said at least one instruct signal at said transmitter station, said at least one instruct signal at said receiver station operates to coordinate presentation of said at least a program segment with a predetermined presentation sequence; (3) transferring said at least one instruct signal to said transmitter; and (4) transmitting from said transmitter station an information transmission comprising said at least a program segment and said at least one instruct signal.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 41, wherein one of identification data and said at least one instruct signal are embedded in a mass medium program signal containing said at least a program segment.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 41, wherein said step of transmitting directs said one of a broadcast and a cablecast transmission to a plurality of receiver stations at the same time and each of said plurality of receiver stations one of receives and responds to said at least one instruct signal concurrently.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 41, wherein said step of transmitting directs said one of a broadcast and a cablecast transmission to a plurality of receiver stations at first different times and each of said plurality of receiver stations responds to said at least one instruct signal at a second different time.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
67 words
The method of claim 41, further comprising the steps of: receiving said at least a program segment at a receiver in said transmitter station; communicating said at least a program segment from said receiver to a memory location; and storing said at least a program segment at said memory location for a period of time prior to communicating said at least a program segment to said transmitter.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-03-22 | 2002-09-21 | 2003-03-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-03-22 | 2006-09-21 | 2007-03-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-03-22 | 2010-09-21 | 2011-03-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |