US6133912A — Method of delivering information over a communica…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 206 words

A method of delivering information to subscribers on a communication network, wherein a plurality of data providers and a plurality of processing devices, each processing device uniquely associated with a subscriber, are connected to said network, comprising the steps of: receiving a sequence of INFO IDs by said plurality of processing devices, each INFO ID uniquely identifying information in a plurality of INFO sources connected to said network; reading a sequence of information from said plurality of INFO sources in accordance with said sequence of INFO IDs; selecting at least one data provider by each subscriber to display data that is received from said at least one data provider via said network; and continuously displaying said sequence of information simultaneously with said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber on an associated processing device such that said sequence of information and said data requested by said each subscriber are simultaneously viewable, and wherein said data to be displayed on said associated processing device is selectable by said each subscriber, the display of said sequence of information is not controllable by said each subscriber and does not change in response to the selection of said data by said each subscriber.

Claim 2

Independent Claim 206 words

A method of delivering information to subscribers on a communication network, wherein a plurality of data providers and a plurality of processing devices, each processing device uniquely associated with a subscriber, are connected to said network, comprising the steps of: receiving a sequence of INFO IDs by said plurality of processing devices, each INFO ID uniquely identifying information in a plurality of INFO sources connected to said network; reading a sequence of information from said plurality of INFO sources in accordance with said sequence of INFO IDs; selecting at least one data provider by each subscriber to display data that is received from said at least one data provider via said network; and continuously displaying said sequence of information simultaneously with said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber on an associated processing device such that said sequence of information and said data requested by said each subscriber are simultaneously viewable, and wherein said data to be displayed on said associated processing device is selectable by said each subscriber, the display of said sequence of information is not controllable by said each subscriber and does not change in response to the selection of said data by said each subscriber.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 44 words

The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of selecting another data provider in response to an input from said each subscriber and wherein the step of continuously displaying displays said sequence of information simultaneously with data received from said other data provider.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 37 words

The method of claim 1, wherein the step of continuously displaying displays said sequence of information without interfering with the display of said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 58 words

The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: verifying the authorization of said each subscriber to determine if said each subscriber is authorized to connect to said network; and inhibiting said associated processing device from displaying said sequence of information if it is determined that said each subscriber is not authorized to connect to said network.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 48 words

The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of inhibiting said associated processing device from displaying said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber if it is determined that said each subscriber is not authorized to connect to said network.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 69 words

The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: verifying the authorization of said each subscriber to determine if said each subscriber is authorized to connect to said network; and inhibiting said associated processing device from displaying said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber if it is determined that said each subscriber is not authorized to connect to said network.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 15 words

The method of claim 1, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of advertisements.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 17 words

The method of claim 1, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of messages or announcements.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 15 words

The method of claim 1, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of news.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 15 words

The method of claim 1, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of updates.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method of claim 1, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of advertisements, messages or announcements, news and updates.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 10 words

The method of claim 1, wherein the information comprises texts.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 11 words

The method of claim 1, wherein the information comprises still pictures.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 11 words

The method of claim 1, wherein the information comprises moving pictures.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 16 words

The method of claim 1, wherein the information comprises a video component and an audio component.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 22 words

The method of claim 1, wherein the information is a combination of text, still pictures, moving pictures having video and audio components.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 20 words

The method of claim 5, wherein said network is a computer network and said plurality of processing devices are terminals.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 41 words

The method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of: assigning a unique subscriber ID and a password to said each subscriber on said communication network; and storing said subscriber ID and said password for said each subscriber in a database.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 22 words

The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of establishing a connection between each of said terminals and said computer network.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 161 words

The method of claim 19, wherein each terminal includes an input device and wherein the step of establishing the connection includes the steps of: entering a subscriber ID and a password on said input device by said each subscriber to initiate connection between a terminal associated with said each subscriber and said communication network; transmitting said subscriber ID and said password entered on said input device to said database for verification; determining whether said subscriber ID entered on said input device matches one of said subscriber IDs stored in said database to provide a verified subscriber ID; verifying said password entered on said input device matches said password associated with said verified subscriber ID if said verified subscriber ID is found; and connecting said terminal associated with said each subscriber to said computer network if it is determined that said password entered on said input device matches a password stored in said database which is associated with said verified subscriber ID.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 20 words

The method of claim 3, wherein said network is a computer network and said plurality of processing devices are terminals.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 42 words

The method of claim 21, wherein each of said plurality of data providers is a server on said computer network and further comprising the step of selecting data to be displayed from said at least one data provider by said each subscriber.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 75 words

The method of claim 22, wherein each of said terminals includes an input device and wherein the step of selecting data includes the step of: entering a request for said data from said at least one server connected to said computer network on said input device of a terminal associated with said each subscriber; and transmitting said request for said data to said at least one server from said terminal associated with said each subscriber.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 71 words

The method of claim 1, wherein said network is a computer network and wherein the step of receiving a sequence of information includes the steps of: receiving a sequence of addresses from a database connected to a network, each address indicating the location of the information in said plurality of INFO sources; and reading said sequence of information from said plurality of INFO sources in accordance with said sequence of addresses.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 87 words

The method of claim 5, further comprising the steps of: assigning an unique subscriber ID to each of said plurality of processing devices; generating a login time and a login date for said each subscriber if it is determined that said each subscriber is authorized to connect to said network; and storing said subscriber ID, said login time and said login date for said each subscriber in a database connected to said network if it is determined that said each subscriber is authorized to connect said network.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 59 words

The method of claim 25, wherein the step of generating login time and login date includes the steps of: receiving from a source connected to said network a virtual date and a virtual time; and generating said login time and said login date for said each subscriber as a function of said virtual time and said virtual date, respectively.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 90 words

The method of claim 25, further comprising the steps of: determining whether a processing device is no longer connected to said network; generating a logout time and a logout date for said each subscriber if it is determined that said processing device associated with said each subscriber is no longer connected to said network; and storing said logout time and said logout date for said each subscriber in said database if it is determined that said processing device associated with said each subscriber is no longer connected to said network.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 47 words

The method of claim 27, further comprising the steps of: generating a session duration for said each subscriber as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout date and said logout time; and storing said session duration for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 52 words

The method of claim 28, further comprising the steps of: generating a session usage record for said each subscriber containing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time and said session duration; and storing said session usage record for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 31

Independent Claim 237 words

A method of delivering information to subscribers on a communication network, wherein a plurality of data providers and a plurality of processing devices, each processing device uniquely associated with a subscriber, are connected to said network, comprising the steps of: assigning an unique INFO ID and an INFO duration to each information from a plurality of INFO sources connected to said network to provide a plurality of INFO IDs and a plurality of INFO durations; storing said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations in a database connected to said network; receiving a sequence of information by said plurality of processing devices; selecting at least one data provider by each subscriber to display data that is received from said at least one data provider via said network; and continuously displaying said sequence of information simultaneously with said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber on an associated processing device such that said sequence of information and said data requested by said each subscriber are simultaneously viewable, and wherein said data to be displayed on said associated processing device is selectable by said each subscriber, the display of said sequence of information is not controllable by said each subscriber and said each information in said sequence of information is displayed for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information.

Claim 32

Independent Claim 237 words

A method of delivering information to subscribers on a communication network, wherein a plurality of data providers and a plurality of processing devices, each processing device uniquely associated with a subscriber, are connected to said network, comprising the steps of: assigning an unique INFO ID and an INFO duration to each information from a plurality of INFO sources connected to said network to provide a plurality of INFO IDs and a plurality of INFO durations; storing said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations in a database connected to said network; receiving a sequence of information by said plurality of processing devices; selecting at least one data provider by each subscriber to display data that is received from said at least one data provider via said network; and continuously displaying said sequence of information simultaneously with said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber on an associated processing device such that said sequence of information and said data requested by said each subscriber are simultaneously viewable, and wherein said data to be displayed on said associated processing device is selectable by said each subscriber, the display of said sequence of information is not controllable by said each subscriber and said each information in said sequence of information is displayed for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 101 words

The method of claim 26, further comprising the steps of: determining whether a processing device is no longer connected to said network; generating a logout time and a logout date for said each subscriber as a function of said virtual date and said virtual time if it is determined that said processing device associated with said each subscriber is no longer connected to said network; and storing said logout date and said logout time for said each subscriber to said database if it is determined that said processing device associated with said each subscriber is no longer connected to said network.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 47 words

The method of claim 31, further comprising the steps of: generating a session duration for said each subscriber as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout date and said logout time; and storing said session duration for said each subscriber to said database.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 52 words

The method of claim 32, further comprising the steps of: generating a session usage record for said each subscriber containing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time and said session duration; and storing said session usage record for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 78 words

The method of claim 27, further comprising the steps of: assigning an INFO duration to each information in said sequence of information to provide a plurality of INFO durations storing said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations in said database; and wherein the step of continuously displaying displays said each information in said sequence of information for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 72 words

The method of claim 34, further comprising the steps of: determining which information in said sequence of information was displayed on said associated processing device as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time and said plurality of INFO durations to provide a list of displayed information for said each subscriber; and storing said list of displayed information for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method of claim 35, wherein said list of displayed information for said each subscriber contains a list of INFO IDs corresponding to the displayed information.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 104 words

The method of claim 36, further comprising the steps of: determining date and time that each INFO ID in said list of displayed information was displayed on said associated processing device as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout time, said logout date and said plurality of INFO durations to provide a display date and a display time for said each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber; and storing said display date and said display time for said each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 70 words

The method of claim 37, further comprising the steps of: generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID and said subscriber ID of said each subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID; and storing said INFO display record in said database.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 78 words

The method of claim 31, further comprising the steps of: assigning an INFO duration to each information in said sequence of information to provide a plurality of INFO durations; storing said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations in said database; and wherein the step of continuously displaying displays said each information in said sequence of information for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 71 words

The method of claim 39, further comprising the steps of: determining which information in said sequence of information was display to said each subscriber as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time and said plurality of INFO durations to provide a list of display information for said each subscriber; and storing said list of display information for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method of claim 40, wherein said list of displayed information for said each subscriber contains a list of INFO IDs corresponding to the displayed information.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 104 words

The method of claim 41, further comprising the steps of: determining date and time that each INFO ID in said list of displayed information was displayed on said associated processing device as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout time, said logout date and said plurality of INFO durations to provide a display date and a display time for said each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber; and storing said display date and said display time for said each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 70 words

The method of claim 42, further comprising the steps of: generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID and said subscriber ID of said each subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID; and storing said INFO display record in said database.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 40 words

The method of claim 37, further comprising the steps of: assigning a location ID for said each subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and storing said location ID for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 107 words

The method of claim 44, wherein said location ID includes a zip code; wherein said associated processing device includes a storage device; and the method further comprising the steps of: generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID and said location ID of said each subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID; storing said INFO display record in said storage device of said associated processing device; and transmitting said INFO display record to said database.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 73 words

The method of claim 44, further comprising the steps of: generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID and said location ID of said each subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID; and storing said INFO display record in said database.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 40 words

The method of claim 42, further comprising the steps of: assigning a location ID for said each subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and storing said location ID for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 73 words

The method of claim 47, further comprising the steps of: generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID and said location ID of said each subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID; and storing said INFO display record in said database.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 107 words

The method of claim 47, wherein said location ID includes a zip code; wherein said associated processing device includes a storage device; and the method further comprising the steps of: generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID and said location ID of said each subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID; storing said INFO display record in said storage device of said associated processing device; and transmitting said INFO display record to said database.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 40 words

The method of claim 32, further comprising the steps of: assigning a location ID for said each subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and storing said location ID for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 13 words

The method of claim 50, wherein said location ID includes a zip code.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 55 words

The method of claim 50, further comprising the steps of: generating a session usage record for said each subscriber containing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time, said session duration and said location ID; and storing said session usage record for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 40 words

The method of claim 28, further comprising the steps of: assigning a location ID for said each subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and storing said location ID for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 13 words

The method of claim 53, wherein said location ID includes a zip code.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 55 words

The method of claim 53, further comprising the steps of: generating a session usage record for said each subscriber containing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time, said session duration and said location ID; and storing said session usage record for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 58

Independent Claim 369 words

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

Claim 59

Independent Claim 369 words

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

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 101 words

The method of claim 31, further comprising the steps of: generating a ping signal every predetermined interval by said associated processing device if it is determined that said each subscriber is authorized to connect to said network; transmitting said ping signal to said database; updating said database to indicate expected time of next ping signal from said each subscriber; and wherein the step of generating said logout time and said logout date generates said logout time and said logout date for said each subscriber when said ping signal is not received from said associated processing device substantially within said expected time.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 64 words

The method of claim 30, wherein the step of continuously displaying includes the steps of: determining date and time that each information in said sequence of information is displayed on said associated processing device to provide a display date and a display time, respectively; and storing said display date and said display time for said each information for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 66 words

The method of claim 58, further comprising the steps of: generating a plurality of INFO display records for said each subscriber, each INFO display record containing subscriber ID of said each subscriber, and said INFO ID, said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said each information; and storing said plurality of INFO display records for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 40 words

The method of claim 58, further comprising the steps of: assigning a location ID for said each subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and storing said location ID for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 109 words

The method of claim 60, wherein said location ID includes a zip code; wherein said associated processing device includes a storage device; and the method further comprising the steps of: generating a plurality of INFO display records for said each subscriber, each INFO display record containing subscriber ID and location ID of said each subscriber, and said INFO ID, said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said each information; storing said plurality of INFO display records for said each subscriber in said storage device of said associated processing device; and transmitting said plurality of INFO display records for said each subscriber to said database.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 69 words

The method of claim 60, further comprising the steps of: generating a plurality of INFO display records for said each subscriber, each INFO display record containing subscriber ID and location ID of said each subscriber, and said INFO ID, said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said each information; and storing said plurality of INFO display records for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 70 words

The method of claim 3, wherein each of said plurality of processing devices includes a monitor having a first portion and a second portion, and an input device; and wherein the step of continuously displaying displays said sequence of information in said first portion of said monitor and displays said data received from said at least one data provider selected by each subscriber in said second portion of said monitor.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 82 words

The method of claim 63, further comprising the steps of: assigning an INFO duration to each information in said sequence of information to provide a plurality of INFO durations; storing said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations in a database connected to said network; and wherein the step of continuously displaying displays said each information in said sequence of information for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 67 words

The method of claim 64 wherein said first portion of said monitor is divided into a plurality of linked regions and a plurality of unlinked regions, each of said plurality of linked regions is linked to one of said plurality of data providers; and the method further comprising the step of selecting one of said plurality of linked regions by said each subscriber to receive additional information.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 176 words

The method of claim 65, wherein each of said plurality of data providers is uniquely identified by a data provider ID and further comprising the steps of: assigning an unique subscriber ID to said associated processing device; detecting which information in said sequence of information is being displayed on said first portion of said monitor associated with said associated processing device to provide a displayed INFO ID; determining date and time that information corresponding to said displayed INFO ID was displayed on said associated processing device to provide a display date and a display time, respectively; detecting which one of said plurality of linked regions was selected by said each subscriber during the display of information corresponding to said displayed INFO ID to provide a selected data provider ID; and storing said subscriber ID, said displayed INFO ID, said selected data provider ID, said display date and said display time for said each subscriber in said database if it is detected that said one of said plurality of linked regions was selected by said each subscriber.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 40 words

The method of claim 66, further comprising the steps of: assigning a location ID for said each subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and storing said location ID for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 133 words

The method of claim 67, wherein said location ID includes a zip code; wherein said associated processing device includes a storage device; and the method further comprising the steps of: generating a plurality of clicked event records for said each subscriber, each clicked event record for said each subscriber being associated with a single selected data provider ID and said each clicked event record contains said subscriber ID, said location ID and said single selected data provider ID, and said displayed INFO ID, said display date and said display time associated with said single selected data provider ID; storing said plurality of clicked event records for said each subscriber in said storage device of said associated processing device; and transmitting said plurality of clicked event records for said each subscriber to said database.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 93 words

The method of claim 67, further comprising the steps of: generating a plurality of clicked event records for said each subscriber, each clicked event record for said each subscriber being associated with a single selected data provider ID and said each clicked event record contains said subscriber ID, said location ID and said single selected data provider ID, and said displayed INFO ID, said display date and said display time associated with said single selected data provider ID; and storing said plurality of clicked event records for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 27 words

The method of claim 1, wherein each information in said sequence of information is a unsolicited request for data from one of said plurality of data providers.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 22 words

The method of claim 70, wherein said unsolicited request for data is limited to a subset of said plurality of data providers.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 29 words

The method of claim 71, wherein the step of selecting at least one data provider inhibits the selection of a data provider in said subset by said each subscriber.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 55 words

The method of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of data providers is uniquely identified by a data provider ID and further comprising the steps of storing said subscriber ID and said data provider ID associated with at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber in a database connected to said network.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 58 words

The method of claim 73, further comprising the steps of: determining date and time said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber was displayed on said associated processing device to provide a display date and a display time, respectively; and storing said display date and said display time in said database.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 40 words

The method of claim 74, further comprising the steps of: assigning a location ID for said each subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and storing said location ID for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 131 words

The method of claim 75, wherein said location ID includes a zip code; wherein said associated processing device includes a storage device; and wherein the method further comprising the steps of: generating a plurality of data display records for said each subscriber, each data display record for said each subscriber being associated with a single data provider ID stored in said database and said each data display record containing said subscriber ID, said location ID and said single data provider ID, and said display date and said display time associated with said single data provider ID; storing said plurality of data display records for said each subscriber in said storage device of said associated processing device; and transmitting said plurality of data display records for said each subscriber to said database.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 90 words

The method of claim 75, further comprising the steps of: generating a plurality of data display records for said each subscriber, each data display record for said each subscriber being associated with a single data provider ID stored in said database and said each data display record containing said subscriber ID, said location ID and said single data provider ID, and said display date and said display time associated with said single data provider ID; and storing said plurality of data display records for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method of claim 2, wherein said network is a cable television network; and wherein said plurality of processing devices are converter boxes.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method of claim 78, wherein said each of said plurality of data providers represents a broadcast channel on said cable television network.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 64 words

The method of claim 79, wherein each of said converter boxes includes a television receiving apparatus, wherein the step of selecting at least one data provider selects a broadcast channel to display a program that is received on said selected broadcast channel and wherein the step of continuously displaying displays said sequence of information simultaneously with said program received on said selected broadcast channel.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 61 words

The method of claim 80, wherein the step of selecting another data provider selects a next broadcast channel to display a program that is received on said next broadcast channel in response to said input from said each subscriber and wherein the step of continuously displaying displays said sequence of information simultaneously with said program received on said next broadcast channel.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 33 words

The method of claim 81, wherein the step of selecting another data provider includes operating a channel up button or a channel down button on a channel selector operable with said convertor box.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 32 words

The method of claim 66, wherein the step of selecting one of said plurality of linked regions includes the step of displaying said additional information in said second portion of said monitor.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 58 words

The method of claim 66, wherein the step of selecting one of said plurality of linked regions includes the steps of: displaying a request for additional data to said each subscriber in said second portion of said monitor; entering said additional data on said input device by said each subscriber; and storing said additional data in said database.

Claim 88

Independent Claim 281 words

A method of selectively delivering information to subscribers on a communication network, wherein a plurality of data providers and a plurality of processing devices, each processing device uniquely associated with a subscriber, are connected to said network, comprising the steps of: storing profile data in a database connected to said network for each subscriber; storing a plurality of information received from a plurality of INFO sources connected to said network in said database; selecting a sequence of information for said each subscriber from said plurality of information in accordance with said profile data of said each subscriber, each information in said sequence of information being uniquely identified by an INFO ID; receiving a sequence of INFO IDs for said each subscriber by a processing device associated with said each subscriber; reading a sequence of information from said plurality of INFO sources in accordance with said sequence of INFO IDs; selecting at least one data provider by said each subscriber to display data that is received from said at least one data provider via said network; and continuously displaying said sequence of information for said each subscriber simultaneously with said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber on said associated processing device such that said sequence of information for said each subscriber and said data requested by said each subscriber a resimultaneously viewable, and wherein said data to be displayed on said associated processing device is selectable by said each subscriber, the display of said sequence of information for said each subscriber is not controllable by said each subscriber and does not change in response to the selection of said data by said each subscriber.

Claim 89

Independent Claim 281 words

A method of selectively delivering information to subscribers on a communication network, wherein a plurality of data providers and a plurality of processing devices, each processing device uniquely associated with a subscriber, are connected to said network, comprising the steps of: storing profile data in a database connected to said network for each subscriber; storing a plurality of information received from a plurality of INFO sources connected to said network in said database; selecting a sequence of information for said each subscriber from said plurality of information in accordance with said profile data of said each subscriber, each information in said sequence of information being uniquely identified by an INFO ID; receiving a sequence of INFO IDs for said each subscriber by a processing device associated with said each subscriber; reading a sequence of information from said plurality of INFO sources in accordance with said sequence of INFO IDs; selecting at least one data provider by said each subscriber to display data that is received from said at least one data provider via said network; and continuously displaying said sequence of information for said each subscriber simultaneously with said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber on said associated processing device such that said sequence of information for said each subscriber and said data requested by said each subscriber a resimultaneously viewable, and wherein said data to be displayed on said associated processing device is selectable by said each subscriber, the display of said sequence of information for said each subscriber is not controllable by said each subscriber and does not change in response to the selection of said data by said each subscriber.

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 48 words

The method of claim 85, further comprising the step of selecting another data provider in response to an input from said each subscriber and wherein the step of continuously displaying displays said sequence of information for said each subscriber simultaneously with data received from said other data provider.

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 41 words

The method of claim 85, wherein the step of continuously displaying displays said sequence of information for said each subscriber without interfering with the display of said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber.

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 42 words

The method of claim 85, wherein each of said plurality of INFO sources includes an INFO database and wherein the step of storing a plurality of information includes the step of retrieving information from each database to generate said plurality of information.

Claim 93

Dependent Claim 62 words

The method of claim 85, further comprising the steps of: verifying the authorization of said each subscriber to determine if said each subscriber is authorized to connect to said network; and inhibiting said associated processing device from displaying said sequence of information for said each subscriber if it is determined that said each subscriber is not authorized to connect to said network.

Claim 94

Dependent Claim 48 words

The method of claim 89, further comprising the step of inhibiting said associated processing device from displaying said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber if it is determined that said each subscriber is not authorized to connect to said network.

Claim 95

Dependent Claim 69 words

The method of claim 85, further comprising the steps of: verifying the authorization of said each subscriber to determine if said each subscriber is authorized to connect to said network; and inhibiting said associated processing device from displaying said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber if it is determined that said each subscriber is not authorized to connect to said network.

Claim 96

Dependent Claim 15 words

The method of claim 85, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of advertisements.

Claim 97

Dependent Claim 17 words

The method of claim 85, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of messages or announcements.

Claim 98

Dependent Claim 15 words

The method of claim 85, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of news.

Claim 99

Dependent Claim 15 words

The method of claim 85, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of updates.

Claim 100

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method of claim 85, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of advertisements, messages or announcements, news and updates.

Claim 101

Dependent Claim 10 words

The method of claim 85, wherein the information comprises texts.

Claim 102

Dependent Claim 11 words

The method of claim 85, wherein the information comprises still pictures.

Claim 103

Dependent Claim 11 words

The method of claim 85, wherein the information comprises moving pictures.

Claim 104

Dependent Claim 14 words

The method of claim 85, wherein the information comprises a video and audio component.

Claim 105

Dependent Claim 18 words

The method of claim 85, wherein the information is a combination of text, still pictures and moving pictures.

Claim 106

Dependent Claim 20 words

The method of claim 90, wherein said network is a computer network and said plurality of processing devices are terminals.

Claim 107

Dependent Claim 41 words

The method of claim 102, further comprising the steps of: assigning a unique subscriber ID and a password to said each subscriber on said communication network; and storing said subscriber ID and said password for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 108

Dependent Claim 22 words

The method of claim 103, further comprising the step of establishing a connection between each of said terminals and said computer network.

Claim 109

Dependent Claim 161 words

The method of claim 104, wherein each terminal includes an input device and wherein the step of establishing the connection includes the steps of: entering a subscriber ID and a password on said input device by said each subscriber to initiate connection between a terminal associated with said each subscriber and said communication network; transmitting said subscriber ID and said password entered on said input device to said database for verification; determining whether said subscriber ID entered on said input device matches one of said subscriber IDs stored in said database to provide a verified subscriber ID; verifying said password entered on said input device matches said password associated with said verified subscriber ID if said verified subscriber ID is found; and connecting said terminal associated with said each subscriber to said computer network if it is determined that said password entered on said input device matches a password stored in said database which is associated with said verified subscriber ID.

Claim 110

Dependent Claim 20 words

The method of claim 87, wherein said network is a computer network and said plurality of processing devices are terminals.

Claim 111

Dependent Claim 42 words

The method of claim 106, wherein each of said plurality of data providers is a server on said computer network and further comprising the step of selecting data to be displayed from said at least one data provider by said each subscriber.

Claim 112

Dependent Claim 75 words

The method of claim 107, wherein each of said terminals includes an input device and wherein the step of selecting data includes the step of: entering a request for said data from said at least one server connected to said computer network on said input device of a terminal associated with said each subscriber; and transmitting said request for said data to said at least one server from said terminal associated with said each subscriber.

Claim 113

Dependent Claim 42 words

The method of claim 85, wherein said network is a computer network and wherein said sequence of INFO IDs represents a sequence of addresses, each address indicating the location of one of said sequence of information in said plurality of INFO sources.

Claim 114

Dependent Claim 83 words

The method of claim 90, further comprising the steps of: assigning an unique subscriber ID to each of said plurality of processing devices; generating a login time and a login date for said each subscriber if it is determined that said each subscriber is authorized to connect to said network; and storing said subscriber ID, said login time and said login date for said each subscriber in said database if it is determined that said each subscriber is authorized to connect said network.

Claim 115

Dependent Claim 59 words

The method of claim 110, wherein the step of generating login time and login date includes the steps of: receiving from a source connected to said network a virtual date and a virtual time; and generating said login time and said login date for said each subscriber as a function of said virtual time and said virtual date, respectively.

Claim 116

Dependent Claim 90 words

The method of claim 110, further comprising the steps of: determining whether a processing device is no longer connected to said network; generating a logout time and a logout date for said each subscriber if it is determined that said processing device associated with said each subscriber is no longer connected to said network; and storing said logout time and said logout date for said each subscriber in said database if it is determined that said processing device associated with said each subscriber is no longer connected to said network.

Claim 117

Dependent Claim 47 words

The method of claim 112, further comprising the steps of: generating a session duration for said each subscriber as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout date and said logout time; and storing said session duration for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 118

Dependent Claim 52 words

The method of claim 113, further comprising the steps of: generating a session usage record for said each subscriber containing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time and said session duration; and storing said session usage record for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 119

Independent Claim 309 words

A method of selectively delivering information to subscribers on a communication network, wherein a plurality of data providers and a plurality of processing devices, each processing device uniquely associated with a subscriber, are connected to said network, comprising the steps of: storing profile data in a database connected to said network for each subscriber; storing a plurality of information received from a plurality of INFO sources connected to said network in said database; assigning an unique INFO ID and an INFO duration to each information in said plurality of information to provide a plurality of INFO IDs and a plurality of INFO durations; storing said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations in said database; selecting a sequence of information for said each subscriber from said plurality of information in accordance with said profile data of said each subscriber; receiving said sequence of information for said each subscriber by a processing device associated with said each subscriber; selecting at least one data provider by said each subscriber to display data that is received from said at least one data provider via said network; and continuously displaying said sequence of information for said each subscriber simultaneously with said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber on said associated processing device such that said sequence of information for said each subscriber and said data requested by said each subscriber are simultaneously viewable, and wherein said data to be displayed on said associated processing device is selectable by said each subscriber, the display of said sequence of information for said each subscriber is not controllable by said each subscriber and said each information in said sequence of information is displayed for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information for said each subscriber.

Claim 120

Independent Claim 309 words

A method of selectively delivering information to subscribers on a communication network, wherein a plurality of data providers and a plurality of processing devices, each processing device uniquely associated with a subscriber, are connected to said network, comprising the steps of: storing profile data in a database connected to said network for each subscriber; storing a plurality of information received from a plurality of INFO sources connected to said network in said database; assigning an unique INFO ID and an INFO duration to each information in said plurality of information to provide a plurality of INFO IDs and a plurality of INFO durations; storing said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations in said database; selecting a sequence of information for said each subscriber from said plurality of information in accordance with said profile data of said each subscriber; receiving said sequence of information for said each subscriber by a processing device associated with said each subscriber; selecting at least one data provider by said each subscriber to display data that is received from said at least one data provider via said network; and continuously displaying said sequence of information for said each subscriber simultaneously with said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber on said associated processing device such that said sequence of information for said each subscriber and said data requested by said each subscriber are simultaneously viewable, and wherein said data to be displayed on said associated processing device is selectable by said each subscriber, the display of said sequence of information for said each subscriber is not controllable by said each subscriber and said each information in said sequence of information is displayed for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information for said each subscriber.

Claim 121

Dependent Claim 101 words

The method of claim 111, further comprising the steps of: determining whether a processing device is no longer connected to said network; generating a logout time and a logout date for said each subscriber as a function of said virtual date and said virtual time if it is determined that said processing device associated with said each subscriber is no longer connected to said network; and storing said logout date and said logout time for said each subscriber to said database if it is determined that said processing device associated with said each subscriber is no longer connected to said network.

Claim 122

Dependent Claim 47 words

The method of claim 116, further comprising the steps of: generating a session duration for said each subscriber as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout date and said logout time; and storing said session duration for said each subscriber to said database.

Claim 123

Dependent Claim 52 words

The method of claim 117, further comprising the steps of: generating a session usage record for said each subscriber containing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time and said session duration; and storing said session usage record for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 124

Dependent Claim 80 words

The method of claim 112, further comprising the steps of: assigning an INFO duration to each information in said plurality of information a plurality of INFO durations; storing said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations in said database; and wherein the step of continuously displaying displays said each information in said sequence of information for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information for said each subscriber.

Claim 125

Dependent Claim 87 words

The method of claim 119, further comprising the steps of: determining which information in said sequence of information for said each subscriber was displayed on said associated processing device as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time and said INFO durations assigned to each information in said sequence of information for said each subscriber to provide a list of displayed information for said each subscriber; and storing said list of displayed information for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 126

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method of claim 120, wherein said list of displayed information for said each subscriber contains a list of INFO IDs corresponding to the displayed information.

Claim 127

Dependent Claim 115 words

The method of claim 121, further comprising the steps of: determining date and time that each INFO ID in said list of displayed information was displayed on said associated processing device as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout time, said logout date and said INFO durations assigned to each information in said sequence of information for said each subscriber to provide a display date and a display time for said each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber; and storing said display date and said display time for said each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 128

Dependent Claim 70 words

The method of claim 122, further comprising the steps of: generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID and said subscriber ID of said each subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID; and storing said INFO display record in said database.

Claim 129

Dependent Claim 82 words

The method of claim 116, further comprising the steps of: assigning an INFO duration to each information in said plurality of information to provide a plurality of INFO durations; storing said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations in said database; and wherein the step of continuously displaying displays said each information in said sequence of information for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information for said each subscriber.

Claim 130

Dependent Claim 87 words

The method of claim 124, further comprising the steps of: determining which information in said sequence of information for said each subscriber was displayed on said associated processing device as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time and said INFO duration assigned to each information in said sequence of information for said each subscriber to provide a list of display information for said each subscriber; and storing said list of displayed information for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 131

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method of claim 125, wherein said list of displayed information for said each subscriber contains a list of INFO IDs corresponding to the displayed information.

Claim 132

Dependent Claim 115 words

The method of claim 126, further comprising the steps of: determining date and time that each INFO ID in said list of displayed information was displayed on said associated processing device as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout time, said logout date and said INFO duration assigned to each information in said sequence of information for said each subscriber to provide a display date and a display time for said each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber; and storing said display date and said display time for said each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 133

Dependent Claim 70 words

The method of claim 127, further comprising the steps of: generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID and said subscriber ID of said each subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID; and storing said INFO display record in said database.

Claim 134

Dependent Claim 40 words

The method of claim 122, further comprising the steps of: assigning a location ID for said each subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and storing said location ID for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 135

Dependent Claim 107 words

The method of claim 129, wherein said location ID includes a zip code; wherein said associated processing device includes a storage device; and the method further comprising the steps of: generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID and said location ID of said each subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID; storing said INFO display record in said storage device of said associated processing device; and transmitting said INFO display record to said database.

Claim 136

Dependent Claim 73 words

The method of claim 129, further comprising the steps of: generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID and said location ID of said each subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID; and storing said INFO display record in said database.

Claim 137

Dependent Claim 40 words

The method of claim 127, further comprising the steps of: assigning a location ID for said each subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and storing said location ID for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 138

Dependent Claim 72 words

The method of claim 132, further comprising the steps of: generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID and said location ID of said each subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFOduration associated with said INFO ID; and storing said INFO display record in said database.

Claim 139

Dependent Claim 107 words

The method of claim 132, wherein said location ID includes a zip code; wherein said associated processing device includes a storage device; and the method further comprising the steps of: generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said each subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID and said location ID of said each subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID; storing said INFO display record in said storage device of said associated processing device; and transmitting said INFO display record to said database.

Claim 140

Dependent Claim 40 words

The method of claim 117, further comprising the steps of: assigning a location ID for said each subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and storing said location ID for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 141

Dependent Claim 13 words

The method of claim 135, wherein said location ID includes a zip code.

Claim 142

Dependent Claim 55 words

The method of claim 135, further comprising the steps of: generating a session usage record for said each subscriber containing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time, said session duration and said location ID; and storing said session usage record for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 143

Dependent Claim 40 words

The method of claim 113, further comprising the steps of: assigning a location ID for said each subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and storing said location ID for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 144

Dependent Claim 13 words

The method of claim 138, wherein said location ID includes a zip code.

Claim 145

Dependent Claim 55 words

The method of claim 138, further comprising the steps of: generating a session usage record for said each subscriber containing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time, said session duration and said location ID; and storing said session usage record for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 146

Independent Claim 432 words

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

Claim 147

Independent Claim 432 words

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

Claim 148

Dependent Claim 101 words

The method of claim 116, further comprising the steps of: generating a ping signal every predetermined interval by said associated processing device if it is determined that said each subscriber is authorized to connect to said network; transmitting said ping signal to said database; updating said database to indicate expected time of next ping signal from said each subscriber; and wherein the step of generating said logout time and said logout date generates said logout time and said logout date for said each subscriber when said ping signal is not received from said associated processing device substantially within said expected time.

Claim 149

Dependent Claim 68 words

The method of claim 115, wherein the step of continuously displaying includes the steps of: determining date and time that each information in said sequence of information for each said subscriber was displayed on said associated processing device to provide a display date and a display time, respectively; and storing said display date and said display time of said each information for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 150

Dependent Claim 66 words

The method of claim 143, further comprising the steps of: generating a plurality of INFO display records for said each subscriber, each INFO display record containing subscriber ID of said each subscriber, and said INFO ID, said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said each information; and storing said plurality of INFO display records for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 151

Dependent Claim 40 words

The method of claim 143, further comprising the steps of: assigning a location ID for said each subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and storing said location ID for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 152

Dependent Claim 109 words

The method of claim 145, wherein said location ID includes a zip code; wherein said associated processing device includes a storage device; and the method further comprising the steps of: generating a plurality of INFO display records for said each subscriber, each INFO display record containing subscriber ID and location ID of said each subscriber, and said INFO ID, said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said each information; storing said plurality of INFO display records for said each subscriber in said storage device of said associated processing device; and transmitting said plurality of INFO display records for said each subscriber to said database.

Claim 153

Dependent Claim 69 words

The method of claim 145, further comprising the steps of: generating a plurality of INFO display records for said each subscriber, each INFO display record containing subscriber ID and location ID of said each subscriber, and said INFO ID, said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said each information; and storing said plurality of INFO display records for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 154

Dependent Claim 74 words

The method of claim 87, wherein each of said plurality of processing devices includes a monitor having a first portion and a second portion, and an input device; and wherein the step of continuously displaying displays said sequence of information for said each subscriber in said first portion of said monitor and displays said data received from said at least one data provider selected by each subscriber in said second portion of said monitor.

Claim 155

Dependent Claim 82 words

The method of claim 148, further comprising the steps of: assigning an INFO duration to each information in said plurality of information to provide a plurality of INFO durations; storing said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations in said database; and wherein the step of continuously displaying displays said each information in said sequence of information for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information for said each subscriber.

Claim 156

Dependent Claim 67 words

The method of claim 149, wherein said first portion of said monitor is divided into a plurality of linked regions and a plurality of unlinked regions, each of said plurality of linked regions is linked to one of said plurality of data providers; and the method further comprising the step of selecting one of said plurality of linked regions by said each subscriber to receive additional information.

Claim 157

Dependent Claim 180 words

The method of claim 150, wherein each of said plurality of data providers is uniquely identified by a data provider ID and further comprising the steps of: assigning an unique subscriber ID to said associated processing device; detecting which information in said sequence of information for said each subscriber is being displayed on said first portion of said monitor associated with said associated processing device to provide a displayed INFO ID; determining date and time that information corresponding to said displayed INFO ID was displayed on said associated processing device to provide a display date and a display time, respectively; detecting which one of said plurality of linked regions was selected by said each subscriber during the display of information corresponding to said displayed INFO ID to provide a selected data provider ID; and storing said subscriber ID, said displayed INFO ID, said selected data provider ID, said display date and said display time for said each subscriber in said database if it is detected that said one of said plurality of linked regions was selected by said each subscriber.

Claim 158

Dependent Claim 40 words

The method of claim 151, further comprising the steps of: assigning a location ID for said each subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and storing said location ID for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 159

Dependent Claim 134 words

The method of claim 152, wherein said location ID includes a zip code; wherein said associated processing device includes a storage device; and the method further comprising the steps of: generating a plurality of clicked event records for said each subscriber, wherein each clicked event record for said each subscriber is associated with a single selected data provider ID and said each clicked event record contains said subscriber ID, said location ID and said single selected data provider ID, and said displayed INFO ID, said display date and said display time associated with said single selected data provider ID; storing said plurality of clicked event records for said each subscriber in said storage device of said associated processing device; and transmitting said plurality of clicked event records for said each subscriber to said database.

Claim 160

Dependent Claim 94 words

The method of claim 152, further comprising the steps of: generating a plurality of clicked event records for said each subscriber, wherein each clicked event record for said each subscriber is associated with a single selected data provider ID and said each clicked event record contains said subscriber ID, said location ID and said single selected data provider ID, and said displayed INFO ID, said display date and said display time associated with said single selected data provider ID; and storing said plurality of clicked event records for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 161

Dependent Claim 27 words

The method of claim 85, wherein each information in said sequence of information is a unsolicited request for data from one of said plurality of data providers.

Claim 162

Dependent Claim 22 words

The method of claim 155, wherein said unsolicited request for data is limited to a subset of said plurality of data providers.

Claim 163

Dependent Claim 29 words

The method of claim 156, wherein the step of selecting at least one data provider inhibits the selection of a data provider in said subset by said each subscriber.

Claim 164

Dependent Claim 51 words

The method of claim 85, wherein each of said plurality of data providers is uniquely identified by a data provider ID and further comprising the steps of storing said subscriber ID and said data provider ID associated with at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 165

Dependent Claim 51 words

The method of claim 158, further comprising the steps of: determining a display date and a display time of said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said each subscriber on said associated processing device; and storing said display date and said display time in said database.

Claim 166

Dependent Claim 40 words

The method of claim 159, further comprising the steps of: assigning a location ID for said each subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and storing said location ID for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 167

Dependent Claim 131 words

The method of claim 160, wherein said location ID includes a zip code; wherein said associated processing device includes a local storage; and the method further comprising the steps of: generating a plurality of data display records for said each subscriber, wherein each data display record for said each subscriber is associated with a single data provider ID stored in said database and said each data display record contains said subscriber ID, said location ID and said single data provider ID, and said display date and said display time associated with said single data provider ID; storing said plurality of data display records for said each subscriber in said storage device of said associated processing device; and transmitting said plurality of data display records for said each subscriber to said database.

Claim 168

Dependent Claim 91 words

The method of claim 160, further comprising the steps of: generating a plurality of data display records for said each subscriber, wherein each data display record for said each subscriber is associated with a single data provider ID stored in said database and said each data display record contains said subscriber ID, said location ID and said single data provider ID, and said display date and said display time associated with said single data provider ID; and storing said plurality of data display records for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 169

Dependent Claim 24 words

The method of claim 86, wherein said communication network is a cable television network and wherein said plurality of processing devices are converter boxes.

Claim 170

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method of claim 163, wherein said each of said plurality of data providers represents a broadcast channel on said cable television network.

Claim 171

Dependent Claim 68 words

The method of claim 164, wherein each of said converter boxes includes a television receiving apparatus, wherein the step of selecting at least one data provider selects a broadcast channel to display a program that is received on said selected broadcast channel and wherein the step of continuously displaying displays said sequence of information for said each subscriber simultaneously with said program received on said selected broadcast channel.

Claim 172

Dependent Claim 65 words

The method of claim 165, wherein the step of selecting another data provider selects a next broadcast channel to display a program that is received on said next broadcast channel in response to said input from said each subscriber and wherein the step of continuously displaying displays said sequence of information for said each subscriber simultaneously with said program received on said next broadcast channel.

Claim 173

Dependent Claim 33 words

The method of claim 166, wherein the step of selecting another data provider includes operating a channel up button or a channel down button on a channel selector operable with said convertor box.

Claim 174

Dependent Claim 38 words

The method of claim 105, wherein the step of connecting said terminal includes the steps of: selecting an access phone number by said each subscriber; and connecting said terminal to said computer network using said access phone number.

Claim 175

Dependent Claim 39 words

The method of claim 168, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said access phone number associated with said each subscriber.

Claim 176

Dependent Claim 40 words

The method of claim 168, further comprising the steps of: assigning a location ID for said each subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and storing said location ID for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 177

Dependent Claim 15 words

The method of claim 170, wherein said location id includes at least a zip code.

Claim 178

Dependent Claim 93 words

The method of claim 171, further comprising the steps of: determining whether said zip code stored for said each subscriber is associated with said access phone number selected by said each subscriber; assigning said zip code as a location zip code for said each subscriber if it is determined that said zip code is associated with said access phone number; and assigning said location zip code for said each subscriber in accordance with said access phone number if it is determined that said zip code is not associated with said access phone number.

Claim 179

Dependent Claim 39 words

The method of claim 172, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said location zip code associated with said each subscriber.

Claim 180

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method of claim 173, further comprising the step of determining a time zone in accordance with said location zip code.

Claim 181

Dependent Claim 41 words

The method of claim 174, further comprising the steps of: assigning a display time range to each of said plurality of information to provide a plurality of display time ranges; and storing said plurality of display time ranges in said database.

Claim 182

Dependent Claim 52 words

The method of claim 175, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data, said location zip code, a current time and said time zone associated with said each subscriber, and said plurality of display time ranges.

Claim 183

Dependent Claim 41 words

The method of claim 168, further comprising the steps of: assigning a display time range to each of said plurality of information to provide a plurality of display time ranges; and storing said plurality of display time ranges in said database.

Claim 184

Dependent Claim 49 words

The method of claim 168, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data, said access phone number and a current time associated with said each subscriber, and said plurality of display time ranges.

Claim 185

Dependent Claim 46 words

The method of claim 85, wherein each of said plurality of processing devices includes an input device and wherein the method of storing profile data includes the step of entering said profile data on said input device of said associated processing device by said each subscriber.

Claim 186

Dependent Claim 52 words

The method of claim 179, further comprising the steps of: assigning an unique subscriber ID to each of said plurality of processing devices; entering additional profile data on said input device by said each subscriber; and storing said subscriber ID and said additional profile data for said each subscriber in said database.

Claim 187

Dependent Claim 34 words

The method of claim 180, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said additional profile data.

Claim 188

Dependent Claim 34 words

The method of claim 114, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said session usage record.

Claim 189

Dependent Claim 34 words

The method of claim 118, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said session usage record.

Claim 190

Dependent Claim 34 words

The method of claim 137, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said session usage record.

Claim 191

Dependent Claim 34 words

The method of claim 140, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said session usage record.

Claim 192

Dependent Claim 34 words

The method of claim 123, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said INFO display record.

Claim 193

Dependent Claim 34 words

The method of claim 128, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said INFO display record.

Claim 194

Dependent Claim 34 words

The method of claim 131, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said INFO display record.

Claim 195

Dependent Claim 34 words

The method of claim 133, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said INFO display record.

Claim 196

Dependent Claim 34 words

The method of claim 144, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said INFO display record.

Claim 197

Dependent Claim 34 words

The method of claim 147, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said INFO display record.

Claim 198

Dependent Claim 36 words

The method of claim 154, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said plurality of clicked event records.

Claim 199

Dependent Claim 36 words

The method of claim 162, wherein the step of selecting a sequence of information selects said sequence of information for said each subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said plurality of data display records.

Claim 200

Dependent Claim 49 words

The method of claim 85, wherein said database comprises at least first and second databases; wherein the method of storing profile data stores said profile data in said first database; and wherein the method of storing a plurality of information stores said plurality of information in said second database.

Claim 201

Dependent Claim 72 words

The method of claim 103, wherein said database comprises at least first, second and third databases; wherein the method of storing profile data stores said profile data in said first database; wherein the method of storing a plurality of information stores said plurality of information in said second database; and wherein the method of storing said subscriber ID and said password stores said subscriber ID and said password in said third database.

Claim 202

Dependent Claim 138 words

The method of claim 114, wherein said database comprises at least first, second and third databases; wherein the method of storing profile data stores said profile data in said first database; wherein the method of storing a plurality of information stores said plurality of information in said second database; wherein the method of storing said subscriber ID, said login time and said login date stores said subscriber ID, said login time and said login date in said third database; wherein the method of storing said logout time and said logout date stores said logout time and said logout date in said third database; wherein the method of storing said session duration stores said session duration in said third database; and wherein the method of storing said session usage record stores said session usage records in said third database.

Claim 203

Dependent Claim 198 words

The method of claim 128, wherein said database comprises at least first, second and third databases; wherein the method of storing profile data stores said profile data in said first database; wherein the method of storing a plurality of information stores said plurality of information in said second database; wherein the method of storing said subscriber ID, said login time and said login date stores said subscriber ID, said login time and said login date in said third database; wherein the method of storing said logout time and said logout date stores said logout time and said logout date in said third database; wherein the method of storing said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations stores said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations in said third database; wherein the method of storing said list of displayed information stores said list of displayed information in said third database; wherein the method of storing said display date and said display time stores said display date and said display time in said third database; and wherein the method of storing said INFO display record stores said INFO display record in said third database.

Claim 204

Dependent Claim 214 words

The method of claim 131, wherein said database comprises at least first, second and third databases; wherein the method of storing profile data stores said profile data in said first database; wherein the method of storing a plurality of information stores said plurality of information in said second database; wherein the method of storing said subscriber ID, said login time and said login date stores said subscriber ID, said login time and said login date in said third database; wherein the method of storing said logout time and said logout date stores said logout time and said logout date in said third database; wherein the method of storing said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations stores said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations in said third database; wherein the method of storing said list of displayed information stores said list of displayed information in said third database; wherein the method of storing said display date and said display time stores said display date and said display time in said third database; wherein the method of storing said location ID stores said location ID in said third database; and wherein the method of storing said INFO display record stores said INFO display record in said third database.

Claim 205

Dependent Claim 153 words

The method of claim 137, wherein said database comprises at least first, second and third databases; wherein the method of storing profile data stores said profile data in said first database; wherein the method of storing a plurality of information stores said plurality of information in said second database; wherein the method of storing said subscriber ID, said login time and said login date stores said subscriber ID, said login time and said login date in said third database; wherein the method of storing said logout time and said logout date stores said logout time and said logout date in said third database; wherein the method of storing said session duration stores said session duration in said third database; wherein the method of storing location ID stores said location ID in said third database; and wherein the method of storing said session usage record stores said session usage records in said third database.

Claim 206

Dependent Claim 167 words

The method of claim 154, wherein said database comprises at least first, second and third databases; wherein the method of storing profile data stores said profile data in said first database; wherein the method of storing a plurality of information stores said plurality of information in said second database; wherein the method of storing said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations stores said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations in said third database; wherein the method of storing said subscriber ID, said displayed INFO ID, said selected data provider ID, said display date and said display time stores said subscriber ID, said displayed INFO ID, said selected data provider ID, said display date and said display time in said third database; wherein the method of storing location ID stores said location ID in said third database; and wherein the method of storing said plurality of clicked event records stores said plurality of clicked event records in said third database.

Claim 207

Dependent Claim 138 words

The method of claim 162, wherein said database comprises at least first, second and third databases; wherein the method of storing profile data stores said profile data in said first database; wherein the method of storing a plurality of information stores said plurality of information in said second database; wherein the method of storing said subscriber ID and said data provider ID stores said subscriber ID and said data provider ID in said third database; wherein the method of storing said display date and said display time stores said display date and said display time in said third database; wherein the method of storing said location ID stores said location ID in said third database; and wherein the method of storing said plurality of data display records stores said plurality of data display records in said third database.

Claim 208

Dependent Claim 76 words

The method of claim 180, wherein said database comprises at least first, second and third databases; wherein the method of storing profile data stores said profile data in said first database; wherein the method of storing a plurality of information stores said plurality of information in said second database; and wherein the method of storing said subscriber ID and said additional profile data stores said subscriber ID and said additional profile data in said third database.

Claim 209

Dependent Claim 77 words

The method of claim 160, further comprising the steps of: generating a plurality of data display records for each of said plurality of data providers, each data display record containing said profile data, said location ID and said single data provider ID, and said display date and said display time associated with said single data provider ID; and storing said plurality of data display records for said each of said plurality of data providers in said database.

Claim 210

Dependent Claim 125 words

The method of claim 203, wherein said database comprises at least first, second and third databases; wherein the method of storing profile data stores said profile data in said first database; wherein the method of storing a plurality of information stores said plurality of information in said second database; wherein the method of storing said data provider ID in said third database; wherein the method of storing said display date and said display time stores said display date and said display time in said third database; wherein the method of storing said location ID stores said location ID in said third database; and wherein the method of storing said plurality of data display records stores said plurality of data display records in said third database.

Claim 211

Dependent Claim 122 words

The method of claim 160, wherein said location ID includes a zip code; wherein said associated processing device includes a storage device; and the method further comprising the steps of: generating a plurality of data display records for each of said plurality of data providers, each data display record containing said profile data, said location ID and said single data provider ID, and said display date and said display time associated with said single data provider ID; storing said plurality of data display records for said each of said plurality of data providers in said storage device of said associated processing device; and transmitting said plurality of data display records for said each of said plurality of data providers to said database.

Claim 212

Dependent Claim 25 words

The method of claim 151, wherein the step of selecting includes the step of displaying said additional information in said second portion of said monitor.

Claim 213

Dependent Claim 76 words

The method of claim 151, wherein the step of selecting includes the steps of: displaying a request for additional data to said each subscriber in said second portion of said monitor; entering said additional data on said input device by said each subscriber; reading said profile data corresponding to said subscriber ID from said database; generating a packet containing said subscriber ID, said profile data and said additional data; and storing said packet in said database.

Claim 214

Independent Claim 209 words

A system for delivering information to subscribers on a communication network, comprising: a plurality of data providers connected to said network; a plurality of INFO sources connected to said network for providing a sequence of information, each information uniquely identified by an INFO ID; and a plurality of processing devices connected to said network, each uniquely associated with a subscriber to provide an associated processing device and having a receiver for receiving a sequence of INFO IDs from said plurality of INFO sources, a device for reading said sequence of information from said plurality of INFO sources in accordance with said sequence of INFO IDs, a selector for selecting at least one data provider by said subscriber and a display device for continuously displaying said sequence of information simultaneously with said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber such that said sequence of information and said data requested by said subscriber are simultaneously viewable, and wherein said data to be displayed on said display device is selectable by said subscriber, the display of said sequence of information on said display device is not controllable by said subscriber and does not change in response to the selection of said data by said each subscriber.

Claim 215

Independent Claim 209 words

A system for delivering information to subscribers on a communication network, comprising: a plurality of data providers connected to said network; a plurality of INFO sources connected to said network for providing a sequence of information, each information uniquely identified by an INFO ID; and a plurality of processing devices connected to said network, each uniquely associated with a subscriber to provide an associated processing device and having a receiver for receiving a sequence of INFO IDs from said plurality of INFO sources, a device for reading said sequence of information from said plurality of INFO sources in accordance with said sequence of INFO IDs, a selector for selecting at least one data provider by said subscriber and a display device for continuously displaying said sequence of information simultaneously with said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber such that said sequence of information and said data requested by said subscriber are simultaneously viewable, and wherein said data to be displayed on said display device is selectable by said subscriber, the display of said sequence of information on said display device is not controllable by said subscriber and does not change in response to the selection of said data by said each subscriber.

Claim 216

Dependent Claim 46 words

The system of claim 208, wherein said selector is operable to select another data provider in response to an input from said subscriber and wherein said display device is operable to continuously display said sequence of information simultaneously with data received from said other data provider.

Claim 217

Dependent Claim 38 words

The system of claim 208, wherein said display device is operable to continuously display said sequence of information without interfering with the display of said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber.

Claim 218

Dependent Claim 38 words

The system of claim 208, wherein each of said plurality of INFO sources includes a storage device and wherein said receiver includes a reading device for reading information from each storage device to generate said sequence of information.

Claim 219

Dependent Claim 59 words

The system of claim 208, further comprising: a verifying device for verifying the authorization of said subscriber to determine if said subscriber is authorized to connect to said network; and an inhibiting device for inhibiting said displaying device from displaying said sequence of information if it is determined that said subscriber is not authorized to connect to said network.

Claim 220

Dependent Claim 47 words

The system of claim 212, wherein said inhibiting device is operable to inhibit said display device from displaying said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber if it is determined that said subscriber is not authorized to connect to said network.

Claim 221

Dependent Claim 68 words

The system of claim 208, further comprising: a device for verifying the authorization of said subscriber to determine if said subscriber is authorized to connect to said network; and an inhibiting device for inhibiting said display device from displaying said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber if it is determined that said subscriber is not authorized to connect to said network.

Claim 222

Dependent Claim 15 words

The system of claim 208, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of advertisements.

Claim 223

Dependent Claim 17 words

The system of claim 208, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of messages or announcements.

Claim 224

Dependent Claim 15 words

The system of claim 208, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of news.

Claim 225

Dependent Claim 15 words

The system of claim 208, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of updates.

Claim 226

Dependent Claim 21 words

The system of claim 208, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of advertisements, messages or announcements, news and updates.

Claim 227

Dependent Claim 10 words

The system of claim 208, wherein the information comprises texts.

Claim 228

Dependent Claim 11 words

The system of claim 208, wherein the information comprises still pictures.

Claim 229

Dependent Claim 11 words

The system of claim 208, wherein the information comprises moving pictures.

Claim 230

Dependent Claim 14 words

The system of claim 208, wherein the information comprises a video and audio component.

Claim 231

Dependent Claim 18 words

The system of claim 208, wherein the information is a combination of text, still pictures and moving pictures.

Claim 232

Dependent Claim 20 words

The system of claim 213, wherein said network is a computer network and said associated processing device is a terminal.

Claim 233

Dependent Claim 40 words

The system of claim 225, further comprising: a device for assigning a unique subscriber ID and a password to said subscriber on said communication network; and a storage device for storing said subscriber ID and said password for said subscriber.

Claim 234

Dependent Claim 23 words

The system of claim 226, wherein said terminal includes a connecting device for establishing a connection between said terminal and said computer network.

Claim 235

Dependent Claim 169 words

The system of claim 227, wherein said terminal further includes an input device for entering a subscriber ID and a password by said subscriber to initiate a connection between said terminal and said communication network and a transmitter for transmitting said subscriber ID and said password entered on said input device to said storage device for verification; the system further comprising a device for determining whether said subscriber ID entered on said input device matches one of said subscriber IDs stored in said storage device to provide a verified subscriber ID; wherein said verifying device is operable to verify said password entered on said input device matches said password associated with said verified subscriber ID if said verified subscriber ID is found; and wherein said connecting device is operable to connect said terminal associated with said subscriber to said computer network if it is determined that said password entered on said input device matches a password stored in said storage device which is associated with said verified subscriber ID.

Claim 236

Dependent Claim 20 words

The system of claim 210, wherein said network is a computer network and said associated processing device is a terminal.

Claim 237

Dependent Claim 42 words

The system of claim 229, wherein each of said plurality of data providers is a server on said computer network and wherein said selector is operable to select data to be displayed from said at least one data provider by said subscriber.

Claim 238

Dependent Claim 56 words

The system of claim 230, wherein said selector includes: an input device for entering a request for said data from said at least one server connected to said computer network by said subscriber; and a transmitter for transmitting said request for said data to said at least one server from said terminal associated with said subscriber.

Claim 239

Dependent Claim 74 words

The system of claim 208, wherein said network is a computer network; wherein said receiver is operable for receiving a sequence of addresses from an INFO address provider connected to said network, each address indicating the location of one of said sequence of information in said plurality of INFO sources; and wherein said device for reading reads said sequence of information from said plurality of INFO sources in accordance with said sequence of addresses.

Claim 240

Dependent Claim 88 words

The system of claim 213, further comprising: a device for assigning an unique subscriber ID to each of said plurality of processing devices; a time device for generating a login time and a login date for said subscriber if it is determined that said subscriber is authorized to connect to said network; and a storage device connected to said network for storing said subscriber ID, said login time and said login date for said subscriber if it is determined that said subscriber is authorized to connect said network.

Claim 241

Dependent Claim 59 words

The system of claim 233, wherein said time device is located within said associated processing device, operable to receive a virtual date and a virtual time from a source connected to said network and operable to generate said login time and said login date for said subscriber as a function of said virtual time and said virtual date, respectively.

Claim 242

Dependent Claim 94 words

The system of claim 233, further comprising a disconnect device for determining whether said associated processing device is no longer connected to said network; and wherein said time device is operable to generate a logout time and a logout date for said subscriber if it is determined that said associated processing device is no longer connected to said network; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said logout time and said logout date for said subscriber if it is determined that said associated processing device is no longer connected to said network.

Claim 243

Dependent Claim 51 words

The system of claim 235, wherein said disconnect device is operable to generate a session duration for said subscriber as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout date and said logout time; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said session duration for said subscriber.

Claim 244

Dependent Claim 53 words

The system of claim 236, wherein said disconnect device is operable to generate a session usage record for said subscriber containing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time and said session duration; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said session usage record.

Claim 245

Independent Claim 245 words

A system for delivering information to subscribers on a communication network, comprising: a plurality of data providers connected to said network; a plurality of INFO sources connected to said network for providing a sequence of information; a device for assigning an unique INFO ID and an INFO duration to each information from said plurality of INFO sources to provide a plurality of INFO IDs and a plurality of INFO durations; a storage device connected to said network for storing said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations; and a plurality of processing devices connected to said network, each uniquely associated with a subscriber to provide an associated processing device and having a receiver for receiving said sequence of information from said plurality of INFO sources, a selector for selecting at least one data provider by said subscriber and a display device for continuously displaying said sequence of information simultaneously with said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber such that said sequence of information and said data requested by said subscriber are simultaneously viewable, and wherein said data to be displayed on said display device is selectable by said subscriber, the display of said sequence of information on said display device is not controllable by said subscriber and said each information in said sequence of information is displayed for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information.

Claim 246

Independent Claim 245 words

A system for delivering information to subscribers on a communication network, comprising: a plurality of data providers connected to said network; a plurality of INFO sources connected to said network for providing a sequence of information; a device for assigning an unique INFO ID and an INFO duration to each information from said plurality of INFO sources to provide a plurality of INFO IDs and a plurality of INFO durations; a storage device connected to said network for storing said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations; and a plurality of processing devices connected to said network, each uniquely associated with a subscriber to provide an associated processing device and having a receiver for receiving said sequence of information from said plurality of INFO sources, a selector for selecting at least one data provider by said subscriber and a display device for continuously displaying said sequence of information simultaneously with said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber such that said sequence of information and said data requested by said subscriber are simultaneously viewable, and wherein said data to be displayed on said display device is selectable by said subscriber, the display of said sequence of information on said display device is not controllable by said subscriber and said each information in said sequence of information is displayed for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information.

Claim 247

Dependent Claim 94 words

The system of claim 234, further comprising a disconnect device for determining whether said associated processing device is no longer connected to said network; and wherein said time device is operable to generate a logout time and a logout date for said subscriber if it is determined that said associated processing device is no longer connected to said network; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said logout time and said logout date for said subscriber if it is determined that said associated processing device is no longer connected to said network.

Claim 248

Dependent Claim 51 words

The system of claim 239, wherein said disconnect device is operable to generate a session duration for said subscriber as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout date and said logout time; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said session duration for said subscriber.

Claim 249

Dependent Claim 53 words

The system of claim 240, wherein said disconnect device is operable to generate a session usage record for said subscriber containing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time and said session duration; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said session usage record.

Claim 250

Dependent Claim 83 words

The system of claim 235, further comprising a device for assigning an INFO duration to each information in said sequence of information to provide a plurality of INFO durations; wherein said storage device is operable to store said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations; and wherein said display device is operable to display said each information in said sequence of information for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information.

Claim 251

Dependent Claim 78 words

The system of claim 242, wherein said associated processing device includes a device for determining which information in said sequence of information was displayed on said associated processing device as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time and said plurality of INFO durations to provide a list of displayed information for said subscriber; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said list of displayed information for said subscriber.

Claim 252

Dependent Claim 25 words

The system of claim 243, wherein said list of displayed information for said subscriber contains a list of INFO IDs corresponding to the displayed information.

Claim 253

Dependent Claim 111 words

The system of claim 244, wherein said associated processing device further includes a device for determining date and time that each INFO ID in said list of displayed information was displayed on said associated processing device as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout time, said logout date and said plurality of INFO durations to provide a display date and a display time for said each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said display date and said display time for said each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber.

Claim 254

Dependent Claim 75 words

The system of claim 245, wherein said associated processing device includes a device for generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID of said subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said INFO display record.

Claim 255

Dependent Claim 83 words

The system of claim 239, further comprising a device for assigning an INFO duration to each information in said sequence of information to provide a plurality of INFO durations; wherein said storage device is operable to store said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations; and wherein said display device is operable to display said each information in said sequence of information for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information.

Claim 256

Dependent Claim 78 words

The system of claim 247, wherein said associated processing device includes a device for determining which information in said sequence of information was displayed on said associated processing device as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time and said plurality of INFO durations to provide a list of displayed information for said subscriber; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said list of displayed information for said subscriber.

Claim 257

Dependent Claim 25 words

The system of claim 248, wherein said list of displayed information for said subscriber contains a list of INFO IDs corresponding to the displayed information.

Claim 258

Dependent Claim 111 words

The system of claim 249, wherein said associated processing device further includes a device for determining date and time that each INFO ID in said list of displayed information was displayed on said associated processing device as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout time, said logout date and said plurality of INFO durations to provide a display date and a display time for said each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said display date and said display time for said each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber.

Claim 259

Dependent Claim 75 words

The system of claim 250, wherein said associated processing device includes a device for generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID of said subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said INFO display record.

Claim 260

Dependent Claim 42 words

The system of claim 245, further comprising a device for assigning a location ID for said subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said location ID for said subscriber.

Claim 261

Dependent Claim 103 words

The system of claim 252, wherein said location ID includes a zip code; and wherein said associated processing device includes: a device for generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID and said location ID of said subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID; a local storage device for locally storing said INFO display record; and a transmitter for transmitting said INFO display record to said storage device connected to said network.

Claim 262

Dependent Claim 79 words

The system of claim 252, wherein said associated processing device includes a device for generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID and said location ID of said subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said INFO display record.

Claim 263

Dependent Claim 42 words

The system of claim 250, further comprising a device for assigning a location ID for said subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said location ID for said subscriber.

Claim 264

Dependent Claim 79 words

The system of claim 255, wherein said associated processing device includes a device for generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID and said location ID of said subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said INFO display record.

Claim 265

Dependent Claim 103 words

The system of claim 255, wherein said location ID includes a zip code; and wherein said associated processing device includes: a device for generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID and said location ID of said subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID; a local storage device for locally storing said INFO display record; and a transmitter for transmitting said INFO display record to said storage device connected to said network.

Claim 266

Dependent Claim 42 words

The system of claim 240, further comprising a device for assigning a location ID for said subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said location ID for said subscriber.

Claim 267

Dependent Claim 13 words

The system of claim 258, wherein said location ID includes a zip code.

Claim 268

Dependent Claim 56 words

The system of claim 258, wherein said disconnect device is operable to generate a session usage record for said subscriber containing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time, said session duration and said location ID; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said session usage record.

Claim 269

Dependent Claim 42 words

The system of claim 236, further comprising a device for assigning a location ID for said subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said location ID for said subscriber.

Claim 270

Dependent Claim 13 words

The system of claim 261, wherein said location ID includes a zip code.

Claim 271

Dependent Claim 56 words

The system of claim 261, wherein said disconnect device is operable to generate a session usage record for said subscriber containing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time, said session duration and said location ID; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said session usage record.

Claim 272

Independent Claim 364 words

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

Claim 273

Independent Claim 364 words

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

Claim 274

Dependent Claim 103 words

The system of claim 239, wherein said associated processing device further includes: a device for generating a ping signal every predetermined interval if it is determined that said subscriber is authorized to connect to said network; and a transmitter for transmitting said ping signal to said storage device; and wherein said storage device is operable to update an expected time of next ping signal from said subscriber; and wherein said time device is operable to generate said logout time and said logout date for said subscriber when said ping signal is not received from said associated processing device substantially within said expected time.

Claim 275

Dependent Claim 66 words

The system of claim 238, wherein said associated processing device includes a device for determining date and time that each information in said sequence of information is displayed on said associated processing device to provide a display date and a display time, respectively; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said display date and said display time for said each information for said subscriber.

Claim 276

Dependent Claim 68 words

The system of claim 266, wherein said associated processing device includes a device for generating a plurality of INFO display records for said subscriber, each INFO display record containing subscriber ID of said subscriber, and said INFO ID, said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said each information; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said plurality of INFO display records.

Claim 277

Dependent Claim 42 words

The system of claim 266, further comprising a device for assigning a location ID for said subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said location ID for said subscriber.

Claim 278

Dependent Claim 96 words

The system of claim 268, wherein said location ID includes a zip code; and wherein said associated processing device includes: a device for generating a plurality of INFO display records for said subscriber, each INFO display record containing subscriber ID and location ID of said subscriber, and said INFO ID, said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said each information; a local storage device for locally storing said plurality of display records; and a transmitter for transmitting said plurality of INFO display records to said storage device connected to said network.

Claim 279

Dependent Claim 71 words

The system of claim 268, wherein said associated processing device includes a device for generating a plurality of INFO display records for said subscriber, each INFO display record containing subscriber ID and location ID of said subscriber, and said INFO ID, said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said each information; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said plurality of INFO display records.

Claim 280

Dependent Claim 49 words

The system of claim 210, wherein said associated processing device includes an input device; and wherein said display devices includes a first portion for displaying said sequence of information and a second portion for displaying said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber.

Claim 281

Dependent Claim 88 words

The system of claim 271, further comprising: a device for assigning an INFO duration to each information in said sequence of information to provide a plurality of INFO durations; and a storage device connected to said network for storing said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations; and wherein said display device is operable to display said each information in said sequence of information for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information for said subscriber.

Claim 282

Dependent Claim 72 words

The system of claim 272, wherein said first portion of said display device is divided into a plurality of linked regions and a plurality of unlinked regions, each of said plurality of linked regions is linked to one of said plurality of data providers; and wherein said associated processing device further includes a region selector for selecting one of said plurality of linked regions by said each subscriber to receive additional information.

Claim 283

Dependent Claim 194 words

The system of claim 273, further comprising a device for assigning an unique subscriber ID to said associated processing device; wherein each of said plurality of data providers is uniquely identified by a data provider ID; and wherein said associated processing device further includes: a detector for detecting which information in said sequence of information is being displayed on said first portion of said display device to provide a displayed INFO ID; and a time device for determining date and time that information corresponding to said displayed INFO ID was displayed on said associated processing device to provide a display date and a display time, respectively; and wherein said detector is operable to detect which one of said plurality of linked regions was selected by said subscriber during the display of information corresponding to said displayed INFO ID to provide a selected data provider ID; and wherein said storing device is operable to store said subscriber ID, said displayed INFO ID, said selected data provider ID, said display date and said display time for said subscriber if it is detected that said one of said plurality of linked regions was selected by said subscriber.

Claim 284

Dependent Claim 42 words

The system of claim 274, further comprising a device for assigning a location ID for said subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said location ID for said subscriber.

Claim 285

Dependent Claim 127 words

The system of claim 275, wherein said location ID includes a zip code; and wherein said associated processing device further includes: a device for generating a plurality of clicked event records for said subscriber, each clicked event record for said subscriber being associated with a single selected data provider ID and said each clicked event record containing said subscriber ID, said location ID and said single selected data provider ID, and said displayed INFO ID, said display date and said display time associated with said single selected data provider ID; a local storage device for locally storing said plurality of clicked event records for said subscriber; and a transmitter for said plurality of clicked event records for said subscriber to said storage device connected to said network.

Claim 286

Dependent Claim 99 words

The system of claim 275, wherein said associated processing device further includes a device for generating a plurality of clicked event records for said subscriber, each clicked event record for said subscriber being associated with a single selected data provider ID and said each clicked event record containing said subscriber ID, said location ID and said single selected data provider ID, and said displayed INFO ID, said display date and said display time associated with said single selected data provider ID; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said plurality of clicked event records for said subscriber.

Claim 287

Dependent Claim 30 words

The system of claim 208, wherein each information in said sequence of information for said subscriber is a unsolicited request for data from one of said plurality of data providers.

Claim 288

Dependent Claim 22 words

The system of claim 278, wherein said unsolicited request for data is limited to a subset of said plurality of data providers.

Claim 289

Dependent Claim 25 words

The system of claim 279, further comprising an inhibiting device for inhibiting said selector from selecting a data provider in said subset by said subscriber.

Claim 290

Dependent Claim 52 words

The system of claim 208, wherein each of said plurality of data providers is uniquely identified by a data provider ID and further comprising a storage device connected to said network for storing said subscriber ID and said data provider ID associated with at least one data provider selected by said subscriber.

Claim 291

Dependent Claim 66 words

The system of claim 281, wherein said associated processing device further includes a time device for determining date and time said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber was displayed on said display device to provide a display date and a display time, respectively; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said display date and said display time.

Claim 292

Dependent Claim 42 words

The system of claim 282, further comprising a device for assigning a location ID for said subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said location ID for said subscriber.

Claim 293

Dependent Claim 126 words

The system of claim 283, wherein said location ID includes a zip code; and wherein said associated processing device further includes: a device for generating a plurality of data display records for said subscriber, each data display record for said subscriber being associated with a single data provider ID stored in said storage device and said each data display record containing said subscriber ID, said location ID and said single data provider ID, and said display date and said display time associated with said single data provider ID; a local storage device for locally storing said plurality of data display records for said subscriber; and a transmitter for transmitting said plurality of data display records for said subscriber to said storage device connected to said network.

Claim 294

Dependent Claim 97 words

The system of claim 283, wherein said associated processing device further includes a device for generating a plurality of data display records for said subscriber, each data display record for said subscriber being associated with a single data provider ID stored in said storage device and said each data display record containing said subscriber ID, said location ID and said single data provider ID, and said display date and said display time associated with said single data provider ID; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said plurality of data display records for said subscriber.

Claim 295

Dependent Claim 23 words

The system of claim 209, wherein said network is a cable television network and wherein said plurality of processing devices are converter boxes.

Claim 296

Dependent Claim 23 words

The system of claim 286, wherein said each of said plurality of data providers represents a broadcast channel on said cable television network.

Claim 297

Dependent Claim 62 words

The system of claim 287, wherein each of said converter boxes includes a television receiving apparatus, wherein said selector is operable to select a broadcast channel to display a program that is received on said selected broadcast channel and wherein said display device is operable to continuously display said sequence of information simultaneously with said program received on said selected broadcast channel.

Claim 298

Dependent Claim 60 words

The system of claim 288, wherein said selector is operable to select a next broadcast channel to display a program that is received on said next broadcast channel in response to said input from said subscriber and wherein said display device is operable to continuously display said sequence of information simultaneously with said program received on said next broadcast channel.

Claim 299

Dependent Claim 23 words

The system of claim 289, wherein said selector includes a channel up button or a channel down button operable with said convertor box.

Claim 300

Dependent Claim 29 words

The system of claim 274, wherein said region selector is operable to control said display device to display said additional information in said second portion of said display device.

Claim 301

Dependent Claim 60 words

The system of claim 274, wherein said region selector is operable to control said display device to display a request for additional data to said subscriber in said second portion of said display device; wherein said input device is operable to enter said additional data by said subscriber; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said additional data.

Claim 302

Independent Claim 261 words

A system for selectively delivering information to subscribers on a communication network, comprising: a plurality of data providers connected to said network; a storage device connected to said network for storing profile data of each subscriber and a plurality of information received from a plurality of INFO sources connected to said network, each information uniquely identified by an INFO ID; an INFO selector for selecting a sequence of INFO IDs for said each subscriber from said plurality of information in accordance with said profile data of said each subscriber; and a plurality of processing devices connected to said network, each uniquely associated with a subscriber to provide an associated processing device and having a receiver for receiving said sequence of INFO IDs for said subscriber from said INFO selector, a device for reading a sequence of information from said plurality of INFO sources in accordance with said sequence of INFO IDs, a data selector for selecting at least one data provider by said subscriber and a display device for continuously displaying said sequence of information for said subscriber simultaneously with said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber such that said sequence of information for said subscriber and said data requested by said subscriber are simultaneously viewable, and wherein said data to be displayed on said display device is selectable by said subscriber, the display of said sequence of information for said subscriber is not controllable by said subscriber and does not change in response to the selection of said data by said each subscriber.

Claim 303

Independent Claim 261 words

A system for selectively delivering information to subscribers on a communication network, comprising: a plurality of data providers connected to said network; a storage device connected to said network for storing profile data of each subscriber and a plurality of information received from a plurality of INFO sources connected to said network, each information uniquely identified by an INFO ID; an INFO selector for selecting a sequence of INFO IDs for said each subscriber from said plurality of information in accordance with said profile data of said each subscriber; and a plurality of processing devices connected to said network, each uniquely associated with a subscriber to provide an associated processing device and having a receiver for receiving said sequence of INFO IDs for said subscriber from said INFO selector, a device for reading a sequence of information from said plurality of INFO sources in accordance with said sequence of INFO IDs, a data selector for selecting at least one data provider by said subscriber and a display device for continuously displaying said sequence of information for said subscriber simultaneously with said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber such that said sequence of information for said subscriber and said data requested by said subscriber are simultaneously viewable, and wherein said data to be displayed on said display device is selectable by said subscriber, the display of said sequence of information for said subscriber is not controllable by said subscriber and does not change in response to the selection of said data by said each subscriber.

Claim 304

Dependent Claim 50 words

The system of claim 293, wherein said data selector is operable to select another data provider in response to an input from said subscriber and wherein said display device is operable to continuously display said sequence of information for said subscriber simultaneously with data received from said other data provider.

Claim 305

Dependent Claim 41 words

The system of claim 293, wherein said display device is operable to continuously display said sequence of information for said subscriber without interfering with the display of said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber.

Claim 306

Dependent Claim 35 words

The system of claim 293, wherein each of said plurality of INFO sources includes an INFO database and further comprising a device for retrieving information from each INFO database to generate said plurality of information.

Claim 307

Dependent Claim 62 words

The system of claim 293, further comprising: a verifying device for verifying the authorization of said subscriber to determine if said subscriber is authorized to connect to said network; and an inhibiting device for inhibiting said display device from displaying said sequence of information for said subscriber if it is determined that said subscriber is not authorized to connect to said network.

Claim 308

Dependent Claim 47 words

The system of claim 297, wherein said inhibiting device is operable to inhibit said display device from displaying said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber if it is determined that said subscriber is not authorized to connect to said network.

Claim 309

Dependent Claim 68 words

The system of claim 293, further comprising: a device for verifying the authorization of said subscriber to determine if said subscriber is authorized to connect to said network; and an inhibiting device for inhibiting said display device from displaying said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber if it is determined that said subscriber is not authorized to connect to said network.

Claim 310

Dependent Claim 15 words

The system of claim 293, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of advertisements.

Claim 311

Dependent Claim 17 words

The system of claim 293, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of messages or announcements.

Claim 312

Dependent Claim 15 words

The system of claim 293, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of news.

Claim 313

Dependent Claim 15 words

The system of claim 293, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of updates.

Claim 314

Dependent Claim 21 words

The system of claim 293, wherein said sequence of information contains a sequence of advertisements, messages or announcements, news and updates.

Claim 315

Dependent Claim 10 words

The system of claim 293, wherein the information comprises texts.

Claim 316

Dependent Claim 11 words

The system of claim 293, wherein the information comprises still pictures.

Claim 317

Dependent Claim 11 words

The system of claim 293, wherein the information comprises moving pictures.

Claim 318

Dependent Claim 14 words

The system of claim 293, wherein the information comprises a video and audio component.

Claim 319

Dependent Claim 18 words

The system of claim 293, wherein the information is a combination of text, still pictures and moving pictures.

Claim 320

Dependent Claim 20 words

The system of claim 298, wherein said network is a computer network and said associated processing device is a terminal.

Claim 321

Dependent Claim 43 words

The system of claim 310, further comprising a device for assigning a unique subscriber ID and a password to said subscriber on said communication network; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said subscriber ID and said password for said subscriber.

Claim 322

Dependent Claim 23 words

The system of claim 311, wherein said terminal includes a connecting device for establishing a connection between said terminal and said computer network.

Claim 323

Dependent Claim 168 words

The system of claim 312, wherein said terminal further includes an input device for entering a subscriber ID and a password by said subscriber to initiate a connection between said terminal and said communication network and a transmitter for transmitting said subscriber ID and said password entered on said input device to said storage device for verification; the system further comprising a device for determining whether said subscriber ID entered on said input device matches one of said subscriber IDs stored in said storage device to provide a verified subscriber ID; wherein said verifying device is operable to verify said password entered on said input device matches said password associated with said verified subscriber ID if said verified subscriber ID is found; and wherein said connecting device is operable to connect said terminal associated with said subscriber to said computer network if it is determined that said password entered on said input device matches a password stored in said database which is associated with said verified subscriber ID.

Claim 324

Dependent Claim 20 words

The system of claim 295, wherein said network is a computer network and said associated processing device is a terminal.

Claim 325

Dependent Claim 43 words

The system of claim 314, wherein each of said plurality of data providers is a server on said computer network and wherein said data selector is operable to select data to be displayed from said at least one data provider by said subscriber.

Claim 326

Dependent Claim 56 words

The system of claim 315, wherein said selector includes: an input device for entering a request for said data from said at least one server connected to said computer network by said subscriber; and a transmitter for transmitting said request for said data to said at least one server from said terminal associated with said subscriber.

Claim 327

Dependent Claim 70 words

The system of claim 293, wherein said network is a computer network and wherein said receiver is operable for receiving a sequence of addresses from said storage device, each address indicating the location of one of said sequence of information in said plurality of INFO sources; and wherein said device for reading reads said sequence of information from said plurality of INFO sources in accordance with said sequence of addresses.

Claim 328

Dependent Claim 91 words

The system of claim 298, further comprising: a device for assigning an unique subscriber ID to each of said plurality of processing devices; a time device for generating a login time and a login date for said subscriber if it is determined that said subscriber is authorized to connect to said network; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said subscriber ID, said login time and said login date for said subscriber in said database if it is determined that said each subscriber is authorized to connect said network.

Claim 329

Dependent Claim 59 words

The system of claim 318, wherein said time device is located within said associated processing device, operable to receive a virtual date and a virtual time from a source connected to said network and operable to generate said login time and said login date for said subscriber as a function of said virtual time and said virtual date, respectively.

Claim 330

Dependent Claim 94 words

The system of claim 318, further comprising a disconnect device for determining whether said associated processing device is no longer connected to said network; and wherein said time device is operable to generate a logout time and a logout date for said subscriber if it is determined that said associated processing device is no longer connected to said network; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said logout time and said logout date for said subscriber if it is determined that said associated processing device is no longer connected to said network.

Claim 331

Dependent Claim 51 words

The system of claim 320, wherein said disconnect device is operable to generate a session duration for said subscriber as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout date and said logout time; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said session duration for said subscriber.

Claim 332

Dependent Claim 53 words

The system of claim 321, wherein said disconnect device is operable to generate a session usage record for said subscriber containing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time and said session duration; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said session usage record.

Claim 333

Independent Claim 287 words

A system for selectively delivering information to subscribers on a communication network, comprising: a plurality of data providers connected to said network; a device for assigning an unique INFO ID and an INFO duration to each information in a plurality of information received from a plurality of INFO sources connected to said network to provide a plurality of INFO IDs and a plurality of INFO durations; a storage device connected to said network for storing profile data of each subscriber, said plurality of information, said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations; an INFO selector for selecting a sequence of information for said each subscriber from said plurality of information in accordance with said profile data of said each subscriber; a plurality of processing devices connected to said network, each uniquely associated with a subscriber to provide an associated processing device and having a receiver for receiving said sequence of information for said subscriber from said INFO selector, a data selector for selecting at least one data provider by said subscriber and a display device for continuously displaying said sequence of information for said subscriber simultaneously with said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber such that said sequence of information for said subscriber and said data requested by said subscriber are simultaneously viewable, and wherein said data to be displayed on said display device is selectable by said subscriber, the display of said sequence of information for said subscriber is not controllable by said subscriber and said each information in said sequence of information is displayed for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information for said subscriber.

Claim 334

Independent Claim 287 words

A system for selectively delivering information to subscribers on a communication network, comprising: a plurality of data providers connected to said network; a device for assigning an unique INFO ID and an INFO duration to each information in a plurality of information received from a plurality of INFO sources connected to said network to provide a plurality of INFO IDs and a plurality of INFO durations; a storage device connected to said network for storing profile data of each subscriber, said plurality of information, said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations; an INFO selector for selecting a sequence of information for said each subscriber from said plurality of information in accordance with said profile data of said each subscriber; a plurality of processing devices connected to said network, each uniquely associated with a subscriber to provide an associated processing device and having a receiver for receiving said sequence of information for said subscriber from said INFO selector, a data selector for selecting at least one data provider by said subscriber and a display device for continuously displaying said sequence of information for said subscriber simultaneously with said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber such that said sequence of information for said subscriber and said data requested by said subscriber are simultaneously viewable, and wherein said data to be displayed on said display device is selectable by said subscriber, the display of said sequence of information for said subscriber is not controllable by said subscriber and said each information in said sequence of information is displayed for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information for said subscriber.

Claim 335

Dependent Claim 94 words

The system of claim 319, further comprising a disconnect device for determining whether said associated processing device is no longer connected to said network; and wherein said time device is operable to generate a logout time and a logout date for said subscriber if it is determined that said associated processing device is no longer connected to said network; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said logout time and said logout date for said subscriber if it is determined that said associated processing device is no longer connected to said network.

Claim 336

Dependent Claim 51 words

The system of claim 324, wherein said disconnect device is operable to generate a session duration for said subscriber as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout date and said logout time; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said session duration for said subscriber.

Claim 337

Dependent Claim 53 words

The system of claim 325, wherein said disconnect device is operable to generate a session usage record for said subscriber containing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time and said session duration; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said session usage record.

Claim 338

Dependent Claim 86 words

The system of claim 320, further comprising a device for assigning an INFO duration to each information in said plurality of information to provide a plurality of INFO durations; wherein said storage device is operable to store said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations; and wherein said display device is operable to display said each information in said sequence of information for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information for said subscriber.

Claim 339

Dependent Claim 81 words

The system of claim 327, wherein said associated processing device includes a device for determining which information in said sequence of information for said subscriber was displayed on said associated processing device as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time and said plurality of INFO durations to provide a list of displayed information for said subscriber; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said list of displayed information for said subscriber.

Claim 340

Dependent Claim 25 words

The system of claim 328, wherein said list of displayed information for said subscriber contains a list of INFO IDs corresponding to the displayed information.

Claim 341

Dependent Claim 121 words

The system of claim 329, wherein said associated processing device further includes a device for determining date and time that each INFO ID in said list of displayed information was displayed on said associated processing device as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout time, said logout date and said INFO durations assigned to each information in said sequence of information for said subscriber to provide a display date and a display time for said each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said display date and said display time for said each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber.

Claim 342

Dependent Claim 79 words

The system of claim 330, wherein said associated processing device includes a device for generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID and said subscriber ID of said subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said INFO display record in said database.

Claim 343

Dependent Claim 86 words

The system of claim 324, further comprising a device for assigning an INFO duration to each information in said plurality of information to provide a plurality of INFO durations; wherein said storage device is operable to store said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations; and wherein said display device is operable to display said each information in said sequence of information for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information for said subscriber.

Claim 344

Dependent Claim 92 words

The system of claim 332, wherein said associated processing device further includes a device for determining which information in said sequence of information for said subscriber was displayed on said associated processing device as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time and said INFO duration assigned to each information in said sequence of information for said subscriber to provide a list of display information for said subscriber; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said list of displayed information for said subscriber.

Claim 345

Dependent Claim 25 words

The system of claim 333, wherein said list of displayed information for said subscriber contains a list of INFO IDs corresponding to the displayed information.

Claim 346

Dependent Claim 121 words

The system of claim 334, wherein said associated processing device further includes a device for determining date and time that each INFO ID in said list of displayed information was displayed on said associated processing device as a function of said login time, said login date, said logout time, said logout date and said INFO duration assigned to each information in said sequence of information for said subscriber to provide a display date and a display time for said each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said display date and said display time for said each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber.

Claim 347

Dependent Claim 76 words

The system of claim 335, wherein said associated processing device further includes a device for generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID of said subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said INFO display record.

Claim 348

Dependent Claim 42 words

The system of claim 330, further comprising a device for assigning a location ID for said subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said location ID for said subscriber.

Claim 349

Dependent Claim 103 words

The system of claim 337, wherein said location ID includes a zip code; and wherein said associated processing device includes: a device for generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID and said location ID of said subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID; a local storage device for locally storing said INFO display record; and a transmitter for transmitting said INFO display record to said storage device connected to said network.

Claim 350

Dependent Claim 79 words

The system of claim 337, wherein said associated processing device includes a device for generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID and said location ID of said subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said INFO display record.

Claim 351

Dependent Claim 42 words

The system of claim 335, further comprising a device for assigning a location ID for said subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said location ID for said subscriber.

Claim 352

Dependent Claim 80 words

The system of claim 340, wherein said associated processing device further includes a device for generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID and said location ID of said subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said INFO display record.

Claim 353

Dependent Claim 104 words

The system of claim 340, wherein said location ID includes a zip code; and wherein said associated processing device further includes: a device for generating an INFO display record for each INFO ID in said list of displayed information for said subscriber, said INFO display record containing an INFO ID, said subscriber ID and said location ID of said subscriber, and said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said INFO ID; a local storage device for locally storing said INFO display record; and a transmitter for transmitting said INFO display record to said storage device connected to said network.

Claim 354

Dependent Claim 42 words

The system of claim 325, further comprising a device for assigning a location ID for said subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said location ID for said subscriber.

Claim 355

Dependent Claim 13 words

The system of claim 343, wherein said location ID includes a zip code.

Claim 356

Dependent Claim 59 words

The system of claim 343, wherein said disconnect device is operable to generate a session usage record for said subscriber containing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time, said session duration and said location ID; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said session usage record for said subscriber.

Claim 357

Dependent Claim 42 words

The system of claim 321, further comprising a device for assigning a location ID for said subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said location ID for said subscriber.

Claim 358

Dependent Claim 13 words

The system of claim 346, wherein said location ID includes a zip code.

Claim 359

Dependent Claim 59 words

The system of claim 346, wherein said disconnect device is operable to generate a session usage record for said subscriber containing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout date, said logout time, said session duration and said location ID; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said session usage record for said subscriber.

Claim 360

Independent Claim 416 words

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

Claim 361

Independent Claim 416 words

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

Claim 362

Dependent Claim 103 words

The system of claim 324, wherein said associated processing device further includes: a device for generating a ping signal every predetermined interval if it is determined that said subscriber is authorized to connect to said network; and a transmitter for transmitting said ping signal to said storage device; and wherein said storage device is operable to update an expected time of next ping signal from said subscriber; and wherein said time device is operable to generate said logout time and said logout date for said subscriber when said ping signal is not received from said associated processing device substantially within said expected time.

Claim 363

Dependent Claim 70 words

The system of claim 323, wherein said associated processing device further includes a device for determining date and time that each information in said sequence of information for said subscriber was displayed on said associated processing device to provide a display date and a display time, respectively; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said display date and said display time of said each information for said subscriber.

Claim 364

Dependent Claim 69 words

The system of claim 351, wherein said associated processing device further includes a device for generating a plurality of INFO display records for said subscriber, each INFO display record containing subscriber ID of said subscriber, and said INFO ID, said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said each information; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said plurality of INFO display records.

Claim 365

Dependent Claim 42 words

The system of claim 351, further comprising a device for assigning a location ID for said subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said location ID for said subscriber.

Claim 366

Dependent Claim 102 words

The system of claim 353, wherein said location ID includes a zip code; and wherein said associated processing device includes: a device for generating a plurality of INFO display records for said subscriber, each INFO display record containing subscriber ID and location ID of said subscriber, and said INFO ID, said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said each information; a storage device for locally storing said plurality of INFO display records for said subscriber; and a transmitter for transmitting said plurality of INFO display records for said subscriber to said storage device connected to said network.

Claim 367

Dependent Claim 71 words

The system of claim 353, wherein said associated processing device includes a device for generating a plurality of INFO display records for said subscriber, each INFO display record containing subscriber ID and location ID of said subscriber, and said INFO ID, said display date, said display time and said INFO duration associated with said each information; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said plurality of INFO display records.

Claim 368

Dependent Claim 49 words

The system of claim 295, wherein said associated processing device includes an input device; and wherein said display devices includes a first portion for displaying said sequence of information and a second portion for displaying said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber.

Claim 369

Dependent Claim 86 words

The system of claim 356, further comprising a device for assigning an INFO duration to each information in said sequence of information to provide a plurality of INFO durations; wherein said storage device is operable to store said plurality of INFO IDs and said plurality of INFO durations; and wherein said display device is operable to display said each information in said sequence of information for said INFO duration assigned to said each information before displaying next information in said sequence of information for said subscriber.

Claim 370

Dependent Claim 72 words

The system of claim 357, wherein said first portion of said display device is divided into a plurality of linked regions and a plurality of unlinked regions, each of said plurality of linked regions is linked to one of said plurality of data providers; and wherein said associated processing device further includes a region selector for selecting one of said plurality of linked regions by said each subscriber to receive additional information.

Claim 371

Dependent Claim 194 words

The system of claim 358, further comprising a device for assigning an unique subscriber ID to said associated processing device; wherein each of said plurality of data providers is uniquely identified by a data provider ID; and wherein said associated processing device further includes: a detector for detecting which information in said sequence of information is being displayed on said first portion of said display device to provide a displayed INFO ID; and a time device for determining date and time that information corresponding to said displayed INFO ID was displayed on said associated processing device to provide a display date and a display time, respectively; and wherein said detector is operable to detect which one of said plurality of linked regions was selected by said subscriber during the display of information corresponding to said displayed INFO ID to provide a selected data provider ID; and wherein said storing device is operable to store said subscriber ID, said displayed INFO ID, said selected data provider ID, said display date and said display time for said subscriber if it is detected that said one of said plurality of linked regions was selected by said subscriber.

Claim 372

Dependent Claim 42 words

The system of claim 359, further comprising a device for assigning a location ID for said subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said location ID for said subscriber.

Claim 373

Dependent Claim 128 words

The system of claim 360, wherein said location ID includes a zip code; and wherein said associated processing device further includes: a device for generating a plurality of clicked event records for said subscriber, each clicked event record for said subscriber being associated with a single selected data provider ID and said each clicked event record containing said subscriber ID, said location ID and said single selected data provider ID, and said displayed INFO ID, said display date and said display time associated with said single selected data provider ID; a local storage device for locally storing said plurality of clicked event records for said subscriber; and a transmitter for transmitting said plurality of clicked event records for said subscriber to said storage device connected to said network.

Claim 374

Dependent Claim 99 words

The system of claim 360, wherein said associated processing device further includes a device for generating a plurality of clicked event records for said subscriber, each clicked event record for said subscriber being associated with a single selected data provider ID and said each clicked event record containing said subscriber ID, said location ID and said single selected data provider ID, and said displayed INFO ID, said display date and said display time associated with said single selected data provider ID; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said plurality of clicked event records for said subscriber.

Claim 375

Dependent Claim 30 words

The system of claim 293, wherein each information in said sequence of information for said subscriber is a unsolicited request for data from one of said plurality of data providers.

Claim 376

Dependent Claim 22 words

The system of claim 363, wherein said unsolicited request for data is limited to a subset of said plurality of data providers.

Claim 377

Dependent Claim 25 words

The system of claim 364, further comprising an inhibiting device for inhibiting said selector from selecting a data provider in said subset by said subscriber.

Claim 378

Dependent Claim 52 words

The system of claim 293, wherein each of said plurality of data providers is uniquely identified by a data provider ID and further comprising a storage device connected to said network for storing said subscriber ID and said data provider ID associated with at least one data provider selected by said subscriber.

Claim 379

Dependent Claim 66 words

The system of claim 366, wherein said associated processing device further includes a time device for determining date and time said data received from said at least one data provider selected by said subscriber was displayed on said display device to provide a display date and a display time, respectively; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said display date and said display time.

Claim 380

Dependent Claim 42 words

The system of claim 367, further comprising a device for assigning a location ID for said subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said location ID for said subscriber.

Claim 381

Dependent Claim 126 words

The system of claim 368, wherein said location ID includes a zip code; and wherein said associated processing device further includes: a device for generating a plurality of data display records for said subscriber, each data display record for said subscriber being associated with a single data provider ID stored in said storage device and said each data display record containing said subscriber ID, said location ID and said single data provider ID, and said display date and said display time associated with said single data provider ID; a local storage device for locally storing said plurality of data display records for said subscriber; and a transmitter for transmitting said plurality of data display records for said subscriber to said storage device connected to said network.

Claim 382

Dependent Claim 97 words

The system of claim 368, wherein said associated processing device further includes a device for generating a plurality of data display records for said subscriber, each data display record for said subscriber being associated with a single data provider ID stored in said storage device and said each data display record containing said subscriber ID, said location ID and said single data provider ID, and said display date and said display time associated with said single data provider ID; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said plurality of data display records for said subscriber.

Claim 383

Dependent Claim 23 words

The system of claim 294, wherein said network is a cable television network and wherein said plurality of processing devices are converter boxes.

Claim 384

Dependent Claim 23 words

The system of claim 371, wherein said each of said plurality of data providers represents a broadcast channel on said cable television network.

Claim 385

Dependent Claim 62 words

The system of claim 372, wherein each of said converter boxes includes a television receiving apparatus, wherein said selector is operable to select a broadcast channel to display a program that is received on said selected broadcast channel and wherein said display device is operable to continuously display said sequence of information simultaneously with said program received on said selected broadcast channel.

Claim 386

Dependent Claim 60 words

The system of claim 373, wherein said selector is operable to select a next broadcast channel to display a program that is received on said next broadcast channel in response to said input from said subscriber and wherein said display device is operable to continuously display said sequence of information simultaneously with said program received on said next broadcast channel.

Claim 387

Dependent Claim 23 words

The system of claim 374, wherein said selector includes a channel up button or a channel down button operable with said convertor box.

Claim 388

Dependent Claim 42 words

The system of claim 313, wherein said connecting device includes a phone selector for selecting an access phone number by said subscriber; and wherein said connecting device is operable to connect said terminal to said computer network using said access phone number.

Claim 389

Dependent Claim 35 words

The system of claim 376, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said access phone number associated with said subscriber.

Claim 390

Dependent Claim 42 words

The system of claim 376, further comprising a device for assigning a location ID for said subscriber in accordance with the locality of said associated processing device; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said location ID for said subscriber.

Claim 391

Dependent Claim 15 words

The system of claim 378, wherein said location id includes at least a zip code.

Claim 392

Dependent Claim 101 words

The system of claim 379, further comprising: a device for determining whether said zip code stored for said subscriber is associated with said access phone number selected by said subscriber; and an assigning device for assigning said zip code as a location zip code for said subscriber if it is determined that said zip code is associated with said access phone number; and wherein said assigning device is operable to assign said location zip code for said subscriber in accordance with said access phone number if it is determined that said zip code is not associated with said access phone number.

Claim 393

Dependent Claim 35 words

The system of claim 380, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said location zip code associated with said subscriber.

Claim 394

Dependent Claim 21 words

The system of claim 381, further comprising a device for determining a time zone in accordance with said location zip code.

Claim 395

Dependent Claim 45 words

The system of claim 382, further comprising a device for assigning a display time range to each of said plurality of information to provide a plurality of display time ranges; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said plurality of display time ranges.

Claim 396

Dependent Claim 48 words

The system of claim 383, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data, said location zip code, a current time and said time zone associated with said subscriber, and said plurality of display time ranges.

Claim 397

Dependent Claim 45 words

The system of claim 376, further comprising a device for assigning a display time range to each of said plurality of information to provide a plurality of display time ranges; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said plurality of display time ranges.

Claim 398

Dependent Claim 45 words

The system of claim 385, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data, said access phone number and a current time associated with said subscriber, and said plurality of display time ranges.

Claim 399

Dependent Claim 38 words

The system of claim 293, wherein said associated processing device includes an input device for entering said profile data by said subscriber; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said profile data entered by said subscriber.

Claim 400

Dependent Claim 57 words

The system of claim 387, further comprising a device for assigning an unique subscriber ID to each of said plurality of processing devices; wherein said input device is operable to enter additional profile data by said subscriber; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said subscriber ID and said additional profile data for said subscriber.

Claim 401

Dependent Claim 31 words

The system of claim 388, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said additional profile data.

Claim 402

Dependent Claim 31 words

The system of claim 322, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said session usage record.

Claim 403

Dependent Claim 31 words

The system of claim 326, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said session usage record.

Claim 404

Dependent Claim 31 words

The system of claim 345, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said session usage record.

Claim 405

Dependent Claim 31 words

The system of claim 348, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said session usage record.

Claim 406

Dependent Claim 31 words

The system of claim 331, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said INFO display record.

Claim 407

Dependent Claim 31 words

The system of claim 336, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said INFO display record.

Claim 408

Dependent Claim 31 words

The system of claim 339, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said INFO display record.

Claim 409

Dependent Claim 31 words

The system of claim 341, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said INFO display record.

Claim 410

Dependent Claim 31 words

The system of claim 352, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said INFO display record.

Claim 411

Dependent Claim 31 words

The system of claim 355, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said INFO display record.

Claim 412

Dependent Claim 33 words

The system of claim 362, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said plurality of clicked event records.

Claim 413

Dependent Claim 33 words

The system of claim 370, wherein said INFO selector is operable to select said sequence of information for said subscriber in accordance with said profile data and said plurality of data display records.

Claim 414

Dependent Claim 32 words

The system of claim 293, wherein said storage device comprises at least a first storage device for storing said profile data and a second storage device for storing said plurality of information.

Claim 415

Dependent Claim 44 words

The system of claim 311, wherein said storage device comprises at least a first storage device for storing said profile data, a second storage device for storing said plurality of information and a third storage device for storing said subscriber ID and said password.

Claim 416

Dependent Claim 61 words

The system of claim 322, wherein said storage device comprises at least a first storage device for storing said profile data, a second storage device for storing said plurality of information and a third storage device for storing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout time, said logout date, said session duration and said session usage records.

Claim 417

Dependent Claim 79 words

The system of claim 336, wherein said storage device comprises at least a first storage device for storing said profile data, a second storage device for storing said plurality of information and a third storage device for storing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout time, said logout date, said plurality of INFO IDs, said plurality of INFO durations, said list of displayed information, said display date, said display time and said INFO display record.

Claim 418

Dependent Claim 82 words

The system of claim 339, wherein said storage device comprises at least a first storage device for storing said profile data, a second storage device for storing said plurality of information and a third storage device for storing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout time, said logout date, said plurality of INFO IDs, said plurality of INFO durations, said list of displayed information, said display date, said display time, said location ID and said INFO display record.

Claim 419

Dependent Claim 64 words

The system of claim 345, wherein said storage device comprises at least a first storage device for storing said profile data, a second storage device for storing said plurality of information and a third storage device for storing said subscriber ID, said login time, said login date, said logout time, said logout date, said session duration, said location ID and said session usage records.

Claim 420

Dependent Claim 76 words

The system of claim 362, wherein said storage device comprises at least a first storage device for storing said profile data, a second storage device for storing said plurality of information and a third storage device for storing said subscriber ID, said plurality of INFO IDs, said plurality of INFO durations, said displayed INFO ID, said selected data provider ID, said display date, said display time, said location ID and said plurality of clicked event records.

Claim 421

Dependent Claim 61 words

The system of claim 370, wherein said storage device comprises at least a first storage device for storing said profile data, a second storage device for storing said plurality of information and a third storage device for storing said subscriber ID, said data provider ID, said display date, said display time, said location ID and said plurality of data display records.

Claim 422

Dependent Claim 46 words

The system of claim 388, wherein said storage device comprises at least a first storage device for storing said profile data, a second storage device for storing said plurality of information and a third storage device for storing said subscriber ID and said additional profile data.

Claim 423

Dependent Claim 78 words

The system of claim 368, wherein said associated processing device further includes a device for generating a plurality of data display records for each plurality of data providers, each data display record containing said profile data, said location ID and said single data provider ID, and said display date and said display time associated with said single data provider ID; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said plurality of data display records for said subscriber.

Claim 424

Dependent Claim 58 words

The system of claim 411, wherein said storage device comprises at least a first storage device for storing said profile data, a second storage device for storing said plurality of information and a third storage device for storing said data provider ID, said display date, said display time, said location ID and said plurality of data display records.

Claim 425

Dependent Claim 111 words

The system of claim 368, wherein said associated processing device includes: a device for generating a plurality of data display records for each of said plurality of data providers, each data display record containing said profile data, said location ID and said single data provider ID, and said display date and said display time associated with said single data provider ID; a local storage device for locally storing said plurality of data display records for said each of said plurality of data providers; and a transmitter for transmitting said plurality of data display records for said each of said plurality of data providers to said storage device connected to said network.

Claim 426

Independent Claim 30 words

The system of claim of 359, wherein said region selector is operable to control said display device to display said additional information in said second portion of said display device.

Claim 427

Dependent Claim 97 words

The system of claim 359, wherein said region selector is operable to control said display device to display a request for additional data to said subscriber in said second portion of said display device; wherein said input device is operable to enter said additional data by said subscriber; wherein said associated processing device includes a reading said profile data corresponding to said subscriber ID from said storage device and a device for generating a packet containing said subscriber ID, said profile data and said additional data; and wherein said storage device is operable to store said packet.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2003-10-17	2004-04-17	2004-10-17	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2007-10-17	2008-04-17	2008-10-17	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2011-10-17	2012-04-17	2012-10-17	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Method of delivering information over a communication network

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