US 8,713,624 B1 · Signal processing apparatus and methods

Abstract

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

Claims16

Dependent claims

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

storing first operating instructions at said data storage device at said receiver station, said first operating instructions including computer instructions that control said receiver station;
executing said first operating instructions with said processor at said receiver station to control said receiver station;
generating a query at said input device of said receiver station under control of said first operating instructions, said query comprising a request by said receiver station for reprogramming by replacing at least a portion of said first operating instructions with new operating instructions;
promulgating said query from said receiver station through said data network connection to a data network;
receiving second operating instructions in response to said step of promulgating said query, said second operating instructions including computer instructions that control said receiver station;
and
reprogramming said receiver station to change an operating system function of said processor by:
storing said second operating instructions at said data storage device at said receiver station, and
executing said second operating instructions with said processor at said receiver station.

6 more elements

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

displaying said television program at said output device;
inputting a command at said input device;
communicating, from said receiver station to said transmitter station, an event signal based on said command inputted at said receiver station;
transmitting, from said transmitter station to said receiver station, operating instructions associated with said one of broadcast programming and cablecast programming, in response to said event signal communicated from said receiver station;
reprogramming said receiver station, on the basis of said transmitted operating instructions, to respond in a predetermined fashion to said processor control signal;
receiving, at said receiver station, said processor control signal;
responding, at said receiver station, to said processor control signal based on said step of reprogramming;
and
causing said receiver station to at least one of receive and output said one of broadcast programming and cablecast programming in accordance with said processor control signal based on said step of reprogramming.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Signal processing apparatus and methods

Life of this patent

Signal processing apparatus and methods

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16