Signal processing apparatus and methods

摘要

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.

主权项

1. A method of communicating subscriber station information from a subscriber station to at least one remote station, said method comprising the steps of:
storing subscriber data at said subscriber station; receiving at said subscriber station at least one instruct signal for controlling a subscriber station to access receiver specific data of a problem; generating at least one subscriber specific datum of a solution, said generating at said subscriber station directed by instructions from said at least one instruct signal; receiving a subscriber reaction at said subscriber station to a combined medium output explaining said solution; and transferring subscriber specific data from said subscriber station to at least one remote station based on said step of receiving said subscriber reaction.