Abstract: A data processor is connected to a digital communication system such that information packets broadcast on the system are examined to determine if the contents of each packet meet selection criteria, whereupon the packet is coupled to the processor. A state machine or interface processor is connected between the processor and the network, and compares packets to the selection criteria, passing accepted packets and blocking rejected ones. The selection criteria are programmed into the state machine as a decision tree of any length, configuration or data requirements, preferably by the attached data processor, and can include examination of arbitrary sections of the packet for equality/inequality, greater-than/less than, signed and unsigned comparisons and bit mask comparisons. Thus content is variably examined, as opposed to checking for an address or key code at a given byte position. The state machine operates on recognition instructions including byte offset and content specifics.

Abstract: Location specific messages or programming are generally broadcast and selectively filtered by user terminals which have encoded one or more arbitrary locations of interest. The area surrounding a user, a remote location, a route to be travelled, or the like may be selected for receipt of local warnings, local commercial messages, and the like. A set-top receiver being a preferably tunable apparatus capable of receiving digital information transmitted by a variety of means. Transmitted messages contain information targeted to geographical groups of users, with location designation coding accompanying location-specific messages. A geographic location selection code is entered into a data processor coupled to the user's receiver to define the user's selected location(s) of interest. The processor receives the information segment and its designation code and compares the designated location to the selected one. Segments where the designated and selected points or areas overlap are processed. e.g.

Abstract: Location specific messages or programming are generally broadcast and selectively filtered by user terminals which have encoded one or more arbitrary locations of interest. The area surrounding a user, a remote location, a route to be travelled or the like may be selected for receipt of local warnings, local commercial messages and the like. Transmitted messages contain information targeted to geographical groups of users, with location designation coding accompanying location-specific messages. A geographic location selection code is entered into a data processor coupled to the user's receiver to define the user's selected location(s) of interest. The processor receives the information segment and its designation code and compares the designated location to the selected one. Segments where the designated and selected points or areas overlap are processed, e.g., being displayed, stored or used to trigger a warning. The user's selection code is variable and plural locations can be used and prioritized.