US 10523350

I have successfully searched the USPTO database for US Patent 10,523,350 and have gathered the necessary information regarding its title, assignee, inventors, filing and issue dates, and the abstract. I also have the full text of the patent, which will allow me to analyze the independent claims. I will now proceed to search the CAFC dockets for any relevant litigation. After that, I will compile all the information into the requested summary.
Here is a summary of US Patent 10,523,350:

Title: Signal processing apparatus and methods

Assignee: CONTENTNEXUS LLC

Inventors: John Christopher Harvey, James William Cuddihy

Filing Date: June 2, 1995

Issue Date: December 31, 2019

Abstract:
The invention relates to an integrated system for programming communication that encompasses computer processing, television, radio, and other electronic communications. It includes methods and apparatus for automating the handling, recording, and retransmitting of various forms of programming. The system also has capabilities for regulating, metering, and monitoring the availability and usage of such programming. A key feature is the ability to embed signals within the programming to control and personalize the content for individual subscribers. This allows for features like user-specific information overlays on television broadcasts and automated control of various subscriber station apparatus. The system is designed to be flexible, allowing for variations in individual station equipment and the ability to update and modify the system through transmitted software.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

This patent contains numerous independent claims, each defining a different aspect of the invention. Below is a simplified explanation of each independent claim. It is important to note that the legal scope of a patent claim is determined by its exact language, and this summary is for informational purposes only.

Claim 1: This claim describes a method for generating and transmitting a signal. The method involves creating a first signal that includes both programming content and an instruction. This first signal is then transmitted to a receiving station. At the receiving station, a second signal containing station-specific information is generated. The instruction from the first signal is then used to combine the station-specific information from the second signal with the programming content from the first signal, creating a personalized output.

Claim 26: This claim outlines a method for creating a television signal with personalized information. It involves generating a standard television signal that includes both video programming and an embedded instruction. This signal is sent to a subscriber's television equipment. The subscriber's equipment, in response to the embedded instruction, generates a video graphic containing information specific to that subscriber. This graphic is then overlaid onto the original video programming, and the combined video is displayed on the subscriber's television.

Claim 49: This claim focuses on a method for processing a television signal at a subscriber's location. The subscriber's equipment receives a television signal that has an instruction embedded within its non-viewable portion (the vertical blanking interval). The equipment is pre-programmed with a set of operating instructions. The received embedded instruction is then used to select a specific operating instruction from the pre-programmed set, and the equipment operates according to that selected instruction.

Claim 63: This claim details a method for controlling a subscriber's equipment using an incoming television signal. The television signal contains an embedded instruction. The subscriber's equipment receives this signal and, in response to the instruction, generates a control signal. This control signal is then used to operate an external device that is separate from the television receiver itself.

Claim 80: This claim describes a method for creating a personalized television program for a subscriber. A television signal is received that includes both programming content and an instruction. Separately, information specific to the subscriber is received from a different source. The instruction in the television signal is then used to create a new, "hybrid" signal by combining the programming content with the subscriber-specific information. This hybrid signal is then used to create the personalized television program.

Claim 95: This claim outlines a method for creating a combined media presentation. It involves receiving a television program and, at the same time, operating a computer program at the subscriber's location. An instruction embedded in the television program causes the computer to generate a video message. The system then combines this computer-generated video message with the television program to create the final presentation.

Claim 102: This claim describes a method for displaying personalized information on a television screen. A television signal is received that contains both video programming and an instruction. At the subscriber's station, a second signal is generated that contains information unique to that subscriber. The instruction from the television signal is then used to combine the subscriber-specific information with the video programming, and the resulting combined video is shown on the television.

Claim 112: This claim details a method for controlling a television receiver. The receiver is tuned to a specific channel. A television signal is received on that channel which contains an instruction. In response to this instruction, the receiver automatically performs a specific operation.

Claim 120: This claim describes a method for creating a personalized display at a subscriber's station. A broadcast signal containing both programming and an instruction is received. A separate set of information specific to the subscriber is stored at their station. The instruction in the broadcast signal is used to process this subscriber-specific information. The result of this processing is then combined with the broadcast programming to create the final display.

Based on a search of the CAFC dockets for 2026, there is no publicly available information indicating that US Patent 10,523,350 is currently involved in any litigation before the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. However, this does not preclude the possibility of litigation at the district court level or other legal proceedings.