US 5132992

US Patent 5132992, titled "Audio and video transmission and receiving system," was filed on January 7, 1991, and issued on July 21, 1992. The inventors are Paul Yurt and H. Lee Browne. The current assignee is Acacia Media Technologies Corp.

Abstract:
The patent describes a system for distributing video and/or audio information that uses digital signal processing for high data compression rates. The compressed and encoded audio/video content is transmitted over standard communication channels (like telephone, cable, or satellite broadcast) to a subscriber's specified receiver, ideally faster than real-time. This allows for later playback and optional recording on standard audio/video tape.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Independent Claim 1 (System for Transmission and Reception):
  This claim describes a comprehensive system designed to transmit and receive information at remote locations. The system begins with a "source material library" (e.g., a collection of movies or audio recordings). This material is then processed by an "identification encoding means" that assigns a unique code to each item. Next, a "conversion means" formats the information into a standardized data type. An "ordering means" then organizes this formatted data into addressable blocks. A "compression means" significantly reduces the size of this data. The compressed, uniquely identified data is then stored as a file in "compressed data storing means." Finally, a "transmitter means" sends at least a portion of this specific compressed file to a designated remote receiver.

• Independent Claim 2 (Method for Distribution):
  This claim outlines a method for delivering information from a central transmission system to a remote user. The method involves several steps: first, storing audio and video content in a compressed digital format. Second, a user initiates a request to receive at least part of this stored compressed information at their remote location. Third, the system sends the requested compressed information. Fourth, the remote location receives this information. Fifth, the received information is temporarily stored or "buffered" at the remote location. Lastly, the buffered information is played back in real-time at a time chosen by the user.

• Independent Claim 3 (Receiving System):
  This claim details the components of the receiving system located at the user's remote location. This system is designed to respond to a user's selection of an item from a central library. It includes a "transceiver means" that automatically receives the requested information, which arrives as compressed, formatted data blocks from the transmitter. A "receiver format conversion means" prepares these compressed data blocks for real-time playback and potential storage. "Storage means" are present to hold the compressed, formatted data. A "decompressing means" then decompresses the received information. Finally, "output data conversion means" takes the decompressed information and plays it back in real-time at the specific time the user has chosen.

No active dockets related to US5132992 for the year 2026 were found in the USPTO database or CAFC dockets. The patent's legal status is "Expired - Lifetime" with an anticipated expiration date of January 7, 2011.