US 7793332

Of course, here is the requested analysis of U.S. Patent No. 7,793,332.

Patent Information Summary

• Title: Signal processing apparatus and methods
• Assignee: The current assignee of record is Contentnexus LLC, as of a reassignment on June 9, 2025. The original assignee was Personalized Media Communications LLC.
• Inventors: John C. Harvey, James W. Cuddihy
• Filing Date: June 7, 1995
• Issue Date: September 7, 2010
• Abstract: The patent describes an integrated system for processing electronic signals, covering television, radio, and computer communications. The system involves methods and apparatus for automatically handling, recording, retransmitting, regulating, metering, and monitoring the use of programming. It details a signal processor that detects embedded digital information in broadcast signals. This information can control various station apparatus, manage decryption, and create personalized content for individual users. The system is designed to be flexible, allowing for a wide range of subscriber-specific information options and secure, conditional access to programming.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims

Based on the full text of the patent, here is a plain-language explanation of its independent claims:

Claim 1:
This claim describes a method for creating a personalized information presentation for a user. It involves a central "information provider" (like a TV station) that transmits a main program along with a set of instructions. At the user's location, a processor receives this program and the instructions. The processor uses these instructions to access a separate database of information that is specific to that user. It then processes this personal information to create new, "user-specific" information and combines it with the main program to create a unique, personalized presentation for that user.

Claim 13:
This claim focuses on a method for controlling a television receiver. It starts with a broadcaster transmitting a TV signal that contains both the regular program and embedded digital control signals. At the receiving end, these control signals are detected and separated from the program. A processor then uses these control signals to operate another device, like a VCR or a computer, in a way that is synchronized with the television program being shown.

Claim 20:
This claim outlines a method for delivering a personalized message to an individual as part of a broadcast. A broadcaster sends out a single, unencrypted television program to many people. This program signal contains encrypted digital information. At an individual's television receiver, a device decrypts this hidden information to get a message. It then processes this message to create a personalized, human-perceptible message (like text or a graphic) and displays it on the screen at a specific time dictated by the broadcaster, making it appear as part of the main program.

Claim 26:
This claim describes a method for controlling a local device using a broadcast signal. A television signal containing both a program and embedded control instructions is broadcast. At the user's location, a device receives this signal, detects the control instructions, and uses them to operate a local apparatus (like a home appliance or a recording device) according to the instructions sent by the broadcaster.

Claim 37:
This claim details a method for creating a combined, personalized media presentation. A broadcaster transmits a primary program (like a TV show). Separately, a database of personal information for a user is stored locally. A processor, using instructions also sent by the broadcaster, selects specific data from the user's personal database, processes it to create new information relevant to that user, and then combines this new information with the primary program to create a customized presentation. This is done in a way that the user's private data is never sent to the broadcaster.