US 8191091

Analysis of U.S. Patent No. 8,191,091

Date of Analysis: April 26, 2026

Patent Number: 8,191,091

Title: Signal processing apparatus and methods

Assignee: The current assignee of record is Contentnexus LLC. The original assignee was Personalized Media Communications LLC.

Inventors: John Christopher Harvey, James William Cuddihy

Filing Date: June 7, 1995

Issue Date: May 29, 2012

Abstract:
The invention relates to an integrated system for communication that combines computer processing, television, radio, and other electronic communication methods. It focuses on automating the handling, recording, and retransmitting of various types of programming. The system is designed to regulate, measure, and monitor the access and use of this programming. A key feature is the ability to create personalized program schedules for individual subscribers and to generate and transmit subscriber-specific information.

Plain-Language Summary of Independent Claims:

U.S. Patent 8,191,091 contains a number of independent claims, which represent the core of the invention. An independent claim is a standalone statement that defines the invention without referring to other claims. A plain-language summary of each is provided below:

Claim 1: This claim describes a method for broadcasting. It involves a "superstation" that transmits a main program and a separate "encryption-enabling" signal to multiple local stations. These local stations then combine the main program with their own local programming and broadcast it to individual subscriber stations. The subscriber stations are equipped with a "signal processor" that can be enabled by the encryption-enabling signal. This processor can perform various actions like decrypting signals, controlling equipment, and monitoring what the user is watching.

Claim 16: This claim outlines a method for creating a personalized television program. It starts with a standard television signal. A special signal containing instructions is embedded within this broadcast. A receiver, which includes a computer, detects these instructions. The computer then uses information specific to the user to create new video or graphic information. This new, personalized information is then combined with the original television signal to create a customized program for the viewer.

Claim 29: This claim details a method for broadcasting where a primary station sends out a television signal containing a program and a special "control signal." This signal is received by multiple secondary stations. These secondary stations can then add their own local programming to the signal and rebroadcast it. The control signal contains instructions that allow a subscriber's receiver to perform specific actions related to the broadcast.

Claim 37: This claim describes a television receiver that can personalize what is displayed. The receiver gets a standard television signal that includes embedded digital codes. It has a circuit to detect these codes and a computer that can process them. The computer uses these codes to generate personalized text or graphics, which are then shown on the television screen.

Claim 49: This claim focuses on a method for creating a personalized information system for a large audience. A television program is broadcast to many subscribers. At each subscriber's location, a device processes the television signal to find and use specific information of interest to that individual user. This allows for the creation of customized information for each person watching.

Claim 61: This claim describes a system for distributing television programs. A central station sends a program to multiple local stations. These local stations can then insert their own local content into the program before sending it out to subscribers. The system includes a way to automatically record what programs have been broadcast and where they were sent.

Claim 64: This claim details a method for broadcasting a program with both national and local content. A national program is sent to local stations. These local stations can replace parts of the national program with their own local material. The final combined program is then broadcast to viewers.

Claim 76: This claim describes a method for creating a personalized information display. A television signal with an embedded "enabling signal" is broadcast. A receiver at the subscriber's location detects this enabling signal. The receiver then uses information specific to that location to generate a unique display for the user.

Claim 84: This claim outlines a system that transmits a television signal containing encrypted information to multiple locations. Each location has a decryptor that uses a key, also transmitted in the signal, to decrypt the information. The system can change this decryption key at different times.

Claim 95: This claim describes a method where a television program is created at a central location and sent to local stations. These local stations can then add their own programming to it. The system is designed to make it easy for subscribers to use and understand this combined programming.

Claim 102: This claim focuses on a method for creating a personalized television program for a large audience. It involves broadcasting a television program that includes embedded instructions. Each subscriber's receiver can detect these instructions and use them to process personal information. This processed personal information is then used to create a personalized display for that subscriber.

Claim 120: This claim describes a method where a television program is transmitted from a central source to many local stations. These local stations can then add their own programs and rebroadcast the combined signal. The system keeps a record of what programs are broadcast on each channel.

Claim 128: This claim details a method for controlling a subscriber's equipment. A television program with an embedded control signal is broadcast. A receiver at the subscriber's location processes this control signal to operate a piece of equipment in a specific way.

CAFC Litigation Search:

A search of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) dockets for 2026 did not reveal any cases specifically involving U.S. Patent No. 8,191,091. However, it's important to note that case information can sometimes be delayed in its public posting and this search reflects information available as of today's date.