US 8646001

US Patent 8646001, titled "Signal processing apparatus and methods," was issued on February 4, 2014, from an application filed on May 19, 1995. The inventors are John Christopher Harvey and James William Cuddihy. The current assignee is Contentnexus LLC, having been reassigned from Personalized Media Communications LLC on June 9, 2025.

Abstract:
The patent describes an integrated system for communicating programming, encompassing computer processing, communications, television, radio, and other electronic communications. It focuses on automating the handling, recording, and retransmitting of various types of programming, and on regulating, metering, and monitoring its availability, use, and usage. The system allows for organized multi-channel communications and the transmission of standardized programming that is user-friendly. It also enables the transmission of data and control instructions within the same information stream to various apparatus at a subscriber station, causing computers to generate and transmit programming, and receiver apparatus to operate based on information received at widely separated times.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Claim 1: This claim describes a method for providing a combined medium presentation to a plurality of subscriber stations. It involves transmitting a main program, embedding control signals and data in that program, and sending this combined signal to multiple subscriber stations. At each station, the control signals trigger a local computer to generate personalized information and then overlay this information onto the main program for display. The critical aspect is that the local content is specific to each individual subscriber and not necessarily known at the program's origin. The patent emphasizes the synchronization of displaying personalized content with relevant portions of the main program.
• Claim 26: This claim outlines a signal processing apparatus. This apparatus is designed to receive programming transmissions, including embedded information. It features a detector to identify the embedded information, a decryptor to process encrypted portions, and a controller. The controller manages the operation of the apparatus based on the embedded information and also has the ability to transfer processed signals to external devices, and manage data recording, and communication with remote sites. A key feature is the programmable random access memory (PRAM) controller which allows for flexible modification of operating instructions.
• Claim 38: This claim details a method for controlling and monitoring programming at a plurality of subscriber stations. It involves transmitting programming with embedded signals that contain instructions. At each subscriber station, a signal processor receives these signals, performs operations based on them (such as decrypting, recording, or controlling other devices), and generates a record of the programming's availability and usage. These records are then automatically transferred to remote stations for billing and statistical analysis. The method also includes the ability to modify the programming or control signals based on the collected usage data.
• Claim 49: This claim describes a method of providing a combined medium presentation to a plurality of user stations, specifically focusing on the interaction between a broadcast stream and local content. It involves transmitting a programming stream containing control instructions. At a user station, a receiver processes the stream, and a computer system, in response to the received instructions, generates user-specific information. This user-specific information is then combined with the received programming stream to create a personalized output for the user, with the combination being synchronized by the control instructions.

I did not find any specific dockets for patent 8646001 in the CAFC 2026 dockets during my search. While there are general updates on CAFC activity in April 2026, no specific litigation involving this patent was identified.