US 8713624

An analysis of U.S. Patent 8,713,624 is provided below, based on the authoritative patent text and docket information.

Title: Signal processing apparatus and methods

Current Assignee: Contentnexus LLC (as of June 9, 2025)

Original Assignee: Personalized Media Communications LLC

Inventors: John Christopher Harvey, James William Cuddihy

Filing Date: June 7, 1995

Issue Date: April 29, 2014

Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated system for communicating and controlling electronic programming across various media like television, radio, and computers. The system uses embedded digital signals within a broadcast to control subscriber-site equipment. These signals can direct a local processor to perform specific actions, such as generating personalized on-screen information, recording content, or enabling/disabling features. The system is designed to provide customized media experiences, manage access to content, and monitor how programming is used, while also incorporating features for encryption and piracy prevention.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims

U.S. Patent 8,713,624 contains numerous independent claims. Below is a plain-language overview of each.

• Claim 1: Describes a method where a broadcaster transmits a television signal containing embedded digital instructions. A local receiver detects these instructions and uses them to control a processor (like a computer). This processor then combines locally generated information (e.g., a user's personal data) with the received television program to create a personalized, combined audio-visual display for the user.

• Claim 20: Details a method for regulating access to television programming. A TV signal with embedded encrypted instructions is sent out. A receiver at the subscriber's location detects and decrypts these instructions. The decrypted instructions then control a processor that enables or disables access to the TV programming, essentially acting as a remote-controlled gatekeeper for content.

• Claim 24: Focuses on a method for creating a personalized information service. A broadcaster transmits a signal containing embedded instructions. At a subscriber's site, a receiver detects these instructions, which then direct a local processor to access stored personal information. This local information is then processed and displayed to the user in a specific way, creating a customized information output based on the broadcast signal.

• Claim 42: Outlines a method to create a combined audio-visual program from multiple sources. A television signal with embedded digital instructions is broadcast. A local receiver uses these instructions to control a processor, which then combines the television program with information from a separate, locally stored audio-visual source (like a videotape). This allows for the creation of a unique program for the user that blends broadcast content with their own media.

• Claim 52: Describes a method for a broadcaster to control a subscriber's equipment. The broadcaster sends a signal with embedded instructions. A local receiver detects these and uses them to control a processor. This processor, in turn, can operate various pieces of equipment at the subscriber's location, such as recording devices or other peripherals, based on the commands sent within the broadcast.

• Claim 76: Pertains to a method for creating a personalized newspaper. A broadcast signal containing embedded instructions is transmitted. A receiver at a subscriber's location uses these instructions to control a local processor. This processor then accesses a database of information and assembles a customized "newspaper" (a collection of information) for the user, which is then made available for display or printing.

• Claim 83: Details a method for synchronizing a local device with a broadcast. A TV program with embedded timing signals (a "combining synch command") is transmitted. A receiver uses this command to control a local processor, which in turn synchronizes the operation of a local apparatus (like a VCR or computer) with the timing of the television program, ensuring that local actions happen at the precise moment intended by the broadcaster.