US 8804727

Here's a concise summary of US Patent 8804727:

Title: Signal processing apparatus and methods
Assignee: Contentnexus LLC (current assignee as of June 9, 2025). The original assignee was Personalized Media Communications LLC.
Inventors: John Christopher Harvey; James William Cuddihy
Filing Date: June 2, 1995 (for application US08/458,760).
Issue Date: August 12, 2014.
Abstract: An integrated system of programming communication and processing that includes apparatus and methods for generating and distributing programming by means of combining studio generated information and user specific information at a plurality of receiver stations. The system provides for automatic control of apparatus at the subscriber station by means of signals embedded in the programming. The system further includes means for monitoring programming use and for metering programming charges.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Claim 1 (Method Claim): This claim describes a method for providing a customized media experience to a user. It involves:

  • Transmitting a main program (e.g., a TV show) that contains hidden control signals.
  • Receiving this program and the control signals at a user's device.
  • Having separate user-specific content (e.g., personal financial data) available at the user's device.
  • Using the embedded control signals to automatically combine the main program with the user-specific content and then display this combined presentation to the user.
  • The control signals can also instruct the user's device to record content and monitor how the programming is used.
  • The system can automatically send this usage data from the user's device to a remote location for billing or monitoring purposes.

• Claim 11 (Apparatus Claim): This claim describes a device (apparatus) located at a user's receiving station designed to deliver a combined media presentation. This apparatus includes:

  • A receiver to obtain the main program, which carries embedded control signals.
  • A processor that can detect and interpret these embedded control signals.
  • A memory component that stores user-specific information.
  • A display for presenting visual information.
  • The processor is configured to use the control signals to integrate the main program with the user-specific information and manage its display. It also handles recording of programming and monitors its usage.
  • A communication module allows the device to transmit usage data to a distant station.

• Claim 17 (System Claim): This claim outlines a comprehensive system for providing personalized media experiences. The system comprises:

  • A central transmission station that broadcasts main programming with embedded control signals.
  • Multiple user receiver stations, each equipped with:
    • A receiver for the main programming and control signals.
    • User-specific information accessible at the station.
    • A processor capable of detecting the control signals, merging the main programming with the user-specific information, and outputting the resulting combined content.
  • A remote station configured to receive and process usage data from the individual receiver stations, which can be used for billing or monitoring.

Legal Status and Litigation:
US Patent 8804727 is currently Active, with an anticipated expiration date of August 12, 2031.

The patent family associated with US8804727 B1 has ongoing litigation. Specific US cases have been filed in the Texas Eastern District Court, including case numbers 2:26-cv-00325, 2:25-cv-00990, and 2:25-cv-00987.