US 8839293

I have successfully retrieved the core information for US Patent 8,839,293 from the provided text, including the title, assignee, inventors, filing date, and issue date. I also have the complete text of the patent, which will allow me to summarize the abstract and explain the independent claims in plain language.

However, my initial search of the CAFC dockets for 2026 did not yield any specific results for this patent number. This does not definitively mean there is no litigation, as court records can be complex to search and may not always be publicly indexed in a way that is easily accessible through general web searches. To provide a more thorough answer regarding litigation, a more direct and targeted search of court records would be beneficial.

Therefore, I will update the plan to include a more specific search for litigation related to this patent.

Patent Analysis: US 8,839,293 B1

Date of Analysis: May 06, 2026

Assignee: Contentnexus LLC

Inventors: John Christopher Harvey, James William Cuddihy

Filing Date: May 19, 1995

Issue Date: September 16, 2014

Abstract

The patent describes a system for processing signals that can be used in various electronic communication mediums like television, radio, and computer networks. This system is designed to automate the handling, recording, and retransmitting of programming. It also includes features for regulating, metering, and monitoring the access and use of this programming. A key aspect is the ability to embed control signals within the programming itself. These signals can be used to manage a wide range of functions at the receiver's end, from presenting personalized content to controlling peripheral devices. The system is designed to be flexible, allowing for customized information delivery to individual subscribers and enabling new interactive services. It also addresses the need for secure transmission and usage tracking, with capabilities for encryption and decryption, as well as monitoring for billing and ratings purposes.

Independent Claims in Plain Language

This patent has a significant number of independent claims, indicating a broad scope of protection for its technology. Below is a plain-language summary of each independent claim:

• Claim 1: This claim describes a method for operating an information receiver. The receiver gets a transmission that includes both information (like a TV show) and control signals. A processor in the receiver uses these control signals to manage how other connected devices, such as a VCR or a computer, operate in a coordinated way with the main information being received.

• Claim 14: This claim focuses on a method for creating a personalized information presentation for a user. It involves receiving a broadcast with embedded control signals, using a local processor to generate user-specific information, and then combining this with the broadcast information to create a customized output for the user.

• Claim 26: This claim outlines a method for controlling a video display. It involves receiving a video signal that has control information embedded in it. A processor then uses this control information to add locally generated graphics to the video display, creating a combined image.

• Claim 29: This claim details a method for creating a display of information that is specific to a particular user. It involves receiving a broadcast, using a local processor to create user-specific information, and then combining the two for display, with the timing of this combination being controlled by signals in the broadcast.

• Claim 40: This claim describes a method for creating a video display that combines a standard video signal with locally generated graphics. The process is controlled by signals embedded within the video signal itself, which instruct a local processor on how and when to generate and display the graphics.

• Claim 53: This claim covers a method for creating a personalized information presentation by receiving a broadcast, generating user-specific information locally, and then combining them based on control signals in the broadcast. It emphasizes that this allows for a customized experience for each user.

• Claim 66: This claim is about a method for controlling a local device using signals embedded in a broadcast. A processor at the user's location detects these signals and, in response, controls a connected device. This could be anything from a VCR to a home automation system.

• Claim 79: This claim describes a method for controlling a system that includes a video display and a local processor. It involves receiving a video signal with embedded control information and using that information to make the local processor generate and display graphics on the screen.

• Claim 92: This claim details a method for creating a personalized video display. It involves receiving a video broadcast with embedded control signals, generating user-specific video information locally, and then combining the two based on those signals.

• Claim 105: This claim covers a method for creating a personalized television viewing experience. A TV receiver gets a signal with control information, a local processor generates personalized information, and the two are combined for display, all under the direction of the control signals.

• Claim 118: This claim is about a method for controlling a local device through a broadcast. The broadcast signal contains control information that a local processor uses to manage the operation of another device.

• Claim 131: This claim describes a signal processing method where a broadcast signal with embedded instructions is received. A local processor then uses these instructions to control a separate, connected device.

• Claim 143: This claim details a method for creating a personalized video display by receiving a broadcast, having a local processor generate user-specific video information, and then combining them based on instructions within the broadcast.

• Claim 156: This claim covers a method of controlling a video display system by receiving a video signal with control information, and using a local processor to generate and display graphics based on that information.

• Claim 169: This claim outlines a method for providing a personalized television display. It involves receiving a TV signal with control information, generating personalized video information locally, and displaying a combination of the two.

• Claim 182: This claim is about a method for controlling a local device through a broadcast. The broadcast signal contains control information that a local processor uses to manage the operation of another device.

• Claim 195: This claim describes a signal processing method where a broadcast signal with embedded instructions is received. A local processor then uses these instructions to control a separate, connected device.

Litigation Search

A search of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) dockets for 2026 did not reveal any litigation involving US Patent 8,839,293. However, it is important to note that this does not definitively mean there has been no litigation, as cases may not be indexed in a way that is easily searchable by patent number alone. For a comprehensive litigation history, a more in-depth search of legal databases would be required. It is known that the original assignee, Personalized Media Communications LLC, has been involved in litigation concerning other patents in its portfolio.