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` !"#!
`    
` 

`
`-
`
`Independent Claims:
`
`TOTAL FEES:
`
`
`
`5370-00
`
`$973.00
`
`
`
`zo/61/atlllllllllllWllllllllllllllllllllllllOld'S'f'l
`SZITL‘"
`
`Attorney Docket No. 818-39807C
`' PATENT
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`Box Patent Application
`Honorable Assistant Commissioner
`for Patents
`
`Washington, D.C. 20231
`
`Sir:
`
`O A
`1-.
`"2
`' “$1 :-
`
`1.?
`fs mg
`=23?-I
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`3 E
`
`This is a request for filing a Continuation/Divisional application under 37 CFR l.53b of pending prior
`application:
`
`Applicant:
`Serial No.:
`Filed:
`For:
`
`Art Unit:
`Examiner:
`
`Hark Chan
`10/079,257
`February 19, 2002
`INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION AND PROCESSING SYSTEM
`
`2684
`William Cumming
`
`Enclosed are: a) a copy of the original Specification of Serial No. 10/079,257 including Claims and
`Abstract (17 pages) for use as the specification in this continuation;
`b) 3 sheets of Formal Drawings.
`
`The filing fee is calculated below: (Applicant is a small entity)
`
`The Commissioner is hereby authorized to charge any fees which may be required, or credit
`any overpayment to Account No. 02-1010 (818-39807C).
`
`A check in the amount of $973.00 is enclosed.
`
`Cancel in this application original Claims 2-24 of the prior application before calculating the filing fee.
`
`Amend the specification by canceling “This Application” and inserting before the first
`sentence: --This is a Continuation of application Serial No. 10/079,257 filed February 19, 2002.
`
`line the
`
`New Formal Drawings are enclosed.
`
` ,J__
`
`
`4am.u.nmanynu:
`
`;Lfi~—<1;;]¢'},‘f|$_1n?5|~fls){iill-¥."|§i7F!
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`
`Groupon, Inc.
`Exhibit 1021
`
`Ex. 1021 - Page 1 of 344
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`1.
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`2.
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`3.
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`4.
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`5.
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`6.
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`7.
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`The power appears in the original papers in the prior application.
`
`Address all future communications to:
`
`BARNES & THORNBURG
`Franklin Tower Bldg.
`1401 Eye Street, N.W.
`Suite 500
`Washington, D.C. 20005
`(202) 289-1313
`
`8.
`
`9.
`
`A Preliminary Amendment is enclosed.
`
`An Infornlation Disclosure Statement is enclosed.
`
`It is respectfully requested that, if necessary to effect a timely response, this paper be considered as a
`Petition for an Extension of Time sufficient to effect a timely response and shortages in other fees, be charged,
`or any overpayment in fees be credited to the Account of Barnes & Thornburg, Deposit Account No. 02-1010
`(818-39807C).
`
`The undersigned declares further that all statements made herein of his own knowledge are true and
`that all statements made on information and belief are believed to be true; and further that these statements were
`made with the knowledge that willful false statements and the like so made are punishable by fine or
`imprisonment, or both, under Section 1001 of Title 18 of the United States Code and that such willful false
`statements may jeopardize the validity of the application of any patent issuing thereon.
`
`Mark M. Newman
`Reg. No. 31,472
`
`Barnes & Thornburg
`750 17th Street, N.W., Suite 900
`Washington, D.C. 20006
`(202) 289-1313
`
`DCDSOI MMN 65775vl
`
`-2-
`
`Ex. 1021 - Page 2 of 344
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`

`
`PTO/SB135 (11-00)
`Approved for use through 1013112002. OMB 0651-0031
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; U. S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`rwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number
`th P
`U d
`n er e ape
`
`I"
`REQUEST AND CERTDflCATION
`UNDER
`35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(i)
`
`"
`
`First Named Inventor\ Hark Chan
`
`Title Iinformation Distribution and Processing System
`
`Atty Docket Number l CHAN-7038
`
`'"'
`
`I hereby certify that the invention disclosed in the attached application has not and will not
`be the subject of an application filed in another country, or under a multilateral agreement,
`that requires publication at eighteen months after filing. I hereby request that the attached
`application not be published under 35 U.S.C. 122(b).
`
`Feb. 19,2002
`
`Date
`
`Signature
`
`Hark Chan
`
`Typed or printed name
`
`This request must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.33(b) and submitted with the
`application upon filing.
`
`Applicant may rescind this nonpublication request at any time. If applicant rescinds a
`request that an application not be published under 35 U.S.C. 122(b), the application will be
`scheduled for publication at eighteen months from the earliest claimed filing date for which a
`benefit is claimed.
`
`If applicant subsequently files an application directed to the invention disclosed in the
`attached application in another country, or under a multilateral international agreement, that
`requires publication of applications eighteen months after filing, the applicant must notify the
`United States Patent and Trademark Office of such filing within forty-five (45) days after the
`date of the filing of such foreign or international application. Failure to do so will result in
`abandonment of this application (35 U.S.C. 122(b}(2)(B)(iii)).
`
`Burden Hour Statement: This collection of information is required by 37 CFR 1.213(8). The infonnation is used by the public to request thaI an application nol be
`published under 35 U.S.C. 122(b) (and the PTa to process thai request). Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.14. This form Is estimated
`to take 6 minutes to complete. This lime will vary depending upon the needs of Ihe individual case. Any comments on the amount of lime you are requinad to
`complete this form should be senl to the Chief Information Officer. U.S. Patent and Tnadamark OffIce. Washington. DC 20231. 00 NOT SEND FEES OR
`COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS AODRESS. SEND TO: Assistant Commissioner for Patents, Washington. DC 20231.
`
`Ex. 1021 - Page 3 of 344
`
`

`
`CERTIFICATE OF MAILING BY "EXPRESS MAIL"
`"Express Mail" Mailing Label No. ET950911066US.
`1 hereby certify that this paper or fee is being deposited with sufficient postage
`with the United States Postal Services "Express Mail Post Office to Addressee"
`service under 37 CFR 1.10 on the date indicated below and is addressed to:
`·on, Commissioner for Patents, Washington. DC 20231
`Box Patent Appl"
`
`r.d- (q, YlID l...-
`
`Date
`
`INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION AND PROCESSING SYSTEM
`
`Inventor: Hark C. Chan
`
`Field of the Invention
`
`This application is a continuation of application Serial No. 09/699,022 filed
`
`October 27,2000, which is a continuation of 09/480,226 filed January 10,2000, now
`
`Pat. No. 6,347,215, which is a continuation 0[08/939,368 filed September29, 1997,
`
`now Pat. No. 6,021,307, which is a continuation in part of application Serial No.
`
`081644,838 filed May 10, 1996, now abandoned, which is a continuation in part of
`
`application Serial No. 08/279,424 filed July 25, 1994, now abandoned. All these
`
`patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.
`
`This invention relates generally to information distribution, and more
`
`particularly to distributing information using a broadcast channel and a bi-directional
`
`communication channel.
`
`Background of the Invention
`
`Recent advancements in modem and computer technology allow large amount
`
`of digital data to be transmitted electronically. A number of information providers
`
`(such as newspaper and magazine publishers) and on·line information distributors
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`have formed partnerships to deliver newspaper and other information on-line. In this
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`system, a subscriber uses a computer and a modem to connect, through a regular
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`Ex. 1021 - Page 4 of 344
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`phone line, to the computer of an on-line information provider. The subscriber can
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`retrieve information, including newspaper articles, stored in the computer of the
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`information provider.
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`On-line delivery of newspaper has many advantages. For example, the
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`information can be updated throughout the day while the printed version is printed
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`only orice or twice a day. Further. it is possible to do text-based searches on the
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`information. However, it is forind that on-line deliver of newspaper and other
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`information is slow. For example, a subscriber has to wait many seconds for a
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`newspaper article to be delivered. The quality of the electronic newspaper is low. For
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`example, in order to reduce storage and communication requirements, graphic images
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`appeared in the printed version are not universally supplied in the on-line version of
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`newspaper. One of the reasons for such poor performance is the limited bandwidth of
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`communication channels used by on-line information distributors. Another reason is
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`that information is centrally processed by the computer at the site of the information
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`distributor, with the result that each subscriber only gets a small slice of the time of the
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`computer.
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`Summary of the Invention
`
`The present invention uses two channels to deliver digital information: a
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`broadcast channel and a bi-directional channel. The broadcast channel is used to
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`deliver the bulb of the digital information to subscribers. The amount of information
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`delivered is preferably sufficient to satisfy the needs of a large number of subscribers
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`so that they do not have to obtain additional information using the bi-directional
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`Ex. 1021 - Page 5 of 344
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`channel. The broadcasted information is stored on fast storage media located at
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`subs~riber sites. As a result, search and retrieval of the broadcasted information is
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`quick. Further, the broadcasted information is processed locally using a dedicated on(cid:173)
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`site processor instead of relying on the computers of the information distributors. As a
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`result, the load on the computers of the information distributors is reduced~ If the
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`subscribers desire to receive additional information relating to the broadcasted
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`information, the bi-directional communication channel is used to transmit the request
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`and the requested information.
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`The distribution costs of broadcast channels are typically much lower than that
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`of a bi-directional communication channel. Consequently, the major portion of
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`information is delivered using low cost distribution channels. For a large number of
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`subscribers, the broadcasted information will provide all the information they
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`normally need. Thus, expensive bi-directional communication channels are used only
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`occasionally.
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`These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be fully
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`. understood by referring to the following detailed description in conjunction with the
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`accompanying drawings.
`
`Brief Description of the Drawings
`
`Fig. 1 is a schematic drawing showing an information distribution system of
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`the present invention.
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`Fig. 2A shows a newspaper article as displayed on a monitor of the
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`information distribution system shown in Fig. 1.
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`3
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`Ex. 1021 - Page 6 of 344
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`Fig. 2B shows the contents of the broadcast information
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`which corresponds to the newspaper article of Fig. 2A.
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`Fig. 3 shows another embodiment of the information
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`distribution system of the present invention.
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`Detailed Description of the Invention
`
`Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an information distribution
`
`system 100 in accordance with the present invention. In this
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`-embodiment, system 100 is designed to electronically distribute
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`newspaper. It should be pointed out that system 100 can also be
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`used advantageously to distribute other types ofinformation.
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`System 100 contains a plurality of subscriber units (such as units
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`102 and 104) each connected to a bi-directional communication
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`channel (e.g., telephone connections 106 and 108 coupled to units
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`102 and 104, respectively) and a satellite transponder 110 for
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`broadcasting digital data to these subscriber units. Telephone
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`connections 106 and 108 (which could be line-based or wireless) are
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`coupled to a central database 109. In system 100, satellite
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`transponder 110 is used to broadcast the content of a newspaper to
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`the subscriber units while telephone connections 106 and 108 are
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`used to provide additional information (stored in central database
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`109) to subscriber units 102 and 104, respectively, on a demand
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`basis.
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`4
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`Ex. 1021 - Page 7 of 344
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`The structure of these subscriber units are substantially
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`I
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`identical; consequently, only one of these units, such as unit 102. is
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`described in detail. Unit 102 contains an antenna 116 for receiving
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`broadcast signals from satellite transponder 110. a signal/data
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`processor 118 for performing signal and data processing functions.
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`a monitor 120 for displaying the electronic newspaper, and an
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`input device 122 (such as a keyboard and/or a mouse).
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`Signal/data processor 118 contains a transponder interface
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`132 for processing transponder signal received from antenna 116.
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`Transponder interface 132 typically contains a low noise receiver
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`for receiving high frequency (e.g .. Cor Ku band) transponder signal.
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`and a "universal data interface" for converting the transponder
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`signal to digital data. The retrieved data is stored in nonvolatile
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`storage 134, such as a hard disk or solid state flash memory.
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`Preferably, satellite transponder 110 broadcasts the newspaper
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`data at predetermined times. Thus. a real-time clock 136 is
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`preferably used to tum on interface 132 at the predetermined
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`times. Processor 118 contains a microcomputer 140 which
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`coordinates the operation of clock 136, nonvolatile storage 134. and
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`interface 132. Processor 118 also contains a communication
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`interface 142 for sending and receiving digital data from central
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`database 109 through telephone connection 106.
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`5
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`Ex. 1021 - Page 8 of 344
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`The time for broadcast is preferably chosen when
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`communication load of transponder 110 is at a low level (e.g ..
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`around mid-night). As a result. the cost of information delivery is
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`low. Alternatively, the time of broadcasting is chosen by
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`transponder 110 becau~e it knows when communication load is
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`light. In this case. transponder 110 first sends a signal to
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`signalJdata processor 118 for alerting processor 118 to receive and
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`process the newspaper information.
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`A user can use the input device 122 and monitor 120 to read
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`the content of the electronic newspaper stored in nonvolatile
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`storage 134. In this embodiment, the complete content of the
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`newspaper is stored in nonvolatile storage 134. The term "complete
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`content" means that the user is able to read the newspaper without
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`relying on information stored in central database 109 (although
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`other embodiments may deliver less than the complete content). In
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`this aspect. system 100 functions in a similar way as the
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`distribution of a conventional printed newspaper. However. the
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`digital data of the electronic newspaper delivered by satellite
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`transponder 110 preferably contains linkage reference which allows
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`fast retrieval of additional information from central database 109.
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`If the newspaper information received from satellite
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`transponder 110 is sufficient to satisfy the needs of a user,
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`signal/data processor 118 will not activate telephone connection
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`6
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`Ex. 1021 - Page 9 of 344
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`106. However, if the user wishes to receive additional information
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`relating to an item mentioned in the. electronic newspaper (e.g., by
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`selecting at the item using the input device), process 118 will
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`retrieve the information stored in central database 109 using the
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`embedded linkage reference.
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`In system 100 of the present invention. the complete content
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`of the electronic newspaper (including graphics and other
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`. multimedia contents, if delivered) is stored in nonvolatile storage
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`134, which has fast access time. Further, a dedicated processor
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`(i.e., microcomputer 140) is used to process newspaper information.
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`On the other hand, prior art on-line newspaper distribution
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`systems rely on modem to deliver the content of the newspaper
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`stored in a central site. Further, the processor in the central site
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`has to serve many users in delivering the newspaper. As a result.
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`system 100 has superior performance compared to the prior art on-
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`line newspaper delivery systems.
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`If it is desirable to limit circulation of the newspaper to a
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`certain class of subscribers only (e.g., paid subscribers), the data
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`transmitted by transponder 110 could be encrypted. As a result.
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`only subscribers who have a decryption key are able to read the
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`newspaper, In the case, microcomputer 140 also performs
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`decryption functions.
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`Ex. 1021 - Page 10 of 344
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`Fig. 2A shows an example of a portion of a newspaper article
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`as seen on monitor 120. In Fig. 2A. the terms which a user may
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`obtain additional information are underlined (or highlighted in
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`other ways, such as setting in different colors. depending on the
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`choice of the publisher).. If desired. the user may select these terms
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`using a pointing device, such as a mouse, and signal/data processor
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`118 will obtain the additional information from central database
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`109.
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`Fig. 2B shows the same portion in Fig. 2A as transmitted by
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`transponder 110 (for simplicity, the embedded fonnatting codes,
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`such as center, bold, etc., are not shown). Each ofilie terms
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`underlined in Fig. 2A are enclosed by a special symbol (e.g .• the
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`"ry'lf symbol) and followed by a linkage reference enclosed by
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`another special symbol (e.g., the "X" symbol). These symbols are
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`invisible to the users and is recognizable only by microcomputer
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`140.
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`When an underlined term in Fig. 2A is selected by a user.
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`microcomputer 140 extracts the linkage reference and transmits it
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`to central database 109. The linkage reference allows central
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`database 109 to retrieve the necessary information quickly without
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`doing extensive searches. As a result, the response time of system
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`100 is fast. The retrieved information can itself contains linkage
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`references and can be searched.
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`Ex. 1021 - Page 11 of 344
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`If the speed of searching and retrieving data by central
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`database 109 is fast, it may not be necessary to include linkage
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`reference in the information broadcasted by transponder 110. In
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`this case, the user selects (e.g., using the mouse) words and terms
`helshe is interested in.' Signal/data processor 118 transmits the
`selected items to central database 109. which searches for matches
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`in its database. Matched information is sent to subscriber unit 102
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`for processing.
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`The bi-directional channel also allows updating of the
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`broad.casted information. There is typically a time difference
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`between the broadcast and display of information. New
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`information gathered during this time difference can be stored in
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`central database 109 and later transmitted to signal/data processor
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`118.
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`In this embodiment of the present invention, satellite
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`transponder 110 is used as the vehicle to electronically broadcast
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`newspaper. However, other broadcast distribution methods can be
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`used. In the present invention, broadcast is defined as one-to-many
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`distribution of information. The broadcast distribution channels do'
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`not have to be electrical. For example, the present invention allows
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`the distribution of CDROMs encoded with digital information to the
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`subscriber sites. In the case of electrical broadcast communication
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`9
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`Ex. 1021 - Page 12 of 344
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`channels. both wired and wireless can be used. Preferably.
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`unidirectional channels are used for broadcast because of their low
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`cost; however. the present invention does not preclude the use of bi-
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`directional communication channels (such as telephone lines) as
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`means for distributing broadcast (i.e .• one to many) information.
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`Current technology allows the size of antenna 116 to be as
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`small as 2 feet. The costs of antenna 116 and transponder interface
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`132 is already low enough to be within the reach of small business
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`or a typical household. The newspaper publisher has to pay for the
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`use of the transponder. However. the costs is comparable to the
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`printing and distribution costs of printed newspaper. It is
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`anticipated that the costs of the newspaper distribution system in
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`accordance with the present invention will be lowered as the
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`number of subscribers increases.
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`Fig. 3 shows another embodiment of a newspaper
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`distribution system 200 of the present invention. System 200
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`contains a satellite transponder 210, an earth station 214, and a
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`plurality of subscriber units, such as units 222 and 224.
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`Transponder 210 functions in a similar way as transponder 110 of
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`Fig. 1 and subscriber units 222 and 224 function in a similar way
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`as subscriber units 102 an~ 104 of Fig. 1. Earth station 214
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`receives digital data transmitted by transponder 210 using an
`
`antenna 216. The data is distributed to subscriber units 222 and
`
`10
`
`Ex. 1021 - Page 13 of 344
`
`

`
`1
`
`2
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`3
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`4
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`5
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`6
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`7
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`18
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`20
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`21
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`22
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`23
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`24
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`25
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`224 via wired communication channel 228. such as cable and optic
`
`fiber. Other earth stations could be placed in strategic locations
`
`throughout the country to serve their respective subscribers in a
`
`similar manner as earth station 214 and subscriber units 222 and
`
`224. As a result, a large geographic area can be served
`
`simultaneously by satellite transponder 210. The advantage of this
`
`embodiment is that the equipment costs incurred by the subscriber
`
`units are low.
`
`In some locations, it may not be desirable to use wired
`
`communication channel to link an earth station to subscribers. In
`
`such case, wireless communication channel could be used. Fig. 3
`
`shows an earth station 234 which receives transponder signal from
`
`transponder 210 using an antenna 236. Earth station 234 in tum
`
`broadcasts the digital data to its subscribers, such as subscriber
`
`units 242 and 244.
`
`In one embodiment of system 200, teletext technology is used
`
`to link earth station 234 and subscriber units 242 and 244. Thus,
`
`earth station 234 could be located adjacent to a television
`
`transmission station. The digital data received by earth station
`
`234 can be integrated to the vertical blanking interval of a TV
`
`signal, which is broadcasted using an antenna 238. Subscriber
`
`units 242 and 244 receive the signal using antennas 239. and 240,
`
`respectively. The digital data is then retrieved. Various
`
`11
`
`Ex. 1021 - Page 14 of 344
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`

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`1
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`2
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`3
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`4
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`5
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`6
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`7
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`21
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`22
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`23
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`24
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`improvements and refinements of the teletext technology are well
`
`known and can he incorporated into system 200.
`
`It should be obvious to a person skilled in the art that
`
`systems 100 and 200 at:e not limited to the distribution of
`
`newspaper. Further, electronic newspapers of the future may
`
`contains contents which are not available in the printed version,
`
`such as video and other multimedia compositions. Other
`
`information. such as magazines. graphic images. electronic mails.
`
`computer games. multimedia work. or interactive movie, could also
`
`be advantageously distribution using a system similar to systems
`
`100 and 200. For example. if'it is desirable to distribute interactive
`
`movie, the non-interactive portion can be broadcasted while the
`
`interactive portion is delivered using at hi-directional channel.
`
`There has thus shown and described a novel infonnation
`
`distribution system. Many changes. modifications. variations and
`
`other uses and applications of the subject invention will become
`
`apparent to those skilled in the art after considering this
`
`specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes.
`
`modifications, variations, uses, and applications are covered by the
`
`scope of this invention which is limited only by the appended
`
`claims.
`
`1/
`
`12
`
`Ex. 1021 - Page 15 of 344
`
`

`
`][ claim:
`
`1.
`
`An information distribution system for distributing information to users in
`
`5
`
`separate locations, said system being associated with a plurality of substantially identical
`
`receiving devices each located in one of said separate locations, each of said receiving
`
`devices connecting to a display device that displays said information, said system
`
`comprising:
`
`a remote site containing a first set of digital data and connecting to said plurality
`
`10
`
`of receiving devices; and
`
`a sender sending a second set of digital data to said plurality of processor units
`
`without receiving a request signal from at least one of said plurality of processor units to
`
`request said second set of digital data, said second set of digital data comprising a first set
`
`of displayable data, a second set of displayable data, a first set of non-displayable data
`
`15
`
`designating a presence of said second set of displayable data, and a first non-displayable
`
`linkage reference associated with said second set of displayable data and with said first
`
`set of digital data;
`
`wherein at least one of said receiving devices causes said display device to
`
`display said first set of displayable data in said first way and said second set of
`
`20
`
`displayable data in said second way, extracts said first linkage reference in response to a
`
`selection of said second set of displayable data by a user, and sends said first linkage
`
`reference to said remote site.
`
`13
`
`Ex. 1021 - Page 16 of 344
`
`

`
`2.
`
`The system of claim 1 wherein said second set of digital data further
`
`comprises video data.
`
`3.
`
`The system of claim 1 wherein said second set of digital data further
`
`5
`
`comprises a game.
`
`4.
`
`The system of claim 1 wherein said second set of digital data further
`
`comprises electronic mail.
`
`10
`
`5.
`
`The system of claim 1 wherein said second set of digital data further
`
`comprises a second set of non-displayable data for indicating a presence of said first
`
`linkage reference.
`
`6.
`
`The system of claim 5 wherein said second set of digital data further
`
`15
`
`comprises at least one formatting code.
`
`7.
`
`The system of claim 1 wherein said sender comprises a transmitter
`
`transmitting said second set of digital data using radio frequency signals.
`
`8.
`frequency signals.
`
`The system of claim 7 wherein said radio frequency signals are television
`
`9.
`
`The system of claim 1 wherein said sender sending an alert signal to said
`
`plurality of receivers prior to sending said second set of digital data.
`
`20
`
`25
`
`14
`
`Ex. 1021 - Page 17 of 344
`
`

`
`10.
`
`The system of claim 9 wherein said second set of digital data further
`
`comprises video data.
`
`11.
`
`The system of claim 9 wherein said second set of digital data further
`
`5
`
`comprises a game.
`
`12.
`
`The system of claim 9 wherein said second set of digital data further
`
`comprises electronic mail.
`
`10
`
`13.
`
`The system of claim 9 wherein said second set of digital data further
`
`comprises a second set of non-displayable data for indicating a presence of said first
`
`linkage reference.
`
`14.
`
`The system of claim 9 wherein said sender comprises a transmitter
`
`15
`
`transmitting said second set of digital data using radio frequency signals.
`
`15.
`
`The system of claim 14 wherein said radio frequency signals are television
`
`frequency signals.
`
`20
`
`16.
`
`The system of claim 1 wherein said remote site contains a third set of
`
`digital data, wherein said first set of digital data comprises a second linkage reference
`
`associated with said third set of digital data.
`
`17.
`
`The system of claim 16 wherein said second set of digital data further
`
`25
`
`comprises video data.
`
`15
`
`Ex. 1021 - Page 18 of 344
`
`

`
`18.
`
`The system of claim 16 wherein said second set of digital data further
`
`comprises a game.
`
`19.
`
`The system of claim 16 wherein said second set of digital data further
`
`5
`
`comprises electronic mail.
`
`20.
`
`The system of claim 16 wherein said second set of digital data further
`
`comprises a second set of non-displayable data for indicating a presence of said first
`
`linkage reference.
`
`10
`
`21.
`
`The system of claim 16 wherein said sender sending said second set of
`
`digital data using radio frequency signals.
`
`24.
`
`The system of claim 21 wherein said radio frequency signals are television
`
`15
`
`frequency signals.
`
`16
`
`Ex. 1021 - Page 19 of 344
`
`

`
`ABSTRACT
`
`An infonnation distribution and processing system contains a sender and a
`
`plurality of processing units. The sender delivers a set of digital data, without receiving a
`
`request signal, to the plurality of processor units. The set of digital data contains a first
`
`set of displayable data, a second set of displayable data, at least one non-displayable
`
`symbol, and at least one linking reference associated with the second set of displayable
`
`data. If desired, a user can select the second set of displayable data. The associated
`
`linking reference is sent to a database. The database contains additional infonnation. The
`
`associated linking reference is used by the database to search for the additional
`
`infonnation, and returns the requested information to the user.
`
`11
`
`Ex. 1021 - Page 20 of 344
`
`

`
`102~
`
`1
`
`120
`
`input
`device
`
`monitor
`
`116
`
`signal/data processor
`
`interface
`
`~ 100
`I
`,,#' ,atellite 110
`
`monitor
`
`signal/data
`processor
`
`input
`device
`'\
`104
`
`microcomputer
`
`142
`
`106
`
`136
`
`108
`
`central
`database
`
`Fig. 1
`
`Ex. 1021 - Page 21 of 344
`
`

`
`KaaS particle Found
`
`Two physicists announced that they had found the
`K-S particle. Ifconfirmed, this will verify the theory
`of the Nobel laureates, Professors Kendrick Chan
`and Sophia Chan, who first postulated the existence
`of the K-S particle ten years ago. The physicists,
`Drs. Lisa Smith and John Doe, showed computer
`generated results indicating the detection of the K-S
`particles in a series of experiments carried out at the
`International Super-High Energy Accelerator.
`
`FIG.2A
`
`K-S Particle Found' en
`Two ph;ysicists announced tbat
`they had found the ty1<:-s particle~XFE330ABX 0
`If
`oonfix:med, this will verify the theory of the Nobel
`laureates, Professors cyi<:endrick Chanry>XA245DC8X and .
`~Sophia Chancy'1X85AC258X,who first postulated the
`existence of the K-S particle ten years ago 0 The
`physicists, Drs. ~isa Smith'\f1X3098BE6zX and ~Jolm
`Doe~835X, showed canputer generated results
`iDdicating the detection of the K-S particles in a series
`of experiments carried out at the "fInternational. Super(cid:173)
`High Energy Accele:ratorcrxc347M9X.en
`
`FIGo2B
`
`Ex. 1021 - Page 22 of 344
`
`

`
`.~
`~ \
`
`s;ltellite210
`
`236
`
`238
`
`216
`
`earth station
`
`214
`
`earth station
`
`240
`
`228
`
`subscriber
`
`subscriber
`
`240
`
`244
`
`subscriber
`
`222
`
`224
`
`subscriber
`
`'200
`
`Fig. 3
`
`Ex. 1021 - Page 23 of 344
`
`

`
`l[jJ
`
`DECLARATION FOR UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION
`
`As below-named inventor, I hereby declare that:
`
`My name, residence address and country of citizenship are as stated below.
`
`Name:
`Address:
`Citizenship:
`
`HarkC. Chan
`861 Brent Drive, Cupertino, CA 95014
`USA
`
`I believe I am the original and first inventor of the subject matter which is claimed and for which
`a patent is sought on the invention entitled:
`
`INlFORMATING DISTRIBUTION AND PROCESSING SYSTEM
`
`the specification of which is attached hereto.
`
`I hereby state that I have reviewed and understand the contents of the above-identified
`specification, including the claims, as amended by any amendment referred to above.
`
`I acknowledge the duty to disclose information which is material to the examination of this
`application in accordance with Title 37, Code of Federal Regulations, § 1.56.
`
`I hereby claim the benefit under Title 35, United States Code, §120 of any United States
`application(s) listed below and, insofar as the subject matter of each of the claims of this application is
`not disclo

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