Patents by Inventor James Joseph Anthony McCormack

James Joseph Anthony McCormack has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20110295389
    Abstract: A control system (10) comprises: a controlled device (15) controlled by a controller (30) having receiving means (34) for receiving command signals (40), and having a first, second and third storage locations (31, 32, 33) for storing a personal ID or address (PID), network ID (NID), and the ID (RCID) of a remote control device, respectively; at least one user-operable remote control device (17), designed for transmitting command signals. A command signal comprises a target address code, a network ID code, a sender address code, and a command code. Normally, the controller only responds to control signals if target address code, network ID code, and sender address code match with the information in memory. The controller is capable of operating in a NO NETWORK mode (200), in which the controller responds to a reset command irrespective of target address code, the network ID code, and the sender address code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: James Joseph Anthony McCormack
  • Publication number: 20110149803
    Abstract: A wireless network system (30, 60) and a method for commissioning a wireless network system (30, 60) is described. The network system (30, 60) comprises at least a network device (1, 1?, 1?) and a joining device (21, 81, 91, 101, 111). In a commissioning mode, the network device (1, 1?, 1?) broadcasts network identification information. The joining device (21, 81, 91, 101, 111) sends, upon reception of the network identification information, a request to said network device (1, 1?, 1?) to join the network, comprising a predefined address of said joining device (21, 81, 91, 101, 111). The network device (1, 1?, 1?) assigns said joining device (21, 81, 91, 101, 111) a network address and stores corresponding data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: James Joseph Anthony McCormack, Hendrik Jan Jozef Hubertus Schepers
  • Publication number: 20110140832
    Abstract: The invention relates to synchronizing settings in a home control system such as settings for lighting scenes in a lighting system with a plurality of light units. A basic idea of the invention is to synchronize settings such as lighting scene settings in a home control system with a network of devices such as light units and multiple control devices for controlling the network devices. An embodiment of the invention provides a device (Sync) for synchronizing settings in a home control system comprising a memory (12) for storing settings of one or more of devices (L1-L9) of the home control system, a communication unit (14) for receiving signals (16) from and transmitting signals (18) to control devices (RC3-RC 4) of the home control system, and a processor (10) for synchronizing stored settings in the home control system upon receipt of a signal (16) from a control device (RC3, RC4) of the home control system by transmitting a synchronization signal (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Lucius Theodorus Vinkenvleugel, James Joseph Anthony McCormack, Ay Ling De Goederen-Oei, Nathalie Dorothee Pieternel Leurs, Diane Lutters
  • Patent number: 7936646
    Abstract: Spherical aberration correction is provided for CD writing in a double (CD+DVD), triple (CD+DVD+BD) or quadruple (CD+DVD+BD+HD-DVD) writer, which use the same light path for CD and DVD. In an optical drive that uses numerous laser wavelengths combined into one light path each wavelength having a different numerical apertures a correction for spherical aberration is made to correct for effective numerical apertures of the light path that becomes shifted up from the original value to higher values. The correction in spherical aberration removes that effect of the higher effective NA and defects, particularly in writing, are corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: James Joseph Anthony McCormack, Alberto Martin-Consuegra Granados
  • Publication number: 20100177611
    Abstract: Spherical aberration correction is provided for CD writing in a double (CD+DVD), triple (CD+DVD+BD) or quadruple (CD+DVD+BD+HD-DVD) writer, which use the same light path for CD and DVD. In an optical drive that uses numerous laser wavelengths combined into one light path each wavelength having a different numerical apertures a correction for spherical aberration is made to correct for effective numerical apertures of the light path that becomes shifted up from the original value to higher values. The correction in spherical aberration removes that effect of the higher effective NA and defects, particularly in writing, are corrected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: James Joseph Anthony McCormack, Alberto Martin-Consuegra Granados
  • Publication number: 20100109576
    Abstract: A lighting system is presented. The lighting system comprises a light guide (3), a lighting source (5) arranged for coupling light into the light guide (3), wherein the light guide (3) is arranged such that at least part of the light is emitted in a first general direction (21, 121), and at least part of the light is emitted in a second general direction (23, 123) different to the first direction (21, 121).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Willem Lubertus Ijzerman, Gabriel-Eugen Onac, Johanna Cornelis Maria Francisca Tielens-Aarts, James Joseph Anthony Mccormack
  • Publication number: 20100061205
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical recording apparatus that provides improved writing speed. The apparatus has processing means (50) for processing an encoded data signal (NRZ) with a channel clock frequency signal (CLK). A first clock generator (52) derives a sub-sampled clock signal (CLKn) that has a lower frequency than the channel clock frequency signal (CLK). Furthermore, a modulator (MOD) modulates the sub-sampled clock signal (CLKn) with the encoded data signal (NRZ), and outputs a single, combined data and clock signal (NRZ_CLKn). This signal is received by the optical pick-up unit (OPU; 20), where a second clock generator (24) extracts a retrieved clock signal (CLKr) from the combined signal (NRZ_CLKn), and a data demodulator (23) extracts the encoded data signal (NRZ) using the retrieved clock signal (CLKr). Thereby, a fast and reliable bandwidth in the communication between the processing means and the optical pick-up (OPU; 20) is obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: JAMES JOSEPH ANTHONY MCCORMACK
  • Publication number: 20090323497
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical recording apparatus with processing means (50) arranged for processing encoded data (NRZ). The processing means further has demultiplexing means (DEMUX) arranged for demultiplexing the encoded data (NRZ) into a first plurality (m) of data channels (65) using a second clock frequency signal (CLK2). The data channels are transmitted through a flexible transmission path (40) where each data channel (65) has at least one electrical conductor means (41) for each data channel. In the optical pick-up unit (OPU; 20) synchronising by retiming means (23) of the first plurality (m) of data channels (65) using the first clock frequency signal (CLK1) takes place. Thereby, the optical recording apparatus will have an increased effective bandwidth between the processing means (50) of the optical recording apparatus, and the optical pick-up unit (OPU; 20) by nature of the parallel transmission of the plurality of data channels (65).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: Koninklijke Phillips Electronics N.V..
    Inventor: James Joseph Anthony McCormack
  • Publication number: 20090262611
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical drive for recording information on an optical carrier or disk (1). The optical drive has a radiation source (4) controllable by control means (50, 22) having calibrated values for a threshold current (I_THR_O) and a change current (I_delta_O). The control means (50, 22) is adapted for: 1) re-calibrating the change current (I_delta_O) using the corresponding threshold current (I_THR_O) to a re-calibrated change current (I_delta—1) by application of a power difference (delta_P), and 2) applying the re-calibrated change current (I_DEL—1) together with the calibrated threshold current (I_THR_O). The re-calibration is performed by refining or re-adapting the change current during operation of the optical drive. It is a distinct advantage of the present invention that the re-calibration of the change current can be performed with no or very little time consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Jeannet Van Rens, Mario Looijkens, James Joseph Anthony McCormack
  • Publication number: 20090207707
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical recording apparatus that provides improved writing speed. In the processing means (50) an encoded data signal (NRZ) is processed, and a first clock generator (52) generates a two-level clock signal (CLK). Furthermore, a duty cycle modulator (MOD) modulates the clock signal (CLK) in response to the encoded data signal (NRZ) so as to vary the duty cycle of the clock signal (CLK), possibly with a plurality of phases. The resulting single, combined data and clock signal (NRZ_CLK) is transmitted to the optical pick-up unit (OPU; 20) where a second clock generator (24) extracts a retrieved clock signal (CLKr) from the combined signal (NRZ_CLK), and a data demodulator (DEMOD; 23) extracts the encoded data signal (NRZ) using said retrieved clock signal (CLKr). Thereby, a fast and reliable bandwidth is obtained in the communication between the processing means and the optical pick-up (OPU; 20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: James Joseph Anthony McCormack
  • Publication number: 20090175145
    Abstract: A device for recording information on a record carrier (4) has a radiation source and a sensor (33) for generating a sense signal (32), a power control unit (29) for setting the radiation power based on a sampled sense signal, and a sense unit (31) for generating the sampled sense signal. The sense signal is sampled at Ts in periods that are selected on having at least a selected minimum length Lsel in a end part of the selected periods. The sense signal is sampled in the selected control periods for determining a second sample value on a detection time Tdet different from Ts. A difference is determined between the first and the second sample value, and, in dependence on the difference, generating the sampled sense signal is adapted. In particular Lsel may be adapted in dependence on the difference for eliminating remaining effects of a preceding period at a higher power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: James Joseph Anthony McCormack
  • Publication number: 20080225915
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing laser current saturation (18) in high-speed optical drives. Saturation in laser current in high-speed optical drives is prevented before limitations in laser power are observed allowing the system to maintain requests for increases in the laser power. The saturation in laser current problem that is apparent at high temperatures and at high writing powers especially when combined with low supply voltage is avoided by insured operation of the laser near but below saturation. The ability to increase laser power upon request is maintained providing for good writing quality resulting and usable. The potential onset of laser current saturation is detected (34) and avoided (36) by dropping to a lower write speed requiring less laser power and hence preventing laser current saturation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventor: James Joseph Anthony McCormack
  • Publication number: 20080219115
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical drive capable of writing data to an optical carrier or disk, the optical drive having a laser driver device with an adjustable power level (VSL). The optical drive has a radiation source (4) capable of emitting a radiation beam (5) for writing data with a certain writing speed to an optical carrier and a laser driver device (LDD) comprising electronic circuitry means for providing a control current to the radiation source in response to a data signal (NRZ). The electronic circuitry means is supplied by an adjustable power supply (REG_SUP, 32) having a power level (VSL) that is adapted for being adjusted in response to the data writing speed to the optical carrier. The optical drive therefore has a reduced power dissipation compared with the hitherto known solutions. This results in an increased lifetime of the radiation source, e.g. the laser, and a reduced power usage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventor: James Joseph Anthony Mccormack
  • Patent number: 6897834
    Abstract: In the matrix display drive circuit with an energy recovery inductor (L1), a switch circuit (S3, D3, S6, d9) is connected in parallel with the inductor (L1) to keep the inductor current (TL1) in a loop which is as small as possible, and to keep the voltage (VL1) across the inductor (L1) as low as possible. Consequently, the energy stored in the inductor is lower, and the EM1 caused by the parasitic resonance of the inductor (L1) with parasitic capacitances Cj will be significantly lower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: James Joseph Anthony McCormack
  • Publication number: 20030123357
    Abstract: This apparatus (1) notably comprises a writing device (3) for writing data available at a terminal (5). As optical discs have write characteristics, the write pulses representing the data to be stored have different forms. Thus these various pulses are put in a read/write memory (30) fed via a database (35). Writing on an optical disc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Marinus Adrianus Henricus Looijkens, James Joseph Anthony McCormack
  • Patent number: 6577655
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a control circuit (4) for a radiation source (2). The circuit comprises means (43) for generating an error signal (Perr) which is indicative for a difference between a measured average value of the output power of the radiation source (2) and a desired average value (Pset) of the output power of the radiation source. The circuit further comprises combining means (44, 45, 46) for generating a control signal (Sout) for the radiation source (2) in response to said error signal (Perr) and to an information signal (Sin) for modulating the radiation source. The combining means comprise first means (44) for modifying the information signal by a multiplicative factor &ggr; which is dependent on the error signal, and second means (45, 46) for modifying the information signal by an additive factor &sgr; which is dependent on the error signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: James Joseph Anthony McCormack
  • Publication number: 20020114242
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a control circuit (4) for a radiation source (2). The circuit comprises means (43) for generating an error signal (Perr) which is indicative for a difference between a measured average value of the output power of the radiation source (2) and a desired average value (Pset) of the output power of the radiation source. The circuit further comprises combining means (44, 45, 46) for generating a control signal (Sout) for the radiation source (2) in response to said error signal (Perr) and to an information signal (Sin) for modulating the radiation source. The combining means comprise first means (44) for modifying the information signal by a multiplicative factor &ggr; which is dependent on the error signal, and second means (45, 46) for modifying the information signal by an additive factor &sgr; which is dependent on the error signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: James Joseph Anthony McCormack
  • Publication number: 20020041275
    Abstract: In the matrix display driver circuit with an energy recovery inductor (L1), a switch circuit (S3, D3, S6, D9) is connected in parallel with the inductor (L1) to keep the inductor current (IL1) in a loop which is as small as possible, and to keep the voltage (VL1) across the inductor (L1) as low as possible. Consequently, the energy stored in the inductor is lower, and the EMI caused by the parasitic resonance of the inductor (L1) with parasitic capacitances Cj will be significantly lower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: James Joseph Anthony Mccormack