Patents by Inventor Mary Lafuze Comer
Mary Lafuze Comer 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).
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Patent number: 8160140Abstract: There are provided methods and apparatus for transmitting multiple video streams over a video channel. A video encoder is provided for encoding a plurality of streams corresponding to a plurality of programs. The video encoder includes an encoder (300) for encoding each of the plurality of streams for transmission over a communication channel. The encoder imposes a relative positioning on intra-coded frames among the plurality of programs to meet individual stream delay requirements corresponding to the plurality of streams.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2006Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Mary Lafuze Comer, Gregory William Cook
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Patent number: 8130831Abstract: A hybrid high-definition encoder and method are disclosed, for processing signal data as a plurality of block transform coefficients for each of base layer data and enhancement layer data, where the encoder includes a two-layer decomposition unit for decomposing an original high-definition signal data sequence into base layer data and enhancement layer data, a standard-definition encoder coupled to the decomposition unit for encoding the base layer data as a base layer bitstream embodying a standard-definition data sequence, and a high-definition encoder coupled to the decomposition unit and the standard-definition encoder for encoding only the difference between the high-definition data and the standard-definition data as base layer picture user data embodying a high-definition data sequence.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Shu Lin, Mary Lafuze Comer
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Patent number: 8015474Abstract: There are described apparatus and methods for adaptive forward error correction (FEC), one use being for video streaming over a wireless network. The apparatus includes an FEC encoder and an adaptive FEC device. The FEC encoder is for encoding k packets of source data into n packets, where n>k, and the n packets include redundant packets. The adaptive FEC device is for adaptively determining a number of the redundant packets to transmit with the encoded k packets, based upon receiving one or more feedback messages. The one or more feedback messages indicate a condition of the wireless network over which the encoded video is to be transmitted.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2005Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Izzat Hekmat Izzat, Mary Lafuze Comer, Thomas Anthony Stahl
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Patent number: 7995896Abstract: A television receiver includes a source of digital data comprising a plurality of data streams each representing one of a standard definition television signal and a high definition television signal and encoded in such a manner that it may be decoded at full resolution to produce an image substantially without visible decoding artifacts or decoded at partial resolution to produce an image possibly including visible decoding artifacts. A decoder is coupled to the digital data source, and has a maximum decoding bandwidth less than that required to simultaneously decode two high definition television signals at full decoding resolution. A controller, is coupled to the decoder, for selecting two respective ones of the data streams responsive to user input, and if both represent a high definition television signal, requesting user input for specifying one of the two respective data streams to decode at partial resolution.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2000Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Mary Lafuze Comer, Thomas Edward Horlander
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Patent number: 7912125Abstract: A hybrid scalable encoder, method, and media are disclosed for processing video signal data as a plurality of block transform coefficients for each of a base layer and an enhancement layer included on a dual standard-definition and high-definition disc. The encoder includes a two-layer decomposition unit for decomposing an original high-definition signal data sequence into base layer data and enhancement layer data, a standard-definition encoder coupled to the decomposition unit for encoding the base layer data as a base layer bitstream embodying a standard-definition data sequence, and a high-definition encoder coupled to the decomposition unit and the standard-definition encoder for encoding the difference between the high-definition data and the standard-definition data as an enhancement layer bitstream embodying a high-definition data sequence.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2003Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Mary Lafuze Comer, Shu Lin
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Patent number: 7912124Abstract: A fine-grain scalable video data apparatus, system, method and data structure is disclosed. An encoder (110) for encoding input video data as minimum bitrate macroblock data to produce DCT data having DCT coefficients representing a minimum bitrate version of the macroblock data. The encoder (110) also encodes the input video data as intermediate bitrate macroblock data to produce DCT data having DCT coefficients representing an intermediate bitrate version of the macroblock data. An adaptive motion compensator (132) (whether incorporated within the encoder or externally) communicates with the encoder for predicting whether a decoded version of the intermediate bitrate macroblock data has an accumulated predicted error frame energy exceeding a maximum threshold (228).Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2002Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Mary Lafuze Comer, Izzat Hekmat Izzat
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Patent number: 7561783Abstract: A method of providing multiple versions of a digital recording by using a first and second stream identification. The method can include the step of encoding a base layer having data representing a first version of a digital recording. The base layer can be encoded with a first stream identification, which can be OxEO. The method also can include the step of encoding an enhancement layer with enhancement data which can be combined with the base data to represent a second version of the digital recording. The enhancement layer can be encoded with a second stream identification which can be 0xBF, 0xFA, 0xFB, 0xFC, 0xFD or 0xFE. The base and enhancement layers can be multiplexed.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2003Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Mary LaFuze Comer, Shu Lin
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Publication number: 20090135906Abstract: There are provided methods and apparatus for transmitting multiple video streams over a video channel. A video encoder is provided for encoding a plurality of streams corresponding to a plurality of programs. The video encoder includes an encoder (300) for encoding each of the plurality of streams for transmission over a communication channel. The encoder imposes a relative positioning on intra-coded frames among the plurality of programs to meet individual stream delay requirements corresponding to the plurality of streams.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2006Publication date: May 28, 2009Applicant: THOMSON LICENSINGInventors: Mary Lafuze Comer, Gregory William Cook
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Patent number: 7519118Abstract: A hybrid high-definition decoder and method are disclosed, for processing signal data as a plurality of block transform coefficients for each of base layer data and enhancement layer data, where the decoder includes a standard-definition decoder for decoding the standard-definition data from a base layer bitstream embodying a standard-definition data sequence, a high-definition decoder coupled to the standard-definition decoder for decoding the difference between the high-definition data and the standard-definition data from an enhancement layer bitstream stored as picture user data embodying a high-definition data sequence, and a two-layer composition unit for composing a high-definition signal data sequence from the standard-definition data and the difference between the high-definition data and the standard-definition data.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2003Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Shu Lin, Mary Lafuze Comer
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Patent number: 7400588Abstract: An adaptative source rate control method and apparatus utilizing a neural network are presented for controlling a data transmission of a media object over a communication network. A back propagation method transmitting control parameters related to the operation of a communications network is used for to dynamically adjust the performance of the network, in view of network parameters being sourced to a point of transmission. The bit rate and quantization level of the data stream are dynamically adjusted and shaped by the neural network in response to control parameters.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2003Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Izzat Hekmat Izzat, Mary Lafuze Comer, Yousef Wasef Nijim
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Publication number: 20080134005Abstract: There are described apparatus and methods for adaptive forward error correction (FEC), one use being for video streaming over a wireless network. The apparatus includes an FEC encoder and an adaptive FEC device. The FEC encoder is for encoding k packets of source data into n packets, where n>k, and the n packets include redundant packets. The adaptive FEC device is for adaptively determining a number of the redundant packets to transmit with the encoded k packets, based upon receiving one or more feedback messages. The one or more feedback messages indicate a condition of the wireless network over which the encoded video is to be transmitted.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2005Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventors: Izzat Hekmat Izzat, Mary Lafuze Comer, Thomas Anthony Stahl
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Patent number: 7113545Abstract: A method and device for processing video signals is provided, comprising the steps of: selecting a motion vector having the least mean square error from an M×N block, applying a vector filter to the motion vector, and if filter output MSE is below a present threshold select the filtered motion vector as output filter, and if above the threshold, select input vector as output filter. Perform a P×Q nearest neighbor motion vector substitution on the output motion vector field, where P is less than M and Q is less than N. Perform an S×T nearest neighbor substitution on the output motion vector field, where S is less than P and T is less than Q.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2001Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventor: Mary Lafuze Comer
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Patent number: 6993076Abstract: An improved image processing system involves decoding compressed image data including frequency domain coefficients defining blocks of pixel values representing an image at a first resolution to provide an image at a reduced second resolution for display from a selected sub-set of the frequency domain coefficients. The apparatus includes an enhanced motion-compensation-unit (MCU) operating with blocks of pixel values representing an image at an intermediate third resolution lower than the first resolution but higher than the reduced second resolution.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1999Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.Inventors: Mary Lafuze Comer, Thomas Edward Horlander
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Patent number: 6873655Abstract: A CODEC system for spatially scalable video data includes a decimate unit for performing DCT-based down-sampling with respect to macro block data of input video data to produce decimated block data representing low frequency part of the macro block data, a first encoder for encoding the decimated block data to produce base layer DCT data having DCT coefficients representing the low frequency part, a first decoder for decoding the base layer DCT data from the first encoder to produce base layer block data, an interpolate unit for performing DCT-based interpolation with respect to the base layer block data from the first decoder to produce interpolated base layer block data, a second encoder for encoding enhancement layer block data obtained from the macro block data and the interpolated base layer block data to produce enhancement layer DCT data wherein the enhancement layer block data representing high frequency part of the macro block data, and a second decoder for decoding the enhancement layer DCT data froType: GrantFiled: August 31, 2001Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: Thomson Licensing A.A.Inventors: Mary Lafuze Comer, Izzat Hekmat Izzat
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Publication number: 20040156433Abstract: A fine-grain scalable video data apparatus, system, method and data structure is disclosed. An encoder (110) for encoding input video data as minimum bitrate macroblock data to produce DCT data having DCT coefficients representing a minimum bitrate version of the macroblock data. The encoder (110) also encodes the input video data as intermediate bitrate macroblock data to produce DCT data having DCT coefficients representing an intermediate bitrate version of the macroblock data. An adaptive motion compensator (132) (whether incorporated within the encoder or externally) communicates with the encoder for predicting whether a decoded version of the intermediate bitrate macroblock data has an accumulated predicted error frame energy exceeding a maximum threshold (228).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2003Publication date: August 12, 2004Inventors: Mary Lafuze Comer, Izzat Hekmat Izzat
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Publication number: 20040037358Abstract: A method and device for processing video signals is provided, comprising the steps of: selecting a motion vector having the least mean square error from an M×N block, applying a vector filter to the motion vector, and if filter output MSE is below a present threshold select the filtered motion vector as output filter, and if above the threshold, select input vector as output filter. Perform a P×Q nearest neighbor motion vector substitution on the output motion vector field, where P is less than M and Q is less than N. Perform an S×T nearest neighbor substitution on the output motion vector field, where S is less than P and T is less than Q.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2003Publication date: February 26, 2004Inventor: Mary Lafuze Comer
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Publication number: 20030118113Abstract: A fine-grain scalable (FGS) encoder, decoder, and corresponding methods are disclosed which utilize conditional replacement for selecting between a base layer prediction and an enhancement layer prediction. Processes include: encoding data as a plurality of discrete cosine transform (“DCT”) coefficients for each of a base layer and an enhancement layer, a first conditional replacement (“CR”) portion in signal communication with the encoder for selecting between a base layer prediction and enhancement layer prediction for each DCT coefficient of the enhancement layer to increase coding efficiency, receiving encoded DCT data from encoder, decoding the encoded DCT data to produce reconstructed data responsive to the selected prediction, and a second CR portion in signal communication with the decoder for selecting between the base layer prediction and the enhancement layer prediction for each DCT coefficient of the enhancement layer to reduce prediction drift.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2002Publication date: June 26, 2003Inventors: Mary Lafuze Comer, Izzat Hekmat Izzat
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Publication number: 20030118099Abstract: A fine-grain scalable (FGS) encoder, decoder, and corresponding methods are disclosed which utilize conditional replacement for selecting between a base layer prediction and an enhancement layer prediction. Processes include: encoding data as a plurality of discrete cosine transform (“DCT”) coefficients for each of a base layer and an enhancement layer, a first conditional replacement (“CR”) portion in signal communication with the encoder for selecting between a base layer prediction and enhancement layer prediction for each DCT coefficient of the enhancement layer to increase coding efficiency, receiving encoded DCT data from encoder, decoding the encoded DCT data to produce reconstructed data responsive to the selected prediction, and a second CR portion in signal communication with the decoder for selecting between the base layer prediction and the enhancement layer prediction for each DCT coefficient of the enhancement layer to reduce prediction drift.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2002Publication date: June 26, 2003Inventors: Mary Lafuze Comer, Izzat Hekmat Izzat
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Publication number: 20020090028Abstract: A CODEC system for spatially scalable video data includes a decimate unit for performing DCT-based down-sampling with respect to macro block data of input video data to produce decimated block data representing low frequency part of the macro block data, a first encoder for encoding the decimated block data to produce base layer DCT data having DCT coefficients representing the low frequency part, a first decoder for decoding the base layer DCT data from the first encoder to produce base layer block data, an interpolate unit for performing DCT-based interpolation with respect to the base layer block data from the first decoder to produce interpolated base layer block data, a second encoder for encoding enhancement layer block data obtained from the macro block data and the interpolated base layer block data to produce enhancement layer DCT data wherein the enhancement layer block data representing high frequency part of the macro block data, and a second decoder for decoding the enhancement layer DCT data froType: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2001Publication date: July 11, 2002Inventors: Mary Lafuze Comer, Izzat Hekmat Izzat
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Patent number: 6233392Abstract: A storage medium has recorded thereon a packetized digitally encoded image representative signal for forward and reverse direction reproduction. The digitally encoded signal comprises a plurality of groups of pictures, a group of the plurality of groups including at least an intra coded picture and a predicted picture. The intra coded picture type and the predicted picture type each comprise top and bottom fields. The predicted picture type has a first motion vector for decoding in the forward direction, and has a second motion vector for decoding in the reverse direction. In a further inventive arrangement a storage medium has recorded thereon a packetized digitally encoded image representative signal for forward and reverse direction reproduction. The digitally encoded signal comprises a plurality of groups of pictures, a group of said plurality of groups including at least an intra coded picture and a predicted picture.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 1998Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Assignee: Thomson Consumer ElectronicsInventor: Mary Lafuze Comer