Basic Receiver With Additional Function Patents (Class 348/553)
  • Patent number: 10116902
    Abstract: Content streams may be segmented to provide automatic extraction and storage of content items without intervening commercials or other unrelated content. These content items may then be stored in a database and made accessible to subscribers through, for example, an on-demand service. Automatic segmentation may include the identification of program boundaries, segmentation of a content stream based on the boundaries and the subsequent classification of the segments into content types. For example, audio and video duplication detection may be used to identify commercials since commercials tend to repeat frequently over a relatively short amount of time. A system may further identify an end of program indicator in a video stream to determine when a program ends. Accordingly, if a program ends after a scheduled end time, a recording device (e.g., the program is being recorded) may automatically extend the recording time to capture the entire program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Comcast Cable Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Evelyne Tzoukermann, Ryan M. Farrell, Hongzhong Zhou, Oliver Jojic, Bageshree Shevade
  • Patent number: 10082949
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing applications in a mobile device are provided. The method includes selecting a predetermined location within an active first application that is in a forefront state, and dragging the selected location to uncover an active second application. The first application is returned to the forefront by returning the selected location back to an original position thereof. The second application may be interacted with directly while the first application is in the dragged state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: William Stryker Clausen, Ki Tae Kim
  • Patent number: 10032434
    Abstract: A display apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a display configured to display an image corresponding to a first connection interface of a plurality of connection interfaces; and a processor configured to, in response to detecting a change of a power state of an external apparatus connected to the display apparatus through a second connection interface of the plurality of connection interfaces, determine whether content is inputted through the first connection interface, and control the display to display a user interface (UI) indicating that source switch is available or display an image received through the second connection interface, based on a result of the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung-il Yoon, Ji-hyo Lee, Hyun-kyu Yun
  • Patent number: 9992536
    Abstract: An information provision device includes a processor; and a memory which stores a plurality of instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to execute, selecting a content corresponding to position information of a user from contents stored in a storage unit in advance; multiplexing the contents using a multiplex number that corresponds with familiarity of the user with the selected content; and providing the multiplexed contents to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Motoshi Sumioka, Kazuo Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9961406
    Abstract: A method is described for re-determining, in a television apparatus, a program table including associations between alphanumeric labels and radio-television programs, each one of the alphanumeric labels indicating a string of characters that must be selected by the user in order to activate the reproduction of one of the radio-television programs associated therewith, the method including the steps of biunivocally associating with each radio-television program in the table an alphanumeric label comprising a numeric part; allowing at least a first list and a second list to be simultaneously displayed on a screen, both including identification data of the radio-television programs obtained from the program table, the radio-television programs being sorted in the lists according to sorting criteria; selecting a first program from the first list of programs sorted according to a first sorting criterion, the first program being associated with a first alphanumeric label; selecting a second program from the second
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Sisvel Technology S.R.L.
    Inventor: Pietro Porzio Giusto
  • Patent number: 9912903
    Abstract: A playback method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is performed by a Blu-ray device connected to a display device. The playback method includes obtaining, from a recording medium, output control information of content recorded on the recording medium; obtaining, from the recording medium, a video signal of the content recorded on the recording medium; and (a) outputting the obtained video signal to the display device without converting image quality of the video signal, when the obtained output control information does not restrict output of content using a first copyright protection technology, and (b) converting the image quality of the obtained video signal and outputting the video signal to the display device, when the obtained output control information restricts output of content using the first copyright protection technology and output using the first copyright protection technology is performed according to a type of the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Kozuka, Kaoru Murase, Masaya Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9847999
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to techniques for managing a remote authorization to proceed with an action, such as creating a secure network connection. In some examples, a requesting device receives selection of one or more options. The requesting device transmits a request to proceed with an action to an authenticating device. The authenticating device concurrently displays an indication of the request to proceed with the action, information about the selected one or more options, and an indication of the requesting device. The authenticating device receives authorization to proceed with the action and transmits a response to the requesting device regarding the request to proceed with the action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Marcel Van Os, Peter D. Anton, George R. Dicker, Donald W. Pitschel, Nicholas J. Shearer, Oluwatomiwa B. Alabi, Anton K. Diederich
  • Patent number: 9832524
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for configuring television speakers. A television may be configured to operate as a center channel speaker for an audio system. Television speakers may be calibrated according to other speakers utilized by the audio system. The handling of HDMI commands by the television may modified such that the television speakers and the audio system speakers concurrently produce sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Caavo Inc
    Inventors: Sharath Harihapur Satheesh, Shankara Raman Sundararajan, Ashish Aggarwal
  • Patent number: 9823816
    Abstract: A display system including a display apparatus and an upgrading apparatus are provided along with a control method. A display apparatus includes an image processor which processes an image signal, a display which displays the processed image thereon, a connector to which an upgrading apparatus comprising at least one upgrading function is connected and a controller which communicates with the upgrading apparatus and controls the display to display thereon a user interface (UI) screen displaying at least one upgrading function list generated by the upgrading apparatus in response to a user selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hong-ju Na, Ho-woong Kang, Kil-soo Park
  • Patent number: 9826228
    Abstract: A video processing system is provided with video encoding apparatus 1 and video decoding apparatus 2. The encoding apparatus 1 outputs a maximum delay time that is incurred by backward prediction, in addition to encoded data D1 resulting from encoding of video data D0. The decoding apparatus 2 effects input of the maximum delay time that is incurred by backward prediction, in addition to encoded data D1 from the encoding apparatus 1. Then the decoding apparatus 2 decodes the encoded data D1 with reference to the input maximum delay time to generate motion video data D2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: NTT DOCOMO, INC.
    Inventors: Satoru Adachi, Choong Seng Boon, Sadaatsu Kato, Minoru Etoh, Thiow Keng Tan
  • Patent number: 9819980
    Abstract: Method, system, and programs for assessing viewing quality of media objects (e.g., advertisements) are provided. In one example, information regarding one or more delivery conditions of an advertisement that is served at a user device is received. Viewing quality of the advertisement is estimated based on the one or more delivery conditions. Information regarding one or more advertising pricing parameters related to the advertisement is received. The viewing quality of the advertisement and the one or more advertising pricing parameters are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: VIDEOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Sreenivas Buddha, Matthew Grierson
  • Patent number: 9792362
    Abstract: Provided is a video search system and method. The video search system includes: a search engine configured to extract video data matching a search condition from an original video; and a browsing engine configured to generate a summarized video based on the extracted video data, render a plurality of objects in the summarized video on a background model in an overlapping manner in an object appearing order in the original video, and display the rendered objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Hanwha Techwin Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong Jun Park, Jeong Eun Lim, Ho Jung Lee
  • Patent number: 9774814
    Abstract: A system for controlling a display device, includes a display control device, an electrical switch connected to an electrical power source, and a motion sensor connected to the display control device. In a case where the motion sensor senses a motion, the motion sensor provides the sensed motion as an input to the display control device, and the display control device, in turn, controls the electrical switch and controls a supply of power to the display device. Further, the system includes a signal source, the signal source having at least an audio or video signal, and a switchbox connected to the display control device. The display control device operates the switchbox to control a transmission of at least one of the audio and video signals from the signal source received by the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Inventor: Mohammed Tawfiq Aljhdali
  • Patent number: 9699490
    Abstract: This disclosure provides examples of computer-implemented systems and processes for determining a user browsing session context, intent, or activity based on contextual information associated with a user's browsing session, and using this determined context as a basis to filter or improve selection of content items for the user. For example, if the user is building up a watch list (for example, discovering new titles), then it may be desirable to filter out items for recommendation which are already on that watch list. However, when the user is searching for something to watch in the current session (for example, consuming content), then it may be more appropriate to show items already added to the watch list as recommended content. Item recommendations can thus be improved or filtered based in part on parameters of the user's browsing activity with respect to content items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Philip Japp
  • Patent number: 9621955
    Abstract: A computer system determines user scores for each channel. The user scores for a respective channel are based on activity of the users accessing one or more media items of the respective channel. The system determines a channel score for the respective channel using the user scores that correspond to the respective channel The channel score indicates a likelihood of the respective channel to have repeated user visits. The system determines a set of the channels relevant to one or more users, and causes a subset of the set of channels to be selected for promotion to the one or more users based on channel scores for the set of channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Thabet Alfishawi, Ankur Ramakant Khetan, Mark Stevens
  • Patent number: 9621835
    Abstract: A device such as a television automatically determines, on initial power up, its geographical location. If the television is determined to be residing in a retail store location it will automatically default to retail mode where picture and audio quality will be set to pre-specified settings conducive to a retail environment where the ambient light and sound levels are not what would typically be found in a residential environment. The invention consists of a software module and a database resident in the television that can determine, from interrogating either a GPS chip set, or obtaining identifying data from an attached wired or wireless network and matching the data to identifying data for retail store locations to determine if the television is located in a retail store. If the location of the television is determined to be in a retail store the television will initialize the video and audio quality for a retail store environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Vizio, Inc
    Inventor: Matthew Blake McRae
  • Patent number: 9591071
    Abstract: Features are disclosed for managing presentation of content to improve the content consumption experience as a user moves around or when there are multiple users. Based on user positions within a content consumption location and optionally on the layout of the location, presentation of content can be adjusted. The volume of audio content may be raised or lowered based on a user's position. Audio or visual content can be paused or stopped if a user leaves the location or the user's view is obstructed. When multiple users are consuming a content item, one or more users may have priority and any adjustment may be made to first improve the experience of the priority user. In some cases, no user has priority, and adjustments may be made to improve the experience of many or all users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Audible, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Scott Goldstein, Ajay Arora, Douglas Cho Hwang, Guy Ashley Story, Jr., Shirley C. Yang
  • Patent number: 9583069
    Abstract: Implementations relate to systems and methods for detection and management of viewing conditions. One or more sensor devices can be provided for a user to monitor, manage, and adjust viewing conditions to promote the health and the user's health and vision. The sensor device(s) can include a distance detection device, and others. The sensor device(s) can be or include one or more detachable devices which can be attached or affixed to eyeglasses or other wearable articles. Viewing conditions such as viewing an object or source for too long and/or at too close a distance can trigger various responses, such as a vibrating or other signal to break the concentration of focus to refresh the eyes. The sensor device(s) can also or instead be configured with user profiles to regulate the type or nature of content the user is viewing, for example to restrict television viewing by children using parental controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Inventor: Christopher H. Son
  • Patent number: 9578477
    Abstract: An information processing method and an electronic device are provided to rend key content of a short message in picture and text so that the user may observe the key content of the short message clearly and quickly. The method includes extracting target content from the content of a short message upon receiving the short message, with the target content corresponding to a preset field of the short message and generating and displaying a graphics-text card according to the target content, such that content rendered in the graphics-text card is matched with the content of the short message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: LENOVO (BEIJING) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Zhiming Meng
  • Patent number: 9542078
    Abstract: A communication apparatus includes a detection unit and a display control unit. The detection unit detects a network. The display control unit causes a display unit to display information. In a case where information about a provider providing a network is not obtained from the network detected by the detection unit, the display control unit causes the display unit to display identification information about the network. In a case where information about a provider providing the network is obtained from the network, the display control unit causes the display unit to display information about the provider instead of causing identification information about the network to be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuo Moritomo
  • Patent number: 9521466
    Abstract: A method for providing programs, the method includes: (i) providing a program multiplex to multiple users device; (ii) considering a removal of at least one program from the multiplex in response to program viewing parameters; (iii) allowing at least one user to respond to a possible removal of the program; and (iv) determining whether to remove the al least one program in response to received user removal responses. A user device that includes a transceiver unit that is connected to a controller, wherein the device is adapted to receive a program multiplex, to receive an indication that at least one program is to be removed from the multiplex, and to selectively transmit a program removal response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: ARRIS Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Swaminatha Vasudevan, Pritesh Mukeshbhai Dave, Kumaraguru Dhandapani, Ran Oz, Nery Strasman
  • Patent number: 9503792
    Abstract: Disclosed are a display apparatus and a method of setting up a channel of the same. The method includes receiving a channel retrieval request on a setting screen displayed on the display apparatus, retrieving a determined frequency band corresponding to the received channel retrieval request, and selecting one of a terrestrial broadcasting mode and a cable broadcasting mode in response to a retrieval result. Thus, automatically retrieving a frequency band corresponding to one connected broadcasting mode of a terrestrial broadcasting mode and a cable broadcasting mode is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yui-yoon Lee, Sang-min Lim
  • Patent number: 9451315
    Abstract: Systems and methods for efficiently loading interactive media guide data based on user history are provided. A plurality of asset descriptions associated with a first media asset is received. A second media asset related to the first media asset is identified. An asset description is selected form the plurality of asset descriptions based on user history of accessing the second media asset. Data for the first media asset is loaded. Data for the first media asset comprises the selected asset description.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Pearlman, Camron Shimy
  • Patent number: 9445040
    Abstract: The present invention is a device that provides aroma sensory information while viewing a program from a multimedia device. The aroma signals are merged in real-time with the video and sound signals into a novel encoded digital stream. The aroma scents are stored in the device and are activated by the novel digital stream broadcast signal. Once activated, the scents are dispersed into the viewing room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Ricardo Roosevelt Watson
  • Patent number: 9424654
    Abstract: Analog circuits for detecting edges in pixel arrays are disclosed. A comparator may be configured to receive an all pass signal and a low pass signal for a pixel intensity in an array of pixels. A latch may be configured to receive a counter signal and a latching signal from the comparator. The comparator may be configured to send the latching signal to the latch when the all pass signal is below the low pass signal minus an offset. The latch may be configured to hold a last negative edge location when the latching signal is received from the comparator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Norman F Prokop
  • Patent number: 9307279
    Abstract: A digital broadcasting receiving apparatus with improved start-up speed and a start-up method for the digital broadcasting receiving apparatus are provided. The start-up method for the digital broadcasting receiving apparatus includes performing a booting operation related to a central processing unit (CPU) when the digital broadcasting receiving apparatus is powered on, performing a channel decoding operation related to a channel to be displayed while the CPU booting is being performed, and displaying the channel decoded by the channel decoding operation when the CPU booting and the channel decoding are finished. Accordingly, the start-up time of the digital broadcasting receiving apparatus can be remarkably reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Choon-sik Jung, Kang-wook Chun
  • Patent number: 9280201
    Abstract: An electronic device switching over a turning on, a turning off and a standby mode is disclosed. The electronic device comprises a sensing unit and a host processing unit. The sensing unit senses a frame image and generates a sensing signal in the standby mode. The host processing unit is electrically connected to the sensing unit for receiving the image signal and performing a host function according to the sensing signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: MSTAR SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventors: Shih-Chang Wang, Jung-Tai Lin
  • Patent number: 9210466
    Abstract: Viewers use remote controls to generate mute signals based on broadcast programming. Those mute signals are processed into mute messages, which are sent to viewers' television audio controls, which mute and un-mute broadcast audio based on the mute messages. Accurate mute messages are generated based in part on various mute signal statistics derived from mute signal streams. Sending mute signals can result in mute signal point credits, and receiving mute messages can result in mute point debits. Additionally, more accurate mute signals can result in greater mute point credits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Inventor: Delia Stokes Stephens
  • Patent number: 9191607
    Abstract: An information display device, which facilitates obtainment of information about an object in video, includes: a related information obtaining unit which obtains related information including (i) positional information indicating a first position of a currently displayed object on a video display screen of a video display device that is external to the information display device and (ii) object information indicating attribute information of the object; a display unit which displays the object information in the related information obtained by the related information obtaining unit; and a display control unit which controls the display unit so that the object information is displayed at a second position on the display unit corresponding to the first position indicated by the positional information in the related information, in coordination with a display of the object on the video display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Mitsufusa Kondo
  • Patent number: 9173000
    Abstract: A server sends to a video device such as a TV a remote user interface (RUI) that is presented on the TV and manipulable to send control commands back to the server. A companion device such as a tablet computer discovers the RUI session and is provided by the server with its own RUI, which mirrors that on the TV, modified as appropriate for the screen of the companion device. The server maintains the two RUIs synchronized such that the RUI on the companion mirrors the RUI on the TV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Graham Clift, Jenke Wu Kuo
  • Patent number: 9131191
    Abstract: The current invention addresses the problem of causing closed captioning to be launched or not launched automatically when a viewer mutes the audio on a digital television. The current invention allows for individualized options associated with a particular viewer. These options can be selected from a plurality of options either manually or automatically as determined by the viewer settings or viewer behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Vizio Inc.
    Inventors: John Schindler, William Pat Price
  • Patent number: 9116610
    Abstract: A screen ST1 of an LCD with which a digital camera is provided displays an icon of a folder F1 indicating that the folder F1 has been selected. Image files P11 and P12 are captured reproduced images. A display frame SC displays a currently captured picture of an object, files P11 and P12, and the icon of the folder F1. To switch the folder F1 to a folder F2, the user presses a down button of a cross key 27. When the user presses the down button on the screen ST1, the screen ST1 is switched to a screen ST3 through a screen ST2. On the screen ST2, the number denoted in the icon is changed. The screen ST2 displays a state of which the folders are being switched. An icon displayed on the screen ST3 indicates that the folder F1 was switched to the folder F2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Miwako Yoritate, Motoki Kobayashi, Yoshimitsu Funabashi, Shinichi Iriya, Kayo Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9071769
    Abstract: A method for determining a type of video signal to be output is provided. The method includes: respectively extracting detection signals in video signals in different video output interface modes; respectively converting the extracted detection signal into a direct current voltage signal; and respectively comparing the direct current voltage signal with a voltage threshold, and determining, according to a comparison result, a type of video signal to be output. An embodiment further provides an apparatus for determining a type of video signal to be output. The embodiments of the present invention, by respectively extracting a detection signal included in a video signal in each video output interface mode, and comparing a voltage of the detection signal with a voltage threshold, determine whether a corresponding DAC port in the each video output interface mode is connected to a load terminal, and thereby determine a video signal to be output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Huawei Device Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Juntao Chen
  • Patent number: 9053658
    Abstract: A display system including a display apparatus and an upgrading apparatus are provided along with a control method. A display apparatus includes an image processor which processes an image signal, a display which displays the processed image thereon, a connector to which an upgrading apparatus comprising at least one upgrading function is connected and a controller which communicates with the upgrading apparatus and controls the display to display thereon a user interface (UI) screen displaying at least one upgrading function list generated by the upgrading apparatus in response to a user selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hong-ju Na, Ho-woong Kang, Kil-soo Park
  • Patent number: 9041866
    Abstract: A receiving apparatus including a first communication unit that receives first image data from a transmission apparatus, a second communication unit that receives second image data from the transmission apparatus, a power supply unit that supplies power to at least one of the first communication unit and the second communication unit, and a control unit that causes a display device to display an image generated based on the first image data and the second image data, where the control unit controls the power supply unit so as to limit power supply to one of the first communication unit and the second communication unit in response to completion of the display of the image by the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seiji Matsunaga, Noriaki Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20150103248
    Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitates advertising of products are disclosed. Such a system can include a rendering component that visually displays an item of content associated with the product and a content management component that provides the item of content to the rendering component. The system can retrieve and display content by way of an on-board memory, Internet (or network) source, peer-to-peer source or the like. The content can be related to a product review, preview, instructions or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Carl Zealer
  • Patent number: 9007526
    Abstract: A display device and a method of upgrading the same are disclosed. The display device, such as a Smart TV, may include a broadcast receiver for receiving a broadcast signal, a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the received broadcast signal, a decoder for decoding the demultiplexed broadcast signal, and a display for displaying the decoded broadcast signal. The display device may also include an external device interface for receiving upgrade data from an upgrade device. A controller may be configured to process the received broadcast signal for display on the display and to upgrade the display device using the received upgrade data. The upgrade data may include at least one function. A control module may be configured to assign the at least one function to at least one of the upgrade device or the controller to execute the function on the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Wooseong Chung, Dohyung Kim, Kyutae Ahn, Hwemo Kim, Chongsok Kim, Jaehan Park, Seoksoo Lee
  • Patent number: 8994881
    Abstract: An example method and apparatus for audio-visual communication is provided. In some examples, a method as disclosed herein may include receiving an incoming call indication comprising a conversation request from a remote party, wherein the outgoing call request is displayed in a visual communication screen area on a display; establishing a communication link with the remote party in an instance in which an answering signal has been received, the communication link enabling a multi-directional audio and visual conversation; and causing a received video of the remote party to be displayed in the visual communication screen area, wherein the display is operable to display multimedia content in a multimedia screen area simultaneously with the received video of the remote party in the visual communication screen area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: AmTRAN Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fang-Yuan Shyu
  • Patent number: 8994880
    Abstract: A system for automatically setting a power saving mode according to a location of a device, such as a TV. The system includes an interface, e.g. GPS receiver, terrestrial broadcast receiver, network interface, etc. for coupling the device to one or more external devices; a processor; programming executable on said processor for performing the following steps: determining the location of the device via communication with the one or more external devices; establishing a power consumption mode according to the determined location of the device and one or more power consumption regulatory requirements associated with said device location; and adjusting a function of the device to modify the power consumption of the device according to said power consumption mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Shintani, Koichi Oshima, Graham Clift, Stephane Lejeune, Brant Candelore
  • Patent number: 8990437
    Abstract: A software or hardware agent running on a personal computing (PC) device provides allows a consumer electronic device connected to the PC device over a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) network to control the PC device using standardized commands. This enables a user to control the PC device and other consumer electronic devices that are connected to the HDMI network using a single interface. The agent responds as a consumer electronic device and translates the standardized commands as universal serial bus (USB) human interface device (HID) input reports to the PC device operating system. The agent represents the specific capabilities of the PC device as standard consumer electronic device controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Nvidia Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Overby, Robert William Chapman
  • Patent number: 8982279
    Abstract: An HDMI® source determines whether or not an HDMI® sink can receive a sub-signal based on VSDB of E-EDID. When the HDMI® sink can receive the sub-signal, the HDMI® source adds a sub-signal to pixel data of a main image composed of pixel data whose number of bits is smaller than that of transmission pixel data transmitted by a transmitter, thereby constructing transmission pixel data. This data is transmitted by the transmitter through TMDS channels #0 to #2. Furthermore, the HDMI® source transmits a general control packet containing sub-signal information indicating whether or not the sub-signal is contained in the transmission pixel data in the control period of a vertical blanking period. The present invention can be applied to, for example, HDMI®.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Suzuki, Katsuji Matsuura
  • Patent number: 8982278
    Abstract: An HDMI® source determines whether or not an HDMI® sink can receive a sub-signal based on VSDB of E-EDID. When the HDMI® sink can receive the sub-signal, the HDMI® source adds a sub-signal to pixel data of a main image composed of pixel data whose number of bits is smaller than that of transmission pixel data transmitted by a transmitter, thereby constructing transmission pixel data. This data is transmitted by the transmitter through TMDS channels #0 to #2. Furthermore, the HDMI® source transmits a general control packet containing sub-signal information indicating whether or not the sub-signal is contained in the transmission pixel data in the control period of a vertical blanking period. The present invention can be applied to, for example, HDMI®.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Suzuki, Katsuji Matsuura
  • Patent number: 8970789
    Abstract: There is provided a receiving apparatus. The receiving apparatus comprises, among other things, a transmitting unit that transmits a power-on command that instructs the transmitting apparatus detected by the detecting unit to turn on power when there is no connecting unit whose status signal has been changed from “unable” to “able” as a result of the determination made by the determining unit, the transmitting unit causing the determining unit to perform the determination again after transmitting the power-on command, and a control unit that, when there is a connecting unit whose status signal has been changed from “unable” to “able” as a result of the determination made by the determining unit, controls the selecting unit so as to select the connecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Tokoro
  • Patent number: 8970793
    Abstract: This display device (100) includes a display panel (2) including a substrate mounting member (5) covering a backlight source (4b) and a cover member (6) arranged to partially cover the rear surface of the substrate mounting member and to expose a region in the periphery of at least an outer peripheral portion (51) of the rear surface of the substrate mounting member. The substrate mounting member has a side surface portion (51a, 51b, 51c, 51d), while a corner portion (51e, 51f, 51g, 51h) of the outer peripheral portion formed by the side surface portion of the substrate mounting member has such a shape that adjacent ones of the side surface portion are bonded to each other without a clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Yokawa, Yasuyuki Fukumoto, Yasuhiro Mori, Takahito Yamanaka, Yuki Kita, Akihiro Fujikawa, Yuto Suzuki, Hirofumi Horiuchi, Hirohiko Tsuji, Hideo Yonezawa
  • Patent number: 8964120
    Abstract: A storage medium disposed in a television is provided. A code of a television software system is stored in the storage medium. The television software system includes a first application, a second application and an application management module. The first application has a first function library. The second application has a second function library different from the first function library. The application management module manages the first application and the second application according to the first function library and the second function library, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: MStar Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Ying-Jui Huang, Yi-Wei Huang, Wen-Jin Tien
  • Patent number: 8963941
    Abstract: An image display apparatus that displays an image on the basis of input image signals corresponding to sub-pixels forming one pixel includes a shift-amount storing unit that stores shift amounts of display positions of the sub-pixels relative to given reference positions in a display image, an image-signal correcting unit that corrects the input image signals according to the shift amounts, and an image display unit that displays an image on the basis of the image signals corrected by the image-signal correcting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Takumi Aragaki, Hiroshi Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 8947598
    Abstract: Provided is a method for displaying a wallpaper that includes setting a broadcast picture display function to display a specific broadcast picture as a wallpaper in response to a user's request; changing a standby mode to a digital broadcasting reception mode at preset time intervals to periodically capture a picture from a digital broadcast delivered on a specific channel if the broadcast picture display function is set; and displaying the captured picture as a wallpaper for the digital broadcasting reception terminal. The digital broadcasting reception terminal can periodically capture a picture from a digital broadcast program currently delivered and display the captured picture as a wallpaper even when the user does not view the digital broadcast program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Gun-Su Lee
  • Patent number: 8941782
    Abstract: A display system comprising: a display apparatus which comprises a first data processor to perform a first data processing, an output unit to output the processed data, at least one first signal connector to transmit and receive data and a first controller to control the first data processor; and an upgrading apparatus which comprises at least one second signal connector connected to the first signal connector to connect the display apparatus from the outside, a second data processor to perform a second data processing, and a second controller to control the second data processor. The first data processor and the second data processor perform the data processing independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Su-mi Kim, Jung-geun Kim, Ki-nam Kim, Chang-seog Ko, Jun-sik Choi, Seung-jun Lee
  • Patent number: 8938760
    Abstract: The present invention provides a TV box, where the TV box is connected to a display via lined connection or wireless connection, and the TV box includes a control unit, a network interface circuit and an output unit. The control unit connects to a first external server and an audio/video source via the network interface circuit, the control unit obtains a channel list from the first external server, and obtain audio/video information from the audio/video source by referring to a user inputted command and the channel list, where contents of the channel list is allowed to be edited by a user, and the control unit transmits the audio/video information to the display via the output unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Browan Communications Inc.
    Inventors: Cheng-Jen Yang, Hung-Wen Chen
  • Patent number: 8928820
    Abstract: A method includes receiving a request to tune to a first desired television channel of a cable spectrum provided in a radio frequency (RF) signal received in a multi-tuner circuit configured to receive and process the entire cable spectrum, determining a channel of the channels including the first desired television channel, disabling the channels other than the determined channel, and processing the RF signal in the determined channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Silcon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Abdulkerim L. Coban, Mustafa H. Koroglu