For Receiving More Than One Format At Will (e.g., Ntsc/pal) Patents (Class 348/555)
  • Patent number: 8214859
    Abstract: A user interface receives a user selection of a video content item. The video content item is available in a high definition (HD) format and a non-HD format via a broadband network access line. A format selector automatically selects which format of the video content item from the HD format and the non-HD format to retrieve via the broadband network access line. The format is automatically selected based on at least one rule. A receiver receives the video content item via the broadband network access line in the format automatically selected by the format selector. A television display displays the video content item received by the receiver and in the format automatically selected by the format selector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Philip Ted Kortum, Marc Andrew Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8208070
    Abstract: When a video output apparatus (100) is connected, a video display apparatus (200) obtains information of content data stored in the video output apparatus (100). Then, based on the obtained information, the video display apparatus (200) determines whether the content data is decodable with respect to itself. If it is not decodable, it requests the video output apparatus (100) to decode the content data before transferring the content data using a data transfer method specified. By doing this, an appropriate transfer protocol is selected automatically when transferring content data between the video display apparatus (200) and the video output apparatus (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Teruki Kikkawa, Yoshikazu Shibamiya, Yasushi Shikata, Hirofumi Urabe, Daisuke Takayanagi, Chika Masuda
  • Patent number: 8189107
    Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are provided. After receipt of visual data, an aspect of the frequency response associated with the visual data is changed. Thereafter, subsequent processing is performed on the visual data, based on information extracted from and related to the aspect of the frequency response change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: NVIDIA Corporation
    Inventor: William S. Herz
  • Publication number: 20120113324
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a receiver capable of reducing influence of disturbance waves and capable of receiving analog and digital broadcast signals without interference with a single front end module, without leading to complexity of the configuration. A receiver 10 includes, on a module board 11, a first terrestrial wave tuner 16 and second terrestrial wave tuner 17 which receive broadcast signals of a first frequency band, and a first satellite wave tuner 14 which receives broadcast signals of a second frequency band different from the first frequency band, with the first satellite wave tuner 14 being situated between the first terrestrial wave tuner 16 and the second terrestrial wave tuner 17. The present invention can be applied to receivers receiving broadcast signals of different frequency bands, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshikazu Yoshida, Hideaki Ozawa, Mitsuru Ikeda, Hidetoshi Kurihara, Koji Yoshida, Masaru Shimanuki, Tadashi Imai
  • Publication number: 20120113323
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for comparing a low quality broadcast to a high quality broadcast on a display device to show users the benefits of a high quality broadcast over a low quality broadcast. The display device capabilities are detected and compared to retrieved requirements for displaying a high quality broadcast. If the display requirements are met, retrieving the high quality broadcast and displaying the low quality and high quality broadcasts on a display device for user comparison. Then, the user accepts either the high quality or low quality broadcast and displays the high quality broadcast or the low quality broadcast in accordance with the user selection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kulvir S. Bhogal, Gregory J. Boss, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Andrew R. Jones, Brian M. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 8174420
    Abstract: A video encoding apparatus receives a digital video data signal, converts the digital video data signal into an analog video signal and outputs the analog video signal to an externally connected image device. An encoding processor converts the digital video data signal into the analog video signal. A resolution determination unit compares the resolution of an image represented by the digital video data signal with an externally defined resolution. An output controller refers to a result of comparison by the resolution determination unit and, if the externally defined resolution matches the resolution of the image represented by the digital video data signal, outputs the analog video signal. If the resolutions do not match, the output controller restricts the output of the analog video signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventor: Akihiro Sugimura
  • Patent number: 8174627
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for selectively masking image data and inhibiting projection of light corresponding to the masked image data. Projection devices include a light engine to project light onto a surface within an available field of projection and a processing unit configured to selectively mask image data in response to user input defining a desired field of view. The masked image data is that image data corresponding to areas outside the desired field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Frederick D. Taft, Kenneth H. Bronstein, David H. Ochs, James R. Andreas
  • Patent number: 8169544
    Abstract: To eliminate a signal deviation that occurs when scaling processing is performed on image data including multiple signals having different data rates, there is provided an image processing apparatus which performs scaling processing on image data including multiple signals having different data rates and includes a first scaling processing unit that performs a first scaling processing according to a first scale factor in a first area; and a second scaling processing unit that performs a second scaling processing subsequent to the first scaling processing, according to a second scale factor in a second area adjacent to the first area, on a signal having a high data rate using the first scale factor, and performs the second scaling processing on a signal having a low data rate using the second scale factor obtained by correcting the first scale factor, after the first scaling processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Daisuke Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 8166514
    Abstract: A set-box (SBB) is advanced into a receptacle on the rear of a TV to add functionality to the TV. Digital video information is conveyed from the SBB to the TV using respective HDMI connectors on the SBB and TV that mechanically engage each other, whereas bi-directional control information is passed wirelessly between the SBB and TV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Tohru Doumuki
  • Patent number: 8159620
    Abstract: A receiver can handle different types of reception signals, such as, for example, TV and FM-radio signals. In the receiver, a mixer (MIX) mixes a reception signal with an oscillator signal (OOS) so as to obtain a mixer output signal (MOS), which comprises a frequency-shifted version of the reception signal. An intermediate frequency amplifier (IFAMP) applies an amplified mixer output signal (MOSA) to two different intermediate frequency filters: one for first type reception signals and another for second type reception signals. A switchable coupling section (DBTP, SWA) is coupled between the mixer (MIX) and the intermediate frequency amplifier (IFAMP). The switchable coupling section (DBTP, SWA) is switchable to a first state and a second state. In the first state, the mixer output signal (MOS) substantially reaches an input (IAD) of the intermediate frequency amplifier (IFAMP) via a first coupling path (DTBP).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Yeow T. Toh, Kam C. Kwong
  • Patent number: 8159618
    Abstract: A method for searching a signal source suitable for a multimedia apparatus with multiple signal terminals is disclosed. The method provides an ordered search list of the signal terminals to save the search sequence of the signal terminals. The multimedia apparatus sequentially detects the signal terminals according to the ordered search list of the signal terminals to identify whether an input signal is available. When a specific signal terminal of the signal terminals is found to have an input signal, the sequence of the specific signal terminal in the ordered search list of the signal terminals is set as the first sequence position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Coretronic Corporation
    Inventors: Chih-Heng Fan Chiang, Wen-Chang Chien, Hsin-Chi Chen
  • Patent number: 8161388
    Abstract: A system and method for determining the characteristics of a device coupled to a client device are disclosed. A method, according to one embodiment, includes driving a display device with a first video output signal formatted according to a first video interface specification; responsive to driving the display device, soliciting user input based on information included in the first video output signal; determining a characteristic of the display device based on the user input; and driving the display device according to the determined characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventors: Arturo A. Rodriguez, Robert O. Banker, Darryl S. Delacruz, David B. Lett, Ajith N. Nair, James W. Kiker
  • Patent number: 8154660
    Abstract: A method of controlling a display device selectively displaying one of a first signal received from a first signal source and a second signal received from a second signal source is provided. The method includes the steps of: displaying the second signal; detecting whether the first signal is received; and displaying the first signal when the first signal is received by the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corporation
    Inventors: Chih-Ming Chang, Sheng-Ke Lin, Yen-Lung Lin
  • Patent number: 8154665
    Abstract: A broadcast receiver in which a digital broadcasting and an analog broadcasting can be received includes a judgment unit for judging that the analog broadcasting is terminated when a preset condition is met and a deletion unit for carrying out a deletion process for deleting a predetermined function for the analog broadcasting when the analog broadcasting is judged as being terminated by the judgment unit, and the deletion unit executes an analog channel deletion process to delete a channel data of the analog broadcasting in a channel map and an analog display control process function deletion process to delete a display control process function for showing an indication to select the predetermined function for the analog broadcasting in a display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsuo Miyagawa
  • Patent number: 8111334
    Abstract: A signal switching apparatus includes: a video reference input block; a plurality of synchronous signal generating blocks; a plurality of video signal input blocks; a signal processing block; a video signal output processing block; a switching block; and a control block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoji Mizutani, Masato Noguchi
  • Patent number: 8064748
    Abstract: An interface is realized that can prevent video signals from being copied easily and which uses a luminance/color difference signal transmission scheme with an excellent harmony with a television circuit. In a video transmission using a digital interface, colorimetry information for defining the conversion from the luminance/color difference signal into a primary color signal and video aspect ratio information are transmitted along with the luminance/color difference type video signal. This allows reproduction of video with high quality and high resolution and also realizes a copyright protection which allows only the users authorized by key information to use the content of the video. With this transmission scheme, it is possible to provide a transmitting apparatus, a receiving apparatus and an interface which highly harmonize with a rationalized television-based circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshimitsu Watanabe, Hitoaki Owashi, Kazuhiko Yoshizawa
  • Patent number: 8049818
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a video processing method and apparatus capable of performing a proper video process corresponding to various color systems. A decoder extracts color information from a received video signal including vertical synchronous information for a vertical scanning frequency of a picture, color information of the picture, and frequency information corresponding to the color information. A frequency evaluator evaluates the received vertical scanning frequency and the received frequency of the video signal color information on the basis of the vertical synchronous information and the frequency information of the color information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeong-Shan Na
  • Publication number: 20110234906
    Abstract: Disclosure is generally directed to a television receiver with multiple inputs, some accepting a local broadcast and some accepting satellite transmissions or transmissions across another network. The television receiver may pass local transmissions through to a display in their original form and at their original frequency, while retuning the display to receive the transmission at its original frequency. The television receiver may also receive, process and provide satellite or other types of programming to the television as necessary. The output of the receiver's modulator may switch back and forth as a user changes between local broadcast and satellite channels. Further, an EPG may be provided that includes information for both programming sources in an integrated fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: Markus Wayne Jackson
  • Patent number: 8014446
    Abstract: A method is provided for receiving and processing a digital radio broadcasting signal. The method includes the steps of receiving a digital radio broadcasting signal including content, storing encoded content, and decoding the stored encoded content to recover decoded content. The stored encoded content can include protocol data units or packets. The stored encoded content can be recovered by decoding the encoded content according to a logical protocol stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: iBiquity Digital Corporation
    Inventors: Chinmay Shah, Armond Capparelli, Joseph F. D'Angelo, Ashwini Pahuja, Jordan Scott, Girish Warrier
  • Patent number: 8009236
    Abstract: A transmission relay circuit, a broadcast signal relay method, and a signal detection device are disclosed. Preferably, the transmission relay circuit includes a microcontroller, a broadcast signal sensing and discerning circuit configured for determining the broadcast signal selected from a group consisting of (NTSC, ASI, DS-3, SDI, and HD-SDI signals). The method preferably includes the steps of determining a signal type, directing the signal to an analog broadcast signal processing circuit when the signal is determined to be to be an analog video signal, directing the signal to a digital broadcast signal processing circuit when the signal is either a digital video signal, or a digital video transport signal, and relaying the processed signal to a local loop provider. The detection device preferably includes at least a multi-layer printed circuit board with an isolation/buffer amplifier and terminator, and a signal detection circuit for detecting and determining the broadcast signal type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Keener, John S. Jones, Peter L. Ward
  • Patent number: 7992184
    Abstract: A set-box (SBB) is advanced into a receptacle on the rear of a TV to add functionality to the TV. Digital video information is conveyed from the SBB to the TV using respective HDMI connectors on the SBB and TV that mechanically engage each other, whereas bi-directional control information is passed wirelessly between the SBB and TV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Tohru Doumuki
  • Patent number: 7982804
    Abstract: Image quality adjustment of an inputted image signal is performed with higher accuracy to display a more preferable image to the user. An attribute information determining unit obtains first attribute information indicating the format of the inputted image signal and second attribute information indicating transmission characteristics of the image signal. An image quality adjustment value calculating unit calculates optimal image quality adjustment values for the image signal from the obtained first and second attribute information. An image processing unit adjusts the image quality of the image signal based on the optimal image quality adjustment values and then outputs the image to an image display. The second attribute information includes the bit rate, resolution, and frame rate of the image signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takehiro Uzawa, Masato Oshikiri, Haruki Takata, Hidenori Takata
  • Publication number: 20110170005
    Abstract: A mobile media device may preemptively switch from a terrestrial video signal of a simulcast to a mobile video signal of the same simulcast upon detecting displacement motion. In one example, an apparatus includes a display configured to display video data, and a signal selection unit configured to determine whether the apparatus is moving, wherein the signal selection unit is configured to cause the display to display video data from a terrestrial signal of a simulcast broadcast when the apparatus does not detect displacement motion, and wherein the signal selection unit is configured to cause the display to display video data from a mobile signal of the simulcast broadcast when the signal selection unit detects displacement motion. In this manner, the apparatus may avoid loss of data from the terrestrial video signal that may be caused while moving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventors: Gilad Bornstein, Eitan Yacobi, Constantine Elster
  • Patent number: 7969508
    Abstract: A method and apparatus output a video signal in a format suitable for a TV. The method of outputting a video signal in a format suitable for a TV includes reading information from a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag attached to a TV receiver, extracting information regarding a TV output format from the read information, and outputting a video signal in the TV output format specified in the extracted information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eun-sung Cho
  • Patent number: 7940337
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing signals in a communication system are disclosed and may include demodulating a wirelessly received inband signal and a wirelessly received out-of-band signal via a DTV receiver. One or more TV channels may be generated based on the demodulation of the wirelessly received inband signal and a wirelessly received out-of-band signal. The received inband signal may include a VSB signal, a NTSC signal and/or a QAM signal. The processing may also include determining whether the wirelessly received inband signal includes an analog signal or a digital signal. The digital signal may be error corrected, and the error corrected digital signal may be equalized. The analog signal may be decoded, and an audio output may be generated based on the decoding of the analog signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventors: Maneesh Goyal, Charles A. Brooks, Randall B. Perlow
  • Publication number: 20110102683
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing access to program channels, e.g., high definition programs and program channels which corresponding to a standard definition program and/or program channels are described. In accordance with the invention, a high definition auto tune function is supported. When enabled, in one exemplary embodiment, if a user selects a standard program definition channel, a check is automatically made to determine if a corresponding high definition program channel is available. The corresponding high definition program channel is a channel which provides the same program as on the selected standard definition channel but in high definition. When the auto tune function is enabled and a corresponding high definition channel is available, the device, e.g., set to box or tuner implementing the auto tune feature of the present invention, automatically tunes to the high definition channel instead of the standard definition channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Hugh Josephs
  • Patent number: 7934245
    Abstract: In order to accurately display information on the format of different signals from respective different signal source apparatuses as an image, the output signals of analog signal sources are supplied through an interface, signal lines and other interfaces to an analog signal processing circuit. Also, output signals of digital signal sources and output signals of information generating circuits are synthesized by multiplexers and supplied to a demultiplexer through interfaces, buses and an interface. The signals from the separated signal sources are processed in a digital signal processing circuit. The signals from the separated generating circuits are supplied to an information processing circuit, so that an image corresponding to the information indicating the format of the apparatus and/or the output signal is formed, and is synthesized with the signals from the signal processing circuits to be supplied to a monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Utsunomiya, Futoshi Kaibuki, Satoshi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7929062
    Abstract: A channel scanning method is provided that is performed by a digital broadcast receiver having a plurality of tuners. The channel scanning method includes determining whether channel data exists in a channel, and if channel data exists in the channel, storing information regarding the channel obtained by parsing the channel data, and moving ahead by a number of channels corresponding to the number of tuners included in the digital broadcast receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keum-yong Oh
  • Patent number: 7916215
    Abstract: A detection system and method for detecting received video signal type within a video device. The video device comprises a plurality of signal receivers; the signal receiver is used for receiving a signal, wherein each of the signal receivers receives one type of the corresponding video signal. First, the video device receives the signal, wherein the receivers receives a signal, directly detects one of the signal receivers which is carrying the video signal, and determines the type of the video signal being inputted to the signal receiver; and finally sending the video signal to an image processor for image processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Coretronic Corporation
    Inventors: Chao-Wang Wu, Jyh-Yu Chuang
  • Patent number: 7907208
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, an information processing apparatus configured to be connected to a conversion adaptor having a video input connector and a video output connector, the apparatus including: a video output port complying with the first standard for connection of the video input connector; an image processing module configured to output a first signal when the video input connector is not connected to the video output port, the image processing module being configured to output a second signal when the video input connector is connected to the video output port; and a bias module connected to the video output port and the image processing module and configured to output a third signal to the video output port, the bias module being configured to change physical layer information of the first signal or the second signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Hiroaki Chiba
  • Patent number: 7907660
    Abstract: A modem for use with a computer having a demodulator and a decoder, the modem comprises a hardware interface; a demodulator front-end having a first input and a first output, the first output of the demodulator front-end being configured to interface with the demodulator of the computer and to provide a demodulated front-end signal to the demodulator over the hardware interface; and a forward error correction (FEC) unit having a second input and a second output, the second input of the FEC unit being configured to interface with the demodulator of the computer and to receive a demodulated signal from the demodulator over the hardware interface, the demodulated signal being a demodulation of the demodulated front-end signal, and the second output of the FEC unit being configured to interface with the decoder of the computer and to provide an FEC signal to the decoder over the hardware interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Conexant Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Chi-Ping Nee
  • Patent number: 7898597
    Abstract: A video processing apparatus uses information related to an image quality of an inputted video signal which is to be displayed on a display apparatus and a determination table in which video display sizes previously set in accordance with video resolution or bit rate are held to determine an optimal size for displaying the inputted video signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirofumi Urabe, Shuntaro Aratani
  • Patent number: 7898598
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for judging video modes are provided. The method compares the values of the corresponding pixels of two consecutive frames in a video data to obtain a difference value between the two frames and then all of the difference values between any two consecutive frames are collected to form a difference value sequence. The difference value sequence is further amplified by a high pass filter and then compared with a threshold value. The comparison result is provided for successively judging the movie mode of the video data. Since the amplified signal values are suitable for emphasizing the difference of each frame, the provided method is capable of more correctly identifying the movie mode of the original video data, which further eliminates the drawback in the prior art that it is hard to determine the threshold value or to judge the movie mode thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Novetek Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Tsui-Chin Chen, Hsiao-Ming Huang
  • Patent number: 7876383
    Abstract: A digital broadcasting receiver includes a RF switch to divide an entire channel range of an input broadcasting signal into at least two channel ranges for at least one of a received air broadcasting signal and a cable broadcasting signal, at least two channel searching parts to search each channel range distributed from the RF switch and to check channels in sequence from a lowest channel to a highest channel within the channel range to determine whether one of the digital broadcasting signal and the analog broadcasting signal is received, a memory to record information on a valid channel through which one of the digital broadcasting signal and the analog broadcasting signal is received in the entire channel range of the broadcasting signal, and a CPU to control the at least two channel searching parts in parallel to search each distributed channel range for the valid channel, and to determine the valid channel if the channel searching parts determine that a certain broadcasting signal is received, and to re
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Young-joo Seo
  • Publication number: 20110007218
    Abstract: A method of automatically selecting between a first video programming channel and a second video programming channel in a video content receiver is presented. In the method, the receiver receives video programming carried over at least one of the first channel and the second channel, as well as scheduling information regarding the two channels. The receiver also receives a channel selection for one of the two channels, such as from a user. In response to the channel selection, the receiver compares the scheduling information for the first channel to a current time value. If the scheduling information indicates the first channel is not currently carrying video programming that is available for presentation to the user, the receiver selects the second channel for presentation to the user; otherwise, the receiver selects the first channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: William Norris Moran, Michael Cavanaugh, Anand Menon
  • Patent number: 7852408
    Abstract: A programmable fractional phase-locked loop for generating a 148.50000 MHz high-definition television reference clock and a 148.35164 MHz high-definition reference clock from a 27 MHz crystal is disclosed. To generate the 148.50000 MHz reference clock, the fractional phase-locked loop is multiplied by 11/2, and to generate the 148.35164 MHz reference clock, the fractional phase-locked loop is multiplied by 500/91. Inside the fractional-phase locked loop however, the fraction 11/2 is represented by a denominator that is an integral power of 2, and the fraction 500/91 is represented by a denominator that is an integral multiple of 91.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: LSI Corporation
    Inventor: Ygal Arbel
  • Publication number: 20100289958
    Abstract: An audio/video switchbox includes a housing and one or more jacks on the housing. Each jack is configured to be connected to an end of a signal cable. A logic and control controls operation of the switchbox. The switchbox is connectable to a video display so that video images from the switchbox can be presented on the display. The switchbox is able to present an image on the display requesting that a person indicate which type of signal cable will be used to connect an audio/video device to the switchbox. The switchbox is able to automatically detect when an end of a signal cable selected by the person has been connected to one of the jacks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Suraj C. Iyer, William Berardi, Christine M. Hostage, Leela Keshavan, Valerie S. Liebhold, Andrew Olcott, John Michael Sakalowsky, Conor Sheehan, Lee Zamir
  • Patent number: 7821576
    Abstract: An image processing device includes a synchronizing signal separation section, a counting section, a synchronizing signal determination section, and a video format determination processing section. The synchronizing signal separation section separates a horizontal synchronizing signal from a received broadcasting signal. The counting section counts the pulse number of the separated horizontal synchronizing signal. The synchronizing signal determination section determines presence/absence of a synchronizing signal based on the counted value by the counting section. The video format determination processing section determines a video format of the received broadcasting signal based on the number of scan lines. The video format determination processing section determines the video format only when it is determined that there is a synchronizing signal by the synchronizing signal determination section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seiji Miyabe
  • Patent number: 7804545
    Abstract: A switched input video device has a switched input, video improvement circuitry and/or transcoder circuitry, and a switch for communicating a switched input to at least one of the video improvement circuitry and the transcoder circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Shomi Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Randy L. Burnworth, Karol Freed
  • Patent number: 7788545
    Abstract: A broadcast receiving device includes a card slot, a fan, a temperature sensor, a memory component and a control unit. The card slot accepts an IC card. The fan rotates to cool the IC card. The temperature sensor measures a first temperature. The memory component stores correlation information indicating a correlation between the first temperature and a second temperature of the IC card. The control unit acquires the second temperature based on the first temperature and the correlation information. The control unit determines if the second temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature. The control unit switches from a first output mode, in which an audio-video signal is outputted via the IC card, to a second output mode, in which the audio-video signal is outputted by bypassing the IC card, when the control unit determines that the second temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsutomu Yanagi
  • Patent number: 7777813
    Abstract: A synchronization separation circuit extracts a synchronization timing signal from a video signal, and a burst gate pulse generator generates a timing pulse signal for gating a color burst signal period. In the color burst signal period restricted by the timing pulse signal, a first counter counts up cycles of a color burst signal at a first timing as a rising edge of the color burst signal and a second counter counts up cycles of the color burst signal at a second timing as a falling edge of the color burst signal. A color burst determination circuit receives count values to determine presence/absence of a color burst signal superimposed on the video signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Uno, Tooru Kusumi, Yuusuke Okumoto, Youichirou Mori
  • Patent number: 7756497
    Abstract: The present invention utilizes station preset buttons on a radio frequency receiver to allow the user to browse through the various subchannels included in a single station or channel. The preset buttons still have the standard function of having a frequency and subchannel selection parameter associated with the button that can be used to directly select that subchannel. But subsequent presses of the button may change the currently playing program to a different program contained in the same station or channel using a circular queue ordering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Radiosophy, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A Skeie, Bruce A Young
  • Patent number: 7751996
    Abstract: A D/U ratio is measured for desired and undesired signals in a wireless video transmission system at a shared channel frequency based on a received signal at a geographic location in proximity to regions within respective service areas for the desired and undesired signals. A video tuner demodulates the received signal to generate a baseband video signal. A leveling circuit normalizes the baseband signal. A video processor identifies horizontal sync pulses within the baseband signal, generates a sampled signal comprising the horizontal sync pulses, and removes components of the desired signal from the sampled signal to generate an undesired signal component. A D/U analyzer determines a Fourier transform having a plurality of bins in response to the undesired signal component, identifies at least one of the bins having a spectral peak corresponding to an undesired signal, and calculates the D/U ratio in response to a magnitude of the identified peak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Ardizzone, Robert C. Tenten
  • Patent number: 7707617
    Abstract: A dual mode tuner/receiver is disclosed in which both analog and digital signals can be received and processed. A low pass filter allows all channels below a selected frequency enter the circuit. A precisely controlled dual conversion circuit creates an intermediate frequency (IF) signal. An automatic carrier detection circuit monitors the IF signal and determines whether the signal is of analog or digital format and intermediate frequency filters are adjusted based upon the type of signal detected. A coherent oscillator circuit generates in-phase and quadrature reference signals that are used by video and audio detectors for further processing of the IF signal. In-phase and quadrature outputs are provided for digital signals and composite video and audio outputs are provided for analog signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Microtune (Texas), L.P.
    Inventor: Vince Birleson
  • Patent number: 7701511
    Abstract: In a digital television broadcast signal receiver (TV receiver), when closed caption information of digital TV (DTV-CC) is detected, a DTV-CC logo (first annunciation image) 31 is displayed with superimposing on an image of TV program for announcing that the DTV-CC is included in the digital TV signal, and when closed caption information of NTSC (NTSC-CC) is detected, an NTSC-CC logo (second annunciation image) 32 is displayed with superimposing on the image of TV program for announcing that the NTSC-CC is included in the digital TV signal. Thus, a user can easily recognize whether the DTV-CC and/or NTSC-CC are/is included in the digital TV signal or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Kurose, Takahiro Katayama, Toshihiro Takagi
  • Patent number: 7701466
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing signals are disclosed. The method may include, in a communication device that includes a chip operating to processing video signals, receiving video data from a camera. The received video data may include alternating YUV formatted video data and RGB formatted video data. The received video data may be separated into separate YUV images and separate RGB images. The separate YUV images may be transferred to a first device, and the separate RGB images may be transferred to a second device. The camera may be configured to generate the video data that includes alternating YUV formatted video data and RGB formatted video data. The separate YUV images may be DMA transferred to the first device. A DMA controller may be configured to alternately transfer the separate YUV images and separate RGB images. The alternate transfer via the DMA controller may occur without assistance from on-chip processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Joy Li
  • Patent number: 7697071
    Abstract: A device for detecting a display mode of a video signal having first pixels corresponding to a first field, second pixels corresponding to a second field, and third pixels corresponding to a third field, includes a pixel converter, a measurement circuit, and a decision circuit. The pixel converter converts the second pixels to generate converted pixels. The measurement circuit generates measurement values related to differences between a converted pixel, a first pixel, and a third pixel. The decision circuit determines the display mode of the video signal according to the first, second, and third measurement values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
    Inventors: Chao-Chih Huang, Po-Wei Chao
  • Patent number: 7697069
    Abstract: A two-way Opencable multi-input and multi-output device used with a tuner, and the multi-input and multi-output device includes an over-the-air signal input port connected for an over-the-air signal, a cable signal input port connected for a cable signal, at least one or more splitters to split the over-the-air signal or the cable signal to plural output ports, a shield cable to connect the splitter connected to the over-the-air signal input port and the splitter connected to the cable signal input port. The two-way OpenCable system can prevent transient states upon channel changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young-ho Choi
  • Patent number: 7697070
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed that automatically switch between displaying local standard definition television content and non-local, high definition television content. When the same television content is available for display in both standard and high definition formats, the television converter device preferentially displays the high definition format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventors: Michael T Dugan, Mark W Jackson, Daniel J. Minnick
  • Patent number: 7688390
    Abstract: There is provided a broadcast receiving apparatus having a broadcast receiving unit. The apparatus includes: an instruction receiving unit which receives a broadcasting type selection instruction or a channel number selection instruction, and a control unit which, when the instruction receiving unit receives the broadcasting type selection instruction, controls the broadcast receiving unit to receive a broadcast wave specified by a combination of a current channel number and a type of broadcasting corresponding to the received selection instruction if an elapsed time from latest reception of a channel number selection instruction is not more than a predetermined time, and receive a broadcast wave specified by a combination of a type of broadcasting corresponding to the received selection instruction and a default channel number associated with the type of broadcasting if the elapsed time from the latest reception of a channel number selection instruction is more than the predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Matsubayashi, Kazuna Maruyama, Yoshikazu Shibamiya, Osamu Yonishi, Yasushi Shikata, Koji Mito