Format Detection Patents (Class 348/558)
  • Patent number: 8429713
    Abstract: A method and structure for establishing faster transmission of Consumer Electronic Control (CEC) commands between first and second HDMI-compatible devices. The first and second devices may transmit CEC commands via a shared alternate interface, a signaling path distinct from a standard HDMI CEC interface between the first and second devices. Authentication may furthermore be performed prior to use of the alternate interface to confirm that the communication is authorized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Brant Candelore, Aravind Asam, Peter R Shintani, Robert Blanchard, Takashi Hironaka
  • Publication number: 20130044261
    Abstract: Embodiments for video content source resolution detection are provided. Embodiments enable systems and methods that measure video content source resolution and that provide image-by-image source scale factor measurements to picture quality (PQ) processing modules. With the source scale factor information, PQ processing modules can be adapted dynamically (on a picture-by-picture basis) according to the source scale factor information for better picture quality enhancement. In addition, embodiments provide source resolution detection that is minimally affected by video coding artifacts and superimposed content (e.g., graphics).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Advait MOGRE, Darren NEUMAN, Jaewon SHIN, Brian SCHONER
  • Patent number: 8358382
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method that initializes a display device. An exemplary embodiment comprises scanning an input signal to determine the presence of a cable television signal, proceeding to normal operation of the display device if the cable television signal is present in the input signal, scanning the input signal for an over-the-air television signal if the cable television signal is not present in the input signal, and providing a message indicating potential inappropriate reception of over-the-air signals if the over-the-air television signal is present in the input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: TTE Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene Murphy O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 8352662
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting a Hot Plug Detect (HPD) function in a portable terminal using High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) are provided. The apparatus includes an HPD unit for generating an HPD signal using an operation voltage of a first modem upon connecting to a display apparatus through an HDMI cable, the first modem for enabling a second modem upon detecting the HPD signal, and the second modem for outputting video data upon being enabled by the first modem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ha-Jung Yun, Hae-Jun An, Tae-Wook Lee
  • Patent number: 8351690
    Abstract: A testing method includes following steps. An electronic image is captured by an electronic device. A test device detect whether the image has any black bar. If the image has a black bar, pixel values in the black bar are extracted. If the pixel values in the black bar are all the same, a test result of imaging software error is presented. If the pixel values in the black bar are different from each other, a test result of mechanism error is presented. A test system associated with the testing method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Yi Wu
  • Patent number: 8345164
    Abstract: A video switching apparatus has a plurality of slots each for mounting any of a first input module capable of inputting any one of a plurality of predetermined types of video signals and performing processing, content of which varies depending on the type of input video signal and a second input module capable of inputting only predetermined one type of video signal. The video switching apparatus switches and outputs video signals of a plurality of channels input to the input modules mounted to the plurality of slots. The video switching apparatus includes an input setup data memory processor, a detector, and an input setup changer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Akimitsu Hio, Yuuichi Hayatsu, Norimasa Ozaki, Naomi Itoh
  • Patent number: 8330874
    Abstract: A video signal conversion device performs the process of: selecting a selected video signal out of two or more video signals input; recognizing the signal type of the selected video signal; converting, in accordance with the result of recognition, the selected video signal into a display signal format suitable for a display section and supplying it to the display section; selecting a target video signal from a group of unselected video signals not including the selected video signal, and recognizing the signal type of the target video signal; generating a piece of video information from the result of recognition and storing the piece of video information in a storage section; and reading out, when accepting a switching instruction that instructs to select another video signal as a selected video signal, a piece of video information corresponding to it from the storage section and converting it into the format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Shuzo Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8331676
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a correlation value computing section that computes a correlation value between pixels in a noted image and its preceding and following reference images; a break determining section that determines a break in identical images based on the correlation value between pixels; a successive occurrence counting section that cumulatively counts successive occurrences of identical images as a successive occurrence count, if the noted image is not determined as corresponding to a break; a pattern determining section that determines whether or not the successive occurrence count and a set count match, if the noted image is determined as corresponding to a break; a matching counting section that counts up a matching count if it is determined that the successive occurrence count and the set count match; and a pull-down pattern detecting section that detects a predetermined pull-down pattern if the matching count exceeds a predetermined count.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yasunari Hatasawa
  • Patent number: 8325935
    Abstract: A wireless system including a first speaker and a second speaker, where the first and second speakers communicate with each other over a wireless link. In some configurations, the first speaker includes both a primary wireless interface for receiving audio from an audio source and a secondary wireless interface transmitting a portion of the audio to the second speaker. The speaker can incorporate Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to provide the wireless link between each other. The wireless system can be configured to synchronize audio output at the speakers, and can also include a second-speaker detection mechanism that permits the first speaker to be used in either a stand-alone mode, with audio output at only the first speaker, or full-headset mode, with audio output at both speakers when the second speaker is detected within wireless range of the first speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Phillip Rutschman
  • Patent number: 8325278
    Abstract: When a format of a video signal or an audio signal received by a receiver of a video/audio signal input/output device is switched by a channel selecting operation by a user, a format determiner determines an output format. An output format communicator transmits format information indicating the output format to a video/audio reproduction device through a communicator. After a converter switches the output format, the communicator transmits the video signal and the audio signal to the video/audio reproduction device. When a communicator of the video/audio reproduction device receives the format information, a format switcher switches reproduction setting of a display based on the format information. After that, when the communicator receives the video signal and the audio signal, the display reproduces video and audio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Hirotaka Oku
  • Patent number: 8325236
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to systems and methods for detecting the connection status of a communicatively-connected device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan Severt Hallberg
  • Patent number: 8319895
    Abstract: A signal detection method is provided. The signal detection method for an electronic device having a plurality of terminals to receive signals from a plurality of sources corresponding to the terminals, includes the following steps: providing a sequence index for each terminal; providing a plurality of weighting numbers for the electronic device; comparing the sequence indexes of the terminals to determine a terminal detection sequence when the electronic device is turned on or the signal source changes; detecting the terminals according to the detection sequence; adding one of the weighting number to the sequence index of the terminal with signal traffic. The detection sequence begins at the terminal with a largest sequence index and ends at the terminal with a smallest sequence index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Qisda Corporation
    Inventor: Min-Jye Chen
  • Patent number: 8320132
    Abstract: A computer motherboard includes a display controller, a digital visual interface integrated (DVI-I) connector, and a switching unit. The switching unit includes four first terminals, two second terminals, and a control terminal. Two of the first terminals are respectively connected to clock and data pins of a first display data channel (DDC) of the display controller, the other two first terminals are respectively connected to clock and data pins of a second DDC of the display controller, and the second terminals are respectively connected to DDC clock and DDC data pins of the DVI-I connector. The control terminal is connected to a hot plug detect pin of the DVI-I connector to detect a voltage and correspondingly control the second terminals to be respectively connected to the two first terminals connected to the clock and data pins of the first DDC or the second DDC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiu-Dong Lu, Yi Rui, Jing-Li Xia
  • Patent number: 8314886
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to an electrostatic discharge/electromagnetic interference (ESD/EMI) protection circuit for an integrated circuit. The ESD/EMI protection circuit comprises an input that is adapted to receive a communication signal, a Zener diode pair connected between the input and a ground that is shared with the input, a resistor coupled to the input, and a capacitor coupled in series with the resistor between the input and the integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Shenzhen TCL New Technology Ltd
    Inventor: Ronald Thomas Keen
  • Patent number: 8310599
    Abstract: A television set includes a television set body section which has a display panel in which pixels are arranged at intersections of scan lines and data lines in a matrix; and first and second input terminals provided for the television set body section. A first video signal is displayed on the display panel in a first drive system when the first video signal supplied to the first input terminal is selected. A second video signal is displayed on the display panel in a second drive system when the second video signal supplied to the second input terminal is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiharu Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 8306383
    Abstract: To provide a data structure contributing to managing a moving picture and a still picture efficiently and also provide an apparatus for performing recording and/or playback using such a data structure. A data processor includes: a drive unit for writing at least one still picture file on a level that is lower in hierarchy than a still picture folder of a storage medium; and a control section for generating file specifying information that specifies the storage location of each still picture file in the level and identification information for identifying each still picture file uniquely and for compiling a table that associates the file specifying information and the identification information with each other. The drive unit writes the table as a table file on the storage medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Yahata
  • Patent number: 8300148
    Abstract: A video processing device includes a processor, a voltage conversion circuit, and a Syndicat des Constructeurs d'Appareils Radiorécepteurs et Téléviseurs (SCART) chip. The processor is operable to process video signals, and control a GPIO (general purpose input output) pin to output different mode controlling signals according to different video signal formats. The voltage conversion circuit connected to the GPIO pin is operable to receive the mode controlling signals, and output different voltage signals according to the different format controlling signals. The SCART chip connected to the voltage conversion circuit is operable to receive the video signals and the voltage signals, and process the video signals according to the corresponding voltage signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Te Wu
  • Patent number: 8264608
    Abstract: A television-signal receiver includes: a tuner receiving a television signal; a video demodulation unit for an analog broadcast received by the tuner; an audio demodulation unit for the analog broadcast received by the tuner; a data demodulation unit for a digital broadcast received by the tuner; a channel-selection controller that controls a channel received by the tuner and is capable of presetting the receive channel; and a determination unit that determine a country or region where the tuner receives the broadcasts, based on a receive result by each channel-selection frequency in the tuner, an analysis result of a blanking signal included in a video signal demodulated in the video demodulation unit, an analysis result of data demodulated in the data demodulation unit, and a demodulation result in the audio demodulation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Iwao Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8253854
    Abstract: An image processing engine, comprising: a frame rate conversion entity configured to: (a) generate output pictures from input pictures, the output pictures comprising a set of first output pictures and a plurality of sets of second output pictures, each set of second output pictures being associated with one of the first output pictures, each of the first output pictures being derived from a respective one of the input pictures; and (b) control generation of the set of second output pictures associated with a particular first output picture based upon repetitive pattern presence detection within a related picture that is either (i) the particular first output picture or (ii) the input picture from which the particular first output picture was derived.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Larry Pearlstein, Min Wang, Marinko Karanovic
  • Patent number: 8238725
    Abstract: Systems and methods that provide personal video recording trick modes are provided. In one example, a method that provides a trick mode in a personal video recording system may include the steps of receiving a transport stream; storing data from the transport stream in a data storage; generating index table using the data from the transport stream; receiving a trick mode command; and accessing, based on the trick mode command, particular data in the data storage using the index table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Demas, Marcus Kellerman, Sandeep Bhatia, Srinivasa Mogathala Prabhakara Reddy, Sherman Chen, Vijayananand Aralaguppe, Girish Raghunath Hulamani, Pramod Chandraiah, Ghanashayam Bailwal
  • Patent number: 8223267
    Abstract: There is provided a signal processing apparatus including a first image generating unit, a second image generating unit, a first selecting unit selects at least one of the first image generating unit and the second image generating unit and outputs an image, an image signal processing unit that performs signal processing on the image and outputs the processed image, a second selecting unit that selects one of the first selecting unit and the image signal processing unit and outputs an image, a storing unit that stores information on operations of the second image generating unit and the image signal processing unit, and a third selecting unit that selects at least one of the second image generating unit and the image signal processing unit and connects the selected one to the storing unit, whereby the storing unit is shared between the second image generating unit and the image signal processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Terajima
  • Patent number: 8218081
    Abstract: A video standard detector and operation method thereof are provided. The video standard detector includes a low pass filter (LPF) unit and a standard detector unit. The LPF filters a baseband signal. The feature detector detects vertical synchronization information of the baseband signal and horizontal synchronization information of the baseband signal using the output of the LPF, and determines the video standard corresponding to the baseband signal according to the vertical synchronization information and the horizontal synchronization information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Himax Media Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Chao-Wei Huang
  • Patent number: 8212926
    Abstract: A TV signal determining system utilized for determining a type of a TV signal includes: a detection unit, for utilizing a predetermined profile to detect if the TV signal has a signal segment corresponding to the predetermined profile to generate a detection result signal; and a determining unit, coupled to the detection unit, for determining the type of the TV signal according to the detection result signal. A TV signal processing system utilizing the TV signal determining system and a related method are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Himax Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Hung-Shih Lin
  • Patent number: 8213718
    Abstract: A method for video mode detection, wherein video input data (VID) corresponding to a video picture (P) is received and a video mode is determined for said video picture (P). The determining of said video mode depends on a local video mode (LVM) and a global video mode (GVM) of said video picture (P). Said global video mode (GVM) is determined for said video picture (P) based on said video input data (VID) or a derivative (m1) thereof. For determining said local video mode (LVM), first said video picture (P) is subdivided into a ticker area (TA) and a remaining area (RA), thereby generating ticker area data (TAD). Then, said local video mode (LVM) is determined for said ticker area (TA) based on said ticker area data (TAD). When determining said local video mode (LVM), said ticker area (TA) is subdivided into n sub-areas, and at least one of said n sub-areas (1 . . . 6) is selected as selected sub-area (SSA).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Sergio Mayoral, Oliver Erdler
  • 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: 8208071
    Abstract: A method for determining the aspect ratio of an image signal and an image apparatus using the same is provided. The image apparatus includes a sync signal separation unit which separates a sync signal from an image signal, an aspect ratio determination unit which determines an aspect ratio of the image signal using a voltage level of the separated sync signal, and a signal processing unit which processes the image signal according to the aspect ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Deok-jin Yang
  • Patent number: 8184201
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic audio standard detection in terrestrial broadcast signals is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of detecting automatic audio standard for terrestrial broadcast includes scanning for each known audio frequency standard of interest in a current band energy spectrum in an incoming broadcast signal using a standard of non standard energy estimation algorithm, such as Goertzel DFT or FFT based algorithm for a predetermined time interval. At each known audio frequency standard of interest, energy is computed using the associated standard or non standard energy estimation algorithm within the predetermined time interval. The computed energy at each known audio frequency standard of interest is then compared to predetermined threshold energy. At each known audio frequency standard of interest, it is determined whether the audio frequency standard of interest is detected based on the outcome of the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Amogh D. Thaly, Srikanth Alaparthi, Sudheesh A. Somanathan
  • Patent number: 8174616
    Abstract: A letterbox detector includes a detection module configured to determine aspect ratio changes in an input signal. A transition module is configured to transition between a plurality of display modes associated with the aspect ratio changes. A first display mode to a second display mode transition is performed over a first period of time, and a second display mode to a first display mode is performed gradually over a second period of time, that is different from the first period of time. The letterbox detector may be included in digital and analog displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Severin Werner Engeli, Roger Dominik Bozzini, Magdy Megeid
  • 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: 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: 8159617
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing a video signal includes means for receiving the video signal, means for analyzing the video signal based upon a user supplied set of instructions, means for processing the video signal in accordance with the analysis, and means for outputting the processed video signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Genesis Microchip Inc.
    Inventor: Greg Neal
  • 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: 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: 8154601
    Abstract: A television receiving system has a plurality of setup-data including wireless settings, which can be selected by user's choice the optimum wireless setting for every position where the display is located. This configuration can create a stable signal-receiving environment no matter where the display is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Sasai, Yoshikatsu Hattori
  • 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: 8155335
    Abstract: A wireless headset includes a first earpiece and a second earpiece, where the first and second earpieces communicate with each other over a wireless link. In some configurations, the first earpiece includes both a primary wireless interface for receiving audio from an audio source and a secondary wireless interface transmitting a portion of the audio to the second earpiece. The earpieces can incorporate Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to provide the wireless link between each other. The wireless headset can be configured to synchronize audio output at the earpieces, and can also include a second-earpiece detection mechanism that permits the first earpiece to be used in either a stand-alone mode, with audio output at only the first earpiece, or full-headset mode, with audio output at both earpieces when the second earpiece is detected within wireless range of the first earpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Phillip Rutschman
  • Patent number: 8154661
    Abstract: A video device comprises: a video signal processor generating a standard definition video signal at least having a composite signal and a high definition component video signal; an outputting unit outputting the standard definition video signal or the high definition component video signal to a cable to be connected; a discriminating unit discriminating a kind of cable connected to the outputting unit; and a switch allowing the outputting unit to selectively output the standard definition video signal and the high definition component video signal on the basis of the discrimination result of the discriminating unit. When the discriminating unit determines that the cable connected to the outputting unit is a cable for a high definition signal, the switch allows the outputting unit to output the high definition component video signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Watanabe, Makio Niwa
  • Patent number: 8154655
    Abstract: Video data is processed. A first high definition program stream is received that includes a first high definition video stream component. A first standard definition program stream is derived from the high definition program stream. A second standard definition is received having been derived from the first standard definition program stream. A second high definition program stream is derived from the second standard definition program stream and the first high definition video stream component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Besen, Stephen Gordon
  • Patent number: 8149332
    Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for processing signals in a television system using a subset of receive operations for detecting digital and analog television signals are provided. The system and method may be deployed in, for example, cable TV set-top boxes, cable TV modems, and television receivers, which may be coupled to a cable TV or over-the-air terrestrial network. Performing only a subset of receiver operations may allow detection of the type of signal; for example digital QAM, digital VSB, or analog; present in a television channel. In this regard, it is not necessary to generate and validate a bit stream in order to detect if a signal is present and/or the type of signal present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Mohit Singh, Thomas Spieker
  • Patent number: 8134643
    Abstract: A high quality image is achieved by reducing the occurrence of combing noise in a synthesized image having an inserted image of a different frame frequency. A feature amount of a screen produced by an input interlace-scanned video signal is extracted, a film mode on a screen-by-screen basis from the feature amount extracted is detected, the input interlace-scanned video signal to be a synthesized image is decided from a local area in the screen, and the film mode detection is controlled not to output the film mode detection result, based on the decision result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Hideki Matsuoka, Takashi Hamano
  • Patent number: 8125524
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are provided for a video detector that computes a measure of how much a given video content resembles one of a de-interlaced video content or a progressive video content. More particularly, the present invention determines the position of original and interpolated lines and the scaling factor of an input content whenever that content was scaled after de-interlacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Dmitry Znamenskiy, Claus Nico Cordes
  • Patent number: 8117354
    Abstract: A system and method operable to automatically disable input/output signal processing based on the required data format is provided. The need for an input/output module, such as an encoder, required to process input signal having a first data format (i.e. multimedia format) and produce an output signal having a second format (i.e. multimedia format) is determined. When the input/output module is not required to produce the output signal in the second format, the input/output module is disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Sigmatel, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Mulligan, David Baker
  • Patent number: 8111328
    Abstract: An image signal processing apparatus, an image display, and an image display method that enable detecting a black band region included in an input image signal in a shorter time and realizes a more viewable image are provided. The image signal processing apparatus includes a black band detecting means for detecting in a unit frame period a black band region included in an input image signal, a calculating means for calculating a scaling ratio of the input image signal while maintaining an aspect ratio thereof based on a detection result from the black band detecting means, and a scaling means for scaling the input image signal up or down based on the ratio obtained by the calculating means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoichi Fujisawa
  • Patent number: 8107009
    Abstract: The invention provides a television-connection-state detecting device that includes: a resistor element that outputs an analog video signal that is to be displayed on a television receiver; a reference voltage generation circuit that generates reference voltages for comparing a voltage signal level at the television-connection-terminal side end of the resistor element and a voltage signal level at the opposite-side end of the resistor element; a first clamping circuit that clamps a voltage signal level at the television-connection-terminal side end of the resistor element at the first reference voltage; a second clamping circuit that clamps a voltage signal level at the opposite-side end of the resistor element at the second reference voltage; a comparison circuit; and a judging unit that judges whether an analog video signal input device is connected to the television connection terminal or not on the basis of a voltage signal level outputted from the comparison circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuya Takita, Seiji Takamatsu
  • Patent number: 8098329
    Abstract: An image determination apparatus includes a frequency band signal detecting unit, an average value calculating unit, a relative value calculating unit, and an image determination unit. The frequency band signal detecting unit detects signals belonging to a plurality of frequency bands, from an image signal. The average value calculating unit calculates average values for respective ones of the signals belonging to the plurality of frequency bands detected by the frequency band signal detecting unit. Each of the average values is a characteristic value equivalent to an amplitude. The relative value calculating unit calculates a relative value of one of the average values to another of the average values, among the average values calculated for respective ones of the plurality of frequency bands. The image determination unit for determining an image based on the relative value calculated by the relative value calculating unit. The image determined is subject to image-processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Masaru Suzuki, Masami Ogata, Kazuhiko Ueda
  • Patent number: 8098328
    Abstract: An image signal processing apparatus capable of detecting a black band region included in an input image signal in a shorter time is provided. The image signal processing apparatus may include a measuring means for measuring in a unit frame period whether each pixel in a designated measurement region of an input image signal has a signal level less than a threshold value; and a black band detecting means for detecting a black band region included in the input image signal on the basis of a measurement result from the measuring means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoichi Fujisawa, Shinichiro Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 8094239
    Abstract: Field-based detection of 3:2 pulldown in a sequence of digital video fields using a programmable graphics processor is described. The detection is performed using a threshold value to determine equivalence between a pair of fields of digital video data. Furthermore, additional threshold values may be used to control switching into a mode where duplicated fields of digital video data are identified and not displayed and out of the mode where duplicated fields of digital video data are identified and not displayed. Look ahead can be used to detect when to switch into or out of the mode where duplicated fields of digital video data are identified and not displayed, reducing the occurrence of visual artifacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: NVIDIA Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan B. White, Michael L. Lightstone
  • Patent number: 8089567
    Abstract: The dimensions of a viewing screen are altered to fit the aspect ratio of video being displayed on the viewing screen. A viewing screen includes screen covers which may be displaced horizontally along the viewing screen. If a different aspect ratio video is being displayed, the screen covers are moved horizontally to increase or decrease the viewing area of the viewing screen. The video is then optically resized and shifted to fit the height or width of the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Optoma Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Yau Wing Chung
  • Publication number: 20110317071
    Abstract: A television includes at least two ports (e.g. HDMI ports). The television polls the ports before presenting a user interface that displays some or all of the ports and before toggling between any two of the ports. The polling ascertains whether a device is connected to each of the ports and whether the device is powered. The television modifies the display and/or toggling based on the current state of each port. For example, in toggling, ports that are not connected and ports that are connected to inactive devices are skipped. In another example, when displaying a list of ports, only those ports that are connected to devices appear in the list.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: VIZIO, INC.
    Inventor: Matthew Blake McRae