Patents Represented by Attorney Miller Patent Services
  • Patent number: 7292690
    Abstract: A selective encryption encoder consistent with certain embodiments of the invention has vertical and/or horizontal stripes encrypted. In one embodiment, packets are examined in the digital video signal to identify a specified packet type, the specified packet type being packets carrying data representing a video slice wherein the video slice contains a larger amount of data than a threshold (or a subsequent slice). The packets identified as being of the specified packet type are encrypted using a first encryption method to produce first encrypted packets. These first encrypted packets are then used to replace the unencrypted packets in the digital video signal to produce a partially encrypted video signal. The packets of the specified type can also be multiple encrypted and replaced in the data stream to produce a multiple encrypted video data stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Brant L. Candelore, Henry Derovanessian, Leo M. Pedlow, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7292692
    Abstract: An encryption arrangement for television programs or other digital programming consistent with certain embodiments sends content completely in-the-clear and also encrypts only a portion of the content required for full presentation of a television program. The arrangement allows interoperability between new TVs that can handle encryption and older TVs that cannot. Regulations prevent new TVs from receiving only the clear content. New TVs are made to descramble the encrypted portions of the content. Older legacy TVs can receive all the content in the clear. The encrypted portions are chosen so that dramatically less bandwidth is required as compared to full dual carriage of the content. Licensing provisions relating to the encryption technology can be used to control unauthorized use of content. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: James Bonan, Brant L. Candelore, Mark Kenneth Eyer
  • Patent number: 7287168
    Abstract: A method of encoding a packetized digital television signal consistent with certain embodiments involves encrypting a portion of the packets containing the digital television signal according to a first encryption algorithm; encrypting the portion of the packets containing the digital television signal according to a second encryption algorithm; leaving a portion of the packets containing the digital television signal unencrypted; assigning a primary packet identifier to the unencrypted packets; assigning a primary packet identifier to the packets encrypted under the first encryption algorithm; and assigning a secondary packet identifier to the packets encrypted under the second encryption algorithm. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Brant L. Candelore, Robert Allan Unger, Leo M. Pedlow, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7286667
    Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating a selectively encrypted data stream in a manner consistent with certain embodiments has a filter that selects a set of packets from the selectively encrypted data stream based upon packet identifier values to produce a stream of packets having clear packets and encrypted packets. A packet substituter inserts a clear version of the encrypted packets into the stream of packets in place of the encrypted packets to produce a stream of clear data. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract without departing from the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Kim Annon Ryal
  • Patent number: 7269969
    Abstract: A double cooler device consistent with certain embodiments has an outer housing shell and an inner housing shell disposed within the outer housing shell and coupled thereto to form an outer reservoir to make up the housing. An inner core resides within the inner shell to form an inner reservoir. A first tap is coupled to the outer reservoir and a second tap is coupled to the inner reservoir to permit dispensing of a liquid stored in each respective reservoir. The inner reservoir has a drain and a vent spout. A lid is provided for closing the housing. The lid has an outer seal adjacent a periphery thereof to seal the outer reservoir and an inner seal to seal the inner reservoir. When the lid is in a first position with respect to the housing, both the inner and outer reservoirs are sealed by the inner and outer seals and the vent and spout are closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventors: Marc Duane Strickland, Chris Alan Arendt
  • Patent number: 7263187
    Abstract: A Video On Demand (VOD) method consistent with certain embodiments involves processing content to be delivered in a VOD method by selecting first portions of the content for encryption under a selective encryption system and selecting second portions of the content to remain unencrypted. The first and second portions are stored until receiving a request for delivery of the content, the request being from a terminal having decryption capabilities associated with a first decryption method. The first portions are then bulk encrypted to produce encrypted first portions. The encrypted first portions are stored in a buffer. The second portions are queued for delivery to the terminal. A stream of selectively encrypted content is assembled from the encrypted first portions and the second portions. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Leo M. Pedlow, Jr., Davender Agnihotri
  • Patent number: 7242773
    Abstract: A partial dual encryption encoder, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention receives video from a source of an unencrypted digital video signal. A first segment of the unencrypted digital video signal is selected for transmission over a first channel. A first encrypter encrypts a second segment of the unencrypted digital video signal under a first encryption method to produce a first encrypted segment and a second encrypter that encrypts the second segment of the unencrypted digital video signal under a second encryption to produce a second encrypted segment. A multiplexer combines the unencrypted digital video signal with the first and second encrypted segments for transmission, so that the first segment is transmitted over a first channel, the first encrypted segment is transmitted over the first channel and the second encrypted segment is transmitted over a second channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Brant L. Candelore
  • Patent number: 7233669
    Abstract: A selective encryption method and apparatus consistent with the invention duplicates selected packets in a file or data stream and multiple encrypts the packets using multiple encryption keys. Each encryption key is valid for a specific segment of time so that changes in entitlement keys used for decryption can be made without negatively impacting a customer's ability to access content that has been paid for.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Brant L. Candelore
  • Patent number: 7224039
    Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments consistent with the present invention, diamond nanoparticles are mixed with polymers. This mixture is expected to provide improved properties in interlayer dielectrics used in integrated circuit applications. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: International Technology Center
    Inventors: Gary E. McGuire, Olga Alexander Shenderova
  • Patent number: 7218738
    Abstract: A selective encryption encoder has a packet identifier that identifies packets of a specified packet type forming a part of a program. A packet duplicator duplicates the identified packets to produce first and second sets of the identified packets. A PMT (program map table) inserter generates temporary identifying information that identifies the first and second sets of identified packets inserts the temporary identifying information as user private data in a program map table (PMT) forming a part of the transport program specific information (PSI). The data are then sent to and received from a primary encryption encoder to encrypt the first set of identified packets under a first encryption method. A secondary encrypter encrypts the second set of identified packets under a second encryption method. The PSI is then modified at a PSI modifier to remove the temporary identifying information and to correctly associate the first and second sets of identified packets and the unencrypted packets with the program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Leo M. Pedlow, Jr., Brant L. Candelore, Henry Derovanessian
  • Patent number: 7203954
    Abstract: A Set-Top Box configured with a modem and a Main Circuit Board determines an IP address of the modem by periodically broadcasting a Discovery Packet from the modem to a broadcast address, the Discovery Packet comprising at least the IP address of the modem. At the Main Circuit Board, the broadcast Discovery Packet is received from the modem and the IP address of the modem is ascertained from the broadcast Discovery Packet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert Ho Yin Tsang, Takahiro Fujimori, Eric Chen
  • Patent number: 7198513
    Abstract: An electrical fixture consistent with certain embodiments has a light fixture and a mount used to attach the light fixture to a ceiling. An electrical outlet is electrically connected to a source of line voltage by an electrical cable. A retraction mechanism, dispenses and retracts the electrical cable, so that the electrical outlet can be moved between a retracted position adjacent the light fixture with the electrical cable fully retracted and at least one extended position wherein at least a portion of the electrical cable is dispensed from the retraction mechanism. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Christopher L. Marchese
  • Patent number: 7199706
    Abstract: A digital intercom device consistent with certain embodiments uses power line communication (PLC). A power line interface connects to a power line serving as a communication medium. An audio codec is coupled to the power line interface for encoding and decoding digital data to and from data suitable for use by the power line interface. A digital to analog converter receives digital decoded data from the codec and converts the digital coded data to a received analog signal. A receive audio amplifier amplifies the received analog signal to a level adequate to drive a speaker. A transmit audio amplifier amplifies a transmit audio signal and provides an amplified transmit audio signal as an output. An analog to digital converter converts the amplified transmit audio signal to a digital representation thereof and passes the digital representation to the codec. A control processor controls operation of the interface and the audio codec.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Patrick Dawson, Ryuichi Iwamura
  • Patent number: 7163446
    Abstract: A method of restoring a discolored automobile headlight lens without removal of the lens from the automobile consistent with certain embodiments involves wet abrading an outer surface of the lens with successively finer grit wet sanding disks, using a low speed rotary or orbital tool having a flexible sanding holder holding the sanding disks, until a smooth surface is achieved exhibiting no discoloration, wherein the wet sanding disks comprise disks starting from approximately 220 to 400 grade down to approximately 2000 grade; polishing the outer surface of the lens with an aqueous paste abrasive polish containing aluminum oxide abrasive particles; cleaning any residue from the outer surface of the lens by wiping the lens with a lint free cloth; and spraying a film forming aqueous polymer dispersion containing an ultraviolet protectant to the outer surface of the lens, wherein the sealer comprises of acrylic urethane copolymers, Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers, benzotriazole UV light absorbers, 1-methyl-2-py
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventors: John Ray Cole, Ravonda Lynn Cole
  • Patent number: 7155012
    Abstract: A selective encryption encoder consistent with certain embodiments of the invention has vertical and/or horizontal stripes encrypted. In one embodiment, packets are examined in the digital video signal to identify a specified packet type, the specified packet type being both packets carrying intra-coded data representing a pattern of horizontal stripes across an image and packets carrying intra-coded data representing a pattern of vertical stripes across an image. The packets identified as being of the specified packet type are encrypted using a first encryption method to produce first encrypted packets. These first encrypted packets are then used to replace the unencrypted packets in the digital video signal to produce a partially encrypted video signal. The packets of the specified type can also be multiple encrypted and replaced in the data stream to produce a multiple encrypted video data stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Brant L. Candelore, Henry Derovanessian, Leo M. Pedlow, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7155036
    Abstract: A feature based face recognition method and apparatus. Global amplitude and direction is calculated for regions defined by a sliding window over an input gray scale image. These values are low pass filtered and a search is carried out for candidates for an eye. Once an eye candidate is identified by comparing the amplitude with a threshold, the other eye is presumed to be located a fixed distance away at the angle of the eye. The mouth is then determined to be in a predetermined location perpendicular to the angle of the eyes. A face contour is estimated by defining two ellipses between which face contours having angles similar to the ellipse are found. Multiple detections are possible and those detections are merged by averaging. The image is resized and the process repeats until the image has been reduced to its minimum size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Pingshan Li
  • Patent number: 7151833
    Abstract: Certain embodiments consistent with the present invention involve a method of selectively encrypting and decoding digital video content. Certain of the packets are selected for encryption according to a selection criterion, wherein the selected packets exclude packets containing start of frame (SOF) headers. The selected packets are encrypted while retaining the packets containing the SOF headers unencrypted to form selectively encrypted digital video content. In decoding selectively encrypted digital video content, offsets are calculated for at least one of I frames and P frames from the SOF headers and the calculated offsets are stored as an offset table. The offset table can then be accessed to enable trick play of the selectively encrypted digital video content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Brant L. Candelore, Tom Poslinski
  • Patent number: 7151831
    Abstract: An encryption arrangement for multiple encryption of television programs. A system according to embodiments of the present invention multiple encrypts only a portion of the data required for full presentation of a television program to permit coexistence of multiple conditional access encryption systems associated with multiple manufacturer's set-top boxes within a single system. PID mapping techniques are used to distinguish between multiple encryptions. By only encrypting a portion of the program, dramatically less bandwidth is consumed than the alternative of multiple encryption of all program data, thus permitting a larger number of programs to be carried over the same bandwidth while permitting coexistence of multiple conditional access systems in a single cable television system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Brant L. Candelore, Robert Allan Unger, Leo M. Pedlow, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7149693
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are presented for Automated Digital voice recorder to Personal information manager Synchronization. (ADPS) message creation that allow a user to indicate that an ADPS message is to be created, select and ADPS type selection relating the ADPS message to be created to a type of Personal Information Manager (PIM) application, record audio content for the ADPS message, and create an ADPS message by organizing the ADPS type selection and the audio content into the ADPS message and store the ADPS message in the memory. Apparatus and methods are presented for downloading ADPS messages directly to a target PIM application. Apparatus and methods are presented for uploading configuration modifications and informational lists to the DVR. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract without departing from certain embodiments of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Shai A. Laronne, Stephen Teplansky
  • Patent number: 7145946
    Abstract: A drift reduction method and apparatus. Drift reduction is effected in an MPEG video transcoder by decoding dropped out pixels to form a drift reference frame. The quantization indices in the current macro-block are changed accordingly in a drift reduction process. The compensated quantized frame is then variable length coded to an MPEG bitstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Hung-Ju Lee