Patents Assigned to ATI Technologies, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8103131
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for processing data. The systems and methods include multiple processors that each couple to receive commands and data, where the commands and/or data correspond to frames of video that include multiple pixels. Additionally, an interlink module is coupled to receive processed data corresponding to the frames from each of the multiple processors. The interlink module selects pixels of the frames from the processed data of one of the processors based on a predetermined pixel characteristic and outputs the frames that include the selected pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: ATI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Hunkins, Raja Koduri
  • Patent number: 8065614
    Abstract: A system and method for providing playback of multiple video streams simultaneously is shown and described. A priority is assigned to individual windows of a plurality of windows used for playback of the video streams. A current window being accessed by a user is assigned a higher priority than nonactive, or background, windows. Playback characteristics, such as video resolution, transparency, and audio volume, are reduced in the playback of videos presented in nonactive windows in relation to video played in the active window. Accordingly, a user's attention may be drawn more to the active window than to the nonactive windows, while allowing the video and audio data in the nonactive windows to be provided to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: ATI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Tsang Fai Ma, Jitesh Arora
  • Patent number: 8054900
    Abstract: In a digital communications receiver configured to receive, via a communications channel, a received first signal representing a sequence of symbols, each symbol being encoded to be representative of data bits, a method of processing the received signal includes adjusting a magnitude, filtering, and applying cyclic prefix restoration, to the received signal to produce a second signal, converting the second signal from time domain to frequency domain to produce a frequency domain signal, and determining a first quantity of values representing a first portion of the symbols by evaluating a relationship of channel values representing characteristics of the communications channel and a second quantity of values representing a portion of the frequency domain signal, the first quantity being smaller than the second quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: ATI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hong Liu, Raul A. Casas, Haosung Fu
  • Patent number: 8054928
    Abstract: A system includes a first communication device and a second communication device. The first communication device includes a programmable region. The programmable region of the first communication device is programmed so that an associated signal includes a number of preamble cycles. The second communication device also can include a programmable region. The programmable region of the second communication device can be programmed so that an associated signal includes a number of preamble cycles. The number of preamble cycles can be based on a variety of factors, such as the topology or implementation of the system. In an embodiment, the number of preamble cycles is associated with a data strobe signal, and data is not read or written in response to the data strobe signal until all of the preamble cycles have been transmitted and received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: ATI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph D. Macri, Mark Frankovich
  • Patent number: 8054314
    Abstract: A system and method for applying non-homogeneous properties to multiple video processing units (VPUs) in a multiple VPU system are described. Respective VPUs in the system cooperate to produce a frame to be displayed. In various embodiments, data output by different VPUs in the system is combined, or merged, or composited to produce a frame to be displayed. In load balancing modes, each VPU in the system performs different tasks as part of rendering a same frame, and therefore typically executes different commands. In various embodiments, efficiency of the system is enhanced by forming a single command buffer for execution by all of the VPUs in the system even though each VPU may have a different set of commands to execute in the command buffer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: ATI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Kelley, Jonathan L. Campbell, David A. Gotwalt
  • Patent number: 7970956
    Abstract: Described are a system and method for broadcasting write requests to a plurality of graphics devices. A different address range of graphics device addresses is associated with each graphics device of the plurality of graphics devices. A controller receives a write request directed to a memory address and generates a plurality of graphics device addresses based on the memory address of the write request when the memory address is within a particular range of broadcast addresses. An offset may be applied to a reference address in each address range associated with one of the graphics devices when generating the plurality of graphics device addresses. The write request is forwarded to each graphics device of the plurality of graphics devices associated with one of the generated graphics device addresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: ATI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Asaro, Bo Liu
  • Patent number: 7969512
    Abstract: A system for processing video information, the system including a memory configured to store video information, a memory controller coupled to the memory and configured to receive memory requests for the video information, a first video signal processing client coupled to the memory controller. The first video signal processing client including a video signal processor, a buffer coupled to the video signal processor, and a memory request module coupled to the memory controller and to the buffer, the memory request module being configured to submit amortized memory requests to the memory controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: ATI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Wiercienski, Chris Wiesner, Oswin Hall
  • Patent number: 7929648
    Abstract: An error detection apparatus and method compares a first hardwired value such as a first clock threshold, and a second hardwired value such as a second clock threshold, and generates an indication that there is an error in a clock signal based on a comparison of the first hardwired value and the second hardwired value to the clock signal. If an error is detected, the error detection apparatus will, for example, interrupt clock recovery logic to take proper action for recovery of a clock generation circuit that generated the clock signal. The clock signal may be generated based on, for example, a reference clock signal that may be provided by an external source clock, or any other suitable source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: ATI Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Fariborz Pourbigharaz, Milivoje Aleksic, Carl Mizuyabu, Aris Balatsos
  • Patent number: 7869525
    Abstract: A dynamic bus inversion (DBI) method and system are described. In various embodiments, a transmitter transmits data over a multi-bit high-speed bus to a receiver. In an embodiment, the transmitter determines whether to invert the bus based on the number of data bits that will be transitioning to a new value. If it is determined that the bus is to be inverted, the transmitter encodes a DBI signal on a shared line of the bus. In an embodiment, the shared line is used for different purposes at different times, obviating the need for a dedicated line or pin for the encoded DBI signal. The receiver receives and decodes the DBI signal and, in response, appropriately decodes the received data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: ATI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph D. Macri, Stephen Morein, Ming-Ju E. Lee, Lin Chen
  • Patent number: 7834935
    Abstract: A video receiver for SCART input includes an input configured to receive a composite video signal, RGB signals, and a switch-indicating signal, a first digitizer module coupled to the input and including a one-bit slicer configured to receive and convert the switch-indicating signal to a one-bit digital signal, the first digitizer further including a downconverter configured to convert the one-bit signal to a multi-bit digital signal with non-abrupt transitions between a logical zero and a logical one, and a combiner module configured to receive and combine indicia of the composite video signal and the RGB signals to produce a total video output signal as a function of the indicia of the multi-bit digital signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: ATI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dongsheng Wu, Huijuan Liu
  • Patent number: 7805560
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for translating messages in a computing system are disclosed. In particular, a disclosed method for converting messages in a computer system includes receiving a command message from a processing unit where the message is defined according to a transport protocol that utilizes command messages using an address to communicate commands to devices in the computer system. The command message is translated to an interface standard by mapping the address into an address field of a packet constructed according to the interface standard. Corresponding apparatus that perform the methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: ATI Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Asaro, Joe Scanlon, Bo Liu
  • Patent number: 7800621
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for controlling the memory controller and, in particular, controlling signaling of the memory controller to a memory via memory interface during a static screen condition. An apparatus includes static image detection logic that is configured to detect when image data being displayed by a display controller is static and to communication detection of static image data to the display controller. The apparatus also includes control logic within the display controller responsive to the static image detection logic, where the control logic is configured to detect a level of a line buffer within the display controller and to send a signal to a memory controller directing the memory controller to issue a signal to a memory to enter a self-refresh mode, thereby turning off at least one memory clocking circuit within the memory controller. A corresponding method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: ATI Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: James Fry
  • Patent number: 7774765
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in compiling data for a program shader identifies within data representing control flow information an area operator definition instruction statement located outside the data dependent control flow structures. The method identifies within one of the data dependent branches at least one area operator use instruction statement that has the resultant of the area operator definition instruction statement as an operand. After identifying the area operator use instruction statement, the area operator definition instruction statement is placed within the data dependent branch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: ATI Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Norman Rubin, William L. Licea-Kane
  • Patent number: 7733422
    Abstract: An apparatus, for use in a receiver configured to receive electronic signals, for identifying digital signals that are available for reception, includes a timing recovery device configured to receive an incoming signal, related to a transmitted signal, the incoming signal having a first symbol rate, and to re-sample the incoming signal to provide a second symbol rate, and an analyzer that is in communication with the timing recovery device and that is configured to make a determination as to whether a difference between the second symbol rate and a third symbol rate of a transmitter providing the transmitted signal is within an acceptable tolerance and to use the determination in an analysis of whether the transmitted signal is available for reception.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: ATI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajan Aggarwal, Mark Hryszko, Samuel H. Reichgott, Punyabrata Ray, Stephen L. Biracree, Binning Chen, Raul A. Casas
  • Patent number: 7711055
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for aligning signals in a communication system. The method and system include alignment logic or functionality configured to compensate for signal propagation discrepancies when communicating signals between one or more other devices. The alignment logic may operate to adjust one or more communicated signals, so that signals that may have different propagation times arrive at one or more devices at a desired time. The system and method may be used when initializing a communication system and before communicating data. The system and method operate to adjust one or more signals, such as a data strobe signal in a memory system for example, so that the one or more signals arrive at one or more devices spaced apart in time within a defined tolerance at a desired time. The alignment logic is used to compensate for signal propagation delays which can be associated with a signal propagation path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: ATI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Boris Boskovic, Rostyslav Kyrychynskyi
  • Patent number: 7698493
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed to translate memory write requests to be transmitted from a first processor to a second processor in a computing system, such as between a CPU and a Southbridge, as an example. A method includes generating a memory write request in a second protocol responsive to a memory write request of a first protocol, the first protocol supporting a first memory write command type and a second memory write command type, the second protocol supporting only the first memory write command type. The method also includes inserting a predefined code in the memory write request in the generated memory write request in the second protocol to produce a translated memory write request. The method may also include receiving the memory write request from the first processor where the memory write request is operable according to the first protocol having at least first and second memory write command types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: ATI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Asaro
  • Publication number: 20100085365
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for processing data. The systems and methods include multiple processors that each couple to receive commands and data, where the commands and/or data correspond to frames of video that include multiple pixels. An interlink module is coupled to receive processed data corresponding to the frames from each of the processors. The interlink module divides a first frame into multiple frame portions by dividing pixels of the first frame using at least one balance point. The interlink module dynamically determines a position for the balance point that minimizes differences between the workload of the processors during processing of commands and/or data of one or more subsequent frames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: ATI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan L. Campbell, Maurice Ribble
  • Patent number: 7689748
    Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for handling interrupts are described herein. In an embodiment interrupts from various client components in a system (also referred to as clients) are processed by an interrupt handler component uniformly. The various clients signal interrupts in different manners. For example, some clients signal interrupts in a level-based manner, and some clients signal interrupts in a pulse-based manner. In an embodiment, all interrupts received by the interrupt handler are formed into an event message according to a uniform format regardless of the manner in which the interrupt is signaled. The event message includes all information necessary for a host processor interrupt service routine (ISR) to service the interrupts without reading hardware registers. Event messages are stored in an event buffer for access and handling by the host. The event buffer is managed by the interrupt handler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: ATI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Grossman, Jeffrey G. Cheng, Gordon Caruk, Joel Wilke, Elaine Poon
  • Patent number: 7688925
    Abstract: An IO method and system for bit-deskewing are described. Embodiment includes a computer system with multiple components that transfer data among them. In one embodiment, a system component receives a forward strobe signal and multiple data bit signals from a transmitting component. The receiving component includes a forward strobe clock recovery circuit configurable to align a forward strobe sampling clock so as to improve sampling accuracy. The receiving component further includes at least one data bit clock recovery circuit configurable to align a data bit sampling clock so as to improve sampling accuracy, and to receive a signal from the forward strobe clock recovery circuit that causes the data bit sampling clock to track the forward strobe sampling clock during system operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: ATI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Lee, Arvind Bomdica, Lin Chen, Claude Gauthier, Sam Huynh, Hiok-Tiaq Ng, John Ling, Jennifer Ho, Siji Menokki Kandiyil, Gin Yee, Joseph Macri
  • Publication number: 20100045871
    Abstract: The invention provides techniques for separating luma and chroma signal components in a composite SECAM video signal. During reception, the SECAM video signal is split into luma and chroma output. The amplitude of the chroma carrier is monitored during reception. If the chroma carrier amplitude is greater than a threshold, the value of the chroma output can be reduced. Also, if the chroma carrier amplitude is greater than another threshold, a portion of the chroma carrier can be added to the luma; or the trap band of the band-trap filter for extracting luma from the composite video can be reduced. The respective amount of the reduction in the chroma output and the increase in the luma output are independently determined but both may proportional to the magnitude of the deviation in the chroma carrier amplitude from the different thresholds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: ATI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Dongsheng Wu, Robert B. Prozorov, Huijuan Liu, Christopher D. Jurado, Daniel Zhu, Binning Chen