Patents Assigned to Play, Inc.
  • Patent number: 6049870
    Abstract: A system and method for identifying and configuring modules within a digital electronic device comprises a coordinator device coupled to the electronic device, functional modules coupled to the coordinator device for performing selected device functions, identifiers each uniquely associated with a corresponding one of the functional modules and configuration drivers which each correspond to one of the identifiers, whereby the coordinator may read the identifiers and execute the corresponding configuration drivers to configure the functional modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Play, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul E. Greaves
  • Patent number: 5978876
    Abstract: A communication control system provides dynamic centralized control of subsystem communications. In a preferred embodiment, a dedicated subsystem communications coordinator is coupled to a main control bus which is utilized for subsystem communication. The coordinator is further coupled to each subsystem for enabling subsystem communication. The coordinator preferably assigns each pending communication a time-based transfer-window channel designation which, while asserted on the control lines of the main control bus, signals corresponding enabled subsystems to transfer data. The coordinator further preferably monitors all subsystem communications for limiting message length and for continuously determining the most effective main control bus utilization according to current system-wide communications needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Play, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul E. Greaves
  • Patent number: 5872565
    Abstract: A video processing system includes but structure, signal flow, and components to process and combine audio and video signals with improved power, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility. The system includes one or more input modules to convert input video signals to a predetermined format. A router routes converted video signals to selected ones of upstream processing cards, which perform video processing such as digital video effects, frame synchronization, non-linear editing, cascading, filtering, and the like. Signals from the upstream processing cards are directed to a switcher, which selectively mixes the upstream-processed signals. A switcher preview module may be provided to intermediately view signals provided by the switcher. The switcher is also attached to a series of downstream video processing cards, which may insert logos, add overlaying, and other suitable post-mixing functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Play, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Greaves, John F. Weber, David E. Porter, Michael Richard Young Moore
  • Patent number: D418121
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Play, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Hartford, Daniel A. Kaye, J. Paul Montgomery, Michael Richard Young Moore, Mark R. Mooneyham, Stephan M. Bouchard, James D. Kimball, Karl V. Miller, Jeremy D. Wheaton, Michael P. Radogna, Peter A. Tjeerdsma
  • Patent number: D418827
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Play, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Hartford, Daniel A. Kaye, J. Paul Montgomery, Michael Richard Young Moore, Mark R. Mooneyham, Stephan M. Bouchard, James D. Kimball, Karl V. Miller, Jeremy D. Wheaton, Michael P. Radogna, Peter A. Tjeerdsma