Patents Examined by Hau Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8866840
    Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a method includes detecting a hardware configuration change at an electronic device. The electronic device includes at least a first panel having a first display surface and a second panel having a second display surface. An effective screen size or a screen resolution corresponding to a viewing area that includes the first display surface and the second display surface is modified in response to the hardware configuration change. The method also includes sending at least one parameter associated with or based on the modified effective screen size or the modified screen resolution to a server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventors: Sten Jorgen Ludvig Dahl, Bennett M. King, Thomas E. Kilpatrick, II, Dimosthenis Kaleas, Martin H. Renschler, Robert S. Daley
  • Patent number: 8860667
    Abstract: Disclosed is a display terminal device including a display operating unit (12), a first communication unit (22), a reader/writer circuit (24) and a controller (26). The display operating unit is provided on a main body unit (11) to display advertisement data, and the first communication unit communicates with a host device. The reader/writer circuit is provided on the main body unit (11) and communicated with the memory from the display operating unit (12) side to write and/or read out data relevant to the advertisement data. The controller allows advertisement data received by the first communication unit (22) to be displayed on a display operating unit (12). The controller causes data written and/or read out by the reader/writer circuit (24) to be transmitted to or received from a host device or another device via the first communication unit (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Hattori, Takuji Maekawa, Masaki Takemura
  • Patent number: 8860759
    Abstract: Method of capturing multiple format video signals and reformatting them in real-time for display on generic external monitors, is disclosed. This method is intended for, by not limited to, implementation on a multiple function video test instrument with video generation and video capture capabilities. The method is capable of operating with standard and non-standard format synchronized video waveforms and also with deflection-driven video waveforms. Since this innovative method reuses already available functionality in the video test instrument, the new functionality is realized efficiently, economically and does not require any more space within the test instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Testing Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Biagiotti, Peter F Britch, David R Howell
  • Patent number: 8860737
    Abstract: A processing unit includes multiple execution pipelines, each of which is coupled to a first input section for receiving input data for pixel processing and a second input section for receiving input data for vertex processing and to a first output section for storing processed pixel data and a second output section for storing processed vertex data. The processed vertex data is rasterized and scan converted into pixel data that is used as the input data for pixel processing. The processed pixel data is output to a raster analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: NVIDIA Corporation
    Inventors: John Erik Lindholm, Brett W. Coon, Stuart F. Oberman, Ming Y. Siu, Matthew P. Gerlach
  • Patent number: 8860729
    Abstract: Any image capturing system, and a method to use same, that includes one or more image capturing devices that have known and fixed positions relative to one another and the eye of a subject, wherein the image capturing devices capture a plurality of images of eye of a subject during a performance is disclosed. The images of the eye, along with the known and fixed relative positions of the image capturing devices are used define eye-lines for the eye of the subject. The eye-lines can then be used to manually or automatically retarget the eye of a rendered or animated figure based on the performance of the subject to retarget the gaze intent of the rendered or animated figure within a scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Imagemovers Digital LLC
    Inventor: Doug Epps
  • Patent number: 8854360
    Abstract: Terrain data that represents earth features for a geographic area is received. The following meshes are generated based on the terrain data: (i) a water surface mesh including a first plurality of geometric primitives and (ii) a water bottom mesh including a second plurality of geometric primitives. Portions of the water bottom mesh appearing above the water surface mesh are identified. At least one of the water surface mesh and the water bottom mesh are corrected to cause the water surface mesh to appear above the water bottom mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Emil Constantin Praun, John Rohlf, Marcin Romaszewicz
  • Patent number: 8854382
    Abstract: A technique for encoding and decoding video information uses a plurality of video processing modules (VPMs), whereby each video processing module is dedicated to a particular video processing function, such as filtering, matrix arithmetic operations, and the like. Information is transferred between the video processing modules using a set of first-in first-out (FIFO) buffers. For example, to transfer pixel information from a first VPM to a second VPM, the first VPM stores the pixel information at the head of a FIFO buffer, while the second VPM retrieves information from the tail of the FIFO buffer. The FIFO buffer thus permits transfer of information between the VPMs without storage of the information to a cache or other techniques that can reduce video processing speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: VIXS Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Hong, Hongri Wang, Dong Liu, Kai Yang, Indra Laksono, Eric Young, Xu Gang Zhao
  • Patent number: 8847967
    Abstract: Before initializing a memory of an information handling system, a method includes loading an image of a video option ROM code for a graphics interface device to a cache associated with a processor of the information handling system, and executing the video option ROM code to initialize the graphics interface device. The method also includes executing a memory reference code to initialize the memory, and while executing the memory reference code, providing status information from the graphics interface device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Dell Products, LP
    Inventors: Bi-Chong Wang, Austin P. Bolen, Madhusudhan Rangarajan
  • Patent number: 8842127
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer program for high-speed, efficient text rendering are disclosed. In accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention, an image resource architecture is provided for optimal sub-image uploads to keep the glyph cache up to date. A glyph cache is divided into zones, or sub-caches, wherein requests for writing a glyph bitmap to the cache may be handled by destroying or clearing an entire zone. In accordance with other embodiments of the present invention, a highly efficient method of rendering is provided wherein commands are automatically combined and made into larger commands for the GPU. Alternatively, rather than performing a command stream flush upon each intersection, a texture cache flush may be implemented. All source glyph bitmaps may be placed into one texture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: John F. Burkey
  • Patent number: 8842115
    Abstract: Systems and methods for approximating terrain data representing a water surface are disclosed. A computer-based geographical information system for approximating terrain data representing a water surface is provided. The system includes a mesh simplifier and a surface inversion corrector. The mesh simplifier simplifies initial water surface and water bottom meshes. The surface inversion corrector corrects simplified water surface and/or water bottom meshes to avoid having a water bottom surface incorrectly appear above a corresponding water surface in a display view. In one example, the mesh simplifier simplifies the initial water surface mesh while accounting for water/land boundaries. The mesh simplifier also simplifies the initial water bottom mesh while accounting for geographic features and/or water/land boundaries. A computer-implemented method for approximating terrain data representing a water surface is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Emil Constantin Praun, John Rohlf, Marcin Romaszewicz
  • Patent number: 8842121
    Abstract: A single instruction multiple data (SIMD) processor with a given width may operate on registers of the same width completely filled with fragments. A parallel set of registers are loaded and tested. The fragments that fail are eliminated and the register set is refilled from the parallel set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Tomas Akenine-Möller, Jon N. Hasselgren, Carl J. Munkberg, Robert M. Toth, Franz P. Clarberg
  • Patent number: 8836709
    Abstract: Frequently accessed state data used in a multithreaded graphics processing architecture is cached within a vector register file of a processing unit to optimize accesses to the state data and minimize memory bus utilization associated therewith. A processing unit may include a fixed point execution unit as well as a vector floating point execution unit, and a vector register file utilized by the vector floating point execution unit may be used to cache state data used by the fixed point execution unit and transferred as needed into the general purpose registers accessible by the fixed point execution unit, thereby reducing the need to repeatedly retrieve and write back the state data from and to an L1 or lower level cache accessed by the fixed point execution unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Eric O. Mejdrich, Paul E. Schardt, Robert A. Shearer, Matthew R. Tubbs
  • Patent number: 8836710
    Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for managing memory in a system for generating 3-dimensional computer images. The image is subdivided into a plurality of rectangular areas. A memory is provided and a page of the memory is allocated for storing object data for objects in the image. Object data for objects in the image are then written to the allocated page of memory. Finally, a bit mask for the allocated page of memory is compiled, the bit mask indicating the rectangular areas having object data stored in the allocated page of memory. A rectangular area of the image can then be rendered by deriving data for display from the object data stored in the memory, for objects in that rectangular area. Once the rectangular area has been rendered, the bit mask for each page of memory which stored, before the step of rendering, object data for that rectangular area, is updated so that the bit mask no longer indicates that rectangular area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Imagination Technologies, Limited
    Inventor: Jonathan Redshaw
  • Patent number: 8836706
    Abstract: A request may be received to trigger an animation action in response to reaching a bookmark during playback of a media object. In response to the request, data is stored defining a new animation timeline configured to perform the animation action when playback of the media object reaches the bookmark. When the media object is played back, a determination is made as to whether the bookmark has been encountered. If the bookmark is encountered, the new animation timeline is started, thereby triggering the specified animation action. An animation action may also be added to an animation timeline that triggers a media object action at a location within a media object. When the animation action is encountered during playback of the animation timeline, the specified media object action is performed on the associated media object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Xiaobo Zhao, Jeffrey Chao-Nan Chen, Barn-Wan Li, Runzhen Huang
  • Patent number: 8830226
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for integrating a three-dimensional asset with a three-dimensional model. Each asset can include a base surface and either a protrusion or a projection extending from the base. Once the asset is placed at a particular position with respect to the model, one or more vertices defining a periphery of the base surface can be projected onto an external surface of the model. Then, one or more portions of the asset can be deformed to provide a smooth transition between the external surface of the asset and the external surface of the model. In some cases, the asset can include a hole extending through the external surface of the model for defining a cavity. A secondary asset can be placed in the cavity such as, for example, an eyeball asset placed in an eye socket asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Goossens
  • Patent number: 8830239
    Abstract: A materials management system (10) comprises a materials database (12) for storing information relating to the nature identity and location of each item of material on a site. A mobile data processing device (14) is provided, having a data scanner (16) for scanning machine-readable identification information provided in an identification tag attached to an item of material. A GPS receiver (18) is operatively connected to the mobile data processing device (12) for obtaining the GPS coordinates of the item of material. The mobile data processing device (14) transmits the GPS coordinates and the identification information to the materials database (12) so that the location of each item of material on site can be tracked. The materials database (12) can be accessed online from anywhere in the world via satellite link (20) (or internet) using any suitable desktop personal computer (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Saleemz Holdings Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kashif Saleem
  • Patent number: 8823711
    Abstract: A computerized tool to visually display data using a graphical object. Visual display components may be identified that can represent a portion of the data and may be proposed to a user, based on visual characteristics of each of the visual display components and parameter(s) of the data. A visual display component selected from these components based on user input may be linked to the portion of the data set so that the visual display component will modify the appearance of the graphical object in a way that represents the portion of the data. Different visual display components may be identified and suggested for a user's selection to represent other portions of the data using the graphical object. The graphical object may thus be incrementally refined to ultimately result in the visual representation of the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Vijay Mital, Darryl Ellis Rubin, Suraj T. Poozhiyil
  • Patent number: 8823722
    Abstract: Embodiments include a single integrated circuit comprising: a first display controller configured to control a non-bistable display screen; and a second display controller configured to control a bistable display screen. Embodiments also include disposing, on a single integrated circuit, a first display controller capable of controlling a non-bistable display screen; and a second display controller capable of controlling a bistable display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: Samson Huang, Alice Hsia
  • Patent number: 8817049
    Abstract: Amalgamated maps, comprising interior maps overlaid on venues indicated in general maps can be automatically generated. Initially, interior maps can be obtained through targeted network searches, whose search results can be filtered to retain those that are most likely useable interior maps. A bounding polygon is generated for both interior map and venue exterior from general map. Subsequently, directional histograms representing orientations of lines in bounding polygons are generated and compared to automatically identify a rotation to align the interior map with the venue exterior from the general map. Anchor points are identified to locally deform the interior map, preserving internal structures, to better align with the venue exterior. Once aligned, the interior map can be combined with the general map, forming an amalgamated map. Updated geocoding can be performed based on locations of establishments in the venue as indicated by the interior map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Eyal Ofek, Ran Gal
  • Patent number: 8817026
    Abstract: A new hardware architecture defines an indexing and encoding method for accelerating incoherent ray traversal. Accelerating multiple ray traversal may be accomplished by organizing the rays for minimal movement of data, hiding latency due to external memory access, and performing adaptive binning. Rays may be binned into coarse grain and fine grain spatial bins, independent of direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Raycast Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Alvin D. Zimmerman