Patents Examined by Nina N. West
  • Patent number: 5652627
    Abstract: A system and method for use in a video transmission network that regulates the timing of both the video signal and the audio signal regardless of the transport mechanism used to deliver the digitized audio and video signals from the source to a set top box, comprising replacing a program clock reference when it is present in ones of the audio and video transport packets with a new time derived from a high reliability source. A constant value is then derived from the new PCR value to be added to a program time stamp and a decode time stamp, if present, and the buffer size is increased merely by the amount of the constant times the bit rate of delivery of the packets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: James Riley Allen
  • Patent number: 5621480
    Abstract: An image quality correction circuit having a variable gain amplifier for amplifying an extracted high-frequency component of a luminance signal in such a manner that the gain thereof is increased when detected color density is high, and is reduced when the detected color density is low, and a slice circuit for slicing the outputted amplitude of the variable gain amplifier at a prescribed value, wherein a corrected luminance signal is obtained by combining an image quality correction signal outputted from the slice circuit with the luminance signal to be corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaaki Hanai
  • Patent number: 5592231
    Abstract: A method for processing video data to produce a progressively scanned signal from an input of conventional interlaced video. The data is received at a processor (1), used to determine a motion signal (26) over time between field of the data. The motion signal is filtered to reduce errors caused by noise-corrupted video sources and then further filtered to spread out the determined motion signal. Edge information (30) is located and combined with the motion signal to produce an integrated progressive-scan signal (36) for display on a video display device, producing images with sharper edges and motion signals which have a lower susceptibility to noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Todd Clatanoff, Vishal Markandey, Robert J. Gove, Kazuhiro Ohara
  • Patent number: 5579061
    Abstract: Transmitter station for transmitting a plurality of television programs, and receiver for receiving the programs.Transmitter station for transmitting, and receiver for receiving a plurality of television programs via respective transmission channels. A teletext page with tuning data which are representative of the transmission channels used by the transmitter station is transmitted by means of one of the programs, for example a local television program. An installation procedure of downloading the tuning data comprises the search of the local television program. In order to accelerate the procedure, the page header of its teletext pages includes a code (.about.) indicating that the tuning data are incorporated in said television program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Bernardus H. M. Vaske
  • Patent number: 5576770
    Abstract: A digital clamp combines a digitized luminance signal with a DC offset to clamp the back porch portions of the luminance signal to a predetermined IRE level. The clamp generates a reference signal having successive values indicative of successive IRE levels of the back porch portions prior to being clamped. A summer generates successive slice level values indicative of successive averages of the reference signal values and a fixed value. A limiter restricts the successive slice level values to a range of slice levels. A comparator generates a composite synchronizing signal by comparing the luminance signal to the successive slice level values, as limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark F. Rumreich
  • Patent number: 5572263
    Abstract: A video signal selection circuit capable of reading automatically the connection state of a plurality of video jack ports and selecting only modes corresponding to video ports which presently have a jack connected thereto. This video signal selection circuit includes a predetermined number of video jack ports, a predetermined number of switches respectively connected to the video jack ports and turned on when a corresponding jack is connected to the video jack port, and a micro-processor which registers the fact that the jack is connected to the video jack port by checking whether the corresponding switch is turned on. The micro-processor outputs a control signal so that the selection circuit selects only those ports to which jacks are connected when a mode conversion key is actuated. A switching portion is controlled by the micro-processor's control signal and selects for output only those video signal sources corresponding to the control signals received from the micro-processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Y. Kim, Dong J. Go, In S. Kim, Sang S. Lee
  • Patent number: 5570125
    Abstract: A method of controlling a television broadcasting call in an ATM switching system in which a television broadcasting service as one of B-ISDN services can be provided through an ATM switching network. The provision of the television broadcasting call in the ATM switching system is not performed by previously connecting all information transmission paths between a broadcasting source and a viewer (subscriber) but by connecting information transmission paths of the nearest switching modules between the broadcasting source and the viewer according to a requirement of the viewer under the condition that a semi-permanent connection is made between the broadcasting source and the ATM switching system. Therefore, the processing capability of the ATM switching system can be enhanced. The present invention can basically realize various B-ISDN services in the future.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Moon K. Oh, Mi S. Han, Seung H. Kim, Young S. Kim
  • Patent number: 5561459
    Abstract: A method and system for formatting characteristic CRT information into a standardized format to provide a dynamic CRT characteristic profile to enhance presently used methods of recalibrating CRTs is disclosed. Present CRT parameters are measured and combined with previously acquired calibration parameters in order to create updated characteristic information for the profile. The characteristic information includes the CRT color gamut, the white and black point of the CRT and the gamma of the CRT. In addition, ambient lighting conditions may be included in the profile. This characteristic information is stored in a CRT characterization profile in a standardized format. The profile is updated whenever the CRT is recalibrated or whenever the operating conditions of the CRT are changed. Further, the profile may be employed to recalibrate a destination CRT based on a source CRT's profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Stokes, Andrew B. Morgan, Jesse M. Devine
  • Patent number: 5557334
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for encoding and decoding video signals for identification, editing, modifying, cuing, routing, distributing, switching, activating and controlling the video signals. One of the many applications is a television program distribution system including a plurality of units through which the television programs flow, by operating a first signal processing unit connected within the system for adding signal elements to the video signal of a program in order to add patterns of symbols to the television picture such that the symbols are disposed at predetermined locations of the television picture and a plurality of successive patterns constituting a code uniquely identifying the program; and a second signal processing unit connected within the system for detecting signal elements previously added to a video signal and for producing, in response to such detection, an identification of the program which included the video signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Visual Automation Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kim R. Legate
  • Patent number: 5557343
    Abstract: An optical system for a rear projection picture display has reduced size while maintaining screen size. Two plane mirrors are provided along a light path between a picture display unit and a screen. The first plane mirror at a projection lens side is made of a reflecting polarizer and is located along a light path between the second plane mirror and the screen. The two plane mirrors are set in a relative angle so that the incident angle of the light traveling from the projection lens to the first plane mirror is large as compared with the incident angle of the light traveling from the second plane mirror to the first plane mirror. A polarizing plate is attached at the rear side of the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigekazu Yamagishi
  • Patent number: 5552827
    Abstract: A color video camera includes a CCD, and digital signals of 4 lines produced on the basis of an outputs from the CCD are applied to a selection circuit which selectively outputs digital signals of 3 lines. A horizontal interpolation circuit and a vertical interpolation circuit perform interpolation calculation on the basis of the digital signals, and outputs a plurality of horizontal color signals and a plurality of vertical color signals, respectively. A horizontal correlation detection circuit and a vertical correlation detection circuit evaluate a horizontal correlation value and a vertical correlation value of a specific pixel with respect to pixels around the specific pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Maenaka, Yukio Mori, Haruhiko Murata, Hidefumi Okada, Hirokazu Ide
  • Patent number: 5543862
    Abstract: A video display system utilizing a video source and an image intensifier having a first optically transparent body including first and second surfaces. The first surface receives the video image while the second surface includes a layer of photocathode material. A second optically transparent body having first and second surfaces is placed opposite the first optically transparent body and spaced therefrom, A vacuum chamber is formed between the second surface of the first optically transparent body and the first surface of the second optically transparent body. A fluorescing layer is positioned on said first surface of the second optically transparent body. A source of electrical power applies a voltage potential between said photocathode layer and said fluorescing layer. The intensified video image exits the second surface of the second optically transparent body for viewing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Calvest Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph B. Culkin
  • Patent number: 5541647
    Abstract: An external data read/write circuit has a jack including serial clocks, serial data, bus stop, and power source lines installed on a television set and an external service card for writing corresponding area information into a memory of the television via a serial data line when an information transmission key input and a corresponding area code are received from the external service card, and for reading out information required for fault diagnosis from the television when a fault diagnosis key input is received to display the result on a display apparatus of the external service card, thereby writing information needed by a user into a memory or integrated circuit within the television and reading out fault information of the television.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyoung-ho Moon
  • Patent number: 5539448
    Abstract: The video server (VS) is used in a video on demand network wherein video signals are transferred over a communication network (TSY) from said video server to terminals thereof. It includes video signal memories (VM), a server control means (SCM), a broadband switch (BS) having first ports (VP1/VPY) to which the memories (VM) are coupled, second ports (CL) coupled to the communication system (TSY) and a third port (CP) to which the server control means (SCM) is coupled. The server control means (SCM) control the transfer of the video signals from the memories (VM) and through the switch (BS) and the communication system (TSY) to the terminals. The broadband switch (BS) has a set of fourth ports (CP1/CPX) to which a set of system adaptor means (SYA1/SYAX) is coupled to adapt the video signals to a format which is compatible with the communication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Alcatel N.V.
    Inventors: Henri A. J. Verhille, Daniel Deloddere
  • Patent number: 5539474
    Abstract: In order to reduce nonuniform deterioration of a display screen, such as a fluorescent screen, an image reproducing system such as a television receiver is so arranged that the position of a small picture is shifted automatically. The small picture may be a picture displayed on a larger display screen with blank margins, or a sub-picture displayed in a larger picture, or an image of alphanumeric data items. For example, a 4:3 aspect ratio picture is displayed in a 4:3 center section of a 16:9 wide aspect ratio screen between left and right blank margins. In this case, the system comprises a control section, such as a microcomputer, for determining whether a special display mode to display a small picture is selected or not, each time the power supply is turned on, and for shifting the position of the small picture in the larger screen when the special display mode is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Tsunetomi, Toshihide Hayashi
  • Patent number: 5532765
    Abstract: An apparatus for correcting images includes: a test signal generator for generating a test signal; a display device for displaying the test signal in a region on a display screen; an imaging device for imaging the test signal displayed on the display screen in a scanning direction so as to produce an image signal having a rising linear portion and a falling linear portion along the scanning direction; a position calculator for calculating a position of a centroid of the image signal for each of R, G and B colors, based on the rising linear portion and the falling linear portion; an error detector for detecting an amount of error between the detected positions of the centroids for R, G and B colors; a correction circuit for correcting a convergence and a geometric distortion for the region, based on the amount of error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ikunori Inoue, Susumu Tsujihara
  • Patent number: 5530488
    Abstract: In a television receiver, having the ability to display differing image formats, the image width is capable of being continuously adjustable in the manner of a zoom effect. The ability to continuously adjust the image width is accomplished without any perceptible effect on the horizontal scan output. In that circuit, a tangent capacitor is coupled to a second capacitor with a switch being connected for switching the second capacitor into and out of the circuit. The switch is closed for an adjustable period beginning at the line center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventors: Gerard Rilly, Daniel Lopez
  • Patent number: 5530486
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for separating luminance and color signals from an input video signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Goldstar Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung H. Hong
  • Patent number: 5523790
    Abstract: A large format video display includes modular construction to permit the repair and exchange of single modules. Each module includes a pair of enantiomorphic side panels, each including top and bottom flanges and a rear flange extending inwardly. At the front end of each rectangular side panel, a plurality of formed bends define an integral rectangular column extending outwardly from the panel. A generally rectangular bottom tray includes a rear floor portion for supporting a video projector unit aimed toward the front of the module. A pair of ears extend outwardly from the front ends of the side panels, and are configured each to be engaged with the integral column of the respective adjacent side panel. The bottom tray is dimensioned to engage the bottom flanges of the side panels, so that the side panels support the weight of the bottom tray and the video processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventor: Kevin A. Kalua
  • Patent number: 5521647
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device for processing an image signal has an inexpensive structure and an excellent signal processing characteristic. The integrated circuit device (3) formed on one integrated circuit substrate comprises a switch circuit (4), a separator circuit (8) and preamp circuits (5) to (7). The separator circuit (8) has an input terminal which has an input impedance which is sufficiently higher than an output impedance of the switch circuit (4). Receiving an output of the switch circuit (4) at such an input terminal, the separator circuit (8) filters off high-frequency components including the maximum frequency of the image signal and outputs signal components which belong to a frequency band which is related to a synchronization signal. The preamp circuits (5) to (7) amplify and output image signals which are outputted by the switch circuit (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Junichi Hyakutake