Patents by Inventor Bruce Eckstein

Bruce Eckstein has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Method of and apparatus for reprogramming a video controller
    Patent number: 5990861
    Abstract: A method for reprogramming a video input device to multiplex video data from at least two different video sources is disclosed. A video input device contains control registers for controlling the behavior of the video input device. At least first video data from a first source and a second video data from a second source are received at the video input device. Information about the video data is sent to a controller which generates reprogramming data based on the information. The reprogramming data is transmitted to the video input device, wherein the reprogramming data reprograms the operation of the control registers. Portions of the first and second video data are outputted based upon how the control registers are reprogrammed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Eckstein
  • Method and apparatus for arbitration and access to a shared bus
    Patent number: 5983302
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing a computer system which arbitrates control of a shared bus among plural devices included in the computer system. In accordance with the present invention, at least one of the devices is afforded a higher priority than the remaining devices, yet none of the remaining devices are effectively denied system bus access or control for extended periods of time. The present invention can therefore increase operating efficiency even as the number of devices included in the computer system is increased to achieve enhanced processing power. In addition, the present invention can provide sophisticated multimedia features, including real time signal processing, without sacrificing overall operating efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Apple Comptuer, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin M. Christiansen, Mark A. Stubbs, Bruce Eckstein
  • Apparatus for and method of arbitrating bus conflicts
    Patent number: 5872936
    Abstract: An apparatus for and method of arbitrating bus conflicts is disclosed. The system can use information about the status of a data stream to switch between more or less restrictive prioritization schemes. In one particular embodiment, the arbitration system can also be programmed by causing it to store information on overall system requirements for data which the arbitration system can then use to set a current prioritization scheme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Eckstein
  • Method and apparatus for arbitrating access to a shared bus
    Patent number: 5787264
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing a computer system which arbitrates control of a shared bus among plural devices included in the computer system. In accordance with the present invention, at least one of the devices is afforded a higher priority than the remaining devices, yet none of the remaining devices are effectively denied system bus access or control for extended periods of time. The present invention can therefore increase operating efficiency even as the number of devices included in the computer system is increased to achieve enhanced processing power. In addition, the present invention can provide sophisticated multimedia features, including real time signal processing, without sacrificing overall operating efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin M. Christiansen, Mark A. Stubbs, Bruce Eckstein