Patents by Inventor Chris A. Smith

Chris A. Smith 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).

  • Combined audio/video/USB device
    Patent number: 8514929
    Abstract: A combined audio video device includes inputs for receiving an audio video signal from a source. The device includes in one enclosure audio and video processor portions configured such that the audio and video processors use a common communications line for coupling electrical signals form the device to a host computer. The audio processor is operable to accept an audio signal and to provide audio enhancements to the audio signal. In one embodiment, the common communications line is a USB cable. In another embodiment, a USB hub is integrated into the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Creative Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Steven S. Erickson, Chris A. Smith
  • Method and apparatus for encoding video in conjunction with a host processor
    Patent number: 7970049
    Abstract: An external video device includes inputs for receiving an audio video signal from a source. The device includes in one enclosure audio and video processor portions configured such that the audio and video processors use a general purpose external bus for coupling electrical signals from the video device to a host computer. In one embodiment, the general purpose external bus is one of an IEEE-1394 bus or a USB bus. The general purpose external bus is used to transmit video from the host computer to the external video encoder and thereby to enhance the encoding efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Creative Technology Ltd
    Inventor: Chris A. Smith