Patents by Inventor Chris J. M. Hodges

Chris J. M. Hodges 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 for generating a compressed video signal
    Patent number: 6072830
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for encoding an image signal. The apparatus includes an acquisition module disposed to receive the image signal. A first processor is coupled to the acquisition module. At least one encoder processor is coupled to the first processor. The at least one encoder processor produces an encoded image signal under control of the first processor. The method includes the steps of converting an input image signal into a predetermined digital format and transferring the digital format image signal to at least one encoder processor. The method further includes the step of applying, at the at least one encoder processor, a hierarchical vector quantization compression algorithm to the digitized image signal. At the next step, a resultant encoded bit stream generated by the application of the algorithm is collected. The method and apparatus of the present invention may be used in conjunction with an ordinary modem to transmit and/or receive audio, video sequences or still images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: U.S. Robotics Access Corp.
    Inventors: John J. Proctor, Mark M. Baldassari, Craig H. Richardson, Chris J. M. Hodges, Kwan K. Truong, David L. Smith
  • Method for adjusting the quality of a video coder
    Patent number: 5926226
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for encoding an image signal. The apparatus includes an acquisition module disposed to receive the image signal. A first processor is coupled to the acquisition module. At least one encoder processor is coupled to the first processor. The at least one encoder processor produces an encoded image signal under control of the first processor. The method includes the steps of converting an input image signal into a predetermined digital format and transferring the digital format image signal to at least one encoder processor. The method further includes the step of applying, at the at least one encoder processor, a hierarchical vector quantization compression algorithm to the digitized image signal. At the next step, a resultant encoded bit stream generated by the application of the algorithm is collected. The method and apparatus of the present invention may be used in conjunction with an ordinary modem to transmit and/or receive audio, video sequences or still images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: U.S. Robotics Access Corp.
    Inventors: John J. Proctor, Craig H. Richardson, Chris J. M. Hodges, Kwan K. Truong, David L. Smith
  • Video encoder/decoder system
    Patent number: 5864681
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for encoding an image signal. The apparatus includes an acquisition module disposed to receive the image signal. A first processor is coupled to the acquisition module. At least one encoder processor is coupled to the first processor. The at least one encoder processor produces an encoded image signal under control of the first processor. The method includes the steps of converting an input image signal into a predetermined digital format and transferring the digital format image signal to at least one encoder processor. The method further includes the step of applying, at the at least one encoder processor, a hierarchical vector quantization compression algorithm to the digitized image signal. At the next step, a resultant encoded bit stream generated by the application of the algorithm is collected. The method and apparatus of the present invention may be used in conjunction with an ordinary modem to transmit and/or receive audio, video sequences or still images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: U.S. Robotics Access Corp.
    Inventors: John J. Proctor, Philip A. Desjardins, Craig H. Richardson, Chris J. M. Hodges, Kwan K. Truong, David L. Smith
  • Video encoder/decoder system
    Patent number: 5805228
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for encoding an image signal. The apparatus includes an acquisition module disposed to receive the image signal. A first processor is coupled to the acquisition module. At least one encoder processor is coupled to the first processor. The at least one encoder processor produces an encoded image signal under control of the first processor. The method includes the steps of converting an input image signal into a predetermined digital format and transferring the digital format image signal to at least one encoder processor. The method further includes the step of applying, at the at least one encoder processor, a hierarchical vector quantization compression algorithm to the digitized image signal. At the next step, a resultant encoded bit stream generated by the application of the algorithm is collected. The method and apparatus of the present invention may be used in conjunction with an ordinary modem to transmit and/or receive audio, video sequences or still images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: U.S. Robotics Access Corp.
    Inventors: John J. Proctor, Craig H. Richardson, Chris J. M. Hodges, Kwan K. Truong, David L. Smith