Patents by Inventor Christopher John Hill

Christopher John Hill 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).

  • Publication number: 20240129599
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to methods, systems and computer-readable media for generating overlay graphics for a broadcast transmission or generating broadcast augmentation instructions. An example method comprises: receiving a broadcast transmission stream of an event from a camera, the broadcast transmission stream comprising a series of images; receiving a stream of event data corresponding to the series of images, the stream of event data comprising object information regarding an object in the series of images; defining an overlay element based on the stream of event data, the overlay element being associated with the object in the series of images; augmenting the broadcast transmission with the overlay element to generate an augmented broadcast transmission, the augmented broadcast transmission comprising the series of images overlayed with the overlay element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2022
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: Gregory BASSER, Andrew John MARRIOTT, Christopher Lance CAIRNS, David Blyth HILL, David ANTON
  • Patent number: 7721174
    Abstract: A test circuit is disclosed for testing embedded synchronous memories. A BIST controller is used to address the memory and provide reference data that is compared to the memory output. Pipeline registers are used to allow the BIST controller to perform reads and/or writes during every clock cycle. In one aspect, the BIST controller includes a reference data circuit that stores or generates data for comparison to the memory output. A pipeline register is positioned before the reference data circuit or between the reference data circuit and compare circuitry. Additional pipeline registers may be positioned between a compare capture circuit and the compare circuitry. The pipeline registers free the BIST controller from having to wait for a read to complete before starting the next read or write. To reduce the number of pipeline registers needed, a negative-edge BIST controller can be used with a positive-edge memory or vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventors: Wu-Tung Cheng, Christopher John Hill, Omar Kebichi
  • Patent number: 7644333
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing an integrated circuit using built-in self-test (BIST) techniques is described. In one aspect, a BIST circuit comprises a scan monitor with hold logic and a signature generation element. The hold logic is operable to suspend signature generation in the signature generation element at any desired point in the test sequence. In some embodiments, the hold logic comprises a scan-loadable signature hold flip-flop which allows the logic BIST controller to be restarted from any selected pattern within a pattern range and to run to any subsequent pattern. The BIST session can be run incrementally, testing and reporting intermediate MISR signatures. External automatic testing equipment can suspend signature generation at selected times during a BIST session to prevent tainting of the signature generation element. The hold logic also may comprise a rotating hold ring to suspend signature generation during predetermined shift cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventors: Christopher John Hill, Thomas Hans Rinderknecht
  • Patent number: 7424660
    Abstract: A circuit is disclosed for testing memories using multiple built-in self test (BIST) controllers embedded in an integrated circuit (IC). The BIST controllers are brought to a synchronization point during the memory test by allowing for a synchronization state. An output signal from an output pin on the IC indicates the existence of a synchronization state to automated test equipment (ATE). After an ATE receives the output signal, it issues a resume signal through an IC input pin that causes the controllers to advance out of the synchronization state. The ATE controls the synchronization state length by delaying the resume signal. Synchronization states can be used in parametric test algorithms, such as for retention and IDDQ tests. Synchronization states can be incorporated into user-defined algorithms by software design tools that generate an HDL description of a BIST controller operable to apply the algorithm with the synchronization state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventors: Omar Kebichi, Wu-Tung Cheng, Christopher John Hill, Paul J. Reuter, Yahya M. Z. Mustafa
  • Patent number: 7036064
    Abstract: A circuit is disclosed for testing memories using multiple built-in self test (BIST) controllers embedded in an integrated circuit (IC). The BIST controllers are brought to a synchronization point during the memory test by allowing for a synchronization state. An output signal from an output pin on the IC indicates the existence of a synchronization state to automated test equipment (ATE). After an ATE receives the output signal, it issues a resume signal through an IC input pin that causes the controllers to advance out of the synchronization state. The ATE controls the synchronization state length by delaying the resume signal. Synchronization states can be used in parametric test algorithms, such as for retention and IDDQ tests. Synchronization states can be incorporated into user-defined algorithms by software design tools that generate an HDL description of a BIST controller operable to apply the algorithm with the synchronization state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventors: Omar Kebichi, Wu-Tung Cheng, Christopher John Hill, Paul J. Reuter, Yahya M. Z. Mustafa
  • Patent number: 6829728
    Abstract: A test circuit is disclosed for testing embedded synchronous memories. A BIST controller is used to address the memory and provide reference data that is compared to the memory output. Pipeline registers are used to allow the BIST controller to perform reads and/or writes during every clock cycle. In one aspect, the BIST controller includes a reference data circuit that stores or generates data for comparison to the memory output. A pipeline register is positioned before the reference data circuit or between the reference data circuit and compare circuitry. Additional pipeline registers may be positioned between a compare capture circuit and the compare circuitry. The pipeline registers free the BIST controller from having to wait for a read to complete before starting the next read or write. To reduce the number of pipeline registers needed, a negative-edge BIST controller can be used with a positive-edge memory or vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventors: Wu-Tung Cheng, Christopher John Hill, Omar Kebichi
  • Patent number: 6671843
    Abstract: A method performed by a software design tool for providing an algorithm to a BIST controller that tests memory within a circuit. The method includes reading a description of a user defined test algorithm for a BIST controller, translating the description into an in-memory representation of the user defined algorithm, and reading a memory model selected by a user. The in-memory representation of the user-defined algorithm is associated with the selected memory model. From the association an HDL description of a BIST controller is generated. The HDL description is operable to apply the user defined algorithm to a memory corresponding to the selected memory model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventors: Omar Kebichi, Christopher John Hill, Paul J. Reuter, Ian Alexander Burgess
  • Publication number: 20030115525
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing an integrated circuit using built-in self-test (BIST) techniques is described. In one aspect, a BIST circuit comprises a scan monitor with hold logic and a signature generation element. The hold logic is operable to suspend signature generation in the signature generation element at any desired point in the test sequence. In some embodiments, the hold logic comprises a scan-loadable signature hold flip-flop which allows the logic BIST controller to be restarted from any selected pattern within a pattern range and to run to any subsequent pattern. The BIST session can be run incrementally, testing and reporting intermediate MISR signatures. External automatic testing equipment can suspend signature generation at selected times during a BIST session to prevent tainting of the signature generation element. The hold logic also may comprise a rotating hold ring to suspend signature generation during predetermined shift cycles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: Mentor Graphics Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher John Hill, Thomas Hans Rinderknecht
  • Publication number: 20020059543
    Abstract: A test circuit is disclosed for testing embedded synchronous memories. A BIST controller is used to address the memory and provide reference data that is compared to the memory output. Pipeline registers are used to allow the BIST controller to perform reads and/or writes during every clock cycle. In one aspect, the BIST controller includes a reference data circuit that stores or generates data for comparison to the memory output. A pipeline register is positioned before the reference data circuit or between the reference data circuit and compare circuitry. Additional pipeline registers may be positioned between a compare capture circuit and the compare circuitry. The pipeline registers free the BIST controller from having to wait for a read to complete before starting the next read or write. To reduce the number of pipeline registers needed, a negative-edge BIST controller can be used with a positive-edge memory or vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventors: Wu-Tung Cheng, Christopher John Hill, Omar Kebichi