Patents by Inventor Hartmut Peters

Hartmut Peters 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).

  • Bonding contents on separate storage media
    Patent number: 8667036
    Abstract: Local storage on player instruments provides the ability for adding further amendments and most recent supplements to the optical disc content. A problem arising with this technically applicable possibility is the protection of copyrights bound to disc and supplement data. The present invention describes a technique to ensure a security framework that is able to handle this, by creating a virtual file system (VFS) by merging optical disc data and local storage data based upon a common identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Dirk Gandolph, Jobst Hoerentrup, Ralf Ostermann, Carsten Herpel, Uwe Janssen, Hartmut Peters, Andrej Schewzow, Marco Winter
  • Method and Device for Composing a Menu
    Publication number: 20130346861
    Abstract: Multimedia content of exchangeable storage media, such as optical discs, may be extended by bonus content that is downloaded via Internet connection and stored on a local storage device. An improved method for integration of different menu items relating to on-disc content and downloaded content provides flexibility and a simple, low cost solution. The method for integration of downloaded bonus content into a menu comprises defining one or more placeholders within a menu, determining a storage location or naming convention for bonus content, declaring for each placeholder an attribute providing a unique association to a specific type of bonus content, providing a button image, detecting presence of bonus content data, replacing the associated placeholder by the associated button image and enabling an associated action to be taken when said button is selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: THOMSON LICENSING
    Inventors: Carsten Herpel, Jobst Horentrup, Ralf Ostermann, Hartmut Peters, Dirk Gandolph
  • Method and Device for Composing a Menu
    Publication number: 20130339854
    Abstract: Multimedia content of exchangeable storage media, such as optical discs, may be extended by bonus content that is downloaded via Internet connection and stored on a local storage device. An improved method for integration of different menu items relating to on-disc content and downloaded content provides flexibility and a simple, low cost solution. The method for integration of downloaded bonus content into a menu comprises defining one or more placeholders within a menu, determining a storage location or naming convention for bonus content, declaring for each placeholder an attribute providing a unique association to a specific type of bonus content, providing a button image, detecting presence of bonus content data, replacing the associated placeholder by the associated button image and enabling an associated action to be taken when said button is selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: THOMSON LICENSING
    Inventors: Carsten Herpel, Jobst Horentrup, Ralf Ostermann, Hartmut Peters, Dirk Gandolph
  • Method and apparatus for executing software applications
    Patent number: 8607194
    Abstract: Consumer electronic devices, such as e.g. high-definition movie players for removable storage media such as optical discs, may provide possibilities for advanced interactivity for the user, implemented as software applications. A question arising generally with such software applications is what the life cycle of such an application is, and who may control it. The invention provides a method for executing software applications within a playback device for audio-video data, wherein data from a first removable storage medium are read for a software application to be executed within said playback device, and the data comprise an indication defining a termination condition for the application. Based on said termination code and depending on how the medium holding the application is ejected, the application is terminated or may survive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Dirk Gandolph, Carsten Herpel, Jobst Hoerentrup, Uwe Janssen, Ralf Ostermann, Hartmut Peters, Andrej Schewzow, Marco Winter
  • Method and apparatus for executing software applications
    Patent number: 8607195
    Abstract: Consumer electronic devices, such as e.g. high-definition movie players for removable storage media such as optical discs, may provide possibilities for advanced interactivity for the user, implemented as software applications. A question arising generally with such software applications is what the life cycle of such an application is, and who may control it. The invention provides a method for executing software applications within a playback device for audio-video data, wherein data from a first removable storage medium are read for a software application to be executed within said playback device, and the data comprise an indication defining a termination condition for the application. Based on said termination code and depending on how the medium holding the application is ejected, the application is terminated or may survive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Dirk Gandolph, Carsten Herpel, Jobst Hoerentrup, Uwe Janssen, Ralf Ostermann, Hartmut Peters, Andrej Schewzow, Marco Winter
  • Method and apparatus for synchronizing data streams containing audio, video and/or other data
    Patent number: 8588585
    Abstract: Several data streams contain video, audio and/or other data. Some of the data streams are pre-recorded in a multiplex on a storage medium while other data streams are located out of the data stream multiplex on the storage medium. The data streams are synchronized using a navigation file (List_of_PlayItems), which comprises descriptors (PlayItems, SubPlayItems) pointing to parts of said data streams, wherein said descriptors define the arrangement in time for said data streams by means of data sub stream paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Dirk Gandolph, Harald Schiller, Jobst Hoerentrup, Ralf Ostermann, Hartmut Peters
  • Method and device for composing a menu
    Patent number: 8555168
    Abstract: Multimedia content of exchangeable storage media, such as optical discs, may be extended by bonus content that is downloaded via Internet connection and stored on a local storage device. An improved method for integration of different menu items relating to on-disc content and downloaded content provides flexibility and a simple, low cost solution. The method for integration of downloaded bonus content into a menu comprises defining one or more placeholders within a menu, determining a storage location or naming convention for bonus content, declaring for each placeholder an attribute providing a unique association to a specific type of bonus content, providing a button image, detecting presence of bonus content data, replacing the associated placeholder by the associated button image and enabling an associated action to be taken when said button is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Carsten Herpel, Jobst Hörentrup, Ralf Ostermann, Hartmut Peters, Dirk Gandolph
  • Method and device for composing a menu
    Patent number: 8543920
    Abstract: Multimedia content of exchangeable storage media, such as optical discs, may be extended by bonus content that is downloaded via Internet connection and stored on a local storage device. An improved method for integration of different menu items relating to on-disc content and downloaded content provides flexibility and a simple, low cost solution. The method for integration of downloaded bonus content into a menu comprises defining one or more placeholders within a menu, determining a storage location or naming convention for bonus content, declaring for each placeholder an attribute providing a unique association to a specific type of bonus content, providing a button image, detecting presence of bonus content data, replacing the associated placeholder by the associated button image and enabling an associated action to be taken when said button is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Carsten Herpel, Dirk Gandolph, Jobst Hörentrup, Ralf Ostermann, Hartmut Peters
  • Method and apparatus for composition of subtitles
    Patent number: 8537282
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a subtitling format encompassing elements of enhanced syntax and semantic to provide improved animation capabilities. The disclosed elements improve subtitle performance without stressing the available subtitle bitrate. This will become essential for authoring content of high-end HDTV subtitles in pre-recorded format, which can be broadcast or stored on high capacity optical media, e.g. the Blue-ray Disc. Embodiments of the invention include abilities for improved authoring possibilities for the content production to animate subtitles. For subtitles that are separate from AV material, a method includes using one or more superimposed subtitle layers, and displaying only a selected part of the transferred subtitles at a time. Further, colors of a selected part of the displayed subtitles may be modified, e.g. highlighted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Dirk Gandolph, Jobst Hörentrup, Ralf Ostermann, Hartmut Peters, Harald Schiller
  • Method and Apparatus for Executing Software Applications
    Publication number: 20130236159
    Abstract: Consumer electronic devices, such as e.g. high-definition movie players for removable storage media such as optical discs, may provide possibilities for advanced interactivity for the user, implemented as software applications. A question arising generally with such software applications is what the life cycle of such an application is, and who may control it. The invention provides a method for executing software applications within a playback device for audio-video data, wherein data from a first removable storage medium are read for a software application to be executed within said playback device, and the data comprise an indication defining a termination condition for the application. Based on said termination code and depending on how the medium holding the application is ejected, the application is terminated or may survive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: THOMSON LICENSING
    Inventors: Dirk GANDOLPH, Carsten HERPEL, Jobst HOERENTRUP, Uwe JANNSEN, Ralf OSTERMANN, Hartmut PETERS, Andrej SCHEWZOW, Marco WINTER
  • Method and apparatus for composition of subtitles
    Patent number: 8531609
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a subtitling format encompassing elements of enhanced syntax and semantic to provide improved animation capabilities. The disclosed elements improve subtitle performance without stressing the available subtitle bitrate. This will become essential for authoring content of high-end HDTV subtitles in pre-recorded format, which can be broadcast or stored on high capacity optical media, e.g. the Blue-ray Disc. Embodiments of the invention include abilities for improved authoring possibilities for the content production to animate subtitles. For subtitles that are separate from AV material, a method includes using one or more superimposed subtitle layers, and displaying only a selected part of the transferred subtitles at a time. Further, colors of a selected part of the displayed subtitles may be modified, e.g. highlighted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Dirk Gandolph, Jobst Hörentrup, Ralf Ostermann, Hartmut Peters, Harald Schiller
  • Method and apparatus for synchronizing data streams containing audio, video and/or other data
    Patent number: 8528027
    Abstract: Several data streams contain video, audio and/or other data. Some of the data streams are pre-recorded in a multiplex on a storage medium while other data streams are located out of the data stream multiplex on the storage medium. The data streams are synchronized using a navigation file (List_of_PlayItems), which comprises descriptors (Play-Items, SubPlayItems) pointing to parts of said data streams, wherein said descriptors define the arrangement in time for said data streams by means of data sub stream paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Dirk Gandolph, Harald Schiller, Jobst Hoerentrup, Ralf Ostermann, Hartmut Peters
  • Method for generating an on-screen menu
    Patent number: 8473863
    Abstract: A method for generating an on-screen menu comprising menu buttons and other menu items, e.g. help text, comprises one or more groups of menu buttons or menu items are defined, wherein a group comprises one or more menu buttons or menu items and has associated a defined area on the screen. A state is assigned to a button, the state being “enabled” or “disabled”, wherein only an enabled button or item may be displayed, and wherein within a group not more than one button or item may be enabled. The state of a button can be changed by commands associated with other buttons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Jobst Hoerentrup, Dirk Gandolph, Carsten Herpel, Ralf Ostermann, Hartmut Peters
  • Method and apparatus for composition of subtitles
    Patent number: 8432493
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a subtitling format encompassing elements of enhanced syntax and semantic to provide improved animation capabilities. The disclosed elements improve subtitle performance without stressing the available subtitle bitrate. This will become essential for authoring content of high-end HDTV subtitles in pre-recorded format, which can be broadcast or stored on high capacity optical media, e.g. the Blue-ray Disc. Embodiments of the invention include abilities for improved authoring possibilities for the content production to animate subtitles. For subtitles that are separate from AV material, a method includes using one or more superimposed subtitle layers, and displaying only a selected part of the transferred subtitles at a time. Further, colors of a selected part of the displayed subtitles may be modified, e.g. highlighted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Dirk Gandolph, Jobst Hörentrup, Ralf Ostermann, Hartmut Peters, Harald Schiller
  • Method and apparatus for executing software applications
    Patent number: 8418133
    Abstract: Consumer electronic devices, such as e.g. high-definition movie players for removable storage media such as optical discs, may provide possibilities for advanced interactivity for the user, implemented as software applications. A question arising generally with such software applications is what the life cycle of such an application is, and who may control it. The invention provides a method for executing software applications within a playback device for audio-video data, wherein data from a first removable storage medium are read for a software application to be executed within said playback device, and the data comprise an indication defining a termination condition for the application. Based on said termination code and depending on how the medium holding the application is ejected, the application is terminated or may survive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Dirk Gandolph, Carsten Herpel, Jobst Hoerentrup, Uwe Janssen, Ralf Ostermann, Hartmut Peters, Andrej Schewzow, Marco Winter
  • Method and apparatus for synchronizing data streams containing audio, video and/or other data
    Patent number: 8387091
    Abstract: Several data streams contain video, audio and/or other data. Some of the data streams are pre-recorded in a multiplex on a storage medium while other data streams are located out of the data stream multiplex on the storage medium. The data streams are synchronized using a navigation file, which comprises descriptors pointing to parts of said data streams, wherein said descriptors define the arrangement in time for said data streams by means of data sub stream paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Dirk Adolph, Harald Schiller, Jobst Hörentrup, Ralf Ostermann, Hartmut Peters
  • Method and apparatus for synchronizing data streams containing audio, video and/or other data
    Patent number: 8381254
    Abstract: Several data streams contain video, audio and/or other data. Some of the data streams are pre-recorded in a multiplex on a storage medium while other data streams are located out of the data stream multiplex on the storage medium. The data streams are synchronized using a navigation file (List_of_PlayItems), which comprises descriptors (PlayItems, SubPlayItems) pointing to parts of said data streams, wherein said descriptors define the arrangement in time for said data streams by means of data sub stream paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Dirk Adolph, Harald Schiller, Jobst Hörentrup, Ralf Ostermann, Hartmut Peters
  • Method and apparatus for composition of subtitles
    Patent number: 8373800
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a subtitling format encompassing elements of enhanced syntax and semantic to provide improved animation capabilities. The disclosed elements improve subtitle performance without stressing the available subtitle bitrate. This will become essential for authoring content of high-end HDTV subtitles in pre-recorded format, which can be broadcast or stored on high capacity optical media, e.g. the Blue-ray Disc. Embodiments of the invention include abilities for improved authoring possibilities for the content production to animate subtitles. For subtitles that are separate from AV material, a method includes using one or more superimposed subtitle layers, and displaying only a selected part of the transferred subtitles at a time. Further, colors of a selected part of the displayed subtitles may be modified, e.g. highlighted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Dirk Gandolph, Jobst Hörentrup, Ralf Ostermann, Hartmut Peters, Harald Schiller
  • Method and apparatus for composition of subtitles
    Patent number: 8363163
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a subtitling format encompassing elements of enhanced syntax and semantic to provide improved animation capabilities. The disclosed elements improve subtitle performance without stressing the available subtitle bitrate. This will become essential for authoring content of high-end HDTV subtitles in pre-recorded format, which can be broadcast or stored on high capacity optical media, e.g. the Blue-ray Disc. Embodiments of the invention include abilities for improved authoring possibilities for the content production to animate subtitles. For subtitles that are separate from AV material, a method includes using one or more superimposed subtitle layers, and displaying only a selected part of the transferred subtitles at a time. Further, colors of a selected part of the displayed subtitles may be modified, e.g. highlighted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Dirk Gandolph, Jobst Hörentrup, Ralf Ostermann, Hartmut Peters, Harald Schiller
  • Method and device for composing a menu
    Patent number: 8359536
    Abstract: Multimedia content of exchangeable storage media, such as optical discs, may be extended by bonus content that is downloaded via Internet connection and stored on a local storage device. An improved method for integration of different menu items relating to on-disc content and downloaded content provides flexibility and a simple, low cost solution. The method for integration of downloaded bonus content into a menu comprises defining one or more placeholders within a menu, determining a storage location or naming convention for bonus content, declaring for each placeholder an attribute providing a unique association to a specific type of bonus content, providing a button image, detecting presence of bonus content data, replacing the associated placeholder by the associated button image and enabling an associated action to be taken when said button is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Carsten Herpel, Dirk Gandolph, Jobst Hörentrup, Ralf Ostermann, Hartmut Peters