Patents by Inventor Peter J. Melsa

Peter J. Melsa 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).

  • Patent number: 9927907
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a touch input device and a lighting device coupled with a circuit, includes generating, in a signal combiner, an operational signal configured to identify a touch input device state for the touch input device, interpreting, in a touch core module, the identified touch input device state for the touch input device, in response to the interpreting of the touch input device state, generating, in a light core module, a lighting device state for the lighting device, providing the operational signal and the lighting device state, and controlling the touch input device and the lighting device via the operational signal and the lighting device state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Neomar Giacomini, Brian N. Radford, Peter J. Melsa
  • Patent number: 9473892
    Abstract: Example appliances that trigger applications on consumer devices based on user proximity to appliance background are disclosed. A disclosed example system includes an appliance to detect a proximity of a user to the appliance, a remote server to receive a result of the proximity detection from the appliance, and to send an application trigger based on the result, and a user device associated with the user to activate an application on the user device in response to the application trigger received from the remote server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. Hughes, Peter J. Melsa, Brandon L. Satanek, Wen Shi
  • Publication number: 20160174035
    Abstract: Example appliances that trigger applications on consumer devices based on user proximity to appliance background are disclosed. A disclosed example system includes an appliance to detect a proximity of a user to the appliance, a remote server to receive a result of the proximity detection from the appliance, and to send an application trigger based on the result, and a user device associated with the user to activate an application on the user device in response to the application trigger received from the remote server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: RICHARD J. HUGHES, PETER J. MELSA, BRANDON L. SATANEK, WEN SHI
  • Publication number: 20160103551
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a touch input device and a lighting device coupled with a circuit, includes generating, in a signal combiner, an operational signal configured to identify a touch input device state for the touch input device, interpreting, in a touch core module, the identified touch input device state for the touch input device, in response to the interpreting of the touch input device state, generating, in a light core module, a lighting device state for the lighting device, providing the operational signal and the lighting device state, and controlling the touch input device and the lighting device via the operational signal and the lighting device state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: NEOMAR GIACOMINI, BRIAN N. RADFORD, PETER J. MELSA
  • Patent number: 7733763
    Abstract: A method of communicating data across a channel that experiences near-end cross talk (NEXT) interference and far-end cross talk (FEXT) interference in alternate intervals. In one embodiment, a first data rate is determined for a first carrier-number mode that is to utilize a first bit table, a second data rate is determined for a second carrier-number mode that is to utilize dual bit tables, a third data rate is determined for a third carrier-number mode that is to utilize a second bit table during a FEXT interval, and a modem is configured to transmit using the mode having a highest data rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Konrad W. Kratochwil, Thomas N. Zogakis, Peter J. Melsa
  • Publication number: 20080259955
    Abstract: A method of communicating data across a channel that experiences near-end cross talk (NEXT) interference and far-end cross talk (FEXT) interference in alternate intervals. In one embodiment, a first data rate is determined for a first carrier-number mode that is to utilize a first bit table, a second data rate is determined for a second carrier-number mode that is to utilize dual bit tables, and a modem is configured to transmit using the mode having a highest data rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Konrad W. Kratochwil, Thomas N. Zogakis, Peter J. Melsa
  • Patent number: 7406028
    Abstract: A method of communicating data across a channel that experiences near-end cross talk (NEXT) interference and far-end cross talk (FEXT) interference in alternate intervals. In one embodiment, the method comprises: a) determining NF, the number of bits per symbol usable in a FEXT-only mode of operation; b) determining NS, a number of bits per symbol usable in a single mode of operation; c) determining whether the FEXT-only mode or the single mode provides a higher data rate; and d) configuring a modem to transmit using the mode having a higher data rate. The FEXT-only mode may be determined to have a higher data rate when 126NF>340NS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Konrad W. Kratochwil, Thomas N. Zogakis, Peter J. Melsa
  • Patent number: 7274732
    Abstract: A communication device (e.g., a modem) is disclosed as including logic that processes a transmit signal before providing a signal to an echo canceler. The processing may include low pass filtering and decimation of the transmit signal. The low pass filter's cut-off frequency preferably is less than the sampling rate associated with the transmit signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Peter J. Melsa, Thomas N. Zogakis
  • Patent number: 7130415
    Abstract: A line driver apparatus includes a peak detector operable to receive a data signal and output a first logic signal when the data signal is below a threshold value and output one of a plurality of alternate logic signals when the data signal exceeds the threshold value. The peak detector includes a signal magnitude calculator operable to calculate an amount by which the data signal exceeds the threshold value. The line driver apparatus also includes an amplifier operable to receive a filtered analog data signal and one of a time-delayed first logic signal and one of a time-delayed alternate logic signal, wherein the amplifier operates at a first voltage level upon receiving the time-delayed first logic signal, and the amplifier operates at a voltage level that is increasing toward one of an alternate voltage level upon receiving the time-delayed second logic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Peter J. Melsa, P. Sean Stetson
  • Patent number: 7110445
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus, system and method of peak-to-average reduction of an oversampled signal for a digital communication system. Peak detection 504 and width measurement 504 are advantageously combined in which a peak portion or multiple peak portions of an input signal that exceeds a predetermined threshold is detected and a width of the peak portion is determined. The peak detection and width measurement are further combined with a novel variable width shape generation methodology 506 in which a variable width shaping response is applied 510 to the peak portion responsive to the peak portion width. Additionally, a novel receiver technique 1390 can be included to reduce or eliminate the upstream BER impact using downstream oversampled shaping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Peter J. Melsa
  • Patent number: 7031457
    Abstract: A digital input signal is analyzed by a peak detector (210) configurable to trigger a first logic signal (260) if the peak detector detects the digital input signal level crossing a certain threshold. The threshold value can be modified by an overhead. The amplifier (250) employs a plurality of supply rails of differing voltages (253, 255) as a function of the logic signals. A digital signal delay element (220) may delay the signal to allow sufficient time for the amplifier to switch between supply sources. A logic delay element (280) may delay transmittal of the first logic signal by the peak detector to compensate for signal delay caused by a filter. A hold element (270) ensures that the first logic signal is applied to the output amplifier for a given amount of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Peter J. Melsa
  • Patent number: 7027589
    Abstract: A central office modem (50) that includes the capability of single-ended loop testing (SELT) is disclosed. The modem (50) includes a digital signal processor (54), a codec (56), line driver and receiver circuitry (58), and a hybrid circuit (60), by way of which a subscriber loop (LOOP) can be driven and sensed. The line driver and receiver circuitry (58) may include a transformer (74a, 74b) for driving the loop (LOOP), or the output may be capacitively coupled. The line driver and receiver circuitry (58) includes active termination, by way of operational amplifiers (80a, 80b). Switches (82a, 82b; 84a, 84b) are provided to selectively enable and disable the active termination function, and to selectively bypass or include the hybrid circuit (60). This control of the line driver and receiver circuitry (58) provides the ability to calibrate out its own characteristics, providing high precision SELT measurements of the load impedance type, and of frequency domain reflectometry, and time domain reflectometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Hao Shi, Peter J. Melsa
  • Publication number: 20040184519
    Abstract: A communication device (e.g., a modem) is disclosed as including logic that processes a transmit signal before providing a signal to an echo canceler. The processing may include low pass filtering and decimation of the transmit signal. The low pass filter's cut-off frequency preferably is less than the sampling rate associated with the transmit signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: Texas Instruments incorporated
    Inventors: Peter J. Melsa, Thomas N. Zogakis
  • Publication number: 20040101130
    Abstract: A central office modem (50) that includes the capability of single-ended loop testing (SELT) is disclosed. The modem (50) includes a digital signal processor (54), a codec (56), line driver and receiver circuitry (58), and a hybrid circuit (60), by way of which a subscriber loop (LOOP) can be driven and sensed. The line driver and receiver circuitry (58) may include a transformer (74a, 74b) for driving the loop (LOOP), or the output may be capacitively coupled. The line driver and receiver circuitry (58) includes active termination, by way of operational amplifiers (80a, 80b). Switches (82a, 82b; 84a, 84b) are provided to selectively enable and disable the active termination function, and to selectively bypass or include the hybrid circuit (60). This control of the line driver and receiver circuitry (58) provides the ability to calibrate out its own characteristics, providing high precision SELT measurements of the load impedance type, and of frequency domain reflectometry, and time domain reflectometry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Hao Shi, Peter J. Melsa
  • Publication number: 20040001586
    Abstract: A line driver apparatus includes a peak detector operable to receive a data signal and output a first logic signal when the data signal is below a threshold value and output one of a plurality of alternate logic signals when the data signal exceeds the threshold value. The peak detector includes a signal magnitude calculator operable to calculate an amount by which the data signal exceeds the threshold value. The line driver apparatus also includes an amplifier operable to receive a filtered analog data signal and one of a time-delayed first logic signal and one of a time-delayed alternate logic signal, wherein the amplifier operates at a first voltage level upon receiving the time-delayed first logic signal, and the amplifier operates at a voltage level that is increasing toward one of an alternate voltage level upon receiving the time-delayed second logic signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Applicant: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Peter J. Melsa, P. Sean Stetson
  • Publication number: 20030227865
    Abstract: A method of communicating data across a channel that experiences near-end cross talk (NEXT) interference and far-end cross talk (FEXT) interference in alternate intervals. In one embodiment, the method comprises: a) determining NF, the number of bits per symbol usable in a FEXT-only mode of operation; b) determining NS, a number of bits per symbol usable in a single mode of operation; c) determining whether the FEXT-only mode or the single mode provides a higher data rate; and d) configuring a modem to transmit using the mode having a higher data rate. The FEXT-only mode may be determined to have a higher data rate when 126NF>340NS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Applicant: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Konrad W. Kratochwil, Thomas N. Zogakis, Peter J. Melsa
  • Publication number: 20030107412
    Abstract: A digital input signal is analyzed by a peak detector (210) configurable to trigger a first logic signal (260) if the peak detector detects the digital input signal level crossing a certain threshold. The threshold value can be modified by an overhead. The amplifier (250) employs a plurality of supply rails of differing voltages (253, 255) as a function of the logic signals. A digital signal delay element (220) may delay the signal to allow sufficient time for the amplifier to switch between supply sources. A logic delay element (280) may delay transmittal of the first logic signal by the peak detector to compensate for signal delay caused by a filter. A hold element (270) ensures that the first logic signal is applied to the output amplifier for a given amount of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventor: Peter J. Melsa
  • Publication number: 20030043895
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus, system and method of peak-to-average reduction of an oversampled signal for a digital communication system. Peak detection 504 and width measurement 504 are advantageously combined in which a peak portion or multiple peak portions of an input signal that exceeds a predetermined threshold is detected and a width of the peak portion is determined. The peak detection and width measurement are further combined with a novel variable width shape generation methodology 506 in which a variable width shaping response is applied 510 to the peak portion responsive to the peak portion width. Additionally, a novel receiver technique 1390 can be included to reduce or eliminate the upstream BER impact using downstream oversampled shaping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Peter J. Melsa
  • Publication number: 20020191705
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for predicting signal peaks and reducing signal peaks in transmitted data in a multicarrier transmission system. Said apparatus comprising a data input, a behavior model of filters in transmit path of said multicarrier transmission system, a circuit for applying said behavior model to said data input, a comparator for comparing data with a threshold, and a data output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Peter J. Melsa, Thomas Nicholas Zogakis
  • Patent number: 5263121
    Abstract: A neural network solution for routing calls through a three stage interconnection network selects an open path through the interconnection network if one exists. The neural network solution uses a neural network with a binary threshold. The weights of the neural network are fixed for all time and therefore are independent of the current state of the interconnection network. Preferential call placement strategies are implemented by selecting appropriate external inputs to the neural network. An interconnection network controller stores information reflecting the current usage of the interconnection network and interfaces between the interconnection network and the neural network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Tellabs, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Melsa, Charles E. Rohrs, John B. Kenney