Patents by Inventor Philip Houghton

Philip Houghton 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: 8401177
    Abstract: A combined sidetone and hybrid balance apparatus and method of operating same are disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may provide both a hybrid balance mode of operation and a sidetone generation mode of operation within a single integrated circuit device. The functionality provided by an embodiment of the present invention may be used in both Internet protocol (IP)-based telephones and residential gateways, and may be incorporated within the IP telephone chip used in such devices. An embodiment of the present invention may be used to reduce processor demand and the cost of materials, permitting greater IP telephone or residential gateway functionality at lower cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Philip Houghton
  • Patent number: 8299979
    Abstract: A two-way visual communication system using multiple imaging devices, and a method for operating such a device is described. An embodiment of the present invention may use an image processor to analyze and modify image data from one or more imaging devices, and from the far-end party, in order to improve the perceived level of eye contact experienced by the users. The output signals from the imaging devices may be individually selected for transmission to the far end party, or may be used in combination in the synthesis of a composite image, using information derived from the imaging devices and/or from the image of the far-end party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Darwin Rambo, Philip Houghton
  • Patent number: 7865361
    Abstract: One or more methods and systems of analyzing, assessing, and reporting voice quality scores are presented. In one embodiment, voice quality scores are generated by querying one or more computing devices responsible for processing a reference speech sample input into a voice communication system. In one embodiment, voice quality scores are transmitted by a voice analysis platform and subsequently analyzed. In one embodiment, a single voice analysis platform is used to measure voice quality of a voice communication system. In one embodiment, multiple voice analysis platforms are used to measure voice quality at multiple endpoints of one or more voice communication systems. In one embodiment, the method comprises a user determining one or more points along a communication system where transmitted reference speech samples are to be tapped. The tapped reference speech samples are ported to a voice analysis platform where a voice quality score is generated and graphically displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Darwin Rambo, Philip Houghton
  • Publication number: 20100122109
    Abstract: Self-calibration of devices such as computer and graphics processors permits adjustment of processor clock rates, and access to normally unused processor capacity. Processor clock rates specified by device manufacturers are normally selected to insure operation across the entire manufacturer-specified range of operating temperatures and supply voltages. By limiting processor clock rates to nominal values, even when operating well within manufacturer-specified temperature and/or supply voltage limits, designers sacrifice processor capacity. By determining the upper limits of processor clock rates at which reliable operation can be realized, and adjusting processor clock rates to match those speeds, a representative embodiment of the present invention permits device users to gain additional, previously inaccessible processing capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Darwin Rambo, Philip Houghton
  • Patent number: 7650527
    Abstract: Self-calibration of devices such as computer and graphics processors permits adjustment of processor clock rates, and access to normally unused processor capacity. Processor clock rates specified by device manufacturers are normally selected to insure operation across the entire manufacturer-specified range of operating temperatures and supply voltages. By limiting processor clock rates to nominal values, even when operating well within manufacturer-specified temperature and/or supply voltage limits, designers sacrifice processor capacity. By determining the upper limits of processor clock rates at which reliable operation can be realized, and adjusting processor clock rates to match those speeds, a representative embodiment of the present invention permits device users to gain additional, previously inaccessible processing capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Darwin Rambo, Philip Houghton
  • Patent number: 7602815
    Abstract: One or more methods and systems of effectively transmitting voice and voice band data from one node to another are presented. In one embodiment, the system comprises an NTP time server generating absolute times to computing devices such as residential voice over internet protocol (VoIP) gateways. The NTP time server generates absolute times in response to NTP time requests made by one or more computing devices such as residential VoIP gateways. In one embodiment, the method comprises determining an adequate rate for requesting absolute times from an NTP server, making periodic requests to the NTP server, obtaining the absolute times from the NTP server, and generating an adjustment parameter for use by a computing device such as a residential VoIP gateway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Philip Houghton, Roderick Sillett
  • Patent number: 7542465
    Abstract: A decoder for decompressing real-time media data streams and a method for operating such a decoder is disclosed. The decoder may comprise a relatively larger first memory for storing compressed data and parameters, and a processor for executing a decompression algorithm, the processor having a relatively smaller second memory. The decompression algorithm may be executed on a periodic basis, and the parameters used to select the data to be decompressed may be moved from the second memory to the first memory each time the decompression algorithm executes. An embodiment of the present invention may use slower, less expensive memory to enable it to support a greater number of real-time media streams than prior art solutions. Another embodiment of the present invention may include machine-readable storage having stored thereon a computer program having a plurality of code sections executable by a machine for causing the machine to perform the foregoing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Philip Houghton, Winnie Lee
  • Patent number: 7477283
    Abstract: A two-way visual communication device and methods for operating such a device are disclosed. An embodiment of the disclosed invention may comprise a visual display device and one or more pinhole imaging devices positioned within the active display area of the visual display. An image processor may be used to analyze the displayed image, and to select the output signal from one of the pinhole imaging devices. The image processor may also modify the displayed image in order to optimize the degree of eye contact as perceived by the far-end party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Darwin Rambo, Philip Houghton
  • Publication number: 20070186128
    Abstract: Self-calibration of devices such as computer and graphics processors permits adjustment of processor clock rates, and access to normally unused processor capacity. Processor clock rates specified by device manufacturers are normally selected to insure operation across the entire manufacturer-specified range of operating temperatures and supply voltages. By limiting processor clock rates to nominal values, even when operating well within manufacturer-specified temperature and/or supply voltage limits, designers sacrifice processor capacity. By determining the upper limits of processor clock rates at which reliable operation can be realized, and adjusting processor clock rates to match those speeds, a representative embodiment of the present invention permits device users to gain additional, previously inaccessible processing capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventors: Darwin Rambo, Philip Houghton
  • Publication number: 20070053505
    Abstract: A combined sidetone and hybrid balance apparatus and method of operating same are disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may provide both a hybrid balance mode of operation and a sidetone generation mode of operation within a single integrated circuit device. The functionality provided by an embodiment of the present invention may be used in both Internet protocol (IP)-based telephones and residential gateways, and may be incorporated within the IP telephone chip used in such devices. An embodiment of the present invention may be used to reduce processor demand and the cost of materials, permitting greater IP telephone or residential gateway functionality at lower cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventor: Philip Houghton
  • Patent number: 7149305
    Abstract: A combined sidetone and hybrid balance apparatus and method of operating same are disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may provide both a hybrid balance mode of operation and a sidetone generation mode of operation within a single integrated circuit device. The functionality provided by an embodiment of the present invention may be used in both Internet protocol (IP)-based telephones and residential gateways, and may be incorporated within the IP telephone chip used in such devices. An embodiment of the present invention may be used to reduce processor demand and the cost of materials, permitting greater IP telephone or residential gateway functionality at lower cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Philip Houghton
  • Publication number: 20060224653
    Abstract: A method and system for performing digital signal processing operations in a computer system are disclosed. In addition to the ability to perform DSP operation on a new hardware platform, this method and system allow the dynamic and global control of saturation and left shifting prior to accumulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Publication date: October 5, 2006
    Inventors: Kimming So, Jason Leonard, Philip Houghton, Henry Li, Baobinh Truong
  • Publication number: 20050162510
    Abstract: A two-way visual communication device and methods for operating such a device are disclosed. An embodiment of the disclosed invention may comprise a visual display device and one or more pinhole imaging devices positioned within the active display area of the visual display. An image processor may be used to analyze the displayed image, and to select the output signal from one of the pinhole imaging devices. The image processor may also modify the displayed image in order to optimize the degree of eye contact as perceived by the far-end party.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Publication date: July 28, 2005
    Inventors: Darwin Rambo, Philip Houghton
  • Patent number: 6888562
    Abstract: A two-way visual communication device and methods for operating such a device are disclosed. An embodiment of the disclosed invention may comprise a visual display device and one or more pinhole imaging devices positioned within the active display area of the visual display. An image processor may be used to analyze the displayed image, and to select the output signal from one of the pinhole imaging devices. The image processor may also modify the displayed image in order to optimize the degree of eye contact as perceived by the far-end party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Darwin Rambo, Philip Houghton
  • Publication number: 20050063358
    Abstract: One or more methods and systems of effectively transmitting voice and voice band data from one node to another are presented. In one embodiment, the system comprises an NTP time server generating absolute times to computing devices such as residential voice over internet protocol (VoIP) gateways. The NTP time server generates absolute times in response to NTP time requests made by one or more computing devices such as residential VoIP gateways. In one embodiment, the method comprises determining an adequate rate for requesting absolute times from an NTP server, making periodic requests to the NTP server, obtaining the absolute times from the NTP server, and generating an adjustment parameter for use by a computing device such as a residential VoIP gateway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Publication date: March 24, 2005
    Inventors: Philip Houghton, Roderick Sillett
  • Publication number: 20050013430
    Abstract: A combined sidetone and hybrid balance apparatus and method of operating same are disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may provide both a hybrid balance mode of operation and a sidetone generation mode of operation within a single integrated circuit device. The functionality provided by an embodiment of the present invention may be used in both Internet protocol (IP)-based telephones and residential gateways, and may be incorporated within the IP telephone chip used in such devices. An embodiment of the present invention may be used to reduce processor demand and the cost of materials, permitting greater IP telephone or residential gateway functionality at lower cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: January 20, 2005
    Inventor: Philip Houghton
  • Publication number: 20050015253
    Abstract: One or more methods and systems of analyzing, assessing, and reporting voice quality scores are presented. In one embodiment, voice quality scores are generated by querying one or more computing devices responsible for processing a reference speech sample input into a voice communication system. In one embodiment, voice quality scores are transmitted by a voice analysis platform and subsequently analyzed. In one embodiment, a single voice analysis platform is used to measure voice quality of a voice communication system. In one embodiment, multiple voice analysis platforms are used to measure voice quality at multiple endpoints of one or more voice communication systems. In one embodiment, the method comprises a user determining one or more points along a communication system where transmitted reference speech samples are to be tapped. The tapped reference speech samples are ported to a voice analysis platform where a voice quality score is generated and graphically displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Publication date: January 20, 2005
    Inventors: Darwin Rambo, Philip Houghton
  • Publication number: 20040227693
    Abstract: A two-way visual communication system using multiple imaging devices, and a method for operating such a device is described. An embodiment of the present invention may use an image processor to analyze and modify image data from one or more imaging devices, and from the far-end party, in order to improve the perceived level of eye contact experienced by the users. The output signals from the imaging devices may be individually selected for transmission to the far end party, or may be used in combination in the synthesis of a composite image, using information derived from the imaging devices and/or from the image of the far-end party.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Darwin Rambo, Philip Houghton
  • Publication number: 20040190508
    Abstract: A decoder for decompressing real-time media data streams and a method for operating such a decoder is disclosed. The decoder may comprise a relatively larger first memory for storing compressed data and parameters, and a processor for executing a decompression algorithm, the processor having a relatively smaller second memory. The decompression algorithm may be executed on a periodic basis, and the parameters used to select the data to be decompressed may be moved from the second memory to the first memory each time the decompression algorithm executes. An embodiment of the present invention may use slower, less expensive memory to enable it to support a greater number of real-time media streams than prior art solutions. Another embodiment of the present invention may include machine-readable storage having stored thereon a computer program having a plurality of code sections executable by a machine for causing the machine to perform the foregoing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Philip Houghton, Winnie Lee
  • Publication number: 20040189794
    Abstract: A two-way visual communication device and methods for operating such a device are disclosed. An embodiment of the disclosed invention may comprise a visual display device and one or more pinhole imaging devices positioned within the active display area of the visual display. An image processor may be used to analyze the displayed image, and to select the output signal from one of the pinhole imaging devices. The image processor may also modify the displayed image in order to optimize the degree of eye contact as perceived by the far-end party.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Darwin Rambo, Philip Houghton