Patents by Inventor Robert Allan Unger

Robert Allan Unger 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: 9497513
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for use in for use in dynamically adjusting an encoder bit rate according to a determined available bandwidth for wirelessly communicating source data. A method detects a first available bandwidth, determines a first encoder bit rate according to the available bandwidth, encodes a signal at the first encoder bit rate, detects a change in the available bandwidth such that there is a second available bandwidth, determines a second encoder bit rate according to the second available bandwidth, and encodes the signal at the second encoder bit rate. Encoding the signal at the second encoder bit rate can include encoding a subsequent frame of the signal. The method can further wirelessly communicate the signal encoded at the first encoder bit rate in real-time and wirelessly communicate the signal encoded at the second encoder bit rate in real-time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Allan Unger
  • Patent number: 8724806
    Abstract: A partial multiple encryption device consistent with certain embodiments has an input adapted to receive a unencrypted video signal. An encryption arrangement produces a partially multiple encrypted video signal from the unencrypted video signal. An output is adapted to provide the partially multiple encrypted video signal. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Brant L. Candelore, Leo M. Pedlow, Jr., Robert Allan Unger
  • Publication number: 20140096174
    Abstract: A method of displaying a branched chain of IPTV content involves providing a set of metadata that associates the time intervals with one of the plurality of affiliate video streams; playing the first stream of video content on an IPTV compatible player to sequentially reveal the plurality of features of the first stream in their respective time relationships in the first stream via a display driven by the IPTV compatible player device; at the IPTV player, receiving a selection signal during the time interval that selects the video feature being displayed and the IPTV player ceasing to play the first stream of video and beginning playing the associated one of the collection of affiliate data streams. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicants: SONY ELECTRONICS INC., SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: ARAN LONDON SADJA, ROBERT ALLAN UNGER
  • Patent number: 8631453
    Abstract: In certain implementations, a method of displaying a branched chain of Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) video content involves providing a first stream of video content, the first stream of video content having a plurality of video features that appear during a plurality of associated time intervals in the first stream of video content; providing a collection of affiliate video streams related to the plurality of time intervals; providing a set of metadata that associates the time intervals with one of the plurality of affiliate video streams; playing the first stream of video content on an IPTV compatible player device to sequentially reveal the plurality of features of the first stream in their respective time relationships in the first stream via a display driven by the IPTV compatible player device; at the IPTV compatible player device, receiving a selection signal during the associated time interval that selects the video feature being displayed; upon receipt of the selection signal, the IPTV compatib
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Aran London Sadja, Robert Allan Unger
  • Patent number: 8538324
    Abstract: A mobile telephone docking station that makes use of a TV as a display and that allows use of a standard keyboard and mouse to have a faster, more comfortable means to control the phone. Access to all of the cell phone's functions is allowed through the docking station/TV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Hardacker, Christopher Jensen Read, Robert Allan Unger
  • Publication number: 20130156186
    Abstract: A partial multiple encryption device consistent with certain embodiments has an input adapted to receive a unencrypted video signal. An encryption arrangement produces a partially multiple encrypted video signal from the unencrypted video signal. An output is adapted to provide the partially multiple encrypted video signal. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: BRANT L. CANDELORE, LEO M. PEDLOW, JR., ROBERT ALLAN UNGER
  • Patent number: 8411857
    Abstract: A partial multiple encryption device consistent with certain embodiments has an input adapted to receive a unencrypted video signal. An encryption arrangement produces a partially multiple encrypted video signal from the unencrypted video signal. An output is adapted to provide the partially multiple encrypted video signal. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Brant L. Candelore, Robert Allan Unger, Leo M. Pedlow, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8387096
    Abstract: A web-based subscription service PVR system. An Internet server maintains, for each subscriber, the subscriber's aggregated content including digital rights management (DRM) rules for each piece of content as defined by the content provider. Pointers to requested content are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Hardacker, Robert Allan Unger
  • Patent number: 8289306
    Abstract: A video display method consistent with certain embodiments involves sampling video from a video source using a sample and hold frame buffer such that frames are received and stored as the frames of video information are supplied from the video source at a refresh interval to a video display panel in a dynamic mode of operation wherein the screen is refreshed with a new frame of video data at each refresh interval; determining that a static mode of operation is to be entered; sending an output signal from the sample and hold frame buffer to the video display panel during the static mode of operation; and placing the video source in a lower power consumption mode in the static mode of operation. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Allan Unger
  • Patent number: 8285223
    Abstract: A deviation from an expected wireless link status between a wireless display device and a local wireless media transmission device is detected via the wireless display device. The local wireless media transmission device is located proximate to the wireless display device. It is determined that an expected wireless signal is not incident upon a first wireless receiver of the wireless display device based upon the detected deviation from the expected wireless link status. A problem is identified that causes the detected deviation from the expected wireless link status. A wireless status indicator is displayed via the display. The wireless status indicator indicates that the expected wireless signal is not incident upon the first wireless receiver and indicates the identified problem that causes the detected deviation from the expected wireless link status. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Allan Unger
  • Patent number: 8280222
    Abstract: Metadata defining TV video settings is embedded in or otherwise accompanies a video stream. The metadata is executed by the TV to establish the settings, which consequently may be optimized for the particular video stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Hardacker, Robert Allan Unger
  • Patent number: 8264548
    Abstract: In a home system in which a TV receives video from various sources over directional wireless links such as 60 GHz links, a mirror apparatus is provided that can be configured to physically steer a signal toward a receiver on the TV to optimize received signal strength. In this way, RF energy that otherwise would be radiated in non-productive directions away from the receiver is reflected toward the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Hardacker, James R. Milne, Robert Allan Unger
  • Patent number: 8250604
    Abstract: A method of presenting a video electronic program guide (EPG), consistent with certain embodiments involves establishing a sorting of television channels, with a selected channel having a highest sorting priority, and other channels being arranged in pairs in a hierarchy below the selected channel; displaying a plurality of windows representing a plurality of the channels in a cross media bar menu arrangement, with the principal focus channel being represented at a window appearing at an intersection of horizontal and vertical bars in the cross media bar menu arrangement and the pairs of channels arranged on either side of the selected channel in the cross media bar menu arrangement; and retrieving sample clips of the channels in focus section of the sort order, and presenting the clips as repeating clips in their respective windows. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Allan Unger, James Amendolagine
  • Patent number: 8228262
    Abstract: Multimedia from a source can be wirelessly transmitted in a 60 GHz system to a display. To support rapid reads of encryption, EDID, and other data written into a slave at the display by a master at the source in accordance with I2C protocol, a master simulator on the display side continually polls the slave for changes, and maintains a shadow memory in a slave simulator at the source side current, so that reads from the master may be immediately executed from the shadow memory in the slave simulator without transmitting the wireless link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Allan Unger
  • Patent number: 8212946
    Abstract: A television device has a display panel having a video display situated therein, the display panel being housed in a substantially rectangular housing. A support electronics housing separate from the display panel, is sized to be no wider than a standard household wall stud spacing and no deeper than a standard household wall cavity depth. The support electronics housing carries electronics that support use of the display panel as a television. One or more electrical cables electrically interconnects the support electronics housing with the display panel. An electronic video interface resides in the support electronics housing and having an electrical connector to provide video signals thereto. A power source resides in the support electronics housing that receives household electrical power and supplies electrical power to the display panel through the one or more electrical cables. A mounting bracket assembly mounts the display panel to a wall such that the rear surface is approximately flush with the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Allan Unger
  • Patent number: 8209730
    Abstract: A method of transmitting a Video-on-Demand (VOD) program involves at a service provider head-end, separating VOD program data into first and second parts; transmitting the first part over a communication network to a recipient receiver for storage at a storage device as cached speculative data, where the transmitting is carried out as a data push when the communication network has available bandwidth to permit such transmitting and without regard for any order having been received for the VOD program to be sent to the receiver; receiving an order for the VOD program to be sent to the receiver; and streaming the second part to the receiver for reassembly into the VOD program at the receiver by combining the second part as it is streamed with the cached speculative data. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Hardacker, Keith Resch, Robert Allan Unger
  • Patent number: 8135888
    Abstract: A module interconnects a home network controller and a TV and translates signals from the controller into a non-infrared (IR) protocol understandable by the TV. The module is also useful to send software updates to the TV, and/or to query the TV for diagnostic information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Milne, Arturo Jordan, Robert Allan Unger
  • Publication number: 20110311045
    Abstract: A partial multiple encryption device consistent with certain embodiments has an input adapted to receive a unencrypted video signal. An encryption arrangement produces a partially multiple encrypted video signal from the unencrypted video signal. An output is adapted to provide the partially multiple encrypted video signal. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Brant L. Candelore, Robert Allan Unger, Leo M. Pedlow, JR.
  • Patent number: 8045552
    Abstract: Pairing information is automatically exchanged over a temporary cable in a wireless high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) system. Subsequently, the cable is disconnected and a source of HDMI (such as a disk player) wirelessly sends HDMI A/V to a sink (such as a HDTV).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Allan Unger
  • Patent number: 8036381
    Abstract: A partial multiple encryption device consistent with certain embodiments has an input for receiving a unencrypted video signal. An encryption arrangement produces a partially multiple encrypted video signal from the unencrypted video signal. An output provides the partially multiple encrypted video signal. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Brant L. Candelore, Robert Allan Unger, Leo M. Pedlow, Jr.