Patents by Inventor Stefan Eckart

Stefan Eckart 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: 7050460
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for multiplexing data streams is provided. An earliest time and a latest time are determined for each packet of a each data stream. The packets of the data streams are multiplexed so as to meet earliest time and latest time requirements. The calculation of the earliest time and the latest time are simplified by allowing use of linear constraints rather than irregular stairstep constraints. Compensation for drift in the data streams is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: ATI International SRL
    Inventors: Stefan Eckart, Fabio Ingrao
  • Publication number: 20050084007
    Abstract: A video encoder includes a programmable rate controller. In one embodiment, the programmable rate controller includes a variable bit rate controller, a constant bit rate controller, and an arbitration logic for selecting one of the two outputs. An embodiment of a variable bit rate controller tracks long-term changes to average bit rate. An embodiment of a constant bit rate controller classifies macroblock types, determines a statistical indicator of complexity for each macroblock type, and generates a target bit rate based on estimated complexity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Publication date: April 21, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Lightstone, Stefan Eckart
  • Patent number: 6850692
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for successive linear approximation to obtain a specific point on a non-linear monotonic function include processing that begins by obtaining a T-coordinate for the specific point. The specific point includes a T-coordinate and an N-coordinate. The process then continues by selecting a minimum point and a maximum point on the non-linear monotonic function to bound the specific point. The processing then continues by deriving a linear reference between the minimum and maximum points. The process then proceeds by obtaining a reference N-coordinate that lies on the linear reference based on the T-coordinate. The process then continues by determining a reference T-coordinate lying on the non-linear monotonic function based on the referenced N-coordinate. The process then continues by determining whether the referenced T-coordinate is substantially similar to the T-coordinate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: ATI International SRL
    Inventor: Stefan Eckart
  • Patent number: 6714720
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing multimedia data for use in a digital VCR includes processing that begins by maintaining a first link list of a plurality of memory sections, where the first link list links the plurality of memory sections as a circular buffer. The processing then continues by receiving a stream of multimedia data. The processing then continues by storing the stream of multimedia data in at least some of the memory sections of the plurality of memory sections. The processing then continues by receiving a request for independent storage of a selected portion of the stream of multimedia data, e.g., the user desires to have a permanent copy of a particular program. The processing further continues by generating a second link list for a set of memory sections of the at least some of the memory sections. The set of memory sections stores the selected portion of the stream of multimedia data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: ATI International Srl
    Inventors: Michael Lightstone, Stefan Eckart, Richard Webb, Haitao Guo, Xiaohua Yang, Fabio Ingrao
  • Patent number: 6693959
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for indexing and locating key frames in streaming frame data and variable-frame-length data is described. Fast and efficient location of desired key frames in both directions (e.g., forward/backward, future/past) is provided. An estimate of the distance to the desired key frame is made and a seek performed according to that distance. At the location specified by the seek, key frame seek assist data are obtained. The desired key frame is located or a new seek is performed, depending on the key frame seek assist data obtained. By placing the key frame seek assist data at readily identifiable locations, efficient location of key frames is provided. The key frame seek assist data may be tailored to optimize efficiency for seeking in a particular direction, for example, backwards. The seek process is correspondingly configured to favor seeking in the more efficient direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: ATI International Srl
    Inventors: Stefan Eckart, Fabio Ingrao, Richard W. Webb, Xiaohua Yang, Michael Lightstone
  • Patent number: 6567127
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for video compression that provides support for the inclusion of VBI data and copy protection data in an enhanced encoded video data stream is presented. A received video signal is separated such that a video data stream and a VBI data stream are produced. The video data stream is encoded to produce a compressed video data stream. The various types of VBI data that may be included in the VBI data stream are isolated, and one or more are selected for inclusion in the enhanced video data stream. The compressed video data stream is then combined with the one or more VBI data type streams to produce the enhanced video data stream. In other embodiments, copy protection information in the video signal is also detected and encoded such that it also can be included in the enhanced video data stream. The enhanced video data stream can be stored in memory or some other type of storage media for retrieval at a later time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: ATI International SRL
    Inventors: Stephen J. Orr, Stefan Eckart, Miachel L. Lightstone