Transmission Path Testing Patents (Class 348/192)
  • Publication number: 20110050907
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a video signal detection system to measure video signals. A measurement method can measure the video signals by using the electronic device. The measurement method sets measurement parameters that are used to measure video signals. Furthermore, the measurement method generates measurement results that each corresponds to a video signal transmission channel between the electronic device and a video signal processing device. In addition, the measurement method generates a measurement report according to all the measurement results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: JUI-HSIUNG HO, WANG-DING SU
  • Publication number: 20110043640
    Abstract: A system for detecting and locating a digital TV leakage signal in an HFC network. The system comprises a headend unit and a leakage detector. The headend unit receives the TV signal at the headend for use as a reference signal. The reference signal is sampled at a rate corresponding to a time reference signal, to produce reference signal samples. The reference signal samples and timestamp are transmitted to the leakage detector. The detector receives the digital TV signal from a leakage source, for detection as a leakage signal. The detector includes a cross-correlation processor. The leakage signal is sampled at a rate corresponding to the time reference signal, to produce leakage signal samples. The cross-correlation processor performs a cross-correlation of the reference signal samples with the leakage signal samples to produce a cross-correlation function having a peak, and the TV leakage signal is detected from this peak.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: ARCOM DIGITAL, LLC
    Inventor: Victor M. Zinevich
  • Publication number: 20110025857
    Abstract: A method is disclosed of analyzing a video stream using a video analyzer. The video stream includes image frame data corresponding to an integer N number of image frames, respectively. The video analyzer includes a controller and a frame processor. The method includes setting a problem threshold value corresponding to a parameter of the image frame data, receiving first image frame data corresponding to a first image frame, analyzing the parameter of a portion of the received first image frame data and generating an analyzed value and determining whether there is a problem based on the analyzed value and the problem threshold value. The portion of the analyzed portion of the received first image frame data is less than the total received first image frame data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: General Instrument Corporation
    Inventor: Pierre Seigneurbieux
  • Patent number: 7876907
    Abstract: Characteristic amounts in each small region of audio signals transmitted in the working system and the standby system are extracted by characteristic amount calculators 6-1, 6-2. A characteristic amount comparator 7 compares the characteristic amounts and judges occurrence of fault of a fault. Characteristic amount difference calculators 9-1, 9-2, ?D? comparator 10, and faulty system judging unit 11 judges the system having a fault. Majority decision processor 12 and significance judging unit 13 enhance the reliability of the judgement. Delay difference of audio signals between systems is roughly detected by sub-sampling audio signals of two systems and comparing them, and then accurately detected without sub-sampling. Delay difference between audio signals is adjusted by the detected delay difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: KDDI Corporation
    Inventors: Ryoichi Kawada, Atsushi Koike, Masahiro Wada, Shuichi Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20110001833
    Abstract: The present invention relates to testing signals on a coaxial home network that carries a digital video signal. It has direct application to testing so-called Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) standards-compliant networks and applies to similar networks. In one mode, a computerized device joins the MoCA network and relays signals intended for a set-top-box to the STB. In another mode, the computerized device joins the MoCA network instead of the STB and tests signal strength, attenuation and similar physical layer characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Douglas Grinkemeyer, David Dailey
  • Publication number: 20100321507
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method comprises determining which of a plurality of media sources has a higher quality than at least one other media source and selecting the media source having the higher quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Christopher W Larsen, Jonathan A. Kaye
  • Patent number: 7812857
    Abstract: Edge detector techniques, known per se in the art, are applied to the field of automated video quality assessment. Any known edge detection algorithm is used as the basis of an edge detection stage for performing edge analysis of test video fields/frames in order to generate an edge parameter value that can then be used to contribute to an overall video quality value. The use of an edge detector stage contributes valuable information concerning image attributes which are perceptually significant to a human viewer to the quality assessment, thus rendering the result provided by the automated assessment more similar to that which would be performed by a human viewer undertaking a subjective assessment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: British Telecommunications plc
    Inventor: Alexandre Bourret
  • Publication number: 20100253785
    Abstract: A method is presented for notifying a user of a broadcast communication channel problem. At a broadcast distribution facility, a problem involving a first broadcast communication channel from the broadcast distribution facility to a broadcast communication receiver associated with the user is detected. A cause of the problem is ascertained at the facility. The broadcast distribution facility then relays an indication of the cause of the problem to the receiver over a second broadcast communication channel from the facility to the receiver. The receiver informs the user of the cause of the problem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: EchoStar Satellite LLC
    Inventors: David A. Kummer, Michael T. Dugan, Kranti K. Kilaru
  • Publication number: 20100245595
    Abstract: A system is described that provides a full end to end test of a recorder system to assure that a failure of any one or more channels is quickly detected so that maintenance can be performed. The system causes the recorder to sequence all or some of its outputs so that they appear sequentially on one (or more to increase speed) video signal line. The testing system uses one (or possibly multiple) testing circuits to check the signal from each recorder channel as it appears in the sequence. If one or more channels are inoperative, they are identified and a maintenance needed alarm is generated. The sequence includes a pause or similar discontinuity so that the tester can synchronize to the sequence so that the specific identifier of a channel can be identified with the detected operating status. This identification is also possible from communication between the tester and the recorder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: ACUITY SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventor: Glenn C. Waehner
  • Publication number: 20100231726
    Abstract: Receivers using multiple tuners may introduce crosstalk between signals provided to the tuners. The disclosed embodiments relate to a method and apparatus for detecting and preventing crosstalk. A method is described that includes providing a signal to a first signal processing path, tuning to a channel in the signal provided through the first signal processing path, tuning to the channel in the signal through a second signal processing path, and determining that crosstalk exists if the channel is present on the second signal processing path. An apparatus is also described containing means for providing a signal to a first signal processing path, tuning to a channel in the signal provided through the first signal processing path, tuning to the channel in the signal through a second signal processing path, and determining that crosstalk exists if the channel is present on the second signal processing path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Brian David Bajgrowicz
  • Patent number: 7796157
    Abstract: A system and method for diagnosis of video device performance in the transfer of audio visual data over a video network physically interfaces with the network to receive audio visual data associated with the video device of interest and uses diagnostic tools to access the audio visual data for determination of performance statistics with analysis of the accessed audio visual data, including video device jitter, latency, throughput, and packet loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Tandberg Telecom AS
    Inventors: Robert D. Sheldon, James H. Stephens, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7773112
    Abstract: A system and method for automatic measurement of video parameters for a video sequence using a video processor that has a software waveform monitor implemented as an integral part of a video processing application run by the video processor. Each frame of the processed video sequence, either in realtime as processed by the video processor, in near realtime after storage by the video processor in a storage device, or in the background for each video sequence stored in the storage device, is analyzed against specified parameters for legalization and/or color balancing of the video sequence. The analysis results may be reported as a display in several forms—an error image map, an error log, a timeline graphic, etc. The analysis results may also be provided to the video processor for automatic correction of the video sequence when the specified parameters are not satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin F. Whitling, Bozidar Janko, Kathryn A. Engholm, Frederick A. Azinger
  • Patent number: 7760272
    Abstract: A system comprising a first filter having an input and an output adapted to compensate for the characteristics of a first length of twisted-pair wire is disclosed. A first bypass path has an input and an output for bypassing the first filter. A second filter has an input and an output adapted to compensate for the characteristics of a first length of twisted-pair wire. A second bypass path has an input and an output for bypassing the first filter. A third filter has an input and an output adapted to compensate for the characteristics of a first length of twisted-pair wire. A third bypass path has an input and an output for bypassing the first filter. The three filters can be configured form a signal path or one or more filters removed from the signal path by switching in bypass paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Magenta Research
    Inventor: Chris Miller
  • Publication number: 20100180314
    Abstract: An IPTV receiver and a method for managing video functionality and video quality on a screen in the IPTV receiver are disclosed. Herein, a method includes downloading a widget application from a server, executing the downloaded widget application at a browser, requesting a video test stream through the executed widget application to the server and managing the video functionality and the video quality on the screen using the video test stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Kyung Ho Kim, Jong Yeul Suh, Chang Hoon Kim, Joon Hui Lee, Jin Pil Kim, Seok Joo Lee, Hyeong Ho Son
  • Publication number: 20100177196
    Abstract: The invention relates to a digital video test sequence comprising an intra coded picture (I) and a plurality of predicted pictures (P, B) following said intra coded picture. Each of said intra coded picture and predicted pictures comprises a luminance component (Y) and two chrominance components (Cr, Cb). A variation in at least one of the chrominance components between at least two successive pictures is uncorrelated with a variation in the luminance component between said successive pictures for at least a portion of a display panel on which said pictures are to be displayed. The video test sequence can be used in detecting packet loss for IPTV data connections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE KPN N.V.
    Inventors: John Gerard Beerends, Menno Remco Bangma, Jeroen Martijn Van Vugt
  • Patent number: 7738393
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for evaluating a quality, as perceived by a recipient, of a signal carrying a stimulus. The method includes a step for detecting absences of variation of said signal and a step of quantifying at least one deterioration corresponding to an absence of variation. The quantity of deterioration computed during the quantification step depends on an amplitude of variation of the stimulus immediately following the concerned absence of variation. The method and apparatus enable the correlation of the duration of variance, possible past of invariances and a sudden variation of amplitude following said in variance, in implementing an automatic technique in real time, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: France Telecom
    Inventors: Ricardo Pastrana, Catherine Colomes, Emmanuel Wyckens
  • Patent number: 7733373
    Abstract: In a cellular phone terminal, a bit error rate measurement section measures a bit error rate of broadcast data received by a broadcast reception section for receiving a digital broadcast to output broadcast data while a transmission operation of a communication transmission section for wirelessly communicating with a broadcasting communication network is performed. When the measured bit error rate is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, stopping of the transmission operation of the communication transmission section is instructed. Thus, a failure such as interruption of television broadcasting reproduction can preliminarily be prevented by avoiding error occurrence in reception of the 1 segment broadcasting service due to an influence of a transmission electric wave in data communication. As a result, stable reception of the 1 segment broadcasting service can be executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Casio Hitachi Mobile Communications Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Akiyama, Koichi Hamada, Masahiro Kageyama, Osamu Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 7733372
    Abstract: A method of measuring a quality of a test video stream, the method comprising measuring a content richness fidelity feature of the test video stream based on occurrences of color values in image frames of the test video stream; measuring a block-fidelity feature of the test video stream based on distortion at block-boundaries in the image frames of the test video stream; measuring a distortion-invisibility feature of the test video stream based on distortion at pixels of the image frames of the test video stream; and determining a quality rating for the test video stream based on the content richness fidelity feature, the block-fidelity feature and the distortion-invisibility feature measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Agency for Science, Technology and Research
    Inventors: Ee Ping Ong, Xiaokang Yang, Weisi Lin, Zhongkang Lu, Susu Yao
  • Patent number: 7716321
    Abstract: A user's content presentation device automatically measures the technical objective quality of an Internet video stream and/or estimates the perceived subjective quality of the stream, and provides feedback to the user regarding one or both of these estimates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Behram Mario Dacosta
  • Patent number: 7715592
    Abstract: Two video signals, typically an original signal and a degraded version of the same signal, are analyzed firstly to identify perceptually relevant boundaries of elements forming video images depicted therein. These boundaries are then compared to determine the extent to which the properties of the boundaries defined in one image are preserved in the other, to generate an output indicative of the perceptual difference between the first and second signals. The boundaries may be defined by edges, color, luminance or texture contrasts, disparities between frames in a moving or stereoscopic image, or other means. The presence, absence, difference in clarity or difference in means of definition of the boundaries is indicative of the perceptual importance of the differences between the signals, and therefore of the extent to which any degradation of the signal will be perceived by the human viewer of the resulting degraded image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: British Telecommunications public limited company
    Inventors: Michael P. Hollier, Alexandre Bourret
  • Patent number: 7710453
    Abstract: A real time apparatus for testing a DTV antenna transmitting system, wherein the DTV antenna transmitting system transmits an original signal from a DTV transmitter to a DTV transmitting antenna, is disclosed that includes a probe, wherein the probe is connected in series with the DTV antenna transmitting system, and senses signals traversing the DTV antenna transmitting system. An error detector of the testing apparatus compares the received signal to the original signal to identify the magnitude and location of errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Andre J. Skalina, Michael Simon
  • Publication number: 20100103272
    Abstract: To provide a video display device capable of transmitting attribute information more securely to a video output device capable of bidirectional communication. In a case in which there has been a request from the video output device for EDID attribute information, monitoring is performed to determine whether or not transmission of the EDID is completed properly (S8, S9). In a case in which EDID transmission is not completed properly, a reset process is performed in which a connect detection line is returned to a connected state after it is temporarily put into a disconnected state (S13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masaya Yagi
  • Patent number: 7705881
    Abstract: A subjective quality estimating part (11) receives an undeteriorated reference video signal (RI) and a deteriorated video signal (PI) produced from the reference video signal, calculates video signal feature values for both the signals, and according to a difference between the calculated video signal feature values of the signals, estimates a subjective quality of the deteriorated video signal. A feature value calculating part (12) calculates the video signal feature values of the reference video signal. A correction information storing part (13) stores correction information that corresponds to video signal feature values and is used to correct the subjective quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Nippon Telegraph and Telepone Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Okamoto, Takaaki Kurita
  • Patent number: 7692686
    Abstract: Coded test signals in two or more distinct coding formats are applied sequentially to the equipment under test (EUT) according to a test sequence. The ordering, timing and source characteristics of the coded test signals are fully programmable. The output of the EUT is analyzed to verify proper decoding and detect audible artifacts. A means for comparing recorded test events allows a test engineer to detect failure modes of the autodetection system in the EUT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: XFRM Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard C. Cabot
  • Patent number: 7683931
    Abstract: A method for performing a video quality measurement which includes performing a video quality test on a frame of a user observed video clip to provide a video quality score, generating a weighted error matrix for the frame, and updating the video quality score based upon the weighted error matrix to provide a weighted video quality score is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Fahd Pirzada, David Borel, Liam B. Quinn
  • Publication number: 20100033580
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to provide access to video streams associated with communication channels in a communication network are described. The method may comprise monitoring selection of a communication channel by a user of a mobile communication device, identifying at least one video feed associated with the selected channel, and providing access to the mobile communication device to the selected at least one video feed. Providing access may comprise associating the selected video stream with the mobile communication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shmuel Shaffer, Zeeshan Rahman Khan
  • Publication number: 20100020179
    Abstract: A High Definition Multi-Media Interface (HDMI) cable may exhibit frequency dependent signal attenuation, inter symbol interference, and inter-pair skew. A boost device integrated with the cable can compensate for such impairments of the cable. A self calibrating cable with a boost device of the embodiment of the invention is described, in which parameters that control the response of the boost device are set optimally in a self-calibrating process comprising looping the boosted cable on itself through a calibration fixture that contains a calibration control device. The boost device includes pattern generators and a sampling circuit. Each high speed channel of the cable is separately tested and calibrated with the help of one of the other channels serving as a sampling channel. Additional embodiments provide for a selected replica boost device and a distinct pattern generator device in the calibration fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: John Martin Horan, John Anthony Keane, Gerard David Guthrie
  • Patent number: 7647616
    Abstract: A method and system of analyzing the perceived quality of streaming media that includes transmitting at least one data packet from a stream sender to a stream receiver via a network connection; analyzing the data packets at the stream receiver, where the stream receiver determines whether there are data packets missing from the stream sender's data packets; requesting retransmission of specific data packets missing from the stream receiver; and retransmitting at least one specific data packet missing from the stream sender to the stream receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Leena K. Puthiyedath
  • Publication number: 20090309978
    Abstract: A receiver includes: a band detection unit that detects a frequency band within which the receiver can be connected to a transmitter by radio; a quality detection unit that detects the transmission quality level of video data, which is transmitted from the transmitter, using the frequency band detected by the band detection unit; and a notification unit that notifies an area in which the frequency band within which the receiver can be connected to the transmitter by radio is detected and the transmission quality level is detected to be higher than a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Hitoshi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7633522
    Abstract: A real time apparatus for testing a DTV antenna transmitting system, wherein the DTV antenna transmitting system transmits an original signal from a DTV transmitter to a DTV transmitting antenna, is disclosed that includes a probe, wherein the probe is connected in series with the DTV antenna transmitting system, and senses signals traversing the DTV antenna transmitting system. An error detector of the testing apparatus compares the received signal to the original signal to identify the magnitude and location of errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Andre Skalina, Michael Simon
  • Publication number: 20090290026
    Abstract: A High Definition Multi-Media Interface (HDMI) cable may exhibit frequency dependent signal attenuation, inter symbol interference, and inter-pair skew. A boost device integrated with the cable can compensate for such impairments of the cable. A self calibrating cable with a boost device of the embodiment of the invention is described, in which parameters that control the response of the boost device are set optimally in a self-calibrating process comprising looping the boosted cable on itself through a calibration fixture that contains a calibration control device. The boost device includes pattern generators and a sampling circuit. Each high speed channel of the cable is separately tested and calibrated with the help of one of the other channels serving as a sampling channel. Additional embodiments provide for a selected replica boost device and a distinct pattern generator device in the calibration fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventors: John Martin Horan, John Anthony Keane, Gerard David Guthrie
  • Patent number: 7623157
    Abstract: A video system including a circuit for automatically correcting reversed polarity in a polarity sensitive system. The system includes a video camera, a camera controller for controlling the video camera, a transmission medium for communicating a polarity sensitive signal between the video camera and the camera controller, and a polarity correction circuit configured to detect an incorrect polarity in the polarity sensitive signal. The polarity correction circuit includes a polarity controller to provide an inversion signal in response to incorrect polarity, and an inversion circuit which inverts the incorrect polarity in response to the inversion signal. In another aspect of the invention, the video system is configured to automatically correct the reversal of transmit and receive wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Sensormatic Electronics, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas F. Berkey
  • Publication number: 20090271836
    Abstract: Use of direct sequence spread spectrum test signals injected at the same time and frequency of active network services to perform non-interfering measurements in the forward and reverse path of a CATV plant. Ideally, a plurality of transmitters, each transmitting a test signal with a unique spreading code, whereby multiple overlapping test signals are received simultaneously at the receiver (CDMA).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: Ben MAXSON, Koji OKAMOTO
  • Patent number: 7605843
    Abstract: A monitoring method for monitoring a video/audio signal transmitted from a transmission source to a transmission destination has a step of storing the video/audio signal transmitted from the transmission source to the transmission destination repeatedly for a predetermined time period, a step of comparing a first characteristic amount extracted from the video/audio signal before the transmission and a second characteristic amount extracted from the video/audio signal after the transmission in real time, a step of determining an error occurrence when there is a difference of a predetermined value or more between the first characteristic amount and the second characteristic amount, and a step of transmitting the stored video/audio signal to a predetermined destination when an error occurrence is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Gaintech Co. Limited
    Inventors: Takahiro Hamada, Takuma Kawamura, Fuminori Watanabe, John Alexenko
  • Publication number: 20090244289
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for estimating a quality of an audio-video signal includes calculating audio and video quality factors from audio and video technical characteristics. An audio-video quality factors interaction is computed from an interaction between the audio and video quality factors. At least one of an audio quality, a video quality and an audio-visual quality is computed using the audio and video quality factors and the audio-video quality factors interaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicants: Deutsche Telekom AG, Technische Universitaet Berlin
    Inventors: Alexander Raake, Marie-Neige Garcia, Sebastian Moeller
  • Publication number: 20090225170
    Abstract: In estimating subjective video quality corresponding to main parameters (21) which are input as an input frame rate (21A) representing the number of frames per unit time, an input coding bit rate (21B) representing the number of coding bits per unit time, and an input packet loss rate (21C) representing a packet loss occurrence probability of an audiovisual medium, a degradation model specifying unit (12) specifies a degradation model (22) representing the relationship between the packet loss rate and the degradation in reference subjective video quality (23) on the basis of the input frame rate (21A) and input coding bit rate (21B). A desired subjective video quality estimation value (24) is calculated by correcting the reference subjective video quality on the basis of a video quality degradation ratio corresponding to the input packet loss rate (21C) calculated by using the degradation model (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Kazuhisa Yamagishi, Takanori Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7584496
    Abstract: A system for pinpointing CDP sources in a two-way HFC CATV network comprises a headend CPD radar unit, a return path switch, and a computer. The radar unit is coupled to a headend combiner. The return path switch is coupled between the nodes of the CATV network and the radar unit. The computer is connected to the radar unit and the return path switch. The computer controls the radar unit and switch and causes them to perform constant sequential CPD monitoring of the nodes of the network. The system further comprises a portable radar-calibrator unit that is carried into the field and connected to various points along the coaxial cable portion of the network. The portable radar unit is used to detect CPD sources in the field and to calibrate the network as to time delay. The portable unit communicates with the headend radar unit through the CATV network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Arcom Digital, LLC
    Inventor: Victor M. Zinevitch
  • Patent number: 7580674
    Abstract: An antenna control interface is integrated with common integrated circuit components, such as radio transceiver or baseband modem signal processing control logic. The antenna control interface controls the operation of an adaptive antenna array used with wireless communication system devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: IPR Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Gorsuch, John A. Regnier, John E. Hoffmann, George Rodney Nelson, Jr., James A. Proctor, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090185037
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring Hum on a digital QAM carrier using a testing device for testing digital TV signals including a QAM demodulator therein, and to a testing device implementing the method. A micro-controller is used to sample a register associated with an AGC circuit in the QAM demodulator, and to process the collected register values to obtain one or more Hum characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: Acterna LLC
    Inventors: Pingnan SHI, Daniel K. Chappell, Walter Miller, Gregory W. Massey
  • Publication number: 20090179989
    Abstract: A system for monitoring television signals broadcast by at least one transmission antenna in a broadcast area includes a monitoring control center and a plurality of remote monitoring units distributed in television signal receiving locations of the broadcast area remote from the transmission antenna. The remote monitoring units are configured to receive the television signals irradiated in the respective locations, process the television signals and send to the monitoring control center information related to the processed television signal. In particular, the remote monitoring units include a receiver adapted to receive the television signal, a measuring system adapted to perform measures on radio-electric features of the received television signal, and a communication system adapted to communicate measurement results to the remote monitoring center, exploiting a communication link between the remote monitoring unit and the control center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Danilo Bessone, Vincenzo Gigliotti, Michele Lupano, Alfredo Rinaudo, Valter Squizzato
  • Patent number: 7551198
    Abstract: A picture of 625/50 format is converted to a picture of 525/60 format by a format converter provided halfway of the transmission link (1). By thinning scanning lines from the 625/50 format with a scanning line thinning means (2) on an input side of the transmission link (1) and then thinning fields from the format of 525/60 with a field (frame) thinning means (4) on an output side, the formats are matched with each other. After that, a picture quality characteristic amount is extracted by picture quality characteristic amount extracting portions (3), (5) and transmitted to a central monitoring room (6). A comparing means (7) of the central monitoring room (6) compares received picture quality characteristic amount so as to monitor a transmitted picture quality on a transmission link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: KDDI Corporation
    Inventors: Ryoichi Kawada, Osamu Sugimoto, Atsushi Koike
  • Publication number: 20090102928
    Abstract: A monitoring method for monitoring a video/audio signal transmitted from a transmission source to a transmission destination has a step of storing the video/audio signal transmitted from the transmission source to the transmission destination repeatedly for a predetermined time period, a step of comparing a first characteristic amount extracted from the video/audio signal before the transmission and a second characteristic amount extracted from the video/audio signal after the transmission in real time, a step of determining an error occurrence when there is a difference of a predetermined value or more between the first characteristic amount and the second characteristic amount, and a step of transmitting the stored video/audio signal to a predetermined destination when an error occurrence is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: K-WILL JAPAN
    Inventors: Takahiro Hamada, Takuma Kawamura, Fuminori Watanabe, John Alexenko
  • Publication number: 20090102927
    Abstract: A wireless communication system is disclosed, which includes a source device having a high-rate wireless transmitter circuit for wirelessly transmitting a video signal, and a sink device having a high-rate wireless receiver circuit for receiving the wirelessly transmitted video signal. The source device includes a memory for storing a device ID of the source device and a low-rate wireless transceiver circuit, in addition to the high-rate wireless transmitter circuit. The low-rate wireless transceiver circuit wirelessly transmits a control signal including the device ID read-out from the memory to the sink device, and wirelessly receives a registration control signal for registering the source device in the sink device, from the sink device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Akihiro Tatsuta, Makoto Funabiki, Hiroshi Ohue
  • Publication number: 20090096874
    Abstract: A multi-modal quality estimation unit (11) estimates a multi-modal quality value (23A) on the basis of an audio quality evaluation value (21A) and a video quality evaluation value (21). In addition, a delay quality degradation amount estimation unit (12) estimates a delay quality degradation amount (23B) on the basis of an audio delay time (22A) and a video delay time (22B). A video communication quality estimation unit (13) estimates a video communication quality value (24) on the basis of a multi-modal quality value (23A) and a delay quality degradation amount (23B).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Takanori Hayashi, Kazuhisa Yamagishi
  • Patent number: 7508414
    Abstract: Picture quality characteristic amounts are extracted with a picture quality characteristic amount extractor and are transmitted to a central monitoring room to monitor a transmitted-picture quality. The picture quality characteristic amount extractor includes a pixel-position interchanger, an orthogonal transformer and a coefficient extractor. The picture quality characteristic amount extrator may further include a PN-series multiplier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: KDDI Corporation
    Inventors: Ryoichi Kawada, Atsushi Koike
  • Publication number: 20090040303
    Abstract: A system for automatically determining video quality receives video input from one or more surveillance cameras (16a, 16b . . . 16N), and based on the received input calculates a number of video quality metrics (40). The video quality metrics are fused together (42), and provided to decision logic (44), which determines, based on the fused video quality metrics, the video quality provided by the one or more surveillance cameras (16a, 16b . . . 16N). The determination is provided to a monitoring station (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: Chubb International Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Alan M. Finn, Steven B. Rakoff, Pengju Kang, Pei-Yuan Peng, Ankit Tiwari, Ziyou Xiong, Lin Lin, Meghna Misra, Christian Maria Netter
  • Publication number: 20080284853
    Abstract: According to the described method, interframe similarities s(i) are calculated for the frames of the video sequence, each interframe similarity s(i) being indicative of the similarity of two consecutive frames i—1, i. As it has been found, an analysis of the interframe similarities allows to determine various parameters that are characteristic for the mean opinion score MOS, such as the downsampling rate, pausing, or a noise-dependence of the interframe similarity at the keyframes. An objective mean opinion score MOSo being a value close to the mean opinion score is derived as a value linear in the pausing parameter, a keyframe distance parameter and further quality parameters measured in the spatial domain, corrected by a second value being an exponential model in the downsampling rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Pero Juric, Rene Widmer
  • Patent number: 7451472
    Abstract: The upstream performance characteristics of a network are measured by looping a signal through both the downstream and upstream paths of the network. Test equipment may be located at a headend of the network and configured to transmit a signal downstream to a remotely located loopback device that redirects the signal in the upstream path to the test equipment. The upstream characteristics may be predominant in the analysis of the return signal because the downstream path may be relatively free from noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Cable Television Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas H. Williams
  • Publication number: 20080231711
    Abstract: A method of automated video device testing, and source and sink video devices are disclosed. A test signal may be provided by way of a video link from a video source to a video sink, over a video link extending therebetween. The method includes receiving on the video link a request from the video sink to provide the test signal; identifying based on the request, a requested test signal; providing the requested test signal from the video source to the video sink over the video link. In another embodiment, a video sink may be queried over a video link to determine a metric describing at least a portion of know video signal, as received and determined at the video sink to verify integrity of the video signal at the video sink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: ATI Technologies ULC
    Inventors: David Glen, Betty Luk
  • Patent number: 7423978
    Abstract: A method for evaluating an end-user's subjective assessment of streaming media quality includes obtaining reference data characterizing the media stream, and obtaining altered data characterizing the media stream after the media stream has traversed a channel that includes a network. An objective measure of the QOS of the media stream is then determined by comparing the reference data and the altered data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Sudheer Sirivara, Jeffrey McVeigh, Robert J. Reese, Gianni G. Ferrise, Phillip G. Austin, Ram R. Rao, Shobhana Subramanian