Switching Patents (Class 348/705)
  • Patent number: 7020892
    Abstract: A time-shifted video method has a real-time mode during which real-time video frames are delivered for display. In a time-shifted mode, time-shifted video frames are delivered for display. The time-shifted video frames are delayed relative to the real-time video frames. A real-time frame is paused during a transition from the real-time mode to the time-shifted mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: LSI Logic Corporation
    Inventors: Alain P. Levesque, Tim Vehling, Song Jin, David L. Recker
  • Patent number: 6999131
    Abstract: When a changeover instruction is input to video output changeover control section 108, power control section 112 turns on the power to changeover target video output section 102. Timing change section 111 synchronizes sync signal Y output by changeover target video output section 102 with sync signal X output by changeover source video output section 101. Power control section 112 turns off the power to changeover source video output section 101.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Kishimoto, Kosuke Kubota
  • Patent number: 6973255
    Abstract: In a recording device (1), a switching portion (19) is supplied with an ID signal from an identification signal generating portion (21) in a video display device (2) through a connector output portion (8). The switching portion (19) is also supplied with an ID signal outputted from an identification signal generating portion (15) in the recording device (1). When the ID signal indicating the video display device (2) is outputted from a return identification signal distinguishing portion (17) to a recording standby signal generating portion (18), the switching portion (19) is switched to the side-b so that the ID signal inputted to the recording device (1) is outputted to the outside as it is. The ID signal passed through the recording device (1) is inputted to an identification signal input portion (41) in an analog video signal output processing portion (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoki Kato
  • Patent number: 6972806
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for processing auxiliary data included in a video signal, in particular auxiliary data included in the vertical blanking interval of a television signal. The present invention recognizes that comb filtering of a television signal before processing the auxiliary data included in the television signal may cause corruption of the data. The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the data corruption by placing the takeoff point for the auxiliary data at a point in the signal path prior to the comb filtering. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention also provides for switching between one of a plurality of signal sources while ensuring that the signal provided to an auxiliary data processor corresponds to the displayed signal and minimizing the additional hardware and software required with regard to prior art arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Thomas David Gurley, William John Testin
  • Patent number: 6966065
    Abstract: A client transmits an event of Event::Subscribe (“DSI—CHANGED”) to a server. The server returns an event number set for a “DSI—CHANGED” event to the client. After the event number is obtained, the client transmits Event::notify to the server and requests some event generation notice including “DSI—CHANGED”. When there is a change in DSI of a karrusel which was received, namely, when the “DSI CHANGED” event is generated at a certain timing after Event::notify is received, the server transmits the event number corresponding to the “DSI—CHANGED” event to the client as a response to Event::notify. The contents of the karrusel before the event number is generated is continuously used for a period of time during which the client transmits Session::detach to the server after the server notified the client of the generation of the event number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Naohisa Kitazato, Junya Saito, Kenichi Murata, Yasushi Katayama
  • Patent number: 6961099
    Abstract: An entertainment system includes a digital television connected to a number of audio/video input devices. The television and at least two of the input devices support analog legacy communication schemes. The television is adapted to uniquely identify the analog output channels from each of the input devices. Uniquely identifying the analog output channels from each input device enables the television to automatically select the correct device output from among the numerous possibilities. This automation relieves the user of having to manually select the correct analog channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Takano, Atsushi Suzuki, Shigeharu Kondo, Takashi Otani
  • Patent number: 6952237
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for transmission of audio signals over a dedicated video transmission line in which the analog audio signal is inserted into and becomes a part of the video signal. Samples of the audio signal are inserted into the active video line, either at the beginnings or endings, or both, of each active video line scan signal. A defined amount of the active video interval is reserved from the active video line, and is replaced with samples of the analog audio signal. An analog switch in the modulator of the invention toggles to pick up the samples of audio and place them at the designated location (either at the beginnings or at the ends) of each active video line scan signal. A corresponding switch in the demodulator of the invention toggles to retrieve the audio samples from the active video line scans for output to the user. Stereo and/or bi-directional audio signals can be transmitted by insertion into both the beginnings and the endings of the active video line scan signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Pelco
    Inventor: Samuel N. Grigorian
  • Patent number: 6947069
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for connecting fiber optic lines and a fiber optic receiver and a fiber optic transmitter in an information transmission system carrying information signals propagated from a transmitter to a receiver in one direction and an external synchronizing signal from the receiver to the transmitter in the opposite direction, a fiber optic receiver includes a circuit for receiving an optical information signal from the transmitter and converting that signal into an electrical signal which is processed into an information signal outputted to the transmission line via a common connector. A pulse signal transmitted to the fiber optic receiver is retrieved and separated from the information signal. The pulse signal is an external synchronizing signal having a voltage level higher than the maximum level or lower than the minimum voltage level of the video signal. The pulse signal is injected into the information transmission line or the fiber optic line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Elbex Video Ltd.
    Inventor: David Elberbaum
  • Patent number: 6943849
    Abstract: A video signal connection apparatus comprises an array of individual video signal connector contacts arranged in a matrix having connector contact rows and connector contact columns, the individual video signal connector contacts extending in a first connection direction, a connector having individual connector contacts corresponding in number to the individual video signal connector contacts of the array, the individual connector contacts extending in a second connection direction, the second connection direction being orthogonal to the first connection direction and conductors interconnecting the individual video signal connector contacts to the individual connector contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Sensormatic Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Edwin S. Thompson, William A. Crable, Jr., Christopher M. Mullins, Leroy Davis, Gregory Gelman, Robert E. Germain, Albert Harding, Harold Johnson
  • Patent number: 6927801
    Abstract: A video signal processing apparatus processes input video signals. A video signal source supplies the input video signals carrying at least a first video signal that is an interlaced signal having 480 effective scanning lines and a second video signal that is an interlaced signal having 1080 effective scanning lines. A video signal processor converts at least the first and the second video signals into a third video signal that is a progressive signal having 1440 effective scanning lines, thus outputting the third video signal. The output third video signal may be converted into a fourth video signal that is an interlaced signal by a progressive-to-interlace converter, thus outputting the fourth video signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Victor Company of Japan, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masafumi Yugami, Makiko Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6912016
    Abstract: Various appliances linked up by a bus that can transmit video data form the system, and functionality modules themselves connected to the bus form certain appliances. A command enables to select functionality modules in various appliances at a time, to command the switch-on of these modules and to establish exchanges of data between these modules. A substantially virtual appliance may thus be formed by the combination of functionality modules that are found in separate appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Francis Stumm
  • Patent number: 6891574
    Abstract: A video amplifier having an on-screen display (OSD) capability uses one channel of an OSD input video signal to generate a blanking signal for blocking output of a video signal. When the blanking signal is asserted, the OSD channels provide the on-screen display. The blanking signal is generated in a high speed mixer circuit including an emitter-coupled differential pair for amplifying the OSD input signal about an operating DC offset voltage and a pull down circuit for providing the blanking signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald W. Page
  • Patent number: 6867820
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-channel audio menu display method and an apparatus thereof. The audio menu display method in accordance with the present invention comprises detecting the connection state of audio output terminals, receiving audio source information from the audio source content received from the DTV, determining a usable audio menu for displaying on a certain screen in accordance with the connection state and audio source information, and displaying the determined usable audio menu on the screen. Accordingly the present invention is capable of displaying only the present usable menu to a user, preventing the user from setting the menu wrongfully, and allowing the audio menu selection more conveniently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Sang Un Jin
  • Patent number: 6847409
    Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a video switchover detection circuit that reduces the circuit scale and allows high-accuracy detection with a smaller-scale configuration. According to the invention, the video switchover detection circuit comprises a PLL circuit composed of a phase comparator, an LPF, a VCO, and a frequency divider. In the phase comparator, the phase of an external HD as an input signal obtained by shaping the pulse of a horizontal synchronization signal is compared with the phase of an internal HD as a reference signal obtained by dividing the frequency of the output pulse of the VCO in the PLL circuit. In case the phases of the signals differ from each other, an error signal is output from the phase comparator. A first counter counts the period in which the error signal is active, or the time when the phase difference persists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takehiko Sakai, Daijiro Kawai, Kazuhide Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20040263694
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of processing a plurality of video input signals in a display device by sensing a new video signal, aside from a presently displayed video signal, input through a video interface, and automatically displaying a menu of display options for the newly input video signal to convert input/output paths of video signals from the presently displayed video signal to the newly input video signal. Input of a new video signal, aside from a presently displayed video signal, is periodically checked, and if the new video signal is input, a new video signal input message and a predetermined menu for selecting whether to display the new video signal are automatically displayed. According to an input menu selection signal, the new video signal is displayed or the displaying of the presently displayed video signal is continued.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jung-Dae Kim
  • Publication number: 20040263688
    Abstract: A television receiver includes a switching portion which receives each of a video signal received and obtained by an antenna and a video signal read from a storage medium, and selectively outputs one of the video signals in response to an instruction signal for output selection, a detection portion which detects a mode of a video signal, a selection/control portion which supplies the instruction signal for output selection to the switching portion, and outputs a detection result corresponding to a preset specific mode from the detection portion, a signal processing portion which applies sequential scanning conversion processing to the video signal selected and output by the switching portion, and a display portion which displays the video signal subjected to the sequential scanning conversion processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Yasuhiko Mutoh
  • Patent number: 6833877
    Abstract: The present invention has multiple AV/S terminals, an RF modulator, a S/AV signal converter and multiple switches. The switches connect the AV/S terminals with the RF outputs to allow the AV/S signal from the special AV/S terminal input into the RF modulator to be converted to an RF-signal input to the ANT terminal of the TV. Besides, the present invention further has an ANT input with an electronic switch and a detecting unit having a driver, which decides whether the electronic switch turns on. If the detecting unit detects no AV-signal or S-signal input from the AV/S terminals, the detecting unit first cuts off the power to the RF modulator and then makes the electronic switch turn on. The RF-signal from the ANT input is output to the RF output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Trans Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheng-Si Wang
  • Publication number: 20040252237
    Abstract: A method for marking a label of an external AV apparatus of the present invention includes displaying an external AV signal outputted from the external AV apparatus of the plurality of external AV apparatuses, and setting and displaying one label of an external AV signal using a label setting signal including a plurality of labels stored beforehand. Accordingly, a user can easily select and watch an external AV signal of the desired external AV apparatus through the label of the external AV apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Tae Jin Park, Man Sik Choi
  • Publication number: 20040252244
    Abstract: There is provided to an apparatus and method for selecting a beam having an optimal channel characteristic among multiple beams, which are formed at a digital TV receiver employing a switched beamforming part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Jae-Hwui Bae, Jae-Hyun Seo, Seung-Won Kim, Soo-In Lee
  • Publication number: 20040252241
    Abstract: A method for controlling a device for the distribution and processing of video signals is proposed. The device has a number of inputs and outputs. Signal processing stages for processing the input signals can optionally be switched into the signal paths. The method according to the invention comprises the following steps: input signals are represented on a display with an input symbol. When common properties are present, the relevant input sources are assigned input symbols which have a common color property and/or graphical property. The relations between a specific input symbol and the assigned input signal and the relevant input are stored. An output of the device is assigned an output symbol, which represents the desired properties of the output signal in the same way as the input symbols represent the properties of the input signals. Finally, an output symbol is assigned to an input symbol, whereupon the relevant input is connected to the relevant output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Arnd Paulsen
  • Patent number: 6831704
    Abstract: An improved video production architecture adds an additional transition element for controlling external devices in synchronism with a given transition so that the transition is treated like a simple mix or wipe. The additional transition element is a “Trigger” function that has a value indicating when during the given transition the external device is activated. The trigger function, device controlled and trigger value are set up during preconfiguration of an effect in an effects memory. When the effect is recalled, if the Trigger function is activated on a switcher control panel, then the external device is activated at the time during the given transition specified by the trigger value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Grass Valley (U.S.) Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin D. Windrem, Michael Krim
  • Publication number: 20040239816
    Abstract: A signal selection apparatus according to one aspect of this invention comprises a plurality of digital signal input terminals, a signal processing unit having a video display unit and configured to process signals input from the plurality of digital signal input terminals and to output the processed signals to the video display unit, an input state detection unit configured to detect input states of signals to the plurality of digital signal input terminals, and a selection/supply unit configured to select, when the input state detection unit detects that signals are input to the plurality of digital signal input terminals, an input signal input to the digital signal input terminal, which is designated in advance, and supply the selected input signal to the signal processing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Morio Ando
  • Patent number: 6825858
    Abstract: A plurality of input/output terminals, with which devices having different protocols are connected in physically different forms, are displayed in an ordinate axis direction, and some of the devices, which are connected with the input/output terminals and the connection states of which can logically be discriminated, are displayed in an abscissa axis direction. The devices are selected by the selection of the input/output terminals displayed in the ordinate axis direction, or by the selection of the devices displayed in the abscissa axis direction, or by the selection of the devices displayed in the abscissa axis direction after the selection of the input/output terminals displayed in the ordinate axis direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiko Sato
  • Patent number: 6823010
    Abstract: First digital audio-visual program video component(s) are switched on a second digital audio-visual program video component(s) by switching on the beginning of the first set of images including an Intra-coded picture of the second program video component encountered after the switching command. In the transmission order of images, each bidirectionally predictive-coded picture of the first set of images referring to the set of images pertaining to the set of images preceding it before switching, is substituted for a bidirectionally predictive-coded picture of the video coding which is produced independently of (1) the substituted image content and (2) the contents of the images to which it refers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignees: France Telecom SA, Telediffusion de France SA
    Inventors: Dominique Curet, Michel Veillard, Germain Lolivier, Therese Garault, Gerard Hellegouarch, Andre Douteau, Stephanie Relier, Gerard Madec
  • Patent number: 6816205
    Abstract: A method and system for visually signaling the selection of a specific television or video camera source during the live editing of multiple camera sources is disclosed. The system includes an adapter and a power console in combination for receiving a plurality of tally signals from a video switcher and converting each of the tally signals into an encoded sub-audible Continuous Tone Control Squelch System tone. The system also includes a tally system having a plurality of belt-pack assemblies for receiving the encoded sub-audible CTCSS tone and illuminating tally lights corresponding to the camera selected by the switcher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Edmond Louis Dudkowski
  • Publication number: 20040218100
    Abstract: An interactive video compositing device includes a chroma-key mixer, video switcher and control circuitry. The chroma-key mixer generates a composite image by combining a real-time image, such as one captured by a video recorder, with a prerecorded video image, such as a movie. The composite image includes the modified real-time image superimposed, or overlaid, onto the prerecorded image. The video switcher automatically selects either the composite image or the prerecorded image to be output to a display. The control circuitry controls the video switcher and other outputted signals based on data file information that corresponds to content of the prerecorded image or media. For example, the data files may contain information relating to the presence (or absence) of a particular character in a movie scene, thus allowing for the output and display, at appropriate times, of the real-time composite image instead of the prerecorded image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Allan Robert Staker, Heather Clayton Staker
  • Publication number: 20040207762
    Abstract: An interrupt system for an automobile including: at least one speaker for reproducing audio; a microphone operatively connected to the at least one speaker; and a switch for at least partially interrupting the reproduction of the audio at the at least one speaker and for reproducing an output of the microphone at the at least one speaker. Preferably, the audio is an audio portion of a video content from a video player having a display for displaying the video content. Furthermore, the at least one speaker is preferably a wireless headphones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas Spinelli
  • Patent number: 6806911
    Abstract: A display system is provided, which makes it possible to switch automatically from a single image mode to a dual image mode, and vice versa, without input of any switching signal. When an image is displayed on the screen of the display device in the single image mode according to the first video input sent through the first input line, the first detector outputs the first detection signal. Thereafter, if the second detector detects the synchronizing signal of the second video input sent through the second input line, the second detector outputs the second detection signal. This means that the switch receives both of the first and second detection signals in this state. As a result, the switch selects the dual image mode and accordingly, the two images are simultaneously displayed on the screen of the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Naohiro Takemoto
  • Publication number: 20040189878
    Abstract: A video signal processing apparatus 1 and a video processing parameter setting apparatus 2 comprise a video processing apparatus (visual mixer). A parameter value collectively specifying portion 3 specifies in accordance with the order stored in an arpeggiator pattern memory 7, sets of scene data which collectively specify values of a plurality of parameters stored in a scene data memory 6. A changing process portion 4 changes in a given length of time, the values of video processing parameters from the values currently set on the video signal processing apparatus 1 to the parameter values collectively specified as a set of scene data. The changing process is started at a timing corresponding to a change time and completed at a subsequent switch timing. As a result, the video processing apparatus allows for collective specification of parameters with simple operations and smooth switching between video images at the changing of parameter values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: YAMAHA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Hata, Hiroyuki Iwase
  • Publication number: 20040174466
    Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and method for outputting digital video data in a display appliance. The digital video data outputting apparatus includes data converting units for converting various kinds of analog video signals into digital video data, an output signal selector for receiving outputs of the data converting units and selecting any one of the received outputs, and an encoding unit for encoding the output of the output signal selector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Sun Kyu Kwon
  • Publication number: 20040155984
    Abstract: A multiple signal input device of a decoder ASIC in a DTV system, having a plurality of internal decoders decoding a plurality of signals inputted from a plurality of input ports, is disclosed, which includes the plurality of input ports having the same function; and a plurality of internal multiplexers respectively provided for being corresponding to the plurality of internal decoders between the input ports and the internal decoders, and selectively outputting a predetermined signal among signals inputted by the plurality of input ports according to a control signal, wherein, each input terminal of the internal multiplexers is electrically connected with the plurality of input ports, and each output terminal of the internal multiplexers is electrically connected with one corresponding internal decoder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Seung Hyeon Rhee
  • Publication number: 20040150752
    Abstract: A digital video mixer apparatus is designed for inputting a video signal representative of a picture from a plurality of input channels, then processing the video signal to apply a visual effect to the picture, and outputting the processed video signal to an output channel. In the apparatus, a parameter value setting section includes a plurality of operators manually operable to set a plurality of parameter values used for applying a desired visual effect to the picture. A sequence control section sequentially feeds the parameter values in accordance with time progress of processing the video signal in order to vary with time the visual effect applied to the picture. A video signal processing section processes the video signal inputted from at least one of the input channels according to either of the parameter values set by the operators or the parameter values fed from the sequence control section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: YAMAHA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Iwase
  • Patent number: 6768519
    Abstract: A video signal processing apparatus enabling reuse by a previously used internal configuration, provided with a storage device for storing the states of all or part of the intersections of a matrix switch to the output side of which inputs of video signal processing units and video signal output channels are connected and an intersection reproducing device for setting intersections of the matrix switch in accordance with the content of the storage device. When using current settings of the matrix switch, the current settings are stored in the storage device. When it is desired to reuse the apparatus after using it in different settings, the intersection reproducing device is activated. Therefore, an operator no longer has to repeat an operation for setting each and every intersection and can obtain the desired settings by activating the intersection reproducing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichi Fujita, Sensaburo Nakamura, Norimasa Ozaki, Ryosuke Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20040119893
    Abstract: A switched input video device has a switched input, video improvement circuitry and/or transcoder circuitry, and a switch for communicating a switched input to at least one of the video improvement circuitry and the transcoder circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Randy Burnworth
  • Patent number: 6744475
    Abstract: To generate a multiple video signal generated by video recorder 2, a conforming or nonconforming ID signal superimposed on a video signal is detected by an ID detecting circuit 11. Operation of appending a conforming ID signal is switched by a selector 14 based on the output of a state determination circuit 12. A conforming ID signal ID-&bgr; generated by an ID generation circuit 13 is selected by the selector 14 in a mode for generating a video signal where a nonconforming ID signal is superimposed and only in case an ID signal is detected by the ID detecting circuit 11. The ID signal ID-&bgr; is used to perform switchover of a nonconforming multiple video signal via a play/recording control circuit 17 and output a video signal on a predetermined channel where the same ID signal is superimposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Nozaki, Tsuneaki Ishimura
  • Patent number: 6731347
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for switching input terminals based on device capability are disclosed. The method supplies a digital signal and an analog signal to a device. The method includes examination of whether or not a device is receiving a digital signal in an eligible format. The method also selects an analog input terminal to receive an analog signal unless the digital signal is being provided in the eligible format. The apparatus includes a digital input terminal to receive a digital signal, an analog input terminal to receive an analog signal, an IEEE1394 interface coupled with the digital input terminal, a HD decoder coupled with the IEEE1394 interface, a memory and a selector which selects the digital input terminal if the digital signal is in an eligible format for the device. The apparatus otherwise selects the analog input terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Takano, Satoshi Kobayashi, Kazuhiro Suzuki, Makoto Sato, Yuji Kimura
  • Patent number: 6728965
    Abstract: A rapid channel changer for use in a digital broadband access system. The subject rapid channel changer includes a cache buffer for storing the video data and a processor for detecting and pointing to the synchronization frames. When a subscriber's channel change request is received by the processing unit, the corresponding video signal can be quickly accessed and directed downstream to the subscriber, since the processor can immediately synchronize the video data without having to wait for the next synchronization frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Next Level Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Weidong Mao
  • Patent number: 6724432
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for transmission of audio signals over a dedicated video transmission line in which the analog audio signal is inserted into and becomes a part of the video signal. Samples of the audio signal are inserted into the active video line, either at the beginnings or endings, or both, of each active video line scan signal. A defined amount of the active video interval is reserved from the active video line, and is replaced with samples of the analog audio signal. An analog switch in the modulator of the invention toggles to pick up the samples of audio and place them at the designated location (either at the beginnings or at the ends) of each active video line scan signal. A corresponding switch in the demodulator of the invention toggles to retrieve the audio samples from the active video line scans for output to the user. Stereo and/or bi-directional audio signals can be transmitted by insertion into both the beginnings and the endings of the active video line scan signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Pelco
    Inventor: Samuel N. Grigorian
  • Patent number: 6704057
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for identifying a signal transmitting source detects a switching of a signal on the reception side thereby to prevent a transmission error from occurring when a signal is switched. The apparatus for identifying a signal transmitting source comprises a transmitting source identifying code extracting circuit for extracting a transmitting source identifying code provided in a SDDI format header of a received signal, a preceding transmitting source identifying code holding circuit for detecting a change of the transmitting source identifying code, and a transmitting source identifying code comparing circuit for detecting a switching of a transmitted signal based on the transmitting source identifying code thus changed, thereby detecting a switching of the transmitting source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Mamoru Ueda
  • Patent number: 6697122
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing a signal in a digital television, and more particularly, an apparatus for adaptively processing an externally-input video signal in a digital television, in which a signal processing route is controlled to automatically determine the type of a video signal, which is input to an external input terminal, and to adaptively process the video signal regardless of whether the signal is an interlaced scanned video signal or a progressive scanned video signal, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byung-hee Kim
  • Patent number: 6690431
    Abstract: The invention provides an audio/video amplifier comprising an AV-signal receiver for receiving the signals from one or more program sources; a post-processing circuit connected with said AV-signal receiver for processing audio/video signals of said program source(s) or controlling the volume thereof; a microprocessor for controlling said AV-signal receiver and said post-processing circuit; an auxiliary power supply for powering said AV-signal receiver and said microprocessor; a main power supply controlled by the microprocessor for powering said post-processing circuit; and a signal identifying/comparing module arranged between said AV-signal receiver and said microprocessor for identifying and comparing input AV signals and outputting the result to the microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: MG International (Zhong Shan) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Leon Yang, Kenneth Liu
  • Patent number: 6680852
    Abstract: A method of color-coding a blade and a bladed system is disclosed. The bladed system has a plurality of slots. In particular, the method facilitates selecting at least one slot for inserting therein the blade. One of a plurality of core colors is associated with each slot of the bladed system, whereas each core color indicates which type of blade can be inserted in the corresponding slot. One of the core colors is associated with the blade. In the bladed system, a slot which has an associated core color which matches the core color of the blade is selected. The blade is inserted in the selected slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Michael Wortman
  • Patent number: 6678332
    Abstract: Predictive analysis is performed upon encoded digital motion video (such as an MPEG Transport Stream) to facilitate real-time splicing. The predictive analysis includes estimation of upper and lower bounds of the data levels in a decoder's video and audio buffers for splicing in such a way as to prevent buffer overflow and underflow. This enables buffer management techniques including padding or stuffing, micro-restamping, freeze or repeat of frames, skip or drop of frames, alignment of audio with video. The predictive analysis also includes analysis of the structure of the encoded audio including audio access units (AAUs) and compression windows (AFs), prediction in the compressed domain of initial conditions of the decoder buffer levels for every single Elementary Stream (ES) component of a Transport Stream (TS), and identification of valid splicing In Points and Out Points based on the predicted buffer levels without any special encoder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Gardere, John Forecast, Peter Bixby, Sorin Faibish, Wayne W. Duso, Seyfullah H. Oguz, Sebastian Keller, Michel Noury, Jean Louis Rochette
  • Publication number: 20040004674
    Abstract: A dual mode tuner/receiver is disclosed in which both analog and digital signals can be received and processed. A low pass filter allows all channels below a selected frequency enter the circuit. A precisely controlled dual conversion circuit creates an intermediate frequency (IF) signal. An automatic carrier detection circuit monitors the IF signal and determines whether the signal is of analog or digital format and intermediate frequency filters are adjusted based upon the type of signal detected. A coherent oscillator circuit generates in-phase and quadrature reference signals that are used by video and audio detectors for further processing of the IF signal. In-phase and quadrature outputs are provided for digital signals and composite video and audio outputs are provided for analog signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Vince Birleson
  • Publication number: 20030212994
    Abstract: A system for monitoring a selected channel signal included within a multiplex of channel signals and for transmitting a representation of the selected channel signal to a monitoring location is disclosed. The system includes a demultiplexer which receives the multiplex of channel signals and demultiplexes the selected channel signal in response to a channel select command. A transmitter unit receives the demultiplexed channel signal from the demultiplexer, compresses the demultiplexed channel signal, converts the compressed demultiplexed channel signal to a packet signal and transmits the packet signal to the monitoring location via a telecommunications link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Radiant Communications Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Fitzsimmons, Denis P. Phillips, Michael G. Thaw, Jacek J. Kikta, Jay L. Darish
  • Publication number: 20030210352
    Abstract: A system for monitoring a selected channel signal included within a multiplex of channel signals and for transmitting a representation of the selected channel signal to a monitoring location is disclosed. The system includes a demultiplexer which receives the multiplex of channel signals and demultiplexes the selected channel signal in response to a channel select command. A transmitter unit receives the demultiplexed channel signal from the demultiplexer, compresses the demultiplexed channel signal, converts the compressed demultiplexed channel signal to a packet signal and transmits the packet signal to the monitoring location via a telecommunications link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: John E. Fitzsimmons, Denis P. Phillips, Michael G. Thaw
  • Publication number: 20030210353
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for receiving digital broadcasting and method thereof. Program guidance data extracted from a broadcasting signal, is stored in a storing unit. A channel detecting unit detects whether a reception channel through which the broadcasting signal is received, is changed. A display information generating unit generates program information regarding a program received through the changed reception channel on the basis of the program guidance data according to a predetermined display item upon change of the reception channel. A displaying unit outputs the program information according to a predetermined displaying method. User convenience is improved, for a user can obtain information regarding the program received through the changed channel upon change of a channel without separate operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Won-Sik Jeong, Jae-Young Shim
  • Publication number: 20030202123
    Abstract: A synchronous signal superimposing apparatus and a synchronous signal superimposing method are disclosed which do not require a high power supply voltage, and do not bring about the deterioration in the frequency property of a termination system caused by frequency properties of a coupling capacitor and a driver, and do not require the mechanism for changing the setting of a termination circuit through a switching operation and the like, correspondingly to a camera side. In this apparatus, a constant current driver for responding to an external synchronous signal and a capacitor for stopping a direct current component in an output signal from this constant current driver are placed correspondingly to each of a plurality of cables connected to image pickup units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Kazuo Ota, Takuya Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 6639630
    Abstract: A switch circuit is provided for at least one of a previous stage of a VHF-band frequency converter and a previous stage of a UHF-band frequency converter. Each switch circuit passes a signal when a frequency converter at a subsequent stage of the switch circuit is operating, and does not pass a signal when the frequency converter at the subsequent stage of the switch circuit is not operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Osada, Masaki Yamamoto, Yoshihiro Sato
  • Patent number: 6636222
    Abstract: A video and graphics system processes video data including both analog video, e.g., NTSC/PAL/SECAM/S-video, and digital video, e.g., MPEG-2 video in SDTV or HDTV format. The video and graphics system includes a video decoder, which is capable of concurrently decoding multiple SLICEs of MPEG-2 video data. The video decoder includes multiple row decoding engines for decoding the MPEG-2 video data. Each row decoding engine concurrently decodes two or more rows of the MPEG-2 video data. The row decoding engines have a pipelined architecture for concurrently decoding multiple rows of MPEG-2 video data. The video decoder may be integrated on an integrated circuit chip with other video and graphics system components such as transport processors for receiving one or more compressed data streams and for extracting video data, and a video compositor for blending processed video data with graphics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ramanujan K. Valmiki, Sandeep Bhatia