Digital Interface (e.g., 1394/usb, Etc.) Patents (Class 386/231)
  • Patent number: 8848111
    Abstract: A communication method for performing transmission of video data and audio data, communication of device control data, and local area network communication by using a single cable may include connecting a connectable device to a pair of differential transmission lines; performing the local area network communication through bidirectional communication via the pair of differential transmission lines; and notifying a connection state of an interface with the connectable device by using a DC bias potential of at least one of the differential transmission lines of the pair. The connection state may include a first notification from a first one of the pair of differential transmission lines whether the connectable device is connected to the single cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhisa Nakajima, Hidekazu Kikuchi, Takamichi Mitsuhashi
  • Patent number: 8842966
    Abstract: An apparatus configured to record data onto removable storage media, includes: an image receiving interface configured to receive imaging data from an imaging modality, a central processing unit configured to process the image data to generate a study in a standard medical imaging format, and a removable media interface built-in or attached-to the modality and configured to, in response to receiving the study from the central processing unit, automatically start an storage operation to record at least part of the study generated by the central processing unit onto the removable storage media. In one embodiment, the removable media interface receives the study via a localhost address without the use of a physical network between the modality and removable media interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Virtual Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Carmine Pizzuto, Peter M. Chicchetti
  • Publication number: 20140270696
    Abstract: An all-in-one consumer electronics (CE) media device may include a single IR/RF/Microphone handheld remote control for controlling and/or displaying information for all CE devices of a user(s) in concert with the all-in-one CE media device operative for playback of one or more media formats including but not limited to optical discs, audio and/or video, images, music, files, streaming media content, stored media content, and other content. The remote may be docked in the all-in-one CE media device and may have its power source recharged while docked. The remote may communicate with CE devices and/or Legacy devices using bi-directional RF and/or uni-directional IR signals. The all-in-one CE media device may wirelessly communicate RF signals to one or more speakers/transducers that are coupled with their own dedicated amplifiers (e.g., internal and/or external), and may wirelessly communicate with one or more microphones and/or speakers and apply algorithms for optimizing audio quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: AliphCom
    Inventor: Jano Banks
  • Publication number: 20140270695
    Abstract: A grand central architecture for an all-in-one consumer electronics (CE) media device may include a single IR/RF/Microphone handheld remote control for controlling and/or displaying information for all CE devices of a user(s) in concert with the all-in-one CE media device (e.g., a media player) operative for playback of one or more media formats including but not limited to optical discs, audio and/or video, images, music, files, streaming media content, stored media content, and other content. The all-in-one CE media device does not include internal and/or dedicated power amplifiers to drive speakers or other types of transducers. The all-in-one CE media device may wirelessly communicate RF signals to one or more speakers/transducers that either include their own dedicated internal power amplifiers or are connected with an external power amplifier. The all-in-one CE media device may wirelessly communicate with one or more microphones and/or speakers and apply algorithms for optimizing audio quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: AliphCom
    Inventor: Jano Banks
  • Patent number: 8831400
    Abstract: On a recording medium, stereoscopic and monoscopic specific areas are located one after another next to a stereoscopic/monoscopic shared area. The stereoscopic/monoscopic shared area is a contiguous area to be accessed both in stereoscopic video playback and monoscopic video playback. The stereoscopic specific area is a contiguous area to be accessed immediately before a long jump occurring in stereoscopic video playback. In both the stereoscopic/monoscopic shared area and the stereoscopic specific area, extents of base-view and dependent-view stream files are arranged in an interleaved manner. The extents on the stereoscopic specific area are next in order after the extents on the stereoscopic/monoscopic shared area. The monoscopic specific area is a contiguous area to be accessed immediately before a long jump occurring in monoscopic video playback. The monoscopic specific area has a copy of the entirety of the extents of the base-view stream file recorded on the stereoscopic specific area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Taiji Sasaki, Hiroshi Yahata, Tomoki Ogawa
  • Patent number: 8818803
    Abstract: Methods, devices, systems and tools are presented that allow the summarization of text, audio, and audiovisual presentations, such as movies, into less lengthy forms. High-content media files are shortened in a manner that preserves important details, by splitting the files into segments, rating the segments, and reassembling preferred segments into a final abridged piece. Summarization of media can be customized by user selection of criteria, and opens new possibilities for delivering entertainment, news, and information in the form of dense, information-rich content that can be viewed by means of broadcast or cable distribution, “on-demand” distribution, internet and cell phone digital video streaming, or can be downloaded onto an iPod™ and other portable video playback devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Frank Elmo Weber
  • Patent number: 8812311
    Abstract: Methods, devices, systems and tools are presented that allow the summarization of text, audio, and audiovisual presentations, such as movies, into less lengthy forms. High-content media files are shortened in a manner that preserves important details, by splitting the files into segments, rating the segments, and reassembling preferred segments into a final abridged piece. Summarization of media can be customized by user selection of criteria, and opens new possibilities for delivering entertainment, news, and information in the form of dense, information-rich content that can be viewed by means of broadcast or cable distribution, “on-demand” distribution, internet and cell phone digital video streaming, or can be downloaded onto an iPod™ and other portable video playback devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Frank Elmo Weber
  • Patent number: 8813165
    Abstract: An audio/video storage/retrieval system and method that permits efficient and cost-effective simultaneous recording of multi-channel A/V information from a variety of sources is disclosed. The system/method may be broadly described as generally incorporating baseband conversion of source RF modulated A/V information followed by analog-to-digital conversion and storage on a storage device utilizing a dual port interface that incorporates an additional computer access port to permit transparent storage access by a computer system. Retrieval of stored A/V programming from the storage device via the dual port interface permits the stored A/V data to be converted to analog and RF modulated for presentation to an A/V presentation device. Additional A/V source and/or target selectors may be incorporated into the system/method to permit recording a plethora of A/V sources such as raw A/V signaling, OTA broadcasts, clear/encrypted cable QAM broadcasts, cable set top boxes (STBs), and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Kevin Mark Klughart
  • Patent number: 8798433
    Abstract: In many aspects, systems and methods for recording overlapping media content using interactive media guidance applications are provided. The systems and methods for recording overlapping media content generally relate to cropping overlapping portions of the media content thereby allowing a user to enjoy most of the recording while only forgoing a portion of the beginning or the end of a program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Bumgardner, Geoffrey Z. Ombao, Gregory L. DeCamp, Haig H. Krakirian
  • Patent number: 8794766
    Abstract: A system for assisting individuals (e.g., those having physical or other disabilities) to read or otherwise experience electronic publications includes a projector having an optical projection assembly located at an end of an articulating arm assembly and configured to project images of an electronic publication and a controller that is sized and contoured to fit comfortably within or be held by a human hand. The controller may include a processor and a storage device communicatively coupled to the processor, which storage device stores processor-executable instructions for providing, via a wireless communication channel and responsive to one or more user inputs, one or more instructions in connection with projection of the images of the electronic publication via the projector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Robert E. Listou
  • Publication number: 20140205263
    Abstract: The present invention is intended to permit both real-time display of a picture represented by a non-compressed video signal on a television and display of a picture represented by a compressed video signal at any desired time by simultaneously transmitting the compressed video signal and non-compressed video signal via one interface. An STB packetizes a compressed video signal, and multiplexes the compressed video signal and a blanking signal combined with a non-compressed video signal. Thus, both the video signals are transmitted simultaneously. A picture represented by the non-compressed video signal is displayed on a television in real time. The compressed video signal is stored in a storage medium incorporated in the television, read at any user's desired time, and decoded so that a picture represented by the compressed video signal can be viewed at the user's desired time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Hitachi Consumer Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuaki KABUTO, Akira SHIBATA, Yoshiaki MIZUHASHI
  • Publication number: 20140205262
    Abstract: A terminal apparatus includes: by way of a gateway apparatus configured to perform communication with an in-vehicle apparatus capable of playing back a content through a CAN bus, a first communication section configured to transmit command information for changing a mode of the in-vehicle apparatus to the in-vehicle apparatus; and a second communication section configured to transmit content data to the in-vehicle apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: KUNIHIRO ORITO
  • Patent number: 8781295
    Abstract: An apparatus such as a television signal receiver controls a digital recording device via a digital data bus to enable sub-channel recording and playback. According to an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a processor that is operative to process signals representing a plurality of sub-channels to generate digital data for a first one of the sub-channels. The digital data includes program data and identification data for the first sub-channel. An input/output terminal is operative to provide the digital data to a digital recording device via a digital data bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Chad Andrew Lefevre, Bret David Hawkins Hawkins
  • Patent number: 8781294
    Abstract: A playback device includes tangible storage configured to receive transfer of media content from a remote communications device to the playback device while the remote communications device is operating in a high power mode. Interface logic is coupled to the tangible storage and configured to signal the remote communications device during the transfer to prepare the remote communications device to enter a low power mode after the transfer is complete. The remote communications device includes a content manager configured to transfer of media content from the remote communications device to a playback device while the remote communications device is operating in a high power mode. Power logic is coupled to the content manager and configured to prepare the remote communications device to enter a low power mode after the transfer is complete, responsive to receipt of a signal from the playback device during the transfer is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Ruster, Chandra Shaker Buddhavaram, Faheem Ahmad Dani, Wayne Gu Huang
  • Publication number: 20140193134
    Abstract: [Problem] In a system that transmits content data from a content replay device to a content output device, to prevent a deterioration in audio quality or video data picture quality while being able to increase the simplicity of a setting-altering operation without requiring complicated signal processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: D&M Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Koji Maeda, Masaichi Yoshida, Yuji Ota
  • Patent number: 8774594
    Abstract: A DTV operating screen is displayed on the CRT display screen of a DTV which is the controlling apparatus of a network. In the event that the user selects the DVHS from the buttons displayed on the DTV operating screen, data corresponding to the DVHS operation screen is input to the DTV, and a DVHS operation screen is displayed on the CRT display screen 61. The user operation executed regarding the DVHS operation screen are notified from the DTV to the DVHS, so the DTV can execute control corresponding to the operations of the user, without transmitting commands for directly controlling the DVHS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Naoyuki Sato, Makoto Sato, Mari Horiguchi
  • Patent number: 8768138
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method and apparatus to insure continuous presentation of digital content to an audience when a locally stored copy of a file containing the digital content suddenly becomes unavailable to a digital projector. In one embodiment of the method, a first computer generates a first command to read a first block of data from a file stored on a first memory device, wherein the first computer system is coupled to a digital projector. The first computer system also generates a second command, which is subsequently transmitted to a storage device external to the computer system. The external storage device includes a hard disk that stores a copy of the file that is stored on the first memory device or vice versa. The external storage device includes a read/write head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: NEC Display Solutions, Ltd.
    Inventors: Gary E. Bates, William R. Main, Jr., Harry M. Mathias
  • Patent number: 8750679
    Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus which records data in a recording medium including: a recording section which records data in the recording medium; a detecting section which detects continuous or fragmented free areas in minimum allocation unit of the recording medium; and a recording control section which controls the recording section so that the recording section sequentially records data in the continuous free areas of the recording medium detected by the detecting section, and at the time point when the recording is completed, the recording section moves an end portion of the recorded data to the fragmented free areas of the recording medium detected by the detecting section so as to be recorded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hisao Tanaka, Noboru Oya
  • Publication number: 20140153898
    Abstract: A playback device includes tangible storage configured to receive transfer of media content from a remote communications device to the playback device while the remote communications device is operating in a high power mode. Interface logic is coupled to the tangible storage and configured to signal the remote communications device during the transfer to prepare the remote communications device to enter a low power mode after the transfer is complete. The remote communications device includes a content manager configured to transfer of media content from the remote communications device to a playback device while the remote communications device is operating in a high power mode. Power logic is coupled to the content manager and configured to prepare the remote communications device to enter a low power mode after the transfer is complete, responsive to receipt of a signal from the playback device during the transfer is complete.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Ruster, Chandra Shaker Buddhavaram, Faheem Ahmad Dani, Wayne Gu Huang
  • Patent number: 8744869
    Abstract: A team communication platform that combines messaging, video, testing, reporting, work flow diagramming, presentations, and performance analysis into a portal system that is made mobile through the use of synchronization services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Agile Sports Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Graff, Brian W. Kaiser, John M. Wirtz
  • Patent number: 8743286
    Abstract: A peripheral control system enhances expandability in the operation of peripheral by enabling the customization and display of operation panels for each of the peripherals, regardless of whether any operation panel exists at the display device side. The peripheral control system is configured by connecting a TV and a recorder via an HDMI connection. The TV stores operation panel information that includes array information for arraying, on the screen, image data of the operation buttons that comprise the operation panel of the recorder. The recorder stores image data of the operation buttons, and sends, according to operation panel information obtained from the TV, the aforementioned stored image data of the operation buttons in association with the array information to the TV. The TV disposes and displays image data of the operation buttons sent from the recorder, at a position that is in accordance with the array information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hasegawa, Mamoru Oda, Kenichi Kimura, Tatsuya Yoshida, Yoshinori Satoh
  • Patent number: 8744234
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus providing a visual indication of the occurrence of video recording operations on an electronic device. The video recording operations including recording a plurality of frames according to a number of characteristics. The method comprising providing a time interval between the recording of two consecutive frames by modifying at least one of the characteristics of the video recording operations and providing the visual indication of video recording operations during the time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Marc Drader, James Alexander Robinson, Michael Lorne Purdy
  • Publication number: 20140147094
    Abstract: There is provided a memory card reader device including: a memory card reader unit reading data stored on a memory card; a broadcast signal receiving unit receiving a television broadcast signal under control; a main control unit controlling operations of the memory card reader unit and the broadcast signal receiving unit and converting data from the memory card reader unit or a signal from the broadcast signal receiving unit into a signal suitable for a predetermined interface; and a wired connection unit transferring the signal from the main control unit to an external connection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Won SEO
  • Patent number: 8725918
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a host computing device includes an internal display and also includes a connector to connect to an external display. A cable is provided to connect to the connector and to connect to the external display. The cable includes video processing capabilities. For example, the cable may include a memory configured to store a frame buffer. The frame buffer may store a frame of video data for further processing by the video processing device in the cable. The video processing device may manipulate the frame in a variety of ways, e.g. scaling, rotating, gamma correction, dither correction, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Anup K. Sharma, Scott P. Krueger, James M. Hollabaugh, Roberto G. Yepez, Mitchell D. Adler, Brijesh Tripathi, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi
  • Publication number: 20140126879
    Abstract: The inventions relates to a method for controlling an interface providing the connection between a device suitable for the recording and reading of data such as a receiver/decoder of audio-visual programs and an external memory. The method comprises the steps for detecting the type of external memory connected to the external memory interface and for authorising write access to the external memory according to the type of memory detected, the available storage capacity and the total capacity of the external memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: THOMSON LICENSING
    Inventors: Nicolas Marce, Alain Tritschler
  • Patent number: 8718438
    Abstract: A terminal apparatus includes an operation unit, a time clocking unit performing time clocking, a communication unit performing communication with an external apparatus, and a control unit. The control unit executes a time synchronization processing for clocked time synchronization with the external apparatus having a time clocking unit. The control unit also executes a time information acquisition processing to acquire clocked time information by the time clocking unit with a timing at which an operation is made on the operation unit. The control unit further executes a transmission control processing to control the time information acquired by the time information acquisition processing to be transmitted to the external apparatus through the communication unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Akimitsu Hio
  • Publication number: 20140119708
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital video recorder having an apparatus for receiving an automatic switched image by recognizing a source and a method thereof, which is capable of automatically determining whether an image channel is a SD signal channel or a HD-SDI signal channel and switching between these channels. The present invention has an advantage in that it provides a DVR having a source recognition automatic switched image receiving apparatus which is capable of automatically detecting whether an image signal is a SD signal or a HD-SDI signal in a channel and automatically switches between these signals, thereby allowing free channel change without requiring separate setting, which can result in higher flexibility of installation and channel setting and improved utilization of existing lines, and a method thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Kyung Sug LEE
  • Publication number: 20140112638
    Abstract: Mobile Device Video Recorders (MDVR) are used to track the motion, position and events on various types of vehicles ranging from cars to airplanes. The present invention uses a dual stage hybrid drive (DHD) which stores data on an HDD during conditions favorable to HDD operation and stores data on FMC or SSDs during conditions outside of optimal HDD operation thresholds. Recorded data from the SSD or FMC can be transferred to the HDD while the vehicle engine is off or during times of optimum HDD function while the vehicle is operating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventor: QUANG NGUYEN
  • Patent number: 8705944
    Abstract: Systems and methods for recording media content are provided. A method of recording media content may include receiving a request to schedule recording of media content at a first digital video recording (DVR) device at a customer premises. The method may also include determining availability of the first DVR device to record the media content. The method may further include sending a recording request to a second DVR device at the customer premises to schedule recording of the media content based on the determined availability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Thomas Scholl, Nina Forsyth
  • Patent number: 8698956
    Abstract: A transmitting device includes a video-signal output unit, an image displaying unit, an information receiving unit, and a controller. The video-signal output unit outputs a video signal. The image displaying unit displays an image based on the video signal outputted from the video-signal output unit, on a first image display element. The signal transmitting unit transmits the video signal outputted from the video-signal output unit, to an external apparatus via a transmission path. The information receiving unit receives operational information transmitted from the external apparatus, on a display screen of a second image display of the external apparatus. The controller controls at least an operation of the video-signal output unit on the basis of the operational information received by the information receiving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kazumoto Kondo, Naoko Ninomiya, Yasuhisa Nakajima
  • Publication number: 20140072273
    Abstract: A method, systems, and apparatuses for high definition video capture are described. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving digital audio/video data from a device. The digital audio/video may include a preview (e.g., video trailer) of an application (e.g., game application, collaborative application, music application, mobile application, etc.) demonstrating the features and capabilities of the application on a display of the device. The device (e.g., mobile device, tablet device) may broadcast a digital audio-video signal for mirroring, or may require unlocking and installation of a module that enables mirroring with an alternative operating system. This digital audio-video data may be encrypted. The method further includes decrypting the encrypted digital audio/video data and converting this data into audio/video data (e.g., analog audio/video data). The method further includes sending the audio/video data to a recording unit that enables a data processing system to record the audio/video data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Jack Smith, Ian Harris
  • Patent number: 8644671
    Abstract: A display apparatus includes: a display unit; a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) through which an external device can be connected; a user input unit; a user interface (UI) generator; and a controller which outputs a command signal for generating a UI for external device through the HDMI if a control signal for generating the UI for external device is input to the user input unit, and controls the UI generator to display the UI for the external device on the display unit based on UI data input from the external device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ki-ho Song
  • Patent number: 8625972
    Abstract: A recording system includes a transmission apparatus and a recording apparatus. The transmission apparatus includes a storage unit that stores content data, a generating unit that generates recording destination information, and a transmission control unit that transmits the recording destination information and the content data. The recording apparatus includes a first recording unit that records content data, a second recording unit that records content data at a lower recording speed, and a recording control unit that controls the first and second recording units. The transmission control unit continuously transmits a plurality of pieces of recording destination information and content data. The recording control unit records, when the recording destination is a recording medium, the content data and the recording destination information in the first recording unit, and records the content data on the recording medium based on the recording destination information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Takeo Morinaga, Masahiko Sato
  • Patent number: 8625957
    Abstract: A reproduction apparatus is disclosed. A display section displays a screen. A reproduction section reproduces a video signal recorded on a record medium. A display control section selects one of three display screens. A first display screen displays a picture corresponding to an externally input video signal or a video signal that is reproduced by the reproduction section and information about the video signal in different areas. A second display screen displays setup states of a plurality of keys as a key set that are capable of selecting a plurality of functions, and a picture corresponding to an externally input video signal or corresponding to a video signal that is reproduced by the reproduction section in different areas. A third display screen displays only a picture corresponding to an externally input video signal or corresponding to a video signal that is reproduced by the reproduction section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Masaharu Toyoda
  • Patent number: 8606074
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and system for altering a presentation of broadcast content. More specifically, embodiments provide an accurate and efficient mechanism for suppressing advertisements by using downloaded templates to identify advertisements before suppression for a duration indicated by information downloaded about the advertisement, where the suppression is effectuated by controlling a display or set-top box using remote-control functionality. In one embodiment, a digital signal comprising broadcast content is accessed. A plurality of templates are received and stored, wherein each template represents a known portion of the broadcast content. The digital signal is then compared against a portion of the plurality of stored templates. Upon a match, a control signal operable to alter a component of a presentation of the known portion of the broadcast content is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Brant L. Candelore
  • Patent number: 8599254
    Abstract: An outdoor surveillance and lighting apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing having at least one side portion, a front end and a back end. There is a substantially unidirectional main light and at least one surveillance camera disposed within the housing. The lens of the camera is aimed in a direction substantially normal to the main light direction. Also included is a video transmitting means connected to the surveillance camera for conveying video images to a remote viewing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Zittel
  • Patent number: 8595766
    Abstract: An operating method of an image display apparatus includes displaying a screen on a display and displaying a thumbnail image screen in response to a command to display an input image list. The thumbnail-image list includes a plurality of groups of thumbnail images that respectively correspond to a plurality of input image signals on the display. Each thumbnail-image group includes one or more thumbnail images that represent different points of time in a corresponding input image signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yong Ki Ahn, Jae Kyung Lee, Kun Sik Lee, Gyu Seung Kim
  • Patent number: 8588824
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for transitioning the playing of content between devices. In some implementations, a method includes receiving a first notification; receiving media context information identifying media content played by a first player device; associating the media context information with a mobile device; receiving a second notification, and in response to receiving the second notification, instructing a second player device to begin playing media content. Capability information indicating types of content that the second player can play can be received. The second player can be instructed to play the media content identified in the media context information beginning at a location specified in the media context information or to play second media content related to the identified media content where the second media content has a type that can be played by the second player device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventor: Edward R. W. Rowe
  • Patent number: 8587723
    Abstract: Electronic equipment and methods for permitting quick control of the operating state of a source equipment side from sink equipment. A television receiver (sink equipment) 100 and an amplifier (repeater equipment) 200 are interconnected over an HDMI cable 610, and the amplifier 200 and a DVD recorder (source equipment) 300 are interconnected over an HDMI cable 620. Each of the pieces of equipment includes, in addition to an HDMI receiving unit and an HDMI transmitting unit, a high-speed data line I/F included in a bidirectional communication unit that uses predetermined lines of the HDMI cable. The bidirectional communication unit is used to transmit channel selection information, a remote control code instructing recording, “theater mode” designating information, a remote control code, or the like from the television receiver 100 to the audio amplifier 200 or DVD recorder 300.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhisa Nakajima, Hidekazu Kikuchi, Takamichi Mitsuhashi
  • Publication number: 20130279877
    Abstract: A shared decoder resource is assigned to an input buffer providing an input data stream to generate a decoded output data stream. An event is detected that switches a preferred allocation of the video decoding resource relative to the application. The application using the video decoder is instructed to release the video decoder resource. The video decoding resource is then re-allocated to another input buffer to provide an input data stream of an other application to the video decoder to generate the output data stream. The input buffer of the input data streams associated with the application prior to receiving the event is maintained in a suspended state while the respective application is still active but is not associated with the video decoder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: QNX SOFTWARE SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventor: Adrian BOAK
  • Patent number: 8565582
    Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide an image reproducing device in which energy saving characteristics and responsiveness are balanced. An image reproducing device according to this invention includes an operation-state-information acquisition unit for obtaining operation-state information of a display device for displaying the reproduced image signal, an operation input unit for inputting an operation command to operate the image reproducing device, and a mode setting unit for setting a mode for supplying electric power to the image reproducing device according to the operation-state information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Masaaki Shimada
  • Patent number: 8558954
    Abstract: A video display device including: an external tuner video reception unit that obtains, from an external device having a reception tuner to receive a video signal, a video signal received by the reception tuner; an internal reception tuner that receives a video signal; a video control unit that controls so that the external tuner video reception unit receives a video signal of each channel; and a display control unit that controls to display a video signal received by the external tuner video reception unit in real time and the video signal received by the internal reception tuner at the same time on a screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Taichi Yuki
  • Patent number: 8554045
    Abstract: A docking station is configured to receive media in the form of audio and/or video from a portable entertainment device. The docking station transmits the received media to a remote playing device via a wired, wireless, or powerline connection. The media may include a control signal associated with the audio and/or video to control the remote playing device. In certain embodiments, the remote playing device transmits control signals to the docking station to control the portable entertainment device. In certain embodiments, the docking station electrically charges the portable entertainment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: KSC Industries Incorporated
    Inventors: Eric Brooking, William A. McCarty, Yadir Rodriguez, Jeff King, Jr., Jim Wei
  • Patent number: 8538231
    Abstract: In response to an instruction to duplicate audio-video data recorded on a recording medium, duplication history information and unduplicated audio-video data that is indicated by the duplication history information are transmitted. Upon receipt of an instruction to generate duplication history information, an apparatus configured to record onto the recording medium, duplication history information indicating that the transmitted audio-video data has been duplicated, generates history information indicating that the audio-video data recorded on the recording medium has been duplicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masamine Maeda
  • Publication number: 20130236158
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for capturing, transcoding, and caching off-air programming at a location local to the consumer. According to certain embodiments, a device is provided that receives off-air (e.g., broadcast) and/or cable (e.g. ClearQAM) programming via one or more antennas and caches the programming in various streams having various bit rates for later viewing using, for example, Adaptive Bit Rate (ABR) streaming. Such a device can be incorporated in a larger system that can stream content via a data communication network (e.g., the Internet) and the device in a seamless manner. The device also can be controlled by a remote system via the data communication network, and further can be configured to stream content to a remote device via the data communication network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: EchoStar Advanced Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Roger Lynch, John Paul, Robert Drew Major, David Kummer
  • Patent number: 8509591
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a transmission apparatus includes a transmission module, a controller, a signal transmission module, and a selection module. The transmission module is configured to output a video signal or an audio signal to a TMDS line of an HDMI cable in a form based on the HDMI standard. The controller is configured to input/output an HEAC signal of the HDMI standard. The signal transmission module is configured to perform signal transmission based on a method other than the HDMI standard. The selection module is configured to selectively switch the HEAC line of the HDMI cable to either a state used for transmission of the HEAC signal that is input/output to/from the controller or a state used for transmission of a signal that is input/output to/from the signal transmission module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Takashi Doi, Kazumi Tomioka, Akiyoshi Kato
  • Patent number: 8478103
    Abstract: A video apparatus includes signal control unit that outputs an image signal in a plurality of formats. An interface unit connects the video apparatus to a computer, and an interface control unit controls transmission of the image signal to the computer. When the video apparatus has been connected to the computer through the interface unit, when the format of the image signal is switched, the interface control unit controls the interface unit so that the connection to the computer is disconnected without changing a physical connecting state. After the elapse of a predetermined period, the video apparatus is connected to the computer again without changing the physical connecting state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Koichi Sugiyama
  • Publication number: 20130163954
    Abstract: A transportable digital video recorder system provides a transportable DVR containing a processor and persistent storage device storing a plurality of digital streams and is inserted into an authorized receiving device or a docking station. The system allows a receiving device to select a specific digital stream from the persistent storage device which is output to the receiving device and displayed to a user. User control commands are accepted via the receiving device and sent through the system and allow the user to view and listen to stored digital streams with at least the following functions: variable rate fast forward and rewind, frame step, index, pause, variable rate reverse play, variable rate play, and play.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: TIVO INC.
    Inventor: TiVo Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130165164
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for transitioning the playing of content between devices. In some implementations, a method includes receiving a first notification; receiving media context information identifying media content played by a first player device; associating the media context information with a mobile device; receiving a second notification, and in response to receiving the second notification, instructing a second player device to begin playing media content. Capability information indicating types of content that the second player can play can be received. The second player can be instructed to play the media content identified in the media context information beginning at a location specified in the media context information or to play second media content related to the identified media content where the second media content has a type that can be played by the second player device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventor: Edward R. W. Rowe
  • Publication number: 20130163953
    Abstract: A method including loading multiple instances of a media player program to render respective media content in respective visible portions of a graphical user interface of a computing device, the graphical user interface associated with an additional program configured to render additional content, different than the media content, to the graphical user interface; determining that a first of the multiple instances of the media player program takes precedence over a second of the multiple instances of the media player program; and modifying an allocation, associated with processing media content by the second of the multiple instances of the media player program, in accordance with a rendering limitation associated with the computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: ADOBE SYSTEMS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Gavin Peacock