Switching Patents (Class 348/705)
  • Patent number: 8477245
    Abstract: A television adapter includes first and second conversion circuits, a switch unit, and a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI). The first conversion circuit includes a digital to analog (D/A) converter and a coupler. The second conversion circuit includes an analog to digital (A/D) converter and a decoupler. When the switch unit connects the first conversion circuit to the first HDMI, the D/A converter converts a first digital signal from the HDMI into a first analog form data. The coupler couples the first analog form data to a first alternating current (AC) voltage. When the switch unit connects the second conversion circuit to a second HDMI, the decoupler decouples and separates a second AC voltage into a second analog form data. The A/D converter converts the second analog form data into a second digital signal, and outputs the second digital signal to the second HDMI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Huang Wu, Szu-Lun Huang
  • Publication number: 20130155329
    Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, a system comprises an A/V switcher that is configured to monitor a presence of an A/V signal in a cable and transmit data regarding said A/V signal presence. A cable clamp-on device is coupled to the cable and includes at least one indicator for displaying said A/V signal presence, and a transceiver configured to receive the data regarding said A/V signal presence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Crestron Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: George Feldstein, Mark LaBosco, Esteban Dragonanovic, Philip Bellingham
  • Patent number: 8451387
    Abstract: A display is formed such that a control portion reads second channel data corresponding to channels not displayed at start-up from a second storage portion after reading first channel data corresponding to a prescribed channel displayed on a display portion at the start-up from a first storage portion, at the start-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiichiro Mori, Tadahiro Naito
  • Publication number: 20130120662
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of management of digital content switching and in particular to the optimization of digital content version switching in order to ensure smooth switching between different versions of digital content during rendering. Different versions are for example: an uncensored version and a censored version, a cinema version and a TV-series adaptation version of a same digital content, a version with inserted publicity and a version without, a trailer version and a cinema version, different language-dubbed versions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Thomson Licensing
    Inventor: Thomson Licensing
  • Publication number: 20130120661
    Abstract: A portable video-audio signal transmitting apparatus receiving a first video-audio signal and transmitting the first video-audio signal to a portable video-audio signal receiving apparatus includes an input module and a wireless transceiving module. The input module has a signal input circuit board and at least two signal input terminals disposed on the signal input circuit board. The first video-audio signal is transmitted to the signal input circuit board through the signal input terminals. The wireless transceiving module has a wireless transceiving circuit board, which is electrically connected to the signal input circuit board, receives the first video-audio signal and transmits a wireless signal in a wireless manner, wherein the wireless signal is received by the portable video-audio signal receiving apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicants: En Son Steel Mold CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ming-Dao Sie, Li-Tang Chang
  • Patent number: 8436943
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for automating control of a plurality of video displays coupled to a plurality of video sources through a switchable network. The method includes the operation of mapping a signal path for each signal between the plurality of video sources and the plurality of video displays to form a binding map. The binding map can be stored in a controllable device. In addition, a graphical user interface on a navigator can be generated. The graphical user interface is configured to represent the plurality of video displays. A further operation is connecting the plurality of video displays to the plurality of video sources through the switchable network based on the binding map and a user selection made with the graphical user interface in the controllable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Control4 Corporation
    Inventors: Greg Cooper, Craig Matsuura, Thomas Leishman
  • Patent number: 8436945
    Abstract: In a digital broadcast reception apparatus, a presetting operation is carried out and, when the presetting operation is carried out, a normal reception of a broadcast signal on a channel, which can be received in an area in which the apparatus is installed, and the normal reception of which cannot be found in the event that a gain in a gain switching amplifier is of an initial value, is made possible by a switching and setting of a gain in each VGA 3, 5a and 5b being carried out by means of a control circuit 9 or an operating unit 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanao Fukui
  • Publication number: 20130100353
    Abstract: When a conventional audio video system is used, it is necessary to identify an input source of audio video information. For this reason, complicated operations and slow operation times have been a problem. A control apparatus includes: an instruction receiving unit for receiving an instruction to be provided to an audio video supplying apparatus which is an input source of audio video information currently outputted from an output apparatus that outputs the audio video information; a determination unit for determining one of the audio video supplying apparatuses to be the input source of the audio video information currently being outputted from the output apparatus; and a control information sending unit for outputting control information to the audio video supplying apparatus determined by the determination unit, the control information corresponding to the instruction received by the instruction receiving unit and being used for controlling the audio video supplying apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: PANASONIC CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8427584
    Abstract: An output device to output an image and/or a sound based on a signal input from one of a plurality of external devices connected to the output device, the external devices including an HDMI source device to input an HDMI signal to the output device. The output device is configured to instruct an adjustment of sound volume of the sound output from the output device; to adjust the sound volume of the output sound in accordance with an instruction from an instruction section; to judge whether a header of an Audio InfoFrame exists in InfoFrame data in the HDMI signal input from the HDMI source device or not; and to invalidate the instruction from the instruction section during a period from time when the header of the Audio InfoFrame is judged not to exist by the judgment section to time when the header is judged to exist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuki Higaki
  • Publication number: 20130093958
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus is connected to an information terminal for receiving image data and audio data relating to an application executed in the portable information terminal and outputting the image data and audio data. The electronic apparatus includes an identification information detecting unit which detects identification information added to the audio data received from the information terminal, an interrupt determining unit which determines the presence of an interrupt event in the information terminal on the basis of the detected identification information, and an output control unit which transmits, when it is determined that an interrupt event has occurred, a control signal for transferring image data relating to an application in which the interrupt event has occurred to the information terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Alpine Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Shinya Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 8421932
    Abstract: An embodiment of an apparatus for speech recognition includes a speech input unit configured to acquire acoustic signal, a first recognition unit configured to recognize the acoustic signal, a communication unit configured to communicate with an external server, a second recognition unit configured to recognize the acoustic signal by utilizing the external server via the communication unit, and a remote signal input unit configured to acquire a control signal from a remote controller. The switching unit is configured to switch between the first recognition unit and the second recognition unit for recognizing the acoustic signal in response to a start trigger. The switching unit selects the second recognition unit when the start trigger is detected from the control signal, and the switching unit selects the first recognition unit when the start trigger is detected from the acoustic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kazushige Ouchi, Miwako Doi
  • Patent number: 8411201
    Abstract: A multifunctional display device displays a menu including shortcut objects. A processor assigns each object to one of a broadcast channel, network address, or an application. The objects may be an alphabetical character, number, symbol, or icon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Haengjoon Kang, Myongwon Suh
  • Patent number: 8402488
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing custom video mosaic pages are provided. The custom pages may be locally-generated, remotely-generated, or partially locally-generated and partially remotely-generated. The custom pages may include local content, such as content recorded to a digital video recorder (DVR), overlaid on a multi-video composite feed. A local compositing system may render the mosaic pages and dynamically customize the pages based on user profile data, user preferences, and active user monitoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc
    Inventor: Michael L. Craner
  • Publication number: 20130050581
    Abstract: A system and method for delaying a first version of a video feed from a video camera according to a first delay to generate a second version of the feed, supplying the first version to an insertion system, wherein the insertion system inserts an indicia into the first version to create an enhanced version with a second delay substantially matching the first delay and supplying the enhanced version and the second version to a production switcher, wherein the enhanced version and the second version supplied to the production switcher are synchronized with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Nikhil Deshpande, Ximin Gong, Peter A. von Kaenel, James W. Appleby, II, Randy W. Sills, SR.
  • Patent number: 8386663
    Abstract: The present invention provides a high definition media interface (HDMI) controller having a modular design internal bus structure, and applications thereof. The controller includes a circuit interface, an address decoder coupled to the circuit interface, a plurality of sub-circuits, wherein each sub-circuit includes registers used to configure and control the sub-circuit, and a bus that couples the registers of each sub-circuit to the address decoder. After startup of the controller, the sub-circuits are configured by using the circuit interface, address decoder, and bus to write values to the registers of the sub-circuits. The sub-circuits of the controller include a video pixel sampler, an audio sampler, a frame composer, and a power controller. The video sampler can be configured to convert one of a plurality of RGB and YCbCr signals to a common format signal used by other sub-circuits of the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventors: Rui Sergio Rainho Almeida, Antonio Manuel Cunha Costa
  • Publication number: 20130038797
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an interface unit connected to source devices through HDMI Ethernet Channels (HEC). A HEC bandwidth detection unit detects the HEC bandwidth used in the source devices. A bandwidth comparison unit compares the detected HEC bandwidth with a first critical value set on the basis of an upstream bandwidth capacity of an image processing apparatus. A control unit adjusts the connection to at least one of the source devices based on the comparison result output by the bandwidth comparison unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ji-min CHUNG
  • Patent number: 8363143
    Abstract: A view finder device for enabling an ordinary video camera to be used for broadcast use. The view finder device includes a control signal input for receiving control signals including a video-select signal; a camera video signal input for receiving a camera video signal from a video camera; an interrupt video signal input for receiving an interrupt video signal from a video interrupt source which is different from the video camera; a video selector for displaying either the camera video signal or the interrupt video signal, according to the video-select signal; a display controller for controlling display of a video selected by the video selector; and a control signal output for outputting the control signals after the video-select signal is removed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Nihon Video System Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Kentaro Hashiguchi
  • Patent number: 8351624
    Abstract: An audio output apparatus which outputs an audio signal to an audio control apparatus controlling processing of the audio signal, and to which an external device having an external terminal is connectable includes an output terminal, a detecting section, a generating section, and a transmitting section. The output terminal is connected with the external terminal and outputs the audio signal to the external device via the external terminal. The detecting section detects whether or not the external terminal is connected to the output terminal. The generating section generates a control signal based on a result of the detection by the detecting means. The transmitting section transmits the generated control signal to the audio control apparatus in order that the audio control apparatus controls the processing of the audio signal based on the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Kensuke Motomura
  • Patent number: 8345165
    Abstract: When a conventional audio video system is used, it is necessary to identify an input source of audio video information. For this reason, complicated operations and slow operation times have been a problem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Masazumi Yamada, Junji Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8345164
    Abstract: A video switching apparatus has a plurality of slots each for mounting any of a first input module capable of inputting any one of a plurality of predetermined types of video signals and performing processing, content of which varies depending on the type of input video signal and a second input module capable of inputting only predetermined one type of video signal. The video switching apparatus switches and outputs video signals of a plurality of channels input to the input modules mounted to the plurality of slots. The video switching apparatus includes an input setup data memory processor, a detector, and an input setup changer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Akimitsu Hio, Yuuichi Hayatsu, Norimasa Ozaki, Naomi Itoh
  • Publication number: 20120320275
    Abstract: A content reproducing device includes: an input unit connected to a source side via a content transmission channel for transmitting a content and a control signal transmission channel for transmitting an address representing a physical connection relation of a device; an output unit connected to a sink side via a content transmission channel for transmitting a content and a control signal transmission channel for transmitting an address representing a physical connection relation of a device; and a switch provided between the input and output units and assuming one of a first connection state of connecting between the input and output units and a second connection state of connecting the input unit and a content reproducing unit, the device acquiring the address at the sink side in the first connection state, and setting the acquired address as the address provided to the source side in the second connection state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi Sasaki, Ryuya Tachino, Ryo Oguchi, Kenichi Saito
  • Patent number: 8336068
    Abstract: A broadcast signal processing apparatus and channel tuning method are provided. The method comprises a host including Open Cable Application Platform (OCAP) middleware for communication with an application program provided from a broadcasting station, and a memory for storing programs and data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yang-sun Ryu
  • Patent number: 8330862
    Abstract: An STB (104), which reduces operating load of a user and causes a television (101) and an amplifier (102) to be appropriately linked, includes: a receiving unit (204) which receives a broadcast signal including an application program written in Java (registered trademark); a Java VM (403) which executes the application program; a CEC (401b4) which performs HDMI-CEC-compliant communication between each of the television (101) and the amplifier (102); and a device control library (405e) which performs conversion between data handled by an application program and data communicated by the CEC (401b4), so that the television (101) and the amplifier (102) can be controlled by the application program executed by the Java VM (403).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Keisuke Matsuo, Takakazu Shiomi
  • Publication number: 20120300129
    Abstract: An apparatus and method processes audio/video (AV) streams in an intelligent manner by determining whether at least one AV source and/or destination is coupled to an AV dongle that is coupled to a host-type device. An indication is provided to the host-type device to process an AV stream as if the AV dongle is not coupled to the host-type device if it is determined that the at least AV source and/or destination is not coupled to an AV dongle and if the AV dongle is coupled to a host-type device. If it is determined that at least one AV source and/or destination is coupled to the AV dongle, selecting a driver and selecting a priority table contained in the AV dongle for processing the AV stream based on priority information contained in the priority table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Theodore S. Hetke, Randolph W. Nash, Frank Prestrelski, Raj K. Garg
  • Patent number: 8319895
    Abstract: A signal detection method is provided. The signal detection method for an electronic device having a plurality of terminals to receive signals from a plurality of sources corresponding to the terminals, includes the following steps: providing a sequence index for each terminal; providing a plurality of weighting numbers for the electronic device; comparing the sequence indexes of the terminals to determine a terminal detection sequence when the electronic device is turned on or the signal source changes; detecting the terminals according to the detection sequence; adding one of the weighting number to the sequence index of the terminal with signal traffic. The detection sequence begins at the terminal with a largest sequence index and ends at the terminal with a smallest sequence index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Qisda Corporation
    Inventor: Min-Jye Chen
  • Publication number: 20120287344
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe a multimedia stream switch capable of multiplexing the audio and the video data of a multimedia stream separately. The multiplexing features of embodiments of the invention enable a multimedia stream switch to control each multimedia data type separately instead of multiplexing the whole streams (i.e., multiplexing sets of audio/video data together). Furthermore, prior art multimedia stream switches need to regenerate audio clocks by using phase locked loop (PLL) circuitry which incurs manufacturing and development costs. Embodiments of the invention provide the mixing of audio and video data from different sources without the need for PLL circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Hoon Choi, Daekyeung Kim, Ju Hwan Yi, Wooseung Yang, Young Il Kim
  • Patent number: 8310593
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, the apparatus has a first block configured to be connected to a receiving block for a television signal and a second block independent from the first block, configured to be connected to a network. A bypass route is configured to lead a bypass stream including an image signal from the first block to the second block. A processor is configured to generate a return stream by inserting the image signal from the network into the image signal on the bypass stream, at the second block. A return pass is configured to return the return stream to the first block. And a converter is configured to convert the image signal included in the return stream into a signal for output and display, at the first block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hisashi Mogi, Mitsuaki Moritani
  • Patent number: 8310599
    Abstract: A television set includes a television set body section which has a display panel in which pixels are arranged at intersections of scan lines and data lines in a matrix; and first and second input terminals provided for the television set body section. A first video signal is displayed on the display panel in a first drive system when the first video signal supplied to the first input terminal is selected. A second video signal is displayed on the display panel in a second drive system when the second video signal supplied to the second input terminal is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiharu Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 8310598
    Abstract: An apparatus for splitting a signal and a video device using the same are disclosed. The apparatus includes a first splitting unit to split an inputted broadcast signal into a first broadcast signal and a second broadcast signal, and to supply the first broadcast signal to a first broadcast signal processing element, and a second splitting unit to split the second broadcast signal into a third broadcast signal and a fourth broadcast signal, and to supply the third broadcast signal to a second broadcast signal processing element. With this construction, the apparatus can distribute and provide a broadcast signal with a noise figure (NF) lower than that of other broadcast signals, to an element, which requires a broadcast signal with a low noise figure. In addition, the apparatus can split the inputted broadcast signal without using an active element, such as an amplifier or the like, thereby allowing the split broadcast signals to lower the NF thereof and to uniformly maintain a gain thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byung-ju Kwrk
  • Publication number: 20120281147
    Abstract: A control system with bidirectional selection includes an audio/video receiving device and an audio/video transmission device. The audio/video receiving device serves to transmit an input command to a signal processing module via a first control interface for the signal processing module to generate a control signal and transmit the control signal to a detection module. According to the received control signal, a second central processor generates a switch control signal and transmits the switch control signal to an audio/video switch. According to the switch control signal, the audio/video switch selects the audio/video signal. Accordingly, the audio/video signal can be selected at both the transmission terminal and the receiving terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Chih-Chun Ho, Chih-Yuan Ho
  • Patent number: 8307059
    Abstract: A network system according to an implementation of the present invention involves: determining whether or not a matching address is found by comparing (i) an apparatus address, of an apparatus connected to an HDMI network, which is obtained via the HDMI network with (ii) an apparatus address, of an apparatus connected to another network, which is obtained via the other network (S44). Here, the matching address represents a match between the apparatuses addresses. When determining that the matching address is found, the implementation of the present invention involves determining that the terminal apparatus having the matching address is connected to a control apparatus via both of the HDMI network and the other network (S46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kase, Junji Yoshida, Takayuki Fukui
  • Patent number: 8303398
    Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a value input device for receiving a wager and a processor for executing gameplay on the gaming machine. The processor has a plurality of power consumption levels. A power regulator is operative to alter the power consumption level of the processor amongst the plurality of power consumption levels. In an embodiment, the power regulator comprises application software stored on a memory device in communication with the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Canterbury, Victor Mercado
  • Patent number: 8291247
    Abstract: A system and method for removing a portion of a system such as an external device from lower power mode includes a host device and an external device in communication with the host device. The external device is in a low power mode. The host device includes a controller generating a prediction signal in response to an input to an external device and commands the external device from low power mode in response to the prediction signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Jupin, Sean S. Lee, Jorge H. Guzman
  • Patent number: 8284320
    Abstract: A program delivery apparatus including a program delivery control section configured to control program delivery based on a program delivery program made up of a plurality of items; a switcher configured to switch video signals when connected to the program delivery control section via communication channels; a plurality of operation buttons; and a storage section configured to store function assignment information about assigning functions to the plurality of operation buttons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Hideki Maegawa
  • Publication number: 20120249881
    Abstract: A high definition television (HDTV) is capable of displaying one or more streams. Typical stream changing is accomplished by freshly determining the stream settings (frame rate, resolution, refresh method) as each stream is detected, resulting in slow to tortuously slow stream surfing. Here, the HDTV stream settings are stored in a list of present streams, so that stream surfing may continue at much higher rates without redetermining the stream settings with each stream change. The improved stream surfing may be turned on or off at user discretion. Additionally, individual streams, as well as other audio/video inputs may also be edited to user-desired stream settings by accepting user inputs. The HDTV may automatically detect HDTV settings for each currently tuned stream of a list of potential streams, or may download the HDTV setting for a specific location of the HDTV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Koji Matsubayashi
  • Publication number: 20120242905
    Abstract: An input switching device is provided that includes an output decision device, an input switching device, and a switching command device. The output decision device is connected to an input component and configured to determine whether an external device is ready to output a signal to the input component. The input switching device is arranged between the input and an output component. The input switching device switches to the input component when the output decision device has determined that the external device is ready to output a signal to the input component. The switching command device is arranged between the output decision device and the input switching device. The switching command device is configured to instruct a video display device to receive a signal from the input switching device when the output decision device has determined that the external device is ready to output a signal to the input component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshifumi INOUE, Masazumi YAMADA
  • Patent number: 8274502
    Abstract: A video switch for allowing at least two users to view video data from respective ones of at least two video sources. The video switch comprises a switch for selecting one of the at least two video sources and at least one sampler connected to the switch. The sampler is for sampling video data from the at least two video sources. The video switch further comprises a controller for controlling the switch and sampler to select one of the at least two video sources and sample a frame of video data. An output is provided for transmitting video data to one of the at least two users. The output supports a maximum number of simultaneous users which is at least two, and the number of samplers in the video switch is less than the maximum number of simultaneous users. A video switch according to the present invention allows a sampler for capturing video data to be shared between at least two simultaneous users. This reduces the cost, size and complexity of the hardware required to implement a video switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Adder Technology Limited
    Inventors: Nigel Anthony Dickens, William Haylock
  • Patent number: 8274608
    Abstract: In an image processing apparatus, an image processor includes: a matrix switcher, wherein intersecting input and output lines are connected by crosspoint switches; a signal processing block connected to output lines on the upstream side, and input lines on the downstream side by reentry paths; and an output block connected to output lines on the upstream side. An external reentry settings unit sets a first and second port of the matrix switcher as external reentry output ports, the first port being a matrix switcher output port, and the second port being a matrix switcher input port. A reentry stage information generator generates reentry stage information, which indicates the stage of the internal signal processing path where a special function unit is logically positioned, and wherein the special function unit corresponds to the external reentry output ports of the signal processing block and the output block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Shozo Into
  • Patent number: 8269892
    Abstract: A receiving device includes a plurality of digital input terminals, a signal receiving unit for receiving a video signal, and a switch unit for selectively connecting the plurality of digital input terminals to the signal receiving unit. The signal receiving unit is a receiving device that performs a mutual authentication with an external apparatus connected via a transmission channel to a digital input terminal selected by the switch unit, and receives a video signal from the external apparatus. The signal receiving unit includes a priority determining unit for cyclically determining a priority of the plurality of digital input terminals and a controller for controlling the switch unit so that a digital input terminal, which is determined by the priority determining unit as having a highest priority, is connected to the signal receiving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Keijiro Asada, Yasuhisa Nakajima
  • Patent number: 8269662
    Abstract: An information processing device that transmits and receives data to and from a device to which external devices are connected and that processes a signal transmitted from a remote control including buttons to which codes are allocated, the codes being different for each of the external devices, includes a storing unit configured to store, for each of the external devices, a table representing a relationship between the codes and the buttons; a generating unit configured to generate data of a graphical user interface in which a picture of the remote control and button names corresponding to the codes are located; and a control unit configured to perform, if a button included in the remote control to be used for issuing a command to change the button names has been operated, control such that the codes are changed while the table is referred to and that the button names are changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Miki Ueno, Tsuyoshi Oobayashi, Nobuo Motohashi, Toshihiko Suzuki, Ayumi Mizobuchi, Taro Takita, Kazunori Suto
  • Patent number: 8255609
    Abstract: A switch apparatus includes first to third video graphics array (VGA) interfaces, first to sixth universal serial bus (USB) interfaces, a single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch, and first to eighteenth electronic switches. The first VGA interface is connected to the second and third VGA interfaces through the electronic switches. The first USB interface is connected the second and third USB interfaces through the electronic switches. The fourth USB interface is connected to the fifth and sixth USB interfaces through the electronic switches. The SPDT switch is used to control the first VGA interface to be selectively connected to the second or third VGA interface, and control the first USB interface to be selectively connected to the second or third USB interface, and control the fourth USB interface to be selectively connected to the fifth or sixth USB interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jian-Chun Pan, De-Jun Zeng, Chung-Chi Huang
  • Patent number: 8248538
    Abstract: A system and apparatus are provided for selectively terminating an analog video signal depending on whether or not a terminating device is present. A conditional terminator receives an analog video signal from a video input and terminates the video signal in the absence of a terminating device and does not terminate the video signal when a terminating device is connected to the analog video signal. A conditional terminator may comprise a resistor and transistor connecting the video signal to ground when a ground signal from a terminating device is not present and disconnecting the signal from ground as a result of the presence of a ground signal from a connected terminating device. The conditional termination may occur in a video input device or alternatively in a video cable connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: American Megatrends, Inc.
    Inventor: Clas Gerhard Sivertsen
  • Patent number: 8248531
    Abstract: A method with television (TV) tuning function applied on a digital photo frame (DPF) is provided. The method includes: fetching a prompt time of at least one particular TV program; determining whether a prompt time of a particular TV program is about to arrive or has already arrived at the current time; fetching a prompt signal of the particular TV program whose prompt time is about to arrive or has already arrived, and outputting the prompt signal to prompt a particular TV program is being aired or about to air; switching the DPF from the DPF mode to a TV mode and providing the channel parameter of the particular TV program upon receiving a mode switching signal during the outputting of the prompt signal; and; and receiving and playing the particular TV program according to the channel parameter. A related DPF is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shin-Hong Chung, Li-Hua Hu, Chia-Yu Cheng, Zai-An Pan, Han-Che Wang, Kuan-Hong Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8248530
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a Consumer Electronic Control (CEC) device unit and a connected-device determination unit. The electronic device is capable of being connected to another electronic device having Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) information regarding capability, via a communication cable that enables transmission of video and audio data and enables exchange of connected-device control information. The connected-device determination unit determines a vendor of the other electronic device on the basis of at least one of the EDID information and a CEC message of the CEC unit obtained via the communication cable from the other electronic device, and changes processing on the basis of the vendor of the other device connected by the communication cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Naoyuki Sato
  • Patent number: 8243208
    Abstract: An audio/video apparatus such as a television apparatus includes two or more auxiliary audio inputs (AUX1, AUX2, and AUX3) for receiving respective audio signals, an audio output, and a switch arrangement for selecting one of a broadcast audio signal and the auxiliary audio input signals. The audio/video apparatus operates in two modes. In the first mode where the audio/video apparatus is turned on, the switch arrangement selects one of the auxiliary audio input signals and a broadcast audio signal in response to a user command, and in the second mode where the audio/video apparatus is turned off, the switch arrangement selects a pre-determined one of the auxiliary audio input signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventor: Mauro Alcide Vasella
  • Patent number: 8243204
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a communication system, a transmitter, a receiver, a communication method, a program, and a communication cable for providing high-speed bidirectional communication while maintaining compatibility. When an HDMI (R) source performs bidirectional IP communication with an HDMI (R) sink using a CEC line and a signal line, a switching control unit controls a switch so that, when data is transmitted, the switch selects a constituent signal forming a differential signal output from a converting unit and, when data is transmitted, the switch selects a constituent signal forming a differential signal output from a receiver. When bidirectional communication is performed using only the CEC line, the switching control unit controls the switch so that the CEC signal output from the HDMI (R) source or the receiver is selected. The present invention is applicable to, for example, HDMI (R).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhisa Nakajima, Hidekazu Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 8237866
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method are disclosed for separating a current frame of a composite video signal into a luminance signal and a chroma signal. A relative chroma correlation value is generated using a plurality of lines of the current frame. A weighted sum of inter-line pixel differences of the current frame is generated using the relative chroma correlation value. A frame difference signal is generated by subtracting a previous frame of the composite video signal from the current frame. A detected motion signal is generated that corresponds to motion detected in the current frame. The weighted sum of inter-line pixel differences, the frame difference signal, and the detected motion signal are combined to generate the chroma signal. The chroma signal is subtracted from the current frame to generate the luminance signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Patricia Chiang Wei Yin
  • Patent number: 8233029
    Abstract: The present invention provides a reproduction apparatus capable of automatically switching an input of a television to an output from a broadcast receiver such as an STB. A television, upon receiving a notification command notifying that output of video or audio is to start, switches its input to an output from an apparatus which has sent the notification command. An STB, upon receiving an instruction command instructing that output of video or audio should be started, sends the notification command to the television. A DVD recorder includes: a decoder that reproduces video or audio recorded in a DVD-RAM disc; a data output I/F that outputs the reproduced video or audio to the television; and a command sending and receiving I/F that sends the instruction command to the STB when the output of the reproduced video or audio ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Junji Yoshida, Masazumi Yamada
  • Patent number: 8229272
    Abstract: A video apparatus capable of changing a video output mode of an external video apparatus, and a control method of the video apparatus are provided. The video apparatus includes an interface which is connected to an external video apparatus, enabling communication between the video apparatus and the external video apparatus; and a controller which generates a control message to control a video output mode of the external video apparatus and transfers the generated control message to the external video apparatus via the interface. Therefore, it is possible to prevent video and audio signals from not being output due to user inexperience, and to increase user convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-Soo Suh, Nam-hyun Park
  • Patent number: 8223267
    Abstract: There is provided a signal processing apparatus including a first image generating unit, a second image generating unit, a first selecting unit selects at least one of the first image generating unit and the second image generating unit and outputs an image, an image signal processing unit that performs signal processing on the image and outputs the processed image, a second selecting unit that selects one of the first selecting unit and the image signal processing unit and outputs an image, a storing unit that stores information on operations of the second image generating unit and the image signal processing unit, and a third selecting unit that selects at least one of the second image generating unit and the image signal processing unit and connects the selected one to the storing unit, whereby the storing unit is shared between the second image generating unit and the image signal processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Terajima