Craig S Ranta

US Patent:

6556247, Apr 29, 2003

Filed:

Dec 30, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/475834

Inventors:

Craig S. Ranta - Redmond WA
Leonardo G. Del Castillo - Carnation WA

Assignee:

Microsoft Corporation - Redmond WA

International Classification:

H04N 708

US Classification:

348476, 348460, 348522

Abstract:

The present invention relate to method and apparatus for processing a video signal to decode data previously encoded into the video signal. One aspect of the invention relates to a method for detecting a first line of a data sequence encoded in a digital video signal by scanning a digital video signal by line to look for an intelligent signal detect word. If the detect word is not found, a counter is incremented. Scanning continues until the intelligent signal detect word is found, and once found flagging that line as a first data line. Another aspect of the invention is a decoding apparatus that searches the plurality of horizontal scan lines in a video signal for the presence of a data start key, and when such a data start key is found, the line containing the data start key is identified as the first line of the encoded data.

US Patent:

6704058, Mar 9, 2004

Filed:

Dec 30, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/476177

Inventors:

Craig S. Ranta - Redmond WA

Assignee:

Microsoft Corporation - Redmond WA

International Classification:

H04N 7084

US Classification:

348465, 348479, 348473, 348476, 348558

Abstract:

The adaptive timing module is configured for recovering data encoded in a field of a video signal, and further configured for counteracting horizontal phase or picture shift. An adaptive timing processor defines a timing window where the expected prescan portion video signal is expected to be in an encoded video signal. The timing window is divided into sub-portions with a set of sampling points. The adaptive timing processor conducts a sweeping operation over each sub-portion of the prescan portion of the encoded video signal for the presence of a pre-data encoding zone. When a pre-data encoding zone is detected, the adaptive timing processor stores the position of the sub-portion with the pre-data encoding zone, or sets a flag to indicate the presence of a pre-data encoding zone for that particular sub-portion in a particular field. After scanning one or more fields for the presence of a pre-data encoding zone, the adaptive timing processor uses the stored positions of pre-data encoding zones, or uses the flags indicating the pre-data encoding zones to determine a selected sampling point. The adaptive timing processor uses the selected sampling point to lock on to a location for decoding subsequent data in the encoded video signal.

US Patent:

6937289, Aug 30, 2005

Filed:

Dec 30, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/475832

Inventors:

Craig S. Ranta - Redmond WA, US
Jeffrey M. Alexander - North Bend WA, US
Harjit Singh - Redmond WA, US

Assignee:

Microsoft Corporation - Redmond WA

International Classification:

H04N007/00
H04N007/08

US Classification:

348460, 348466, 348473, 348479, 348558

Abstract:

A method and system for decoding and storing encoded control data delivered via the horizontal overscan area of a video signal. An interactive device such as an interactive toy performs behavior defined by control data that can be encoded into a video signal that can be broadcast or played-back from video tape. The interactive device is equipped with a non-volatile memory that permits the control data to be stored for performance subsequent to the transmission session (e. g. , a televised program). The interactive device also may be equipped to perform behavior during the transmission session. The control data is delivered as a series of control data words that include genus codes and sequence codes. Genus codes identify the interactive device to which the data word is directed, so that a particular interactive device will respond (i. e. , perform behavior) only in accordance with the control data words including the appropriate genus code.

US Patent:

7050798, May 23, 2006

Filed:

Dec 16, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/319470

Inventors:

Craig S Ranta - Redmond WA, US

Assignee:

Microsoft Corporation - Redmond WA

International Classification:

H04Q 7/20

US Classification:

455423, 455418, 455574

Abstract:

Operational characteristics of a wireless input device are modified so as to balance performance and power conservation. Power management algorithms may include an algorithm that improves device performance and increases device power consumption, as well as an algorithm that decreases device power consumption and reduces device performance. An algorithm that most closely corresponds to the desired balance of performance and power consumption is identified. The identified algorithm is then transmitted to the wireless device.

US Patent:

7113087, Sep 26, 2006

Filed:

Apr 8, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/408125

Inventors:

Mark W. Casebolt - Seattle WA, US
Craig S. Ranta - Redmond WA, US

Assignee:

Microsoft Corporation - Redmond WA

International Classification:

G08B 1/08

US Classification:

3405391, 34063611, 455281, 343861, 343860

Abstract:

Proximity of a user body part can be detected by measuring the effects such proximity has on antenna impedance mismatches. The amount of mismatch affects the amount of RF signal energy reflected back into a transmission line connecting the antenna to a RF signal source. A directional coupler has a main line electrically connected to the transmission line, as well as a coupled line. The directional coupler produces a signal on its coupled line in relation to the magnitude of reflected energy on the transmission line; the amount of reflected energy varies in response to how well the antenna impedance matches the transmission line impedance. A signal detector is electrically connected to the coupled line, and responds to signals produced in the coupled line by the main line. The signal detector output is then used to determine whether a body part is in proximity. Other aspects the invention include an adaptive algorithm to adjust a threshold for proximity determination.

US Patent:

7126586, Oct 24, 2006

Filed:

Sep 17, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/944099

Inventors:

Xie Jianping - Hefei, CN
Ming Hai - Hefei, CN
Zhao Tianpeng - Hefei, CN
Lv Liang - Hefei, CN
Gui Huaqiao - Hefei, CN
Yuan Kong - Kirkland WA, US
Craig S. Ranta - Redmond WA, US

Assignee:

Microsoft Corporation - Redmond WA

International Classification:

G09G 5/00

US Classification:

345166, 345156, 250221, 356496

Abstract:

A data input device for use with a tracking surface having light-scattering properties with respect to the device. The device comprising a single laser having a modulated light beam. A beam splitter splits the modulated light beam into two light beams projected along separate paths toward the tracking surface. A portion of the light striking the tracking surface reflects back into a cavity of the single laser for self-mixing with the projected light, thereby altering first and second characteristics of the projected modulated light beam according to first and second directions associated with the tracking surface. A detector associated with the laser detects the altered first and second characteristics of the modulated light beam projected by the laser, and a controller responsive to the detector determines the relative movement of the tracking surface and data input device relative to one another as a function of the altered first and second characteristics detected by the detector.

US Patent:

7150028, Dec 12, 2006

Filed:

Dec 30, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/476291

Inventors:

Craig S. Ranta - Redmond WA, US

Assignee:

Microsoft Corporation - Redmond WA

International Classification:

H04N 7/16
H04N 7/00

US Classification:

725 23, 348476, 348479

Abstract:

A method and system for decoding and storing encoded coupon data delivered via the horizontal overscan area of a video signal. An electronic coupon displays representations of coupons defined by coupon data that can be extracted from an encoded video signal that can be broadcast or played-back from video tape. The electronic coupon is equipped with a non-volatile memory that permits the coupon data to be stored for display subsequent to the transmission session (e. g. , a televised program). The electronic coupon has a set-up mode which allows a user to pre-select types of coupons that the user would like to receive. Coupon data satisfying the user's selections will be stored in the electronic coupon, while coupon data not satisfying the user's selections will not be stored. A decoder extracts the coupon data from an encoded video signal and transmits the coupon data to the electronic coupon via a receiver of electronic contacts. Advantageously, the coupon data can be transmitted to the electronic coupon during television commercials.

US Patent:

7283214, Oct 16, 2007

Filed:

Oct 14, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/249682

Inventors:

Jun Xu - Hefei, CN
Tianpeng Zhao - Hefei, CN
Hai Ming - Hefei, CN
Jianping Xie - Hefei, CN
Deyong He - Hefei, CN
Liang Lv - Hefei, CN
Huaqiao Gui - Hefei, CN
Bo Yi - Hefei, CN
Lei Guo - Hefei, CN
Craig S. Ranta - Redmond WA, US
Yuan Kong - Kirkland WA, US

Assignee:

Microsoft Corporation - Redmond WA

International Classification:

G01C 3/08

US Classification:

356 515, 356 501, 356 51

Abstract:

A laser range finder includes a laser and a photosensitive element. The laser projects a beam onto a target surface. A backscattered portion of the laser beam returns to the laser from the target surface and enters the laser emitting cavity. Variations in laser output power are detected by the photosensitive element, which provides a “beat” signal to a frequency detection circuit. The frequency detection circuit includes a difference frequency analog phase locked loop (DFAPLL) providing a purified form of the beat signal. The frequency of the purified beat signal is determined and used to calculate distance to the target surface.