US5838389A — Apparatus and method for updating a CLUT during h…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 253 words

A video data color conversion apparatus for converting a first stream of color video data received from a first data source in a first format the first stream of color video data representing a first multi-line image to be displayed on a raster-type display means that uses a second different format the second format including horizontal scan periods and horizontal blanking periods, said conversion apparatus comprising: (a) video output circuit means for driving the display means the video output circuit means including means for supplying horizontal synch signals to the display means to define the beginnings of the horizontal scan periods; (b) programmable color look up table means (CLUT means), positioned upstream of the video output circuit means for converting, during a conversion time span corresponding to a horizontal scan period, an input video data signal having the first format into a converted signal having a third format according to color conversion data loaded into the CLUT means, and for forwarding the converted signal downstream to the video output circuit means; (c) timing means, operatively coupled to the video output circuit means and responsive to the horizontal synch signals, for generating update synchronization signals corresponding at least approximately to the start and end of each of the horizontal blanking periods of the display means; and (d) updating means, responsive to said update synchronization signals and operatively coupled to said CLUT means, for updating said color conversion data in said CLUT means during an update period corresponding to one of said horizontal blanking periods.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 253 words

A video data color conversion apparatus for converting a first stream of color video data received from a first data source in a first format the first stream of color video data representing a first multi-line image to be displayed on a raster-type display means that uses a second different format the second format including horizontal scan periods and horizontal blanking periods, said conversion apparatus comprising: (a) video output circuit means for driving the display means the video output circuit means including means for supplying horizontal synch signals to the display means to define the beginnings of the horizontal scan periods; (b) programmable color look up table means (CLUT means), positioned upstream of the video output circuit means for converting, during a conversion time span corresponding to a horizontal scan period, an input video data signal having the first format into a converted signal having a third format according to color conversion data loaded into the CLUT means, and for forwarding the converted signal downstream to the video output circuit means; (c) timing means, operatively coupled to the video output circuit means and responsive to the horizontal synch signals, for generating update synchronization signals corresponding at least approximately to the start and end of each of the horizontal blanking periods of the display means; and (d) updating means, responsive to said update synchronization signals and operatively coupled to said CLUT means, for updating said color conversion data in said CLUT means during an update period corresponding to one of said horizontal blanking periods.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 69 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said CLUT means comprises a plurality of individual color CLUTs of said individual color CLUTs being programmably loadable with a respective plurality of video conversion data entries; and wherein said updating means is capable of selectively updating a prespecified subset of said plurality of video conversion data entries in a prespecified one of said plurality of individual color CLUTs during said update period.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 36 words

The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said updating means is also capable of updating all of said plurality of video conversion data entries in all of said plurality of individual color CLUTs during said update period.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 111 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: an image enhancing means is interposed between the CLUT means and the video output circuit means for enhancing the converted signal prior to supplying said converted signal to the video output circuit means, said image enhancing means using portions of first and second image lines of the converted signal to perform its image enhancing function; said CLUT means comprises a plurality of buffers, including a first CLUT buffer for storing first conversion data for converting input video data belonging to the first image line and a second CLUT buffer for storing second conversion data for converting input video data belonging to the second image line.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 35 words

The apparatus of claim 4, wherein each of said first and second CLUT buffers includes a plurality of individual color CLUTs, each of said individual color CLUTs having a plurality of video conversion data entries.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 77 words

The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the updating means includes: (d.1) copying means, operatively coupled to the first and second CLUT buffers, for copying the contents of one of said first and second CLUT buffers to the other of said first and second CLUT buffers; and (d.2) write means for revising, after said copying, the video conversion data in said one CLUT buffer from which said contents had been copied to the other of the CLUT buffers.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 64 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: said color conversion data includes first, generally-addressable data representing a plurality of foreground colors and second specially-addressable data representing one or more background color values; and said CLUT means includes background-detect means for detecting a prespecified special address condition that indicates a request for the one or more background color values in place of the generally-addressable foreground colors.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 90 words

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first data source dispenses command data during the horizontal blanking periods, said apparatus further comprising: (e) command capture means operatively coupled to the first data source for capturing the dispensed command data the command capture means including; (e.1) transparency-indicating means for generating an indication that a corresponding portion of said input video data signal is to be overlaid prior to display by an alternate image signal thereby causing said corresponding portion of the video data signal to appear transparent in the display projection.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 106 words

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first data source supplies the first stream of color video data by way of a supply bus such that the first stream is time-multiplexed to allow a time-multiplexed interlacing onto the same supply bus of a second stream of color video data having a fourth format said apparatus further comprising: (e) routing means coupled to the supply bus, for routing the first stream of color video data to the display means by way of the CLUT means, and for routing the second stream of color video data to the display means by a way that circumvents the CLUT means.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 124 words

The apparatus of claim 9 wherein: the video output circuit means includes overlay means, responsive to a transparency-indicating signal, for substituting in place of a first image portion represented by the converted signal received from the CLUT means, a second image portion represented by the second stream of color video data in the case where the first image portion of the converted signal is accompanied by a transparency-indicating signal that is set true; and the routing means includes transparency means for tagging at least a portion of said first stream of color video data as being transparent, such tagging causing the tagged portion to be replaced in the video output circuit means by a corresponding portion of the second stream of color video data.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 66 words

The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said second stream of color video data is propagated through said apparatus in real-time alignment with the first stream of color video data such that each portion of the first stream of color video data that is tagged as transparent by an accompanying transparency-indicating signal is replaced by a corresponding time-aligned portion of the second stream of color video data.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 63 words

The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: (e) alternate conversion means for converting a data stream having the first format into a converted data stream having the third format in accordance with a predefined conversion scheme; and (f) bypass means for causing said input video data signal to bypass said CLUT means at desired times and instead pass through the alternate conversion means.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 129 words

The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: (e) a supply bus for conveying the input video data signal downstream from the first data source to the CLUT means and for further conveying configuration control and update data streams, the conveyed data streams including CLUT configuration control data for programmably configuring the CLUT means and VOC configuration control data for programmably configuring the video output circuit means; wherein said CLUT means includes first control register means for capturing and storing CLUT configuration control data conveyed over the supply bus; and wherein said CLUT means further includes second control register means for capturing and storing the VOC configuration control data conveyed over the supply bus and for forwarding the captured VOC configuration control data downstream to the video output circuit means.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 28 words

The apparatus of claim 13, wherein one of the conveyed data streams further includes CLUT update data for updating said color conversion data loaded into the CLUT means.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 150 words

In a computer system for use with a video display, including an image processing unit coupled by way of a data bus to a system memory, the image processing unit being for modifying prior to display, image data that is pre-stored within the system memory; wherein video data is driven in synchronism with a system video clock through a video data path from said system memory to said display, a video data conversion apparatus located along said video data path, comprising: color look up table means (CLUT means) for converting an input video data signal according to variable color conversion data loaded into said CLUT means; timing means for determining when horizontal blanking periods of said video display occur; and updating means, responsive to the timing means and coupled to the CLUT means for updating said color conversion data in said CLUT means during one of said horizontal blanking periods.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 150 words

In a computer system for use with a video display, including an image processing unit coupled by way of a data bus to a system memory, the image processing unit being for modifying prior to display, image data that is pre-stored within the system memory; wherein video data is driven in synchronism with a system video clock through a video data path from said system memory to said display, a video data conversion apparatus located along said video data path, comprising: color look up table means (CLUT means) for converting an input video data signal according to variable color conversion data loaded into said CLUT means; timing means for determining when horizontal blanking periods of said video display occur; and updating means, responsive to the timing means and coupled to the CLUT means for updating said color conversion data in said CLUT means during one of said horizontal blanking periods.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 55 words

The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said CLUT means comprises: a plurality of individual color CLUTs, each of said individual color CLUTs being programmably loadable with a respective plurality of video conversion data entries; and wherein said updating means is capable of selectively updating a prespecified subset of said plurality of video conversion data entries.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 97 words

The apparatus of claim 15, wherein: an image enhancing means is interposed between the CLUT means and the video display for enhancing the converted input signal prior to supplying said converted input signal to the video display, said image enhancing means using portions of first and second image lines of the converted input signal to perform its image enhancing function; and said CLUT means comprises a plurality of buffers, including separately programmable first and second CLUT buffers, a combination of converted signals from each of the first and second buffers being conveyed to the image enhancing means.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 41 words

The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said updating means includes: means for copying the contents of one of said first and second CLUT buffers to the other of said first and second CLUT buffers during one of said horizontal blanking periods.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 64 words

The apparatus of claim 15, wherein: said color conversion data includes first, generally-addressable data representing a plurality of foreground colors and second specially-addressable data representing one or more background color values; and said CLUT means includes background-detect means for detecting a prespecified special address condition that indicates a request for the one or more background color values in place of the generally-addressable foreground colors.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 86 words

The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the system memory dispenses command data during the horizontal blanking periods, said apparatus further comprising: command capture means operatively coupled to the system memory for capturing the dispensed command data the command capture means including: transparency-indicating means for generating an indication that a corresponding portion of said input video data signal is to be overlaid prior to display by an alternate image signal thereby causing said corresponding portion of the video data signal to appear transparent in the display projection.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 105 words

The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the system memory supplies a first stream of color video data to the CLUT means by way of a supply bus, the first stream being time-multiplexed to allow a time-multiplexed interlacing onto the same supply bus of a second stream of color video data having a fourth format, said apparatus further comprising: routing means, coupled to the supply bus, for routing the first stream of color video data to the display by way of the CLUT means, and for routing the second stream of color video data to the video display by a way that circumvents the CLUT means.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 61 words

The apparatus of claim 15, further comprises: alternate conversion means for converting a data stream having a first format into a converted data stream having a second format in accordance with a predefined conversion scheme: and bypass means for causing said input video data signal to bypass said CLUT means at desired times and instead pass through the alternate conversion means.

Claim 25

Independent Claim 90 words

A method for displaying video imagery on a display means having horizontal blanking periods, the imagery being initially represented by digital input video data, said method comprising the steps of: (a) converting said input video data using a programmable color look up table means (CLUT means); (b) identifying a start point and end point in time for at least one of the horizontal blanking periods of said display means; and (c) updating said CLUT means between the identified start and end points of the at least one horizontal blanking period.

Claim 26

Independent Claim 90 words

A method for displaying video imagery on a display means having horizontal blanking periods, the imagery being initially represented by digital input video data, said method comprising the steps of: (a) converting said input video data using a programmable color look up table means (CLUT means); (b) identifying a start point and end point in time for at least one of the horizontal blanking periods of said display means; and (c) updating said CLUT means between the identified start and end points of the at least one horizontal blanking period.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 57 words

The method of claim 23, further comprising the steps of: (d) providing a plurality of individually-programmable color CLUTs within said CLUT means; (e) storing a plurality of video data conversion entries in each of said color CLUTs; and wherein said updating step includes the step of: (c.1) selectively updating a subset of the stored color conversion entries.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 131 words

The method of claim 23, further comprising the steps of: (d) providing first and second CLUT buffers within the CLUT means 200! for respectively storing current-line conversion data and previous-line conversion data; (e) loading the first and second CLUT buffers respectively with current-line conversion data and previous-line conversion data; (a.1) wherein said step of converting includes using the loaded current-line conversion data and previous-line conversion data respectively for converting a corresponding current-line portion and previous-line portion of the imagery initially represented by the input video data: and wherein said method further comprises the step of: (f) combining converted data output from said first and second CLUT buffers to generate a display image having a resolution that is enhanced relative to that of the imagery initially represented by the input video data.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 42 words

The method of claim 23, further comprising the steps of: storing data representative of a background color in said CLUT means and when a predefined input condition occurs, retrieving the background color in place of a plurality of normally-used foreground color values.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 68 words

The method of claim 23, further comprising the steps of: generating an indication that a first portion of said initially represented imagery is to be overlaid prior to display by an alternate image portion; and in response to the generated indication overlaying the first portion with the alternate image portion thereby causing the first portion of said initially represented imagery to become transparent in the displayed video imagery.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 104 words

The method of claim 23, further comprising the steps of: supplying a first stream of color video data to the CLUT means by way of a supply bus, the first stream being time-multiplexed to allow a time-multiplexed interlacing onto the same supply bus of a second stream of color video data; interlacing the second stream of color video data onto the supply bus; routing the first stream of color video data to the display means by way of the CLUT means; simultaneously routing the second stream of color video data to the display means by way of a path that bypasses the CLUT means.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 60 words

The method of claim 28, comprising the steps of: causing a portion of one of said first and second data streams to be transparent; and causing a portion of one of said data streams which does not have a portion of transparent data to be projected in place of said portion of data which has been caused to be transparent.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 37 words

The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of: providing an alternate conversion means and bypassing said CLUT means with said input video data and instead passing the input video data through the alternate conversion means.

Claim 34

Independent Claim 153 words

A method for use in a computer system that produces video signals for display on a video display means having horizontal blanking periods, said system including an image processing unit coupled by way of a data bus to a system memory, the image processing unit being for modifying prior to display, image data that is pre-stored within the system memory; wherein video data is driven in synchronism with a system video clock through a video data path from said system memory to said display means, said method comprising the steps of: (a) converting input video data into converted video data using a color look up table means (CLUT means); (b) identifying a start point and end point in time for at least one of the horizontal blanking periods of said display means; and (c) updating said CLUT means between the identified start and end points of the at least one horizontal blanking period.

Claim 35

Independent Claim 153 words

A method for use in a computer system that produces video signals for display on a video display means having horizontal blanking periods, said system including an image processing unit coupled by way of a data bus to a system memory, the image processing unit being for modifying prior to display, image data that is pre-stored within the system memory; wherein video data is driven in synchronism with a system video clock through a video data path from said system memory to said display means, said method comprising the steps of: (a) converting input video data into converted video data using a color look up table means (CLUT means); (b) identifying a start point and end point in time for at least one of the horizontal blanking periods of said display means; and (c) updating said CLUT means between the identified start and end points of the at least one horizontal blanking period.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 57 words

The method of claim 31, further comprising the steps of: (d) providing a plurality of individually-programmable color CLUTs within said CLUT means; (e) storing a plurality of video data conversion entries in each of said color CLUTs; and wherein said updating step includes the step of: (c.1) selectively updating a subset of the stored color conversion entries.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 129 words

The method of claim 31, further comprising the steps of: (d) providing first and second CLUT buffers within the CLUT means for respectively storing current-line conversion data and previous-line conversion data; (e) loading the first and second CLUT buffers respectively with current-line conversion data and previous-line conversion data; (a.1) wherein said step of converting includes using the loaded current-line conversion data and previous-line conversion data respectively for converting a corresponding current-line portion and previous-line portion of imagery initially represented by the input video data; and wherein said method further comprises the step of: (f) combining converted data output from said first and second CLUT buffers to generate a display image having a resolution that is enhanced relative to that of the imagery initially represented by the input video data.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 42 words

The method of claim 31, further comprising the steps of: storing data representative of a background color in said CLUT means and when a predefined input condition occurs, retrieving the background color in place of a plurality of normally-used foreground color values.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 74 words

The method of claim 31, comprising the steps of: generating an indication that a first portion of initial imagery represented by said pre-stored image data is to be overlaid prior to display by an alternate image portion: and in response to the generated indication overlaying the first portion with the alternate image portion thereby causing the first portion of said initial imagery to become transparent in displayed video imagery of said video display means.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 104 words

The method of claim 31, further comprising the steps of: supplying a first stream of color video data to the CLUT means by way of a supply bus the first stream being time-multiplexed to allow a time-multiplexed interlacing onto the same supply bus of a second stream of color video data; interlacing the second stream of color video data onto the supply bus; routing the first stream of color video data to the display means by way of the CLUT means; simultaneously routing the second stream of color video data to the display means by way of a path that bypasses the CLUT means.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 61 words

The method of claim 36, comprising the steps of: causing a portion of one of said first and second data streams to be transparent; and causing a portion of one of said data streams which does not have a portion of transparent data to be substantially projected in place of said portion of data which has been caused to be transparent.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 37 words

The method of claim 31, further comprising the step of: providing an alternate conversion means; and bypassing said CLUT means with said input video data and instead passing the input video data through the alternate conversion means.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 106 words

A video data color conversion apparatus, comprising: (a) color look up table means (CLUT means) for converting at substantially the same time, first and second input video data respectively representing pixels of successive first and second scan lines of a video image, said CLUT means having a first CLUT buffer for storing first conversion data for converting the first input video data and a second CLUT buffer for storing second conversion data for converting the second input video data; and means for loading the first color conversion data into said first CLUT buffer and for loading the second color conversion data into said second CLUT buffer.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 106 words

A video data color conversion apparatus, comprising: (a) color look up table means (CLUT means) for converting at substantially the same time, first and second input video data respectively representing pixels of successive first and second scan lines of a video image, said CLUT means having a first CLUT buffer for storing first conversion data for converting the first input video data and a second CLUT buffer for storing second conversion data for converting the second input video data; and means for loading the first color conversion data into said first CLUT buffer and for loading the second color conversion data into said second CLUT buffer.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 50 words

The apparatus of claim 39, further comprising: time-multiplexing means for sequentially supplying, in an alternating manner to the first and second CLUT buffers, first input video data representing a first pixel from said first scan line, and second input video data representing a second pixel from said second scan line.

Claim 46

Independent Claim 143 words

An apparatus for converting color scan line data before said data is displayed on a display, said display being a raster-type display that projects a frame of converted image data at a time, each frame being comprised of a plurality of successive scan lines, said apparatus comprising: (a) programmable color look up table means (CLUT means) for storing color conversion data and for converting at substantially the same time, scan line data for a plurality of successive scan lines, each scan line being converted in accordance with color conversion data pre-defined specifically for that scan line and stored as such in the CLUT means; and (b) programmable updating means for individually updating said color conversion data in said CLUT means for a first programmably-specified scan line of a given display frame and for another programmably-specified scan line within the same given display frame.

Claim 47

Independent Claim 143 words

An apparatus for converting color scan line data before said data is displayed on a display, said display being a raster-type display that projects a frame of converted image data at a time, each frame being comprised of a plurality of successive scan lines, said apparatus comprising: (a) programmable color look up table means (CLUT means) for storing color conversion data and for converting at substantially the same time, scan line data for a plurality of successive scan lines, each scan line being converted in accordance with color conversion data pre-defined specifically for that scan line and stored as such in the CLUT means; and (b) programmable updating means for individually updating said color conversion data in said CLUT means for a first programmably-specified scan line of a given display frame and for another programmably-specified scan line within the same given display frame.

Claim 48

Independent Claim 150 words

An apparatus for converting received scan line data for a plurality of scan lines before said plural scan lines are displayed on a display, said display being a raster-type display that projects a frame of converted scan line data at a time, each frame being comprised of a plurality of successive scan lines, said apparatus comprising: (a) programmable color look up table means (CLUT means) for storing color conversion data and for converting input scan line data for a plurality of successive scan lines, each scan line being converted in accordance with conversion data pre-defined specifically for that scan line and stored as such in the CLUT means; and (b) programmable updating means for selectively and individually updating said conversion data in said CLUT means for each of said plurality of successive scan lines, said selective updating being programmably-specified either for one or for a group of successive scan lines.

Claim 49

Independent Claim 150 words

An apparatus for converting received scan line data for a plurality of scan lines before said plural scan lines are displayed on a display, said display being a raster-type display that projects a frame of converted scan line data at a time, each frame being comprised of a plurality of successive scan lines, said apparatus comprising: (a) programmable color look up table means (CLUT means) for storing color conversion data and for converting input scan line data for a plurality of successive scan lines, each scan line being converted in accordance with conversion data pre-defined specifically for that scan line and stored as such in the CLUT means; and (b) programmable updating means for selectively and individually updating said conversion data in said CLUT means for each of said plurality of successive scan lines, said selective updating being programmably-specified either for one or for a group of successive scan lines.

Claim 50

Independent Claim 149 words

A method for converting color scan line data before display, comprising the steps of: (a) converting a digital first input video signal representing a first pixel in a first scan line in accordance with first color conversion data stored in a color look up table (CLUT) for said first scan line; (b) converting a digital second input video signal representing a second pixel in a second scan line immediately sequentially following said first scan line in accordance with second color conversion data stored in said CLUT for said second scan line; and (c) outputting the converted first and second video signals at substantially the same time for consumption by a downstream signal processing means that uses both of the first and second video signals at substantially the same time to perform a downstream signal processing function; wherein said first color conversion data and second color conversion data are different.

Claim 51

Independent Claim 149 words

A method for converting color scan line data before display, comprising the steps of: (a) converting a digital first input video signal representing a first pixel in a first scan line in accordance with first color conversion data stored in a color look up table (CLUT) for said first scan line; (b) converting a digital second input video signal representing a second pixel in a second scan line immediately sequentially following said first scan line in accordance with second color conversion data stored in said CLUT for said second scan line; and (c) outputting the converted first and second video signals at substantially the same time for consumption by a downstream signal processing means that uses both of the first and second video signals at substantially the same time to perform a downstream signal processing function; wherein said first color conversion data and second color conversion data are different.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 48 words

The method of claim 43, wherein said step of outputting the converted first and second video signals includes: sequentially propagating through a time-multiplexed data path said converted first video input signal for said first scan line and said converted second video input signal for said second scan line.

Claim 53

Independent Claim 165 words

A method for converting received color scan line data before said data is displayed on a display, said display being a raster-type display that projects a frame of converted image data at a time, each frame being comprised of a plurality of successive scan lines, said method comprising the steps of: (a) storing plural sets of color conversion data in a programmable color look up table means (CLUT means), each set corresponding to a unique group of one or more scan lines in a given frame; (b) using the CLUT means for converting at substantially the same time, the received scan line data of a plurality of scan lines, each in accordance with the set of color conversion data stored for that scan line; (c) updating a first set of said stored color conversion data for a first scan line of a given frame; and (d) updating a second set of said stored color conversion data for another scan line within the same given frame.

Claim 54

Independent Claim 165 words

A method for converting received color scan line data before said data is displayed on a display, said display being a raster-type display that projects a frame of converted image data at a time, each frame being comprised of a plurality of successive scan lines, said method comprising the steps of: (a) storing plural sets of color conversion data in a programmable color look up table means (CLUT means), each set corresponding to a unique group of one or more scan lines in a given frame; (b) using the CLUT means for converting at substantially the same time, the received scan line data of a plurality of scan lines, each in accordance with the set of color conversion data stored for that scan line; (c) updating a first set of said stored color conversion data for a first scan line of a given frame; and (d) updating a second set of said stored color conversion data for another scan line within the same given frame.

Claim 55

Independent Claim 112 words

A method for converting input data representing multi-colored pixels in a plurality of successive scan lines in a frame before display, comprising the steps of: (a) storing plural sets of color conversion data in a programmable color look up table means (CLUT means) each set corresponding to a unique group of one or more scan lines in a given frame; (b) converting input data for a plurality of successive scan lines in accordance with the corresponding sets of color conversion data stored in the color look up table means (CLUT means); and (c) selectively updating a subset of one of the sets of said color conversion data stored in the CLUT means.

Claim 56

Independent Claim 112 words

A method for converting input data representing multi-colored pixels in a plurality of successive scan lines in a frame before display, comprising the steps of: (a) storing plural sets of color conversion data in a programmable color look up table means (CLUT means) each set corresponding to a unique group of one or more scan lines in a given frame; (b) converting input data for a plurality of successive scan lines in accordance with the corresponding sets of color conversion data stored in the color look up table means (CLUT means); and (c) selectively updating a subset of one of the sets of said color conversion data stored in the CLUT means.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 63 words

The method of claim 46, wherein said step of storing the color conversion data further comprises: (a.1) subdividing each set of stored color conversion data into color-component subsets with each color-component subset representing a unique color component of the corresponding display pixels; and wherein said step of selectively updating includes: (c.1) selectively updating one of the color-component subsets stored in the CLUT means.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 41 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said CLUT means converts an input video data signal having less than twenty-four (24) bits of color information per pixel into a converted signal having at least twenty-four (24) bits of color information per pixel.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 65 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said input video data signal includes a plurality of color-component fields each representing a unique color-component ,wherein each color-component field has less than eight (8) bits of color information per color-component, and wherein said CLUT means converts each color-component field into an expanded color-component field having at least eight (8) bits of color information to represent its corresponding color-component.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 313 words

A digital video conversion system for receiving a first stream of color video data from a first data source , where the first stream of color video data has pixel data of a first format, the first-formatted pixel data representing a first multi-line image having a first number of bits per pixel, the system further being for converting the first stream of color video data into a second stream of color video data that has a pixel data of a second different format, the second-formatted pixel data representing a second multi-line image having a second different number of bits per pixel, said digital video conversion system comprising: (a) first programmable color look up table means (first CLUT means) for storing first conversion data and using the first conversion data for converting, in a predefined one or more time periods, first-formatted pixel data from a programmably assigned first group of one or more lines in the first image into converted first pixel data having the second format; (b) second programmable color look up table means (second CLUT means) for storing second conversion data and using the second conversion data for converting, in substantially the same one or more predefined time periods, first-formatted pixel data from a programmably assigned second group of one or more lines in the first image into converted first pixel data having the second format; and (c) routing means, operatively coupled to the first and second CLUT means for receiving the first stream of color video data, and for routing respective portions thereof that represent the first-formatted pixel data from the programmably assigned first group of one or more lines to the first CLUT means, and for further routing respective portions of the first stream of color video data that represent the first-formatted pixel data from the programmably assigned second group of one or more lines to the second CLUT means.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 313 words

A digital video conversion system for receiving a first stream of color video data from a first data source , where the first stream of color video data has pixel data of a first format, the first-formatted pixel data representing a first multi-line image having a first number of bits per pixel, the system further being for converting the first stream of color video data into a second stream of color video data that has a pixel data of a second different format, the second-formatted pixel data representing a second multi-line image having a second different number of bits per pixel, said digital video conversion system comprising: (a) first programmable color look up table means (first CLUT means) for storing first conversion data and using the first conversion data for converting, in a predefined one or more time periods, first-formatted pixel data from a programmably assigned first group of one or more lines in the first image into converted first pixel data having the second format; (b) second programmable color look up table means (second CLUT means) for storing second conversion data and using the second conversion data for converting, in substantially the same one or more predefined time periods, first-formatted pixel data from a programmably assigned second group of one or more lines in the first image into converted first pixel data having the second format; and (c) routing means, operatively coupled to the first and second CLUT means for receiving the first stream of color video data, and for routing respective portions thereof that represent the first-formatted pixel data from the programmably assigned first group of one or more lines to the first CLUT means, and for further routing respective portions of the first stream of color video data that represent the first-formatted pixel data from the programmably assigned second group of one or more lines to the second CLUT means.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 50 words

A digital video conversion system according to claim 50 wherein the first data source alternatingly supplies first-formatted pixel data representing pixels of first and second lines of the first multi-line image and wherein the routing means synchronously routes the alternatingly-supplied pixel data respectively to the first and second CLUT means.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 276 words

A digital video conversion system for receiving a first stream of color video data from a first data source , where the first stream of color video data has pixel data of a first format, the first-formatted pixel data representing a first multi-line image having a first number of bits per pixel, the system further being for converting the first stream of color video data into and outputting a second stream of color video data that has a pixel data of a second different format, the second-formatted pixel data representing a second multi-line image having a second different number of bits per pixel, said digital video conversion system comprising: (a) programmable first conversion means for storing programmably-defined first conversion data and using the stored first conversion data for converting, in a predefined one or more time periods, first-formatted pixel data from a programmably assigned first group of one or more lines in the first image into converted first pixel data having the second format; (b) alternative second conversion means for alternatively converting, in substantially the same one or more predefined time periods and in accordance with an alternate conversion scheme that is independent of the first conversion data, the first-formatted pixel data from the programmably assigned first group of one or more lines in the first image into converted first pixel data having the second format; and (c) selection means, operatively coupled to the first and second conversion means, for selecting one or the other of the first and second conversion means as the means that outputs its corresponding converted first pixel data as at least part of the second-formatted pixel data having the second format.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 276 words

A digital video conversion system for receiving a first stream of color video data from a first data source , where the first stream of color video data has pixel data of a first format, the first-formatted pixel data representing a first multi-line image having a first number of bits per pixel, the system further being for converting the first stream of color video data into and outputting a second stream of color video data that has a pixel data of a second different format, the second-formatted pixel data representing a second multi-line image having a second different number of bits per pixel, said digital video conversion system comprising: (a) programmable first conversion means for storing programmably-defined first conversion data and using the stored first conversion data for converting, in a predefined one or more time periods, first-formatted pixel data from a programmably assigned first group of one or more lines in the first image into converted first pixel data having the second format; (b) alternative second conversion means for alternatively converting, in substantially the same one or more predefined time periods and in accordance with an alternate conversion scheme that is independent of the first conversion data, the first-formatted pixel data from the programmably assigned first group of one or more lines in the first image into converted first pixel data having the second format; and (c) selection means, operatively coupled to the first and second conversion means, for selecting one or the other of the first and second conversion means as the means that outputs its corresponding converted first pixel data as at least part of the second-formatted pixel data having the second format.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 173 words

A digital video conversion system according to claim 58 wherein: (a.1) the first conversion means includes programmable third conversion means for storing programmably-defined second conversion data and for using the stored second conversion data for converting, substantially during said predefined one or more time periods, first-formatted pixel data from a programmably assigned second group of one or more lines in the first image into converted second pixel data having the second format; (b.1) the alternative second conversion means is operatively coupled to alternatively convert, substantially during said predefined one or more time periods and in accordance with the alternate conversion scheme, the first-formatted pixel data from the programmably assigned second group of one or more lines in the first image into converted second pixel data having the second format; and (c.1) the selection means is further for selecting one or the other of the first and second conversion means as the means that outputs its corresponding converted second pixel data as at least part of the second-formatted pixel data having the second format.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 59 words

A digital video conversion system according to claim 58 wherein: (c.1) the selection means includes line-by-line programmable means for selecting one or the other of the first and second conversion means on a line-by-line basis as the means that outputs its corresponding converted first pixel data as at least part of the second-formatted pixel data having the second format.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 59 words

A digital video conversion system according to claim 58 wherein: (c.1) the selection means includes pixel-by-pixel programmable means for selecting one or the other of the first and second conversion means on a pixel-by-pixel basis as the means that outputs its corresponding converted first pixel data as at least part of the second-formatted pixel data having the second format.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 79 words

A digital video conversion system according to claim 52 wherein: (b.1) the second number of bits per pixel is greater than the first number of bits per pixel; and (b.2) the alternate conversion scheme of the alternative second conversion means replicates a predetermined number of bits from a predefined portion of the first-formatted pixel data and appends the replicated portion onto the first-formatted pixel data in order to produce a signal having the second number of bits per pixel.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 67 words

A digital video conversion system according to claim 52 wherein: (b.1) the second number of bits per pixel is greater than the first number of bits per pixel; and (b.2) the alternate conversion scheme of the alternative second conversion means appends a predetermined number of pseudo-randomly generated bits onto the first-formatted pixel data in order to produce a signal having the second number of bits per pixel.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 358 words

A digital video conversion system for receiving a first stream of input color video data from a first data source, where the first stream of input color video data has pixel data of a first format, the first-formatted pixel data representing a first multi-line image having a first number of bits per pixel subdivided into plural color-component fields each representing a color component of a corresponding input pixel, the system further being for converting the first stream of color video data into and outputting a second stream of output color video data that has pixel data of a second different format, the second-formatted pixel data representing a second multi-line image having a second different number of bits per pixel subdivided into further plural color-component fields each representing a color component of a corresponding output pixel, said digital video conversion system comprising: (a) programmable first conversion means for storing programmably-defined first conversion data and accessing the stored first conversion data for converting, in a predefined one or more time periods, a first color-component field of first-formatted pixel data from a programmably assigned first group of one or more lines in the first image into a converted first color-component field to be output as part of converted pixel data having the second format; (b) programmable second conversion means for storing programmably-defined second conversion data and independently accessing the stored second conversion data for converting, in substantially the same predefined one or more time periods, a second color-component field of first-formatted pixel data from the programmably assigned first group of one or more lines in the first image into a converted second color-component field to be output as part of converted pixel data having the second format; and (c) programmable third conversion means for storing programmably-defined third conversion data and independently accessing the stored third conversion data for converting, in substantially the same predefined one or more time periods, a third color-component field of first-formatted pixel data from the programmably assigned first group of one or more lines in the first image into a converted third color-component field to be output as part of converted pixel data having the second format.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 358 words

A digital video conversion system for receiving a first stream of input color video data from a first data source, where the first stream of input color video data has pixel data of a first format, the first-formatted pixel data representing a first multi-line image having a first number of bits per pixel subdivided into plural color-component fields each representing a color component of a corresponding input pixel, the system further being for converting the first stream of color video data into and outputting a second stream of output color video data that has pixel data of a second different format, the second-formatted pixel data representing a second multi-line image having a second different number of bits per pixel subdivided into further plural color-component fields each representing a color component of a corresponding output pixel, said digital video conversion system comprising: (a) programmable first conversion means for storing programmably-defined first conversion data and accessing the stored first conversion data for converting, in a predefined one or more time periods, a first color-component field of first-formatted pixel data from a programmably assigned first group of one or more lines in the first image into a converted first color-component field to be output as part of converted pixel data having the second format; (b) programmable second conversion means for storing programmably-defined second conversion data and independently accessing the stored second conversion data for converting, in substantially the same predefined one or more time periods, a second color-component field of first-formatted pixel data from the programmably assigned first group of one or more lines in the first image into a converted second color-component field to be output as part of converted pixel data having the second format; and (c) programmable third conversion means for storing programmably-defined third conversion data and independently accessing the stored third conversion data for converting, in substantially the same predefined one or more time periods, a third color-component field of first-formatted pixel data from the programmably assigned first group of one or more lines in the first image into a converted third color-component field to be output as part of converted pixel data having the second format.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 81 words

A digital video conversion system according to claim 58 further comprising: (d) background substitution means for detecting a unique pattern of bit settings present simultaneously across the color-component fields of the input pixel data and for substituting, upon detection of said unique pattern, a set of predefined background signals as said converted first through third color-component fields in place of the converted first through third color-component fields that would be otherwise output respectively by the programmable first through third conversion means.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 25 words

A digital video conversion system according to claim 59 wherein the set of predefined background signals are programmably defined and stored in a memory means.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 32 words

A digital video conversion system according to claim 60 wherein the set of predefined background signals that are programmably defined and stored in said memory means are modifiable on a line-by-line basis.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2001-11-16	2002-05-18	2002-11-17	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2005-11-16	2006-05-18	2006-11-17	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2009-11-16	2010-05-18	2010-11-17	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Apparatus and method for updating a CLUT during horizontal blanking

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