New PR
Sensio gains Japanese 3-D frame rate conversion patent
2014-01-08 08:39 ET - News Release
Mr. Nicholas Routhier reports
SENSIO OBTAINS JAPANESE PATENT RELATED TO FRAME RATE CONVERSION FOR 3DTVS
The Japan Patent Office has issued patent No. 5421821 to Sensio Technologies Inc.. The patent relates to a method to increase the 3-D frame rate of a frame-compatible format in order to eliminate flicker while providing smooth playback on active 3-D devices such as 3DTVs. This new patent, added to a similar Chinese patent granted in April 2013, brings Sensio's portfolio to 15 issued patents and 21 pending in 13 different patent families.
Frame rate conversion is a technique typically used to increase the frame rate of a video program in order to create a more fluid and smooth playback. Movies which are usually shot at 24 frames per second (fps or Hz) can be converted to higher frame rates such as 60fps or even 120fps before being displayed on HDTVs. Since the filing of this patent application, 2D frame rate conversion has become a widely available feature with the rising popularity of higher frame rate televisions (i.e. 120Hz and 240Hz). The method to which this patent is related allows to leverage the power of frame rate conversion to provide flicker-free smooth playback in 3D.
"In 2002, long before frame rate converters became widespread in 2D television sets, we had envisioned that such technology could be used to improve the 3D viewing experience of active technology based 3D systems," said Nicholas Routhier, President & CEO of Sensio. "This new patent is an example of Sensio's development strategy. For over a decade, we have been developing technologies and building a strong portfolio of IP which is reflected in today's announcement. This patent is also the second issued in Japan in 2013 which shows our commitment and ability to protect our intellectual property in the Japanese market."
New patent licensing program considered
With the issuance of this patent and considering current developments with the USPTO, Sensio is also exploring the possibility of creating a new patent licensing program for 3D frame rate conversion. The purpose of this second patent licensing program, which would be managed either internally or externally, would be to license the aforementioned frame rate conversion-related method to 3DTV set manufacturers and other device manufacturers using active based systems (i.e. electronic shutter glass). Sensio is currently evaluating the enforceability, market size and revenue potential of this new patent licensing program.
"Patent licensing activities have generated significant revenues for Sensio in the last two years," mentioned M. Routhier. "As previously pending patents are gradually becoming granted worldwide, it is now time to evaluate our options in terms of monetizing our portfolio and accelerate our revenue growth. Patent licensing is expected to become an important part of our revenue mix and of our growth strategy in the coming quarters."
We seek Safe Harbor.