Location History:
- Palo Alto, CA (US) (1990 - 1993)
- San Jose, CA (US) (1993 - 1998)
Company Filing History:
7 out of 3,715 
5 out of 99 
1 out of 3 Years Active: 1990-1998
Title: The Innovations of Charles C. Stearns
Introduction
Charles C. Stearns is a notable inventor based in San Jose, California. He holds a total of 13 patents, showcasing his significant contributions to technology and innovation. His work primarily focuses on video decoding technology, which has had a substantial impact on the way compressed video data is processed in computer systems.
Latest Patents
One of his latest patents is the video decoder engine, which allows MPEG compressed video data to be decompressed efficiently in a computer system. This invention shares computational decompression tasks between the host microprocessor, the graphics accelerator, and a dedicated MPEG processor. By doing so, it optimizes resource usage within the computer system, resulting in a cost-effective solution. The dedicated MPEG processor is designed to be of minimum capability, which reduces costs while still delivering effective performance. The host microprocessor handles the decompression of the MPEG upper data layers, with the efficiency increasing as the power of the host microprocessor increases. The remaining decompression tasks are managed by the dedicated MPEG processor and/or the graphics accelerator. This video decoder engine features a fast hardwired processor with a three-stage pipeline structure, allowing for minimal circuitry and enhanced operational speed. It also includes a graceful degradation capability, enabling the system to drop occasional video frames without displaying any part of a dropped frame.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Charles has worked with prominent companies such as LSI Logic Corporation and S3 Incorporated. His experience in these organizations has contributed to his expertise in video technology and innovation.
Collaborations
Some of his notable coworkers include Karthikeyan Kannappan and Stephanie W. Ti. Their collaboration has likely played a role in the development of his innovative technologies.
Conclusion
Charles C. Stearns is a distinguished inventor whose work in video decoding technology has made a significant impact on the industry. His patents reflect his commitment to innovation and efficiency in computer systems.