US 12160681

An analysis of U.S. Patent 12,160,681 reveals a technology focused on efficiently updating device capability information in a wireless video system. As of April 26, 2026, a search of the CAFC 2026 dockets for this specific patent number did not yield any results; however, this does not conclusively rule out the existence of ongoing litigation.

Summary of U.S. Patent 12,160,681

• Title: Video transmitter apparatus and video receiver apparatus
• Assignee: Maxell Ltd.
• Inventors: Nobuaki Kabuto, Yuya Ogi
• Filing Date: February 23, 2023
• Issue Date: December 3, 2024
• Abstract: The patent describes a video receiver that stores its own capability information (e.g., supported video formats). It also stores "history information" that changes whenever its capabilities are altered. When a video transmitter requests this information, it can also send the history information it currently has stored for the receiver. The receiver compares the transmitter's history information with its own. If they don't match, the receiver sends its updated capability information to the transmitter. This method aims to minimize unnecessary data transmission between the devices.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims

The independent claims form the core of the patent's legal protection. In essence, they describe a system and method for a video transmitting device to efficiently manage its connection with a display.

• Claim 1: This claim outlines a video transmitting apparatus that connects wirelessly to a display. Upon connection, it sends a request message with a number to the display to get its capability information (like EDID - Extended Display Identification Data). The transmitter then stores this information, configures its audio/video stream accordingly, and sends it to the display. The claim specifies that under a "predetermined condition," the transmitter will send a subsequent request with a different number, which is an incremental change from the first, to check for any updates to the display's capabilities.

• Claim 9: This claim describes a similar video transmitting apparatus. The key distinction is the added capability to store a third and fourth number received from the display, where the fourth number is generated by the display based on the third. This suggests a more complex versioning or history tracking system for the display's capability information, allowing for more granular updates.

• Claim 11: This claim recasts the invention as a method for controlling a video transmitting apparatus. It mirrors the steps described in Claim 1: transmitting a request with a number, receiving and storing capability information, determining the appropriate audio/video parameters based on that information, generating the stream, and transmitting it. It also includes the step of sending a second, different request number when a specific condition is met.

• Claim 19: This claim describes a method similar to Claim 11 but includes the additional steps of storing a third and a fourth number received from the display. This aligns with the apparatus described in Claim 9, detailing a method for a more sophisticated tracking of changes in the display's capabilities.

In summary, the patent protects a system where a video transmitter, like a streaming device or Blu-ray player, can intelligently query a display, such as a TV, to get its latest settings. By using a numbering or versioning system, the devices can avoid resending the full set of capability data every time, only doing so when a change is detected. This makes the connection and setup process more efficient, which is particularly useful in wireless communication where bandwidth can be limited.