Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device – Cursor mark position control device
Reexamination Certificate
1997-03-31
2001-07-17
Liang, Regina (Department: 2674)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
Cursor mark position control device
C348S552000, C348S734000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06262713
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a computer convergence system for converging the functionality of a computer with the functionality of a second electronic device such as a television and, more particularly, to a mechanism and method for focusing remote control input in such a computer convergence system.
2. Description of the Related Art
A personal computer/television (PCTV) convergence system is a fully functional computer integrated with television functionality, providing TV viewing (via broadcast, cable, satellite, VCR, digital disk, or other broadcast media) and personal computing functionality.
A PC/TV convergence device may comprise a fully functional computer including memory, microprocessors, hard drives, floppy drives, fax-modems, CD-ROM player, keyboard, monitor, power supply, mouse, game pad/joy stick, microphone, etc. The computer is interfaced with a National Television Standards Committee (NTSC) signal which is converted to a scan “video graphics adapter” (VGA) signal or the computer's scan VGA signal is converted to an NTSC interface signal.
The PC/TV convergence device is controlled by the computer's operating system (OS). Thus, the monitor can display both TV programs and computer applications either at the same time or separately. Furthermore, the convergence of the functionality of a PC and a TV into a single system also permits the utilization of the communications bandwidth, mass storage and graphics application of the computer to deliver, store and display applications within a television viewing environment.
The PC/TV is a user interactive device. For example, if a user is watching TV, the PC/TV will be able to download information from another source (besides a TV station) information about, among other things, the TV program. Such information can originate from a web site or other data sources.
At present, when televisions and personal computers are separate devices, TVs typically incorporate a remote control. A standard TV remote control may control a variety of television functions or other related functions by communicating control information, via, e.g., infrared (IR) signals, to the TV to indicate which button on the remote control was depressed.
Current computer operating systems utilize a graphical user interface displayed on a display having only a single foreground session with which a user may interact, i.e., input control information to it. When converging the functionality of a computer and a television, current computer convergence systems have adopted this single foreground session standard. Presently, a user may control only the computer functions or the television functions, and a TV remote control is rendered inoperative if the foreground session is a computer application. Thus, what is needed is a computer convergence system having a foreground session for television function control and a foreground session for computer function control.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention overcomes the above-identified problems as well as other shortcomings and deficiencies of existing technologies by providing a computer system for converging the functionality of a computer with the functionality of a second electronic device. The computer system comprises a computer operable in a computer mode for receiving and transmitting computer information, a second electronic device mode for receiving and transmitting second electronic device information, and a combination computer/second electronic device mode for receiving and transmitting computer information and second electronic device information. The computer system further comprises at least one input device for communicating control information to the computer to control the operation of the computer. A control mechanism operably associated with the input device to receive the control information is provided for controlling the second electronic device information independent of the computer information.
The present invention also provides a method for controlling the operation of a computer in a computer system comprising a computer that is operable in a computer mode, a television mode, and a combination computer/television mode, and a display operably associated with the computer for displaying in the computer mode computer information, in the television mode television information, and in the computer/television mode computer and television information. The method Rises the steps of providing at least one television window displayed on the display for displaying the television information, providing at least one computer window displayed on the display for displaying the computer information, providing a computer focus for the computer window to control operation of the computer, and providing a television focus for the television window to control the television information independent of the computer focus.
The present invention also provides a computer system comprising a computer operable in a computer mode for receiving and transmitting computer information, a television mode for receiving and transmitting television information, and a combination computer/television mode for receiving and transmitting computer and television information. The computer system also includes a display operably associated with the computer for displaying in the computer mode the computer information, in the television mode the television information, and in the computer/television mode the computer and television information. The computer system further includes at least one television window displayed on the display for displaying the television information, at least one computer window displayed on the display for displaying the computer information, and a computer focus for the computer window to control the computer inflation. A television focus is provided for the television window to control the television information independent of the computer focus.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5237653 (1993-08-01), Noguchi et al.
patent: 5537151 (1996-07-01), Orr et al.
patent: 5675390 (1997-10-01), Schindler et al.
patent: 5694163 (1997-12-01), Harrison
patent: 5745107 (1998-04-01), Konomi
patent: 5790201 (1998-08-01), Antos
patent: 5819156 (1998-10-01), Belmont
patent: 06348448 (1994-12-01), None
patent: WO 95 18507 (1995-07-01), None
patent: WO 97 04382 (1997-02-01), None
“Method for Supporting Dual-Input Cursors”; IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, vol. 34, No. 6, Nov. 1, 1991, pp. 334-335.
Brusky Kevin J.
Howard Christopher A.
Compaq Computer Corporation
Liang Regina
Sharp Comfort & Merrett P.C.
LandOfFree
Mechanism and method for focusing remote control input in a... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Mechanism and method for focusing remote control input in a..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Mechanism and method for focusing remote control input in a... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2548894