Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
Apparatus for using a television receiver and a controller for the television receiver as a graphical control interface for a device which itself is not capable of generating a graphical display, the apparatus comprising: means coupled to the television receiver for producing a screen on the television receiver which includes at least one indication of a function involving the device; and means coupled to the device for responding to an input from the controller specifying the indication by controlling the device as required to perform the function.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein: the device is a device which interacts with a telephone system; and the apparatus further comprises means coupled to the telephone system and to the means for responding to an input for performing any interaction with the telephone system required for the function.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 2 wherein: the device is a digital answering machine.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 3 wherein: the digital answering machine receives voice messages from the telephone system and includes means for storing the voice messages; and means for playing the voice messages on the television receiver.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 3 wherein: the digital answering machine receives data messages from the telephone system and the means for producing a screen further produces a screen with at least a portion of the received data message.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 3 wherein: the digital answering machine receives fax messages from the telephone system and the means for producing a screen further produces a screen with at least a portion of the received fax message.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 2 wherein: the apparatus is programmable; and the apparatus further includes means coupled to the means coupled to the telephone system and the means for responding to an input for downloading program code for the apparatus from the telephone system in response to the input.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 7 wherein: the downloaded program code is code for a service which is provided via the telephone system and controlled by means of screens and controller inputs specified in the downloaded program code.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 7 wherein: the downloaded program code is code for a device which is coupled to the apparatus and controlled by means of screens and controller inputs specified in the downloaded program code.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
22 words
The apparatus set forth in any one of claims 1 through 9 wherein: the device is an integral part of the apparatus.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
20 words
The apparatus set forth in any one of claims 1 through 9 wherein: the controller is a wireless remote controller.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
23 words
The apparatus set forth in any one of claims 1 through 9 wherein: the apparatus is an integral part of the television receiver.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 12 wherein: the controller is an integral part of the television receiver.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
115 words
A method of providing a service to a user of a telephone network comprising the steps of: providing a screen specifying a selectable function of the service from a device coupled to the telephone network and a television receiver on the user's premises to the television receiver; responding in the device to input specifying the function from a controller for the television receiver which is provided in response to the screen by specifying the function to the telephone network; performing the function for the user in the telephone network and providing the result to the user; and responding in the device to the result by providing a screen displaying the result on the television receiver.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
81 words
A method practiced in a telephone network of providing a service to a user of the telephone network, the method comprising the steps of: downloading program code specifying a control interface involving screens displayed on a television receiver and inputs from a controller for the television receiver to control programmable control apparatus coupled to the television receiver and the telephone network; and responding to signals produced by the control interface while executing the downloaded program code as required for the service.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method set forth in claim 15 wherein: the service is provided by a service provider accessible via the telephone network; and the step of responding to signals includes the step of establishing a connection between the service provider and the programmable control apparatus.