US5404393A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for interactive television through use of menu windows
Assignee: RAQUEL VELASCO
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Filing: 1992-09-28
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Granted: 1995-04-04
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Expires: 2012-09-28
Abstract
Abstract An electronic device and method for accessing remote electronic facilities and displaying associated information on a conventional television set. The electronic device self-configures itself upon power-up or reset by initiating a data call to a configuring facility. Information related to available facilities and programming, autonomous mail checking is downloaded to the electronic device. The electronic device displays a menu including several user selectable facilities on the display for a user. The user chooses one of the options from the menu by use of a remote keypad control, similar to a conventional television remote control. The options available include printing, electronic mail and other news and information services. Interfacing the electronic device with a stylus-type pointing device permits sketching and drawing on the television, including superposition of images on captured television images. Captured images of graphics or text are optionally stored or forwarded to a user through a mail facility accessed through operation of the system.
Inventors
- 👤 Roger Remillard
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 17:43
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N21/00; H04N21/40; H04N21/43; H04N21/442; H04N21/44213; H04N21/44222; H04M; H04M11/00; H04M11/08; H04M11/085; H04N1/00; H04N1/00127; H04N1/00281; H04N1/00283; H04N21/20; H04N21/27; H04N21/274; H04N21/2747; H04N7/00; H04N7/002
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
240 words
A method for interfacing a television to a selected one of a plurality of electronic facilities, said method comprising the steps of: calling, upon application of power to an electronic device coupled to the television, a host computer from said electronic device through a modem coupled to a telephone network and coupled to said electronic device, to establish a first data communication link between said electronic device and said host computer via said telephone network and said modem; transferring configuration data from said host computer to said electronic device via said first data communication link; thereafter breaking said first data communication link; assembling from said configuration data a menu listing a plurality of titles identifying said plurality of electronic facilities; thereafter overlaying said menu over a background image on a screen of the television; accepting, at a remote keyboard, an operator input specifying said selected one of said plurality of facilities; transmitting, from said remote keyboard to an IR detector coupled to said electronic device, an infrared signal responsive to said operator input; detecting said infrared signal at said IR detector; thereafter calling said host computer from said electronic device via said modem and said telephone network, thereby establishing a second data communication link between said host computer and said electronic device via said modem and said telephone network; and thereafter connecting said electronic device to said selected one facility via said second data communication link and said host computer.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
240 words
A method for interfacing a television to a selected one of a plurality of electronic facilities, said method comprising the steps of: calling, upon application of power to an electronic device coupled to the television, a host computer from said electronic device through a modem coupled to a telephone network and coupled to said electronic device, to establish a first data communication link between said electronic device and said host computer via said telephone network and said modem; transferring configuration data from said host computer to said electronic device via said first data communication link; thereafter breaking said first data communication link; assembling from said configuration data a menu listing a plurality of titles identifying said plurality of electronic facilities; thereafter overlaying said menu over a background image on a screen of the television; accepting, at a remote keyboard, an operator input specifying said selected one of said plurality of facilities; transmitting, from said remote keyboard to an IR detector coupled to said electronic device, an infrared signal responsive to said operator input; detecting said infrared signal at said IR detector; thereafter calling said host computer from said electronic device via said modem and said telephone network, thereby establishing a second data communication link between said host computer and said electronic device via said modem and said telephone network; and thereafter connecting said electronic device to said selected one facility via said second data communication link and said host computer.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-04-03 | 1998-10-03 | 1999-04-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-04-03 | 2002-10-03 | 2003-04-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-04-03 | 2006-10-03 | 2007-04-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |