Apparatus for control of images from multiple sources

Abstract

Abstract Apparatus is provided for presentation of images from multiple sources on a monitor or television at the same time. In the preferred embodiment, the system comprises a picture-in-picture display, wherein a main picture has overlayed on it a picture-in-picture (PIP) occupying a minor portion of the main picture. In one mode of operation, called a review mode, the PIP displays the channel which had been displayed on the main picture prior to the channel change. In another mode of operation, called the preview mode, the main picture is selected by operation of a channel selection device, such as an up channel selector, and the PIP contains the next sequential channel in the list associated with that channel selection device. Such a list may be predefined, such as in the case of sequential channel selection either in an up or a down direction, or by use of a favorite channel list. The list may ultimately be determined dynamically, such as where a database is accessed, such as a listing of channels from a cable company. Apparatus is provided for the storage of the mode selection as entered by the user, for example, whether the review mode or preview mode has been selected.

Inventors

• 👤 Nicholas J. Pauley

Bibliographic Details