Internet appliance for interactive audio/video display using a remote control unit for user input
First Claim
1. A network access device comprising:
- a network connection section for communication with a network;
a video section including a video signal output connectable to a video display for outputting video signals to be displayed on the video display;
a user interface signal receiver for receiving user interface signals generated by a reduced keyset user interface device; and
a processing unit connected to the network connection section, the video section and the user Interface signal receiver, wherein the processing unit provides user interface functions by outputting video signals for displaying information to the user and processing user interface signals received by the user interface signal receiver and generated by the user in response to the output video signals, the user interface functions enabling the user to control and navigate the operation of the network access device solely through the reduced keyset user interface device.
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Abstract
A network access device uses a standard video display to show functional choices and network content received from the Internet to a user. The user directs the functional operation of the network access device with a simple reduced keyset remote control unit having a relatively small number of keys similar to a consumer remote control used for television receivers and video recorders. The control choices are displayed to the user in a unique format with elements associated to characters corresponding to the same characters in the reduced keyset. The display format uses several display areas, some of which can be designated as input focus areas, any one of which can be active at a given time. The device affords low cost ready access to the informational capabilities of the Internet for users at all skill levels by eliminating a full text keyboard and a mouse.
146 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A network access device comprising:
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a network connection section for communication with a network;
a video section including a video signal output connectable to a video display for outputting video signals to be displayed on the video display;
a user interface signal receiver for receiving user interface signals generated by a reduced keyset user interface device; and
a processing unit connected to the network connection section, the video section and the user Interface signal receiver, wherein the processing unit provides user interface functions by outputting video signals for displaying information to the user and processing user interface signals received by the user interface signal receiver and generated by the user in response to the output video signals, the user interface functions enabling the user to control and navigate the operation of the network access device solely through the reduced keyset user interface device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method for providing a user interface between an information processing system and a user using a display screen for displaying information to the user and a reduced keyset user interface device for transmitting keystroke signals to the information processing system, the method comprising the steps of:
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displaying information to the user on the display screen, the displayed information including user interface elements;
dividing the display screen into a plurality of display areas each containing displayed information;
designating one of the plurality of display areas as an input focus area in response to first keystroke signals received from the reduced keyset user interface device; and
interpreting keystroke signals received from the reduced keyset user interface device based on displayed user interface elements in the input focus area only. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9)
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10. A method for providing a user interface between an information processing system and a user using a display screen for displaying information to the user and a reduced keyset user interface device for transmitting keystroke signals including numeral keystroke signals to the information processing system, the method comprising the steps of:
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displaying information to the user on the display screen, the displayed information including user interface elements;
displaying an association of each of at least some of the user interface elements with a characterl; and
interpreting character keystroke signals received from the reduced keyset user interface device according to the displayed association of user interface elements with characters. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for providing a user interface between an information processing system and a user using a display screen for displaying information to the user and a reduced keyset user interface device for transmitting keystroke signals to the information processing system, the information processing system having a plurality of modes selectable by the user, each mode performing predetermined functions, the method comprising the steps of:
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displaying information to the user on the display screen, the displayed information including user interface elements, depending on the selected mode of the information processing system, displaying a characteristic screen display associated with the selected mode, the characteristic screen display including layout of the display screen, selection of operations, and associated set of commands; and
displaying mode selection user interface elements for enabling the user to select one of the modes of the system using the reduced keyset user interface device, the mode selection user interface elements being displayed regardless of the selected mode of the information processing system.
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Specification