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Apparatus and method for electronic device for information services

  • US 5,561,709 A
  • Filed: 06/02/1995
  • Issued: 10/01/1996
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/03/1991
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. In a data communication system having a host computer coupled to a data communications medium and an electronic device coupled to said data communications medium, a method for providing access at said electronic device to a plurality of facilities, said method comprising the steps of:

  • calling to said electronic device said host computer from said electronic device through said data communications medium, to establish a first data communication link between said electronic device and said host computer via said data communications medium;

    transferring configuration data from said host computer to said electronic device via said first data communication link;

    thereafterbreaking said first data communication link;

    assembling from said configuration data a menu listing a plurality of titles identifying said plurality of facilities;

    thereafterdisplaying said menu on a television coupled to said electronic device;

    thereafteraccepting, at a remote keypad, an operator input specifying a selected one of said plurality of facilities;

    transmitting, from said remote keypad 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;

    thereaftercalling said selected one of said plurality of facilities from said electronic device via said data communications medium, thereby establishing a second data communication link between said electronic device and said selected facility via said data communications medium; and

    thereafterconnecting said electronic device to said selected facility via said second data communication link.

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