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Method and apparatus for implementing a user interface for a videophone in a cable television network

  • US 5,999,207 A
  • Filed: 05/16/1997
  • Issued: 12/07/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/16/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A videophone system for placing and receiving calls over a cable television network comprising:

  • a remote control unit for generating input command signals;

    a network interface for coupling the videophone system to a cable television network;

    a remote control unit interface for receiving the input command signals;

    a user interface, coupled to said network interface and said remote control unit interface, for transmitting outgoing call signals to said network interface for output to the cable television network, receiving incoming call signals from the cable television network via said network interface, and receiving the input command signal from said remote control unit via said remote control unit interface;

    a graphics engine, coupled to said user interface, for generating display screens responsive to the input command signals and said user interface; and

    a display monitor, coupled to said graphics engine, for displaying the display screens generated by said graphics engines,wherein a user inputs input command signals to select a mode of operation for displaying screens on said display monitor, a first mode providing step-by-step instructions to access videophone functions and a second mode providing access to videophone functions without step-by-step instructions.

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