User interface system methods and computer program products for multi-function consumer entertainment appliances
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A user interface for use with a computer system, said user interface comprising:
- selecting means for selecting from a list of predetermined computer applications and outputting a selection signal;
a conflict map containing a list of conflicts between the list of predetermined computer applications; and
conflict checking means, coupled to the selecting means and the conflict map, for receiving the selection signal, determining from the selection signal and the conflict map whether a potential conflict between computer applications could occur, and outputting a display message if a determination is made that a potential conflict could occur between computer applications.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A user interface system, method and computer program product permits selection of predetermined device application modes in a television set system and checking the activation status of other application modes. If active modes are identified which are incompatible with the selected active mode, then these other active modes are halted. If compatible active modes are identified, then these remain concurrently active, with particularized adaptations being made. The user interface is particularly adapted for use with a set-top box environment using a TV set as a user display.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A user interface for use with a computer system, said user interface comprising:
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selecting means for selecting from a list of predetermined computer applications and outputting a selection signal; a conflict map containing a list of conflicts between the list of predetermined computer applications; and conflict checking means, coupled to the selecting means and the conflict map, for receiving the selection signal, determining from the selection signal and the conflict map whether a potential conflict between computer applications could occur, and outputting a display message if a determination is made that a potential conflict could occur between computer applications. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A method of selecting among a predetermined plurality of computer applications to run on a computer system for presentation on a display screen, comprising the steps of:
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selecting from a list of predetermined computer applications and outputting a selection signal, receiving the selection signal and determining from the selection signal and a conflict map containing a list of conflicts between the list of predetermined computer applications whether a potential conflict could occur, and outputting a display message if a determination is made that a potential conflict could occur between computer applications. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6)
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7. A method for selecting one of at least two predetermined device application modes in a microprocessor controlled television set-top system, comprising the steps of:
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selecting a first device application mode from a predetermined menu of device application modes, which menu includes at least two such predetermined device application modes, determining whether a second of said at least two such predetermined device application modes is active, determining from a conflict map containing a list of device conflicts between the at least two predetermined device application modes whether a potential conflict could occur, and initiating television presentation of activities relating to said first device application mode if it is determined a potential device conflict may not occur. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A set-top system comprising:
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a television for producing images according to one or more application modes; a microprocessor device in communication with said television, said microprocessor device including circuitry for implementing at least two predetermined application modes; and a controller for selecting an application mode, wherein said device is configured to determine activation status of at least a single non-selected application mode when a particular other activation mode is selected, wherein said controller further comprises a selecting means for selecting from a list of predetermined applications and outputting a selection signal, and said controller further comprises; a conflict map containing a list of conflicts between the list of predetermined applications; and conflict checking means, coupled to the selecting means and the conflict map, for receiving the selection signal, determining from the selection signal and the conflict map whether a potential conflict could occur, and outputting a display message if a determination is made that a potential conflict could occur. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18)
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19. A computer readable computer program product expressed in a selected computer readable medium, comprising:
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a first computer code portion for selecting a first device application mode from a predetermined menu of device application modes, which menu includes at least two such predetermined device application modes; a second computer code portion for determining whether a second of said at least two such predetermined device application modes is active; and a third computer code mechanism for determining from a conflict map containing a list of device conflicts between the at least two predetermined device application modes whether a potential conflict could occur, and a third computer code portion for initiating television presentation of activities relating to said first device application mode if it is determined a potential device conflict may not occur.
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Specification