Multimode multizone interface
First Claim
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1. An interface, comprising:
- a zone control for selecting one of a plurality of zones as an active zone;
a plurality of mode controls for selecting one of a plurality of modes as an active mode for the active zone, wherein each mode control corresponds to a different mode source;
a display for providing information related to the active mode of the active zone; and
a plurality of soft controls, wherein a function associated with a soft control is dependant upon the active mode and wherein the soft controls are adjacent to the display so that for each active soft control the function associated with the soft control is displayed on the display,wherein the interface supports a first active mode associated with a first zone and a second active mode associated with a second zone, wherein the first active mode and the second active mode are active simultaneously and are distinct, and wherein the display displays information related to the first active mode and upon activation of the zone control, displays information related to the second active mode.
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Abstract
The interface uses a combination of controls. Mode independent controls retain essentially the same function throughout all modes and features and mode dependent controls vary based on the active mode or feature. The arrangement of the mode controls, the soft controls and the display is designed to facilitate the user'"'"'s interaction with the system. The system provides some redundant controls so that the user can select the control that is most convenient or intuitive for that user. The interface supports a multizone system having a primary zone and one or more secondary zones. Information for the active mode of the active zone is provided via the display.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. An interface, comprising:
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a zone control for selecting one of a plurality of zones as an active zone; a plurality of mode controls for selecting one of a plurality of modes as an active mode for the active zone, wherein each mode control corresponds to a different mode source; a display for providing information related to the active mode of the active zone; and a plurality of soft controls, wherein a function associated with a soft control is dependant upon the active mode and wherein the soft controls are adjacent to the display so that for each active soft control the function associated with the soft control is displayed on the display, wherein the interface supports a first active mode associated with a first zone and a second active mode associated with a second zone, wherein the first active mode and the second active mode are active simultaneously and are distinct, and wherein the display displays information related to the first active mode and upon activation of the zone control, displays information related to the second active mode. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An interface, comprising:
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a zone control for selecting one of a plurality of zones as an active zone; a plurality of mode controls for selecting one of a plurality of modes as an active mode for the active zone, wherein each mode control corresponds to a different mode source; a display for providing information related to the active mode of the active zone; a plurality of soft controls adjacent to at least two sides of the display, wherein selected soft controls provide functions that are dependent upon an active mode and functions that are independent of the active mode and wherein for each active soft control, the function associated with the soft control is displayed on the display; wherein the interface supports a first active mode associated with a first zone and a second active mode associated with a second zone, wherein the first active mode and the second active mode are active simultaneously and are distinct, and wherein the display displays information related to the first active mode and upon activation of the zone control, displays information related to the second active mode. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification