×

Control system and user interface for network of input devices

  • US 8,056,104 B2
  • Filed: 03/30/2010
  • Issued: 11/08/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/03/2001
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A network system comprisinga central control unit (CCU),a primary video display and audio output device (PDD) coupled to the CCU,a plurality of input audio-video devices coupled to the CCU, wherein the plurality of input audio-video devices include one or more analog audio-video devices and one or more digital audio-video devices,a means for generating a non-device specific graphical user interface (GUI) from the CCU of the network system and displaying the GUI on the PDD, wherein the GUI includes an input device selection menu and a device transport menu, and wherein the input device selection menu includes an icon corresponding to each of the one or more analog audio-video devices and the one or more digital audio-video devices,a means for receiving CCU specific user input commands corresponding to selection and operation of a plurality of input audio-video devices and network system functions at the CCU,a means for translating within the CCU the CCU specific user input commands received by the CCU to device specific output messages to operate the plurality of input audio-video devices, anda means for transmitting the output messages from the CCU to the plurality of input audio-video devices, wherein the output messages are transmitted to the one or more analog audio-video devices by directing an IR signal incorporating the output message from the CCU to the analog audio-video device, wherein the output messages are transmitted to the one or more digital audio-video devices over a bidirectional bus, and wherein the one or more analog audio-video devices being incapable of receiving or sending messages over a bidirectional bus.

View all claims
  • 3 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×