Remote control device for controlling the presentation of broadcast programming
First Claim
1. A system for presenting broadcast programming, the system comprising:
- a set top box incorporated in or coupled to a receiver of broadcast programming;
a processor provided in the set top box for receiving and processing broadcast programming and selecting a selected program for presentation; and
a presentation device for receiving and presenting the selected program; and
an external remote control device, wherein the remote control device incorporates;
a processor able to generate menus detailing programs and other options available by way of the set top box for processing broadcast programming;
a display for displaying the menus, and hence the programs and options available; and
a user interface enabling the user to make choices amongst the available options and programs displayed;
wherein, upon user request by way of the user interface, the processor of the remote control device is arranged to issue commands to the set top box to cause the set top box to switch to the options or programs which have been selected by the user on the control device;
wherein the processor of the remote control device performs state-machine processing work for the set top box while the processor in the set top box performs graphics and stream processing;
wherein the processor of the set top box is arranged to receive updates for the remote control device and, in response, to communicate a stimulus to the remote control device; and
wherein, upon receiving a stimulus from the set top box, the processor of the remote control device is arranged to process the stimulus and to make required changes to the internal set up of the remote control device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A TV is controlled by a set top box to receive broadcast programming. The set top box includes a processor for causing a selected program to be provided to and displayed on the TV. The set top box is controlled by an external remote control device. The remote control device is able to generate menus detailing programs and other options available and to display those options locally on the remote control device. Therefore, a program presented by the TV is uninterrupted while the user considers an electronic program guide displayed on the remote control device. Once the user has made the final choice of a new program to view, a command is issued to the set top box so that the change is made.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A system for presenting broadcast programming, the system comprising:
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a set top box incorporated in or coupled to a receiver of broadcast programming; a processor provided in the set top box for receiving and processing broadcast programming and selecting a selected program for presentation; and a presentation device for receiving and presenting the selected program; and an external remote control device, wherein the remote control device incorporates; a processor able to generate menus detailing programs and other options available by way of the set top box for processing broadcast programming; a display for displaying the menus, and hence the programs and options available; and a user interface enabling the user to make choices amongst the available options and programs displayed; wherein, upon user request by way of the user interface, the processor of the remote control device is arranged to issue commands to the set top box to cause the set top box to switch to the options or programs which have been selected by the user on the control device; wherein the processor of the remote control device performs state-machine processing work for the set top box while the processor in the set top box performs graphics and stream processing; wherein the processor of the set top box is arranged to receive updates for the remote control device and, in response, to communicate a stimulus to the remote control device; and wherein, upon receiving a stimulus from the set top box, the processor of the remote control device is arranged to process the stimulus and to make required changes to the internal set up of the remote control device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A method for controlling broadcast programming by way of a system including a set top box for receiving and processing broadcast programming, and a processor of the set top box for causing a selected program to be provided to a presentation device for presentation, the method comprising:
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displaying at an external remote control device menus detailing programs and other options available to the set top box for processing broadcast programming; enabling the user to make selections amongst the available options and programs displayed; causing the external remote control device to issue commands to the set top box to cause the set top box to switch to the options or programs which have been selected by the user by way of the external remote control device; performing state-machine processing work for the set to box by a processor in the remote control device while the processor in the set top box performs graphics and stream processing; receiving at the set top box updates for the remote control device and, in response, communicating a stimulus to the remote control device; and upon receiving a stimulus from the set top box, causing the remote control device to process the stimulus and make required changes to its internal set up. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A remote control device for use in controlling a set top box that presents broadcast programming on a presentation device, the remote control comprising:
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a processor configured to generate a series of menus detailing programs and other options available by way of the set top box for processing the broadcast programming; a display configured to present the series of menus, and hence the programs and options available; and a user interface enabling the user to make choices amongst the available options and programs displayed in the series of menus; wherein, upon receiving the user choices for each of the series of menus, the processor of the remote control device is arranged to issue commands to the set top box to cause the set top box to switch to the options or programs which have been selected by the user on the control device so that the processor of the remote control device performs state-machine processing work for the set top box while the set top box performs graphics and stream processing in response to the state machine processing work performed by the processor of the remote control device. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification