Distribution system and method for menu-driven user interface
US5500794A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 1994 |
| Grant date | Mar 19, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 31, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY04S40/12
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for distributing control menus over a multi-channel distribution network such as a CEBus throughout a home is disclosed. The apparatus includes a controller such as a personal computer for centrally generating control menus as video information on available channels of the multi-channel distribution network. The controller also executes commands received over the distribution network. The apparatus further includes a display device such as a TV for receiving and displaying the control menu on the channel selected by the control means and a receiver, located proximate to the display device, for receiving user commands related to the displayed menu and for delivering the user commands, via the distribution network, to the control processor. User commands can be given using, for example, infra-red transmission or voice recognition circuitry.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.