Abstract: A function shifting apparatus for an electronic appliance using an onscreen display, and a method for using the same. The function shifting apparatus and method employ a first switch for outputting a cursor moving signal according to the manipulation, and a second switch for outputting a signal for function shifting. A plurality of icons representing pre-set functions of the appliance that are set during initialization of an on condition of the appliance are displayed on the display screen of the appliance. The apparatus and method further employ an indicating unit for displaying and moving the cursor on the display screen according to the signal from the first switch to select one of the icons, and a control unit for switching the state of the function of the appliance represented by the selected icon according to the output signal of the second switch.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electronic device using on-screen display menus which display a plurality of functions of the electronic device. The menus are displayed in a tree structure based on the functions of the device. The menu representing the upper directory of functions is displayed when the function selection process is started. A menu of the lower directory of items relating to the item in the upper directory of functions is displayed when a cursor is placed on or proximate to that item in the upper directory to select that item. The cursor can then be used to select an item in the menu of the lower directory to select that item to change the status of the function which that item represents. At least a portion of the upper directory menu and a portion of the lower directory menu are displayed concurrently on the display screen. Thus, the user can check all functions on one screen while also being able to ascertain which functions are being performed by the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the starting or ending terminus of a tape by determining the rotatory state of a reel, includes a supply reel pulse generator for generating first pulses in response to rotation of the supply reel, a take-up reel pulse generator for generating second pulses in response to rotation of the take-up reel, a supply reel stop state determination circuit for determining the stop state of the supply reel on the basis of the first pulses, a take-up reel stop state determination circuit for determining the stop state of the take-up reel on the basis of the second pulses, and a tape terminus detection circuit for detecting the starting or ending terminus of the tape on the basis of the outputs of the supply and take-up reel stop state determination circuits. The apparatus for detecting tape termini does not require a sensor lamp and a photo-transistor, and thereby enables the miniaturization of a tape recorder.