Abstract: A convergence system suitable for accepting inputs from several television or personal computing sources is disclosed. The sources can be output on a display. The convergence system is controlled by a multi-function controller suitable for providing a set of function commands. A processor is coupled to the inputs, display and operably coupled to the controller wherein the processor responds to the function commands provided by the controller. The processor also creates for output on the display a set of channel banners. At least one of the channel banners provides information on available processor functions and provides video feed-back when the processor is responding to the function commands.

Abstract: A convergence system that displays channel banners that assume the same form regardless of the source. Accordingly, a computer-readable medium having computer-executable components stored thereon for execution on a suitably equipped computerized system is described. The components include a television services component for receiving a plurality of inputs from a plurality of sources. Each input includes a corresponding data set. Also, a user interface component is included for providing a partial-screen graphical user interface in response to the data set of a selected source. The graphical user interface includes a basic field for display in a form regardless of the selected source.

Abstract: An architecture for convergence systems is disclosed. The architecture includes a hardware component providing a convergence environment. A channel map services component includes a listing of receivers of programming associated with the convergence environment and a listing of channels associated with the receivers. A content services component includes a listing of programming events associated with the channels of the receivers. The content services component also includes a listing of the times of programming events. A TV services component uses the channel map services component, and the content services component to control the hardware component of the convergence environment to manage the hardware component of the convergence environment. The TV services component controls the audio/video multiplexer to reroute programing signals from receivers to outputs of the audio/video multiplexer and various devices attached to the outputs, at various times.

Abstract: A multimedia authoring system uses a graphic interface display which is implemented as a part of a flow editor and is used to create and to program interactive multimedia presentations and coursework. The authoring system also includes other editors (e.g., a database editor, an expression editor, and an object editor) used to perform other editing functions required to create presentations. The system also includes control systems (e.g., an applications mover, a videodisc controller, and a help system) which also enable the user to create, program, execute and manipulate interactive multimedia presentations. Finally, the system includes an evaluator which evaluates a programmed presentation and implements the presentation.

Abstract: A method of displaying graphical information using a “lenticular-like” interface is described. With a “lenticular-like” interface, the viewer is made aware that additional, usually complementary information is available besides that which is currently foregrounded in the display. This is accomplished by displaying a small but characteristic portion of the actual secondary field. In another embodiment the dominant field is made to look like a lenticular lens, which suggests to the user that a slight shift in view will bring the secondary field to the foreground. With a “lenticular-like” interface, this shift is accomplished by moving the cursor from one edge of the display field to the other edge.

Abstract: An architecture for convergence systems is disclosed. The architecture includes a hardware component providing a convergence environment. A channel map services component includes a listing of receivers of programming associated with the convergence environment and a listing of channels associated with the receivers. A content services component includes a listing of programming associated with the channels of the receivers. A TV services component uses the channel map services component, and the content services component to control the hardware component of the convergence environment to manage the hardware component of the convergence environment. The TV services component controls the audio/video multiplexer to reroute programing signals from receivers to outputs audio/video multiplexer and various devices attached to the outputs. Conflicts are resolved with minimal user intervention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for bidirectionally transmitting a plurality of data values between a first processor and a second processor. Each data value represents a respective plurality of data bits. A direction indicating signal is formed and transmitted from the first processor to the second processor. The direction indicating signal enables the second processor to transfer data to the first processor when the direction indicating signal is in a first state. The direction indicating signal notifies the second processor that the first processor is ready to transfer data to the second processor when the direction indicating signal is in a second state. A clock signal is formed and transmitted from the first processor to the second processor. The clock signal is asynchronously changed from a first state to a second state when each respective one of the plurality of data values is transferred.

Abstract: Mutatably transparent controls are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a system includes an operating environment, and at least one computer program. The operating environment has a graphical user interface. Each computer program has at least one display displayable within the graphical user interface. The system is configured so that the opacity of the at least one display changes in response to a particular event. Desirably, each display comprises a control.

Abstract: Mutatably transparent controls are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a system includes an operating environment, and at least one computer program. The operating environment has a graphical user interface. Each computer program has at least one display displayable within the graphical user interface. The system is configured so that the opacity of the at least one display changes in response to a particular event. Desirably, each display comprises a control.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a graphics layout language that is defined by the broadcaster or the studio to control the layout of graphic overlays in relation to corresponding images presented on a display. Each user interface component is divided into objects that define their individual behaviors and presentations. Data files using the hypertext markup language, HTML, layout these objects on the screen. By varying the HTML data files, control is provided to the broadcaster over what objects are displayed on the screen, where they are placed on the screen, and to a limited effect, their behavior. This can be accomplished without re-writing the executables as would be necessary in other television type user interface implementations.

Abstract: At least two clusters of CPUs are present in a multiprocessor computer system. Each CPU cluster has a given number of CPUs, each CPU having an associated ID such as an ID number. An additional ID number, not associated with a CPU in the same cluster, is associated with the opposite CPU cluster that appears to the original cluster as a "phantom" processor. A round-robin bus arbitration scheme allows ordered ownership of a common bus within a first cluster until the ID reaches the "phantom" processor, at which time bus ownership passes to a CPU in the second cluster. This arrangement is preferably symmetric, so that when a CPU from the first cluster requests ownership of the bus, it is granted bus ownership by virtue of the first cluster's appearance to the second cluster as a "phantom" CPU.