Abstract: A computer system comprising a computer operable in a computer mode for receiving and transmitting computer information, a television mode for receiving and transmitting television information, and a combination computer/television mode for receiving and transmitting computer and television information. A display is operably associated with the computer for displaying in the computer mode the computer information, in the television mode the television information, and in the computer/television mode the computer and television information. The computer system also comprises at least one television window displayed on the display for displaying the television information, at least one computer window displayed on the display for displaying the computer information, a computer focus for the computer window to control the computer information, and a television focus for the television window to control the television information independent of the computer focus.

Abstract: A electronic convergence device system comprising a computer for generating indications of a first mode of operation and for generating indications of a second mode of operation, and an output device coupled to the computer to receive the indications of the first and second modes of operation, which output device is provided for at least alternately outputting the indications of the first and second modes of operation, based on a user/viewer selection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus allows users to quickly effect a modal change in an appliance having first and second modes. The apparatus captures a user actuation indicative of a modal change. The user actuation may be a mouse button closure, a keyboard button closure, or a remote control button closure. Upon detecting the user actuation indicative of a modal change, the apparatus detects the current mode for the appliance. Based on the current mode of the appliance, the apparatus cycles to the next mode in a round-robin basis and sets the next mode to become the current mode for the appliance. Further, in setting the next mode, the apparatus displays the next mode of the appliance as a mode change item in a menu list. The apparatus also then requests a second user actuation confirming a modal change.

Abstract: A TV/PC convergence device, operable in a television mode, a computer mode and a combination television/computer mode, includes a display, a computer and an interface coupled between the display and the computer. The display receives and displays images in all three modes. The computer executes programs and is operable in the computer mode and the combination television/computer mode. The interface includes a access control device for selectively controlling the switching between the television mode, the computer mode and the combination television/computer mode.

Abstract: A programmable remote control is implemented using a standard personal computer. The computer controls the output of, for example, an infrared transmitter to control various devices such as televisions, stereos, videocassette recorders or cd players. The computer can alter the type of commands issued from the transmitter based upon a command structure stored on a hard disk within the computer. This database is updatable from a variety of sources.

Abstract: A computer system adapted to receive and interpret signals from a remote control. The signals received from the remote control are interpreted and transformed into signals equivalent to those produced by a computer keyboard.

Abstract: The present invention includes an event detector for detecting selected events occurring in a computer system which are programmed to automatically move a cursor image from a viewing area of a video display to an overscanned area of a video display. The invention further includes a cursor controller for generating the cursor image and controlling movement of the cursor image on the video display. The cursor controller automatically places the cursor image in the overscanned area of a video display when the event detector detects the occurrence of a selected event. Alternatively, the event detector can include a timer for delaying the notification of detection to the cursor controller of the selected event.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering "break" codes transmitted by a keyboard that are not properly received by the receiver of the computer system. The keyboard is an infrared keyboard that transmits to a receiver in the computer system "make" codes when the keys are depressed and transmits to the receiver "break" codes when the keys are released. Upon receipt of the "make" and "break" codes, the receiver keeps track of the status of each of the keys, i.e., depressed or released, by updating a database in response to receipt of the "make" and "break" codes. At select time intervals, the keyboard transmits to the receiver an "idle" code containing data corresponding to the status of each key. Upon receipt of the "idle" code, the receiver compares the "idle" code with the status of each key as indicated by the data base. The receiver then generates a "break" code for each of the keys that do not compare.

Abstract: Auto run apparatus, and an associated method, selectively permits execution of an auto run CD received at a CD ROM drive of a convergent device. When the auto run CD is received at the CD ROM drive, the operational mode of the convergent device is transferred to a computer mode. Thereafter, automatic execution of the CD is permitted.

Abstract: A computer system has a computer display with two methods of navigation: discrete and continuous. In discrete navigation, a cursor is moved discretely using a set of arrow keys while in the continuous navigation, a pointer or other screen object has analog movement to any position on the screen using a trackball or other device. When the discrete navigational method is used to highlight a menu item in a menu on a computer display, the computer system masks the display of the pointer until re-activation of the pointer in the second navigational method. In addition, the computer system recalculates the location of the pointer to a position in the center of the highlighted menu item.

Abstract: A computer system having a wireless keyboard which transmits make-break signals to the computer system. The wireless keyboard and/or computer system being adapted to have television (or other remotely controllable devices) commands mapped into the wireless keyboard such that the wireless keyboard can provide standard computer keyboard commands to the computer and also remotely control another remotely controllable device.