U.S. patent application number 10/073170 was filed with the patent office on 2002-07-18 for multimedia computer and television apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to LUMENATI, INC.. Invention is credited to Perkes, Ronald.
Application Number | 20020093593 10/073170 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21753216 |
Filed Date | 2002-07-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020093593 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Perkes, Ronald |
July 18, 2002 |
Multimedia computer and television apparatus
Abstract
A multimedia computer and television apparatus (10) includes a
dual mode monitor portion (20) adapted to display either or both a
TV broadcast signal or computer (data) signal, connected to a
computer portion (30) configured for both Internet access and
television broadcast reception, and a remote control portion (40)
adapted to control the computer portion (3) and monitor portion
(20).
Inventors: |
Perkes, Ronald; (Novato,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FOLEY AND LARDNER
SUITE 500
3000 K STREET NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20007
US
|
Assignee: |
LUMENATI, INC.
|
Family ID: |
21753216 |
Appl. No.: |
10/073170 |
Filed: |
February 13, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10073170 |
Feb 13, 2002 |
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09125803 |
Aug 21, 1998 |
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6373503 |
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09125803 |
Aug 21, 1998 |
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PCT/US97/04111 |
Feb 21, 1997 |
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60012066 |
Feb 22, 1996 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
348/553 ;
348/554; 348/E5.096 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09G 5/006 20130101;
H04N 5/44 20130101; H04N 21/4622 20130101; G09G 5/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/553 ;
348/554 |
International
Class: |
H04N 005/44 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A monitor, comprising: means for receiving and displaying a TV
broadcasting signal and a computer signal, the TV broadcast signal
being displayed by itself in a first mode of the monitor, the
computer being displayed by itself in a second mode of the monitor,
both the TV broadcast signal and the computer signal being
displayed in a third mode of the monitor; and means for receiving a
remote control signal that controls the monitor to operate in one
of the first, second and third modes.
2. The monitor as set forth in claim 1, wherein the monitor further
comprises: a first input port that is configured to receive the TV
broadcasting signal having a television horizontal frequency at a
first horizontal scanning frequency; and a second input port that
is configured to receive the computer signal having a computer
signal horizontal frequency at a second horizontal scanning
frequency different from the first horizontal scanning
frequency.
3. The monitor as set forth in claim 2, wherein the monitor is
configured to display either or both of the TV broadcasting signal
and the computer signal based on control signals received by the
receiving means, wherein the monitor is configured to operate at
one or more of a plurality of monitor scanning frequencies, and
wherein the monitor displays either or both of the TV broadcasting
signal and the computer signal on a display of the monitor based on
a selected one or more of the monitor scanning frequencies in
accordance with the remote control signal.
4. The monitor as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first input
port is a 75-ohm cable input port for operation in the first mode,
and wherein the second input port is a VGA 15-pin input port for
operation in the second and third modes.
5. The monitor as set forth in claim 1, wherein the monitor is
communicatively coupled to a computer portion which provides the
computer signal to the monitor.
6. An apparatus, comprising: a monitor that is configured to
display a TV broadcasting signal and a computer signal, the TV
broadcast signal being displayed by itself in a first mode of the
monitor, the computer being displayed by itself in a second mode of
the monitor, both the TV broadcast signal and the computer signal
being displayed in a third mode of the monitor; and a remote
control unit that is configured to control the monitor by way of at
least one control signal being provided to the monitor by way of
the remote control unit, wherein the remote control unit is
operable to set the monitor to one or the first, second and third
modes.
7. The apparatus as set forth in claim 6, wherein the remote
control unit controls signals being displayed by the monitor based
on user inputs to the remote control unit.
8. The apparatus as set forth in claim 6, wherein the monitor
further comprises: a first input port that is configured to receive
the TV broadcasting signal having a television horizontal frequency
at a first horizontal scanning frequency; and a second input port
that is configured to receive the computer signal having a computer
signal horizontal frequency at a second horizontal scanning
frequency different from the first horizontal scanning
frequency.
9. The apparatus as set forth in claim 8, wherein the monitor is
configured to operate at one or more of a plurality of monitor
scanning frequencies, and wherein the monitor displays either or
both of the TV broadcasting signal and the computer signal on a
display of the monitor based on a selected one or more of the
monitor scanning frequencies in accordance with the at least one
control signal provided by the remote control unit.
10. The apparatus as set forth in claim 8, wherein the first input
port is a 75-ohm cable input port for operation in the first mode,
and wherein the second input port is a VGA 15-pin input port for
operation in the second and third modes.
11. The apparatus as set forth in claim 8, wherein the monitor is
communicatively coupled to a computer portion which provides the
computer signal to the monitor.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates generally to electronic devices, and
more specifically to an improved combination multimedia computer
and television apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The traditional home personal computer (PC) looks, feels,
and functions much like the standard office personal computer. In
contrast, the traditional home television is not suitable for
computer usage. The inventive apparatus provides a new and unique
product that is a combination large screen television and
multimedia computer with a number of unique identifying
characteristics.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The multimedia computer and television apparatus of this
invention includes a dual mode monitor portion adapted to display
either or both a TV broadcast signal or computer (data) signal,
connected to a computer portion configured for both Internet access
and television broadcast reception, and a remote control portion
adapted to control the computer portion and monitor portion.
[0004] The inventive apparatus can thus handle many tasks: home
based entrepreneurs can run complex spreadsheets, sports fans can
preview up to twelve or more broadcast games at once on a high
resolution screen, audiophiles can listen to clean theater quality
sound, netsurfers can cruise down the information highway with
speed and style, gamesters can play action, strategy and thought
provoking games, and the operator can choose to do all this and
more at the same time from the comfort of a couch with the
inventive wireless keyboard command center. In short, the apparatus
melds entertainment, education, information access, and increased
productivity into a sleek elegant package that people will be proud
to display and use in their living room.
[0005] The apparatus allows the user to custom tailor their
learning and entertainment environment, and uses proven, responsive
technology to empower the user. The apparatus defies placement in
existing product categories by combining the best features of
digital technology for consumers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the components of the
inventive multimedia computer and television apparatus of this
invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the monitor according to the
invention displaying a television signal.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a diagram of the monitor according to the
invention displaying a television signal on one portion of the
monitor display, and displaying a data signal on another portion of
the monitor display.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a diagram of the monitor according to the
invention displaying the data signal on the monitor display.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a diagram of a remote control input device
according to the invention.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing features of the monitor and the
computer deck according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the components of the
inventive multimedia computer and television apparatus 10 of this
invention, including combination stereo television and stereo data
monitor 20, computer deck 30, and remote control input device
40.
[0013] The apparatus includes a high powered computer with a 75 mhz
or faster Pentium processor, a 750 megabyte or larger hard drive, 8
megabytes or more of RAM, 64 bit or more graphics accelerator, 3.5"
floppy disk drive and a 28.8 bps or faster modem in a sleek low
profile black case. Multimedia capabilities include a quad speed or
faster CD-ROM player, 125+ channel TV tuner, video picture capture,
16 bit or more stereo sound output, and a separate game controller.
The CPU also allows for expansion: RAM is expandable to 128
megabytes or more, the modem is cable modem upgradeable, and 2 or
more expansion slots are provided for customer flexibility.
[0014] The monitor is a 29" or larger stereo monitor that allows
for both computer input and audio/video input. The dual inputs
allow the monitor to function as a normal television when the user
does not want to turn on the CPU. The monitor has RCA stereo output
jacks to connect to a stereo sound system to complete a home
theater system.
[0015] The unique remote command keyboard controls the whole
system. In matching black, the 105 key keyboard may be powered by
two AAA batteries with a working range of 40 or more feet to allow
maximum user comfort and flexibility. The mouse controller may be a
built-in touchpad that allows the user to be truly freed of
cumbersome cords and plugs.
[0016] Components and features of the inventive apparatus may
include the following or their equivalents:
[0017] CPU: Intel Pentium 75 mhz processor; 8 MB of System RAM
expandable to 128 MB; 256K Pipeline Burst mode cache; 630 MB Mode 4
hard drive with 12 ms average access; 1.44 MB 3.5" floppy; Quad
Speed 300 ms access CD-ROM drive; 4 bit graphics accelerator with 1
MB video memory; 2 Hi-speed 16550 buffered serial communications
ports; 1 ECP/EEP hi-speed parallel port; Game/midi port; Energy
saving sleep mode; 110/220 switchable power supply; FCC Class B
approved; and UL/CSA approved.
[0018] Multimedia Capability: 125 channel TV tuner built into PC;
Supports TV in a Window or full screen TV; watch TV while you
access the Internet, access your favorite application, or play your
favorite game; on-screen remote control for channel selection,
mute, on/off, volume control; on-screen single frame video capture
allows you to capture and use video images by saving them as BMP,
TIFF, PCX, TGA; simultaneously previews 12 channels at once; 16 Bit
Adlib/Sound Blaster compatible sound; stereo audio output; accepts
input from Cable TV, VCR, camcorder; 28,800 Baud internal FAX/Modem
upgradeable to Cable modems; separate game controller.
[0019] Big Screen PC+TV Monitor (e.g., 29-37 inch): Functions as a
stand-alone stereo high resolution digital television or as a
stereo multimedia computer monitor; supports the following
resolutions: Standard NTSC television (15.8 Khz); 640.times.480 VGA
(31.5 Khz); 800.times.600 Super VGA (38 khz); 1024.times.768 Super
VGA (38 khz); 125 channel tuner; Stereo sound; Remote control for
on/off, volume, brightness, color, HUE, contrast, channel; remotely
selectable computer input or A/V inputs (VCR, Cable box); stereo
RCA outputs to allow connections to your home theater sound system;
and Parental channel lock out.
[0020] Infrared Keyboard: 105 key full sized keyboard; Infrared
sensor designed to allow up to 40 foot range of remote operation;
Mouse touchpad built into the keyboard; Powered by 2 AAA batteries
for long use.
[0021] Software: Microsoft Windows 95; Entertainment Plus Pack; 55
action packed and fun-filled games; Mavis Beacon teaches typing;
World Atlas; Groliers Encyclopedia; America Online software; Netcom
Netcruiser Internet software; 10 hours of free on-line trial
service through Netcom Communications and America OnLine; and
SurfWatch software to keep the Internet safe for your children.
[0022] The combination television/data monitor has been engineered
to provide a unique feature set consisting of all of the following
capabilities bundled together:
[0023] 1. Computer levels of display resolution at 640.times.480,
800.times.600, and 1024.times.768.
[0024] 2. Television display capabilities as a stand-alone device
without the need for the computer deck to be turned on.
[0025] 3. Selectable input for computer input (VGA 15 pin Dsub) or
cable TV type input (75 ohm cable) via hand-held remote control
device;
[0026] television horizontal scanning frequency 15.7 Hz;
[0027] computer horizontal scanning frequency 31.5-37.8 Hz;
[0028] FIG. 6 shows monitor 20, which includes a computer input
(VGA 15 pin D-sub) 620 and a cable TV type input (75 Ohm cable)
630.
[0029] 4. Built-in stereo speakers and amplifier.
[0030] This unique display with its proprietary feature set is
capable of sensing what type of signal is present, be it either a
TV (NTSC/PAL) or data (VGA/SVGA) signal, then to adjust accordingly
to the correct scanning frequency. A further significant feature is
the monitor's unique capability to function as a stand-alone
television monitor. This is accomplished by adding additional
display circuitry allowing for the added display modes.
[0031] The computer deck has been specially designed to fit into a
home entertainment console. Its unique identifying features
include:
[0032] 1. Its black or charcoal gray color, similar to the color of
other consumer electronics home entertainment devices.
[0033] 2. Its low-profile design height of less than the industry
standard 6" height, enabling it to fit into the confines of most
home entertainment cabinets.
[0034] 3. Its ability to run Microsoft DOS and Microsoft
Windows.
[0035] 4. Its ability to receive and output to the combination
television/data monitor television broadcasts.
[0036] The input device has been specially designed for the system.
Its unique identifying feature set includes the combination of the
following design elements:
[0037] 1. Remote control alphanumeric keyboard that utilizes IR
(infrared) data transmission between the keyboard's IR transmitter
and the computer deck's IR receiver, allowing the keyboard to be
operated remotely from the computer deck.
[0038] FIG. 6 shows computer deck 30, which includes an IR receiver
610. The IR receiver 610 receives IR signals output from the remote
control input device 40 (see FIG. 1, for example).
[0039] 2. Remote control pointing device (mouse, touchpad, or
trackball) that utilizes IR (infrared) data transmission between
the pointing device's IR transmitter and the computer deck's IR
receiver allowing the pointing device to be operated remotely from
the computer deck.
[0040] 3. Its black or charcoal gray color.
[0041] FIG. 2 shows the monitor 20 displaying a television-only
signal in display region 200, FIG. 3 shows the monitor 20
displaying a television signal in display region 310 and displaying
a data signal (e.g., Internet data) in display region 320, and FIG.
4 shows the monitor 20 displaying a data signal (e.g., Internet
data) in display region 400 (whereby a television signal is not
displayed in this mode).
[0042] FIG. 5 shows the remote control input device 40, which
includes a pointing device 510 (which is shown as a touchpad, but
which may alternatively be a mouse or a trackball), an IR data
transmission device 520, an IR receiver device 530.
[0043] While this invention has been described in connection with
preferred embodiments thereof, it is obvious that modifications and
changes therein may be made by those skilled in the art to which it
pertains without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. Accordingly, the scope of this invention is to be
limited only by the appended claims and equivalents.
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