(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2002/0093593 A1
`Perkes
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jul. 18, 2002
`
`US 20020093593A1
`
`(54) MULTIMEDIA COMPUTER AND
`TELEVISION APPARATUS
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor: Ronald Perkes, Novato, CA (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`FOLEY AND LARDNER
`
`SUITE 500
`3000 K STREET NW
`WASHINGTON, DC 20007 (US)
`
`371 of international application No. PCT/US97/
`04111, filed on Feb. 21, 1997, and which is a non-
`provisional of provisional application No. 60/012,
`066, filed on Feb. 22, 1996.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`Int. Cl.7 ..................................................... .. H04N 5/44
`(51)
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`.......................................... .. 348/553; 348/554
`
`(73) Assigncc: LUMENATI, INC.
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10/073,170
`
`(22)
`
`Filed;
`
`Feb_ 13, 2002
`
`Related US, Application Data
`
`(63) Continuation of application No. 09/125,803, filcd on
`Aug. 21, 1998, now Pat. No. 6,373,503, which is a
`
`.
`.
`.
`.
`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) config-
`ured for both Internet access and television broadcast recep-
`tion, and a remote control portion (40) adapted to control the
`computer portion (3) and monitor portion (20).
`
`10
`
`H
`
`
`27-37" COMBINATION STEREO TELEVISION I
`AND STEREO DATA MONITOR
`
`
` 1. OPERATES AT film COMPUTER AND
`
`TELEVISION SCANNING FREQUENCIES
`
`
`
`
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`
`
`TELEVISION HORIZONTAL SCANNING
`FREQUENCY 15.7 Hz
`COMPUTER HORIZONTAL SCANNING
`FREQUENCY 31.5-37.3 Hz
`SELECTABLE INPUT FOR COMPUTER INPUT
`(VGA15 PIN D-SUB) OR CABLE TV TYPE
`INPUT (75 OHM CABLE) VIA HAND-HELD
`REIIIIOTE CONTROL DEVICE
`CAPABLE or DISPLAYING TELEvIsIoN
`EROADCASTWITHOUTTHE NEED TO RUN
`THE COMPUTER DECK
`
`[V0
`
`2. BUILT—IN STEREO SPEAKERS AND AMPLIFIER
`
`
`
`COMPUTER DECK
`
`
`
`
`REMOTE CONTROL INPUT DEVICE
`
`
`
`APPLE 1013
`
`APPLE 1013
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 18, 2002 Sheet 1 of 4
`
`US 2002/0093593 A1
`
`27-37" COMBINATION STEREO TELEVISION ‘
`AND STEREO DATA MONITOR
`
`1. OPERATES AT BOTH COMPUTER AND I
`TELEVISION SCANNING FREQUENCIES
`
`TELEVISION HORIZONTAL SCANNING
`FREQUENCY 15.7 Hz
`
`COMPUTER HORIZONTAL SCANNING
`FREQUENCY 31.5-37.8 Hz
`
`SELECTABLE INPUT FOR COMPUTER INPUT
`(VGA 15 PIN D-SUB) OR CABLE TV TYPE
`INPUT (75 OHM CABLE) VIA HAND-HELD
`REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE
`
`CAPABLE OF DISPLAYING TELEVISION
`BROADCAST WITHOUT THE NEED TO RUN
`THE COMPUTER DECK
`‘
`
`2. BUILT-IN STEREO SPEAKERS AND AMPLIFIER
`
`COMPUTER DECK
`
`
`
` REMOTE CONTROL INPUT DEVICE
`
`FIG. 1
`
`2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 18, 2002 Sheet 2 of 4
`
`US 2002/0093593 A1
`
`20
`
`20
`
`200
`
`FIG. 2
`
`310
`
`320
`
`FIG. 3
`
`3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 18, 2002 Sheet 3 of 4
`
`US 2002/0093593 A1
`
`400
`
`F|G. 4
`
`520
`
`530
`
`20
`
`40
`
`510
`
`FIG. 5
`
`4
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 18, 2002 Sheet 4 of 4
`
`US 2002/0093593 A1
`
`COMPUTER DECK
`
`30
`
`_
`
`IRRECEWER
`
`COMPUTER
`INPUT
`
`TV
`INPUT
`
`630
`
`MONWOR
`
`29
`
`FIG. 6
`
`5
`
`

`

`US 2002/0093593 A1
`
`Jul. 18, 2002
`
`MULTIMEDIA COMPUTER AND TELEVISION
`APPARATUS
`
`[0011] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing features of the moni-
`tor and the computer deck according to the invention.
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`invention relates generally to electronic
`[0001] This
`devices, and more specifically to an improved combination
`multimedia computer and television apparatus.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`(PC)
`[0002] The traditional home personal computer
`looks, feels, and functions much like the standard office
`personal computer. In contrast, the traditional home televi-
`sion is not suitable for computer usage. The inventive
`apparatus provides a new and unique product
`that
`is a
`combination large screen television and multimedia com-
`puter 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 r11n complex spread-
`sheets, sports fans can preview up to twelve or more
`broadcast games at once on a high resolution screen, audio-
`philes 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 pro-
`voking 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 combm-
`ing the best features of digital technology for consumers.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the com-
`ponents 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.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the com-
`ponents 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 AAAbatteries 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 appara-
`tus 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 sup-
`ply; FCC Class B approved; and UL/CSA approved.
`
`[0018] Multimedia Capability: 125 cha11nelTV 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/olf, 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; sepa-
`rate game controller.
`
`[0010] FIG. 5 is a diagram of a remote control input
`device according to the invention.
`
`[0019] Big Screen PC+TV Monitor (e.g., 29-37 inch):
`Functions as a stand-alone stereo high resolution digital
`
`6
`
`

`

`US 2002/0093593 A1
`
`Jul. 18, 2002
`
`television or as a stereo multimedia computer monitor;
`supports the following resolutions: Standard NTSC televi-
`sion (15.8 Khz); 640x480 VGA (31.5 Khz); 800x600 Super
`VGA (38 khz); 1024x768 Super VGA (38 khz); 125 channel
`tuner; Stereo sound; Remote control for on/off, volume,
`brightness, color, HUE, contrast, channel; remotely select-
`able 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.
`
`Infrared Keyboard: 105 key full sized keyboard;
`[0020]
`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.
`
`Software: Microsoft Windows 95; Entertainment
`[0021]
`Plus Pack; 55 action packed and fun-filled games; Mavis
`Beacon teaches typing; World Atlas; Groliers Encyclopedia;
`America Online software; Netcom Netcruiser Internet soft-
`ware; 10 hours of free on-line trial service through Netcom
`Communications and America OnLine; and SurfWatch soft-
`ware 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:
`
`1. Computer levels of display resolution at 640x
`[0023]
`480, 800><600, and 1024x768.
`
`2. Television display capabilities as a stand-alone
`[0024]
`device without the need for the computer deck to be turned
`on.
`
`3. Selectable input for computer input (VGA 15 pin
`[0025]
`Dsub) or cable TV type input (75 ohm cable) via hand-held
`remote control device;
`
`[0026]
`Hz;
`
`television horizontal scanning frequency 15.7
`
`computer horizontal scanning frequency 31.5-
`[0027]
`37.8 Hz;
`
`[0028] FIG. 6 shows monitor 20, which includes a com-
`puter 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 allow-
`ing 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:
`
`1. Its black or charcoal gray color, similar to the
`[0032]
`color of other consumer electronics home entertainment
`devices.
`
`2. Its low-profile design height of less than the
`[0033]
`industry standard 6“ height, enabling it
`to fit
`into the
`confines of most home entertainment cabinets.
`
`3. Its ability to run Microsoft DOS and Microsoft
`[0034]
`Windows.
`
`4. Its ability to receive and output to the combina-
`[0035]
`tion 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:
`
`1. Remote control alphanumeric keyboard that
`[0037]
`utilizes IR (infrared) data transmission between the key-
`board’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).
`
`2. Remote control pointing device (mouse, touch-
`[0039]
`pad, or trackball) that utilizes IR (infrared) data transmission
`between the pointing device’s IR transmitter and the com-
`puter 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 televi-
`sion-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 connec-
`tion 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.
`
`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:
`
`7
`
`

`

`US 2002/0093593 A1
`
`Jul. 18, 2002
`
`a first input port that is configured to receive the TV
`broadcasting signal having a television horizontal fre-
`quency at a first horizontal scanning frequency; and
`
`is configured to receive the
`a second input port that
`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 dis-
`play 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 fre-
`quency at a first horizontal scanning frequency; and
`
`is configured to receive the
`that
`a second input port
`computer signal having a computer signal horizontal
`frequency at a second horizontal scanning frcqucncy
`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 dis-
`play 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.
`*
`>I<
`>I<
`>I<
`*
`
`8
`
`