(12) United States Patent
`Vaughan
`
`USOO620904.4B1
`(10) Patent No.:
`US 6,209,044 B1
`(45) Date of Patent:
`*Mar. 27, 2001
`
`(54) METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`CONTROLLING A DISPLAY MONITOR IN A
`PC/TV CONVERGENCE SYSTEM
`(75) Inventor: Mark P. Vaughan, Spring, TX (US)
`(73) Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation,
`Houston, TX (US)
`0
`-
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`This patent is Subject to a terminal dis-
`claimer.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/204,618
`(22) Filed:
`Dec. 1, 1998
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(63) Continuation of application No. 08/829,151, filed on Mar.
`31, 1997, now Pat. No. 6,047,121.
`(51) Int. Cl. ............................... G06F 13/00; G06F 3/00
`(52) U.S. Cl. ..................................... 710/14; 710/5; 710/8;
`710/10; 709/105; 709/106
`(58) Field of Search .................................... 710/8, 10, 14,
`710/5: 395/674, 675; 709/105, 106
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2/1974 Beltz et al. ............................ 710/21
`3,792,447
`12/1986 Beavers ......
`... 359/142
`4,628,541
`4,656,644 * 4/1987 Ozaki .........
`... 375/232
`4,658.247
`4/1987 Gharachorloo.
`... 345/196
`4,775,928
`10/1988 Kendall et al. ...................... 713/310
`4,954,819
`9/1990 Watkins ............................... 345/340
`5,129,683
`7/1992 Briet ....................................... 285/93
`5,291,275
`3/1994 Lumelsky ............................. 348/441
`
`5,428,671 * 6/1995 Dykes et al....................... 379/93.32
`5,451,981
`9/1995 Drako et al. ......................... 34.5/118
`5,488,393
`1/1996 Wood et al. ......................... 34.5/213
`5,502.462
`3/1996 Mical et al. ......................... 34.5/507
`5. E. E. E. O. S.
`SE ENNA. O. E.
`5,748,895 * 5/1998 Shiff et al.
`713/100
`6,047,121
`4/2000 Vaughan ............................... 395/674
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Phase-locked loop; NE/SE54/ Philips Semiconductors;
`Aug. 31, 1994; pp. 1-9.
`Application Note/AN177; “An Overview of the
`Phase-Locked Loop(PLL)”; Philips Semiconductors; Dec.
`1988; pp. 1-6.
`Application Note/AN179; “Circuit Description of the
`NE564'; Philips Semiconductors; Dec. 1991; pp. 1-6.
`(List continued on next page.)
`Primary Examiner Thomas C. Lee
`Assistant Examiner Tammara Peyton
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Sharp, Comfort & Merrett,
`P.C.
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A computer System comprising a display monitor including
`an audio function and a computer coupled to the display
`monitor including a computer controller for controlling the
`audio function in the monitor. The computer is operable in
`a computer mode, a television mode, and a combination
`computer/television mode for displaying computer and tele
`Vision information on the monitor. The System determines
`whether the monitor includes a controller for controlling its
`audio function. Based upon this determination, the System
`controls the audio function with the audio controller in the
`monitor if the monitor includes Such a controller or,
`alternatively, with the computer controller if the monitor
`does not have Such a controller.
`
`22 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
`
`- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`NICATIONS
`ADAPTER
`
`14
`
`TELEVISION
`MODULE
`
`VIZIO, Inc. Exhibit 1020
`VIZIO, Inc. v. Maxell, LTD, IPR2022-01459
`Page 1 of 11
`
`

`

`US 6,209,044 B1
`Page 2
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Application Note/AN180; “Frequency Synthesis with the
`NE564'; Philips Semiconductors; Dec. 1988; pp. 1–3.
`Application Note/AN182; “Clock Regenerator with Crys
`tal-Controlled Phase-Locked Loop VCO (NE564)"; Philips
`Semiconductors; Dec. 1991; pp. 1-10.
`“Gateway 2000 Sells DestinationTM Big Screen PC Through
`Retail Chains”; Internet Article; Aug. 20, 1996; pp. 1-4.
`“Gateway 2000 Launches DestinationTM Big Screen PC
`Featuring 31-inch Monitor”; Internet Article; Mar. 21, 1996;
`pp. 1-5.
`
`“The Big-Tube PCTV”; PC Online/Trends Online; May 28,
`1996; pp. 1–3.
`“Destination Features”; Internet Article; Aug. 21, 1996; pp.
`1-5.
`“Telefuzion”; Internet Article; Mar. 12, 1997; pp. 1-2.
`“High-Tech; Now you can tune your TV to the Internet';
`Mike Snider; USA Today; Sep. 18, 1996; pp. 1-2.
`“Advanced Power Management (APM)”; BIOS Interface
`Specification; Revision 1.1; Sep. 1993; pp. 1-59.
`* cited by examiner
`
`VIZIO, Inc. Exhibit 1020
`VIZIO, Inc. v. Maxell, LTD, IPR2022-01459
`Page 2 of 11
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 27, 2001
`
`Sheet 1 of 4
`
`US 6,209,044 B1
`
`
`
`CONVERGENCE
`FUNCTIONALTY
`MODULE
`
`FIG. 1
`
`VIZIO, Inc. Exhibit 1020
`VIZIO, Inc. v. Maxell, LTD, IPR2022-01459
`Page 3 of 11
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`US 6,209,044 B1
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`N
`ro
`
`| as
`
`L
`
`VIZIO, Inc. Exhibit 1020
`VIZIO, Inc. v. Maxell, LTD, IPR2022-01459
`Page 4 of 11
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 27, 2001
`
`Sheet 3 of 4
`
`US 6,209,044 B1
`
`
`
`-------------------------
`DISPLAY
`TELEVISION
`MONITOR
`MODULE
`
`
`
`FIG. 3A
`
`VIZIO, Inc. Exhibit 1020
`VIZIO, Inc. v. Maxell, LTD, IPR2022-01459
`Page 5 of 11
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 27, 2001
`
`Sheet 4 of 4
`
`US 6,209,044 B1
`
`
`
`PERIPHERAL
`DEVICE
`
`
`
`L
`
`DISPLAY
`MONITOR
`
`FIG. 3B
`
`VIZIO, Inc. Exhibit 1020
`VIZIO, Inc. v. Maxell, LTD, IPR2022-01459
`Page 6 of 11
`
`

`

`US 6,209,044 B1
`
`1
`METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`CONTROLLING A DISPLAY MONITOR IN A
`PC/TV CONVERGENCE SYSTEM
`
`This application is a continuation of application Ser.
`bNo. 08/829,151, filed Mar. 31, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No.
`6,047,121.
`
`5
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`2
`the type of display monitor being used and, in particular,
`determines if a monitor includes controllers which are
`responsive to a TV remote for controlling the various
`functions of the monitors wherein the System uses a com
`puter to control Such functions if the monitor does not
`include Such controllers.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`Accordingly, the present invention overcomes the above
`identified problems as well as other shortcomings and defi
`ciencies of existing technologies by providing a method for
`controlling a peripheral device. The method comprises the
`Steps of providing a peripheral device including at least one
`function; providing a computer operably associated with the
`peripheral device including a computer controller for con
`trolling the function; determining whether the peripheral
`device includes a peripheral controller for controlling the
`function; and controlling the function of the peripheral
`device with the peripheral controller if the peripheral device
`includes the peripheral controller or, alternatively, with the
`computer controller if the peripheral device does not include
`the peripheral controller.
`The present invention also provides a computer System
`comprising a peripheral device including at least one func
`tion; a computer operably associated with the peripheral
`device including a computer controller for controlling the
`function; a Sensing means for determining whether the
`peripheral device includes a peripheral controller for con
`trolling the function; and control means responsive to Said
`Sensing means for controlling the function with the periph
`eral controller if the peripheral device includes the periph
`eral controller or, alternatively, with the computer controller
`if the peripheral device does not include the peripheral
`controller.
`The present invention also provides a computer System
`comprising a peripheral device including at least one func
`tion and a computer operably associated with the peripheral
`device including a computer controller for controlling the
`function. The computer is operable in a computer mode for
`receiving and transmitting computer information, a televi
`Sion mode for receiving and transmitting television infor
`mation and a combination computer/television mode for
`receiving and transmitting computer and television informa
`tion. The computer System further comprises Sensing means
`for determining whether the peripheral device includes a
`peripheral controller for controlling the function. The com
`puter System further includes control means responsive to
`Said Sensing means for controlling the function with the
`peripheral controller if the peripheral device includes the
`peripheral controller or, alternatively, with the computer
`controller if the peripheral device does not include the
`peripheral controller.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`Other advantages, features, and characteristics of the
`present invention, as well as methods, operation, and func
`tions of related elements of Structure, and the combination of
`parts and economies of manufacture, will become apparent
`upon consideration of the following description and claims
`with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which
`form a part of this specification, wherein like reference
`numerals designate corresponding parts in the various
`figures, and wherein:
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a computer System
`in accordance with the present invention;
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
`embodiment of a computer system as is illustrated in FIG. 1;
`and
`
`15
`
`25
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates to a method and apparatus
`for controlling a peripheral device and, more particularly, to
`a System and method for controlling a display monitor in a
`computer System.
`2. Description of the Related Art
`A personal computer/television (PC/TV) convergence
`System is a fully functional computer integrated with tele
`vision functionality, providing TV viewing (via broadcast,
`cable, Satellite, VCR, digital disk, or other broadcast media)
`and personal computing functionality.
`A PC/TV convergence device may comprise a fully
`functional computer including memory, microprocessors,
`hard drives, floppy drives, fax-modems, CD-ROM player,
`keyboard, monitor, power Supply, mouse, gamepad/joy
`Stick, microphone, etc. The computer is interfaced with a
`National Television Standards Committee (NTSC) signal
`which is converted to a Scan “video graphics adapter”
`(VGA) signal or the computer's Scan VGA signal is con
`verted to an NTSC interface signal.
`The PC/TV convergence device is controlled by the
`computer's operating System (OS). Thus, the monitor can
`display both TV programs and computer applications either
`at the same time or Separately. Furthermore, the convergence
`of the functionality of a PC and a TV into a single system
`also permits the utilization of the communications
`bandwidth, mass Storage and graphics application of the
`computer to deliver, Store and display applications within a
`television viewing environment.
`The PC/TV is a user interactive device. For example, if a
`user is watching TV, the PC/TV will be able to download
`information from another source (besides a TV station)
`information about, among other things, the TV program.
`Such information can originate from a web site or via phone
`lines or other data providers.
`At present, when televisions and personal computers are
`Separate devices, TVS typically incorporate a remote control.
`A standard TV remote control may control a variety of
`television functions or other related functions by commu
`50
`nicating control information or infrared (IR) signals to the
`TV to indicate which button on the remote control was
`depressed.
`When converging the functionality of a computer and a
`television, current computer convergence Systems have
`retained use of a TV remote control as well as Separate
`control of computer functions and television functions. AS a
`result, Such Systems utilize display monitors having control
`lers responsive to a TV remote for controlling the various
`functions of the display monitors, Such as Volume if the
`monitor includes Speakers, brightness, contrast, etc.
`However, when a user wishes to couple a display monitor to
`the System which does not include any controllers respon
`Sive to a TV remote or does not include certain functions,
`Such as audio, then Such functions must be controlled and
`provided by other means for proper operation of the System.
`Thus, what is needed is a computer System which recognizes
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`VIZIO, Inc. Exhibit 1020
`VIZIO, Inc. v. Maxell, LTD, IPR2022-01459
`Page 7 of 11
`
`

`

`US 6,209,044 B1
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`3
`FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate exemplary embodiments illus
`trating the present invention.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`With reference now to the figures wherein like or similar
`elements are designated with identical reference numerals,
`there are depicted block diagrams illustrating a method and
`System according to the present invention. The purpose of
`these block diagrams is to illustrate the features of the
`invention and the basic principles of operation of an embodi
`ment thereof. These block diagrams are not necessarily
`intended to Schematically represent particular modules of
`circuitry or any particular data or control paths.
`Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a block diagram
`illustrating a computer system 10. Computer system 10
`includes a computer 12, a convergence functionality module
`14, a display monitor 16 and a remote input 18.
`Computer 12 may preferably be a personal computer, and
`although not shown in FIG. 1, includes a processor, memory,
`data retrieval and Storage media and communication data
`ports. Display monitor 16 is operable to receive and display
`Video signals received from computer 12 and may include an
`audio output System for playing audio Signals received from
`computer 12 as will be described in greater detail in con
`nection with FIGS 3A and 3B.
`Computer 12 is coupled to convergence functionality
`module 14 that is operable to receive or generate data
`Signals, Such as Video, audio, and graphic information. For
`example convergence functionality module 14 may com
`prise a television module or receiver, decoder or tuner
`capable of receiving television information or Signals in the
`form of the National Television Standards Committee
`(NTSC) or Phase Alteration Line (PAL) forms, from any
`medium Such as from a cable System or from a digital
`Satellite System. Convergence functionality module 14 could
`also include various other electronic devices Such as con
`Sumer electronic units. For example, convergence function
`ality module 14 could also include Video gaming units and
`other direct audio/video Sources Such as Video cassette
`recorders (VCRs), and video disk player/recorders, includ
`ing digital versatile disk (DVD) player/recorders.
`Computer system 10 may preferably be operated by a user
`using wireleSS remote input 18 operating, for example, via
`radio waves, infra-red waves or acoustic waves. Remote 18
`communicates control information to computer 12 and con
`Vergence functionality module 14 to control the operation of
`computer 12 and convergence functionality module 14.
`Although good results have been achieved using wireleSS
`keyboards and remote controls for remote input 18, it is
`contemplated that any input device, wireleSS or hardwired,
`could be used to operate computer System 10.
`Still referring to FIG. 1, computer system 10 is config
`urable to be connected and communicate with a network 20.
`It is contemplated that network 20 could be any type of
`network, including a Local Area Network, a Wide Area
`Network and the Internet.
`In general operation, computer System 10 can be operated
`in various modes. ASSuming now that converged function
`ality module 14 comprises essentially a television module or
`receiver, computer System 10 can be operated in a computer
`mode, a television mode, and a combination computer/
`television mode. Computer system 10 is operable in the
`television mode and the combination computer/television
`mode for receiving and transmitting television information.
`When in a television mode, personal computer 12 processes
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`4
`the audio and Video information received or generated by
`television module 14, and outputs the corresponding infor
`mation on display monitor 16. At least two viewing Surfaces
`are possible when computer System 10 is being operated in
`the television mode, a primary viewing Surface and a Sec
`ondary viewing Surface. The displayed image of the primary
`Viewing Surface fills the entire Viewing Screen, with only a
`portion of the Screen dedicated to the viewing of the Sec
`ondary viewing Surface, Such as a picture-in-picture (PIP).
`Computer system 10 is operable in the computer mode
`and the combination computer/television mode for
`receiving, Storing and transmitting computer information.
`When computer system 10 is being operated in the computer
`mode, computer 12 is utilized to perform computer
`functions, including executing and running Software and
`interfacing with network 20, with the output of computer 12
`being displayed on display monitor 16.
`When computer system 10 is being operated in the
`combination computer/television mode, the functionality of
`computer 12 and television module 14 are both utilized
`including Simultaneously displaying computer information
`and the television information on display monitor 16.
`Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a more detailed
`block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of computer
`system 10. Reference numerals used in FIG. 2 which are
`like, Similar, or identical to reference numerals used in FIG.
`1 indicate like, Similar, or identical components as depicted
`in this exemplary embodiment.
`Computer System 10 includes at least one processor or
`central processing unit (CPU) 22. CPU 22 is interconnected
`via system bus 24 to random access memory (RAM) 26,
`read-only memory (ROM) 28, and input/output (I/O)
`adapter 30 for connecting peripheral devices Such as disk
`units 32 and tape drives 34 to bus 24, user interface adapter
`36 for connecting a hardwire keyboard 38, mouse 40 having
`one or more buttons 42, Speaker 44, microphone 46, and/or
`other user interface devices Such as a touch Screen device
`(not shown) to bus 24, communication adapter 48 for
`connecting computer System 10 to network 20, and display
`adapter 50 for connecting bus 24 to display monitor 16. User
`interface adapter 36 is also adapted to receive control
`information from remote input 18. Computer system 10
`further includes a television module 14 coupled to bus 24
`and display adapter 50 for receiving television information
`from network 20 via communications adapter 48 and pro
`Viding or transmitting the television information to display
`adapter 50 for display on display monitor 16.
`In the following description, for purposes of explanation,
`Specific program procedures, APIs and configurations are Set
`forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present
`invention. The exemplary embodiment described herein is
`implemented with a Windows 95 operating system created
`by Microsoft Corporation (Windows and Windows 95 are
`trademarks of Microsoft Corporation) and an Intel Corpo
`ration X86 Series microprocessor. However, it will be appar
`ent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be
`practiced without Specific details and be implemented in
`various computer Systems having various processors utiliz
`ing various operating Systems, and in various configurations
`or makes or models of tightly coupled processors or in
`various configurations of loosely coupled multiprocessor
`Systems. Procedural descriptions and representations which
`follow are the means used by those skilled in the art to
`convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the
`art.
`Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, there are shown two
`exemplary embodiments illustrating the present invention
`
`VIZIO, Inc. Exhibit 1020
`VIZIO, Inc. v. Maxell, LTD, IPR2022-01459
`Page 8 of 11
`
`

`

`S
`wherein reference numerals which are like, Similar or iden
`tical to reference numbers used in FIGS. 1 and 2 indicate
`like, Similar or identical components. Referring first to FIG.
`3A, display monitor 16 includes one or more functions 60,
`62, 64. For example, function 60 is an audio function, i.e.,
`monitor 16 may include one or more Speakers for generating
`Sound in response to an audio signal received from computer
`12 via a bus 66. Although bus 66 may be any type of bus for
`coupling a computer to a peripheral device, Such as monitor
`16, good results have been achieved using an IC (inter
`integrated circuit) bus. Also, the audio signal received from
`computer 12 is a single level or fixed level Signal. Thus,
`audio function 60 is operatively associated with and coupled
`to an audio controller 68, Such as an amplifier, for control
`ling the Volume of Speakers for implementing audio function
`60 by amplifying the fixed level audio signal received from
`computer 12 via bus 66 in response to remote input 18.
`Function 62 is a display-geometry function, which effects
`the physical geometry of information displayed on monitor
`16 Such as vertical and horizonal display position and
`Vertical and horizontal display size. Display-geometry func
`tion 62 is operatively associated with and coupled to a
`display-geometry controller 70, Such as a horizontal/vertical
`position controller and a horizontal/vertical size controller.
`Function 64 is a display-quality function which effects the
`physical quality of information displayed on monitor 16
`Such as display brightness, contrast, color, hue, Sharpness
`and color temperature. Display-quality function 64 is opera
`tively associated with and coupled to a display-quality
`controller 72, Such as a brightness controller or contrast
`controller.
`According to the invention, computer 12 includes an
`audio controller 68, a display-geometry controller 70', and
`a display-quality controller 72 corresponding to audio con
`troller 68, display-geometry controller 70 and display
`quality controller 72, respectively, in monitor 16. Audio
`controller 68, display-geometry controller 70' and display
`quality controller 72" are operatively associated with and
`coupled to functions 60, 62, 64 from computer 12 instead of
`internally within monitor 16. Controllers 68, 70' and 72
`provide a duplicate means for controlling functions 60, 62,
`64 of monitor 16 from computer 12. For example, instead of
`computer 12 Sending a fixed level audio signal via bus 66 to
`controller 68 and remote input 18 being used to send control
`information to controller 68 to cause controller 68 to raise or
`lower audio Volume, computer 12 Sends a multiple level,
`non-fixed level audio signal directly to controller 68 to cause
`controller 68 to raise or lower audio volume.
`Referring now to FIG. 3B wherein reference numerals
`which are like, Similar or identical to reference numbers
`used in FIG. 3A indicate like, similar or identical
`components, monitor 16' does not include audio controller
`68 for audio function 60. Thus, remote input 18 cannot be
`used to directly control audio function 60 in monitor 16' but
`instead must be used to control audio function 60 from
`computer 12. In other words, function 60 must be controlled
`by controller 68' in computer 12 via bus 66. According to the
`invention, computer 12 determines whether monitor 16, 16
`is a particular type or belongs to a Selected Set of monitors.
`In particular, computer 12 determines whether monitor 16,
`16' includes controller 68 or function 60. If monitor 16
`includes controller 68 as shown in FIG.3A, then function 60
`is controlled by controller 68 in monitor 16 instead of
`controller 68' in computer 12. If monitor 16' does not include
`controller 68 as shown in FIG. 3B, then function 60 is
`controlled by controller 68' in computer 12 instead of
`controller 68. If monitor 16' does not include controller 68
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`US 6,209,044 B1
`
`6
`or function 60 and a second peripheral device 16" includes
`function 60' but does not include controller 68, then function
`60' is controlled by controller 68' in computer 12 as shown
`by dotted lines in FIG. 3B. In other words, if monitor 16' is
`not equipped with Speakers, audio function 60 may be
`implemented in another peripheral device that includes
`speakers. Peripheral devices 16, 16', 16" may include a
`Signature tag Stored in memory which can be read by
`computer 12 to determine type or whether the peripheral
`devices have certain functions or function controllers.
`Peripheral device identification is well known in the art and,
`for this reason, will not be described in any greater detail.
`Although the invention has been described with a certain
`degree of particularity, it should be recognized that elements
`thereof may be altered by persons skilled in the art without
`departing from the Spirit and Scope of the invention. One of
`the embodiments of the invention can be implemented as
`Sets of instructions resident in the random acceSS memory 26
`of one or more computer Systems configured generally as
`described in FIG. 2. Until required by the computer system,
`the Set of instructions may be Stored in another computer
`readable memory, for example in a hard disk drive, or in a
`removable memory Such as an optical disk for eventual use
`in a CD-ROM drive or a floppy disk for eventual use in a
`floppy disk drive. Further, the set of instructions can be
`Stored in the memory of another computer and transmitted
`over a local area network or a wide area network, Such as the
`Internet, when desired by the user. One skilled in the art
`would appreciate that the physical Storage of the Sets of
`instructions physically changes the medium upon which it is
`Stored electrically, magnetically, or chemically So that the
`medium carries computer readable information. The inven
`tion is limited only by the following claims and their
`equivalents.
`What is claimed is:
`1. An article of manufacture for controlling a function of
`a peripheral device, the article of manufacture comprising:
`at least one computer readable medium; and
`instructions contained on the at least one computer read
`able medium, the instructions configured to be readable
`from the at least one computer readable medium by at
`least one processor and thereby cause the at least one
`processor to operate So as to:
`determine whether the peripheral device includes a
`peripheral controller for controlling the function of
`the peripheral device; and
`responsive to the determination that the peripheral
`device does not include a peripheral controller, con
`trol the function of the peripheral device with a
`computer controller.
`2. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein the
`instructions are configured to cause the at least one proces
`Sor to further operate So as to:
`responsive to the determination that the peripheral device
`includes a peripheral controller, control the function of
`the peripheral device with the peripheral controller.
`3. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein the
`function of the peripheral device is a display-quality func
`tion.
`4. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein the
`function of the peripheral device is a display-geometry
`function.
`5. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein the
`function of the peripheral device is an audio function.
`6. A computer System for at least adjusting a function of
`a peripheral device, the computer System comprising:
`an instruction receiver for receiving an instruction trans
`mitted by an instruction transmitter, the received
`
`VIZIO, Inc. Exhibit 1020
`VIZIO, Inc. v. Maxell, LTD, IPR2022-01459
`Page 9 of 11
`
`

`

`7
`instruction for Selectively adjusting a functional param
`eter associated with operation of the peripheral device
`by Signals Supplied from the computer System;
`a communication link connected to the peripheral device;
`and
`a processor connected to the instruction receiver and the
`communication link, the processor for:
`determining whether the peripheral device is config
`ured to be directly responsive to the instruction
`transmitted by the instruction transmitter for adjust
`ment of Said functional parameter; and
`responding to the determination that the peripheral
`device is not configured to be directly responsive to
`the instruction transmitted by the instruction
`transmitter, to Selectively adjust Said functional
`parameter of the peripheral device in accordance
`with the received instruction.
`7. The computer System of claim 6, further comprising:
`a peripheral device controller for Selectively adjusting
`Said functional parameter of the peripheral device, the
`peripheral device controller responsive to the instruc
`tion transmitted by the instruction transmitter.
`8. The computer system of claim 7, wherein the peripheral
`device controller is directly responsive to the instruction
`transmitted by the instruction transmitter.
`9. The computer system of claim 6, further comprising:
`a convergence functionality module connected to the
`processor, the convergence functionality module for at
`least one of generating and transmitting a plurality of
`types of Signals under control of Said processor.
`10. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the con
`Vergence functionality module comprises at least one of:
`a television receiver, a gaming unit and a direct audio/
`Video Source.
`11. The computer system of claim 6, wherein the instruc
`tion receiver is configured to receive one of infared and radio
`frequency instructions from Said instruction transmitter.
`12. The computer System of claim 6, further comprising:
`an instruction transmitter for transmitting instructions
`receivable by the instruction receiver.
`13. A method for selectively adjusting a plurality of
`functional parameters associated with operation of a periph
`eral device by a computer, the method comprising the Steps
`of determining whether the peripheral device is configured
`to adjust each of the functional parameters,
`transmitting instructions to adjust the functional param
`eters, and
`responsive to a transmitted instruction to adjust at least
`one of Said functional parameters and to the determi
`nation that the peripheral device is not configured to
`adjust Said at least one functional parameter, using Said
`transmitted instruction to operate a controller in Said
`computer to adjust Said at least one functional param
`eter of the peripheral device; and
`responsive to a transmitted instruction to adjust another
`functional parameter and determination that the periph
`eral device is configured to adjust said another func
`tional parameter, using Said transmitted instruction to
`operate a controller internal to the peripheral device to
`adjust Said another functional parameter.
`14. The method of claim 13, wherein said another func
`tional parameter of the peripheral device is a display-quality
`functional parameter.
`15. The method of claim 13, wherein said another func
`tional parameter of the peripheral device is a display
`geometry functional parameter.
`
`5
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`US 6,209,044 B1
`
`8
`16. The method of claim 13, wherein said one functional
`parameter of the peripheral device is an audio functional
`parameter.
`17. A computer System for at least adjusting respective
`functions associated with operation of a peripheral device,
`the computer System comprising:
`a processor operable to control Supply of operating Signals
`for communication to a peripheral device;
`Said processor including a plurality of controllers each
`asSociated with an individual function affecting opera
`tion of the peripheral device by one of Said operating
`Signals Said controllerS operable in response to respec
`tive instructions transmitted by an instruction transmit
`ter to Selectively adjust Said individual functions, and
`Said processor connected to Said peripheral device to:
`determine whether the peripheral device, when con
`nected to Said computer System, is configured to be
`directly responsive to the respective instructions
`transmitted by the instruction transmitter for Selec
`tive adjustment of Said individual functions, and
`respond to the determination that the peripheral device
`is not configured to be directly responsive to an
`instructions transmitted by the instruction transmitter
`for Selective adjustment of at least one of Said
`individual functions, to operate the controller asso
`ciated with Said at least one function to Selectively
`adjust Said at least one function in accordance with
`that transmitted instruction.
`18. The computer system of claim 17, wherein said
`operating Signals include Video signals for generating a
`display on a display monitor peripheral device, and Said
`individual adjustable functions include a display quality
`function and a display-geometry function.
`19. A computer System comprising:
`a peripheral device display monitor and