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What is claimed is:
1. In a data communication system having a host computer coupled to a data
communications medium and an electronic device coupled to said data
communications medium, a method for providing access at said electronic
device to a plurality of facilities coupled to said host computer, said
method comprising the steps of:
calling to said host computer from said electronic device through said data
communications medium, to establish a first data communication link
between said electronic device and said host computer via said data
communications medium;
transferring configuration data from said host computer to said electronic
device via said first data communication link; thereafter
breaking said first data communication link;
assembling from said configuration data a menu listing a plurality of
titles identifying said plurality of facilities; thereafter
displaying said menu on a television coupled to said electronic device;
thereafter
accepting, at a remote keypad, an operator input specifying a selected one
of said plurality of facilities;
transmitting, from said remote keypad to an IR detector coupled to said
electronic device, an infrared signal responsive to said operator input;
detecting said infrared signal at said IR detector; thereafter
calling said host computer from said electronic device via said data
communications medium, thereby establishing a second data communication
link between said host computer and said electronic device via said data
communications medium; and thereafter
connecting said electronic device to said selected facility via said second
data communication link and said host computer.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of transferring
configuration data particularized to said selected facility from said host
computer to said electronic device via said second data communication
link.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein said selected facility is an online
computer service.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein said selected facility is a facsimile
service.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein said selected facility is a voicemail
service.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein said selected facility is an electronic
mail service.
7. The method of claim 3 wherein said selected facility is a stock quote
service.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein said selected facility is a pay-per-view
service.
9. In a data communication system having a host computer and an electronic
device wherein said host computer and said electronic device are coupled
to a data communications medium, a method for providing interactive access
at said electronic device to data stored at a plurality of facilities
coupled to said host computer, said method comprising the steps of:
calling said host computer from said electronic device through said data
communications medium, to establish a first data communication link
between said electronic device and said host computer via said data
communications medium;
transferring configuration data from said host computer to said electronic
device via said first data communication link;
breaking said first data communication link;
assembling from said configuration data a menu listing a plurality of
titles identifying said plurality of facilities; thereafter
displaying said menu on a television coupled to said electronic device;
thereafter
accepting, at a remote keypad, a first operator input specifying a first
selected one of said plurality of facilities;
transmitting, from said remote keypad to an IR detector coupled to said
electronic device, a first infrared signal responsive to said first
operator input;
detecting said first infrared signal at said IR detector; thereafter
calling said host computer from said electronic device via said data
communications medium to establish a second data communication link
between said host computer and said electronic device via said data
communications medium; thereafter
accessing said first selected facility from said electronic device via said
second data communication link; and thereafter
transferring data associated with said first selected facility from said
host computer to said electronic device via said second data communication
link.
10. The method of claim 9 further comprising the steps of:
generating an image from said data associated with said first selected
facility; and thereafter
displaying said image on said television.
11. The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of storing said image
on a video recorder coupled to said electronic device.
12. The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of storing said data
associated with said first selected facility on a video recorder coupled
to said electronic device.
13. The method of claim 9 further comprising the steps of:
breaking said second data communication link; thereafter
accepting, at a remote keypad, a second operator input specifying a second
selected one of said plurality of facilities;
transmitting, from said remote keypad to an IR detector coupled to said
electronic device, a second infrared signal responsive to said second
operator input;
detecting said second infrared signal at said IR detector; thereafter
calling said host computer from said electronic device via said data
communications medium to establish a third data communication link between
said host computer and said electronic device via said data communications
medium; thereafter
accessing said second selected facility from said electronic device via
said third data communication link; and thereafter
transferring data associated with said second selected facility from said
host computer to said electronic device via said third data communication
link.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein said data transferred via said third
data communication link includes configuration data associated with said
second selected facility.
15. In a data communication system having a host computer and an electronic
device wherein said host computer and said electronic device are coupled
to a data communications medium, a method for transferring textual data
from the electronic device to the host computer, said method comprising
the steps of:
calling said host computer from said electronic device through said data
communications medium, to establish a first data communication link
between said electronic device and said host computer via said data
communications medium;
transferring configuration data from said host computer to said electronic
device via said first data communication link; thereafter
assembling a menu from said configuration data, said menu including a
plurality of titles identifying a plurality of available terminal
functions wherein transmission of textual data is one of said plurality of
available terminal functions; thereafter
breaking said first data communication link;
displaying said menu on a television coupled to said electronic device;
accepting at a remote keypad an operator input specifying transmission of
textual data as a selected one of said plurality of available terminal
functions;
transmitting, from said remote keypad to an IR detector coupled to said
electronic device, an infrared signal responsive to said operator input;
thereafter
displaying a keyboard image on a television coupled to said electronic
device, wherein a plurality of discrete regions of said keyboard image are
labeled with distinct characters;
displaying a cursor image within said keyboard image on said television,
said cursor image positioned within one of said discrete regions selected
by user adjustment of a pointing device;
recording a sequence of said distinct characters labelling said discrete
regions within which said cursor image is positioned during successive
user depressions of a key coupled to said pointing device, thereby
generating said textual data; thereafter
calling said host computer from said electronic device via said data
communications medium, to establish a second data communication link
between said host computer and said electronic device via said data
communications medium; and thereafter
transferring said textual data from said electronic device to said host
computer via said second data communication link.
16. In a data communication system having a host computer and an electronic
device wherein said host computer and said electronic device are coupled
to a data communications medium, a method for transferring graphical data
from the electronic device to the host computer, said method comprising
the steps of:
calling said host computer from said electronic device through said data
communications medium to establish a first data communication link between
said electronic device and said host computer via said data communications
medium;
transferring configuration data from said host computer to said electronic
device via said first data communication link; thereafter
assembling a menu from said configuration data, said menu including a
plurality of titles identifying a plurality of available terminal
functions wherein transmission of textual data is one of said plurality of
available terminal functions; thereafter
displaying a menu on a television connected to said electronic device;
accepting at a remote keypad an operator input specifying transmission of
graphical data as a selected one of said plurality of available terminal
functions;
transmitting, from said remote keypad to an IR detector coupled to said
electronic device, an infrared signal responsive to said operator input;
thereafter
recording, at said electronic device, movements of a pointing device,
thereby generating said graphical data;
displaying said graphical data on said television;
calling said host computer from said electronic device via said data
communications medium, to establish a second data communication link
between said host computer and said electronic device via said data
communications medium; and thereafter
transferring said graphical data from said electronic device to said host
computer via said second data communication link.
17. An electronic device for providing access to a plurality of facilities
coupled to a host computer, said electronic device comprising:
means for interfacing to a television;
a remote keypad for transmitting menu selection signals;
a data interface coupled to a data communications medium to which said host
computer is coupled; and
a controller coupled to said television interfacing means and said data
interface and in wireless communication with said remote keypad, for:
initiating a first data call to said host computer through said data
communications medium to obtain configuration data from said host
computer;
assembling a menu listing a plurality of titles of said plurality of
facilities from said configuration data;
displaying said menu on said television;
accepting, via said remote keypad, a user selection of a selected one of
said plurality of facilities; and
initiating a second data call to said host computer through said data
communications medium to establish a connection between said electronic
device and said selected facility.
18. The electronic device of claim 17 further comprising an access limiting
device coupled to said controller.
19. The electronic device of claim 18 wherein said access limiting device
controls access to restricted programming.
20. The electronic device of claim 18 wherein said access limiting device
verifies user purchases.
21. The electronic device of claim 18 wherein said access limiting device
is a credit card reader.
22. The electronic device of claim 17 further comprising a pointing device
coupled to said controller for generating cursor movements on said
television, wherein said cursor movements are recorded at said controller,
thereby generating image data. |
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Claims |
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Description |
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A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which
is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection
to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the
patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent
files or records, but, otherwise, reserves all copyright rights
whatsoever.
MICROFICHE APPENDIX
This specification includes microfiche Appendix A having 2 sheets with 114
frames, hereby expressly incorporated by reference for all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to devices for accessing videotext.
More specifically, the present invention relates to an electronic device
for interfacing to independent computer systems through existing telephone
systems (twisted pair or cellular) by use of remotely selected menu items
displayed on conventional television sets.
Many commercial and public information and service sources are available in
electronic form (electronic facilities). Electronic facilities includes
databases storing latest news, weather, financial and recreational
information, for example. Additionally, services such as consumer
services, audiotext, electronic mail, and facsimile or telex transmission
are available through some of the facilities. Telephone switching systems
are included in the term facility.
Conventional equipment for accessing these facilities includes specially
programmable personal computers having specialized communication software
and hardware. To access the facilities, a user acquires the necessary
computer components and configures them to permit access to selected
facilities. Many users forego access to desired facilities because of the
complexity and time required in acquiring and configuring the computer
components. Databases vary as to requirements for their various components
and configuration as well as protocol used for access, further increasing
the complexity and time to access desired information or services. Due to
a large number of different providers of the information and services, it
is sometimes difficult to ferret out particular access information for
desired facilities.
The complexity of the acquisition and configuration of the necessary
computer components does more than deter potential users of the
facilities. Reluctance and caution on the part of the users, as well as
customer premises equipment cost, also deters and impedes development of
the facilities for access by others.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides apparatus and method for simply, efficiently
and economically providing facility access to any user. The invention
permits access to and use of the tremendous information and services
available in electronic form without knowledge of computer components or
configuration requirements. Access to information and use of the various
electronic services is possible by use of a conventional numeric remote
keypad for selecting particular menu items from menus displayed on
conventional television sets.
According to one aspect of the present invention, it includes a television
set, a communications device connected to a telephone network, a remote
keypad and a controller. The controller displays menu items on the
television screen and controls operation of the communications device. The
menu items correspond to various services available to a user. Numbers,
typically 0-9, identify the individual menu items.
In operation, the controller preferably initiates an automated
configuration mode upon initial power-up. The automated configuration
includes initiation of a data call to a predetermined independent computer
system to acquire configuration information and operating instructions.
The configuration information includes data identifying particular
services desired by the individual identified user. The configuration
information controls which menu choices the user may select.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a built-in
messaging system for the user. The system permits exchange of messages to
and from other electronic device users, computer users or various
facilities. In this embodiment, the operating instructions of each
electronic device directs the device to autonomously initiate a messaging
call to a messaging facility at predetermined times when the user is not
using the telephone line. The system waits and calls later if the
telephone line is in use. The controller posts any untransmitted messages
at this time, and receives messages and any new configuration or operating
instructions. If the controller receives new messages for the user, it
lights a message indicator. This tells the user new messages are waiting,
prompting the user to access them.
When the user activates the electronic device, the controller displays the
selection menu which includes those options available to the user. One
available menu item permits the user to read the messages. The remote
keypad controls the operation of the various features of the electronic
device, such as message scrolling, rereading, saving or deleting
particular messages, for example.
When the user desires to access the information and services, the user
selects one of the menu items by operating the remote keypad. Selection
signals from the remote keypad identify a particular menu item. The
controller responds to the selection signals by identifying the desired
service associated with the input from the remote keypad. The controller
operates the communications device to access the telephone line. Accessing
the telephone line permits connection to an independent computer system
providing the desired service. The controller prompts the independent
computer system to provide the desired information or service. The
controller displays the desired information or service on the television,
and waits for additional input from the remote keypad. Use of a printer or
a video recorder connected to the controller provides the user with an
ability to produce a hard copy of the information displayed on the
television.
Another aspect of the invention includes a pen-type pointing, drawing and
writing device for creation of particular images on the television screen.
A user controls a drawing cursor's position on the television display by
moving the pointing device. After creating a desired image, the
controller, responsive to selection signals from the remote keypad, prints
images created with the pointing device, or captures the image and
transmits it to an independent computer system. One embodiment of this
drawing ability is a straightline sketching or CAD-type tool, similar to
an Etch-A-Sketch.RTM.. The independent computer system, depending upon
particular menu options selected, directs the captured transmitted image
to another user or to storage for later access. It is possible to capture
television images transmitted from the television station and superimpose
user-created graphics. One embodiment of this feature includes an ability
to capture handwritten notes and forward them to another user in graphics
form. Alternatively, screens from this electronic device, as well as
information received from an accessed facility, in file form or in an
on-line viewing format, can all be stored, printed, sent and videotaped.
Some pen-type pointing devices include a click button for indicating
particular user actions when operated. One feature of an embodiment
including this type of pointing device includes an ability to simulate
keyboard input. The controller displays a keyboard image on the
television. The user subsequently identifies each desired key by clicking
within the keyboard image at positions corresponding to each desired key.
Positioning the cursor and selecting particular key images permits
simulation of typing. The controller is able to capture and transmit these
typewritten-document images just as any other image. Many different types
of pointing devices are available. It is believed that an IR responsive
mouse-pen would be useful in many applications.
Still another aspect of the present invention includes an integral card
reader (credit or debit card, for example) with the controller. This
permits the user to conveniently purchase goods or services by use of the
electronic device. The card reader permits a user to purchase products,
pay-per-view programming, information services (videotext or audiotext).
Further, the card reader permits screening access of the electronic device
to restricted programming. In other words, to access particular features,
a user must "swipe" a card through the card reader. The card may be a
credit card to pay for the services or some other specially prepared and
encoded card for controlling access. In addition to this screening
mechanism, the electronic device may include personal identification
number (PIN) password protection for access to selected services.
An additional aspect of a preferred embodiment in use of the electronic
device to access audio information, such as voice mail or other audiotext
facilities. A preferred embodiment provides for use of the electronic
devices as a speaker phone. In the speaker phone embodiment, the
electronic device includes a microphone and a displayed menu item,
programmable and selectable by the remote keypad. Selection of the menu
item results in the electronic device answering an incoming telephone
call. Audio information is output over the television speaker. The
electronic device can be used to record frequently used numbers (input
from the remote keypad) and display them in a menu. Selection of a menu
item initiates the desired call. Full conversation between the user and
the called party is possible. In the case of audiotext for voicemail
requiring DTMF signalling, the remote keypad may initiate these features.
The invention provides simple, efficient access to facilities (or
limitation to particular facilities) without acquisition or configuration
of computer components. Users select desired services from among several
services displayed in menu by operation of a remote keypad. Autonomous
self-configuration of the electronic device allows a system operator to
enhance services or operation quickly and ensure that all users have their
chosen services available to them. It is one embodiment to include
predefined configuration for specialized implementations, such as private
networks within a company or organization, that can be preconfigured with
desired options. Optimally, a central computer can automatically configure
all electronic devices (and related menus) connected on a private network.
One example of the private network would be hotels offering room services
and checkout through use of a properly configured electronic device. Other
embodiments include access to facilities offering interactive television
and other real-time online services.
Reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings
realize a further understanding of the nature and advantages of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a videotext system 10 including an electronic
device interface 20 having a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of electronic device 20 according to a preferred
embodiment;
FIG. 3 is an illustration of one configuration of the electronic device 20
including menu items;
FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating general operation of electronic device
20;
FIG. 5 is a top level software flow diagram illustrating a typical
operation for a preferred embodiment; and
FIGS. 6A through 6C are detailed sections of identified portions of the
software flow diagram of FIG. 5.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a videotext system 10 including an electronic
device interface 20 having a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. The videotext system 10 includes an independent computer system
(host computer) 30 providing one or more facilities a user desires to
access. The host computer 30 connects to the electronic device 20 through
a communications medium 32. Examples of the communications medium includes
public-switched telephone networks, closed-circuit coaxial cables, and
cellular telephone transmission networks. The host computer 30 provides
access to many facilities 31, including other electronic devices (EDs) 34,
networks 36, personal computers 38, databases 40 and facsimile or telex
services 42, for example. Furthermore, for a speakerphone operation
detailed further below, a facility may be a telephone 44. The host
computer 30 includes a plurality of facilities 31 operable on the system
itself. Additionally, facilities 31 on the host computer 30 provide access
to remote facilities 31 such as other EDs 34.
The electronic device 20 interfaces these facilities for access and display
on a conventional television 50. The user selects and controls access to
the facilities displayed on or presented by (in the case of audio
information) the television 50 by use of a remote keypad control 52. The
remote keypad control 52 of the preferred embodiment is similar to
conventional television remote controls for selection of channel and
volume, for instance. The remote keypad control 52 provides menu selection
signals to the electronic device 20 for selection of a particular facility
of the host computer 30.
The electronic device 20 of the preferred embodiment includes a stylus-type
or pen-type pointing and writing device 54 for creation of bitmap images
on the television 50. The bitmap images include graphical and textual
information drawn by the user. The user is able to direct the electronic
device 20 to capture images from the television 50 screen. The images
include any bitmap images created by the user. The electronic device 20 is
able to transmit these captured images to the host computer 30 for storage
or forwarding to any of the facilities the host computer 30 controls.
Additionally, the pointing device 54 is able to function as a text input
device by interaction with an image of a conventional typewriter keyboard.
Through display of the keyboard image on the television, and monitoring
cursor positions associated with "clicks" of the pointing device 54, a
user may "typewrite" information on the screen.
The electronic device 20 includes an interface for a printer 56. The
electronic device 20 directs selected, captured images to the printer 56
for hard copy output. The printer 56 prints results of queries to the
various selected facilities, the sketching or writing performed with the
pointing device 54, or any other screen displayed.
Also shown in FIG. 1 is an integral card reader 60. This card reader 60
provides a ready and simple mechanism for each user to access premium
facilities having a surcharge, or for purchase of items displayed by
particular facilities, or even as an agent to arrange pay for view
television programming.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the electronic device 20 according to a
preferred embodiment. The electronic device 20 is a
microcontroller-controlled appliance including a central-processing unit
(CPU) 100 coupled to a memory 102, an address decoder 104, a peripheral
interface 106, a television interface 108, for audio and video, as well as
connection to a video recorder and a modulator/demodulator (modem) 110 by
a data and address bus. The memory 102 includes both random read/write
memory (RAM) and read-only memory. A power supply 120 generates power for
the components of the electronic device 20 (V.sup.+), as well as to keep a
battery-backup 122 charged. The battery-backup 122 provides power for the
RAM when the power-supply 120 is not connected to a power source 124.
Additionally, the preferred embodiment of the electronic device 20
includes the credit card reader 60 and an infrared detector 132, both
coupled to the peripheral interface 106.
The CPU 100 controls operation of the electronic device 20 according to
instructions stored in the ROM and the RAM of the memory 102. The ROM
includes an initialization sequence which the CPU 100 executes upon every
reset or power-up. The initialization sequence includes a set of commands
causing the electronic device 20 connect to a particular facility 30 and
self-configure itself in one preferred embodiment. The self-configuration
includes receipt of particularized instructions for the particular
electronic device 20, depending upon an identification code stored in the
ROM. The CPU 100 stores these particularized instructions in the RAM.
The CPU 100 addresses the components of the electronic device 20 through
the address decoder 104. The address decoder receives addresses from the
CPU 100 and asserts a select signal to an identified component in response
to a particular address. Components with an asserted select signal from
the address decoder 104 interact with the CPU 100, either receiving
instructions or providing data.
The peripheral interface 106 includes a parallel input/output port as
well-known for interfacing to the printer 56, to the credit card reader
60, and to the IR detector 132. The peripheral interface 106 includes a
serial interface for the pointing device 54. The parallel interface and
the serial interface are separately selectable by the address decoder 104.
Additionally, the peripheral interface 106 controls a speakerphone 136
circuit. The speakerphone 136, responsive to a hook control signal from
the peripheral interface 106, couples an internal microphone 138.
The television interface 108 includes a video controller for text and
graphics, connected to a video memory and a video modulator to produce
television-compatible output. The television interface 108 connects to a
conventional television for display of menus identifying the various
facilities available to a user, and for displaying the information
provided from a selected facility.
The modem 110, through an modem interface 134 particularized for the
communications medium used by the electronic device 20, communicates with
a selected facility 31. The modem 110 permits the electronic device 20 and
the facility 31 to exchange information in a well-known fashion.
The card reader 60, a conventional device, reads magnetically encoded
information on credit and debit cards. The card reader 60 provides output
information to the CPU 100 through the parallel input/output function of
the peripheral interface 106.
The IR detector 132 receives menu selection signals from the keypad remote
control 52. The IR detector 132 provides the CPU 100, through the
peripheral interface 106, with particular key information selected.
FIG. 3 is an illustration of one configuration of the electronic device 20
including display of selected menu items. The electronic device 20
provides the user with a menu of available services. The sample menu in
FIG. 3 includes seven items which the user selects by use of the remote
keypad control 52. The remote keypad control 52 does not employ a
typewriter-type keyboard to implement the selected functions. By
displaying a menu having numbered entries and selecting a corresponding
number for a desired entry by use of the remote keypad control 52, the
user accesses the desired facility. The electronic device 20 includes a
microphone 138 for a speakerphone function and a mail indicator 140 which
illuminates when new unread mail is available for the user.
The electronic device retrieves mail and other information in two manners.
First, if an "auto-poll" function is not enabled (an option in one of the
main menus), the user selects the electronic device mail option by use of
the IR remote, prompting the electronic device to dial the database and
retrieve any waiting mail or other information. The information is
downloaded and the telephone connection terminated, or the user can view
the information "on-line". Second, if the auto-poll feature is turned on
by the user (or by the database remotely in configuring or reconfiguring
the electronic device), the electronic device automatically dials the
designated database at predetermined (either by the user or by the
database in configuration) times, downloads "mail", terminates the
telephone connection and turns on the mail-waiting light on the front of
the electronic device. Through the use of the auto-poll function, the
electronic device can be kept automatically updated with timely, fresh
information from the services selected by the user or by the database. The
mail message, can for example, indicate when a particular service has been
activated and is available to the user, or confirm shipment of goods
purchased through use of the electronic device.
FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating general operation of the electronic
device 20 of FIG. 2. The electronic device 20 begins, after
initialization, at step 150 and displays a menu of items available to the
user.
When the electronic device is first turned on, it automatically calls its
database host to receive operating instructions (such as which services to
access and when). To view information screens on the electronic device,
the user turns his television on, selects channel 3 or 4, and the
electronic device main screens are displayed on the television screen.
The device, at step 152, next polls the IR detector 132 to determine if the
user selected a displayed menu item by operating the remote keypad 52.
Absent a selection from the remote keypad control 52, the program
continues with steps 154 through 162, and returns to step 150. If the user
selected a menu item corresponding to an available service of a remote
facility, the program flow branches to steps 164 through 170. If the menu
selection signals indicate the user desires a printout of the screen, the
program flow branches to steps 172 through 176.
Steps 154 through 162 describe performance of the electronic device 20 for
receiving and displaying inbound data calls. At step 154, the electronic
device 20 checks the modem 110 for an incoming data call. If there is no
incoming data call, the program returns to step 150 to display the user
menu. If a call is present, the program executes steps 156 through 162.
Step 156 answers the modem, step 158 establishes a connection with a
remote facility calling the electronic device 20, step 160 downloads
(receives) the data from the calling facility, and step 162 displays any
information from the download. After displaying the information, the
program returns to step 150. The incoming data may modify operation of the
electronic device 20 by reconfiguring the system. The incoming data call
may provide the user with an additional menu item if the facilities
expand, or if the user requests additional options.
Steps 164 through 170 access and acquire desired information responsive to
the selected menu item. The program retrieves stored information relating
to accessing the desired facility from the memory 102. This information
can include modem settings, node addresses, passwords, etc. Step 166
initiates and dials the modem 110, and step 168 establishes a connection
with the host computer 30 providing the desired service. After connection,
the electronic device 20 initiates a download of the desired information
at step 170. After downloading the information, the electronic device
branches to step 162 to display the information for the selected service.
After displaying necessary information desired by the selected service,
the program returns to step 150.
Steps 172 through 176 produce a printout of the current television image.
Step 172 captures data for printing, either in text or graphics form. Step
174 initializes the printer 56 and step 176 sends the captured print data
to the printer 56 for printing. The program returns to step 150 after step
176.
FIG. 5 is a top level software flow diagram illustrating a typical
operation for a preferred embodiment of the present invention as
implemented in the source code included in the appendix. The source code
appendix includes five software modules to implement the functions of the
electronic device 20. These modules include ED.C, EDDATA.C, ED.H, ED.ASM,
and DRAWSUBS.C.
The ED.C module is the main program which calls the necessary subroutines
and functions to implement a particular combination of services for a user
of the electronic device 20. The configuration program may be
self-contained within the electronic device 20, or loaded remotely from a
configuration facility, for example. The ED.C includes the C-code main
definition. ED.C includes some functions not found in the other modules
that are specific to text manipulation, such as for example, scrolling.
ED.H is a C-program header file which includes the global definitions,
tables and equates used in other modules.
EDDATA.C are strictly menu data in ASCII format. Each menu screen includes
a name, such as "MAIN MENU" for example. The ED.C program retrieves
particular screens by reference to the appropriate name.
ED.ASM includes primitives for low-level operation of particular features
or common tasks. For example, these primitives decode one key press from
the IR receiver, send one byte to the modem, receive one byte from the
modem, control the mail status light toggling, write one pixel on a
screen, etc. Other features control graphics screens, the pointing device,
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