Patent ID: 6202212
Filing Date: 2001-03-13
Classification: G06F,H04N

Abstract:
A method for displaying information on an appliance having first and second modes, wherein said appliance is a home theater computer and wherein said first mode is a computer mode and said second mode is a video viewing mode, said method comprising:capturing a user actuation indicative of a modal change;displaying a first window when said appliance operates in said first mode and displaying a second window when said appliance operates in said second mode;displaying a computer desktop in said first window and displaying video images in said second window;detecting a current mode for said appliance;automatically selecting a next mode of said appliance by sequentially cycling through all modes on a round-robin basis;displaying said next mode of said appliance;setting said next mode of said appliance as the mode for said appliance;maximizing the window associated with the mode of said appliance; andparking a cursor in a hidden location until a next user actuation indicative of a mode change.