Patent ID: 6724405
Filing Date: 2004-04-20
Classification: G06F,H04N

Abstract:
A system for controlling computer functions, said system capable of operating in a plurality of modes, said plurality of modes comprising at least a first mode and a second mode, said system comprising:a remote control device comprising a first button which generates a first signal indicating that a menu should be displayed; a plurality of numeric keys each of which generates a second signal, the second signal being a numeric signal indicating a numeric selection; a second button which generates a third signal, said third signal indicating that an application specific function should be performed if the application is operating in said first mode; a computer including a receiver which receives signals generated by the remote control device; and a display device coupled to the computer and controlled by software executing on the computer; wherein the remote control device transmits signals to the receiver of the computer over a wireless path; and wherein the computer in response to receiving the first signal causes the display device to display a menu comprising choices of at least one application program at least one of which has an associated numeric accelerator and, in response to receiving said second signal, launches the application program associated with the corresponding numeric accelerator and, in response to receiving the third signal, causes the launched application program to perform a function pertinent to that particular application program, if said system is operating in said first mode.