Multi-mode ring clock
AssigneeThomson Licensing
InventorStephane Haziza
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A multi-mode ring clock can be embodied as a ring of illuminable segments, each of which can be individually controlled to display time and timer information associated with using a digital video recorder (DVR) in a set top box. Time and timer information can include displays for time of day, for starting and stopping recordings, for measuring elapsed time and remaining time, and for setting a playback time for a recording. The multi-mode ring clock is responsive to control signals from clock circuitry inside the set top box that is already provided for purposes other than controlling the multi-mode ring clock. Special time and timer indications can be related to different aspects of managing DVR recordings.
Claims17
A set top box, comprising:
- a digital video recorder (DVR);
- first circuitry for processing and generating time control signals for said DVR;
- second circuitry for generating a user interface enabling implementation of DVR recording modes, said DVR recording modes requiring different ones of said time control signals;
- and,
- a front panel having a multi-mode ring-shaped clock formed by a plurality of independently illuminable segments operable in response to said time control signals generated for said DVR and in accordance with said DVR recording modes.
An improved set top box, comprising:
- a digital video recorder (DVR);
- first circuitry for processing and generating time control signals for said DVR;
- second circuitry for generating a user interface enabling implementation of DVR recording modes, said DVR recording modes requiring different ones of said time control signals;
- and,
- a front panel;
- said improvement comprising:
- a multi-mode ring-shaped clock on said front panel, formed by a plurality of independently illuminable segments operable in response to said time control signals generated for said DVR, and in accordance with said DVR recording modes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.