TELEPHONY SERVICES FOR PROGRAMMABLE MULTIMEDIA CONTROLLER

摘要

In one embodiment, a programmable multimedia controller controls electronic devices, including display devices. A remote control communicates with the programmable multimedia controller. An on screen display is displayed on a selected one of the display devices. The on screen display enables the selected one of the display devices to function as a virtual telephone that is user-operable to initiate outgoing telephone calls and to answer incoming telephone calls. When an outgoing telephone call or incoming telephone call is in progress, the on screen display shows text or graphics related to the outgoing telephone call or the incoming telephone call. The on screen display is overlaid on another video signal which is already being displayed on the selected one of the display devices.

主权项

1. A system comprising:
a programmable multimedia controller configured to control a plurality of electronic devices, the plurality of electronic devices including a plurality of display devices; a remote control configured to communicate with the programmable multimedia controller; an on screen display configured to be displayed on a selected one of the plurality of display devices, the on screen display to enable the selected one of the plurality of display devices to function as part of a virtual telephone that is user-operable to initiate out-going telephone calls and to answer incoming telephone calls, and when an outgoing telephone call or incoming telephone call is in progress to show text or graphics related to the outgoing telephone call or the incoming telephone call, wherein the programmable multimedia controller is configured to cause the on screen display to be overlaid on another video signal which is already being displayed on the selected one of the plurality of display devices.