David J Ferris

US Patent:

61758612, Jan 16, 2001

Filed:

Feb 6, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/020196

Inventors:

Henry R. Williams - New York NY
David A. Ferris - West Buxton ME
Maurice B. Richard - Gorham ME

International Classification:

H04N 538
H04H 100
H04H 114

US Classification:

709217

Abstract:

A method and apparatus are provided for enabling multiple users to concurrently access a PC-based server in a home local area network using conventional TVs as display devices. A client system includes a TV, conventional input devices, such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a set top box for interfacing the TV to the network. The server maintains a system work area and multiple processes corresponding to user applications. The system work area is partitioned in the server into multiple independent, simultaneously active desktops, one desktop for each of the client systems. Individual processes are mapped to the appropriate desktop. Multiple frame buffers are maintained in the server, such that a different frame buffer is assigned to each client system. Each desktop is rendered within the server and stored in the corresponding frame buffer. The contents of each frame buffer are transmitted over a transmission medium to the set top box of the corresponding client system.