Client-Server Architectures and Methods for Zoomable User Interfaces

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for communicating and processing data in communication networks, e.g., cable networks and/or interactive television networks. Selective use of different data streams and encoding techniques enable sophisticated user interfaces to be generated on client devices having varying processing capabilities. MPEG encoding techniques have reduced complexity to enable better response time to user requests. Specialized user interface features, such as hoverzooming, are enabled.

1 . A method for generating a hoverzoom effect on a user interface comprising the steps of:
 transmitting background layer data and foreground layer data to a client device;   displaying a background layer based on said background layer data;   identifying a user action associated with said hoverzoom effect;   displaying, in response to said user action, a foreground layer based on said foreground layer data as an overlay on said background layer.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said user action is rolling a cursor over a displayed image and said foreground layer includes a magnified version of said displayed image. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of:
 categorizing each pixel in said foreground layer as either (1) being extractable from said background layer data or (2) needing to be sent to said client device.   
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said step of transmitting background layer data and foreground layer data further comprises the step of:
 selectively transmitting pixel data in said foreground layer based on said categorization step.   
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising the step of:
 identifying additional background pixels which will be revealed as a result of said hoverzoom effect; and   transmitting background layer data associated with said additional background pixels.   
   
   
       6 . A client system for generating a hoverzoom effect on a user interface comprising:
 at least one receiver for receiving background layer data and foreground layer data;   a processor for generating a background layer based on said background layer data, identifying a user action associated with said hoverzoom effect and generating, in response to said user action, a foreground layer based on said foreground layer data as an overlay on said background layer.   
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein said user action is rolling a cursor over a displayed image and said foreground layer includes a magnified version of a displayed image. 
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein said receiver also receives a map which categorizes each pixel in said foreground layer as either (1) being extractable from said background layer data or (2) being sent to said client system. 
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein said received foreground layer data includes only some of the data needed by said processor to generate said foreground layer and said processor extracts additional data from said background layer data. 
   
   
       10 . A method for MPEG encoding data to be used in generating user interface screens comprising the steps of:
 providing a user interface having first and second user interface screen and storing data associated with object locations on said first and second user interface screens;   determining motion vectors associated with MPEG data frames using said stored data;   sending said motion vectors to an MPEG encoder; and   MPEG encoding said data using said motion vectors.   
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said step of determining motion vectors associated with MPEG data frames using said stored data further comprises the step of:
 using said stored data to either (1) determine a motion vector independently of a standard MPEG motion vector search algorithm or (2) selectively employ said standard MPEG motion vector search algorithm to determine said motion vector.   
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said step of determining motion vectors associated with MPEG data frames using said stored data further comprises the step of:
 using said stored data to either (1) determine a motion vector independently of a standard MPEG motion vector search algorithm, (2) selectively employ said standard MPEG motion vector search algorithm to determine said motion vector or (3) reduce a search range of said standard MPEG motion vector algorithm.   
   
   
       13 . A system for MPEG encoding data to be used in generating user interface screens comprising:
 a user interface having first and second user interface screens;   a data storage unit for storing data associated with object locations on said first and second user interface screens;   a motion estimation hint encoder for determining motion vectors associated with MPEG data frames using said stored data; and   an MPEG encoder for encoding data using said motion vectors.   
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein motion estimation hint encoder uses said stored data to either (1) determine a motion vector independently of a standard MPEG motion vector search algorithm or (2) to selectively command said MPEG encoder to determine said motion vector using said standard MPEG motion vector search algorithm. 
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein said motion estimation hint encoder uses said stored data to provide said MPEG encoder with a reduced search range in which to employ said standard MPEG motion vector search algorithm.