User-interactive displays including theme-based dynamic video mosaic elements

Abstract

The present invention teaches a method of creating and presenting a user interface comprising a Dynamic Mosaic Extended Electronic Programming Guide (DMXEPG) using video, audio, special applications, and service dynamic metadata. The system enables television or digital radio service subscribers to select and display of various programs including video, interactive TV applications, or any combination of audio or visual components grouped and presented in accordance with the dynamic program/show metadata, business rules and objectives of service providers, broadcasters, and/or personal subscriber choices, collectively referred to as mosaic element presentation criteria.

1 - 38 . (canceled) 
     
     
         39 . A method of generating a user interface (UI) display, the method comprising:
 selecting a subset of available media content from one or more media providers for presentation to a user, wherein the selection criteria includes the theme of the available media content;   associating the selected subset of content with an ME comprising the UI display, wherein the ME outputs the subset of content that is associated therewith;   repeating the selecting and associating for other MEs that comprise the UI display;   outputting the UI display through a client device; and   subsequent to outputting the UI display, changing the associated subset of content of at least one of the MEs that comprise the UI display by selecting another subset of content from the available content based on content theme, and associating the other subset of content with at least one of the MEs, thereby changing the output of the UI display on the client device.   
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the step of selecting a subset of available media content for presentation to a user is carried out by one or more of the media providers. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein an interactive television service provider selects a subset of available media content for presentation to a user. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein a cable television service provider selects a subset of available media content for presentation to a user. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein a direct broadcast satellite service provider selects a subset of available media content for presentation to a user. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the step of selecting a subset of available media content for presentation to a user is carried out in conjunction with the client device. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the step of selecting a subset of available media content for presentation to a user is carried out by at least one of the media providers and through the client device, resulting in a UI display having a mixture of content chosen by a media provider and by a user in accordance with content theme.