Controlling access to user-interactive displays including 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 comprising a plurality of mosaic elements (MEs), the method comprising:
 selecting a subset of available media content in accordance with ME presentation criteria, the presentation criteria including a parental control limit;   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 on an output device; and   subsequent to outputting the UI display, determining if one or more of the MEs have a parental control limit associated therewith and, if the parental control limit has been exceeded, modifying the video or audio associated with the MEs to which the parental control limit applies.   
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the step of modifying the video or audio associated with the MEs to which the parental control limit applies includes deactivating the video unless and until a parental control disable code has been entered by a user. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the step of modifying the video or audio associated with the MEs to which the parental control limit applies includes overlaying the video with a different on-screen display unless and until a parental control disable code has been entered by a user. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein:
 a user has the ability to focus-in on a selected ME; and   the step of modifying the video or audio associated with the MEs to which the parental control limit applies includes defeating the ability to focus in on those MEs unless and until a parental control disable code has been entered by a user.   
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the step of modifying the video or audio associated with the MEs to which the parental control limit applies includes deactivating the audio unless and until a parental control disable code has been entered by a user.