User-interactive displays including dynamic video mosaic elements with virtual zoom

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 (UT) display comprising a plurality of mosaic elements (MEs), the method comprising:
 selecting a subset of available media content in accordance with ME presentation criteria;   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 UT display;   outputting the UT display on an output device having horizontal and vertical dimensions associated therewith;   subsequent to outputting the UI display, changing the UI display in accordance with the ME presentation criteria, including changing the associated subset of content of at least one of the MEs that comprise the UT display by selecting another subset of content from the available content based at least on the ME presentation criteria and associating the other subset of content with said at least one of the MEs, thereby changing the output of the UI display on the output device; and   virtually zooming one or more of the MEs so that the dimensions of the selected ME correspond to the dimensions of the output device.   
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 39 , including the step of clipping the selected media without changing the aspect ratio thereof. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 39 , including the step of clipping the selected media content to change the aspect ratio of the ME associated therewith. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 41 , including the step of clipping the selected media to change the aspect ratio from 16×9 to 4×3, or vice-versa. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 41 , including the step of clipping the selected media to change the aspect ratio from an industry-standard aspect ratio to a non-industry-standard, or vice-versa.