Video stream zoom control based upon dynamic video mosaic element selection

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;   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;   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 UI 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   scaling the dimensions of a selected one of the MEs in response to a zoom command received from a user.   
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 39 , further including the step of clipping the selected ME in response to the zoom command received from a user. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 39 , including a zoom-in command, causing one of the MEs forming part of the UI display to become larger. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 39 , including a zoom-out command, causing one of the MEs forming part of the UI display to become smaller. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the zoom command is received from a hand-held remote control unit. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein scaling the dimensions of a selected one of the MEs includes changing the aspect ratio of the selected ME.