High Densitiy Interactive Media Guide

Abstract

A high density interactive media guide interface provides for the selection of a source from a dense array of available sources by displaying an array of available sources in a dense format that illustrates the availability of a high number of sources and expanding the display of selected sources to provide additional information regarding that source. “Clickless selection” is provided by either positioning the cursor over the desired selection or positioning the desired selection under a pre-designated position.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a high density media guide interface for efficiently selecting a channel or a source and media content from a large number of available possibilities and obtaining additional information about that channel or source. More specifically, the present invention provides a new graphic user interface capable of selecting an entry from a high number of possibilities and dynamically expanding the viewing area associated with that entry and providing additional information about selected entries.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Home entertainment systems, including television and media centers, are converging with the Internet and providing a large number of available sources. This expansion in the number of available sources necessitates a new strategy for navigating the media interface and making selections.[0003]The large number of possible sources creates an interface challenge that has not yet been successfully solved in the f...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]The preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise a graphical user display interface for organizing and presenting highly dense information and associated functionality, choices, and a wide range of interactive options. Information is represented in an organized array of minimized elements. These minimal elements are associated with available programming content and are visually differentiated via position, color, size, length, location, grouping, behavior, or by juxtaposing icons or signifying symbols. A user selects an element of interest by merely moving a cursor to the element. Selected elements are expanded and additional information about the selected element is automatically provided without further action on the behalf of the user. Elements nearby the selected element are partially expanded and additional information is also displayed for them. The enlarged viewing areas for the selected and nearby elements allow the user to easily read the information associated with these elements. Information associated with the expanded elements includes text, labels,

Problems solved by technology

The large number of possible sources creates an interface challenge that has not yet been successfully solved in the field of home media entertainment.

The information bottleneck in present media guide interfaces is largely the result of the limits to user awareness.

If users cannot see all of the possible choices at one time, or are forced to spend inordinate amounts of time and effort in order to gain awareness of same, then it is likely that opportunities will be missed.

Mere novel interaction methodologies, such as moving in three dimensions through virtual space, or using physical gestures to control and adjust settings or processes in displays or devices, while useful, do not address this problem of the “awareness bottleneck.”

Images