3-Dimensional browsing and selection apparatus and method
First Claim
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1. A method comprising:
- providing access to a plurality of characterizing descriptors for each of a plurality of discrete selectable items of audio/video content;
providing a program guide by simultaneously displaying a plurality of the characterizing descriptors for each of a plurality of the discrete selectable items using a browsing and selection interface that bears at least some of the characterizing descriptors and wherein three spatial dimensions for the browsing and selection interface are simultaneously displayed, such that the browsing and selection interface is depicted as at least one three dimensional object.
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Abstract
A content guide, such as a program guide for use with a plurality of audio/visual programs, has a browsing and selection interface that comprises a two-dimensional display that presents three spatial dimensions of a three-dimensional object. This object (or objects) bear at least some characterizing descriptors that correspond to various program options available to a viewer. In a preferred embodiment the browsing and selection interface comprises a plurality of cylinders. A viewer can cause these cylinders to rotate to present previously hidden characterizing information for review and/or selection by the viewer.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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providing access to a plurality of characterizing descriptors for each of a plurality of discrete selectable items of audio/video content;
providing a program guide by simultaneously displaying a plurality of the characterizing descriptors for each of a plurality of the discrete selectable items using a browsing and selection interface that bears at least some of the characterizing descriptors and wherein three spatial dimensions for the browsing and selection interface are simultaneously displayed, such that the browsing and selection interface is depicted as at least one three dimensional object. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An interactive program guide system comprising:
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characterizing descriptors for each of a plurality of discrete selectable items of audio/video content;
control circuitry that displays a plurality of the characterizing descriptors using a browsing and selection interface that bears at least some of the characterizing descriptors and wherein three spatial dimensions for the browsing and selection interface are simultaneously displayed, such that the browsing and selection interface is depicted as at least one three dimensional object. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification