Graphical viewer interface for an interactive network system
First Claim
1. In a computer system for running program modules, the computer system running a program module having control items that allow a user to control the operation of the program module, the control items being displayed for viewing by a user, a method for displaying a selected option, comprising the steps of:
- displaying a screen layout comprising a first control item;
within the screen layout, displaying in association with the first control item one among a plurality of category identification items comprising a pictorial image conveying information regarding the content of a selected category of options;
within the screen layout, displaying a second control item; and
within the screen layout, displaying in association with the second control item one among a plurality of option identification items comprising a pictorial image conveying information regarding the content of a selected option within the selected category of options.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A graphical viewer interface appropriate for children'"'"'s programming provided through an interactive television system for running programs ordered by the viewer. The inventive system includes a method for displaying on a television screen a plurality of control items including a character window, an episode window, an order button, and a scram button, wherein the viewer may navigate the focus among the various control items by manipulating a remote control. The viewer browses among options, and orders options for viewing using a handheld remote control. The character window displays one among a plurality of cartoon characters. The episode window displays a scene from one among a plurality of cartoon episodes within a category of cartoon episodes featuring the character displayed in the first window. The scene displayed in the second window is a single frame from the cartoon episode depicting a "key defining moment" that differentiates the selected cartoon from all other cartoons featuring the same character. The viewer orders a cartoon episode for viewing by first selecting a desired character using the character window, then selecting a desired episode using the episode window, and then selecting and executing the order button.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. In a computer system for running program modules, the computer system running a program module having control items that allow a user to control the operation of the program module, the control items being displayed for viewing by a user, a method for displaying a selected option, comprising the steps of:
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displaying a screen layout comprising a first control item; within the screen layout, displaying in association with the first control item one among a plurality of category identification items comprising a pictorial image conveying information regarding the content of a selected category of options; within the screen layout, displaying a second control item; and within the screen layout, displaying in association with the second control item one among a plurality of option identification items comprising a pictorial image conveying information regarding the content of a selected option within the selected category of options. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. In an interactive network system functionally connected with a computer for running program modules, the computer running at least one program module having control items that allow a user to control the operation of the program module, the control items being displayed for viewing by a user a method for displaying a selected option, comprising the steps of:
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displaying a screen layout comprising a first control item; within the screen layout, displaying in association with the first control item one among a plurality of category identification items comprising a pictorial image conveying information regarding the content of a selected category of options; within the screen layout, displaying a second control item; and within the screen layout, displaying in association with the second control item one among a plurality of option identification items comprising a pictorial image conveying information regarding the content of a selected option within the selected category of options. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification