Patent ID: 6292187
Filing Date: 2001-09-18
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A computer implemented method of displaying a user interface comprising the steps of:a) receiving a broadcast application containing a hierarchy of user interface components defining a first user interface, said step a) performed by an intelligent device coupled to a network and having host software; andb) displaying a second user interface based on said first user interface, said step b) comprising the steps of:b1) said host software modifying both the visual presentation of said first user interface and the reaction to user input of said first user interface by applying a matte to a component of said hierarchy, said matte controlling a portion of said component that is to be displayed, said host software also controlling the manner in which a matted component is combined with other components of said hierarchy; andb2) displaying said second user interface comprising said first user interface as modified by said step b1) on a display screen.