Client/server methods and systems for generating a user interface

Abstract

A navigation interface display system generates a navigation element that organizes television programming data in an easy-to-use manner. The navigation element employs a hierarchical display protocol for a plurality of selection items that represent the various television programs, channels, and/or networks. The hierarchical display scheme displays a limited number of active selection items at a first magnification level and additional active selection items at a second magnification level. In addition, the selection items are displayed on distinctive areas or features of the navigation element, where such features represent different content genres or categories. Subcategories can also be displayed in a hierarchical manner, thus providing additional information related to the content as the magnification level of the navigation element changes.

1 - 26 . (canceled)  
   
   
       27 . A client/server method for generating a zoomable user interface comprising: 
 requesting, by a client device, a set of user interface objects associated with a user interface view at a requested zoom level; and    sending, by a server device, data for rendering said set of user interface objects on a display device associated with said client at said requested zoom level.    
   
   
       28 . The client/server method of  claim 27 , wherein said data is sent by said server device as an XML file.  
   
   
       29 . The client/server method of  claim 27 , wherein said step of sending further comprises the step of: 
 globally filtering, by said server device, said set of user interface objects prior to sending said data.    
   
   
       30 . The client/server method of  claim 27 , further comprising: 
 filtering, by said client device said data prior to rendering said set of user interface objects on said display device at said requested zoom level.    
   
   
       31 . The client/server method of  claim 27 , further comprising: 
 rendering said set of user interface objects on said display device at said requested zoom level.    
   
   
       32 . The client/server method of  claim 31 , wherein said display device is one of a CRT device, a touch screen device, an LCD device, a PDA display, and a television.  
   
   
       33 . The client/server method of  claim 27 , wherein said data is selected by said server from different service providers.