Methods and apparatus for rendering user interfaces and display information on remote client devices

Abstract

A user interface is implemented on a client device remote from a host device. The host device operates an application program that implements a user interface, such as an electronic programming guide or a guide for a personal video recorder, that permits a user to control at least one target device. The host device transfers to the client device an identification of at least one scene. In general, a scene defines an abstract layout for at least one screen display of the user interface. The client device generates at least one screen display for the scene based on its interpretation of the scene. The client device then displays the screen as an implementation of the user interface. Thereafter, a user initiates, using the client device, an operation to control the target device. In response, the target device performs the operation. The host device may also display information at a client device. For example, the host device may transmit information about a media currently playing at the client device.

1 . A method for implementing a user interface on client device remote from a host device, said method comprising the steps of:
 operating an application program on a host computer device, said application program comprising an underlying user interface to control at least one target device;   transmitting, from said host computer device to a client device, an identification of at least one scene, said scene defines an abstract layout for at least one screen display of said user interface;   generating at least one screen display for said scene based on an interpretation of said scene at said client device;   displaying, on said client device, said screen display of said user interface;   receiving input, at said client device, from a user to initiate at least one operation at said target device; and   performing said operation at said target device in response to control from said client device.   
     
     
         2 . The method as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising coupling said host computer device and said client device through a wireless network. 
     
     
         3 . The method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said client device comprises a portable electronic device that includes a graphical display. 
     
     
         4 . The method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said user interface comprises an electronic programming guide to control a television. 
     
     
         5 . The method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said user interface comprises a guide for a personal video recorder. 
     
     
         6 . The method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein:
 said user interface comprises an interface to control a media playback device; and   said target device comprises a media playback device.   
     
     
         7 . The method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said target device comprises said host computer device. 
     
     
         8 . The method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said target device comprises a personal video recorder (“PVR”) server. 
     
     
         9 . The method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said target device comprises a media server. 
     
     
         10 . The method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said target device comprises a television. 
     
     
         11 . A method for displaying information on client device remote from a host device, said method comprising the steps of:
 transmitting, from a host device to a target device, an identification of at least one scene, said scene defines an abstract layout for at least one screen display;   generating at least one screen display for said scene based on an interpretation of said scene at said target device;   receiving information at said target device; and   displaying, on said target device, said information within said screen display.   
     
     
         12 . The method as set forth in  claim 11 , further comprising the steps of:
 accessing media at said host device;   transferring said media from said host device to said target device; and   playing said media at said target device.   
     
     
         13 . The method as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein said media comprises video. 
     
     
         14 . The method as set forth in  claim 13 , wherein said information comprises an electronic programming guide. 
     
     
         15 . The method as set forth in  claim 13 , wherein said information comprises a guide for a personal video recorder. 
     
     
         16 . The method as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein said media comprises audio. 
     
     
         17 . The method as set forth in  claim 16 , wherein said information comprises information to identify said audio. 
     
     
         18 . The method as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein the step of displaying said information within said screen display comprises the step of displaying said information on a liquid crystal display (“LCD”) of said target device. 
     
     
         19 . The method as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein the step of displaying said information within said screen display comprises the step of displaying said information on a graphics display of said target device. 
     
     
         20 . The method as set forth in  claim 11 , further comprising coupling said host computer device and said client device through a wireless network.