Linking interactive television applications to dynamic video mosaic elements

Abstract

The present invention teaches a method of creating and presenting a user interface comprising a Dynamic Mosaic Extended Electronic Programming Guide (DMXEPG) using video, audio, special applications, and service dynamic metadata. The system enables television or digital radio service subscribers to select and display of various programs including video, interactive TV applications, or any combination of audio or visual components grouped and presented in accordance with the dynamic program/show metadata, business rules and objectives of service providers, broadcasters, and/or personal subscriber choices, collectively referred to as mosaic element presentation criteria.

1 .- 38 . (canceled) 
     
     
         39 . A method of generating a user interface (UI) display comprising a plurality of mosaic elements (MEs), the method comprising:
 selecting a subset of available media content in accordance with ME presentation criteria,   associating the selected subset of content with an ME comprising the UI display, wherein the ME outputs the subset of content that is associated therewith;   repeating the selecting and associating for other MEs that comprise the UI display;   assigning an interactive television (iTV) application to at least one of the MEs; and   outputting the UI display on an output device such that the UI display includes the iTV application and a plurality MEs associated with available media content.   
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the iTV application includes a weather report. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the iTV application includes a financial report. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the UI display includes a plurality of iTV applications. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the UI display includes at least one ME to which a plurality of iTV applications have been assigned.