Method and apparatus for displaying an electronic menu having components with differing levels of transparency
US6111614A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 17, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 29, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 17, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N21/440263
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for displaying an electronic menu having components with differing levels of transparency are provided. A multiple channel broadcasting system generates an on-screen menu display for enabling a user to operate different functions of the system. The broadcasting system generates an electronic menu display that comprises a number of components, alphanumeric characters, and icons displayed on a background. The components, alphanumeric characters, and icons identify different functions of the system. The broadcast system applies different levels of transparency to the different components such that the number of opaque components is minimized. The broadcast system then superimposes the electronic menu display over a program broadcast on a screen. As the opaque components are minimized, the obstruction of the broadcast by the electronic menu display is minimized.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.