Apparatus and method for grid navigation

摘要

An apparatus and method for efficient display of, and navigation through, a large database by displaying and selecting objects, e.g., graphic elements, in a grid associated with the content of the database are provided. The method includes providing a first subset of graphic elements from a database of graphic elements, the first subset of graphic elements arranged in a grid pattern, adjusting a position of one of the graphic elements in the first subset on the display in response to a user input indicating movement of the one graphic element in a horizontal and vertical direction, and providing a second subset of graphic elements from the database of graphic elements, the second subset of graphic elements including the one graphic element in the first subset at the point central on the display.

主权项

1. A method for navigating through graphic elements on a display, comprising the steps of:
providing a first set of graphic elements from a database of graphic elements, the first set of graphic elements arranged in a grid pattern in a first predefined area, the first predefined area including a second predefined area for displaying a portion of the first set of graphic elements, the graphic elements in the first predefined area but outside of the second predefined area not being visible on the display, each of the graphic elements comprising an image associated with at least one of a video and audio program; adjusting a position of one of the graphic elements in the first set of graphic elements in the second predefined area on the display in response to a user input indicating movement of the one graphic element in at least one of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, the step of adjusting further including determining when a portion of the non-visible graphic elements from the first set of graphic elements exceeds a boundary of the first predefined area, transferring the portion of the non-visible graphic elements to an opposite region of the first predefined region and adjacent to the second predefined region; replacing the portion of the non-visible graphic elements with at least one graphic element from the database; and providing a second set of graphic elements, the second set of graphic elements including the at least one graphic element from the database in the first predefined area but outside the second predefined area.