Method and system for providing an exact image transfer and a root panel list within the panel subunit graphical user interface mechanism

Abstract

A method and system for providing an exact image transfer and root panel list within the panel subunit graphical user interface mechanism of networked electronic devices. The exact image transfer mechanism allows a target device to send a networked controller device a bitmap image of the exact display required of the target device. By transferring an exact bitmap of what is to be displayed, the target device can guarantee that the display rendered by the controller will not be modified or altered. This is useful in cases where the display represents an electronic program guide (EPG) or other suitable display that should be displayed with a predetermined arrangement and should not be altered by the controller. This is also useful in cases where the controller does not have a robust processing capability and therefore merely displays the exact bitmap sent by the target. Focus navigation is communicated from the controller to the target which then can alter the bitmap to illustrate an updated focus. Command pass-through can be used to communicate the focus navigation commands to the target. A root panel list maintained by the target can also be used to inform the controller of the capabilities of the target. The entries of the root panel list can be bitmap type, element type or analog video type. A controller can more readily generate the root panel without requiring more information from the target device and without having to render the entire panel subunit descriptor information for instances when a controller having a reduced processing set is used.

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