U.S. patent application number 13/135520 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-22 for system and method for delivering virtual tour content using the hyper-text transfer protocol (http).
Invention is credited to Salvatore Cardu.
Application Number | 20110314090 13/135520 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35515723 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110314090 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cardu; Salvatore |
December 22, 2011 |
System and method for delivering virtual tour content using the
hyper-text transfer protocol (HTTP)
Abstract
A system and method for delivering Virtual Reality (VR) tour
content and spatial navigation comprising the hyper-text transfer
protocol (HTTP) through a dynamic web-based relational database
that stores, manipulates, co-ordinates and classifies complex
digital data sets over a common gateway interface for on request
interactive exchange and search engine retrieval of hotspots. The
dynamic online-based software generates and organises dynamic VR
tours through a secure intuitive back-end system allowing the
administrator/licensee to maintain technical, quality and security
control ensuring secure access for development, modification,
management, and distribution of each VR tour. Each VR tour
encompasses the interactive exchange of hotspots allowing visitors
to interact with still or panoramic pictures and videos which are
linked to graphical site information (e.g. maps), URL web-links,
text, hyperlinked banners, PDF documents, audio files and direct
email-links which can automatically be modularised for off-line
operation on mobile devices such as laptops, PDA's and CD's.
Inventors: |
Cardu; Salvatore;
(Petersfield, GB) |
Family ID: |
35515723 |
Appl. No.: |
13/135520 |
Filed: |
July 8, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11552578 |
Oct 25, 2006 |
8042064 |
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13135520 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
709/203 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 16/954 20190101;
G06F 3/04845 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
709/203 |
International
Class: |
G06F 15/16 20060101
G06F015/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 26, 2005 |
GB |
GB 0521796.3 |
Claims
1. A method for preparing and delivering multimedia content to a
mobile device, and the method includes the steps: (A) providing at
a back-end of an http web server, a super administrator module
electronically issuing an owner license (I) for operating an
administrative module, and the license is issued to an owner, and
the respective owner is one of a large plurality of owners, wherein
the license includes a permit for creating a tour of hotspots with
a predetermined initial hotspot for the respective tour and (II)
for managing and adding data, multimedia content, and relationship
into a relational database; (B) maintaining the relational database
using organization and classification of the multimedia content
into tours according to geographical boundaries and according to
owner; (C) accepting at a back-end of the http web server, the
administrative module electronically from the respective licensed
owner (I) a coordinated package of multimedia content wherein said
content is organized as hotspots, and (II) meta-rules for the
respective hotspots wherein said meta-rules consisting of setting
category for the content, for turning the hotspot on/off, and for
activating/de-activating the package; (D) executing at the http web
server, a predetermined ensemble of software instructions
consisting of (I) applying the meta-rules to the coordinated
package of multimedia content, (II) assembling the coordinated
package of multimedia content onto association with the respective
hotspots, (III) activating a relational database to the coordinated
package of content, (IV) indexing the hotspots by the geographical
boundaries, (V) integrating this package of content into a
collection of content, and (VI) storing respective control rules
for managing presentation of the content to a front-end; and (E)
executing at a front-end of the http web server, a predetermined
ensemble of software instructions (I) electronically allowing a
mobile device to select content from the large plurality of
content, and (II) electronically delivering the selected content to
the device as (a) an organized collection of hotspots on a map, (b)
the respective control rules for managing navigation of these
hotspots, and (c) the respective control rules for presentation of
the content thereat.
2. The method for preparing and delivering multimedia content to a
mobile device according to claim 1 wherein the meta-rules for the
respective hotspots include associating a hotspot within new
geographical boundaries.
3. A multimedia content preparing and mobile device delivering
system, and the system includes: (A) a back-end of an http web
server enabled with executable software providing a super
administrator module electronically issuing an owner license (I)
for operating an administrative module, and the license is issued
to an owner, and the respective owner is one of a large plurality
of owners, wherein the license includes a permit for creating a
tour of hotspots with a predetermined initial hotspot for the
respective tour and (II) for managing and adding data, multimedia
content, and relationship into a relational database; (B) in
communications with the an http web server, computer hardware
maintaining the relational database by organization and
classification of the multimedia content into tours according to
geographical boundaries and according to owner; (C) a back-end of
the http web server enabled with executable software for the
administrative module electronically accepting from the respective
licensed owner (I) a coordinated package of multimedia content
wherein said content is organized as hotspots, and (II) meta-rules
for the respective hotspots wherein said meta-rules consisting of
setting category for the content, for turning the hotspot on/off,
and for activating/de-activating the package; (D) in communications
with the an http web server, computer hardware having a
predetermined ensemble software instructions consisting of (I)
applying the meta-rules to the coordinated package of multimedia
content, (II) assembling the coordinated package of multimedia
content onto association with the respective hotspots, (III)
activating a relational database to the coordinated package of
content, (IV) indexing the hotspots by the geographical boundaries,
(V) integrating this package of content into a collection of
content, and (VI) storing respective control rules for managing
presentation of the content to a front-end; and (E) a front-end of
the http web server enabled with executable software for (I)
electronically allowing a mobile device to select content from the
large plurality of content, and (II) electronically delivering the
selected content to the device as (a) an organized collection of
hotspots on a map, (b) the respective control rules for managing
navigation of these hotspots, and (c) the respective control rules
for presentation of the content thereat.
4. The multimedia content preparing and mobile device delivering
system according to claim 3 wherein the back-end of the http web
server enabled with executable software for the administrative
module electronically accepting from the respective licensed owner
the meta-rules for the respective hotspots include at least one
meta-rule for associating a hotspot within new geographical
boundaries.
5. A non-transitory medium for use on at least one
intercommunication enabled computing device, the medium holding
instructions executable using the at least one computing device,
the instructions for performing the steps of: (A) providing at a
back-end of an http web server, a super administrator module
electronically issuing an owner license (I) for operating an
administrative module, and the license is issued to an owner, and
the respective owner is one of a large plurality of owners, wherein
the license includes a permit for creating a tour of hotspots with
a predetermined initial hotspot for the respective tour and (II)
for managing and adding data, multimedia content, and relationship
into a relational database; (B) maintaining the relational database
using organization and classification of the multimedia content
into tours according to geographical boundaries and according to
owner; (C) accepting at a back-end of the http web server, the
administrative module electronically from the respective licensed
owner (I) a coordinated package of multimedia content wherein said
content is organized as hotspots, and (II) meta-rules for the
respective hotspots wherein said meta-rules consisting of setting
category for the content, for turning the hotspot on/off, and for
activating/de-activating the package; (D) executing at the http web
server, a predetermined ensemble of software instructions
consisting of (I) applying the meta-rules to the coordinated
package of multimedia content, (II) assembling the coordinated
package of multimedia content onto association with the respective
hotspots, (III) activating a relational database to the coordinated
package of content, (IV) indexing the hotspots by the geographical
boundaries, (V) integrating this package of content into a
collection of content, and (VI) storing respective control rules
for managing presentation of the content to a front-end; and (E)
executing at a front-end of the http web server, a predetermined
ensemble of software instructions (I) electronically allowing a
mobile device to select content from the large plurality of
content, and (II) electronically delivering the selected content to
the device as (a) an organized collection of hotspots on a map, (b)
the respective control rules for managing navigation of these
hotspots, and (c) the respective control rules for presentation of
the content thereat.
6. The non-transitory medium for use on at least one
intercommunication enabled computing device according to claim 5
wherein the meta-rules for the respective hotspots include
associating a hotspot within new geographical boundaries.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] I claim foreign priority of GB 0521796.3 filed on 26 Oct.
2005
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a system and method for the
delivery and administration of intuitively synchronized
geographical multimedia content via HTTP for the purpose of
enabling virtual tours of real geographical sites using an internet
browser.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
BACKGROUND
[0005] Globalization has increased the competitive pressures,
challenges, and rewards for just about every industry on the
planet. The continuing eradication of geographical, political, and
temporal boundaries have forced private industries and governments
alike to adopt new strategies and techniques in order to be among
other things more accommodating and reactive to customers. The
Internet has set the stage to a great degree for globalization but
has also provided many emerging technologies for enabling companies
of all types to meet the competitive challenges of globalization.
One such emerging technology is the provision, administration of
virtual tours of various real geographical sites through an
internet browser front-end. An increasing number of organizations
in industries (like hospitality and entertainment) where high
visibility is of great importance are waking up to the benefit of
being able to provide virtual tours of properties, facilities, and
services through a high availability low cost medium in order to
reach as wide an audience as possible.
[0006] There is the need to develop a virtual tour technology that
has a back-end that is capable of the high speed manipulation of
complex multimedia data sets, process interactions, and digital
information environments in response to a highly intuitive, easily
accessed, and user friendly front-end. There is also the need to
deliver this technology according to application solution
provisioning (ASP) method in order to ensure a range of possible
service provisioning that would ensure that the solution provider
could maintain technical control, quality control, and security
control of the platform as it is internet based, and to ensure
customer organizations of all sizes secure access for development
and administration of their respective site tours.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention relates to embodiments of a system and
method for delivering virtual tour content and spatial navigation
whereby the hyper-text transfer protocol (HTTP) through a dynamic
web based relational database that stores, manipulates,
co-ordinates and classifies complex digital data sets over a common
gateway interface by country and city for on request interactive
exchange and search engine retrieval, and allows to administer,
organise, post, update and interact with still, panoramic images or
videos which are linked to graphical site information (e.g. maps),
URL web links, text, hyperlinked publicity banners, portable
document formats, audio files, URL links and direct email contacts
which can automatically be modularised for off line operation or
presentation on mobile devices such as laptops, hand held
computers, laptops, personal digital assistants and storage media
such as compact discs, and can be dynamically modified by the
applications self generated login name(s) and password(s).
According to a variation, an embodiment allows for management of
default settings for each tour allowing the administrator/licensee
to select any hotspot to become the default hotspot in the tour and
change the skin colour and logo if required. According to another
variation, an embodiment allows for and comprises the administrator
to add, modify, and delete licensee tours.
[0008] Now, according to one variation of the present invention, an
embodiment enables an administrator/licensee to securely and
continuously create, store, co-ordinate, administer, alter
application skin colour and/or logo, change their password and
deliver the interactive exchange of dynamic, interactive virtual
tour information according to geographical boundaries through a
user-friendly application with self explanatory series of back-end
intuitively structured information field components that require no
coding or computer programming skills and that the
administrator/licensee can operate completely with mouse access
throughout the application. In addition, there is a variation
embodiment wherein the embedding of hotspots in all tours including
a descriptive title for the hotspot and its associated still or
panoramic image or video clip that features associated PDF file,
text description, MP3 auditory sound bytes for on demand playback,
manageable thumbnail that can be instructed to stay on at all times
or under specific categories, embedded URL links, email address
links, promotional/information banners with embedded links, and
both mandatory and optional basic contact information e.g. Door
No., Street name, Office Phone 1 and 2, Mobile No, Fax No, City,
Country, Post Code, Email Id and Website URL.
[0009] Furthermore, according to another variation of the present
invention, dynamic digital data sets are stored and then activated
through user interaction by a series of distinct and clearly
defined manageable categorised hypertext words, internal search
engine and/or dynamic hotspots which in turn triggers the delivery
of an interactive panoramic image or video, its associated text,
web link, email, audio, hyperlinked banner, graphical site
information and PDF which the end user commands and directs through
intuitive virtual controls. According to a further variation of the
present invention, an embodiment allows for continuous
modifications by administrator or licensee to manage their
respective tour module and constantly access, modify and enhance
the delivery of respective virtual tours to the end user(s).
[0010] According to still another variation of the present
invention, an embodiment allows the status of an entire tour or an
individual hotspots to be made inactive and/or active (viewable or
un-viewable) by administrator/licensee by way of a drop down menu.
Likewise, according to a different variation, an embodiment allows
the licensee to add a hotspot by clicking the `Add Hotspot` button
which in turn prompts the administrator or licensee to pinpoint a
particular position by means of crosshairs/reticle indicator to
place a hotspot on the map. In addition, according to another
variation, an embodiment consists of allowing the licensee to
`Edit`, `Delete` or `Move` a hotspot by placing the mouse/cursor
over a hotspot. Furthermore, according to another variation, an
embodiment prompts the administrator/licensee to select one of the
following three options via a drop down menu a) `Still Image`, b)
`180 Degree Image, or c) `360 Degree Image` image options to
regulate how image is revealed and allowed to be controlled by the
end user. Now, according to another variation, an embodiment
permits the administrator/licensee to link any hotspots within a
tour or within a picture to be linked to any hotspot within the
tour that the administrator/licensee chooses to link and allows the
linked hotspots alternative associated text and PDF files.
Furthermore, according to another variation, an embodiment allows
for the modified tour(s) to be uploaded by the
administrator/licensee to a unique URL on the www.gtgvr.com server
or downloaded for offline presentations, distribution on CD,
personal digital assistants or to be uploaded to one or more
websites. Furthermore, according to still another variation, an
embodiment permit the super administrator to add to the number of
Map Hotspots, Picture Hotspots, Picture Hotspot Levels, number of
Uploads and duration of the tour. Finally, according to another
variation, there is an embodiment having a security feature that
prohibits a tour to go live prior to approval by the super
administrator by notifying the super administrator that tour(s) or
hotspot(s) have been requested for approval which in turn ensures
that offensive or malicious material is not uploaded and if such
material is detected the licensee will be notified and the tour
will be declined allowing the client to remove or replace the
offensive or malicious.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS AND TABLES
[0011] An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way
of example only with reference to the accompanying tables in
which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a representation of the relational database on the
web server that stores the multimedia content for the tours and the
administration control rules, according to an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a representation of the Admin Module log on panel,
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a representation of the Admin Module control
panel, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a representation of the change password module,
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a representation of the adding of a geographical
location such as a country, according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a representation of the editing of information for
a specified country, according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a representation of the editing module for adding
a city in a specified country, according to an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a representation of how one or several tours can
be added under a specified city, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a representation of how a tour in a city can be
edited, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a screen shot illustrating the Admin Login screen
for access to the Database Control Panel, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a screen shot illustrating the Admin Home Screen
which allows the Admin to navigate and access the rules to City and
Special Tours and Mange Licensees and Alerts, according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a screen shot illustrating the Change Password
screen, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a screen shot illustrating the Manage a Country
screen enabling the ability to add a new country to the tour or
manage the existing records, according to an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a screen shot illustrating the Manage a Country
screen editable regions, according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 15 is a screen shot illustrating the Add/Manage a City
screen which allows the admin to add a city, city map, picture and
banner to a City Tour, according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0027] FIG. 16 is a screen shot illustrating the information
associated to a City Tour with links for managing and viewing,
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 17 is a screen shot illustrating the fields for editing
the existing City details, according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 18 is a screen shot illustrating the ability to Manage
a Categories, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0030] FIG. 19 is a screen shot illustrating the ability for
Editing Categories, according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0031] FIG. 20 is a screen shot illustrating the Manage City
Hotspots, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0032] FIG. 21 is a screen shot illustrating the fields for
Managing City Hotspots, according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0033] FIG. 22 is a screen shot illustrating the Managing City
Hotspots, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0034] FIG. 23 is a screen shot illustrating the add fields for
Managing City Hotspots, according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0035] FIG. 24 is a screen shot illustrating the editable fields
for Managing City Hotspots, according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 25 is a screen shot illustrating ability for moving or
fixing a City Hotspots, according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0037] FIG. 26 is a screen shot illustrating the drop down menu
enabling to add and/or edit Hotspots on pictures, according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 27 is a screen shot illustrating the picture map to
manage or add picture Hotspots, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 28 is a screen shot illustrating the editable fields
for Add Place Hotspot with drop down menu to allow links to Picture
Hotspots or Picture (Place Hotspot), according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 29 is a screen shot illustrating the editing, moving or
deleting a Picture Hotspots, according to an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 30 is a screen shot illustrating the screen for fixing
or cancelling move, according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0042] FIG. 31 is a screen shot illustrating the moving or deleting
of a Picture Hotspots, according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0043] FIG. 32 is a screen shot illustrating the module for adding
a Special City in a specified country, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 33 is a screen shot illustrating the Edit fields for
Special City tours, according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0045] FIG. 34 is a screen shot illustrating the module for adding
a Special City in a specified country, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present;
[0046] FIG. 35 is a screen shot illustrating the ability to Manage
a Categories for Special Tours, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 36 is a screen shot illustrating the Managing of
Special Tour Hotspots, according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0048] FIG. 37 is a screen shot illustrating the add fields for
Managing Special Tour Hotspot Details, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0049] FIG. 38 is a screen shot illustrating ability for editing,
moving or deleting a Special Tour Hotspots, according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0050] FIG. 40 is a screen shot illustrating ability for moving or
fixing a Special Tour Hotspot, according to an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention;
[0051] FIG. 41 is a screen shot illustrating ability for editing,
moving or deleting Special Tour Hotspots, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0052] FIG. 42 is a screen shot illustrating the editable fields
for Add Place Hotspot for a Special Tour with drop down menu to
allow links to Picture Hotspots or Picture (Place Hotspot),
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0053] FIG. 43 is a screen shot illustrating the editing, moving or
deleting a Picture Hotspot for a Special Tour, according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0054] FIG. 44 is a screen shot illustrating the moving or deleting
of a Picture Hotspot for a Special Tour, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0055] FIG. 45 is a screen shot illustrating the Main Default
Settings Page, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0056] FIG. 46 is a screen shot illustrating the Application
Default Settings Page, according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0057] FIG. 47 is a screen shot illustrating the Special Tour
Default Settings Page, according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0058] FIG. 48 is a screen shot illustrating the City Tour Default
Settings Page, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0059] FIG. 49 is a screen shot illustrating the Add Manage
Licensees page, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0060] FIG. 50 is a screen shot illustrating the Add New Licensee
Page, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0061] FIG. 51 is a screen shot illustrating the Licensee Home
Page, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0062] FIG. 52 is a screen shot illustrating the Licensee My Tour
Screen Page, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0063] FIG. 53 is a screen shot illustrating the My Tour Screen
Page for a licensee with accepted tour, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0064] FIG. 54 is a screen shot illustrating the List of Licensee
accepted tours, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0065] FIG. 55 is a screen shot illustrating the Modify License
details page, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0066] FIG. 56 is a screen shot illustrating the Add Manage
Licensee Tours, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0067] FIG. 57 is a screen shot illustrating Super Admin's Add
Tours for Licensee, according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0068] FIG. 58 is a screen shot illustrating the View Update
Licensee Declined Tours, according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0069] FIG. 59 is a screen shot illustrating the Modify Declined
Tour Details, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0070] FIG. 60 is a screen shot illustrating the List of Approve
Disapprove Licensee Tours, according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0071] FIG. 61 is a screen shot illustrating the Tour for Approval
or Disapproval of Tours, according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0072] FIG. 62 is a screen shot illustrating the Tour for Approval
or Disapproval of Map Hotspots, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0073] FIG. 63 is a screen shot illustrating the admin view of
approved tour, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0074] FIG. 64 is a screen shot illustrating the view extension
requests page, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0075] FIG. 65 is a screen shot illustrating the Alerts message
window, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0076] FIG. 66 is a screen shot illustrating the List of Declined
Tours, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0077] FIG. 67 is a screen shot illustrating the List of High
Priority Declined Tours, according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0078] FIG. 68 is a screen shot illustrating the Tours and Hotspots
Approval Requests, according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0079] FIG. 69 is a screen shot illustrating the Login Licensee
Module, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0080] FIG. 70 is a screen shot illustrating the Licensee Home
page, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0081] FIG. 71 is a screen shot illustrating the Licensee Manage
Tour Details page, according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0082] FIG. 72 is a screen shot illustrating the Add Country window
if particular country is not found, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0083] FIG. 73 is a screen shot illustrating the Licensee
Extensions Request page, according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0084] FIG. 74 is a screen shot illustrating the Licensee Manage
Default Settings page, according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0085] FIG. 75 is a screen shot illustrating the Licensee Manage
Default Settings for City Tour page, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0086] FIG. 76 is a screen shot illustrating the Licensee Manage
Default Settings for Special Tour page, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0087] FIG. 77 is a screen shot of the User Interface, according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0088] FIG. 78 is a flow chart illustrating a method for adding and
managing Country and City Tours, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0089] FIG. 79 is a flow chart illustrating a method for adding and
managing a Special Tour, according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0090] FIG. 80 is a flow chart illustrating a method for approving
or disproving Country and City Tours, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0091] FIG. 81 is a flow chart illustrating a method for handling
the Licensee Module Login, according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0092] FIG. 82 is a flow chart illustrating a method for handling
the Admin Module Login, according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0093] FIG. 83 is a flow chart illustrating a method for handling
the Manage Default Settings for City Tours and Special Tours,
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0094] FIG. 84 is a flow chart illustrating a method for handling
the Licensee Module Login, according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0095] FIG. 85 is a flow chart illustrating a method for handling
the Upload of a City Tour or Special Tour, according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0096] The instant invention relates to embodiments of a web based
system for delivering complex multimedia data sets, process
interactions, and digital information that comprises of: (1) An
administration module for access control (usernames and passwords),
data input, and development of multimedia content stored in a
relational database backend; (2) A web interface for the delivery
multimedia content and the interactive exchange of information with
end-users; and (3) A high performance relational database backend
for the storage and co-ordination of multimedia content for tours
and hotspots with each tour. The instant invention also relates to
embodiments of a system for the organization and classification of
multimedia content into tours according to geographical boundaries
e.g. by country, by city, and by location and that accommodates:
(1) The continuous amendment, adjusting, and appending of tour
content; (2) The uploading of prior customized tour content to the
relational database backend; and (3) The downloading of modularized
versions of tours for usage on mobile devices such as laptops,
storage media such as compact discs, and other web site locations.
The instant invention further relates to embodiments of a system
for the linkage and synchronization of menu items and intuitive
controls with graphical site information (e.g. maps), pictorial
layouts (e.g. 180.degree. or 360.degree. photo shots), sound bytes,
and web site information. The instant invention in addition relates
to embodiments of a license management module for the access
control of developers to tours they have developed for delivery to
end-users. The instant invention relates to embodiments of an
interactive keyword search engine for each defined tour to locate
hotspots. Furthermore, the instant invention relates to embodiments
of a method for embedding hotspots into each tour that features:
(1) Including PDF files such as rate sheets, menus, flyers,
brochures, vouchers that end users can view and print out at any
location; (2) Text descriptions for providing end users with more
information on the hotspot; (3) MP3 file embedding for audio
playback of narrated tours; (4) The embedding of video files,
180.degree. or 360.degree. photo shots and the synchronization with
MP3 files with narration; (5) URL embedding for linkage to other
websites that would have further information regarding the hotspot;
(6) Email address linkage in order to facilitate contact by email
messages; and (7) Activation triggers for the temporary
de-activation of hotspots in the event a developer is in the
process of updating information about said hotspot. Now, the
instant invention also relates to embodiments of Inter-connectivity
between hotspots within a tour; to embodiments of Modification of
tour skin for personalization requirements; to embodiments of
Facility to up-load logo to allow for personal branding
requirements; and to embodiments of Distinct directories defined in
each tour database for category listings for each hotspot.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
1. Admin Module
[0097] The admin module consists of a City Tour and a Special Tour.
The admin module maintains the information regarding the city tour
and special tour and also the information regarding the licensee.
The admin in the Licensee module is referred to as Super admin.
1.1 Logging into Admin Module
[0098] When the Admin enters the application path in the address
bar of a browser a Login form is displayed as shown in FIG. 10.
1.2 Login and Password
[0099] Access to Admin module is based on a User Name and Password
authentication, as shown above. Initially, the admin is provided
with the default User Name and Password to access the application
for the first time. Subsequently, the admin can change the
Password. The language is set to English by default. If the User
Name and Password are authenticated, then the home page is
displayed else the admin is prompted to check the entered values
when the Login button is clicked.
1.3 Home Page
[0100] Immediately when the admin logs in the Home Page opens as
shown in FIG. 11.
[0101] The home page is a default page from which the admin can
navigate to the desired sections. The home page displays three
hyperlinks on the right top corner. The following are the user
preferences, which can be set by the user any time:
1. 1. Home
2. 2. Change Password
3. 3. Log off
[0102] Note: The three hyperlinks are displayed on each and every
screen of City Explorer, so that the admin can go the home page or
change password or log off whenever required.
Home
[0103] Allows the admin to go to the home page whenever
required.
Change Password
[0104] Allows the admin to change the existing password. The change
password screen can be invoked by clicking the Change Password link
as shown in FIG. 12.
[0105] About the Fields:
TABLE-US-00001 Fields Description Old Password Allows the admin to
enter the existing password. [Edit Box] - [Mandatory] New Password
Allows the admin to enter new password [Edit Box] - [Mandatory]
Confirm password Allows the admin to re-enter new password, which
should be exactly the one entered in Password field. [Edit Box]
-[Mandatory] Change Password When clicked, validates all fields,
change the password and navigates the admin to the home page. [Edit
Box] - [Mandatory]
[0106] Once the admin enters all the values and clicks the Change
Password button the home page will be displayed. When the admin
clicks the Change Password button the entered values are validated
and the admin is prompted to check the values if the values of the
fields are not matching.
1.4 My Links
[0107] The My Links consists of four sections: [0108] City Tours:
Allows the admin to add city tours. [0109] Special Tours: Allows
the admin to add special tours. [0110] Manage Licensees: Allows the
admin to add/manage licensees. [0111] Alerts: Provides the alerts
to the admin.
1.4.1 City Tours
[0112] The City Tours section allows the admin to add and manage
the Country, City, Category, map hotspots, and picture
hotspots.
1.4.1.1 Manage a Country
[0113] Manage a Country screen helps the admin to add a new country
to the tour or manage the existing records. Add a Country screen as
shown in FIG. 13 can be invoked by clicking the Manage a Country
link.
[0114] About the Fields:
TABLE-US-00002 Fields Description Country Name Allows the admin to
enter name of the country. [Edit box] - [Mandatory] Status Holds
the status either Active or Inactive. [Combo Box] Add Country When
clicked, saves the changes made by the admin. [Button]
[0115] The admin needs to enter the relevant information into the
fields and save.
[0116] The admin can edit the Country Name by clicking the Edit
icon at the end of row, which updates the fields with the relevant
information in editable mode as shown in FIG. 14.
[0117] The admin can delete the Country Name by clicking the Delete
icon at the end of the row.
[0118] Note: Only the country Name, which does not exist can be
deleted. The Country, which exists, cannot be deleted by
admin.4.1.2 Add/Manage a City
[0119] Add/Manage a City screen allows the admin to add a city,
city map, picture and banner to a City Tour. On clicking the
Add/Manage a City link, the Add a City Screen is displayed as shown
in FIG. 15.
[0120] About the Fields:
TABLE-US-00003 Fields Description City Name Allows the admin to
enter the name of the City. [Edit Box] -[Mandatory] Country Name
Holds the list of Country names. [Combo Box] -[Mandatory] Large map
Allows the admin to select the map hotspot [Edit Box] -[Mandatory]
Map PDF Allows the admin to select the map PDF. [Edit Box] Picture
Allows the admin to enter the picture image. [Edit Box] -
[Mandatory] Select Picture Type Holds the picture types either
Still image/180 degree/360 degree image. [Combo box] - [Mandatory]
High Resolution Allows The Admin To Select High Resolution Picture.
[Edit Box] Picture Audio for Picture Allows the admin to select the
audio for picture. [Edit Box] Banner Allows the admin to select the
banner for picture. [Edit Box] - [Mandatory Tour Description Allows
the admin to enter tour description. [Edit Box] Status Holds the
status either active or inactive. [Combo Box] - [Mandatory] Add
city When clicked, saves the changes made by the admin.
[Button]
[0121] The admin needs to enter the information into the fields and
save.
[0122] The added records are displayed in the grid at the top of
the screen as shown below. The Flash Map, Banner and Picture grid
have a hyperlink by clicking which the admin can view the relevant
image. The admin can also Upload or Download a tour by clicking the
corresponding icons as shown in FIG. 16.
[0123] The admin can also edit the existing City details by
clicking the City Name hyperlink in the grid. Then the fields are
populated with the existing information in editable mode as shown
below:
[0124] The admin can make the necessary changes and click Update
City button to save the changes made.
1.4.1.3 Manage a Category
[0125] Manage a Category screen allows the admin to enter a
Category. On clicking the Manage a Category link, the Add a
Category screen will be displayed as shown in FIG. 18.
[0126] About the Fields:
TABLE-US-00004 Fields Description Category Allows the admin to
enter name of the Category [Edit box] - Name [Mandatory] Status
Holds the status either Active or Inactive. [Combo box] Add When
clicked, saves the changes made by the admin. [Button] Category
[0127] The admin needs to enter the category name, select the
status Active or Inactive and save. The recorded information will
be displayed in gird in the middle of the screen.
[0128] The admin can also edit the existing Category by clicking
the respective hyperlink. Then the fields are populated with the
existing information in editable mode.
[0129] The admin can make the necessary changes and click Update
Category button to save the changes made as shown in FIG. 19.
1.4.1.4 Add Category to City
[0130] The admin can add Category to a city tour in the Add
Category to City screen. The admin can also select or deselect
multiple categories to a city. On clicking the Add Category to City
link the screen titled Add Category Screen will be displayed as in
FIG. 20.
[0131] About the Fields:
TABLE-US-00005 Fields Description Select City Holds the list of
City names. [Combo box] Available Holds the list of available
Categories in a particular Categories city. [Column] Selected Holds
the list of selected categories in a particular Categories city.
[Column] Deselect All When clicked deselects all the categories.
[Button] Select all When clicked selects all the categories
[Button] Deselect When clicked removes the selected category from
Available Categories to Selected categories list or vice versa.
[Button] Select When clicked moves the selected category from
Available Categories to Selected categories list or vice versa.
[Button] Update When clicked, updates the selected categories to
list. categories [Button].
[0132] Once the name of the city from the drop down list is
selected, the columns below (Available Categories and Selected
Categories) are updated with all the categories available in that
city. The admin must select a category from the Available list
column and click on the Select button in order to move it to the
Selected Categories column.
[0133] To move multiple categories at one go from Available
Categories to Selected Categories column, the admin has to select
multiple categories and click on the Select button. The admin can
move all the Available Categories at one go to the Selected
Categories column by clicking the Select All button.
[0134] The admin can also deselect a category either from Available
Categories or Selected Categories column by clicking the Deselect
button after selecting a particular category. Multiple categories
can be deselected by using the Deselect All button.
1.4.1.5 Manage City Hotspots (Map Hotspots)
[0135] The screen allows the admin to add, edit, delete and move a
map hotspot to the city tour. On clicking the Manage City Hotspots
(Map Hotspots) link, the Hotspot on Map screen is displayed as
shown in FIG. 25:
[0136] About the Fields:
TABLE-US-00006 Fields Description Select Country Holds the list of
Country names. [Combo Box] Select City Holds the list of City
names. [Combo Box]
[0137] Select the Country Name and the City Name from the drop down
list this displays the City map in the middle of the screen as
shown in FIG. 27:
[0138] The navigating icon on the screen allows the admin to move
the picture map horizontally or vertically.
[0139] The admin can add hotspots to the City map by clicking the
Add Hotspots button. Then the admin will be prompted with a marker
to select a particular location in the map. After selecting a
location a new screen titled "Add City Hotspot Details" will be
displayed as shown in FIG. 23.
[0140] About the Fields:
TABLE-US-00007 Fields Description Title Allows the admin to enter
title of the hotspot. [Edit Box] - [Mandatory] X and Y Displays the
X and Y Co-ordinates of the selected location by Co-ordinates
Default. [Edit box] - [Disabled] Target Image Allows the admin to
select the target image for map hotspot. [Edit box] - [Mandatory]
Target Image Holds the list of target image types. [Combo Box]
-[Mandatory] Type High Resolution Allows the admin to select high
resolution picture - [Edit Box] Picture Map PDF Allows the admin to
select the Map PDF image. [Edit Box] Audio for Picture Allows the
admin to select audio for picture. [Edit Box] Banner Allows the
admin to select the banner. [Edit box] -[Mandatory] Thumbnail
Allows the admin to select the thumbnail. [Edit box] Check to keep
Allows the admin to check to keep the thumbnail on all the time.
[Edit box] the thumbnail ON all the time Categories under Holds the
list of categories added to the city tour. [Combo Box] [Mandatory]
which hotspot will be visible Door No/plot Allows the admin to
enter door number or plot number or house No/House No Number. [Edit
box] Street name Allows the admin to enter name of the street.
[Edit box] Area Name Allows the admin to enter name of the area.
[Edit box] Office Phone No. Allows the admin to enter office phone
numbers. [Edit box] 1 and 2 Mobile No Allows the admin to enter
mobile number. [Edit box] Fax No Allows the admin to enter fax
number. [Edit box] City Allows the admin to enter the name of the
city. [Edit box] Country Allows the admin to enter the name of the
country. [Edit box] Post Code Allows the admin to enter the postal
code. [Edit box] Email - id Allows the admin to enter the email id.
[Edit box] Website URL Allows the admin to enter website URL. [Edit
box] Business Allows the admin to enter the description. [Edit box]
- [Mandatory] Description Status Holds the status either Active or
Inactive. [Combo Box] Add Details When clicked, saves the changes
made by the admin. [Button]
[0141] The admin needs to enter the Title and Select the Target
Image, Banner and Thumbnail to create a map hotspot to a City Tour.
The Personal details such as House No, Area Name, Phone No, Fax No,
Email Id, Website etc., should also be entered. After updating the
details the created hotspot will be highlighted on the screen.
[0142] Note: The admin must upload only .jpg images and the banner
must be of .jpg or .swf files. For better view the admin can upload
1975.times.161 pixels images for Target Image and 106.times.423
pixels images for Banners. Only MP3 files must be uploaded for
audio.
[0143] The admin can edit the existing hotspots. On placing the
marker on the existing hotspot the admin is prompted with three
options--Edit Hotspot, Delete Hotspot and Move Hotspot. By clicking
on the Edit Hotspot option the admin will be displayed with Edit
Hotspot Details screen as shown in FIG. 29. The fields are
populated with the existing information in editable mode.
[0144] The admin can make the necessary changes to the fields and
click Update Details button to save the changes.
[0145] The admin can delete the existing hotspot by clicking the
Delete Hotspot option after placing the marker on particular
hotspot.
[0146] The admin can move the existing hotspot by clicking the Move
Hotspot option. Then the admin will be prompted with two
options--Fix Hotspot and Cancel Move. The admin can drag and drop
the hotspot wherever required or fix the hotspot at the same
location by clicking the Fix Hotspot option and cancel by Cancel
Move option as shown in FIG. 25.
1.4.1.6 Manage Picture Hotspots (Picture Hotspots)
[0147] Picture Hotspots screen allows the admin to add or edit
picture hotspots to the City Tour. On clicking the Manage Picture
Hotspots link, the "Hotspot on Picture" screen will be displayed as
shown in FIG. 26.
[0148] About the Fields:
TABLE-US-00008 Fields Description Select Country Holds the list of
Country names. [Combo box] Select City Holds the list of City
names. [Combo box] Select picture Holds the list of pictures added
to the city tour. [Combo box]
[0149] Select the Country name, City name and Picture from the drop
down list this displays the picture map in the middle of the screen
as shown in FIG. 27
[0150] The icon at the bottom of the screen allows the admin to
move the picture map horizontally or vertically.
[0151] The admin can add place hotspot to the city by clicking the
Add Hotspots button. Then the admin will be prompted with a marker
to select a particular location in the map. After selecting a
particular location a new screen titled "Add Place Hotspot Details"
will be displayed as shown in FIG. 28.
[0152] About the Fields:
TABLE-US-00009 Fields Description Title Allows the admin to enter
the title for Picture hotspot. [Edit Box] X and Y Displays the X
and Y co-ordinates of the picture. [Non-Editable Text Co-ordinates
Box] Select Target Allows the admin to select the target image.
[Edit Box] Image Select Target Allows the admin to select target
image type. [Edit Box] Image Type Link To Place Allows the admin to
select in order to link the picture to the place Hotspot hotspot.
[Edit Box] Link to City Allows the admin to select in order to link
the picture to the city Hotspot hotspot. [Edit Box] High Resolution
Allows the admin to select high-resolution picture. [Edit Box]
Picture Map PDF Allows the admin to select map PDF. [Edit Box]
Audio for Allows the admin to select audio for picture. [Edit Box]
Picture Description Allows the admin to enter the description of
the picture hotspot, if any. [Edit Box] Status Holds the status
either active or inactive. [Combo Box] Add Hotspot When clicked,
saves the changes made by the admin. [Button] Add Hotspot to When
clicked, adds the picture hotpot to the linked hotspot. [Button]
This hotspot
[0153] The admin is required to enter the Title and Select Target
Image, High Resolution Picture, Map PDF and Audio for Picture. The
admin can also link the selected image to either Place or City
hotspot if required. The admin must enter the Description and
specify the Status to record the hotspot either in Active or
Inactive state.
[0154] Note: The admin must upload only standard .jpg images. For
better view the admin can upload 1975.times.161 pixels images for
Target Image. Only MP3 files must be selected for audio.
[0155] The admin can edit the existing picture hotspot. On placing
the marker on the existing hotspot the admin is prompted with three
options--Edit Hotspot, Delete Hotspot and Move Hotspot (as shown
above). By clicking the Edit Hotspot option the admin will be
displayed with "Edit Hotspot Details" screen. The admin can make
the necessary changes to the screen and click Update Hotspot button
as shown in FIG. 30.
[0156] The admin can delete the existing hotspot by clicking the
Delete Hotspot option after placing the marker on particular
hotspot as shown in FIG. 29.
[0157] The admin can move the existing hotspot by clicking the Move
Hotspot option. Then the admin will be prompted with two
options--Fix Hotspot and Cancel Move as shown in FIG. 31. The admin
can drag and drop the hotspot wherever required or fix the hotspot
at the same location by clicking the Fix Hotspot option and cancel
by Cancel Move option.
1.4.2 Special Tour
[0158] The Special Tour section enables the admin to add, manage,
edit and delete a special interest tour.
1.4.2.1 Manage a "Special Interest Tour"
[0159] On clicking the Manage a "Special Interest Tour" link, the
Special Tours screen will be displayed as follow as shown in FIG.
32:
TABLE-US-00010 Fields Description Spl. Tour name Allows the admin
to enter name of the Special Tour. [Edit Box] Large Map Allows the
admin to select large map. [Edit Box] Map PDF Allows the admin to
select map pdf. [Edit Box] Picture Allows the admin to select
picture map. [Edit Box] Select Picture Type Allows the admin to
select picture type. [Edit Box] High Resolution Allows The Admin To
Select High Resolution Picture. [Edit Picture Box] Audio for
Picture Allows the admin to select audio for picture. [Edit Box]
Banner Allows the admin to select banner for picture. [Edit Box]
Tour description Allow the admin to enter tour description, if any.
[Edit Box] Status Holds the list of Status either Active or
Inactive. [Combo Box] Add Spl. Tour When clicked, saves the data
entered by the admin. [Button] Note: All fields are mandatory
[0160] The admin needs to enter the Special Tour Name and Select
the Large Map, Map PDF, Picture, High Resolution Picture, Audio for
Picture, and Banner. The admin must also specify the Picture Type,
Status and enter the Description of the tour and click Add Spl Tour
button.
[0161] Note: The admin must upload only .jpg images. For better
view the admin can upload 1024/760 pixels images for Large Map and
106.times.423 pixels images for Banners. Only MP3 files must be
selected for audio.
[0162] The added information is displayed in the grid on the top of
the screen as shown below. The Flash Map, Banner, and Picture have
a hyperlink by clicking which the admin can view the appropriate
image. The admin can also Upload or Download the special tour by
clicking the corresponding icons as shown in FIG. 33.
[0163] The admin can also edit the existing Special Tour details by
clicking the Spl Tour Name hyperlink. Then the fields are populated
with the existing information in editable mode in a new screen
titled "Edit a Spl. Tour" as shown in FIG. 34.
[0164] The admin can make the necessary changes and click Update
Spl. Tour to save the changes.
1.4.2.2 Add Category to Spl Tour
[0165] The admin can add category to special tour in the Add
Category to Spl Tour screen. The admin can also select or deselect
multiple categories to Spl tour. On clicking the Add Category to
Spl Tour link, a Special Tours page will be displayed as shown in
FIG. 35.
[0166] About the Fields:
TABLE-US-00011 Fields Description Select Special Tour Holds the
list of special tour names. [Combo box] Available Holds the list of
available categories in a particular Categories city. [Column]
Selected categories Holds the list of selected categories in a
particular city. [Column] Deselect All When clicked, deselects all
the categories. [Button] Select all When clicked, selects all the
categories. [Button] Deselect When clicked, removes the selected
category from Available Categories to Selected Categories list or
vice versa. [Button] Select When clicked, moves the selected
category from Available Categories to Selected Categories list or
vice versa. [Button] Add Categories to When clicked, saves the
changes made by the Special Tour admin. [Button]
[0167] Once the Special Tour name from the tours listed is
selected, the columns (Available Categories and Selected
Categories) are updated with all the categories available in that
tour. The admin must select a category from the Available
Categories list and click on the Select button in order to move it
to the Selected Categories column.
[0168] To move multiple categories at one go from Available
Categories to Selected Categories column, the admin has to select
multiple categories and click on the Select button. The admin can
also move all the Available Categories at one go to the Selected
Categories column by clicking the Select All button.
[0169] The admin can also deselect a category either from Available
Categories or Selected Categories column by clicking the Deselect
button after selecting a particular category. Multiple categories
can be deselected by using the Deselect All button.
1.4.2.3 Manage Spl. Tour Hotspots (Map Hotspots for Spl. Tour)
[0170] Manage Spl Tour Hotspots screen allows the admin to add,
edit, delete and move map hotspots for Spl Tour. On clicking the
Manage Spl Tour Hotspots link, the Hotspot on Map for Spl. Tours
screen is displayed as shown as shown in FIG. 36.
[0171] About the Fields:
TABLE-US-00012 Fields Description Select Spl Tour Holds the list of
special tours. [Combo Box]
[0172] Once the admin selects the Special Tour name the map will be
displayed in the middle of the screen as shown above.
[0173] The icon at the right side corner of the screen allows the
admin to move the picture map horizontally or vertically.
[0174] The admin can add a new hotspot for Special Tour by clicking
the Add Hotspot button. Then the admin is prompted with a marker to
select a particular location in the map. After selecting a location
a new screen titled "Add Spl. Tour Hotspot Details" will be
displayed as shown in FIG. 37.
[0175] About the Fields:
TABLE-US-00013 Fields Description Title Allows the admin to enter
the title for Spl tour. [Edit Box] - [Mandatory] X and Y Displays
the X and Y co-ordinates of the selected location. [Non-editable
Text Co-ordinates Box] Target Image Allows the admin to select
target image for the selected location. [Edit Box] - [Mandatory]
Select Target Image Allows the admin to select the target image
type. [Edit Box] - [Mandatory] Type High Resolution Allows the
admin to select a high-resolution picture. [Edit Box] Picture Map
PDF Allows the admin to select the map PDF. [Edit Box] Audio for
Picture Allows the admin to select audio for picture. [Edit Box]
Banner Allows the admin to select banner for Spl tour. [Edit Box] -
[Mandatory] Thumbnail Allows the admin to select the thumbnail for
Spl tour. [Edit Box] Check to keep the Allows the admin to check
the check box if the thumbnail has to be kept ON thumbnail ON all
the all the time. [Check Box] time Categories under Allows the
admin to select the hotspot under which the hotspot has to be which
the hotspot displayed. [Edit Box] - [Mandatory] will be visible
Door No/Plot Allows the admin to enter door number or plot number
or house number. No/House No [Edit Box] Street Name Allows the
admin to enter the street name. [Edit Box] Area Name Allows the
admin to enter the name of the area. [Edit Box] Office Phone No. 12
Allows the admin to enter the office phone numbers. [Edit Box]
Mobile No. Allows the admin to enter the mobile number. [Edit Box]
Fax No. Allows the admin to enter the Fax number. [Edit Box] City
Allows the admin to enter the name of the city. [Edit Box] Country
Allows the admin to enter the name of the country. [Edit Box] Post
Code Allows the admin to enter the postal code. [Edit Box] Email-Id
Allows the admin to enter the email-id. [Edit Box] Website URL
Allows the admin to enter the website URL. [Edit Box] Business
Description Allows the admin to enter the Spl tour description, if
any. [Edit Box] - [Mandatory] Status Holds the status either Active
or Inactive. [Combo Box] Add Details When clicked, saves the
changes made by the admin [Button]
[0176] The admin needs to enter the Title and Select the Target
Image, High Resolution Picture, Map PDF, Audio for Picture, Banner
and Thumbnail to create a map hotspot to special tour. The Personal
details such as House No, Area Name, Phone No, Fax No, Email Id,
Website etc., should also be entered. The admin must also enter the
Description, specify the Status and click Add Details. After
updating the details the created hotspot will be highlighted on the
screen.
[0177] Note: The admin must upload only .jpg images. For better
view the admin can upload 1975.times.161 pixels images for Target
Image and 106.times.423 pixels images for Banners. Only MP3 files
must be selected for audio.
[0178] The admin can edit the existing hotspots. On placing the
marker on the existing hotspot the admin is prompted with three
options--Edit Hotspot, Delete Hotspot and Move Hotspot. By clicking
the Edit Hotspot option the admin will be displayed with Edit
Hotspot Details screen as shown in FIG. 38.
[0179] The fields Title, Target Image, Banner, Categories,
Email-Id, Website URL, and Business Description are populated with
the existing information in editable mode. The admin can make the
necessary changes to the fields and click Update Details as shown
in FIG. 39.
[0180] The admin can delete the existing hotspot by clicking the
Delete Hotspot option after placing the marker on a particular
hotspot.
[0181] The admin can move the existing hotspot by clicking the Move
Hotspot option. Then the admin will be prompted with two
options--Fix Hotspot and Cancel Move. The admin can drag and drop
the hotspot wherever required or fix the hotspot at the same
location by clicking the Fix Hotspot option and cancel by Cancel
Move option.
1.4.2.4 Manage Picture Hotspot for Spl. Tours (Pic Hotspot for Spl.
Tours)
[0182] Picture hotspot for Special Tour screen allows the admin to
add, manage, edit, delete and move picture hotspots to the Spl
tour. On clicking the Manage Picture Hotspots for Spl. tours link,
the Hotspot on Picture for Spl. Tours screen will be displayed as
shown in FIG. 41.
[0183] About the Fields:
TABLE-US-00014 Fields Description Select Spl tour Holds the list of
special tours. [Combo Box] Select Picture Holds the list of special
pictures. [Combo Box]
[0184] After selecting the Special Tour name and Picture from the
drop down list picture map will be displayed in the middle of the
screen as shown in FIG. 41.
[0185] The icon at the bottom of the screen allows the admin to
move the picture map horizontally or vertically.
[0186] The admin can add picture hotspots to the map by clicking
the Add Hotspot button. Then the admin is prompted with a marker to
select a particular location. After selecting a location a new
screen titled "Add Place Hotspot Details for Spl tour" will be
displayed as shown in FIG. 42.
[0187] About the Fields:
TABLE-US-00015 Fields Description Title Allows the admin to enter
the title. [Edit Box] X and Y Displays the X and Y co-ordinates of
the selected Co-ordinate location. [Non-editable text box] Select
Target Allows the admin to select the target image. [Edit Box]
Image Select Target Holds the types of target image. [Edit Box]
Image Type Link to Another Holds the list of hotspots to link the
image. Hotspot [Combo Box] Link to other Holds the list of other
Tour hotspots to link the image. Tour Hotspot [Combo Box] High
Resolution Allows the admin to select a high-resolution picture.
Picture [Edit Box] Map PDF Allows the admin to select map PDF.
[Edit Box] Audio for Picture Allows The Admin To Select Audio For
Picture. [Edit Box] Description Allows the admin to enter special
tour description, if any. [Edit Box] Status Holds the status either
Active or Inactive. [Combo Box] Add Hotspot When clicked, saves the
data entered by the admin. [Button] Add Hotspot to When clicked,
links one hotspot to another. [Button] this Hotspot
[0188] The admin is required to enter the Title for special tour
and Select Target Image, High Resolution Picture, Map PDF, and
Audio for Picture. The admin can also link the selected image to
Other Tour Hotspot, if required. The admin must enter the
Description and specify the Status to record the hotspot either in
Active or Inactive state.
[0189] Note: The admin must upload only .jpg images. For better
view the admin can upload 1975.times.161 pixels images for Target
Image. Only MP3 files must be selected for audio.
[0190] The admin can edit the existing picture hotspot. On placing
the marker on the existing hotspot the admin is prompted with three
options--Edit Hotspot, Delete Hotspot, and Move Hotspot. By
clicking the Edit Hotspot option the admin will be displayed with
"Edit Hotspot Details" screen as shown in FIG. 43.
[0191] The fields, Title, Target Image, High Resolution Picture,
Map PDF are updated with the existing information. The admin can
make the necessary changes and click Update Hotspot.
[0192] The admin can delete the existing hotspot by clicking the
Delete Hotspot option after placing the marker on a particular
hotspot.
[0193] The admin can move the existing hotspot by clicking the Move
Hotspot option. Then the admin will be prompted with two
options--Fix Hotspot and Cancel Move. The admin can drag and drop
the hotspot wherever required or fix the hotspot at the same
location by clicking the Fix Hotspot option and cancel by Cancel
Move option as shown in FIG. 44.
1.4.2.5 Manage Default Settings
[0194] Manage Default Settings section enables the admin to add
default settings to the application. On clicking the Manage Default
Settings link, a new screen appears displaying three links as
follows:
1. 1. Application Default Settings
2. 2. Special Tour Default Settings
3. 3. City Tour Default Settings
[0195] The Manage Default Settings is shown in FIG. 45
1.4.2.5.1 Application Default Settings
[0196] The screen allows the admin to add default settings to the
application. On clicking the Application Default Settings link, the
screen will be displayed as shown in FIG. 46.
[0197] About the Fields:
TABLE-US-00016 Fields Description Set Default City Holds the list
of City names. [Combo Box] Set Default Hotspot Holds the list of
Hotspots. [Combo Box] Set Default When clicked, sets the selected
City and Hotspot as default to the system. [Button]
[0198] The admin needs to select the City Name and Hotspot to set
as a default and click on the Set Default button. Then the city
name and map hotspot are added to the application as default
settings. These default application settings are displayed by
default to the user in the User Interface.
1.4.2.5.2 Special Tour Default Settings
[0199] The screen allows the admin to add default settings for the
Special Tour. On clicking the Special Tour Default Settings link
the screen will be displayed as shown in FIG. 47.
[0200] About the Fields:
TABLE-US-00017 Fields Description Set Default Spl Tours Holds the
list of Special Tours. [Combo Box] Set Default Hotspot Holds the
list of hotspots. [Combo Box] Set Default Place Holds the list of
place hotspots. [Combo Box] Hotspot Set Default When clicked, sets
the default settings to the system [Button]
[0201] The admin is required to select the special tour, hotspot,
place hotspot and click on the Set Default button. Then the special
tour, hotspot and place hotspot are added to the application as
default settings. These default settings for Special Tour are
displayed to the user in the User Interface by default.
1.4.2.5.3 Default Settings for City Tour
[0202] The screen allows the admin to add default settings for City
Tour. On clicking the City Tour Default Settings link, the screen
will be displayed as shown in FIG. 48.
[0203] About the Fields:
TABLE-US-00018 Fields Description Set Default City Holds the list
of City names. [Combo Box] Set Default Hotspot Holds the list of
hotspots. [Combo Box] Set Default Place Holds the list of place
hotspots. [Combo Box] Hotspot Set Default When clicked, updates the
information. [Button]
[0204] The admin needs to select the default city name, hotspot and
place hotspot and click on the Set Default button. Then the City,
map hotspot and place hotspot are added to the application as
default settings. These default settings for City Tour are
displayed to the user in the User Interface by default.
2. Manage Licensees
[0205] The Manage licensees section enables the super admin to view
the registered licensees of City Explorer. The module also allows
the super admin to add new licensee details.
2.1 Add/Manage Licensee
[0206] Add/Manage licensee screen displays the list of licensees
who have registered with City Explorer. Invoke the List of
Licensees screen by clicking the Add/Manage Licensee link. The
licensee details such as Licensee Name, Company, Email-ID, Phone,
No. of Tours, and Status is displayed in columns as shown in FIG.
49.
[0207] The super admin can also view the licensee details in
alphabetical order by clicking the Alphabets hyperlinks on the top
of the screen. By clicking the ALL button the list of all the
licensees registered with City Explorer are displayed.
[0208] The super admin can add a new Licensee by clicking the Add
New Licensee hyperlink at the bottom of the screen. This opens a
new screen titled "New Licensee Details" as shown in FIG. 50.
[0209] About the Fields:
TABLE-US-00019 Fields Description Name Allows the super admin to
enter the Name. [Edit Box] - [Mandatory] Company Allows the super
admin to enter the Company Name. [Edit Box] - [Mandatory] Email
Allows the super admin to enter the Email Id. [Edit Box] -
[Mandatory] Door No/Plot No/ Allows the super admin to enter the
Door number or Plot number or House House No number. [Edit Box] -
[Mandatory] Street Name Allows the super admin to enter the name of
the street. [Edit Box] - [Mandatory] Country Phone Allows the super
admin to enter the phone code of the country. [Edit Box] Code City
Allows the super admin to enter the name of the City. [Edit Box] -
[Mandatory] Country/State/ Allows the super admin to enter the name
of the Country or State or Province. Province [Edit Box] -
[Mandatory] Post Code Allows the super admin to enter the postal
code. [Edit Box] - [Mandatory] Phone 1 and 2 Allows the super admin
to enter the phone numbers. [Edit Box] - [Mandatory] Mobile Allows
the super admin to enter the mobile number. [Edit Box] Website URL
Allows the super admin to enter the website URL. [Edit Box] No. of
tours Holds the list of tours. [Combo Box] - [Mandatory] Tour
Details Holds the Tour details. Tour Name Allows the super admin to
enter the name of the tour. [Edit Box] Tour Type Holds the list of
tour types either City Tour or Special Tour. [Combo Box] No of Map
Allows the super admin to enter the number of hotspots to be added
to the Hotspots selected tour. [Edit Box] No of Picture Allows the
super admin to enter the number of picture hotspots to Hotspots Be
added to the selected tour. [Edit Box] Levels per Allows the super
admin to enter the number of levels to be added for each Picture
Hotspot picture hotspot. [Edit Box] No of uploads Allows the super
admin to enter the total number of uploads allowed. [Edit Box] Tour
Duration (In Allows the super admin to enter the total duration of
the tour in days. [Edit days) Box] Start by Date Allows the super
admin to select the starting date of the tour. [Edit Box] Back When
clicked, moves the admin one level back. [Button] Clear When
clicked, deletes the added information and clears the fields.
[Button] Save When clicked, saves the changes made by the super
admin. [Button]
[0210] The super admin needs to enter the personal details as well
as Tour Details and save. The Start by Date should be greater than
the current date. The tour details column displays only the number
of rows that are specified in the No. of Tours field.
[0211] Note: The no. of map hotspots, picture hotspots, levels per
picture hotspots and uploads entered in the tour details are only
allowed while adding City or Special Tours.
[0212] After successful registration, the registration details, the
URL and the login details are sent to the Licensees Email Id.
Initially, the Licensee should enter into the Licensee track id and
log in through the track link for the first time and then only the
licensee can change the Password. The Licensee should enter the
registered User Name and Password in the login form. The Licensee
enters the Licensee Home page after successful login as shown in
FIG. 51.
[0213] The Licensee Home Page displays the Licensee Name and No. of
Tours allowed for that particular licensee on the top. The tour
details are displayed in the middle of the screen. The Licensee
needs to accept or decline the tours by clicking the Accept Tours
or Decline Tours buttons at the bottom of the screen after
selecting a particular tour check box.
[0214] Note:
1. The licensee needs to perform any one operation either Accept or
Decline tour to continue further. 2. The licensee should accept a
tour in order to upload a tour.
[0215] Note: When the licensee accepts a tour the application
displays a warning message as "Do you accept the selected
tours?".
[0216] The My Tour screen after accepting a tour appears as shown
in FIG. 52.
[0217] When the licensee tries to decline a tour the application
displays the following message "Do you really want to decline the
selected tours". If the licensee wants to continue then the
application asks for the Reasons for Declining as shown in FIG.
53.
[0218] The licensee needs to enter the reason for declining and
click Submit. Then the screen displays only the accepted tour and
moves the declined tour to the View/update Licensee Declined Tours
screen in super admin module as shown in FIG. 54.
[0219] As discussed above the new registered licensee details are
displayed in the List of Licensees screen in Manage
Licensee--Add/manage Licensees section. The Licensee Name in the
grid has a hyperlink by clicking which the licensee can view the
details of licensee such as Tour Name, Tour Type, No. of Map
Hotspots, No. of Picture Hotspots, Levels per Picture Hotspot, No.
of Uploads, Start by Date, End Date and Status.
[0220] The super admin can modify the existing Licensee details by
clicking the Modify icon at the end of each row. This moves the
super admin to the Modify Licensee Details screen as shown in FIG.
55.
[0221] The fields Name, Company Name, Email, Door No/Plot No/House
No, Street Name, City, Country/State/Province, Post Code, and Phone
are populated with the existing information. The super admin can
make the necessary changes and click Update button.
[0222] Note: The updated licensee details are sent to the
respective licensee's Email Id.
2.2 Add/Manage Licensee Tours
[0223] The screen enables the super admin to add or update the new
or existing licensee tour details. On clicking the Add/Manage
Licensee Tours link, the Modify Licensee Tour Details screen will
be displayed as shown in FIG. 56.
[0224] About the Fields:
TABLE-US-00020 Fields Description Select Licensee Holds the list of
licensees registered with City Explorer. [Combo Box] Licensee Name
Displays the name of the licensee by default. Company Displays the
name of the company by default. Address Displays the address of the
licensee by default.
[0225] Once the super admin selects the licensee name from the drop
down list the screen will be updated with the Licensee Name,
Company and Address of the license on the top. The screen also
displays the licensee details such as Tour Name, Tour Type, No. of
Map Hotspots, No. of Picture Hotspots, Levels per Picture Hotspots,
No. of Uploads, Duration, Start by Date and Status in the middle of
the screen.
[0226] The super admin can update the tour details by selecting the
corresponding check box at the beginning of each row. This makes
the row editable and the super admin can make the necessary changes
and click Update.
[0227] The super admin can also add new tours, if required by
clicking the Add Tours button at the bottom of the screen. This
displays a new screen titled "Add Tours for Licensee" as shown in
FIG. 57.
[0228] The screen displays the Licensee Name and Company Name on
the top. The super admin can also select the No. of tours to add to
a licensee from the drop down list. The super admin needs to enter
the information into the fields and save as shown in FIG. 57.
[0229] Note: When any licensee details are updated or any new tours
are added to the selected licensee the details are sent to the
licensee's Email Id.
2.3 View/Update Licensee Declined Tours
[0230] View/Update Licensee Declined Tours screen contains the list
of declined tours and allows the super admin to view or update the
details. Invoke the List of Declined Tours screen by clicking the
View/Update Licensee Declined Tours link as shown in FIG. 58.
[0231] The Licensee details such as Tour Name, Tour Type, Start by
Date, End Date, Reason for Decline, Decline Date, and Status are
displayed in columns. The super admin can also update the Licensee
declined tours by clicking the Tour Name hyperlink. This opens the
Modify Declined Tour Details as shown in FIG. 59.
[0232] About the Fields:
TABLE-US-00021 Fields Description Licensee Displays the name of the
licensee by default. [Text] Name Company Displays the company name
by default. [Text] Tour name Allows the super admin to enter the
name of the tour. [Edit Box] Date Declined Displays the current
date by default. [Text] Reason to Displays the reason for decline
by default. [Text] Decline Tour Type Allows the super admin to
select the tour type either city tour or special tour. [Combo Box]
No. of Map Allows the super admin to enter the no of map hotspots.
hotspots [Edit Box] No. of Picture Allows the super admin to enter
the no of picture Hotspots hotspots to be allowed. [Edit Box] No.
of Levels Allows the super admin to enter the no of levels to be
per Picture allowed for picture hotspot. [Edit Box] Hotspot No. of
Uploads Allows the super admin to enter the no of uploads to be
allowed. [Edit Box] Duration Allows the super admin to enter the
total duration of the tour. [Edit Box] Start Date Allows the super
admin to enter the starting date of the tour. [Edit Box] Comments
Allows the super admin to enter comments, if any. [Edit Box]
Priority Holds the list of priority either low/medium/high. [Combo
Box] Status Holds the status either Open/pending/closed. [Combo
Box] Update When clicked, save the changes made by the super admin.
[Button] Note: All fields are mandatory. The Licensee Name and the
Company Name are displayed on the top of the screen. The fields
Tour name, No. of Map hotspots, No. of Picture Hotspots, No. of
Levels per Picture Hotspots, No. of Uploads, Duration and Start
Date are populated with the existing information. The super admin
can make the necessary changes and click Update. Note: Only the
priority field will be updated when the status is pending.
2.4 Approve/Disapprove Licensee Tours
[0233] The screen allows the super admin to approve or disapprove
the licensee tours. On clicking the Approve/Disapprove Licensee
Tours link, the List Of Approve/Non-Disapproved Tours screen will
be displayed as shown in FIG. 60.
[0234] The screen consists of two radio buttons, City Tours and
Special Tours on clicking which the grid will be updated with the
related information. The City or Special Tour details such as Tour
name, No of Map Hotspots, No. of Picture Hotspots, Picture Hotspot
Levels, No. of Uploads, Start by Date, End Date and Status are
displayed.
[0235] On clicking the respective link, the screen moves to a new
screen titled "Approve Tour Details" as shown in FIG. 61.
[0236] This screen displays the Tour Name and its Status either
Approved or Disapproved on the top. The Map Hotspots, Picture
Hotspots and Banner are displayed in the middle of the screen. The
super admin can also view the map hotspots by clicking the View Map
Hotspots hyperlink at the top right corner of the screen. This
moves super admin to a new screen displaying the map hotspots as
shown in FIG. 62.
[0237] On clicking the View Tour and View Picture Hotspots
hyperlinks at right side corner on the top of the screen the admin
can view the Tour and Picture Hotspots of the City or Special Tour.
The Picture Hotspots screen appears as shown in FIG. 63.
[0238] The screen displays the Tour Name on the top and allows the
admin to select the type of Picture Hotspot from the drop down
list.
2.5 View Extension Requests
[0239] The super admin can also view extension requests by clicking
the View Extension Requests link in admin module. The View
Extension Requests screen consists of the list of tours for
extension. The screen allows the super admin to approve or reject
tour extension as shown in FIG. 64.
[0240] The screen displays the request details of extension such as
Tour Name, Tour Type, End Date, Start by Date, Duration to Extend,
Requested Date and the Action to be performed either Approve
Extension or Reject Extension.
3. Alerts
[0241] Alerts are of two types:
1. Licensees Declined Tours
2. Tours/Hotspots Approval Requests
[0242] FIG. 65 illustrates this.
3.1 Licensees Declined Tours
[0243] This section raises an alert when the declined tours are
Total Pending and High Priority. This also displays the total
number of tours that are pending and also a hyperlink to view the
tour details.
[0244] When the super admin clicks on the View hyperlink adjacent
to the total pending the screen will be displayed as shown in FIG.
66.
[0245] When the super admin clicks on the view hyperlink adjacent
to the high priority then the screen will be displayed as shown in
FIG. 67.
3.2 Tours/Hotspots Approval Requests
[0246] Tours/Hotspots Approval Requests raises an alert when the
tours are requested for approval. The alerts are raised when the
admin request to approve city tours, special tours, map hotspots,
and picture hotspots.
[0247] When the super admin clicks on the View hyperlink adjacent
to the City Tours then the screen will be displayed as shown in
FIG. 68.
[0248] The screen displays the list of city tours waiting for
approval. The tour details such as Tour Name, No. of Map Hotspots,
No. of Picture Hotspots, Picture Hotspot Levels, No. of Uploads,
Start by Date, End Date and Status are displayed in columns.
4. Licensee Module
[0249] The Module allows the licensee to view the details of
licensees registered with City Explorer. The licensee can also
modify the tour details and request for tour extension when the
tour is expired. The licensee module also allows the licensee to
request for tour approval and accept or decline tours.
4.1 Logging into Licensee Module
[0250] After successful registration, the registration details, the
URL and the login details are sent to the Licensees Email Id.
Initially, the Licensee should enter into the Licensee track id and
log in through the track link then the login screen is displayed as
shown in FIG. 69.
4.2 Login and Password
[0251] The licensee needs to enter the registered User Name and
Password for the first time and then only the licensee can change
the Password. If the User Name and Password are authenticated, then
the Licensee home page is displayed else the licensee is prompted
to check the entered values.
[0252] The following Licensee Home screen will be displayed to the
licensee after successful login as shown in FIG. 70.
[0253] The screen displays the Licensees Map or Picture hotspots
that can be added/activated to the active tours on the top. The
Accepted Tour details such as Tour Name, Type, Map Hotspots,
Picture Hotspots, Picture Hotspots Level, No. of Uploads, Start by
Date, Duration, Status, Upload, and Download are displayed in grid
in the middle of the screen.
[0254] The Accepted Tours section allows the licensee to manage
tour details, request for approval or extension, Upload and
download the active and approved tours by admin.
[0255] The licensee can request for approval by clicking the
Request for Approval button after selecting the respective Tour
Name check box. This displays a message asking the licensee to
confirm the admin approval request for the selected tours. When the
licensee clicks OK then the selected tours will be requested for
approval.
[0256] The licensee can edit the existing Accepted Tour details by
selecting a particular tour name check box and clicking a
particular Tour Name hyperlink. This displays a new screen titled
"Manage Tour Details" as shown in FIG. 71.
[0257] The Constraints on City Tour such as Map Hotspots, Picture
Hotspots, Picture Hotspot Levels, No. of Uploads, Start by Date and
Duration of the tour are displayed in grid on the top of the
screen. The licensee can make the necessary changes to the fields
in the middle of the screen.
[0258] About the Fields:
TABLE-US-00022 Fields Description City tour Allows the licensee to
enter the title for City Tour. [Edit Box] - [Mandatory] Country
Name Holds the list of country names. [Combo Box] - [Mandatory]
[0259] If the licensee could not find the Country name he/she is
looking for then the licensee can click on the link that appears
below the field. This opens a pop-up window as shown in FIG.
72.
[0260] The licensee needs to enter the name of the Country in the
fields and click Add Country button. This action sends a mail to
the Admin for the approval of the Country Name specified and the
Country Name will be displayed in the User view only after the
admin approves it.
[0261] About the Fields:
TABLE-US-00023 Fields Description Tour Description Allows the
licensee to enter the description of the tour. [Edit Box] Choose
Category Allows the licensee to choose the category. [Column] -
[Mandatory] Large Map Allows the licensee to select large map.
[Edit Box] - [Mandatory] Map PDF Allows the licensee to select map
pdf. [Edit Box] Picture Allows the licensee to select picture.
[Edit Box] - [Mandatory] Select Picture Type Allows the licensee to
select the type of picture. [Edit Box] - [Mandatory] High
Resolution Allows The licensee to select High Resolution Picture
Picture. [Edit Box] Audio for Picture Allows the licensee to select
the audio for picture. [Edit Box] Banner Allows the licensee to
select the banner for picture. [Edit Box] - [Mandatory] Skin Color
Holds a wide range of colors. [Combo Box] - [Mandatory] Status
Holds the status either Active or Inactive. [Combo Box] -
[Mandatory] Update Tour Details When clicked, save the changes made
by the licensee. [Button]
[0262] The licensee can make the changes to the City Tour title,
Country Name and enter the Tour Description. The Available
Categories and the Selected Categories are displayed in the two
columns. The licensee can select or deselect the categories.
[0263] Note: If any changes are made in Selecting Categories after
hotspots are added to the tour, the hotspots related to those
categories will not be visible.
[0264] The licensee needs to select the Large Map, Map Pdf,
Picture, High Resolution Picture, Audio for Picture and Banner for
the tour. The licensee can also select the Skin Color in which
he/she wants the User Interface to be displayed. Finally, select
the Status either Active or Inactive and click Update Tour Details
to save the changes made.
[0265] The licensee needs to approve the tour in order to add map
hotspots, picture hotspots and banner to the tours. The tours must
be active in order to upload or down load the tours.
4.2.1 Request for Extension
[0266] The licensee can request for extension when the tour is
expired by clicking the Request Extension link in the Status
column. This displays the Extension Request Form as shown in FIG.
73.
[0267] The screen displays the Tour Name, Tour Type, No. of Map
Hotspots, Picture Hotspots Level, No. of Uploads, Duration, Start
by Date, End Date. The Enter Reactivation Details are displayed in
the middle of the screen. The licensee needs to enter the duration
to extend the tour, the starting date and click on the Request
Extension button. Then the tour will be approved for extension.
[0268] Note: The expired tour can be requested for extension only
if the tour is approved, active and the start by date is
mentioned.
[0269] Pending Tours The Pending Tours, if any are displayed at the
bottom of the My Tours screen. The pending tour details such as
Tour Name, Tour Type, Map Hotspots, Picture Hotspots, Picture
Hotspots Level, No of Uploads, Start by Date are displayed in
columns. The licensee can click on the Accept Tours or Decline
Tours buttons either to accept or decline the Pending Tours.
4.3 Manage Default Settings
[0270] The licensee can add default settings to City Tour or
Special Tour by clicking the Manage Default Settings hyperlink at
the top right hand corner of the screen. This displays a screen as
shown in FIG. 74.
4.3.1 Manage Default Settings for City Tour
[0271] The screen allows the licensee to add default settings for
City Tour as shown in FIG. 75.
[0272] The admin needs to select the default city name, hotspot and
place hotspot and click on the Set Default button. Then the City,
map hotspot and place hotspot are added to the application as
default settings. These default settings for City Tour are
displayed to the user in the User Interface by default.
[0273] Note: The Dropdown list will have only tours which are
approved by administrator and are active.
[0274] The Dropdown will be empty if there are no hotspots
pertaining to that tour. About the Fields:
TABLE-US-00024 Fields Description Set Default City Holds the list
of City names. [Combo Box] Set Default Hotspot Holds the list of
hotspots. [Combo Box] Set Default Place Holds the list of place
hotspots. [Combo Box] Hotspot Set Default When clicked, updates the
information. [Button]
[0275] The Licensee needs to select the default city name, hotspot
and place hotspot and click on the Set Default button. Then the
City, map hotspot and place hotspot are added to the application as
default settings. These default settings for City Tour are
displayed to the user in the User Interface by default.
4.3.2 Special Tour Default Settings
[0276] The screen allows the licensee to add default settings for
the Special Tour. On clicking the Manage Default Settings for
Special Tour link the screen will be displayed as shown in FIG.
76.
[0277] About the Fields:
TABLE-US-00025 Fields Description Set Default Spl Tours Holds the
list of Special Tours. [Combo Box] Set Default Hotspot Holds the
list of hotspots. [Combo Box] Set Default Place Holds the list of
place hotspots. [Combo Box] Hotspot Set Default When clicked, sets
the default settings to the system [Button]
[0278] The licensee is required to select the special tour,
hotspot, place hotspot and click on the Set Default button. Then
the special tour, hotspot and place hotspot are added to the
application as default settings. These default settings for Special
Tour are displayed to the user in the User Interface by
default.
5. User Interface
[0279] The City Explorer User Interface enables the user to explore
the City or Special Tour map hotspots, picture hotspots, and
banners configured in the admin module. The User Interface is a
user-friendly application. Most of the fields are self-explanatory
and the user can use mouse to access the whole application. The
User Interface screen appears as shown in FIG. 77.
[0280] The following fields are displayed on the top of the User
Interface, which allow the user to perform the following tasks:
[0281] Print: Provides the print options such as Print Map and
Print Image. The user can print either map or image by using this
option. Services: Provides services such as client login, join the
GTG, FREE tour, order a tour, and contact details. Tailored Tours:
Provides the list of special tours. The user can view Special Tours
by using this option. English: Provides the language options to the
user. The user can view the application in whichever language
he/she wants by using this option.
[0282] Help: Provides context sensitive help to the user. This
opens a new window providing the information about the User
Interface.
[0283] To explore a City Tour:
[0284] The user needs to select a country of his/her choice from
the "Country" drop down and the cities related to the selected
country will be listed in the "City" drop down list. After
selecting a city the user needs to choose any category listed under
the "Directory" tab. By double clicking on any "Business Category"
all the related hotspots will be listed under the "Hotspots" tab
and the associated pulsing hotspots will be displayed in blue
ripples on the map.
[0285] When the user selects a hotspot under the "Hotspots" tab
then the activated hotspot is displayed on the map, the related
360.degree. panoramic picture or video will be loaded, the
promotional banner will be displayed and linked to their Website
and Email and simultaneously the information related to the
selected hotspot appears in the "Image Information" field.
[0286] The hotspots can also be activated in two ways: [0287] By
selecting a hotspot under the "Hotspot" [0288] By placing a cursor
over a hotspot, this displays a thumbnail providing a preview or
more information about the hotspot. By clicking on the hotspot the
hotspots are activated.
[0289] The user can delve in depth into a picture by clicking on
any Red Transparent circle(s) that may appear in the 360.degree.
panoramic picture. The user can explore the picture to any level
till the Red Transparent circle appears on the picture.
Search a Hotspot
[0290] The user can also select a hotspot after selecting Country,
City and Category. The user can enter the Hotspot name in the
"Search" field and click on the Search button.
Map Navigator
[0291] The map navigator highlights the area of the map, which the
user is viewing. The user can navigate the map in two ways: [0292]
By using the arrow movement buttons located in the bottom left on
the map. [0293] By placing the cursor on one of the four edges of
the map. [0294] By placing the cursor in the "Map Navigator" and
dragging the blue box that highlights the part, which the user is
viewing.
Zoom in on Picture/Map
[0295] The user can zoom in Picture/Map inwards and outwards by
using the zoom icons "-" and "+" located below the picture/map.
[0296] Note: The user can exit zoom only by pressing the "Exit
Zoom" bar located at the bottom of the map.
Web Link
[0297] The user can visit the selected hotspot by using the "Web
Link" button.
Email Link
[0298] The user can contact selected hotspot by using "Email Link"
button.
Audio & Video
[0299] The user can also view Audio and Video pictures by using
"Audio" button.
* * * * *
References