U.S. patent application number 14/696109 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-08 for navigation user interface for compact mobile devices.
The applicant listed for this patent is Alibaba Group Holding Limited. Invention is credited to Stephanie Suk Hing CHAN, Johnny Key Jye CHEN.
Application Number | 20160259488 14/696109 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56850486 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160259488 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHAN; Stephanie Suk Hing ;
et al. |
September 8, 2016 |
NAVIGATION USER INTERFACE FOR COMPACT MOBILE DEVICES
Abstract
A computer-implemented method for navigating time-based offers
includes rendering a display image of a watch dial, symbols
corresponding to each hour on the watch dial, and one or more time
indicators, where each symbol corresponds to a time-based offer.
The method also includes determining whether or not a touch event
sensed at the touch display complies with a predefined gesture, and
assigning, in response to the touch event complying with the
predefined gesture, an action based on the predefined gesture, a
display context and a temporal context.
Inventors: |
CHAN; Stephanie Suk Hing;
(Santa Clara, CA) ; CHEN; Johnny Key Jye; (Santa
Clara, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Alibaba Group Holding Limited |
Georgetown |
|
KY |
|
|
Family ID: |
56850486 |
Appl. No.: |
14/696109 |
Filed: |
April 24, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62129639 |
Mar 6, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/0643 20130101;
G06F 3/04883 20130101; G06F 1/163 20130101; G06F 3/0481 20130101;
G06Q 30/0235 20130101; G06F 3/0482 20130101; G06F 3/0488
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/0481 20060101
G06F003/0481; G06Q 30/02 20060101 G06Q030/02; G06Q 30/06 20060101
G06Q030/06; G06F 3/0488 20060101 G06F003/0488 |
Claims
1. A method for navigating time-based offers, the method
comprising: rendering, with a processor, on a touch display a
display image of a watch dial, a time indicator that indicates a
current time, and symbols corresponding to hours on the watch dial,
each symbol corresponding to a time-based offer; determining
whether or not a touch event sensed at the touch display complies
with a predefined gesture; and assigning an action, in response to
the touch event complying with the predefined gesture, the action
based on the predefined gesture, a display context associated with
the touch event and a temporal context associated with the touch
event.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising acquiring positional
information sensed at the touch display over a period of time.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: assigning a
signification to the touch event, the signification associated with
the predefined gesture, a display context and a temporal context;
and creating a product image layout in response to the
signification assigned to the touch event.
4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: combining the product
image layout with a watch dial image layout; and rendering a
composite display image comprising the product image layout and the
watch dial image layout.
5. The method of claim 4, further comprising adding a textual
content to the composite display image.
6. The method of claim 5, further comprising combining the product
image layout and the watch dial image layout with an opaque layout
having a relatively low luminescence, wherein the product image
layout has a relatively high luminescence that provides a marked
contrast against the opaque layout.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein the textual content comprises a
price associated with a product corresponding to the product image
layout.
8. The method of claim 3, further comprising: combining a purchase
button layout with the product image layout; and rendering a
composite display image comprising the product image layout and the
purchase button layout.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising transacting a product
purchase in response to the touch event complying with a predefined
gesture corresponding to an area of the touch display correlated to
a portion of the composite display image corresponding to the
purchase button layout.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the symbols represents a
special product offer available during an hour beginning at a time
corresponding to the respective symbol.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the touch event comprises a
contact on the surface of the touch display comprising at least one
of a tap, a swipe, a pinch, a flick, a mark, a line or a
geometrical shape.
12. A method for navigating time-based offers, the method
comprising: rendering, with a processor, a composite display image
comprising a watch dial, a bezel including symbols corresponding to
hours on the watch dial circumferentially surrounding the watch
dial, each symbol corresponding to a time-based offer, and a
seconds indicator circumferentially surrounded by the watch dial;
determining whether or not a first touch event complies with a
predefined gesture; and assigning, in response to the first touch
event complying with the predefined gesture, an action associated
with the predefined gesture, a display context and a temporal
context.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein rendering the composite display
image further comprises rendering the display image on a touch
display.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein each of the symbols represents
a special offer available during an hour beginning at a time
corresponding to the respective symbol.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the composite display image
further comprises an hour indicator and a minute indicator.
16. The method of claim 14, further comprising superimposing a
current offer image over a portion of the composite display image
circumferentially surrounded by the seconds indicator in response
to the predefined gesture corresponding to a central portion of the
composite display image circumferentially surrounded by the watch
dial.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising superimposing an
opaque backdrop layout having a relatively low luminescence over
portions of the composite display image, wherein the product image
layout has a relatively high luminescence that provides a marked
contrast against the opaque backdrop layout.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising highlighting a
respective symbol corresponding to the current offer image, wherein
the respective symbol corresponds to a current hour.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising superimposing an
opaque backdrop layout having a relatively low luminescence over
portions of the composite display image, wherein the respective
symbol has a relatively high luminescence that provides a marked
contrast against the opaque layout.
20. The method of claim 18, further comprising highlighting a
respective marking corresponding to a current hour, wherein the
watch dial further comprises markings corresponding to each hour of
the watch dial.
21. The method of claim 18, further comprising superimposing a
future offer image over the portion of the composite display image
circumferentially surrounded by the seconds indicator in response
to a second touch event corresponding to a clockwise swipe across
the first respective symbol and a second respective symbol, the
future offer image corresponding to the second respective
symbol.
22. The method of claim 18, further comprising superimposing a past
offer image over the portion of the composite display image
circumferentially surrounded by the seconds indicator in response
to a second touch event corresponding to a counterclockwise swipe
across the first respective symbol and a second respective symbol,
the past offer image corresponding to the second respective
symbol.
23. The method of claim 18, further comprising rendering an offer
detail image in response to a second touch event corresponding to a
portion of the composite display image corresponding to the current
offer image.
24. The method of claim 23, further comprising rendering a
successive offer detail image corresponding to a next hour in
response to a third touch event corresponding to a left-to-right
swipe across the offer detail image.
25. The method of claim 23, further comprising rendering a previous
offer detail image corresponding to a preceding hour in response to
a third touch event corresponding to a right-to-left swipe across
the offer detail image.
26. The method of claim 18, wherein the current offer image depicts
one of a product offer or a service offer.
27. A user interface for navigating time-based offers, the user
interface comprising: a rendition module that renders a display
image of a watch dial and symbols corresponding to hours on the
watch dial, each symbol corresponding to a time-based offer; a
recognition module that determines whether or not a touch event
complies with a predefined gesture; and an interpretation module
that assigns, in response to the touch event complying with the
predefined gesture, an action associated with the predefined
gesture, a display context and a temporal context.
28. The user interface of claim 27, further comprising: a layout
module that creates, in response to the predefined gesture
corresponding to a central portion of the composite display image
circumferentially surrounded by the watch dial, a current offer
image including offer information retrieved from a remote storage;
and a composition module that superimposes the current offer image
over a portion of the composite display image circumferentially
surrounded by the seconds indicator.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefits to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/129,639 filed on Mar. 6, 2015, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entireties.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This description relates generally to processing device user
interfaces, and more particularly to compact portable processing
device user interfaces for online marketing.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Touchscreens are touch-sensitive electronic visual displays
that receive tactile input information entered using a human digit,
a special glove, or a stylus. A typical touchscreen can sense touch
events including contact or movement on the surface of the screen,
such as taps, long touches, swipes, pinches, flicks, other
gestures, marks, lines, or geometric shapes. In general,
touchscreens enable users to interact directly with images
displayed on the screen, rather than through an intermediate
device, such as a mouse or a touchpad.
[0004] Some existing touchscreens implement resistive touch-sensing
technology, while other existing touchscreens implement capacitive,
surface acoustic wave, infrared or optical technologies to sense
touch events. Touchscreens have been used as input devices in
tablet computers, mobile phones, and gaming consoles.
[0005] A currently emerging area of application is in compact
wearable processing devices, such as wrist-wearable devices, in
which the touchscreens typically are of relatively small size. The
reduced size of touchscreens on wearable devices have drawbacks
regarding existing user interface implementations. On the other
hand, the constant presence of wearable devices present
opportunities for combining multiple utilities in new ways.
SUMMARY
[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a
method for navigating time-based offers includes rendering on a
touch display a display image of a watch dial, symbols
corresponding to each hour on the watch dial, and one or more time
indicators, where each symbol corresponds to a time-based offer.
The method also includes determining whether or not a touch event
sensed at the touch display complies with a predefined gesture, and
assigning, in response to the touch event complying with the
predefined gesture, an action based on the predefined gesture, a
display context, and a temporal context.
[0007] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
method for navigating time-based offers includes rendering a
composite display image comprising a watch dial, a bezel including
symbols corresponding to each hour of the watch dial
circumferentially surrounding the watch dial, each symbol
corresponding to a time-based offer, and a seconds indicator
circumferentially surrounded by the watch dial. The method also
includes determining whether or not a first touch event complies
with a predefined gesture and assigning, in response to the first
touch event complying with the predefined gesture, an action
associated with the predefined gesture, a display context, and a
temporal context.
[0008] According to yet another embodiment of the present
invention, a user interface for navigating time-based offers
includes a rendition module that renders a display image of a watch
dial and symbols corresponding to each hour, each symbol
corresponding to a time-based offer. The user interface also
includes a recognition module that determines whether or not a
touch event complies with a predefined gesture, and an
interpretation module that assigns, in response to the touch event
complying with the predefined gesture, an action associated with
the predefined gesture, a display context, and a temporal
context.
[0009] The details of one or more embodiments of the disclosure are
set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below.
Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be
apparent from the description and drawings, and from the
claims.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating an exemplary user
interface manager in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic view depicting an exemplary general
computing system that can implement the user interface manager of
FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 3 is an illustration of an exemplary compact processing
device that can implement the user interface manager of FIG. 1 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary communications
network that can be employed by the user interface manager of FIG.
1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 5A is an illustration of an exemplary watch face image
in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 5B is an illustration of an exemplary current offer
highlight display image in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 5C is an illustration of an exemplary offer detail
display image in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 6A is an illustration of an exemplary noncurrent offer
highlight display image in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 6B is an illustration of another exemplary offer detail
display image in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 6C is an illustration of another exemplary noncurrent
offer highlight display image in accordance with an embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 6D is an illustration of another exemplary offer detail
display image in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a flowchart representing an exemplary method of
displaying time-based special offers synchronized with a visual
time display to market products and/or services in accordance with
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a flowchart representing an exemplary method of
displaying time-based special offers with a watch face display
image to market products and/or services in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a flowchart representing an exemplary method of
displaying a time-based offer highlight display image with a visual
time display to market products and/or services in accordance with
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a flowchart representing an exemplary method of
displaying a time-based offer detail image to market products
and/or services in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a user
interface for conveniently displaying special offers for consumer
purchases, including time-based offers, which are synchronized with
a visual time display, such as an analog watch dial. The user
interface enables user interactions with a touch display, such as a
touch screen or touch panel, to manipulate the display regarding
time-related offerings of products and/or services.
[0026] An embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 1,
which illustrates an exemplary user interface manager 10 that
employs a touch display gesture response process in order to
display time-based special offers synchronized with a visual time
display to market products and services. The user interface manager
10 includes an acquisition module 12, a recognition module 14, an
interpretation module 16, a layout module 18, a composition module
20, and a rendition module 22.
[0027] The acquisition module 12 acquires positional information
regarding touch events over time from a touch display of a compact
processing device, such as a mobile device or a wearable device.
The recognition module 14 determines the category or type of the
touch event. Touch events include sensed contact or movement on the
surface of the touch display that correspond to taps, long touches,
swipes, pinches, flicks, other gestures, marks, lines, geometric
shapes, or the like.
[0028] For example, in some embodiments, the recognition module 14
compares the acquired positional information to multiple gesture
templates to determine whether the touch event fits into any of
various predetermined event envelopes. For example, in an
embodiment, the recognition module 14 analyzes the acquired
positional information with respect to a list of predetermined
event definitions, or rules, to determine whether the touch event
fits into the predefined category or type of gesture.
[0029] If the touch event is determined to comply with a known
event type or category, then the interpretation module 16 evaluates
the context of the touch event with respect to the display image
and time to decide on the appropriate action to be carried out. For
example, in some embodiments, the interpretation module 16
identifies the display image that initially was rendered on the
touch display at the moment in time that the touch event was
initiated. In certain embodiments, the interpretation module 16
further identifies a sequential history of one or more display
images rendered immediately preceding the current display image
rendered at the time the touch event was initiated. In various
embodiments, the temporal context includes, for example, the time
at which a selection is made, a countdown associated with a sale,
or whether the selected offer is available during the current hour
or corresponds to a noncurrent hour. The interpretation, or
meaning, to be associated with the touch event depends in each case
on the touch display context and the temporal context when the user
initiated or completed the event.
[0030] Thus, once the context is determined, the interpretation
module 16 associates, or assigns, a specific meaning to the event.
As a result, when a user performs a single-digit swipe from
right-to-left on the touch display, the intended significance of
the swipe event may depend, for example, on the product image
currently displayed when the swipe was initiated. In some
instances, the intended significance of the swipe event may also
depend on the preceding product or other image that was rendered
immediately before the currently displayed product image.
[0031] The layout module 18 creates one or more image layouts, or
views, in response to the significance, meaning or signification
assigned to the touch event by the interpretation module 16. Each
layout, or view, can occupy the entire display screen or only a
portion of the display screen. Thus, in some instances, the views
are designed for simultaneous rendering on different portions of
the display screen. In other instances, one view is designed to be
superimposed over another view. For example, an added view can be
wholly opaque, partly opaque and partly translucent, or wholly
translucent, such that another layout can be simultaneously
rendered through part or all of the added view.
[0032] The composition module 20 combines the individual layouts,
or views, to be displayed together, and adds other content, such as
textual content. For example, the composition module 20 may
superimpose a product image associated with a temporary offer over
a portion of a watch face showing the current time and add the
reduced price of the item to compose a complete composite display
image.
[0033] The rendition module 22 performs formatting procedures on
the display image and forwards the final display image to the
compact processing device to be visually rendered on the touch
display. For example, in some embodiments, the rendering module 22
translates the image file from one image file format to another
image file format to ensure compatibility with the touch display of
the compact processing device. Various embodiments are compatible
with numerous image file formats known in the art. In addition, in
some embodiments, the rendition module 22 performs a data
compression procedure on the display image.
[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 2, an exemplary general computing
device 20 that can be employed in the user interface manager 10 of
FIG. 1 includes a processor 32, a memory 34, a touch display 36, a
storage 38, and a network interface 40. The various components of
the computing device 20 are coupled by a local data link 42, which
in various embodiments incorporates, for example, an address bus, a
data bus, a serial bus, a parallel bus, or any combination of
these.
[0035] The computing device 20 can be used, for example, to
implement the functions of the user interface manager 10 of FIG. 1.
Programming code, such as source code, object code or executable
code, stored on a computer-readable medium, such as the storage 38
or a peripheral storage component coupled to the computing device
20, can be loaded into the memory 34 and executed by the processor
32 in order to perform the functions of the user interface manager
10. In various embodiments, the computing device 20 can include,
for example, a mobile device, such as a personal digital assistant
(PDA), a cellular telephone, a smart phone, a wearable device, or
the like, with a relatively compact touch display.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary compact processing device
50 is shown with an attached adjustable strap 52 having a latching
mechanism 54 for securing the compact processing device 50 to a
bodily appendage, such as a human user wrist, arm or leg in a
wearable configuration. The compact processing device 50 includes a
compact touch display screen 56 user interface to render display
images and receive tactile input information, such as touch events.
In various embodiments, the tactile input information can be
entered, for example, using a human user digit, a special glove, a
stylus, or the like, in accordance with touch display technologies
known in the art.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 4, the computing device 20 or the compact
processing device 50 can be communicatively coupled to a
communications network 60. For example, in some configurations, the
compact processing device 50 communicates with a remote server 62
to access data, such as marketing information, product information,
service information or pricing information from a remote database
64, such as an online shopping website data center. In various
embodiments, the communication network 60 can include any viable
combination of devices and systems capable of linking
computer-based systems, such as the Internet; an intranet or
extranet; a local area network (LAN); a wide area network (WAN); a
direct cable connection; a private network; a public network; an
Ethernet-based system; a token ring; a value-added network; a
telephony-based system, including, for example, T1 or E1 devices;
an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) network; a wired system; a
wireless system; an optical system; a combination of any number of
distributed processing networks or systems or the like.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 5A, an exemplary watch face display
screen 70 user interface rendered on the compact touch display
screen 56 includes a watch dial 72, or clock dial, with numbers 74
one through twelve correlating to hours at even intervals beginning
to the right of the top dead center position and increasing in the
clockwise direction. The watch dial 72 is further divided into
sixty equal divisions indicated by markings 76, such as dashes,
around the watch dial 72 correlating to minutes and seconds.
[0039] Of course, in various embodiments, the watch face display
image 70 can have other numerical indicators correlating to hours,
such as roman numerals or may not include numerical indicators.
Similarly, in some embodiments the watch dial 72 can be divided
into a different number of divisions, for example, twelve divisions
corresponding to the hours on the watch dial 72, or the watch dial
72 may not include division markings 76.
[0040] The watch face display image 70 also includes an hour
indicator 78, such as an hour hand, a minute indicator 80, such as
a minute hand, a seconds indicator 82, such as an incremental
circular indicator, and a digital time indicator 84 of the current
time, for example, in hours and minutes. Once again, in other
embodiments, the watch dial 72 can include any type of time
indicator, including incremental circular hour or minute
indicators, a second hand, or any other analog or digital form that
can effectively communicate the passage of time.
[0041] In addition, the watch face display image 70 includes a
virtual bezel with marketing symbols 86, such as product or service
icons, corresponding to discrete time periods, for example, each
hour index on the watch dial 72. The marketing symbols 86
correspond to time-based offers, such as time-sensitive sales, for
example, hourly special offers of products or services. For
example, in an embodiment the marketing symbols 86 represent a
"product of the hour" available for consumer purchase at a reduced
price during a discrete time period, such as a music download or
compact disc, an article of women's clothing, a camera, a mobile
phone, a personal computer, an automotive accessory, a gift item,
an article of men's clothing item, a timepiece, a handbag, a
household item, or jewelry. In other embodiments, the marketing
symbols 86 may represent any product, service or category of
products or services to be offered. Of course, in yet other
embodiments the time-based offers can correspond to any discrete
time period, including hourly offers, daily offers, quarter-hourly
offers, or offers associated with any other equal or differing
discrete periods of time.
[0042] The watch face display image 70 further includes an
end-of-offer indicator 88, or "end-of-sale" indicator, such as a
digital indication of the time remaining, in hours, minutes and
seconds, during which the special offer will be available. Once
again, in other embodiments, the end-of-offer indicator 88 may
include any useful representation of the time, for example, the
time remaining for the special offer or the time at which the
special offer will terminate.
[0043] Areas of the watch face display image 70 are sensitized, or
defined and associated with types or categories of touch events and
related responsive actions. For example, the area including and
immediately surrounding each marketing symbol 86 is sensitized to
be activated by tap or swipe gestures over the bezel.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 5B, an exemplary current product offer
highlight display image 90 user interface rendered on the compact
touch display screen 56 includes a watch dial 72, numbers 74 one
through twelve correlating to hours, markings 76 correlating to
minutes, and marketing symbols 86, or icons, corresponding to each
hour indicator. However, the marketing symbol 86 at the ten o'clock
location, or position, is a highlighted symbol 92, for example,
rendered in brighter tone, with greater contrast or color intensity
than the marketing symbols 86 at the one o'clock through nine
o'clock, eleven o'clock and twelve o'clock positions.
[0045] In various embodiments, the highlighted symbol 92 may be
distinguished from the remaining marketing symbols 86 in any manner
that permits the touch display to render differentiated symbols,
such as a different color, brightness, contrast, intensity, or an
animation scheme, for example, blinking, or the like.
[0046] In addition, the offer highlight display image 90 includes
an offer image 94 in the center of the watch dial 72, in place of
some or all of the time indicators, such as the hour and minute
indicators 78, 80 of the watch face display image 70 of FIG. 5A.
For example, the offer image 94 represents a product, such as a
"product of the hour," or service available at a reduced price
during the hour corresponding to the highlighted symbol 92, for
example from 10:00:00 a.m. until 10:59:59 a.m.
[0047] In some instances, the highlighted symbol 92 and the offer
image 94 correspond to the current hour at the moment in time the
offer highlight display image 90 is viewed. In other instances, the
highlighted symbol 92 and the offer image 94 correspond to a
marketing symbol 86 or number 74 other than the current hour
selected by a user by way of a touch event.
[0048] When the highlighted symbol 92 and the offer image 94
correspond to the current hour at the time the offer highlight
display image 90 is being rendered, the marking 76 of FIG. 5A that
corresponds to the current hour is transformed into a highlighted
marking 96, such as an enlarged, brightened dot of a distinct color
or other more prominent shape. Further, in an embodiment, the offer
highlight display image 90 retains the seconds indicator 82, such
as an incremental circular indicator, partially surrounding the
offer image 94 in the center of the watch dial 72. The highlighted
marking 96 and the seconds indicator can advantageously emphasize a
sense of urgency associated with the time-based special offer.
[0049] Areas of the product offer highlight display image 90 are
sensitized, or defined and associated with types or categories of
touch events and related responsive actions. For example, the area
including and immediately surrounding each marketing symbol 86 is
sensitized to be activated by tap or swipe gestures over the bezel,
and the central portion of the highlight display image 90 is
sensitized to be activated by tap gestures over the offer image
94.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 5C, an exemplary offer detail display
image 100 user interface rendered on the compact touch display
screen 56 includes an enlarged offer detail image 102, such as a
product image or a service image corresponding to a product or
service offer selected by the user by way of a touch event on a
previously rendered display screen. Because of the relatively small
size of the compact touch display screen 56, the offer detail image
102 rendered in the offer detail display image 100 occupies a
substantial portion of the screen space, for example, a full-screen
view, greater than ninety percent of the screen space, greater than
seventy-five percent of the screen space, greater than half of the
screen space, or the like.
[0051] In an embodiment, the watch dial 72, numbers 74, markings
76, digital time indicator 84, marketing symbols 86 and
end-of-offer indicator 88 of FIG. 5A, as well as the time
indicators, are replaced by the offer detail image 102. In other
embodiments, any portion or all of these features may be partially
or fully visible through, around or along with the offer detail
image 102. For example, in one embodiment, portions of the offer
detail image 102 may be partially opaque or translucent, allowing
the watch dial 72 to be visible through portions of the offer
detail image 102. In another embodiment, digital time indicator 84
and the end-of-offer indicator 88, for example, may remain
partially or fully visible through or below the offer detail image
102.
[0052] In addition, the offer detail display image 100 includes
price information 104 and a purchase button 106, for example,
superimposed over a portion of the offer detail image 102. For
example, in an embodiment, the price information 104 includes a
textual display of the crossed-out regular price of the product or
service as well as the time-based special offer price for the
product or service.
[0053] In one embodiment, the area surrounding the price
information is distinguished by a unique color to indicate an area
of the compact touch display screen 56 that may be activated by a
touch event in order to place an order for the product or service.
In other embodiments, the price information 104 or the purchase
button 106 may be separate images, and each of these may be either
superimposed over the offer detail image 102 or rendered beside,
above or below the offer detail image 102. Further, in an
embodiment, the purchase button 106 is animated to flash back and
forth between the price information 104 and a marketing message,
such as, "Buy Now," to encourage the user to immediately purchase
the product or service.
[0054] Areas of the offer detail display image 100 are sensitized,
or defined and associated with types or categories of touch events
and related responsive actions. For example, the area including the
purchase button 106 is sensitized to be activated by tap gestures,
and the detail display image 100 is sensitized to be activated by
tap or swipe gestures.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 6A, an exemplary noncurrent product offer
highlight display image 110 user interface rendered on the compact
touch display screen 56 is similar to the current product offer
highlight display image 90 of FIG. 5B. This example includes an
offer image 112 of a household item special offer corresponding to
the eleven o'clock position. However, in the noncurrent version,
the marking 76 associated with the hour or position corresponding
the displayed offer highlight display image 110 is not
highlighted.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 6B, another exemplary offer detail display
image 120 user interface rendered on the compact touch display
screen 56 is similar to the offer detail display image 100 of FIG.
5C. This example includes an enlarged offer detail image 122 of the
household item special offer.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 6C, another exemplary noncurrent product
offer highlight display image 130 user interface rendered on the
compact touch display screen 56 is similar to the offer highlight
display image 110 of FIG. 6A. This example includes another offer
image 132 of a jewelry item special offer corresponding to the
twelve o'clock position.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 6D, yet another exemplary offer detail
display image 140 user interface rendered on the compact touch
display screen 56 is similar to the offer detail display image 120
of FIG. 6B. This example includes another enlarged offer detail
image 142 of the jewelry item special offer.
[0059] Referring now to FIG. 7, an exemplary process flow is
illustrated that may be performed, for example, by the user
interface manager 10 of FIG. 1 to implement an embodiment of the
method described in this disclosure for displaying time-based
special offers synchronized with a visual time display to market
products and services. The process begins at block 150, where a
display image is rendered on a touch display. For example, in one
instance, the display image depicts a watch face; in another
instance, the display presents a highlight image, or offer image;
in yet another instance, the display image presents an offer detail
image.
[0060] In block 152, positional information is acquired from the
touch display over a period of time. A touch event is detected, in
block 154, and assigned to a category or type of gesture based on
compliance with predefined definitions, or rules. In block 156, the
display context and time context regarding the gesture are
evaluated. A specific significance, meaning, or signification is
assigned to the touch event, in block 158, based on the gesture
type, display context and temporal context.
[0061] In accordance with the signification associated with the
touch event, one or more actions are carried out. For example, in
block 160, image layouts are created in accordance with the
signification associated with the touch event. In some embodiments,
a remote server or database is accessed in order to retrieve
marketing information, product or service information, pricing
information, or the like, for inclusion in the image layouts. For
example, in a preferred embodiment, time-based product and pricing
information is retrieved from an online shopping website data
center and included in the image layouts.
[0062] A composite image is created from the layouts in block 162.
For example, in various instances, multiple image layouts
representing components of a watch face are superimposed, or a
product highlight image layout is superimposed over a watch face.
The display image is updated, or re-rendered, with the composite
image in block 164.
[0063] In an embodiment, an essentially opaque, black layout
provides the backdrop to the watch dial layout, the bezel layout,
and the offer highlight image layout. The majority of the bezel
layout, including the noncurrent-hour symbols, and the majority of
the watch dial are shown in relatively subdued tones with
relatively low luminescence, for example, medium or dark gray. The
current-hour symbol and the offer highlight image, on the other
hand, are rendered in relatively bright tones with relatively high
luminescence to provide sharp contrast with the opaque periphery
and subdued elements. As a result, the current-hour symbol and
offer highlight image stand out from the remainder of the screen,
for example, providing a pseudo-three-dimensional effect.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 8, an exemplary process flow is
illustrated that may be performed, for example, by the user
interface manager 10 of FIG. 1 to implement an embodiment of the
method described in this disclosure for displaying time-based
special offers synchronized with a visual time display to market
products and/or services. The process begins at block 170, where a
watch face image is rendered on a touch display, such as the
exemplary watch face shown in FIG. 5A.
[0065] A touch event is detected in block 172. A determination is
made, in block 174, regarding whether or not the touch event
complies with a predefined gesture associated with a tap on the
area of the touch display that corresponds to the central portion
of the watch face surrounded by the watch dial. If so, since the
watch face was currently displayed at the time the gesture was
initiated, then in block 176 a highlight image, such as a product
offer image or a service offer image that corresponds to the
current hour, is rendered on the touch display.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 9, an exemplary process flow is
illustrated that may be performed, for example, by the user
interface manager 10 of FIG. 1 to implement an embodiment of the
method described in this disclosure for displaying time-based
special offers synchronized with a visual time display to market
products and services. The process begins at block 180, where a
highlight image is rendered on a touch display, such as the
exemplary product offer and watch dial composite image shown in
FIG. 5B.
[0067] A touch event is detected in block 182. A determination is
made, in block 184, regarding whether or not the touch event
complies with a predefined gesture associated with a long press on
the area of the touch display that corresponds to the product or
service offer image, which is circumferentially surrounded, for
example by the seconds indicator and watch dial. If so, since the
highlight image was currently displayed at the time the gesture was
initiated, then in block 186 an offer detail image, such as the
product image or service image that corresponds to the current
hour, is rendered on the touch display.
[0068] If not, another determination is made, in block 188,
regarding whether or not the touch event complies with a predefined
gesture associated with a long press on the area of the touch
display that corresponds to the highlighted symbol, or icon, that
corresponds to the current hour. If so, since the highlight image
was currently displayed at the time the gesture was initiated, then
in block 190 the offer detail image that corresponds to the current
hour is rendered on the touch display.
[0069] If not, yet another determination is made, in block 192,
regarding whether or not the touch event complies with a predefined
gesture associated with a tap on the area of the touch display that
corresponds to another symbol that corresponds to another hour. If
so, since the highlight image was currently displayed at the time
the gesture was initiated, then in block 194 the highlight image
that corresponds to the selected symbol is rendered on the touch
display, such as the exemplary noncurrent product offer highlight
display image 110 of FIG. 6A.
[0070] If not, an additional determination is made, in block 196,
regarding whether or not the touch event complies with a predefined
gesture associated with a swipe across an area of the touch display
that corresponds to the symbols corresponding to two or more hours
in sequence. For example, in various instances the touch event may
include a clockwise swipe across multiple symbols or a
counterclockwise swipe across multiple symbols. If so, since the
highlight image was currently displayed at the time the gesture was
initiated, then in block 198 the sequence of highlight images with
offer images corresponding to the passed-over symbols is rendered
on the touch display while the swipe is performed, and the
highlight image corresponding to the final passed-over symbol
remains on the touch display after the swipe has been
terminated.
[0071] For example, when a swipe gesture is performed in an arc
across the symbols corresponding to ten o'clock, eleven o'clock and
twelve o'clock positions, respectively, along the virtual bezel
shown in FIG. 5B, the highlight images shown in FIGS. 5B, 6A and 6C
are shown in sequence on the touch display as the swipe gesture
passes over each of the correlated symbols. If the swipe gesture is
terminated before reaching the symbol at the one o'clock position,
then the highlight image that corresponds to the twelve o'clock
position remains on the touch display.
[0072] If not, a further determination is made, in block 200,
regarding whether or not the touch event complies with a predefined
gesture associated with a tap on the area of the touch display that
corresponds to the highlight image. If so, then in block 202 the
watch face is once again rendered on the touch display. If not, a
further determination is made, in block 204, regarding whether or
not the touch event complies with a predefined gesture associated
with a tap on the area of the touch display that corresponds to the
highlighted symbol. If so, then in block 206 the watch face is once
again rendered on the touch display. Otherwise, monitoring of the
touch display continues until another touch event is detected in
step 1822
[0073] Referring to FIG. 10, an exemplary process flow is
illustrated that may be performed, for example, by the user
interface manager 10 of FIG. 1 to implement an embodiment of the
method described in this disclosure for displaying time-based
special offers synchronized with a visual time display to market
products and services. The process begins at block 210, where a
offer detail image is rendered on a touch display, such as the
exemplary detail product offer image shown in FIG. 5C.
[0074] A touch event is detected in block 212. A determination is
made, in block 214, regarding whether or not the touch event
complies with a predefined gesture associated with a swipe from
left-to-right across the area of the touch display that corresponds
to the offer detail image. If so, since the offer detail image was
currently displayed at the time the gesture was initiated, then in
block 216 a next offer detail image, such as the product image or
service image that corresponds to the successive hour, is rendered
on the touch display. For example, if the detail product image
associated with the eleven o'clock hour is initially displayed,
then the next detail product image associated with the twelve
o'clock hour is rendered in response to a left-to-right swipe
gesture.
[0075] If not, another determination is made, in block 218,
regarding whether or not the touch event complies with a predefined
gesture associated with a swipe from right-to-left across the area
of the touch display that corresponds to the offer detail image. If
so, since the offer detail image was currently displayed at the
time the gesture was initiated, then in block 220 a previous offer
detail image, such as the product image or service image that
corresponds to the preceding hour, is rendered on the touch
display. For example, if the detail product image associated with
the eleven o'clock hour is initially displayed, then the previous
detail product image associated with the ten o'clock hour is
rendered in response to a right-to-left swipe gesture.
[0076] If not, an additional determination is made, in block 222,
regarding whether or not the touch event complies with a predefined
gesture associated with a tap over an area of the touch display
that corresponds to the purchase button layout. If so, since the
offer detail image was currently displayed at the time the gesture
was initiated, then in block 224 a purchase, or order, transaction
is carried out. For example, a purchase and sale transaction is
performed between the user, or consumer, and the product or service
provider.
[0077] If not, a further determination is made, in block 226,
regarding whether or not the touch event complies with a predefined
gesture associated with a tap on the area of the touch display that
corresponds a central portion of the touch display over the offer
detail image. If so, since the offer detail image was currently
displayed at the time the gesture was initiated, then in block 228
the watch face is once again rendered on the touch display.
[0078] Aspects of this disclosure are described herein with
reference to flowchart illustrations or block diagrams, in which
each block or any combination of blocks can be implemented by
computer program instructions. The instructions may be provided to
a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose
computer, mobile programming device, or other programmable data
processing apparatus to effectuate a machine or article of
manufacture, and when executed by the processor the instructions
create means for implementing the functions, acts or events
specified in each block or combination of blocks in the
diagrams.
[0079] In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block
diagrams may correspond to a module, segment, or portion of code
that including one or more executable instructions for implementing
the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in
some alternative implementations, the functionality associated with
any block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For
example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed
substantially concurrently, or blocks may sometimes be executed in
reverse order.
[0080] A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that
aspects of this disclosure may be embodied as a device, system,
method or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of this
disclosure, generally referred to herein as circuits, modules,
components or systems, may be embodied in hardware, in software
(including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.), or in
any combination of software and hardware, including computer
program products embodied in a computer-readable medium having
computer-readable program code embodied thereon. In the context of
this disclosure, a computer readable storage medium may include any
tangible medium that is capable of containing or storing program
instructions for use by or in connection with a data processing
system, apparatus, or device.
[0081] It will be understood that various modifications may be
made. For example, useful results still could be achieved if steps
of the disclosed techniques were performed in a different order,
and/or if components in the disclosed systems were combined in a
different manner and/or replaced or supplemented by other
components. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope
of the following claims.
* * * * *