U.S. patent application number 15/338120 was filed with the patent office on 2017-05-11 for interactive icons with embedded functionality used in text messages.
The applicant listed for this patent is LOJI, LLC. Invention is credited to Kathryn L. Harper.
Application Number | 20170131870 15/338120 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58630868 |
Filed Date | 2017-05-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170131870 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Harper; Kathryn L. |
May 11, 2017 |
INTERACTIVE ICONS WITH EMBEDDED FUNCTIONALITY USED IN TEXT
MESSAGES
Abstract
A method and system for providing emojis, or interactive icons,
that have embedded functionality and can be used in text messages
or other web based communication. The method and system of
interactive icons with embedded functionality can convert a word
into an exact logo. The converted logo can have embedded
functionality, such as hyperlinks, phone number, using GPS to find
locations closest to a user, or opening of a company's app. The
interactive icons with embedded functionality may be selected from
a keyboard, or from a predictive texting function. They can then be
shared or viewed, or selected to provide the embedded information
without leaving the messaging application.
Inventors: |
Harper; Kathryn L.; (Palm
Beach, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LOJI, LLC |
Palm Beach |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
58630868 |
Appl. No.: |
15/338120 |
Filed: |
October 28, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62249069 |
Oct 30, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/04817 20130101;
H04M 1/72552 20130101; G06F 3/04886 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/0481 20060101
G06F003/0481; G06F 3/0488 20060101 G06F003/0488; H04M 1/725
20060101 H04M001/725 |
Claims
1. A system for communicating interactive icons with embedded
functionality, the system comprising: one or more servers coupled
to a communication network; a database coupled to the one or more
servers for storing a plurality of interactive icons with embedded
functionality; one or more user devices coupled to the one or more
servers; a messaging application resided in the one or more user
devices; the messaging application including a virtual keyboard
having one or more interactive icons with embedded functionality;
and wherein the messaging application, without leaving the
messaging application, creates, sends, receives, or activates one
or more interactive icons with embedded functionality in a text
message.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more interactive icons
with embedded functionality include an image.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more interactive icons
with embedded functionality are categorized in the virtual
keyboard.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the messaging application,
without leaving the messaging application, creates the one or more
interactive icons with embedded functionality by inserting the one
or more interactive icons with embedded functionality in-line with
the text message.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the messaging application,
without leaving the messaging application, creates the one or more
interactive icons with embedded functionality by creating the text
message as a new message.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more interactive icons
with embedded functionality are activated by a user without leaving
the messaging application.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more interactive icons
with embedded functionality include one or more hyperlinks.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more interactive icons
with embedded functionality include one or more application program
interfaces.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the database is dynamically
updated.
10. The system of claim 1, further receives a user request for or
submission of one or more new interactive icons with embedded
functionality.
11. A non-transitory program storage device readable by a machine,
the non-transitory storage device comprising instructions
executable by at least one processor of the machine to perform a
method for communicating text messages having one or more
interactive icons with embedded functionality, the method
comprising the steps of: creating one or more interactive icons
with embedded functionality in a server coupled to a communication
network; downloading the one or more interactive icons with
embedded functionality from the server to one or more user devices
coupled to the communication network; creating, by a messaging
application in a first user device of the one or more user devices,
a text message including one or more of the one or more interactive
icons with embedded functionality; sending, by the messaging
application in the first user device of the one or more user
devices, the text message including the one or more interactive
icons with embedded functionality; receiving, by a messaging
application in a second user device of the one or more user
devices, the text message including the one or more interactive
icons with embedded functionality; and activating, by the messaging
application in the second user device of the one or more user
devices, the one or more interactive icons with embedded
functionality without leaving the messaging application in the
second user device.
12. The non-transitory program storage device of claim 11, wherein
the one or more interactive icons with embedded functionality
include an image.
13. The non-transitory program storage device of claim 11, wherein
the messaging application includes a virtual keyboard having one or
more interactive icons with embedded functionality.
14. The non-transitory program storage device of claim 11, wherein
the one or more interactive icons with embedded functionality are
categorized in the virtual keyboard.
15. The non-transitory program storage device of claim 11, wherein
the messaging application in the first user device, without leaving
the messaging application, creates the one or more interactive
icons with embedded functionality by inserting the one or more
interactive icons with embedded functionality in-line with the text
message.
16. The non-transitory program storage device of claim 11, wherein
the messaging application in the first user device, without leaving
the messaging application, creates the one or more interactive
icons with embedded functionality by creating the text message as a
new message.
17. The non-transitory program storage device of claim 11, wherein
the one or more interactive icons with embedded functionality
include one or more hyperlinks.
18. The non-transitory program storage device of claim 11, wherein
the one or more interactive icons with embedded functionality
include one or more application program interfaces.
19. The non-transitory program storage device of claim 11, the
server includes a database for storing a plurality of interactive
icons with embedded functionality.
20. The non-transitory program storage device of claim 19, wherein
the database is dynamically updated.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims benefit of priority with U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/249,069, filed Oct. 30, 2015, which
is hereby incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a
method and system for interactive icons with embedded
functionality, and more particularly relate to a method and system
for finding, selecting, inserting, sending, and activating
interactive icons with embedded functionality used in text messages
without leaving the text messaging application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Emoji, from the Japanese word that literally means "picture"
(e)+"character" (moji), are ideograms or smileys that are used
widely in text messaging, and are seen or appear in a text message
similar to a picture or image. A large number of emoji exist in
various genres, including facial expressions, common objects,
places and types of weather, animals, etc. Emoji are included in
many smart phones. However, they differ, for example, in fonts,
among different systems (e.g., Apple's iOS vs. Google's Android).
There are also current custom emoji. Custom emoji are shared via a
copy and paste format.
[0004] Sometimes, users also want to include a link, image, or
picture, for places they frequent and brands they use in their
messages. The users currently either have to write-out the name or
cut and paste the link, image, or picture, for places they frequent
and brands they use. In addition, the users of text messaging have
to toggle between websites, applications (also referred to herein
as apps) and messaging. For example, friends texting one another
regarding dinner plan, will have to switch back and forth between
text messaging, search engine (e.g., Google, Yahoo!), maps
application (e.g., Google maps), restaurant websites, rating app
(e.g., Yelp), reservation app (e.g., OpenTable), and so on. This
process is time consuming and very inconvenient.
[0005] For advertisement, brands are currently reaching mobile
customers through traditional online advertising like banner ads,
email or website promotions, their own apps and loyalty programs,
and social media campaigns. This type of advertising is
brand-driven and is not user-driven. A brand or company logo could
be sent as a static copy and paste image, with link sent
separately.
[0006] It would therefore be desirable to provide a method and
system of providing interactive icons with embedded functionality
used in text messages, wherein the interactive icons may be
previewed, selected, sent, received and viewed like emojis in a
text, including people emojis and social media functions, without
leaving the text messaging application. The present invention meets
these and other needs.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Briefly, and in general terms, the present invention
provides for a system for communicating using interactive icons
with embedded functionality. The system includes one or more
servers coupled to a communication network, a database coupled to
the servers for storing a plurality of interactive icons with
embedded functionality, and one or more user devices coupled to the
servers. Each user device includes a messaging application with a
virtual keyboard having one or more interactive icons with embedded
functionality. The messaging application, without leaving the
messaging application, creates, sends, or receives one or more
interactive icons with embedded functionality in a text
message.
[0008] In some embodiments, an interactive icon application,
without leaving a messaging application, creates the interactive
icons with embedded functionality by inserting the interactive
icons with embedded functionality in-line with the text
message.
[0009] In some embodiments, the messaging application, without
leaving the messaging application, inserts the interactive icons
with embedded functionality in a new message.
[0010] In some embodiments, the present invention provides for a
method for creating interactive icons with embedded functionality
in a server coupled to a communication network, downloading the
interactive icons with embedded functionality from the server to
one or more user devices coupled to the communication network;
creating, by a messaging application in a first user device, a text
message including one or more interactive icons with embedded
functionality; sending, by the messaging application in the first
user device, the text message including one or more interactive
icons with embedded functionality; receiving, by a messaging
application in a second user device, the text message including the
one or more interactive icons with embedded functionality; and
activating, by the messaging application in the second user device,
the interactive icons with embedded functionality without leaving
the messaging application in the second user device.
[0011] These and other aspects and advantages of the invention will
be apparent from the following detailed description and the
accompanying drawing, which illustrates by way of example the
features of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0012] Illustrated in the accompanying drawing(s) is at least one
of the best mode embodiments of the present invention In such
drawing(s):
[0013] FIG. 1A is an exemplary diagram of an interactive icon with
embedded functionality system, according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0014] FIG. 1B is an exemplary diagram of an interactive icon with
embedded functionality server system, according to an embodiment of
the invention.
[0015] FIG. 1C is another exemplary diagram of an interactive icon
with embedded functionality server system, according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 1D is an exemplary diagram of a user device, according
to an embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary user interface of a text
messaging app on a user device.
[0018] FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary interactive icon with
embedded functionality keyboard user interface, according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary interactive icon with
embedded functionality keyboard user interface inserting an in-line
interactive icon, according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 3C illustrates another exemplary interactive icon with
embedded functionality keyboard user interface inserting an in-line
interactive icon, according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary interactive icon with
embedded functionality keyboard user interface inserting an
interactive icon in a new message, according to an embodiment of
the invention.
[0022] FIG. 4B-1 illustrates an exemplary interactive icon with
embedded functionality keyboard showing recently used interactive
icons, according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 4B-2 illustrates another exemplary interactive icon
with embedded functionality keyboard showing recently used
interactive icons, according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 4B-3 illustrates another exemplary interactive icon
with embedded functionality keyboard user interface inserting an
interactive icon in a new message, according to an embodiment of
the invention.
[0025] FIG. 4C-1 illustrates an exemplary expanded interactive icon
with embedded functionality keyboard, according to an embodiment of
the invention.
[0026] FIG. 4C-2 illustrates another exemplary expanded interactive
icon with embedded functionality keyboard, according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 4C-3 illustrates an exemplary preview interface of an
interactive icon, according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 4D illustrates an exemplary interactive icon with
embedded functionality received in a new message, according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0029] FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary interactive icon with
embedded functionality option bar user interface, according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0030] FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary map display invoked by an
interactive icon with embedded functionality option, according to
an embodiment of the invention.
[0031] FIG. 5C illustrates an exemplary Call option display invoked
by an interactive icon with embedded functionality option,
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0032] FIG. 5D illustrates another exemplary display of a website
invoked by an interactive icon with embedded functionality option
being opened within iMessage. The interactive icon with embedded
functionality opened a weblink or website within the message app,
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0033] FIG. 5E illustrates exemplary option bar icons, according to
an embodiment of the invention.
[0034] FIG. 6A-1 illustrates another exemplary interactive icon
with embedded functionality received in a new message, according to
an embodiment of the invention.
[0035] FIG. 6A-2 illustrates another exemplary interactive icon
with embedded functionality received in a new message, according to
an embodiment of the invention.
[0036] FIG. 6B-1 illustrates another exemplary interactive icon
with embedded functionality user interface showing options,
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0037] FIG. 6B-2 illustrates another exemplary interactive icon
with embedded functionality user interface showing options,
according to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0038] The above described drawing figures illustrate the described
apparatus and its method of use in at least one of its preferred,
best mode embodiment, which is further defined in detail in the
following description. Those having ordinary skill in the art may
be able to make alterations and modifications to what is described
herein without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, it
should be understood that what is illustrated is set forth only for
the purposes of example and should not be taken as a limitation on
the scope of the present apparatus and its method of use.
[0039] In the following description and in the figures, like
elements are identified with like reference numerals. The use of
"e.g.," "etc," and "or" indicates non-exclusive alternatives
without limitation, unless otherwise noted. The use of "including"
or "includes" means "including, but not limited to," or "includes,
but not limited to," unless otherwise noted.
[0040] As used herein, the term "and/or" placed between a first
entity and a second entity means one of (1) the first entity, (2)
the second entity, and (3) the first entity and the second entity.
Multiple entities listed with "and/or" should be construed in the
same manner, i.e., "one or more" of the entities so conjoined.
Other entities may optionally be present other than the entities
specifically identified by the "and/or" clause, whether related or
unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a
non-limiting example, a reference to "A and/or B", when used in
conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising" can
refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including entities
other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally
including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment, to
both A and B (optionally including other entities). These entities
may refer to elements, actions, structures, steps, operations,
values, and the like.
[0041] Described now in detail is a method and system for emojis,
images, icons, logos, pictures, etc., which may be interactive
icons with embedded functionality, for example, via one or more
option bars or via an interactive icon interface, and can be used
in text messages, for example, as used in text messaging apps. As
will be shown herein, the interactive icons with embedded
functionality may be selected from a virtual keyboard displayed at
the user device, or from a predictive texting function.
[0042] Sometimes, users also want to include a link, image, or
picture, for places they frequent and brands they use in their
messages. The users currently either have to write-out the name or
cut and paste the link, image, or picture, for places they frequent
and brands they use. In addition, the users of text messaging
currently toggle between websites, apps and messaging. For example,
friends texting one another regarding dinner plan, will switch back
and forth between text messaging, search engine (e.g., Google,
Yahoo!), maps application (e.g., Google maps), restaurant websites,
rating app (e.g., Yelp), reservation app (e.g., OpenTable), and so
on. This process is time consuming and very inconvenient.
[0043] For advertisement, brands are currently reaching mobile
customers through traditional online advertising like banner ads,
email or website promotions, their own apps and loyalty programs,
and social media campaigns. This type of advertising is
brand-driven and is not user-driven. A brand or company logo could
be sent as a static copy and paste image, with link sent
separately.
[0044] The system and method described herein provide emojis,
images, icons, pictures, etc., that may be dynamically updated,
selectable, including embedded functionality, and may be sent in
the line of text, for example, like a standard Unicode emoji would
look when sent and received, or in a separate text message. For the
purpose of discussion, these emojis with embedded functionality are
referred herein as interactive icons with embedded functionality,
or interactive icons, or logo emojis for brevity. In some
embodiments, the interactive icons with embedded functionality may
be created (for example, inserted), sent, and received in a
seamless text sentence that does not have to be broken up, e.g., by
a separate line of a text message for the image. In some other
embodiments, the interactive icons with embedded functionality may
be created, sent, and received in a separate text message. The
interactive icons with embedded functionality may be selected from
a virtual keyboard, or from a predictive texting function. Other
methods for selecting the interactive icons with embedded
functionality may also be contemplated.
[0045] The interactive icon with embedded functionality system 100
can convert a word into an icon or image, for example, an exact
logo of a company, or an image of a person. The converted icon or
image can have embedded functionality which may be invoked, for
example, via an option bar or an option interface with one or more
options. Some of the functionalities may be hyperlinks, however,
they may extend further, as they may be a phone number, or use GPS
to find locations closest to a user, or the opening of a company's
app, a company's web site, social media links, and so on. Other
functionalities are also contemplated. It should be noted that the
interactive icon with embedded functionality may not have to be
governed by Unicode.
[0046] The system and method described herein may advantageously
provide the interactive icons with embedded functionality, for
example, for selecting a venue for meeting friends or selecting a
service, while not requiring the user to switch out of (or leaving)
the messaging application. The interactive icons with embedded
functionality may be implemented in an app, for example, a
messaging app. The interactive icons with embedded functionality
may also be implemented as a built-in function or built-in
application of an operating system, for example, Windows, iOS or
Android. In an exemplary implementation, an interactive icon with
embedded functionality built-in application or function may
interface with a messaging app to provide the interactive icons
with embedded functionality as described herein.
[0047] FIGS. 1A-6B illustrate the interactive icon with embedded
functionality system and method according to at least one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 1A, in some exemplary embodiments, a
computer-based interactive icons with embedded functionality system
100 is shown. The system 100 generally includes a server system 140
and a third party server system 150, both may be distributed on one
or more physical servers, each having processor(s), memory, an
operating system, and input/output interface, and a network
interface all known in the art, and a plurality of end user
computing devices 120/130 coupled to a public network 110, such as
the Internet and/or a cellular-based wireless network. The user
devices include, for example, mobile device 120, desktop or laptop
device 130, or any device with text messaging, email, calendar,
social media (Twitter, Facebook, etc.), search, or online
communication capability and having processor(s), memory, an
operating system, and input/output interface, and a network
interface all known in the art. A mobile device 120 can include
smart phone, tablet, smart watch and other wearables, or other
network ready device all known in the art.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 1B, an exemplary diagram of an interactive
icon with embedded functionality system 140 according to some
embodiments is shown. The interactive icon with embedded
functionality system 140 includes a user device interface 144
implemented with technology known in the art for communication with
user devices 120, 130. As will be described in more detail below,
the interactive icon with embedded functionality system 140 further
includes an application program interface (API) 143 that provides
an interface for the creation of interactive icons with embedded
functionality and for providing interactive icons with embedded
functionality to the user devices 120, 130. The API 143 is coupled
to an interactive icon with embedded functionality engine 142 which
provides the functions for developing or creating and handling of
interactive icons with embedded functionality. The interactive icon
with embedded functionality engine 142 is coupled to a database 141
to store information related to interactive icons with embedded
functionality as will be described below. The database 141 may be
implemented with technology known in the art, such as relational
database and/or object oriented database. The interactive icon with
embedded functionality engine 142 may also be locally or remotely
coupled to one or more messaging apps 145 to support interactive
icons with embedded functionality for those apps. The interactive
icon with embedded functionality system 140 also includes a third
party system interface (shown in this example as part of the
interactive icon with embedded functionality engine 142)
implemented with technology known in the art for communication with
at least one third party system 150. The third party system 150 may
be from a company that provides apps that can be embedded in one or
more interactive icons with embedded functionality.
[0050] In some embodiments, the system 140 may be part of a user
device. In these embodiments, the interactive icon with embedded
functionality engine 142 may be the same as the interactive icon
app referred to herein.
[0051] FIG. 1C illustrates another exemplary diagram of an
interactive icon with embedded functionality system 140 according
to some embodiments.
[0052] It should be noted that the interactive icons with embedded
functionality can also be used outside of messaging applications.
For example, it can be used in social media apps (e.g., Twitter,
Facebook, etc.), email, mobile calendar, etc., such that the
interactive icons described herein can be shared anywhere that
users communicate online. In these embodiments, the messaging app
145 shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C may become the respective app that the
interactive icons with embedded functionality are used with.
[0053] Interactive icons with embedded functionality may be created
for use, for example, as an extension, with specific messaging
apps. The messaging apps may reside in the user device 120, 130.
Interactive icons with embedded functionality may also be created
as part of an operating system, for example, Windows, iOS, Android,
and the like. Interactive icons with embedded functionality may
also become part of the Unicode.
[0054] Turning to FIG. 1D, an exemplary diagram of a user mobile
device 120 according to some embodiments is shown. The user mobile
device 120 includes an interactive icon with embedded functionality
app and keyboard 121 (may also be referred to herein as interactive
icon app and keyboard, interactive icon app or interactive icon
keyboard) that is installed in, pushed to, or downloaded to the
user mobile device 120. It should be noted that while the user
mobile device 120 is shown as an example embodiment in FIG. 1D, the
methods and systems described herein are also applicable to other
user computing devices mentioned herein.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 2, a user interface 200 is shown having an
exemplary text messaging conversation started on a user device 120.
In this example, the user of user device 120 receives a text
message 210 with an in-line interactive icon 212 for Starbucks.TM..
The user may enter some text in reply. In this example, when the
user types in a word, e.g., fed, the interactive icon with embedded
functionality keyboard displays the predictive interactive icons
bar 230. The predictive interactive icons bar 230 includes, for
example, the interactive icon with embedded functionality 232 for
the FedEx.TM. company. In some embodiments, the user may also use
shortcut, for example, the open ended quote, ", as a shortcut to
find the interactive icon with embedded functionality. For example,
when the user types "fed, the interactive icon keyboard 121 may
predict words such as FedEx and display the FedEx.TM. interactive
icon. Other shortcuts may include "&" and the like.
[0056] Turning to FIGS. 3A and 3B, in some embodiments, the user
can use the interactive icon keyboard 121 to input (may also be
referred to herein as create) interactive icons with embedded
functionality. The interactive icon keyboard 121 can be opened, for
example, via an icon 242 (FIG. 2) of the current text messaging
app, as custom keyboard and scrolls the same way as the standard
Unicode emoji keyboard. The system 100 includes an algorithm that
learns from the user. For example, the information learned from the
user may be used to customized the interactive icon keyboard 121
with logos from everyday life of the user, for example the places
the customer visits, in person or online. The interactive icon
keyboard 121 can also include favorites and recently used
interactive icons and tabs. Favorites may include the interactive
icons that the user used the most. For example, the exemplary user
interface 300 shows that the favorites 320 (e.g., ebay interactive
icon, FedEx interactive icon 322, etc.) may be displayed first in
the interactive icon keyboard 121, and may also be shown first in
other user interfaces. FIG. 3B shows the user using the interactive
icon keyboard 121 to select, for example, the interactive icon 322
for FedEx.TM.. FIG. 3C shows another example of the user using the
interactive icon keyboard 121 to select, for example, the
interactive icon 342 for Starbucks.TM.. The user may also select to
expand the interactive icon keyboard 121 to see more interactive
icons (see example in FIG. 4C). Once the user selects an
interactive icon with embedded functionality, the interactive icon
app inserts the interactive icon with embedded functionality into
the text message being created. This is shown as the selected
FedEx.TM. interactive icon 322 being inserted in-line as
interactive icon 332.
[0057] In some embodiments, a user may open the interactive icon
keyboard 121 to preview the available interactive icons and their
respective embedded functionalities, including, for example,
websites, social media sites, etc., without selecting any
interactive icon for a text message.
[0058] Turning to FIGS. 4(A-D), an exemplary user interface 400 is
shown. In some embodiments, the interactive icon app may insert the
selected interactive icon into a new text message. FIG. 4A shows
the user, while creating a text message 420, using the interactive
icon keyboard 121 to select, for example, the interactive icon 422
for FedEx.TM. Once the user selects an interactive icon with
embedded functionality, it may be created in, or inserted into, a
new text message 430. The new message 430 is shown with the
selected FedEx.TM. interactive icon 432, selected from the
interactive icon keyboard 121, created in, or inserted into, the
new text message 430. In some embodiments, when the user selects an
interactive icon with embedded functionality, the user may preview,
including people, websites, social media sites, etc., the selected
interactive icon before selecting for use in a text message; see,
for example, FIG. 4C-3 (People). As such, users can view the
interactive icon interface (e.g., including the relevant
information about a brand or person) without actually sending an
interactive icon in a message. For example, as mentioned herein, in
the interactive icon keyboard 121, the user can tap an interactive
icon to view the detail. This can be useful in case the user needs
the information, and does not need to share with/send to
anyone.
[0059] In some embodiments, the interactive icon keyboard 121 may
group the interactive icons in categories. For example, as shown in
FIG. 4A, the FedEx.TM. interactive icon 422 may be grouped in the
category "Shopping & Stores." Other categories may include "Bar
& Night life," "Recently used" and "Facebook Friends,"
"Instagram Connections," and so on. As shown in FIGS. 4C1-4C2, the
user may also select to expand the interactive icon keyboard 121 to
see more interactive icons and more categories, for example,
"Coffee & Tea," Sports," "People," Social Media "Friends," and
so on. As described herein, FIG. 4B-1 shows the "Recently used"
category of the interactive icon keyboard 121. The "Recently used"
category may include Favorites which may include the interactive
icons that the user recently used or used the most.
[0060] Similarly, FIGS. 4B-2 and 4B-3 illustrate exemplary user
interface 400 in another user device, for example, in an Apple
iPhone.
[0061] Turning to FIGS. 4C-1 and 4C-2, the interactive icon
keyboard 121 may display a Category Bar 450 showing the categories
of interactive icons. In the example of FIGS. 4C-1 and 4C-2, the
Category Bar 450 displays one or more icons, each representing a
different category. For example, the coffee cup icon 452 represents
the category "Coffee & Tea." The other icons represent the
other corresponding categories. Other methods of displaying the
categories may also be used.
[0062] FIG. 4D shows an exemplary user interface of another user
receiving two text messages 440 and 450 when the user in FIGS.
4(A-B) sent the corresponding text messages 420 and 430.
[0063] It should be noted that although the examples in the Figures
herein show the interactive icons with embedded functionality
implemented in the text messaging app iMessage.TM. in an Apple iPad
and iPhone, the interactive icons with embedded functionality is
not limited to these Apple app and devices, but may also be
implemented in other text messaging applications (app) in other
mobile devices. The interactive icons with embedded functionality
can also be used outside of messaging applications. For example, it
can be shared/used in other apps like social media apps (e.g.,
Twitter, Facebook, etc.), and even in email, mobile calendar, etc.
The interactive icons described herein can be shared anywhere that
people communicate online.
[0064] It should also be noted that various functions described for
embodiments where the interactive icons are inserted in-line may be
available for embodiments where the interactive icons are inserted
into a new text message, and vice versa (various functions
described for embodiments where the interactive icons are inserted
into a new text message may be available for embodiments where the
interactive icons are inserted in-line). These functions may
include, for example, predictive texting, categorization of
interactive icons, option bar, option interface, etc.
[0065] Referring to FIGS. 5(A-D), an exemplary user interface 500
is shown having text messages received on a user device 120. The
text messages include interactive icons with embedded
functionality. As described herein, in some embodiments, the
interactive icons with embedded functionality can be sent and
displayed in an unobstructed, unbroken and consistent line of text.
Also as described herein, the interactive icon with embedded
functionality system 100 can convert a word into an exact icon or
image, for example, an exact logo of a company, or an image of a
person. The converted icon or image can have embedded functionality
which may be invoked, for example, via an option bar or an
interface with one or more options. Some of the functionalities may
be hyperlinks, however, they may extend further, as they may be a
phone number, or use GPS to find locations closest to a user, or
the opening of a company's app, a company's web site, and so
on.
[0066] Turning to FIG. 5A, the received text messages include some
interactive icons with embedded functionality, for example, Domino
Pizza.TM. interactive icon, Whole Foods Market.TM. interactive
icon, Panera Bread.TM. interactive icon, and Dunkin Donuts.TM.
interactive icon 510. In some embodiments, the user may click on
any of the interactive icons with embedded functionality to invoke
or activate the one or more corresponding embedded functionalities.
For example, when the user clicks on the interactive icon with
embedded functionality 510, the interactive icon app displays an
option bar 520. The option bar 520 may display functions relating
to the interactive icon 510, from which the option bar 520 was
selected. For example, when the interactive icon displays a Dunkin
Donuts.TM. interactive icon, the functions in the option bar 520
may provide, as described herein, Dunkin Donuts.TM. locations,
phone numbers, website, etc. The option bar 520 may display like a
menu on a webpage. The option bar 520 may provide hyperlink choices
that the user can select. For example, the option bar 520 may
include GPS or maps option 524 that, when selected, will use the
current location of the user device to find, for example, the
closest locations for the selected interactive icon.
[0067] FIG. 5B shows an exemplary maps displayed when the user
selects the maps option 524. The option bar 520 may also include a
Call option 523 that will use APIs to pull, for example, a phone
number either from information submitted with the logo (during the
development or creation of the interactive icon with embedded
functionality), or will pull the information from a search, for
example, Google search. The user may be able to call the selected
company from the user interface.
[0068] FIG. 5C shows an exemplary phone interface displayed when
the user selects the Call option 523. The option bar 520 may also
include a Web/App option 522 (shown in FIG. 5A) that may either
open, e.g., immediately, the company's app if downloaded to the
user device, or will link to the company's website (website either
submitted during the interactive icon development or creation, or
pulled from a search, e.g., Google search). The option bar 520 may
also include a Promo option 528 that will direct the user straight
to the website/landing page of the interactive icon owner's
choice.
[0069] FIG. 5D shows an exemplary interface displayed when the user
selects the Web/App option 522, or the Order/Shop/Buy option 525,
or the Promo option 528. In this example, the system 100 links to
the company's web site.
[0070] The Social Media option 526 may link the user to Facebook.
Other Social Media options, for example, Twitter, Google+,
LinkedIn, and so on, may also be provided. The option bar 520 may
also include an Other/More option (not shown) that will further
provide other or more options (not shown), for example,
OpenTable.TM., Yelp.TM., and the like. It should be appreciated
that other options are also contemplated for the option bar
520.
[0071] FIG. 5E illustrates other exemplary icons that may be
included in the option bar 520. These icons may represent, for
example, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube,
Pinterest, Periscope, Webpage/website, Call/Phone Number, Map,
Location--closest location and other locations, Directions, Yelp,
OpenTable, Vine, Tumblr, Google, Google+, Promotion, Contest,
Sweepstakes, Sale, Delivery, Chat, Email, Chatbot, Rating, Review,
Price Range, Category, Pictures/Images, and so on,
[0072] Turning to FIGS. 6(A-B), an exemplary user interface 600 is
shown. The user interface 600 shows exemplary text messages
received at a user device 120. As described herein, in some
embodiments, the interactive icons may be sent in a separate text
message. Correspondingly, FIG. 6A-1 shows a received text message
610 including an interactive icon, for example, interactive icon
FedEx.TM. 620. FIG. 6A-2 illustrates exemplary user interface 600
in another user device, for example, in an Apple iPhone. In some
embodiments, the user may click on any of the interactive icons
with embedded functionality to invoke or activate the one or more
corresponding embedded functionalities. For example, when the user
clicks on the interactive icon with embedded functionality 620, the
interactive icon app displays a user interface (or option
interface) 650 as shown in FIGS. 6B(1-2). The user interface 650
may provide hyperlink choices that the user can select. For
example, the user interface 650 may include GPS or maps 654 that
uses the current location of the user device to find, for example,
the closest locations for the selected interactive icon. The user
interface 650 may include a Direction option 657 which may use the
user device's current location, the device GPS to pull the
directions to the target in the interactive icon and display them.
The user interface 650 may also include a Call option 653, a
Web/App option 652, an Order/Buy/Shop option 655, and a Social
Media option 656 similar to the options shown in an option bar 520
described in FIGS. 5(A-D). The user interface 650 may also include
transportation options 658 with links to the website or app of the
corresponding transportation companies, for example. Uber.TM.,
Lyft.TM., and so on. The user interface 650 may also include an
Other/More option (not shown) that will further provide other or
more options (not shown), for example, OpenTable.TM., Yelp.TM., and
the like. It should be appreciated that other options are also
contemplated for the user interface 650.
[0073] FIGS. 6B-1 and 6B-2 illustrate exemplary user interface 650
in different user devices, for example, in an Apple iPad and
iPhone.
[0074] In some embodiments, APIs are used to enable the hyperlinks
in the option bar 520 and the user interface 650.
[0075] As described herein, the interactive icon app may keep the
users in the text messaging app so that the users do not have to
leave the text messaging app to select a logo, or to find needed
information. This information may include, for example, phone
numbers, addresses, promotions, maps, directions, and so on. As a
result, valuable customer capture will be available because using
the interactive icons keeps a user within the messaging app. The
user does not have to leave the message to find the information
they need. The interactive icon with embedded functionality system
140 can also keep data analytics and business intelligence based on
tracking of interactive icons with embedded functionality use.
Interactive icons with embedded functionality may thus be
user-driven, and a platform for brand lead and/or user lead
promotions. However, in the user lead promotions, the brands or
companies may still retain control of the promotions.
[0076] In some embodiments, the interactive icon with embedded
functionality app and keyboard 121 can be created using an SDK
(software development kit), for example as provided by the
interactive icon with embedded functionality system 140. In some
embodiments, the interactive icon with embedded functionality app
and keyboard 121 can be created and integrated, for example, as an
extension, into a messaging application without using an SDK. In
other embodiments, the interactive icon with embedded functionality
app and keyboard 121 can be created using the API 143 in the
interactive icon with embedded functionality system 140. In yet
some other embodiments, the interactive icon with embedded
functionality app and keyboard 121 can be created using both the
API 143 in the interactive icon with embedded functionality system
140 and an SDK. The interactive icon with embedded functionality
keyboard 121 is dynamic and is updated with new icons continuously,
on demand, or according to schedules, using APIs, or other web
based communication platforms, for example, social media, email,
etc.
[0077] In some embodiments, interactive icons with embedded
functionality can be added by brands or companies, or by the users.
Brands or companies or users can add and/or develop/create new
interactive icons with embedded functionality by submitting, for
example, a vector or png logo and pertinent company info to the
interactive icon with embedded functionality system 140. Users may
also link their social media accounts, for example, Facebook,
Twitter, or Instagram accounts. Other icon types are also
contemplated. The interactive icon with embedded functionality
system 140 then converts the logos to interactive icons with
embedded functionality, and/or pulls social media information
(e.g., profile information and images) and creates interactive icon
with embedded functionality ownership. In some embodiments, brands
or companies or users can submit logos and pertinent logo
information on a website of the interactive icon with embedded
functionality system 140. Brands or companies may update and/or
manage their interactive icons. Registered users to the interactive
icon with embedded functionality system 140 may also create/add
accounts/links, and update and manage their own accounts/links and
profile information.
[0078] In some embodiments, at the interactive icon with embedded
functionality system 140, a master user(s) can update and add
additional icons.
[0079] The interactive icons with embedded functionality are
stored, for example, in the database 141. In some embodiments, the
interactive icons with embedded functionality are included in the
interactive icon app which is downloaded to a user device as
described herein. The interactive icon app may also be installed as
an extension of a mobile device's text messaging application, or of
a mobile device's operating system. The database 141 is dynamic and
can be continuously updated, or updated on a schedule. FIG. 3A
shows an exemplary implementation where a user may select option
330 ("ADD") to request or submit a new interactive icon. As a
result, the interactive icon keyboard may be customized.
[0080] In some exemplary operations, a user may first install the
interactive icon app in a user device 120, for example, as an
extension of a messaging app. Using the user interfaces provided by
the messaging app, the user may next interact with the interactive
icon app to perform the features and functions described herein.
When the user opens and uses the features and functions of the
interactive icon app, this may cause the messaging app to
communicate with the API to retrieve data that may be used to build
interactive icons. The API may communicate with a third-party
system to retrieve needed information.
[0081] The embodiments described in detail above are considered
novel over the prior art of record and are considered critical to
the operation of at least one aspect of the apparatus and its
method of use and to the achievement of the above described
objectives. The words used in this specification to describe the
instant embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of
their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special
definition in this specification: structure, material or acts
beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus if an
element can be understood in the context of this specification as
including more than one meaning, then its use must be understood as
being generic to all possible meanings supported by the
specification and by the word or words describing the element.
[0082] It should be noted that although the embodiments described
herein are particularly suited for used in a messaging application
without leaving the messaging application, the invention can also
be used for outside of messaging applications. For example, it can
be shared/used in other apps like Twitter, Facebook, (and other
social media), and even in email, mobile calendar, etc. The
interactive icons described herein can be shared anywhere that
people communicate online.
[0083] In some embodiments, the invention described herein also
includes an app that is within a messaging app. Using this
standalone app, a user is still able to tap on an interactive icon
to view the details and find the relevant information she needs.
The information, including multiple links may all be connected via
an interactive icon.
[0084] The interactive icons described herein are a way to
communicate, but they can also be a simple way to pull the
information like a traditional search engine would, but without the
need to type out the name of the brand that the user is searching
for information about, or without typing out the name of the
person, place, thing, and so on.
[0085] The definitions of the words or drawing elements described
herein are meant to include not only the combination of elements
which are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure,
material or acts for performing substantially the same function in
substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result.
In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent
substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the
elements described and its various embodiments or that a single
element may be substituted for two or more elements.
[0086] Changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a
person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised,
are expressly contemplated as being equivalents within the scope
intended and its various embodiments. Therefore, obvious
substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the
art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.
This disclosure is thus meant to be understood to include what is
specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually
equivalent, what can be obviously substituted, and also what
incorporates the essential ideas.
[0087] The scope of this description is to be interpreted only in
conjunction with the appended claims and it is made clear, here,
that each named inventor believes that the claimed subject matter
is what is intended to be patented.
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