U.S. patent application number 15/955108 was filed with the patent office on 2018-08-16 for system and method for digital delivery of vouchers for online gifting.
The applicant listed for this patent is Gift Card Impressions, LLC. Invention is credited to Karl Joseph Geisler, Brett R. Glass, Dominique Michelle Pierron O'Hara.
Application Number | 20180232798 15/955108 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57397176 |
Filed Date | 2018-08-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180232798 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Glass; Brett R. ; et
al. |
August 16, 2018 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DIGITAL DELIVERY OF VOUCHERS FOR ONLINE
GIFTING
Abstract
An electronic gifting system includes a first computing device
that receives voucher information associated with an electronic
voucher (e-voucher) to be given to a recipient from a second
computing device. The voucher is redeemable for a specified product
or service provided by a merchant. The first computing device also
receives user-supplied content related to the recipient, and
generates the e-voucher in accordance with the voucher information
and the user-supplied content. Thereafter, the first computing
device displays the generated e-voucher on a recipient computing
device in which the e-voucher including imagery that is associated
with the specified product or service and the user-supplied
content. At least one of the generated e-voucher or an environment
in which the e-voucher is displayed is manipulated according to
information obtained from one or more sensors configured on the
recipient computing device.
Inventors: |
Glass; Brett R.; (Kansas
City, MO) ; Pierron O'Hara; Dominique Michelle;
(Kansas City, MO) ; Geisler; Karl Joseph; (Kansas
City, MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Gift Card Impressions, LLC |
Kansas City |
MO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57397176 |
Appl. No.: |
15/955108 |
Filed: |
April 17, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15442513 |
Feb 24, 2017 |
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15955108 |
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15236130 |
Aug 12, 2016 |
9582827 |
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15442513 |
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14822683 |
Aug 10, 2015 |
9471144 |
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15442513 |
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14231349 |
Mar 31, 2014 |
9104237 |
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14822683 |
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62258759 |
Nov 23, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/016 20130101;
G06F 16/735 20190101; G06F 3/04883 20130101; G06F 3/0484 20130101;
H04N 21/4784 20130101; H04N 21/47815 20130101; G06Q 30/0207
20130101; G06F 3/0482 20130101; G06Q 30/0641 20130101; G06F 3/04842
20130101; G06Q 30/0643 20130101; H04N 21/4312 20130101; G06Q
30/0601 20130101; G06F 3/017 20130101; G06F 3/04815 20130101; G11B
27/031 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/06 20060101
G06Q030/06; G11B 27/031 20060101 G11B027/031 |
Claims
1. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing
computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a
processor, perform a method of presenting a digital gift to a
recipient, the method comprising the steps of: receiving, from a
user on a first client device, identifying information for the
recipient; receiving, from the user on the first client device,
digital gift information; generating, based on the digital gift
information, an interactive reveal video for the digital gift,
wherein the interactive video depicts a wrapped gift; transmitting,
to a second client device, the interactive reveal video; receiving,
at the second client device and from the recipient, an input action
simulating unwrapping the wrapped gift; depicting, in the reveal
video and responsive to the input action, the unwrapping of the
wrapped gift so as to depict the contents of the wrapped gift,
wherein the contents of the wrapped gift include a presentation of
the digital gift.
2. The media of claim 1, wherein the digital gift comprises a
digital gift card, and wherein the digital gift information
comprises a denomination for the digital gift card, a design for
the digital gift card, and a personalized message for the digital
gift card.
3. The media of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises the
step of receiving, from the user on the first client device, a
selection of an occasion for the digital gift.
4. The media of claim 1, wherein the input action is received via a
touchscreen integrated into a display of the second client
device.
5. The media of claim 1, wherein the input action simulating
unwrapping the wrapped gift comprises swiping a finger on a
depiction of a ribbon to simulate pulling on the ribbon.
6. The media of claim 3, wherein depicting the unwrapping of the
wrapped gift includes depicting the ribbon coming untied.
7. The media of claim 1, wherein the input action simulating
unwrapping the wrapped gift comprises swiping a finger on a
depiction of wrapping paper to simulate tearing the wrapping paper,
and wherein depicting the unwrapping of the wrapped gift includes
depicting the wrapping paper tearing off the wrapped gift.
8. The media of claim 1, wherein the identifying information for
the recipient includes an email address for the recipient, and
wherein the step of transmitting, to a second client device, the
interactive reveal video includes substeps of: transmitting to the
recipient via the email address for the recipient, an email
including a link to the interactive reveal video; and responsive to
the recipient selecting the link to the interactive reveal video on
the second client device, transmitting the interactive reveal video
to the second client device.
9. The media of claim 1, wherein the interactive reveal video
includes animated video content.
10. The media of claim 1, wherein the interactive reveal video
includes user-supplied video content.
11. The media of claim 10, wherein first client device is a
smartphone and wherein the method further includes a step of
recording the user-supplied video content using a video camera
integrated into the smartphone.
12. The media of claim 1, wherein the digital gift information
includes a personalized message from the user to the recipient, and
wherein the presentation of the digital gift includes a
presentation of the personalized message.
13. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing
computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a
processor, perform a method of presenting a digital gift card to a
recipient, the method comprising the steps of: presenting, to a
user, a graphical user interface for receiving digital gift card
information, comprising: a first input field for receiving a name
for the recipient; a second input field for receiving an email
address for the recipient; a third input field for receiving a
personalized message from the user to the recipient; a first
selector for selecting a gift card design for a plurality of
available designs; and a second selector for selecting a gift card
denomination form a plurality of available denominations;
receiving, from the user and via the graphical user interface, the
digital gift card information; generating, using at least a first
portion of the digital gift card information, an interactive reveal
video for the digital gift card depicting a wrapped gift;
transmitting, to a client device of the recipient, the interactive
reveal video; receiving, at the client device of the recipient and
from the recipient, an input action simulating unwrapping the
wrapped gift; depicting, in the reveal video and responsive to the
input action, the unwrapping of the wrapped gift so as to depict
the contents of the wrapped gift, wherein the contents of the
wrapped gift include a presentation of the digital gift card and at
least a second portion of the digital gift card information.
14. The media of claim 13, wherein the graphical user interface
further includes a control allowing the user to provide a video to
be included with the digital gift card.
15. The media of claim 13, wherein the graphical user interface
further includes a control allowing the user to provide a picture
to be included with the digital gift card.
16. The media of claim 13, wherein the input action simulating
unwrapping the wrapped gift comprises swiping a finger on a
depiction of a ribbon to simulate pulling the ribbon, and wherein
depicting the unwrapping of the wrapped gift includes depicting the
depicting the ribbon coming untied.
17. The media of claim 13, wherein the input action simulating
unwrapping the wrapped gift comprises swiping a finger on a
depiction of wrapping paper to simulate tearing the wrapping paper,
and wherein depicting the unwrapping of the wrapped gift includes
depicting the wrapping paper tearing off the wrapped gift.
18. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing
computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a
processor, perform a method of presenting a digital gift card to a
recipient, the method comprising the steps of: receiving, from a
user on a first client device, a name for the recipient; receiving,
from the user on the first client device, an email address for the
recipient; receiving, from the user on the first client device, a
personalized message for the digital gift card; receiving, from the
user on the first client device, a denomination for the digital
gift card; receiving, from the user on the first client device, a
selection of a design for the digital gift card; generating an
interactive reveal video for the digital gift depicting a wrapped
gift; transmitting, to a second client device, the interactive
reveal video; receiving, at a touchscreen display of the second
client device and from the recipient, an input action simulating
unwrapping the wrapped gift; depicting, in the reveal video and
responsive to the input action, the unwrapping of the wrapped gift
so as to depict the contents of the wrapped gift, wherein the
contents of the wrapped gift include a presentation of the digital
gift.
19. The media of claim 18, wherein the input action simulating
unwrapping the wrapped gift comprises swiping a finger on a
depiction of a ribbon to simulate pulling the ribbon, and wherein
depicting the unwrapping of the wrapped gift includes depicting the
depicting the ribbon coming untied.
20. The media of claim 18, wherein the input action simulating
unwrapping the wrapped gift comprises swiping a finger on a
depiction of wrapping paper to simulate tearing the wrapping paper,
and wherein depicting the unwrapping of the wrapped gift includes
depicting the wrapping paper tearing off the wrapped gift.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a continuation application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/442,513, filed Feb. 24, 2017;
which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 15/236,130, filed Aug. 12, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,582,827;
which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application
62/258,759, filed Nov. 23, 2015. U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/442,513 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/822,683, filed Aug. 10, 2015, now U.S. Pat.
No. 9,471,144. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/236,130 is also
a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/231,349, filed Mar. 31, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,104,237. The
identified earlier-filed applications are hereby incorporated by
reference into the present application in their entirety.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to online gifting,
and more particularly, to a system and method for digital delivery
of reveal videos for online gifting.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Electronic gifts (e-gifts) such as transaction cards, stored
value cards, electronic tickets, gift cards, and stored value cards
have become a popular mode of online gifting. For example an e-gift
may include a stored value card having a specified cash equivalent
value that may be redeemed by a conventional or online merchant.
The stored value is determined by the merchant prior to packaging
and display for sale or is selected at the point of sale by the
purchaser. Nevertheless, these e-gifts, per se, lack any aesthetic
qualities that may be useful for enhancing online gifting
experiences. Additionally, the online gifting of e-gifts often does
not adequately convey a sentiment that a giver would like to
provide to his or her recipient. It is with these features in mind
that embodiments of the present disclosure have been developed.
SUMMARY
[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an
electronic gifting system includes a first computing device that
receives voucher information associated with an electronic voucher
(e-voucher) to be given to a recipient from a second computing
device. The electronic voucher is an redeemable for a specified
product or service provided by a merchant. The first computing
device also receives user-supplied content related to the
recipient, and generates the e-voucher in accordance with the
voucher information and the user-supplied content. Thereafter, the
first computing device displays the generated e-voucher on a
recipient computing device in which the e-voucher including imagery
that is associated with the specified product or service and the
user-supplied content. At least one of the generated e-voucher or
the environment in which the e-voucher is displayed is manipulated
according to information obtained from one or more sensors
configured on the recipient computing device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0005] FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a computing system that
includes an e-gift ordering server according to an aspect of the
e-gift ordering system.
[0006] FIG. 1B depicts an exemplary embodiment of a computing
device according to one aspect of the e-gift ordering system.
[0007] FIG. 1C depicts an exemplary embodiment of a data source
according to an aspect of the e-gift ordering system.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a computing system that
executes an e-gift ordering application according to an aspect of
the e-gift ordering system.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a flowchart depicting a process for creating a
personalized reveal video according to an aspect of the e-gift
ordering system.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a flowchart depicting a process for playing the
reveal video on a computing device of a recipient according to one
aspect of the e-gift ordering system.
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a settings page of a user
interface according to an aspect of the e-gift ordering system.
[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a sign in screen of a user
interface according to an aspect of the e-gift ordering system.
[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a registration screen of a
user interface according to an aspect of the e-gift ordering
system.
[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a recipient information
entry screen of a user interface according to an aspect of the
e-gift ordering system.
[0015] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a recipient information
entry screen of a user interface according to an aspect of the
e-gift ordering system.
[0016] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of an e-gift selection screen
of a user interface according to an aspect of the e-gift ordering
system.
[0017] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of an e-gift customization
screen of a user interface according to an aspect of the e-gift
ordering system.
[0018] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of an occasion selection
screen of a user interface according to an aspect of the e-gift
ordering system.
[0019] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a reveal video selection
screen of a user interface according to an aspect of the e-gift
ordering system.
[0020] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a reveal video
customization screen of a user interface according to an aspect of
the e-gift ordering system.
[0021] FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a reveal video preview
screen of a user interface according to an aspect of the e-gift
ordering system.
[0022] FIGS. 16-18 illustrate an example reveal video comprising a
three-dimensional image of a present that is interactively opened
by the recipient according to an aspect of the e-gift ordering
system.
[0023] FIGS. 19-21 illustrate an example reveal video comprising an
image of a birthday candle that may be interactively blown out by
the recipient according to an aspect of the e-gift ordering
system.
[0024] FIGS. 22-23 illustrate an example reveal video comprising an
image of a balloon that may be interactively blown up by the
recipient according to an aspect of the e-gift ordering system.
[0025] FIGS. 24-26 illustrate an example reveal video comprising an
image of confetti or other celebration-based material that may be
removed via haptic input movements from the recipient in order to
reveal an e-gift according to an aspect of the e-gift ordering
system.
[0026] FIG. 27 illustrates an example of an e-voucher selection
screen of a user interface according to an aspect of the e-gift
ordering system.
[0027] FIG. 28 illustrates an example of an e-voucher customization
screen of a user interface according to an aspect of the e-gift
ordering system.
[0028] FIG. 29 illustrates an example of a reveal video selection
screen of a user interface according to an aspect of the e-gift
ordering system.
[0029] FIG. 30 illustrates various e-vouchers that may be processed
by the e-gift ordering application according to an aspect of the
e-gift ordering system.
[0030] FIG. 31 illustrates various packs of e-vouchers that may be
processed by the e-gift ordering application according to an aspect
of the e-gift ordering system.
[0031] FIGS. 32A through 32C illustrate an example reveal video and
associated e-voucher that may be displayed on the computing device
of the recipient according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0032] FIGS. 33A and 33B illustrate an example display that may be
generated on the receiver's computing device according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0033] FIGS. 34A through 34D illustrate an example display that may
be generated by the system to reveal an e-voucher according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Although e-gifts have become a commonly accepted gifting
medium, their use has not been without limitation. For example,
conventional e-gifts are generally impersonal in that they
typically do not include any personal sentiment that the user
(i.e., sender) would like to convey to his or her recipient.
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a solution to this
problem using an e-gift or e-gift card ordering server that
generates a reveal video to be electronically sent along with an
e-gift card that embellishes upon a gifting experience for a
recipient.
[0035] In addition to electronic gift cards that may be used for
the purchase of any good or service from a merchant or provider,
the present application is generally directed towards the creation,
issuance, transmission, and interactive display of electronic
vouchers (e-vouchers). As used herein e-vouchers are redeemable for
a specified product or service provided by a merchant. After the
e-voucher is purchased and transmitted to the recipient, the
generated e-voucher, a graphical environment in which the e-voucher
is displayed, or both, may be manipulated by the recipient to
enhance the gift giving experience. As used herein e-voucher and
e-gift may be used interchangeably, where the value and redemption
of each is for a specified product or service.
[0036] FIGS. 1A through 1C depict an example e-gift ordering system
100 according to aspects of the disclosure. The system 100 includes
an e-gift ordering server 102 that includes an e-gift ordering
application 104 and a data source 106. As will be described in
detail below, the e-gift ordering application 104 receives
information from a computing device 108 of a user, and generates a
reveal video 110 for transmission to a recipient along with a
selected e-gift 112. The reveal video/e-gift combination is
transmitted, for example, to a computing device 114 of the
recipient via a messaging service, such as e-mail, a short message
service (SMS), or a multimedia message service (MMS), or other
suitable digital communication medium.
[0037] The server 102 communicates with a merchant activation
server 120 to activate the e-gift, and a financial account server
122 that is associated with a financial account of the user to
provide payment for the activated e-gift by the user. The financial
account is any type, such as a credit card account, a debit card
account, a mobile payment system account (e.g., GOOGLE WALLET.TM.
account), or a PAYPAL.TM. account of the user. Prior to activation
of the e-gift, the server 102 facilitates a financial transaction
between the merchant activation server 120 and the financial
account server 122 associated with the user to provide payment for
the e-gift.
[0038] The server 102 communicates with a social network server 124
to obtain information about the user and/or recipient for
suggesting additional content to be included with the reveal
video/e-gift combination. The server 102 also communicates with a
third party retailer server 126 to provide generation,
customization, and transmission of reveal videos 110 for a third
party retailer. Additionally, the server 102 communicates with the
social network server 124 to obtain information/data about the user
and/or recipient for suggestions regarding events or any special
occasions (e.g., birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, expected
graduation dates, and the like) associated with the user and/or
recipient. For example, the server 102 may obtain information
associated with a friend of the user indicating that the friend has
an upcoming anniversary, and present this information to the user
along with any e-gift/reveal video designs related to anniversaries
so that the user can optionally select a particular gift
card/reveal video design to send to the friend (e.g.,
recipient).
[0039] The merchant activation server 120, the financial account
server 122, the social network server 124, and the third party
retailer server 126 each have one or more processors and executable
instructions stored in volatile and/or non-volatile memory for
performing the actions and/or steps described herein.
[0040] The data source 106 stores information that is used by the
sender to activate an e-gift, and generate a customized reveal
video 110 to be sent to the recipient. In the particular embodiment
shown, the data source 106 stores one or more reveal video template
files 130, and one or more pre-recorded content files 134. In other
embodiments, the data source 106 stores any suitable type of
information for personalizing the reveal video by the user.
Although the data source 106 is shown as being located on, at, or
within the server 102, it is contemplated that the data source 106
can be located remotely from the server 102 in other aspects of the
system 100, such as on, at, or within a database of a data
management system or a database of another computing device or
system having at least one processor and volatile and/or
non-volatile memory.
[0041] Although not shown, the data source 106 may also store
information to be used for generating other forms of content to be
transmitted to the recipient. For example, the data source 106 may
store information for generating an electronic gift card holder
(e-gift card holder), and/or a teaser video to be transmitted along
with the e-gift to the recipient. Examples of such a system is
described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/940,436, entitled
Gift Card Ordering System and Method, which was filed on Jul. 12,
2013, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
[0042] The communication network 120 can be the Internet, an
intranet, or another wired and/or wireless communication network.
In one aspect, one or more of the server 102 and the computing
device 108 communicate with one another using any suitable protocol
or messaging scheme. For example, the server 102 and computing
device 108 communicates using a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP),
extensible markup language (XML), extensible hypertext markup
language (XHTML), or a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)
protocol. Other examples of communication protocols exist. Although
the example of FIG. 1A shows the server 102 communicating with the
computing device 108 through a network, other embodiments
contemplate the server 102 communicating directly with the
computing device 108 without the use of a separate and a distinct
network. Additionally, other embodiments contemplate that the
modules employed by the server 102 and the computing device 108 are
integrated in one computing system. Further, the servers 120, 122,
and 124 alternatively communicate with the merchant activation
server 102 via the network 120.
[0043] The user accesses the system 100 via the computing device
108 hosted by the e-gift ordering server 102 using an HTML link or
other suitable entry point, such as through application software
(i.e., a mobile app) executed on a portable computing device, such
as a wireless communication device. The e-gift ordering application
104 then generates a digital reveal video 110/e-gift 112
combination that is digitally transmitted to the recipient using an
e-mail message, a short message service (SMS), via a social media
account, or other suitable digital communication medium. The reveal
video 110, when played by the computing device 114 of the
recipient, receives one or more user interface input actions and in
response, generates one or more tactile feedback actions on the
computing device 114 for simulating a gifting experience for the
recipient.
[0044] The reveal video 110 may be incorporated in multimedia
display or in any suitable format that provides a multimedia
viewing experience for the recipient. For example, the reveal video
110 may include audio and recorded video content obtained from a
camera and stored in a format such as a motion picture experts
group 3 (MPEG-3) format, a MPEG-4 format, a H.265 format, or an OGG
multimedia format. The reveal video 110 may also include animated
video content such as may be stored and displayed in a HTML5
format. Additionally, the reveal video 110 may include a
combination of recorded video content and animated video content
using a combination of formats discussed herein above.
[0045] FIG. 1B depicts an example embodiment of a computing device
108, 114 that may be used by a user (i.e., giver) and a recipient,
respectively, according to one aspect of the e-gift ordering system
100. The computing device 108, 114 is a computing or processing
device that includes one or more processors 140 and memory 142. For
example, the computing device 108, 114 can be a personal computer,
such as a laptop or notebook computer, a workstation, or other
processing device such as a personal digital assistant or a tablet
computer. The computing device 108, 114 includes a display 144,
such as a computer monitor, for displaying data and/or a graphical
user interface 148. The computing device 108, 114 also includes an
input device 150, such as a keyboard or a pointing device (e.g., a
mouse, trackball, pen, or touch screen) to enter data into or
interact with the graphical user interface 148. In one embodiment,
the display 144 comprises a touch-screen device in which input is
provided via contact by the user with the touch-screen device. The
computing device 108, 114 receives data and/or communications from,
and/or transmit data and/or communications to, the server 102 via
the communication network 120.
[0046] The computing device 108, 114 includes a user application
152 stored in the memory 142 and executed on the processors 140 to
generate the graphical user interface (GUI) 148 to the display 104.
The graphical user interface 148 enables the computing device 108,
114 of the user to interact with one or more data entry forms
received from the server 102 to enter order detail data and submit
orders to the application 104. In one embodiment, the user
application 152 includes a web browser that displays interactive
web pages, applets, or other suitable user interface mechanisms
including one or more selectable fields, editing screens, and the
like for selecting content and/or modifying pre-recorded content by
the user (i.e., sender). In another embodiment, the GUI application
152 includes application software (i.e., a mobile app) that is
executed on the computing device 108, 114, which is, for example, a
wireless communication device for providing one or more selectable
fields, edit screens, and the like for selecting content and/or
modifying pre-recorded content by the user.
[0047] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the user
application 152 also includes one or more application program
interface (API) modules 154 for communicating with one or more
peripheral devices 156 configured in the computing device 108, 114.
For the computing device 114 of the recipient, the API modules 154
include any type that receives user interface input actions, and
generates tactile feedback using one or more peripheral devices
156. For the computing device 108 of the user, the API modules 154
may receive user-supplied content from the user for generating the
reveal video 110. For example, the API modules 154 of the computing
device 114 of the recipient may communicate with sensors for
sensing finger gestures performed by the recipient and cooperate
with one or more other API modules 154 for generating tactile
feedback for the recipient using peripheral devices (e.g., speaker,
vibration generators, or rumble feedback generators). As another
example, the API modules 154 may include a keyboard for receiving
alpha-numeric text information from the user, a microphone for
receiving audio content from the user, and/or a camera for
receiving photographic or video content from the user.
[0048] FIG. 2 illustrates an example e-gift ordering application
104 executed on the e-gift ordering server 102. The e-gift ordering
server 102 includes a processing system 202 that includes one or
more processors or other processing devices. A processor is
hardware. The processing system 202 executes the e-gift ordering
application 104 to facilitate activation of an e-gift and for
receiving customized information from the user for generating a
reveal video that is combined with the e-gift to be sent to a
recipient. The e-gift ordering server 102 also includes a display
203, such as a computer monitor, for displaying data and/or a
graphical user interface 220.
[0049] According to one aspect, the e-gift ordering server 102
includes a computer readable medium 204 that stores the e-gift
ordering application 104. The e-gift ordering application 104
includes instructions or modules that are executable by the
processing system 202 to generate a reveal video to be sent to a
recipient along with a selected e-gift.
[0050] The computer readable medium 204 includes volatile media,
nonvolatile media, removable media, non-removable media, and/or
another available medium that can be accessed by the e-gift
ordering server 102. By way of example and not limitation, computer
readable medium 204 comprises computer storage media and
communication media. Computer storage media includes non-transient
storage memory, volatile media, nonvolatile media, removable media,
and/or non-removable media implemented in a method or technology
for storage of information, such as computer readable instructions,
data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication
media embodies computer readable instructions, data structures,
program modules, or other data and include an information delivery
media or system.
[0051] A user interface module 206 facilitates the receipt of data
and/or other communications from the computing device 108 of the
user. In one example, the user interface module 206 communicates
with the computing device 108 using a web browser executed on the
computing device 108 to provide one or more selectable fields,
editing screens, and the like for receiving content and/or
modifying pre-recorded content by the user (i.e., sender) to be
included in the reveal video 110. In another example, the user
interface module 206 communicates with the computing device 108
using application software (i.e., a mobile app) executed on a
computing device 108, such as a wireless communication device or
tablet computer, to provide one or more selectable fields, editing
screens, and the like for receiving content and/or modifying
pre-recorded content by the user (i.e., sender). In yet another
example, the user interface module 206 communicates with one or
more peripheral devices 156 of the computing device 108 to receive
user-supplied content to be included on the reveal video and/or the
gift card.
[0052] A reveal video customization module 208 receives information
from the computing system 108 for customizing a reveal video 110.
For example, the reveal video customization module 208 displays one
or more reveal video templates stored in the data storage and
receives selection of one of the displayed reveal video templates
by the user. Next, the reveal video customization module 208
receives other information from the computing device 108 of the
user for customizing the reveal video, which may include, for
example, selection of a particular color scheme to be associated
with the reveal video, entry of user-supplied content, and/or
selection of one or more pre-recorded content to be included with
the reveal video. For example, the reveal video customization
module 208 receives user selection of a holder type including a
particular design associated with a special occasion, which is, for
example, a birthday, wedding, or a holiday, such as Christmas,
Easter, Thanksgiving, and the like. The user-supplied content may
include alpha-numeric text, photographs, audio content, recorded
video content, and/or animated video content as provided by the
user. For example, the reveal video customization module 208
receives textual content from the user that includes a sentimental
message to be included in the reveal video to be viewed by the
recipient.
[0053] The user-supplied content or pre-recorded content may
include textual, audio, photographs, and/or video segments to be
included with the reveal video. In a particular embodiment, the
user-supplied content includes pre-recorded content including a
song or a portion of a pre-recorded song that is copyrighted and
licensed by the owner of the copyrighted song. The reveal video
customization module 208 modifies existing content, such as
pre-recorded content or other previously received content, based
upon input received from the computing system 108. An example of
modifying existing content includes modifying a received photograph
using one or more photograph editing features that provides for
cropping, color hue adjustment, brightness adjustment, sizing,
and/or other features associated with manipulation of digital
imagery.
[0054] A financial account interface module 210 communicates with a
payment processing server, such as the financial account server
122, to transact a monetary transfer of funds from the user's
financial account to a financial account of a merchant of the
e-gift. In one example, the financial account module 210 includes
an application program interface (API) for coordinating a monetary
transaction (e.g., online money transfer) through an e-commerce
provider, such as PAYPAL.TM., online credit card systems, or other
suitable third party financial clearing entity. In another example,
the financial account interface module 210 encodes monetary
transaction information provided by the user and transmits this
information to the merchant activation server 120 such that the
merchant activation server 120 may communicate with the financial
account server 122 of the user for transacting funds necessary for
activating the e-gift.
[0055] The e-gift activation API module 212 communicates with the
merchant activation server 120 for activation of the e-gift. For
example, the merchant activation server 120 is a server managed by
a merchant associated with the e-gift. For another example, the
merchant activation server 120 is a third party server of a third
party e-gift activation service for activation of the e-gift, such
as SVS.TM. STORE FINANCIAL.TM., and the like.
[0056] A reveal video generation module 214 facilitates the
generation of the reveal video to be sent to the recipient along
with the selected e-gift. For example, the e-gift/reveal video
combination is generated in digital form and transmitted to the
recipient via any suitable communication mechanism, such as via an
e-mail message, or a short message service (SMS) message.
[0057] A third party retailer API module 216 exposes certain
features of each of the user interface module 206, the reveal video
customization module 208, the financial account interface module
210, the e-gift activation API module 212, and/or the reveal video
generation module 214 for use by the third party server 126 so that
reveal videos 110 may be generated and transmitted to recipients
using a website platform owned and managed by a third party
retailer. For example, a third party, such as WAL MART.TM. may
provide a publicly available website that allows its users to place
orders for e-gifts 112, while also interfacing with the modules
206, 208, 210, 212, and/or 214 to select, customize, generate, and
transmit e-gift/reveal video combinations directly from their
website.
[0058] In one embodiment, the third party retailer API module 216
may store value information and region information associated with
products or services be provided by merchants in differing regions.
Accordingly, the system may provide for selection of those products
or services by the user according to the region where the user is
located at. For example, when the user selects a particular product
from a merchant having a nationwide presence, the third party
retailer API module 216 may obtain region information about where
the user or the recipient is located at, and based on that
information, provide selection of the product at a price based on
that geographical region. Additionally, the third party retailer
API module 216 may include region information in the e-voucher such
that it is restricted to being redeemed only within that
geographical region. In such a case, if a user living in the
mid-west purchases an e-voucher for a certain specified amount, a
recipient of the e-voucher may be restricted from redeeming the
e-voucher on the east coast where the price for the product is
greater than the same product in the mid-west. In one aspect, the
location of the recipient may be used to determine the value amount
for the e-voucher. The value or range of values for goods and
services may be stored in one or more databases that may correspond
to different geographical regions. The geographical regions may
correspond to any municipal or territory size. For example, the
geographical regions in the database may be granular to account for
price variations in different portions of the same city. This may
be accomplished based on ZIP codes, mailing or physical addresses
or other information. Alternately, the database may group
geographical regions by state, province, or country. In one
embodiment, the database values are updated at a desired interval
by referring to a cost of living index, retailer press releases, or
any other media that may indicate the current or future price for a
good or service.
[0059] It should be appreciated that the modules described herein
is provided only as an example of a computing device that executes
the e-gift ordering application 104 according to the teachings of
the present invention, and that other computing systems may have
the same modules, different modules, additional modules, or fewer
modules than those described herein. For example, one or more
modules as described in FIG. 2 is combined into a single module. As
another example, certain modules described herein is encoded on,
and executed on other computing systems, such as the computing
device 108 used by the user, or the computing device 114 used by
the recipient.
[0060] FIG. 3 illustrates an example process that is performed by
the e-gift ordering application 104 to generate a reveal video that
may be transmitted, along with a selected e-gift to a recipient
according to the teachings of the present disclosure.
[0061] At 302, the e-gift ordering application 104 receives a
request from a computing device 108 and generates a GUI on the
computing system 108 of the user. In one embodiment, the GUI is
generated as a web page that is rendered by a web browser executed
on the computing device 108 through a network, such as the
Internet. In another embodiment, the GUI is generated by
application software (i.e., a mobile app) designed to be executed
on a computing device 108 embodied as a wireless communication
device, a tablet computer, or other similar type of portable
computing device.
[0062] The user accesses the system 100 via the computing device
108 via the user interface of the computing device 108 hosted by
the e-gift ordering server 102. A user may arrive at the system
interface via an HTML link or other suitable entry point, such as
through a mobile app executed on a portable computing device. The
user typically initiates the online personalized gifting
transaction by requesting a URL of the server 102 through a browser
or by launching the mobile app on a portable computing device, such
as a wireless communication device or portable tablet computer from
which the GUI is generated on the computing device 108.
[0063] In some embodiments incorporating a mobile app that is
executed on a portable computing device, a first or main screen
display is provided showing elements such as text and graphics
describing and explaining use of the system. The main screen may
also display one or more banners showing seasonal offers provided
to the user. In certain embodiments, the user can scroll through
multiple banners using a finger swipe or other means, such as arrow
keys, provided by the portable computing device for controlling and
interacting with the mobile app executed on the portable computing
device. Typically, the main screen also includes text and graphics
comprising a primary navigation element, such as a "Get Started"
button, that is activated by a screen touch or other selection
means provided by the mobile device to advance the user to the next
screen.
[0064] At 304, the e-gift ordering application 104 receives
information associated with the user. For example, the e-gift
ordering application 104 generates a splash screen (FIG. 4) on the
computing device from which a sign-in screen (FIG. 5) is accessed
by the computing device. In the event that the user has not yet
established an account, the e-gift ordering application 104
generates a registration screen (FIG. 6) on the computing device
for registration of the user. In other embodiments, information
associated with the user without the splash screen, sign-in screen,
and registration screen as shown in FIGS. 4-6, respectively if
registration of the user is not needed or desired. It is important
to note that the screens of FIGS. 5-24 of the present disclosure
may refer to screens generated by a mobile app on a computing
device, such as smartphone as well as screens generated by a web
browser on a computing device, such as a home computing system.
[0065] At 306, the e-gift ordering application 104 receives
information associated with a recipient. For example, the e-gift
ordering application 104 generates a recipient information screen
(FIG. 7) to receive one or more identifying elements of the
recipient from the user. The e-gift ordering application 104 also
generates a second recipient information screen (FIG. 8) to receive
one or more other elements of information of the recipient, such as
a location where the recipient resides, an age of the recipient,
and any interests of the recipient. It is important to note that
FIGS. 7 and 8 merely show one embodiment of recipient information
that is received by the e-gift ordering application 104; other
examples however, provides for receipt of any type of recipient
information. Alternatively, the e-gift ordering application 104
obtains personal information of the recipient using one or more
social network sites, such as FACEBOOK.TM.. As will be described in
detail below. The e-gift ordering application 104 uses this
information to provide targeted suggestions to the user for
designing the reveal video and/or selection of a e-gift.
[0066] At 308, the e-gift ordering application 104 receives e-gift
information from the computing device 108 and facilitates
activation of the e-gift. For example, the e-gift ordering
application 104 may present a merchant selection screen (FIG. 9)
for entry of a particular merchant of the e-gift, which upon
selection by the user, then displays an e-gift selection screen
(FIG. 10) and an e-gift customization screen (FIG. 11), which in
this particular example is configured to provide for selection and
customization of a gift card of the selected merchant. The e-gift
selection screen also provides for selection of a monetary value to
be associated with the e-gift. Although the present example
describes an e-gift in the form of a gift card, it should be
understood that the e-gift may be any type that facilitates an item
of value or facilitates a financial transaction for the recipient,
such as a transaction card, a stored value card, an electronic
ticket, or a stored value card, a subscription, a coupon, an
e-book, a group coupon e.g., GROUPON.TM.), and the like.
[0067] At 310, the e-gift ordering application 104 receives reveal
video information from the computing device 108. For example, the
e-gift ordering application 104 presents an occasion screen (FIG.
12) for entry of a particular occasion by a user of the computing
device 108. As another example, the e-gift ordering application 104
presents a reveal video template selection screen (FIG. 13) for
selection of a particular reveal template to be customized. For a
particular example in which the selected occasion is Christmas, the
e-gift ordering application 104 presents multiple reveal video
templates associated with the Christmas season, such as a manger
scene, a Christmas tree, three wise men, and the like. The e-gift
ordering application 104 receives a selected occasion from the
computing device 108 of the user for further customization.
[0068] At 312, the e-gift ordering application 104 customizes the
reveal video according to reveal information provided by the user.
For example, the application 104 presents a reveal video
customization screen (FIG. 14) to manage the entry of reveal video
information by the user. For example, the interactive screen
includes a "Record User-Supplied Content" button that when
selected, allows the user to enter user-supplied content, such as
textual, audio, photographic, and/or video content to be included
in the reveal video. As another example, the interactive screen
includes a "Select Prerecorded Content" button that when selected,
allows the user to select from among multiple instances of
prerecorded content stored in the data source. As yet another
example, the interactive screen includes a "Adjust parameters of
the Video" button that when selected, allows the user to adjust one
or more parameters of the reveal video, such as a color scheme to
be associated with the reveal video, a play time of the reveal
video, haptic feedback intensity parameters to be associated with
the reveal video, and the like. The e-gift ordering application 104
also displays a reveal video preview screen (FIG. 15) that displays
a preview of the customized reveal video so that the user may view
the reveal video.
[0069] At 314, the e-gift ordering application 104 generates a
reveal video in accordance with information provided by the user of
the computing device at 302 through 310. At 316, the e-gift
ordering application 104 transmits the reveal video/e-gift
combination to the recipient. The e-gift ordering application 104
transmits the reveal video/e-gift combination to the user via any
suitable digital format, such as via an e-mail message, via a short
message service (SMS) message, or via a social media account.
[0070] The process described above is performed repeatedly for
additional reveal video/e-gifts to be sent to one or more
recipients. When use of the e-gift ordering application 104 is no
longer needed or desired, the process ends.
[0071] FIG. 4 illustrates an example process that is performed by
the user application 152 of the computing device 114 of the
recipient to play the customized reveal video according to the
teachings of the present disclosure.
[0072] At 402, the user application 152 displays the reveal video
on the GUI 148 of the computing device 114. One example reveal
video may display a three-dimensional image of a present (FIGS.
16-18) to be interactively opened by the recipient. Another example
reveal video may display an image of a birthday candle (FIGS.
19-21) that may be interactively blown out by the recipient.
Another example reveal video may display an image of a balloon
(FIGS. 22-23) to be blown up by the recipient. Yet another example
reveal video may display an image including confetti or other
celebration material (FIGS. 24-26) that may be removed to reveal
the e-gift given to the recipient. In one embodiment, the reveal
video may include background imagery, such as an image of a table
on which a gift box is placed as shown in FIGS. 16-18.
Additionally, the displayed image may include simulated movement,
such as the birthday candle whose flame may flicker to simulate
movement due to the ambient forces of the wind as shown in FIG.
19.
[0073] At 404, the user application 152 detects one or more input
actions performed on the GUI 148. Examples of input actions may
include, for example, finger swiping actions performed on the GUI
148 of the computing device 114, audible sound inputted into a
microphone of the computing device 114, shaking, tilting, popping,
and/or tapping of the computing device 114.
[0074] At 406, the user application 152 generates tactile feedback
actions in accordance with the detected input actions. For the
example reveal video shown in FIGS. 16-18, tactile feedback actions
include an image of a ribbon that is pulled in response to an input
action comprising a finger swiping action from point 172 to point
174 on the GUI 148. Additionally as shown in FIG. 18, a tactile
feedback action may include an image of wrapping paper being ripped
from the e-gift in response to an input action comprising a finger
swiping action from point 182 to point 184 on the GUI 148.
[0075] Other tactile feedback actions may include sounds outputted
by a speaker or other sound generating device of the computing
device 114 that mimics or simulates an actual sound generated by
visual displays on the GUI 148. For example, the user application
152 may generate a tearing sound as the wrapping paper is pulled
from the e-gift as shown in FIG. 18. Additionally, the user
application 152 may generate vibrations of the computing device 114
to simulate texture or other sensory aspect of the displayed image.
For example, the user application 152 may generate vibrations as
the wrapping paper is removed to simulate the tearing action in the
user's hand.
[0076] Tactile feedback actions may include an image of a burning
candle whose flame bends or an image of a balloon that is blown up
in response to an input action of blowing into the microphone of
the computing device 114 by the user as shown in FIGS. 20 and 23,
respectively. As the user continues to blow into the microphone,
the user application 114 responds by displaying a burned out candle
as shown in FIG. 21. The balloon may also display a user-supplied
text message indicating some sentiment to be conveyed to the
recipient by the giver.
[0077] Tactile feedback actions may also include an image of
confetti as shown in FIG. 25 that is removed from the GUI 148 as
the user shakes the computing device 114.
[0078] At 408, the user application 152 displays an image of the
e-gift for the recipient. For example, an image of the e-gift may
be displayed as a box that is revealed when the wrapping paper is
tore away as shown in FIG. 18. As another example, an image of the
e-gift may be displayed as a stored value card (e.g., a gift card)
that is revealed when the candle is blown out as shown in FIG. 21,
or when the confetti is shaken from the GUI 148 as shown in FIG.
26.
[0079] The process described above may be performed repeatedly for
the user on the GUI 148. Nevertheless, when display of the reveal
video is no longer needed or desired, the process ends. It should
be appreciated that the steps described herein is provided only as
an example of a process that is performed by the user application
152 to display a reveal video on the computing device 114 of the
recipient and that the user application 152 may perform fewer,
more, or different types of steps than those described herein. For
example, the user application 152 may perform multiple steps
described above as a single step. As another example, certain steps
described herein is performed by other components of the computing
device 114 of the recipient.
[0080] According to another embodiment of the systems and methods
disclosed herein, the e-gift ordering system 100 can be used for
purchasing electronic vouchers (e-vouchers) to be given to a
recipient from a user in which each e-voucher is redeemable for a
specific product or service provided a merchant. Examples of such
products or services may include frozen drinks, coffee, dinner at a
particular restaurant, one or more food items (e.g.,
all-you-can-eat pancakes, ice cream cones, burritos, appetizers,
etc.) at a restaurant, books, and the like. Examples of such
services may include hand manicures, oil changes to a vehicle, dry
cleaning services, and the like.
[0081] Within this disclosure, an e-voucher may include any type of
moniker, icon, or other visual structure representing a voucher to
be used for conducting a transaction for a specific product or
service. In one embodiment, an indication of the product or service
may be displayed on the e-voucher. For example, the e-voucher may
include an alpha-numeric date or other machine readable indicia
(e.g. barcode or Quick Response Code ("QR code) indicating the
product or service associated with the e-voucher and the merchant
that the product or service is to be redeemed from. As another
example, the e-voucher may include an image or a picture associated
with a product or service, such as an image of a cup of coffee to
be redeemed for an actual cup of coffee at a merchant that sells
coffee to its patrons.
[0082] Similar to the previously described method as described
above with reference to FIG. 3, at 302 through 306, the e-gift
ordering application 104 receives a request from a computing device
108 to generate a GUI on the computing system 108 of the user,
receives information associated with the user, and receives
information associated with a recipient, respectively.
[0083] Thereafter at 308, the e-gift ordering application 104
receives e-gift information from the computing device 108 in which
the e-gift comprises an e-voucher. For example, the e-gift ordering
application 104 may present an e-voucher selection screen (FIG. 27)
for selection of an e-voucher 2700 from among multiple available
e-vouchers by the user. As shown, the e-voucher 2700 represents a
token coin that can be redeemed for a particular product or service
provided by the merchant. In other embodiments, the e-voucher may
represent any suitable type of voucher, such as an account voucher,
a coupon, a food stamp, a meal voucher, and the like.
[0084] According to aspects of the present disclosure, the e-gift
ordering application 104 may also receive user-supplied content for
personalizing the e-voucher to be given to a recipient. For
example, the e-gift ordering application 104 may receive
user-supplied information associated with the recipient, such as a
photograph of the recipient, alpha-numeric text information
associated with the recipient's name, a term of endearment known
between the user and the recipient, and the like. To obtain the
user-supplied content, the e-gift ordering application 104 may
generate a voucher customizing screen (FIG. 28) to record
user-supplied content using various input devices (e.g.,
microphone, camera, etc.) on the computing device of the user,
receive previously recorded content, and edit the user-supplied
content on the e-voucher.
[0085] At 310, the e-gift ordering application 104 may optionally
receive reveal video information from the computing device 108 in
which the reveal video information is associated with one or more
physical characteristics of a voucher represented by the e-voucher.
For example, if the selected e-voucher is a token coin, the e-gift
ordering application 104 may present a reveal video selection
screen (FIG. 29) for entry of a particular reveal video by a user
of the computing device 108. In this particular example, the reveal
video selection screen includes a ramp video that is to display
imagery of a selected a token coin that is rolled down one or more
declining ramps, a coin toss video that is to display imagery of
the selected token coin being flipped through the air, and a coin
dispenser video that is to display imagery of the selected token
coin being dispensed from a coin dispenser. Step 312 may be
optionally performed to provide for user customization of the
selected reveal video. Thereafter at 314, the e-gift ordering
application 104 may generate the reveal video.
[0086] At 316, the e-gift ordering application 104 transmits the
reveal video/e-voucher combination to the computing device of the
recipient 114. The e-gift ordering application 104 may transmit the
reveal video/e-voucher combination to the computing device of the
recipient 114 via any suitable digital format, such as via an
e-mail message, via a short message service (SMS) message, or via a
social media account.
[0087] FIG. 30 illustrates various e-vouchers each indicating a
different product or service provided by a particular merchant that
can be provided by the e-gift ordering application 104. In one
embodiment, the e-gift ordering application 104 may provide for the
sale and gifting of packs of e-vouchers in which each pack includes
multiple e-vouchers (e.g., token coins). FIG. 31 illustrates
various packs of e-vouchers each indicating a different product or
service that can be provided by the e-gift ordering application
104.
[0088] FIGS. 32A through 32C illustrates an example reveal video
and associated e-voucher that may be displayed on the computing
device of the recipient 114 according to one embodiment of the
present disclosure. In particular, FIGS. 32A-32C illustrate a
sequence of screenshots showing an animated reveal video in which
an e-voucher 3202 is rolled down a series of declining ramps 3204
and comes to rest at a final point on the screen 3206 in FIG. 32C.
As shown, the reveal video includes features (e.g., declining
ramps) to simulate action by the physical characteristics (e.g.,
round shape) of the e-voucher 3202. In other embodiments, the
reveal video may include other features that can be associated with
certain characteristics of a voucher represented by the e-voucher.
For example, if the e-voucher is to be redeemed for an oil change
service, the reveal video may include animation showing a car or
other automobile zooming into the screen. As another example, if
the e-voucher is to be redeemed for cotton candy at a circus, the
reveal video may include an animation of a clown performing a magic
trick to produce an image of cotton candy on the GUI 148.
[0089] In one embodiment, the e-voucher may include location
information associated with a particular location or geographical
region where the e-voucher may be redeemed. For example, the system
100 may obtain location information about the user, such as a city
where the user is located at, and based on the location
information, search for certain merchants within a specified
distance, or a geographical region, and display offering for those
merchants on the GUI 148. As another example, if the merchant
associated with the e-voucher is a chain store having multiple
retail stores, the location information may include constraints
that the e-voucher only be redeemed within a location specified by
the location information. Given this example, a user may purchase
an e-voucher to be used by the recipient while on vacation at a
remote location. Thus, the e-voucher may be restricted to being
redeemed at the remote location specified by the location
information.
[0090] When the value of the e-voucher is determined based, at
least in part, on the geographic location of the desired location
for redemption, the redemption of the voucher may be restricted to
that particular location. In one aspect, this restriction or
"geo-fencing" is accomplished by receiving information from a GPS
component, Internet Protocol ("IP") address or other location
identifying information retrievable from the recipient's computer
or mobile computing device.
[0091] The e-voucher may be redeemed in any suitable manner. In one
embodiment, the e-gift ordering application 104 may include a
button on the GUI 148 of the computing device 114 of the recipient
such that when selected, causes identifying information about the
e-voucher to be displayed. In another embodiment, the e-voucher may
include a contactless, stored value smart card, such as a one
regional card for all (ORCA.TM.) e-voucher provided by the public
transportation authority of Puget Sound, Washington state.
[0092] In one embodiment, the GUI 148 of the computing device of
the recipient 114 may be embodied as a mobile application (e.g., a
mobile app) that stores and organizes one or more e-vouchers to be
redeemed in an on-demand manner by the recipient 114. For example,
the mobile app may store multiple e-vouchers associated with a
particular food item sold by a restaurant such that, each time the
recipient dines at that restaurant, each of the multiple e-vouchers
may be redeemed for one serving of that food item for consumption
of the recipient.
[0093] The process described above may be performed repeatedly for
the user on the GUI 148. Nevertheless, when display of the reveal
video and associated e-voucher has been performed, the process
ends. It should be appreciated that the steps described herein is
provided only as an example of a process that is performed by the
e-gift ordering application 104 to manage gifting of e-vouchers
from users to recipients, the e-gift ordering application 104 may
perform fewer, more, or different types of steps than those
described herein. For example, the e-gift ordering application 104
may perform multiple steps described above as a single step. As
another example, certain steps described herein are performed by
other components, such as by the computing device 114 of the
recipient.
[0094] It should be understood that the e-gifts described herein
above merely represent example e-gifts that is used with the
present disclosure, and that other types or styles of e-gifts is
used. For example, the e-gift may be printable on a conventional
piece of paper that includes indicia indicating information, such
as a merchant and the monetary amount allocated to that e-gift that
may be redeemed by the merchant.
[0095] According to one embodiment, the application 104 manipulates
(e.g., modifies) the e-voucher 3202 or an environment in which the
e-voucher 3202 is displayed according to information obtained from
one or more sensors, including but not limited to GPS components or
an accelerometer of the recipient computing device 114. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 33A and 33B, the application 104 may
manipulate the movement of the e-voucher 3202 according to how the
recipient computing device 114 is rotated from side to side. In
FIG. 33A, the movement of the e-voucher 3202 is halted due to
rotation of the recipient computing device 114 such that one of the
declining ramps 3204 are in a horizontal orientation. Additionally,
the movement of the e-voucher 3202 may be caused to move backwards
when one of the declining ramps 3204 are oriented in a reverse
declining orientation. To provide such an action, the application
104 may obtain orientation information from one or more sensors
configured on the recipient computing device 114.
[0096] Although one example of a technique for manipulating or
otherwise modifying the e-voucher 3202 is displayed according to
information obtained from one or more sensors configured on the
recipient computing device 114, it is contemplated that other
embodiments may include other types of movement of the e-voucher
3202 or an environment in which the e-voucher 3202 is displayed
without departing from the spirit or scope of the present
disclosure. For example, the declining ramps 3202 may be configured
to move or shake as a result of a shaking motion imparted by a user
of the recipient computing device 114. In this case, the
application 104 may obtain movement information from a sensor
configured on the recipient computing device 114 (e.g., a
accelerometer) and manipulate the movement of the declining ramps
3202 based upon this information.
[0097] As another example, the application 104 may be responsive to
audio information obtained from the microphone of the recipient
computing device 114 to manipulate how the fire created by one or
more candles are blown out by the recipient. (See FIGS. 12-21). In
this case, the application 104 may obtain audio information from
the microphone and based upon the amplitude (e.g., volume) of audio
information, determine how quickly the fire on the candle is blown
out.
[0098] As yet another example in which the environment includes a
snow globe, the application 104 may be responsive to a shaking
movement of the recipient computing device 114 to agitate glitter
on the display of the recipient computing device 114, and when the
shaking has ceased, display an e-voucher or other indication of a
gift for the recipient.
[0099] In one embodiment, the application 104 may generate haptic
feedback (e.g., mechanical forces) on the recipient computing
device 114 based upon information obtained from one or more sensors
configured on the recipient computing device 114. In general,
haptic feedback may be considered to be an environment that the
e-voucher 3202 is displayed in. For example, the recipient
computing device 114 may be controlled to vibrate when certain
actions are performed on the recipient computing device 114, such
as touching a certain region of the display of the recipient
computing device 114.
[0100] FIGS. 34A through 34D illustrate an example display that may
be generated by the application 104 to reveal an e-voucher 3202
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 34A,
the application 104 initially displays a glass 3402 that is mostly
full of a beverage 3404. In FIG. 34B, the application 104 is
responsive to a tilting motion of the recipient computing device
114 to display the beverage 3404 being poured from the glass 3402.
As the recipient computing device 114 is tilted to the horizontal
orientation, the application 104 may display the glass 3402 as
being completely emptied as shown in FIG. 34C. Thereafter in FIG.
34D, when the recipient computing device 114 is tilted back to the
vertical orientation, the e-voucher 3202 may be revealed to show
the recipient has been given an e-voucher to a beverage. Thus as
shown, the application 104 may be responsive to orientation
information obtained from a sensor configured on the recipient
computing device 114 to manipulate the environment in which the
e-voucher 3202 is displayed.
[0101] In one embodiment, the application 104 may display the
environment in multiple layers in which a first layer is static
(e.g., does not move) while a second layer is manipulated according
to one or more sensors configured on the recipient computing
device. For example, as shown in FIGS. 34A through 34D, the display
may have a first layer that includes the glass 3402 and text
information, and a second layer that includes the pourable fluid
(e.g., beverage) 3404. The first layer is shown with solid lines
while the second layer is shown with dashed lines. The application
104 may be responsive to a sensor (e.g., an accelerometer,
gyroscope, etc.) configured on the recipient computing device 114
to increase the flow rate from the glass 3402 proportionally to an
angle of deviation from the upright position of the recipient
computing device 114. Thus, the flow rate of the beverage from the
glass may be proportional to how much tilt is provided by the
recipient on the recipient computing device 114.
[0102] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations
from the specific embodiments disclosed above are contemplated by
the invention. The invention should not be restricted to the above
embodiments, but should be measured by the following claims.
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