A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. The following notice applies to the software and data as described below and in the drawings that form a part of this document: Copyright eBay, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
Interfaces such as web-pages now include an abundance of information which is presented to a user. For example, information presented to a consumer can include detailed descriptions of products, related items, suggested items, customer reviews, recently viewed items, and the like. As the information presented to the consumer grows, it makes it more difficult to keep important information in front of the consumer because as the amount of information increases, the size of the page becomes larger. Consumers may get “lost” in the amount of information. This may cause a lost sale as the consumer may forget what product they are interested in, or have difficulty finding the actionable items of a page in order to initiate a purchase. The action items may include items such as adding the product to the cart, a wish list, a baby-list, a wedding list, or the like.
In an example embodiment, a method comprises presenting an interface to a user; displaying a first action element in the interface; detecting a user navigation which renders the first action element not visible in the interface; and, responsive to the detection, displaying a window within the interface, the window comprising an information element and a second action element.
In an example embodiment, a system comprises at least one module, executing on one or more computer processors, to present an interface to a user; display a first action element in the interface; detect a user navigation which renders the first action element not visible in the interface; and responsive to the detection, display a window within the interface, the window comprising an information element and a second action element.
Another example embodiment may comprise a machine readable medium, including instructions, which when performed by a machine, causes the machine to perform the operations of presenting an interface to a user; displaying a first action element in the interface; detecting a user navigation which renders the first action element not visible in the interface; and responsive to the detection, displaying a window within the interface, the window comprising an information element and a second action element.
In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.
Disclosed in some examples are methods, systems, and machine readable media which present to the user an information and action “bar” (also termed a “window” in this specification) is displayed in response to the user navigating to, or past, a predetermined trigger point on a web-page. The information and action bar may be a graphical visual element displayed in the user's browser as overlaid on top of, and separate from the webpage. The information and action bar may be displayed on the screen when the user navigates to, or past, the predetermined trigger point and in some examples, may disappear when the user navigates back before the trigger point. The bar or window may be of any appropriate shape or outline. The bar may be rectangular in some embodiments, but other shapes are possible. The information and action bar may include important information and also one or more action elements which may allow the user to initiate one or more actions (e.g., adding the item to the cart). The information displayed may include any subset of the information displayed on the page and may include text, graphics, animations, or any other aspect of the page.
Examples of information may include a product title, a short description, a price, a picture of the product, a merchant's logo, or the like. Certain additional features that may not exist on the page may also be included. Examples of these additional features may include cross-sells (i.e. related products), social media info, advertisements or general widgets of a standard e-commerce offering. Action elements may be any user interactive element which allows the user to act upon the product information in some way. Example action elements include buttons which allow users to navigate to other portions of the page (e.g., a “click to return to the top of the page” button), make purchasing decisions (e.g., add-to-cart, buy now with paypal), adding the item to wish lists, layaway, registries (e.g., baby registry, wedding shower registry, or the like), links to send a description of the item to a friend, or the like. In some examples, the action element may be a subset of the action elements which already exist on the website.
Upon a user interaction with the action elements, the action elements may trigger the execution of one or more scripts. In some examples, these scripts may carry out the desired functions of the action element (e.g., adding the item to the consumer's digital shopping cart). In other examples, the scripts may simulate a user interaction with an associated action element on the web-page, such that the script causes execution of the commands and scripts associated with the web-page action element to which it is associated. For example, rather than creating duplicate action items, one for the web-page and another for the information and action bar, triggering an action element in the information and action bar may execute a script (e.g., JavaScript) which may simulate a click or other action on the action element in the main web-page. Thus the user's click or other action which triggers an action element on the information and action bar may be “tunneled” or linked to the action element on the main web page. This may allow for easier implementation of the information and action bar, as well as ensuring that no events on a given web page element are missed.
As already noted the display of the information and action bar may be triggered upon the user navigating to or past a predetermined trigger point on a web-page. The term “web-page” in this specification should be interpreted to include any electronic interface, screen or monitor on which information or action elements can be presented. Such interfaces can include for example user terminal screens, monitor screens, or touch screens on mobile devices, such as “smart phones” for example. The term “bar” is also intended to cover a window or planar area.
Further, the term “navigation” in this specification should be taken to include, for example, movement of a screen cursor or pointer on an interface. The movement or placement of a finger on a touch screen should also be included within the ambit of this term. Scrolling actions, or moving or re-sizing (for example, minimizing/maximizing) a screen or window, are also included within the meaning of the term. Other types of navigation are possible, for example by keyboard entry, by voice commands, and so forth. For example, if the user scrolls past an action element (e.g., an add-to-cart action element which adds the item to a user's digital shopping cart), the information and action bar may be displayed (e.g., with that action element). In another example, a user may resize a screen so that an action item or predetermined trigger point “disappears” from view. In a similar manner, the border of a moving or re-sized screen may pass a predetermined trigger point. These example user navigations may trigger the information and action bar to be displayed. In this way a retailer may always keep certain action elements “on screen” by utilizing the information and action bar. For example, if the online merchant wishes to keep the add-to-cart button visible, the merchant sets up the information and action bar to trigger once the user scrolls past the add-to-cart button of the web-page. Additionally, in some examples, the information and action bar may remain visible regardless of where in the page the user navigates to, or how the navigation as defined above occurs in the interface. In other examples, the information and action bar may remain visible only until the user navigates to a place in the page before the trigger point, at which time the information and action bar may then disappear. Thus, for example, when the user navigates to an area of the page where the “add-to-cart” button on the web-page is again visible, the information and action bar may then disappear.
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The information and action bar 3000 may include (but is not limited to) information, such as a retailer logo 3010, a graphic 3020, the item title 3030 (and price). The information and action bar may also include action items such as an add-to-cart button 3040, an add-to-baby-registry button 3050, an add-to-wish-list button 3060, and a navigation button such as a back to the top of the page button 3070. Other action items and information items may be displayed. For example, an “average customer review” of the product, a short description, social media widgets, or the like may be displayed.
In some examples, the information and action bar 3000 does not display until a predetermined trigger point is reached by the consumer in the web-page. For example, when one or more action elements in the main web-page is scrolled past by the user (e.g., no longer visible). In some examples, the one or more action elements scrolled past may have associated action elements in the information and action bar 3000 which may enable a retailer to ensure that these action elements are constantly present on the screen. It should be noted, that the action elements on the information and action bar 3000 are different than the action elements on the main web page. The information and action bar is not simply the action elements moving with the scrolling of the user, but is a new user interface element introduced upon the consumer scrolling past a predefined trigger point. However, as already noted, triggering an action element on the information and action bar may trigger the action element on the web-page through a script which may simulate actions on the web-page.
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The information and action bar 3000 may include (but is not limited to) information, such as a retailer logo 3010, a graphic 3020, the item title 3030 and price. The information and action bar may also include action items such as an add-to-cart button 3040, and a PayPal button 3050. Other navigation buttons such as a back to the top of the page button 3070 are possible. Other action items and information items may be displayed. For example, average customer reviews of the product, a short description, social media widgets, or the like.
If a user scrolls back up the web page, the information and action bar 3000 containing the second action elements “disappears” off the top of the screen and is once again “replaced” by the appearance of the first action elements 1040. In this way, commercially important action elements such as “add-to-cart” and/or payment actions (such as PayPal) are kept visible and operational as other web site content is reviewed by a user.
In some examples, the information and action bar 3000 does not display until a predetermined trigger point is reached by the consumer in the web-page. For example, when one or more action elements in the main web-page is scrolled past by the user (e.g., no longer visible). In some examples, the one or more action elements scrolled past may have associated action elements in the information and action bar 3000 which may enable a retailer to ensure that these action elements are constantly present on the screen. It should be noted, that the action elements on the information and action bar 3000 can be the same or different than the action elements on the main web page. The information and action bar is not simply the action elements moving with the scrolling of the user, but can be a new user interface element introduced upon the consumer scrolling past a predefined trigger point. However, as already noted, triggering an action element on the information and action bar may trigger the action element on the web-page through a script which may simulate actions on the web-page.
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Content provider 6030 may include one or more data stores 6100 for storing content, such as web page 6040 for delivery to one or more user terminals 6010 upon request from user terminal 6010. Content provider 6030 may also include one or more servers 6110 for communicating with the user terminals 6010 over network 6020 and for causing content stored in the data store 6100 to be delivered to one or more user terminals 6010.
In some examples, the information and action bar may appear different to user's viewing the web-page on a mobile device. For example, the content provider 6030 may detect that user terminal 6010 is a mobile device such as a smartphone. In response to detecting that the user terminal 6010 is a smartphone, the content server may provide an alternative information and action bar through a different scripting module 6080. In other examples, the executable code which displays the information and action bar may detect that it is running on a mobile device. The mobile-enhanced information and action bar may be a simpler version with content tailored to a mobile device's more limited screen and user interface. For example, less information and/or less action elements may be displayed. The information and/or action elements may be displayed in a larger size (e.g., for better readability on a small display), a smaller size (e.g., to fit on a smaller display), a different color, a different font, a different font style, or the like.
Examples, as described herein, can include, or can operate on, logic or a number of components, modules, or mechanisms. Modules are tangible entities capable of performing specified operations and can be configured or arranged in a certain manner. In an example, circuits can be arranged (e.g., internally or with respect to external entities such as other circuits) in a specified manner as a module. In an example, the whole or part of one or more computer systems (e.g., a standalone, client or server computer system) or one or more hardware processors can be configured by firmware or software (e.g., instructions, an application portion, or an application) as a module that operates to perform specified operations. In an example, the software can reside (1) on a non-transitory machine-readable medium or (2) in a transmission signal. In an example, the software, when executed by the underlying hardware of the module, causes the hardware to perform the specified operations.
Accordingly, the term “module” is understood to encompass a tangible entity, be that an entity that is physically constructed, specifically configured (e.g., hardwired), or temporarily (e.g., transitorily) configured (e.g., programmed) to operate in a specified manner or to perform part or all of any operation described herein. Considering examples in which modules are temporarily configured, each of the modules need not be instantiated at any one moment in time. For example, where the modules comprise a general-purpose hardware processor configured using software, the general-purpose hardware processor can be configured as one or more modules that can change over time. Software can accordingly configure a hardware processor, for example, to constitute a particular module at one instance of time and to constitute a different module at a different instance of time. Or to constitute one or more modules at the same time.
Machine (e.g., computer system) 7000 can include a hardware processor 7002 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a hardware processor core, or any combination thereof), a main memory 7004 and a static memory 7006, some or all of which can communicate with each other via a bus 7008. The machine 7000 can further include a display unit 7010, an alphanumeric input device 7012 (e.g., a keyboard), and a user interface (UI) navigation device 7011 (e.g., a mouse). In an example, the display unit 7010, input device 7017 and UI navigation device 7014 can be a touch screen display. The machine 7000 can additionally include a storage device (e.g., drive unit) 7016, a signal generation device 7018 (e.g., a speaker), a network interface device 7020, and one or more sensors 7021, such as a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, compass, accelerometer, or other sensor. The machine 7000 can include an output controller 7028, such as a serial (e.g., universal serial bus (USB), parallel, or other wired or wireless (e.g., infrared (IR)) connection to communicate or control one or more peripheral devices (e.g., a printer, card reader, etc.).
The storage device 7016 can include a machine-readable medium 7022 on which is stored one or more sets of data structures or instructions 7024 (e.g., software) embodying or utilized by any one or more of the techniques or functions described herein. The instructions 7024 can also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory 7004, within static memory 7006, or within the hardware processor 7002 during execution thereof by the machine 7000. In an example, one or any combination of the hardware processor 7002, the main memory 7004, the static memory 7006, or the storage device 7016 can constitute machine readable media.
While the machine-readable medium 7022 is illustrated as a single medium, the term “machine readable medium” can include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that configured to store the one or more instructions 7024.
The term “machine-readable medium” can include any tangible medium that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying instructions for execution by the machine 7000 and that cause the machine 7000 to perform any one or more of the techniques of the present disclosure, or that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying data structures used by or associated with such instructions. Non-limiting machine-readable medium examples can include solid-state memories, and optical and magnetic media. Specific examples of machine-readable media can include: non-volatile memory, such as semiconductor memory devices (e.g., Electrically Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM)) and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks.
The instructions 7024 can further be transmitted or received over a communications network 7026 using a transmission medium via the network interface device 7020. Network interface device 7020 may connect the machine 7000 to a network of other machines in order to communicate with the other machines in the network by utilizing any one of a number of transfer protocols (e.g., frame relay, internet protocol (IP), transmission control protocol (TCP), user datagram protocol (UDP), hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), etc.). Example communication networks can include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a packet data network (e.g., the Internet), mobile telephone networks (e.g., cellular networks) such as a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, Plain Old Telephone (POTS) networks, and wireless data networks (e.g., Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 family of standards known as Wi-Fi®, IEEE 802.16 family of standards known as WiMax®), peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, among others. In an example, the network interface device 7020 can include one or more physical jacks (e.g., Ethernet, coaxial, or phone jacks) or one or more antennas to connect to the communications network 7026. In an example, and as shown in
The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.
All publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in this document are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as though individually incorporated by reference. In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and those documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference(s) should be considered supplementary to that of this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.
In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.
The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
Disclosed in some examples is a method including presenting a web-page to a user; detecting a user navigation of a web page past a predetermined trigger point; displaying a window overlaid over a portion of the web page, the window comprising an information element and an action element; detecting a user action associated with the action element; and performing an action associated with the action element.
Disclosed in other examples is a system including a browser module, executing on one or more computer processors and configured to: present a web-page to a user; detect a user navigation of a web page past a predetermined trigger point; display a window overlaid over a portion of the web page, the window comprising an information element and an action element; detect a user action associated with the action element; and perform an action associated with the action element.
Disclosed in yet other examples is a machine readable medium, including instructions, which when performed by a machine, causes the machine to perform the operations of: presenting a web-page to a user; detecting a user navigation of a web page past a predetermined trigger point; displaying a window overlaid over a portion of the web page, the window comprising an information element and an action element; detecting a user action associated with the action element; and performing an action associated with the action element.
These examples can be combined in any permutation or combination. This overview is intended to provide an overview of subject matter of the present patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the invention. The detailed description is included to provide further information about the present patent application.
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/608,200, filed on Sep. 10, 2012, and claims the benefit of priority, under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e), to Gibbons et al, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/613,203, entitled “Information and Action Bar” filed on Mar. 20, 2012 (Attorney Docket No. 2043.A71PRV), which applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61613203 | Mar 2012 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 13608200 | Sep 2012 | US |
| Child | 14100216 | US |