INSTRUCTIONAL INTERFACE MACHINE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to the processing of data. Specifically, the present disclosure addresses systems and methods of providing an instructional interface.

BACKGROUND

Generally, instructions may take the form of instructions for a machine or instructions for a person. An instruction for a machine (e.g., software) is a machine-readable command that causes the machine to perform one or more functions indicated (e.g., encoded using a computer language) in the command. An example of instructions for a machine is a computer program (e.g., an application, an applet, or a script). In contrast, an instruction for a person (e.g., a user of the device) is a human-perceivable command that instructs (e.g., directs, teaches, or prompts) the person to perform one or more functions described (e.g., using a written language, symbols, or pictures) in the command. The instruction may be perceived (e.g., received) by the person via any one or more senses (e.g., sight, sound, or touch), and the instruction may thereafter be executable by that person in the performance of the one or more functions. Examples of instructions for a person include a “how-to” manual that describes how to perform a task, a set of transportation directions to guide a traveler to a destination, or a recipe to prepare a particular food. In many cases, an instruction for a person is expressed using a written language as textual information (e.g., text). Accordingly, the instruction for the person may be referred to as a “textual instruction.”

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1-2 are diagrams illustrating an example of an instructional interface, according to some example embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating another example of an instructional interface, according to some example embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a further example of an instructional interface, according to some example embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a network diagram illustrating an instructional interface machine, a web server, and user devices, according to some example embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating components of an instructional interface machine, according to some example embodiments;

FIG. 7-9 are flowcharts illustrating operations in a method of providing an instructional interface, according to some example embodiments;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating operations in a method of presenting textual instructions with media content, according to some example embodiments; and

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating components of a machine, according to some example embodiments, able to read instructions from a machine- readable medium and perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example methods and systems are directed to providing an instructional interface. Examples merely typify possible variations. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, components and functions are optional and may be combined or subdivided, and operations may vary in sequence or be combined or subdivided. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of example embodiments. It will be evident to one skilled in the art, however, that the present subject matter may be practiced without these specific details.

An instructional interface may be provided (e.g., to a user device) by an instructional interface machine (e.g., a computer system modified by special software). According to various example embodiments, the instructional interface is configured to present a first textual instruction with first media content (e.g., contemporaneously). The first textual instruction is a human-perceivable instruction that is executable by a user of a user device, and the first media content is illustrative of at least a portion of the first textual instruction. The instructional interface is configured to receive a request that a second textual instruction be presented. Like the first textual instruction, the second textual instruction is a human-perceivable instruction that is executable by the user. The instructional interface is further configured to present the second textual instruction with second media content (e.g., contemporaneously), and to present a reference to a product that is pertinent to the first textual instruction, pertinent to the second textual instruction, or pertinent to both. In various example embodiments, media content (e.g., first media content or second media content) refers to a video clip, still image, a three-dimensional model, an audio clip, or any suitable combination thereof.

The instructional interface machine may provide the instructional interface, the first textual instructions, the first media content, or any suitable combination thereof, to the user device of the user. The instructional interface machine may then detect the request that the second textual instruction be presented. The request may be submitted to the instructional interface machine using the instructional interface (e.g., from the user device of the user). The instructional interface machine may next provide the second textual instructions, the second media content, the reference to the product to the user device, or any suitable combination thereof, to the user device. The second textual instruction, the second media content, or both, may be provided in response to the request.

In various example embodiments, the product is a hardware part, a hardware tool, or both, and the reference to the product may be presented in the instructional interface. Moreover, the reference may be presented in a list, where the list is pertinent to the first textual instruction, pertinent to the second text instruction, or pertinent to both.

The instructional interface may be configured to present a price of the product, and the instructional interface machine may provide the price to the user device. Additionally, the instructional interface may be configured to present a time period during which the product is available for purchase, and the instructional interface machine may provide the time period to the user device. Furthermore, the instructional interface may be configured to present a number of bids submitted to purchase the product (e.g., at auction), and the instructional interface machine may provide the number of bids to the user device. Also, the instructional interface may be configured to present an advertisement pertinent to the product, and the instructional interface machine may provide the advertisement to the user device. For example, the advertisement may include a reference to a product and may describe the product as being available for purchase (e.g., immediate purchase).

In certain example embodiments, the first media content, the second media content, or both, are illustrative of the product, and the reference may include a hyperlink to an electronic storefront (e.g., an online shopping interface) that is configured to initiate a purchase of the product (e.g., by the user of the user device). Moreover, the instructional interface may be configured to present multiple references to multiple products (e.g., a first reference to a first product and a second reference to a second product). The multiple references may be presented in a list (e.g., a list of hardware parts, hardware tools, or both). Any one or more of the multiple products may be identified as being recommended to a further user (e.g., of a further user device), and the identification of one or more of such products may be based on the multiple references being presented in the list. In other words, if the further user indicates interest in one product referenced in the list, another product referenced in the list may be identified (e.g., by a machine with a recommendation module) as being recommended to the further user.

According to some example embodiments, textual instructions, media content, or both are presented by the instructional interface in a cumulative fashion. For example, the first textual instruction, when presented by the instruction interface, may be presented without the second textual instruction being present in the instructional interface. However, the second textual instruction, when presented by the instructional interface, may be presented with the first textual instruction, both the first and second textual instructions being presented contemporaneously. Similarly, the first media content, when presented by the instructional interface, may be presented without the second media content being present in the instructional interface. However, the second media content, when presented by the instructional interface, may be presented with the first media content, both the first and second media content being presented contemporaneously. This cumulative presentation of the second textual instruction, the second media content, or both, may be in response to the request that the second textual instruction be presented. Alternatively, the second textual instruction, the second media content, or both, may be presented in a sequential fashion.

Moreover, the reference to the product may be provided by the instructional interface machine to the user device. The instructional interface machine may provide the reference with the providing of the first textual instruction, the providing of the first media content, the providing of the second textual instruction, the providing of the second media content, or any suitable combination thereof.

In some example embodiments, the instructional interface machine provides the instructional interface by communicating the instructional interface to a web server that is accessible by the user device (e.g., a web server communicatively coupled to the user device). In other words, the instructional interface machine need not provide the instructional interface directly to the user device, but may provide the instructional interface through one or more intermediary machines. Similarly, the detecting of the request may include receiving the request from the user device, directly or indirectly.

The instructional interface machine may provide a creation interface to facilitate creating the instructional interface. For example, the creation interface may be configured to receive creative input submitted by a further user (e.g., of a further user device). The instructional interface machine may then generate the instructional interface based on the received creative input. The creative input received by the creation interface may include the first textual instruction, the second textual instruction, or both. Moreover, the creative input may be sufficient to identify the first media content, the second media content, or both. For example, the creative input may contain a first identifier (e.g., a serial number, a hash, or a uniform resource locator (URL)) that is specific to the first media content and a second identifier that is specific to the second media content. In some example embodiments, the creative input actually includes the first media content, the second media content, or both (e.g., as uploaded from a user device of the further user). Furthermore, the creative input may include the reference to the product (e.g., in a list of hardware parts, hardware tools, or both, as specified by the further user).

In certain example embodiments, the instructional interface machine determines that the reference is presented (e.g., in the instructional interface), clicked (e.g., in the instructional interface), or both. In response to this determination, the instructional interface machine may increment a stored value account (e.g., a running balance of points, money, or other incentives) of the further user who submitted the creative input. This may have the effect of providing a revenue share to the further user for a page view, a clickthrough, or both, related to the instructional interface generated from the creative input.

According to various example embodiments, the instructional interface machine determines that the product corresponding to the reference is purchased by the user to whom the reference is presented. The determination that the product is purchased may be based on initiation of a purchase transaction for the product via an electronic storefront. In response to this determination, the instructional interface machine may increment the stored value account of the further user who submitted the creative input. This may have the effect of providing revenue share to the further user for a product purchase influenced (e.g., prompted, triggered, or caused) by the instructional interface generated from the creative input.

FIG. 1-2 are diagrams illustrating an example of instructional interface 100, according to some example embodiments. As shown in FIG. 1, the instructional interface 100 includes first media content 110, a first textual instruction 120, a list 130 of parts and tools, a feedback interface 140, and a creation interface initiator button 150. As shown in FIG. 2, the instructional interface 100 includes second media content 210 and a second textual instruction 220, as well as the list 130 of parts and tools, the feedback interface 140, and the creation interface initiator button 150.

The instructional interface 100 is provided by the instructional interface machine to a user device of a user. The instructional interface 100 initially appears as shown in FIG. 1. In particular, the instructional interface 100 presents the first textual instruction 120 contemporaneously with the first media content 110.

The instructional interface machine detects a request that the second textual instruction 220 be presented in the instructional interface 100. The request may be submitted (e.g., via a user device) using the instructional interface 100. According to various example embodiments, the request may take the form of a mouse click on a portion of the instructional interface 100. For example, the mouse click may be on the phrase “3. Snorkel Removal 2 of 2,” the phrase “Disassembly Steps 1-8,” or the first media content 110.

In response to the detected request, the instructional interface 100 changes appearance to that shown in FIG. 2. In particular, the instructional interface 100 presents the second textual instruction 220 contemporaneously with the second media content 210.

In certain example embodiments, the first media content 110 and the second media content 210 are entirely different media content (e.g., different video clips, different portions of a single video clip, different still images, different three-dimensional models, different audio clips, or different portions of a single audio clip). However, in various example embodiments, the first media content 110 and the second media content 210 are similar in appearance, and the second media content 210 may be cumulative with respect to the first media content 110. For example, the second media content 210 may include a modification to the first media content 110 (e.g., an overlay image, a highlighted portion, or markup). As shown in FIG. 2, the second media content 210 overlays three circles, three leader lines, and the phrase “Pins” onto the image shown in the first media content 110.

The list 130 of parts and tools is pertinent to the first textual instruction 120 and the second textual instruction 220. In various example embodiments, the list 130 may be pertinent to only the first textual instruction 120 or only the second textual instruction 220. According to various example embodiments, the list 130 may indicate one or more parts, one or more tools, or any suitable combination thereof, some or all of which may be on display in the instructional interface 100.

The list 130 includes references to products available for purchase. As shown in FIG. 1-2, a reference 132 is a reference to such a product. The reference 132 may include a name of the corresponding product (e.g., “BMW Fan Clutch E46 330i parts,” or “BMW E46 323i Convertible Clutch). The reference 132 may be pertinent to the first textual instruction 120, the first media content 110, the second textual instruction 220, the second media content 210, or any suitable combination thereof.

The reference 132 may include a hyperlink to a web page that describes the corresponding product. Moreover, the reference 132 may be presented in the instructional interface 100 with a price of the corresponding product (e.g., “$53.99” or “$30.00”), with a time period during which the product is available for purchase (e.g., “3 d 11 h” signifying 3 days and 11 hours), with a number of bids submitted for the purpose of purchasing the product at auction (e.g., “12 bids”), with an advertisement that describes the corresponding product as being available for purchase (e.g., “Buy It Now”), or with any suitable combination thereof.

In various example embodiments, the list 130 may be limited to hardware parts or limited to hardware tools. As shown in FIG. 1-2, the list 130 includes controls to “show only tools” or “show only parts.” The list 130, in some example embodiments, includes related products (e.g., accessories) that are pertinent to other members of the list 130.

The feedback interface 140 may include ratings, reviews, or other subjective information describing at least some of the instructional interface 100. As shown in FIG. 1-2, the feedback interface 140 includes information with respect to satisfaction, descriptive detail, media support, accuracy, usefulness, or any suitable accommodation thereof The feedback interface 140 may provide one or more interactive elements (e.g., a drop-down menu to select a sorting parameter).

The creation interface initiator button 150 is operable (e.g., by a mouse click) to initiate a creation interface (not shown). The creation interface initiator button 150 may be operated by a cursor control device (e.g., a mouse, a touch screen, a trackball, or a stylus). The creation interface is configured to receive creative input, and the creative input may be used to generate an instructional interface (e.g., one similar to the instructional interface 100). The creation interface may be configured to receive one or more textual instructions (e.g., the first textual instruction 120), media content (e.g., the first media content 110), one or more identifiers of media content, or any suitable combination thereof.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an instructional interface 300, according to some example embodiments. As shown in FIG. 3, the instructional interface 300 includes the first media content 110 and the first textual instruction 120, as shown in FIG. 1-2. The instructional interface 300, however, includes a list 330 of parts and tools that is different in appearance from the list 130 of parts and tools shown in FIG. 1-2.

The feedback interface 140 and the creation interface initiator button 150 described in FIG. 1-2 appear again in FIG. 3. The feedback interface 140 and the creation interface initiator button 150 are described above with respect to FIG. 1-2.

The list 330 of parts and tools includes references to products available for purchase. As shown in FIG. 3, a reference 332 need not include a name of the corresponding product. However, a name for a product may be presented in the instructional interface 300 upon occurrence of a triggering event (e.g., a mouse-over event). As shown in FIG. 3, the phrase “BMW Fan Clutch 330 330i 330ci 330xi parts” appears in a balloon (e.g., a pop-up window) corresponding to one of the references. Similar to the list 130 shown in FIG. 1-2, the list 330 may present the reference 332) with a price of a corresponding product (e.g., “$53.99), a time period during which the product is available (e.g., “15 h 41 m” signifying 15 hours and 41 minutes), a number of bids submitted to purchase the product (e.g., “1 bid”), an advertisement that describes the corresponding product as being available for purchase (e.g., “Buy It Now”), or any suitable combination thereof.

The list 330 includes a tab labeled “Parts” and a tab labeled “Tools.” These tabs are operable to refine the presentation of references to products. In some example embodiments, the list 330 is presented in the instructional interface 300 after a triggering event (e.g., a mouse click event) occurs with respect to the list 130 shown in FIG. 1-2 (e.g., a mouse click on the phrase “show only parts”). According to various example embodiments, the list 330 may include one or more parts, one or more tools, or any suitable combination thereof, some or all of which may be on display in the instructional interface 300.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the instructional interface 400, according to some example embodiments. As shown in FIG. 4, the instructional interface 400 includes further media content 410 that is illustrative of a product available for purchase. The instructional interface 400 may also include a list 420 of tools pertinent to the product (e.g., used in installing the product). The list 420 may include one or more parts, one or more tools, or any suitable combination thereof, some or all of which may coincide with parts or tools included in the list 130.

Additionally, the instructional interface 400 may include a balloon 460 (e.g., a pop-up window) that provides information pertinent to the product available for purchase. As shown in FIG. 4, the balloon 460 may be presented upon occurrence of a triggering event (e.g., a mouse-over event) and may include a name of the product (e.g., “BMW Fan Clutch E46 330i parts”), a price of the product (e.g., “$53.99”), a time period during which the product is available (e.g., “3 days, 11 hours” or “3 d 11 h”), a number of bids submitted to purchase a product (e.g., “12 bids”), an advertisement that describes the corresponding product is available for purchase, or any suitable combination thereof.

The feedback interface 140 and the creation interface initiator button 150 described in FIG. 1-2 appear again in FIG. 4. The feedback interface 140 and the creation interface initiator button 150 are described above with respect to FIG. 1-2.

As shown, the instructional interface 400 includes the list 130 of parts and tools and the reference 132 to a product available for purchase, which are described above with respect to FIG. 1-2.

FIG. 5 is a network diagram illustrating a system 500 with an instructional interface machine 510, a web server 520, and user devices 530 and 540, according to some example embodiments. The system 500 includes the instructional interface machine 510, the web server 520, the user devices 530 and 540, and a database 550, all communicatively coupled to each other via a network 590.

Any machine, server, device, or database shown in FIG. 5 may be implemented in a general-purpose computer modified (e.g., configured or programmed) by software (e.g., special-purpose software) to be a special-purpose computer that is able to perform the functions described herein for that machine. For example, a machine able to implement any one or more of the methodologies described herein is discussed below with respect to FIG. 11. Moreover, any two or more of the machines illustrated in FIG. 5 may be combined into a single machine, and the functions described herein for any single machine may be subdivided among multiple machines.

The network 590 may be any network that enables communication between machines (e.g., instructional interface machine 510 and user device 530). Accordingly, the network 590 may be a wired network, a wireless network, or any suitable combination thereof. The network 590 may include one or more portions that constitute a private network, a public network (e.g., the Internet), or any suitable combination thereof.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating components of the instructional interface machine 510, according to some example embodiments. The instructional interface machine 510 includes a provision module 610, a detection module 620, a creation module 630, a recommendation module 640, a generation module 650, and a determination module 660, all configured to communicate with each other (e.g., via a bus, a shared memory, or a switch). Any one or more of these modules may be implemented using hardware or a combination of hardware and software (e.g., within the machine discussed below with respect to FIG. 11). Moreover, any two or more of these modules may be combined into a single module (e.g., a single hardware module), and the functions described herein for a single module may be subdivided among multiple modules (e.g., multiple hardware modules).

The provision module 610 is configured to provide an instructional interface (e.g., instructional interface 100) and provide one or more textual instructions (e.g., first textual instruction 120 or second textual instruction 220), media content (e.g., first media content 110 or second media content 210), or any suitable combination thereof. The instructional interface may be configured to present the one or more textual instructions, the media content, or any suitable combination thereof, as well as receive a request (e.g., submitted via the user device 530) that one or more particular textual instructions (e.g., second textual instructions 220) be presented. Moreover, the instructional interface may be configured to present a reference to a product that is pertinent to a textual instruction, media content, or any suitable combination thereof.

As an example, the provision module 610 may be configured to provide the instructional interface 100. The instructional interface 100 is configured to present the first textual instruction 120 contemporaneously with the first media content 110, to receive a request that the second textual instruction 220 be presented, to present the second textual instruction 220 contemporaneously with the second media content 210, and to present the reference 132. The provision module 610 may be further configured to provide the first textual instruction 120 and the first media content 110. The provision module 610 may be still further configured to provide, in response to the request, the second textual instruction 220 and the second media content 210.

The detection module 620 may be configured to detect the request received by the instructional interface (e.g., instructional interface 100) that was provided by the provision module 610. Continuing the previous example, the detection module 620 may detect the request that the second textual instruction 220 be presented.

The creation module 630 is configured to provide a creation interface (e.g., in response to operation of the creation interface initiator button 150). The creation module 630 may provide the creation interface to a user device (e.g., user device 540), thereby enabling a user (e.g., a further user) of the user device to submit creative input for creating an instructional interface (e.g., instructional interface 100). The creative input may include the first textual instruction 120, the second textual instruction 220, or both. The creative input may further identify the first media content 110, the second media content 210, or both. For example, the creative input may include one or more references (e.g., identifiers, pointers, hyperlinks, addresses, or locators) to media content. In some example embodiments, the creative input actually includes the first media content 110, the second media content 210, or both. Furthermore, the creative input may include one or more references (e.g., reference 132) to products that are associated with the instructional interface (e.g., pertinent to the first textual instruction 120, or pertinent to the second textual instruction 220).

The recommendation module 640 is configured to identify one or more products as being recommended to a user (e.g., a further user) of a user device (e.g., user device 540). An instructional interface (e.g., instructional interface 100) may be configured to present multiple references to multiple products. The recommendation module 640 may identify a recommended product based on the product being presented with another product in the instructional interface 100. For example, the instructional interface may present a first reference (e.g., reference 132) to a first product (e.g., a fan clutch) and a second reference to a second product (e.g., a belt tensioner), and a user may indicate interest in the first product (e.g., the fan clutch). The recommendation module 640 may detect an indication of interest by the user (e.g., by receiving an indicator from the web server 520 or from the user device 540). In response, the recommendation module 640 may identify the second product (e.g., the belt tensioner) as being recommended for the user. The recommendation module 640 may then communicate this identification (e.g., as a reference to the second product) to the user device of the user.

The generation module 650 is configured to generate an instructional interface (e.g., instructional interface 100) based on the creative input received by the creation interface provided by the creation module 630. For example, the received creative input may include identifiers of the first media content 110 and of the second media content 210, as well as the first textual instruction 120 and the second textual instruction 220, and the generation module 650 may generate the instructional interface 110 based on the creative input.

The determination module 660 is configured to determine that a particular user (e.g., a further user) is designated as a recipient of a revenue share value. The revenue share value is a value that represents a share of revenue associated with an instructional interface (e.g., instructional interface 100). Accordingly, the revenue share value may represent money, points, or some other measurable reward. In some example embodiments, the revenue share value may function as an incentive to create an instructional interface (e.g., instructional interface 100). Moreover, the revenue share value may be fixed or may vary according to a degree of popularity or effectiveness of the instructional interface.

For example, suppose the reference 132 is included in the creative input submitted by a particular user (e.g., a further user). The determination module 660 may determine that the reference 132 is presented in the instructional interface 100, and the determination module may increment a stored value account of the particular user by the revenue share value (e.g., $0.01). This may have the effect of rewarding the particular user when another user views the reference 132 in the instructional interface 100. In other words, the particular user may be rewarded based on page views of the reference 132 that the particular user contributed to the instructional interface 100.

The stored value account is a data structure (e.g., stored on the database 550) configured to store an aggregate value corresponding to the particular user (e.g., a monetary account or a points balance). The incrementing of the stored value account may be in response to the determination that the reference 132 is presented.

As another example, the determination module 660 may determine that the reference 132 is activated (e.g., clicked) in the instructional interface 100. Based on this determination, the determination module 660 increments the stored value account by a revenue share value (e.g., $0.10). This may have the effect of rewarding the particular user when another user activates (e.g., clicks on) the reference 132. In other words, the particular user may be rewarded based on one or more clickthroughs associated with the reference 132 that the particular user contributed to the instructional interface 100.

In some example embodiments, where a particular user submitted creative input that includes the reference 132, the determination module 660 may determine that the product corresponding to the reference 132 is purchased by another user (e.g., after viewing or clicking on the reference 132 in the instructional interface 100). Based on this determination, the determination module 660 increments the stored value account by a revenue share value (e.g., $5.00). This may have the effect of rewarding the particular user for a purchase of the product by another user, where the purchase is directly or indirectly traceable to the inclusion of the reference 132 in the creative input submitted by the particular user. In other words, the particular user may be rewarded with a finder fee, advertiser fee, royalty, sales commission, or any suitable combination thereof.

FIG. 7-9 are flowcharts illustrating operations in a method 700 of providing an instructional interface (e.g., instructional interface 100), according to some example embodiments. The method 700 may be performed by the instructional interface machine 510, using modules described above with respect to FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 7, the method 700 includes operations 710-780.

In operation 710, the provision module 610 provides the instructional interface 100. The provision module 610 may provide the instructional interface 100 (e.g., via the network 590) to the user device 530, to the web server 520, or to both. For example, the instructional interface 100 may be provided directly to the user device 530 or indirectly to the user device 530 via the web server 520. As noted above, the instructional interface 100 is configured to present the first textual instruction 120 contemporaneously with the first media content 110, to receive a request that the second textual instruction 220 be presented, to present the second textual instruction 220 contemporaneously with the second media content 210, and to present the reference 132 to a product. The reference 132 to the product may be pertinent to the first textual instruction 120, the second textual instruction 220, or both.

In operation 720, the provision module 610 provides the first textual instruction 120 and provides the first media content 110. The provision module 610 may provide one or both of these (e.g., via the network 590) to the user device 530, to the web server 520, or to both. For example, the provision module 610 may provide the first textual instruction 120, the first media content 110, or both, directly to the user device 530 or indirectly to the user device 530 via the web server 520.

In operation 730, the detection module 620 detects the request that the second textual instruction 220 be presented (e.g., presented in the instructional interface 100). For example, the request may be received by the instructional interface 100, and the detection module 620 may detect that the request has been received. Detection of the request may include detecting, for example, a mouse click event, a mouse over event, a key press, a gesture, a voice command, an eye movement command, a foot switch event, or any suitable combination thereof.

In operation 740, the provision module 610 provides the second textual instruction 220 and provides the second media content 210. The provision module 610 may provide the second textual instruction 220 (e.g., via the network 590) to the user device 530, to the web server 520, or to both. For example, the provision module 610 may provide the second textual instruction 220, the second media content 210, or both, directly to the user device 530 or indirectly to the user device 530 via the web server 520. The second textual instruction 220 may be provided in response to the request detected in operation 730. As an example, in operation 730, the detection module 620 may detect a mouse click as being the request that the second textual instruction 220 be presented, and in operation 740, the provision module 610 may provide the second textual instruction 220 in response to the detected mouse click.

In some example embodiments, the instructional interface 100 is configured to present a price of the product referenced by the reference 132. For example, the reference 132 may refer to a fan clutch, and the instructional interface 100 may be configured to present a price of the fan clutch (e.g., “$53.99”). In operation 750, the provision module 610 provides the price. The price may be provided, for example, via the network 590 to the user device 530, to the web server 520, or to both.

In certain example embodiments, the instructional interface 100 is configured to present a time period during which the product is available for purchase. For example, a product may be in the process of being sold at an auction that is scheduled to close in three days and eleven hours, and the instructional interface 100 may be configured to present the remaining time available to bid on the product (e.g., “3 days, 11 hours” or “3 d 11 h”). In operation 760, the provision module 610 provides the time period. The time period may be provided, for example, via the network 590 to the user device 530, to the web server 520, or to both.

In various example embodiments, the instructional interface 100 is configured to present a number that indicates a degree of interest in the product. For example, the product may be in the process of being sold at an auction, and the number may be a number of bids placed on the product by potential buyers (e.g., “12 bids”). In operation 770, the provision module 610 provides the number. The number may be provided, for example, via the network 590 to the user device 530, to the web server 520, or to both.

In particular example embodiments, the instructional interface 100 is configured to present an advertisement. For example, the advertisement may describe the product as being available for purchase and may include a reference to the product (e.g., reference 132). Moreover, the advertisement may encourage a purchase of the product (e.g., an immediate purchase). In operation 780, the provision module 610 provides the advertisement. The advertisement may be provided, for example, via the network 590 to the user device 530, to the web server 520, or to both.

As shown in FIG. 8, the method 700 may include operations 810-850, according to some example embodiments. Operation 810 may be included within operation 710; operation 820 may be included in operation 720; operation 830 may be included in operation 730; and operation 840 may be included in operation 740. As shown, operation 850 may be performed subsequent to operation 780.

As noted above, the provision module 610 provides the instructional interface 100 in operation 710. In operation 810, the provision module 610 communicates the instructional interface 100 to the web server 520, which is accessible by the user device 530. Accordingly, operation 810 may support an indirect provision of the instructional interface 100 to the user device 530.

In some example embodiments, the product referenced by the reference 132 is pertinent to the first textual instruction 120. In operation 820, the provision module 610 provides the reference 132 while providing the first textual instruction 120, providing the first media content 110, or providing both. Accordingly, operation 820 may facilitate a presentation of one or more products likely to be perceived as being relevant to the first textual instruction 120.

As noted above, in operation 730, the detection module 620 detects the request that the second textual instruction 220 be presented. In operation 830, the detection module 620 receives the request via the network 590. For example, the request may be received directly from the user device 530. As another example, the request may be received indirectly from the user device 530 (e.g., via the web server 520).

In certain example embodiments, the product referenced by the reference 132 is pertinent to the second textual instruction 220. In operation 840, the provision module 610 provides the reference 132 while providing the second textual instruction 220, providing the second media content 210, or providing both. Accordingly, operation 840 may facilitate a presentation of one or more products likely to be perceived as being relevant to the second textual instruction 220.

In various example embodiments, the instructional interface 100 is configured to present multiple references to multiple products (e.g., in the list 130 of parts and tools). For example, the instructional interface 100 may be configured to present a first reference to a first product (e.g., a fan clutch) and a second reference to second product (e.g., a belt tensioner), either or both of the products being pertinent to the first textual instruction 120, the second textual instruction 220, the first media content 110, the second media content 210, or any suitable combination thereof. In operation 850, the recommendation module 640 identifies a product as being recommended to a user (e.g., a further user) of the user device (e.g., user device 540). The identification may be based on the first product (e.g., the fan clutch) and the second product (e.g., the belt tensioner) being presented in the instructional interface 100. For example, the recommendation module 640 may identify the second product (e.g., the belt tensioner) in response to an indication of interest by the user in the first product (e.g., a fan clutch). The recommendation module 640 may then provide an indication of the second product (e.g., product number corresponding to the belt tensioner) to one or more users, one or more user devices, a product recommendation system, a product merchandising system, or any suitable combination thereof.

As shown in FIG. 9, the method 700 may include operations 910-960, according to some example embodiments. Operations 910-920 may be performed prior to operation 710. Each of operations 930-950 may be performed after any of operations 710-780 and operations 820-840. As shown, operation 960 may be performed after any of operations 930-950.

In operation 910, the creation module 630 provides a creation interface. The creation interface may be provided in response to detection of an initiation event, which may be received by the instructional interface 100 (e.g., operation of the creation interface initiator button 150). The creation module 630 may provide the creation interface (e.g., via the network 590) to a user device (e.g., user device 540) of a user (e.g., a further user). For example, the creation interface may be provided directly to the user device 540 or indirectly to the user device 540 via the web server 520.

The creation interface is configured to receive creative input usable in creating an instructional interface (e.g., instructional interface 100). For example, the creation interface may enable a user (e.g., a further user) of the user device 540 to submit the creative input to the instructional interface machine 510. Moreover, the creative input may be received, via the creation interface, by the creation module 630. As discussed above with respect to FIG. 6, the creative input may include the first textual instruction 120, the second textual instruction 220, or both, and the creative input may further identify the first media content 110, the second media content 210, or both. Furthermore, the creative input may include the reference 132 to a product available for purchase (e.g., a fan clutch).

Provision of the creation interface, therefore, allows the user to create at least part of the instructional interface 100 for subsequent provision to another user device (e.g., user device 530). The user (e.g., the further user) that created at least part of the instructional interface 100 may be entitled to a revenue share, based on usage of the instructional interface 100 by other users. In particular, entitlements to the revenue share may be based on an event pertinent to the reference 132 being included in the creative input submitted by a user. Such an event may include, for example, a viewing of the instructional interface 100, a mouse click on the reference 132, a purchase of the product referenced by the reference 132, or any suitable combination thereof.

In operation 920, the generation module 650 generates the instructional interface 100 based on the creative input received using the creation interface. Accordingly, the generation module 650 prepares the instructional interface 100 for subsequent providing (e.g., to the user device 530) by the provision module 610 in operation 710.

According to some example embodiments, in operation 930, the determination module 660 determines that the reference 132 is presented in the instructional interface 100 (e.g., by virtue of the provision module 610 providing the instructional interface 100). According to certain example embodiments, in operation 940, the determination module 660 determines that the reference 132 is clicked (e.g., is subject to a mouse click event) in the instructional interface 100 (e.g., as communicated by the instructional interface 100). In further example embodiments, the determination module 660 determines that the reference 132 is presented and clicked. According to various example embodiments, in operation 950, the determination module 660 determines that the product referenced by the reference 132 is purchased (e.g., by the user of the user device 530).

In response to one or more of the determinations described with respect to operations 930-950, the determination module 660, in operation 960, increments a stored value account of the user (e.g., the further user) that created at least part of the instructional interface 100. This may have the effect of rewarding the user for including the reference 132 in the creative input used to generate the instructional interface 100 in operation 920. As noted above with respect to FIG. 6, the stored value account corresponds to the user (e.g., the further user) that submitted the creative input, and the stored value account may be stored in the database 550. The determination module 660, in incrementing the stored value account, may cause money, points, or some other measurable reward to accrue to the user.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating operations in a method 1000 of presenting textual instructions with media content, according to some example embodiments. The method 1000 may be performed by an instructional interface (e.g., instructional interface 100) provided by the provision module 610. For example, the user device 530 may receive the instructional interface 100 from the instructional interface machine 510, and the method 1000 may be performed by the user device 530 while presenting (e.g., displaying) the instructional interface 100 to a user of the user device 530. The method 1000 includes operations 1010-1080.

In operation 1010, the instructional interface 100 presents the first textual instruction 120 contemporaneously with the first media content 110. For example, the first textual instruction 120 may include the statement “Remove snorkel by removing 3 plastic pins,” and the first media content 110 may include an image of a car engine. Hence, the instructional interface 100 may present the statement alongside the image, as shown in FIG. 1.

In operation 1020, the instructional interface 100 receives the request (e.g., submitted by a user of the user device 530) that the second textual instruction 220 be presented. For example, the instructional interface 100 may receive, for example, a mouse click event, a mouse over event, a key press, a gesture, a voice command, an eye movement command, a foot switch event, or any suitable combination thereof, that indicates the second textual instruction 220 is to be presented.

In operation 1030, the instructional interface 100 presents the second textual instruction 220 contemporaneously with the second media content 210. For example, the second textual instruction 220 may include a statement “There are three pins to remove,” and the second media content 210 may include highlights that emphasize portions of the image of the car engine. Hence, the instructional interface 100 may present the statement alongside the highlights, as shown in FIG. 2.

In operation 1040, the instructional interface 100 presents the reference 132 to a product. As noted above, the product may be a hardware part, a hardware tool, or both. Moreover, the product may be pertinent to the first textual instruction 120, the second textual instruction 220, the first media content 110, a second media content 210, or any suitable combination thereof.

In some example embodiments, the instructional interface 100 is configured to present multiple references (e.g., reference 132) to multiple products. Accordingly, in operation 1045, the instructional interface 100 presents another reference (e.g., a further reference) to another product (e.g., a further product). For example, where the reference 132 is a first reference to a first product (e.g., a fan clutch), a further reference to a further product (e.g., a belt tensioner) may be presented in the instructional interface 100. As noted above, presentation of the reference 132 and the further reference in the instructional interface 100 may form a basis to determine that the product or the further product is recommended to a further user.

In operation 1050, the instructional interface 100 presents a price of a product (e.g., “$53.99”). In operation 1060, the instructional interface 100 presents a time period for which the product is available (e.g., “3 days, 11 hours” or “3 d 11 h”). In operation 1070, the instructional interface 100 presents a number pertinent to the product (e.g., a number of bids placed to purchase the product at auction). In operation 1080, the instructional interface 100 presents an advertisement for the product (e.g., “Buy It Now”).

According to various example embodiments, one or more of the methodologies described herein may facilitate efficiency, speed, effectiveness, or any suitable combination thereof, with respect to identifying one or more products that are pertinent to an instruction presented in an instructional interface. Moreover, one or more of the methodologies described herein may facilitate provision of one or more recommendations, suggestions, promotions, or any suitable combination thereof, with respect to identifying one or more products that are pertinent to another product. Accordingly, one or more of the methodologies discussed herein may obviate the need for certain user efforts or computing resources involved in identifying products. Such computing resources may include, for example, processor cycles, network traffic, memory usage, storage space, power consumption, or cooling capacity.

FIG. 11 illustrates components of a machine 1100, according to some example embodiments, that is able to read instructions from a machine-readable medium (e.g., a machine-readable storage medium) and perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein. Specifically, FIG. 11 shows a diagrammatic representation of the machine 1100 in the example form of a computer system and within which instructions 1124 (e.g., software) for causing the machine 1100 to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein may be executed. The instructions 1124 may constitute one or more instructions for the machine 1100. In alternative embodiments, the machine 1100 operates as a standalone device or may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine 1100 may operate in the capacity of a server machine or a client machine in a server-client network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The machine 1100 may be a server computer, a client computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a netbook, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a smartphone, a web appliance, a network router, a network switch, a network bridge, or any machine capable of executing the instructions 1124 (sequentially or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further, while only a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include a collection of machines that individually or jointly execute the instructions 1124 to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

The machine 1100 includes a processor 1102 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a radio-frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), or any suitable combination thereof), a main memory 1104, and a static memory 1106, which are configured to communicate with each other via a bus 1108. The machine 1100 may further include a graphics display 1110 (e.g., a plasma display panel (PDP), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a projector, or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). The machine 1100 may also include an alphanumeric input device 1112 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 1114 (e.g., a mouse, a touchpad, a trackball, a joystick, a motion sensor, or other pointing instrument), a storage unit 1116, a signal generation device 1118 (e.g., a speaker), and a network interface device 1120.

The storage unit 1116 includes a machine-readable medium 1122 on which is stored the instructions 1124 (e.g., software) embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. The instructions 1124 may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory 1104, within the processor 1102 (e.g., within the processor's cache memory), or both, during execution thereof by the machine 1100. Accordingly, the main memory 1104 and the processor 1102 may be considered as machine-readable media. The instructions 1124 may be transmitted or received over a network 1126 (e.g., network 590) via the network interface device 1120.

As used herein, the term “memory” refers to a machine-readable medium able to store data temporarily or permanently and may be taken to include, but not be limited to, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), buffer memory, flash memory, and cache memory. While the machine-readable medium 1122 is shown in an example embodiment to be a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, or associated caches and servers) able to store instructions (e.g., instructions 1124). The term “machine-readable medium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing instructions (e.g., software) for execution by the machine, such that the instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the machine (e.g., processor 1102), cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies described herein. The term “machine-readable medium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to, a data repository in the form of a solid-state memory, an optical medium, a magnetic medium, or any suitable combination thereof.

Throughout this specification, plural instances may implement components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one or more of the individual operations may be performed concurrently, and nothing requires that the operations be performed in the order illustrated. Structures and functionality presented as separate components in example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the subject matter herein.

Certain embodiments are described herein as including logic or a number of components, modules, or mechanisms. Modules may constitute either software modules (e.g., code embodied on a machine-readable medium or in a transmission signal) or hardware modules. A “hardware module” is a tangible unit capable of performing certain operations and may be configured or arranged in a certain physical manner. In various example embodiments, one or more computer systems (e.g., a standalone computer system, a client computer system, or a server computer system) or one or more hardware modules of a computer system (e.g., a processor or a group of processors) may be configured by software (e.g., an application or application portion) as a hardware module that operates to perform certain operations as described herein.

In some embodiments, a hardware module may be implemented mechanically, electronically, or any suitable combination thereof. For example, a hardware module may include dedicated circuitry or logic that is permanently configured to perform certain operations. For example, a hardware module may be a special-purpose processor, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an ASIC. A hardware module may also include programmable logic or circuitry that is temporarily configured by software to perform certain operations. For example, a hardware module may include software encompassed within a general-purpose processor or other programmable processor. It will be appreciated that the decision to implement a hardware module mechanically, in dedicated and permanently configured circuitry, or in temporarily configured circuitry (e.g., configured by software) may be driven by cost and time considerations.

Accordingly, the term “hardware module” should be understood to encompass a tangible entity, be that an entity that is physically constructed, permanently configured (e.g., hardwired), or temporarily configured (e.g., programmed) to operate in a certain manner or to perform certain operations described herein. As used herein, “hardware-implemented module” refers to a hardware module. Considering embodiments in which hardware modules are temporarily configured (e.g., programmed), each of the hardware modules need not be configured or instantiated at any one instance in time. For example, where the hardware modules comprise a general-purpose processor configured by software to become a special-purpose processor, the general-purpose processor may be configured as respectively different hardware modules at different times. Software may accordingly configure a processor, for example, to constitute a particular hardware module at one instance of time and to constitute a different hardware module at a different instance of time.

Hardware modules can provide information to, and receive information from, other hardware modules. Accordingly, the described hardware modules may be regarded as being communicatively coupled. Where multiple hardware modules exist contemporaneously, communications may be achieved through signal transmission (e.g., over appropriate circuits and buses) that connect the hardware modules. In embodiments in which multiple hardware modules are configured or instantiated at different times, communications between such hardware modules may be achieved, for example, through the storage and retrieval of information in memory structures to which the multiple hardware modules have access. For example, one hardware module may perform an operation and store the output of that operation in a memory device to which it is communicatively coupled. A further hardware module may then, at a later time, access the memory device to retrieve and process the stored output. Hardware modules may also initiate communications with input or output devices, and can operate on a resource (e.g., a collection of information).

The various operations of example methods described herein may be performed, at least partially, by one or more processors that are temporarily configured (e.g., by software) or permanently configured to perform the relevant operations. Whether temporarily or permanently configured, such processors may constitute processor-implemented modules that operate to perform one or more operations or functions described herein. As used herein, “processor-implemented module” refers to a hardware module implemented using one or more processors.

Similarly, the methods described herein may be at least partially processor-implemented. For example, at least some of the operations of a method may be performed by one or more processors or processor-implemented modules. The performance of certain of the operations may be distributed among the one or more processors, not only residing within a single machine, but deployed across a number of machines. In some example embodiments, the processor or processors may be located in a single location (e.g., within a home environment, an office environment or as a server farm), while in other embodiments the processors may be distributed across a number of locations.

The one or more processors may also operate to support performance of the relevant operations in a “cloud computing” environment or as a “software as a service” (SaaS). For example, at least some of the operations may be performed by a group of computers (as examples of machines including processors), with these operations being accessible via a network (e.g., the Internet) and via one or more appropriate interfaces (e.g., an application program interface (API)).

The performance of certain of the operations may be distributed among the one or more processors, not only residing within a single machine, but deployed across a number of machines. In some example embodiments, the one or more processors or processor-implemented modules may be located in a single geographic location (e.g., within a home environment, an office environment, or a server farm). In other example embodiments, the one or more processors or processor-implemented modules may be distributed across a number of geographic locations.

Some portions of this specification are presented in terms of algorithms or symbolic representations of operations on data stored as bits or binary digital signals within a machine memory (e.g., a computer memory). These algorithms or symbolic representations are examples of techniques used by those of ordinary skill in the data processing arts to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. As used herein, an “algorithm” is a self-consistent sequence of operations or similar processing leading to a desired result. In this context, algorithms and operations involve physical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, but not necessarily, such quantities may take the form of electrical, magnetic, or optical signals capable of being stored, accessed, transferred, combined, compared, or otherwise manipulated by a machine. It is convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to such signals using words such as “data,” “content,” “bits,” “values,” “elements,” “symbols,” “characters,” “terms,” “numbers,” “numerals,” or the like. These words, however, are merely convenient labels and are to be associated with appropriate physical quantities.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, discussions herein using words such as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining,” “presenting,” “displaying,” or the like may refer to actions or processes of a machine (e.g., a computer) that manipulates or transforms data represented as physical (e.g., electronic, magnetic, or optical) quantities within one or more memories (e.g., volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or any suitable combination thereof), registers, or other machine components that receive, store, transmit, or display information. Furthermore, unless specifically stated otherwise, the terms “a” or “an” are herein used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one instance. Finally, as used herein, the conjunction “or” refers to a non-exclusive “or,” unless specifically stated otherwise.

INSTRUCTIONAL INTERFACE MACHINE

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