INTERACTIVE DIGITAL CATALOGS FOR TOUCH-SCREEN DEVICES

Abstract

A computer implemented method and computer program product features “Layered UI,” which consists of multiple “layers” activated by user selection options. Another feature is identified as “Linger UI,” or “Time Delayed Layers,” which comprises information that shows up automatically when the user “lingers” on a page for a pre-programmed amount of time. Another feature is identified as “Exploding UI,” or “Bloom View,” which is used to expand into a larger graphic overlay with one or more larger images which provide the user with more in-depth and important product information. Another feature is “Dynamic Personal Catalogs” which allows a user to browse a catalog and create one more “mini-catalogs” from which the user can share or shop, based on the user's individual needs.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the marketing and selling of products and services. It also relates generally to web-based (i.e. utilized by means of the virtual community that exists on the “Internet” or within the “world wide web,” or “www”) methods and systems for acquiring, storing, processing, retrieving and displaying information and data. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method, system and software product that provides an enhanced electronic interactive digital catalog for touch-screen devices that allows users and consumers of various goods and services to search for and select suitable goods and services from purveyors. It also relates to a user-friendly and computerized platform for searching for and receiving information as to certain products sold via digital catalogs, such catalogs being available for use with touch-screen devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Goods, and some services, have been sold through product catalogs for more than a century. In today's world of electronic data processing and communications, the internet provides consumers and sellers with promotional opportunities and benefits not previously made possible. This is particularly true for sellers who, up to now, have sold products and services only through paper catalogs, which are rapidly becoming a thing of the past. As in other retail sales areas, it is recognized by these inventors that consumers and retail sellers of various products and services are becoming more and more intrigued with the use of technology to aid in the search for compatible or suitable goods or services to be sold to the consuming public. However, using and searching presently-available websites of purveyors who advertise and sell such goods and services to consumers can be a very labor-intensive process.

In the view of these inventors, what is needed is a method, system and software product for providing much improved functionality of interactive digital catalogs for touch-screen devices. Indeed, electronic data processing, digital communication and tactile-actuated touch screen technologies make the method and system of the present invention possible. The present invention is also made possible by the use of specialized software that will allow consumers and retail sellers to access and utilize certain unique product selection formats, guides and search engines. The present invention provides consumers with a convenient and easy to use electronic platform for conducting electronic commerce via touch screen devices and further provides them with mobile capabilities for enhanced product selection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the foregoing, these inventors have perceived a need to provide such a method, system and software product where interactive digital catalogs, or catalog applications (or simply “apps”), can be provided for touch-screen devices, such as the iPad® brand tablet computer (iPad® is a registered mark of Apple Inc.), in an “on-line” or user interface (or “UI”) format. It is to be understood, however, that the apps of the present invention could also be used with traditional personal computers and other personal computing devices. Such a method, system and software product will provide the user with a UI for navigating any number of such interactive digital catalogs and is accessible using mobile encoding technology and personal touch screen computing devices.

In accordance with the present invention, the inventors more specifically provide several unique features, or functionalities, as part of the enhanced catalog app which is the subject of the present application and will be disclosed herein. One feature will be identified as “Layered UI,” which consists of multiple “layers,” each of which is activated by user selection options. Another feature will be identified as “Linger UI,” or “Time Delayed Layers,” which comprises information that shows up automatically when the user “lingers” on a page for a pre-programmed amount of time. This information can also be one of the layers in the Layered UI concept mentioned above, or can be any other information that is time-activated.

Yet another feature will be identified as “Exploding UI,” or “Bloom View.” The functionality of this feature is that, by pinching and zooming on a product that is displayed on the user's screen, a graphic will explode or expand into a larger graphic overlay with one or more larger images which provide the user with more in-depth and important product information.

Lastly, another feature will be identified as “Dynamic Personal Catalogs.” The functionality of this feature allows a user to browse a catalog and to dynamically create one more “mini-catalogs” from which the user can share or shop, based on the user's individual needs.

The foregoing and other features of the method, system and software product of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A through 1D are similar exemplary screen displays that illustrate the “Time Delayed UI” functionality in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 2A through 2D are similar exemplary screen displays that illustrate the “Layered UI” functionality in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 3A through 3F are similar exemplary screen displays that illustrate the “Bloom View” functionality in accordance with the present invention

FIGS. 4A and 4B are other exemplary screen displays illustrating the “Dynamic Mini-Catalogs from Favorites” functionality in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a prefatory statement, it is to be understood that the method and system of the present invention assumes usage of a specific computer program product that is used within an electronic commerce (or “e-commerce”) environment and that comprises certain system building block “components.” Those components are data structures, data processors and interfaces, and each component is a functional element. The data structures are places to organize and store data. The data processors are used to manipulate data by performing processes or applying algorithms to the data. The interfaces connect the data structures and the data processors to the outside world, or to other data structures and data processors, including the virtual internet-based community that exists within the “world wide web” or “www.” The program includes source code which is a list of instructions, written in a selected computer language, and then converted into computer machine language, which language the computer uses to build the software “machine” described by the instructions. The software machine is made up of the components referred to above. The source code is a detailed “blueprint” telling the computer how to assemble those components into the software machine. Further, the source code is organized into separate files, files are organized into separate modules, and modules are organized into separate functions or routines to accomplish, via pre-programmed algorithms, the necessary steps in accordance with the method and system of the present invention. It is to be understood that the specific way that the source code is organized into files, modules and functions is a matter of programmer design choice and is not a limitation of the present invention. It should also be understood that the method and system of the present invention is made possible by virtue of the existence of the internet. The internet offers opportunities and benefits that cannot be performed with the use of printed product catalogs or other more conventional promotional literature.

A first functionality of the present invention is the “Linger” functionality which is comprised of a time-delayed “layer” concept. More specifically, this is a time-dependent gesture that provides additional information to the user. As intended, layers show up automatically when the user “lingers” on a page or screen display for a certain pre-programmed period of time. That is, when a user spends extra time on a particular screen, the screen begins to interact with the user by providing additional information through various “layers.” With respect to this functionality, it is to be understood that each screen consists of different layers. For example, in the preferred embodiment, there is a “social layer” which comprises sharing, comments and ratings functionalities. Next, there is a “commerce layer” which comprises product details, price and a buy button. Next, there is a “story telling layer” which includes brand and collection information for the user. Lastly, there is the “visual layer” which comprises photography and other imaging for viewing by the user.

In this “Linger” functionality, when the user electronically “surfs” through product pages, stops at one particular screen and then spends “normal +X” amount of time on that product display page, the user is automatically provided with additional visuals and information for a chosen product. This interaction may result in various outcomes including video playing, animation, textile information pops up, various layers popping up and the like, and the present invention is limited in that regard. That is, it is to be understood that the interactions illustrated in FIGS. 1A through 1D are exemplary only and the present invention is not limited to this specific example shown for this functionality.

Specifically referring to FIG. 1A, it shows another touch-screen display (3) comprising an image or visual layer (50). If the personal computing device senses that the amount of time spent by the user on the visual layer (50) displayed on the screen display (3) exceeds the pre-programmed “normal +X” amount of time, the story telling layer (52) crops up on the screen display (3). See FIG. 1B. If the viewer spends additional time watching the screen display (3), the commerce layer (54) will indicate certain “hot spots” (55) that will crop up on the display screen (3) adjacent certain of the displayed product images. Tapping on one of the hot spots (55) provides the user with additional information concerning that particular product. See FIGS. 10 and 1D. The commerce hot spot layer (54) is followed by the pricing and purchase option layer (56). The pricing and purchase option layer (56) crops up only when the viewer continues to spend additional time watching the previous screen shown in FIG. 1C. Finally, the user is shown a social layer (58) with various different social media options illustrated on the display (3). The present invention is not limited to the types of social media illustrated in the preferred embodiment. Tapping the touch-screen display (3) at any point off of any information box will then close the boxes.

Similar to the aforementioned functionality, which also includes the various layers as described above, is the “Layered UI” feature. This feature is unique because of the fact that there are various layers that a user experiences with every additional tactile interaction that occurs between the viewer and the screen display. This is illustrated in the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A through 2D. For example, the visual layer could change to a commercial layer due to a tactile touching of the screen display and a particular product image which may further change to a social layer because of a slide action or any other similar physical gesture. In short, it is to be understood that, with respect to this functionality, the previously identified social, commerce, story telling and visual layers are included as well.

Referring specifically to FIG. 2A, it will be shown that the default view, which is the same screen display (3), includes a product image (60), which is similar to the previous discussion. In this particular functionally, the editorial layer (64) comes up “on top” of the visual layer (62). See FIG. 2B. It can show up in response to some user activity or due to a time delay or some other action. For example, the user may tap on an icon (65) to show the additional layer. The experience could, however, be a result of various other gestures. The commerce layer (66) and hot spots (67) are also used in this functionality. That is, similar to the story telling layer, the commerce layer (66) also crops up in response to some user action. See FIG. 2C. This can show up as hot spots (67) on specific product items that have commerce layer (66) information imbedded with respect to them. Tapping on a given commerce layer hot spot (67) shows additional commerce related information (68) about the product such as pricing and purchase options. See FIG. 2D. Lastly, as also shown in FIG. 2D, the user is shown a social layer (69) with different options as well. Similar to the previous functionality, tapping anywhere off of the information box (64) will close it.

The next feature presented in accordance with the present invention relates to the “Exploding UI.” In this functionality, there are two basic concepts that are used—“pinching” and “zooming.” In today's world of touch screens, pinching and zooming only tend to minimize or expand an image that the user has expanded, for example, by zooming in. In the present application, the pinch, zoom and explode gesture does much more. In point of fact, it is not the product image that gets magnified or minimized. Rather, it is the additional information that is germane to the product which is shown to the viewer, in the form of a “mini explosion.”

More particularly, and referring now to FIGS. 3A through 3F, this “mini explosion” functionality is initially illustrated in a display (4) that is shown in the default view of FIG. 3A. As shown in FIG. 3B, a user can touch and then tactilely spread his or her fingers using the zoom gesture (72) adjacent a displayed product (70). As the user spreads his or her fingers further apart using the zoom gesture (72), the screen display (4) and product images “bloom” from the center of the selected product. See FIGS. 3C and 3D. It is to be noted that this experience is not limited to the zooming with the finger gesture. This could also be a result of other tactile gestures like tapping the bloom icon or circling a product as previously described. As before, this feature is not limited to the product choices illustrated in this preferred embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 3E and 3F, once the user has zoomed out of an image (74) by spreading his or her fingers over a product, a quick view information box (76) comes up along with a larger view (78) of a chosen product. This could also be a view in accordance with an alternative embodiment, such as where similar related product illustrations, or related product “thumbs” (77a, 77b, 77c, 77d), appear below the info box (78). See FIG. 3F. During one or more of the last steps in this feature, the display (4) can go “dark” such that the information box (76) and all views (78, 77a, 77b, 77c, 77d) of the chosen product are effectively highlighted. Again, see FIG. 3F. Once the user has zoomed out of an image by tactilely spreading his or her fingers over a product in accordance with the foregoing, tapping on the screen (4) at a point anywhere other than on information box (76) will collapse or close it.

Lastly, the functionality of “Dynamic Personal Catalogs” is also included in the present invention. FIG. 4A illustrates a screen display (5) together with a number of exemplary “lists” (80, 82, 84, 86, 88) of the type described above. With “favorites” lists, multiple users can keep track of products or items they have chosen and designated as “favorites.” These lists become similar to “mini-catalogs” consisting of selections from a main electronic catalog. This makes it easy for shoppers to sort out who wants what and what the user has selected for particular individuals or in the area of specific product lines. For example, the list (80) identified as “Dad's List” in FIG. 4A can be expanded to illustrate (81) greater product detail for this particular list (80). There are also evergreen lists (for tools and homes) that could follow across catalogs throughout the year. The present invention is not limited to the specific types of lists that can be used or created. In this particular preferred embodiment, each list (80, 82, 84, 86, 88) shows when it was last updated and users are able to comment on lists. For example, a child might make a list and then comment that he or she really needs everything on it. The parent might disagree and similarly comment that the child needs to shorten the list to one or several items.

In accordance with the foregoing, it will be seen that there has been provided a new and useful method, system and software product that uses several unique features, or functionalities, as part of an enhanced catalog app. One feature is the “Layered UI,” which consists of multiple “layers,” each of which is activated by user selection options. Another feature is the “Linger UI,” or “Time Delayed Layers” feature, which comprises information that is visually presented automatically when the user “lingers” on a page for a pre-programmed amount of time. This information can also be one of the layers in the Layered UI concept mentioned above, or can be any other information that is time-activated. Still another feature is the “Exploding UI,” or “Bloom View.” The functionality of this feature is that, by pinching and zooming on a product that is featured on the user's touch screen display, a graphic will explode or expand into a larger graphic overlay with one or more larger images which provides the user with more in-depth and important product information. Lastly, the feature identified as “Dynamic Personal Catalogs” allows a user to browse a catalog and to dynamically create one more “mini-catalogs” from which the user can share or shop, based on the user's individual needs. This method, system and software product provides the user with prompts and guidance for improving product purchases via mobile encoding technology and personal computing devices.

Claims

1. A computer implemented method for obtaining details and information for a product comprising the steps of: electronically providing a user interface featuring a product display page;electronically providing a first user interface element for allowing the user to tactilely select a displayed product;electronically providing a second user interface element for allowing the user to view additional product information relating to the displayed product as a function of time spent by the user on the product display page.

2. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the additional product information comprises a plurality of functional layers comprising a social layer, a commerce layer, a story telling layer and a visual layer.

3. The computer implemented method of claim 1 where layers are displayed in accordance with a preprogrammed scheme of time where time is a first set amount of time and a second set amount of time.

4. The computer implemented method of claim 2 wherein the social layer comprises alternative social media options.

5. The computer implemented method of claim 2 wherein the commerce layer comprises a hot spot layer.

6. The computer implemented method of claim 2 wherein the commerce layer comprises a pricing and purchase option layer.

7. A computer implemented method of claim 2 wherein the displayed layers can be selected by the user via tactile contact with the first user interface element.

8. A computer implemented method for obtaining details and information for a product comprising the steps of: electronically providing a user interface featuring a product display page;electronically providing a first user interface element for allowing the user to tactilely select a displayed product;electronically providing a second user interface element for allowing the user to tactilely contract or expand a displayed product image to contract or expand a display of other related products.

9. A computer program product for obtaining details and information relating to a product, the computer program product being embodied in a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions for: electronically providing a user interface featuring a product display page;electronically providing a first user interface element for allowing the user to tactilely select a displayed product;electronically providing a second user interface element for allowing the user to view additional product information relating to the displayed product as a function of time spent by the user on the product display page.

10. The computer program product of claim 9 wherein the additional product information comprises a plurality of functional layers comprising a social layer, a commerce layer, a story telling layer and a visual layer.

11. The computer program product of claim 9 where layers are displayed in accordance with a preprogrammed scheme of time where time comprises a first set amount of time and a second set amount of time.

12. The computer program product of claim 9 wherein the social layer comprises alternative social media options.

13. The computer program product of claim 9 wherein the commerce layer comprises a hot spot layer.

14. The computer program product of claim 9 wherein the commerce layer comprises a pricing and purchase option layer.

15. A computer program product of claim 9 wherein the displayed layers can be selected by the user via tactile contact with the first user interface element.

16. A computer program product for obtaining details and information relating to a product, the computer program product being embodied in a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising computer instructions for: electronically providing a user interface featuring a product display page;electronically providing a first user interface element for allowing the user to tactilely select a displayed product;electronically providing a second user interface element for allowing the user to tactilely contract or expand a displayed product image to contract or expand a display of other related products.