Multi-layer user interfaces

Number: 9600147
Published: 2017-03-21
Filed: 2013-09-10
Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors: Park-Ekecs; Sylvia et al.
CPC: G06F9/451; G06F3/048; G06F3/0483
Verdict: Set aside generic multi-layer UI framework, no creative/hardware hook
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

Abstract

Multi-layer user interfaces are provided. A user may traverse a hierarchy of information by accessing information in different branches of the hierarchy without having to traverse back up the current branch to access the new branch. A multi-layer user interface (UI) may comprise a set of UIs, each of which corresponds to a navigation layer and a level of the hierarchy. Each UI may comprisea set of UI controls that allow the user to traverse within a level or to a different level of the hierarchy. The UI controls may be configured such that a visual clue as a breadcrumb and user path history may also be provided.

Background

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS(1) The figures are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict typical or example embodiments. They do not limit the breadth, scope, or applicability of the invention.(2) FIG. 1 illustrates an example multi-layer user interface (UI) in accordance with one embodiment described herein.(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed view of one example of an exemplary display device with which the UI of FIG. 1 can be used.(4) FIG. 3 illustrates an example computing module that may be used to implement various features of the system and methods disclosed herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONOF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE APPLICATION(5) Consider the example of theatrical events. In the case of information regarding movies, a higher-level asset may include information abouta plurality of different movies (e.g., poster arts of different movies). The user may select a particular movie and be brought to the next level or layer. When at the next level or layer, the user may be presented with desired information and may also be given with options to select information of another level. In this example, other levels of information may include content such as, for example, trailers, movie details, casting, information, synopses, and show times, etc. Each of these additional content items may be contained in yet another level or layer. Accordingly, the user may continue to drill down the multiple layers of information accessing more details as he or she progresses.(

Claims

1. A system for browsing a hierarchy of information on a display, comprising: a display comprising a display area; a processor; and a non-transitory computer-readable medium operatively coupled to the processorand having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, causes the system to: display on all of the display area a first user interface screen, the first userinterface corresponding to a first level of the hierarchy and comprising a set of first user interface controls for selecting information of the first level of the hierarchy that is associated with each of a plurality of content items; receive data generated by a user selecting information associated with a first of the plurality of content items while the first user interface screen is displayed; in response to receiving the data, display on all of the display area a second user interface screen that includes additional information associated with the first of the plurality of content items, the second user interface corresponding to a second level of the hierarchy and comprising a set of second user interface controls for navigating information of the second level of the hierarchy associated witheach of the plurality of content items without navigating back to the first user interface; wherein the second user interface screen is semitransparent such that the first user interface screen is seen through the second user interface screen. 9. A graphical user interface method for browsing a hierarchy of information on a digital display, comprising: displaying on all of a display area of the digital display a first user interface screen, the first user interface corresponding to a first level of the hierarchy and comprising a set of first user interface controls for selecting information of the first level of the hierarchy that is associated with each of a plurality of content items; receiving data generated by a user selecting information associated with a first of the plurality of content items while the first user interface screen is displayed; and in response to receiving the data, displaying on all of the display area a second user interface screen that includes additional information associated with the first of the plurality of content items, the seconduser interface corresponding to a second level of the hierarchy and comprising a set of second user interface controls for navigating information of the second level of the hierarchy associated with each of the plurality of content items without navigating back to the first user interface; wherein the second user interface screen is semitransparent such that the first user interface screen is seen through the second user interface screen.