Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
  • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a method for a user interface, a user interface, an apparatus, a computer program, and a system.
• an objective of the invention is to solve or at least reduce the problems discussed above.
• an objective is to provide themes in an improved manner.
• a method for a user interface comprising providing a plurality of items on in a0 display view; determining a theme comprising a fashion indicator; and providing a visual effect associated with said fashion indicator in said display view.
• the fashion indicator may be a visual fragrance.
• the provision of said visual effect may comprise providing an effect5 layer among said items.
• the method may further comprise making said visual effect appear according to a predetermined appearing rule; and after said visual effect has been present for a predetermined time, making said visual effect disappear according to a predetermined disappearing rule.
• the appearing rule may be0 any of the group comprising spraying, painting, drawing, fuming, exploding, burning, raining, snowing, and growing.
• the disappearing rule may be any of the group comprising melting, splashing, boiling, burning, falling, fading, blowing, vaporising, erasing, and smudging.
• the items may be any mix from the user interface component group comprising an icon, a list item, a menu item, a file item, a symbol, a help function item, a scroll bar, a selection bar, a selection frame, and a status message item.
• the method may further comprise receiving said theme and determining parameters from said theme on said visual effects.
• Acquiring said theme may further comprise buying said theme from a theme service provider, or receiving it from another peer entity.
• the method may further comprise composing said theme.
• Composing said theme may comprise setting parameters for said visual effects.
• the method may comprise transmitting said theme to another peer entity.
• a user interface comprising a display arranged to display a display view with a plurality of displayed items; and a theme handler arranged to arrange said display view according to a theme comprising a fashion indicator, wherein the arrangement of said display view comprises provision of a visual effect illustrating said fashion indicator.
• the theme handler may be arranged to receive said theme and determine parameters from said theme among said visual effects.
• the theme may be received by buying said theme from a theme service provider.
• the user interface may further comprise input means arranged to receive user input; and a theme composer arranged to generate said theme upon said user input.
• the user input may comprise parameters for said visual effects.
• an apparatus comprising a display arranged to display a display view with a plurality of displayed items; and a theme handler arranged to arrange said display view according to a theme comprising a fashion indicator, wherein the arrangement of said display view comprises provision of a visual effect illustrating said fashion indicator.
• the apparatus may further comprise a receiver arranged to receive said theme and a processor arranged to determine parameters from said theme on said visual effects.
• the apparatus may further comprise a transmitter for transmitting said theme.
• the apparatus may be a mobile communication apparatus, a portable digital assistant, a portable media player, a digital camera, or a cell phone.
• a computer-readable medium having computer-executable components comprising instructions for providing a plurality of items on in a display view; determining a theme comprising a fashion indicator; and providing a visual effect associated with said fashion indicator in said display view.
• the computer-readable medium may further comprise instructions for making said visual effect appear according to a predetermined appearing rule; and after said visual effect has been present for a predetermined time, making said visual effect disappear according to a predetermined disappearing rule.
• the computer-readable medium may further comprise instructions for receiving said theme; and determining parameters from said theme on said visual effects.
• the computer-readable medium may further comprise instructions for composing said theme.
• the computer-readable medium may further comprise instructions for transmitting said theme.
• a system comprising an apparatus comprising a display arranged to display a display view with a plurality of displayed items; a theme receiver for receiving a theme comprising a fashion indicator; and a theme handler arranged to arrange said display view according to said theme, wherein the arrangement of said display view comprises provision of a visual effect illustrating said fashion indicator; and a fashion indicator server arranged to provide a theme comprising a fashion indicator, wherein said apparatus is arranged to receive said theme from said fashion indicator server.
• the apparatus may be arranged to buy said theme to receive said theme from said fashion indicator server.
• the fashion indicator server may be arranged to provide said theme as an advertisement to said apparatus.
• the system may be a mobile communication system, and said apparatus may be a mobile communication apparatus.
• a method for a user interface comprising providing a plurality of items on in a display view; determining a theme comprising a fashion indicator; and providing a visual effect associated with said fashion indicator in said display view.
• the items provided in the display view may be basic items, and the method may comprise retrieving an additional item comprising said fashion indicator, wherein said visual effect is said additional item fitted to at least one of said basic items in said display view.
• a personalized user interface is provided by the method, where basic items can be personalized with additional items.
• the providing of said visual effect may comprise providing one or more effect layers among said basic items.
• fitting the additional item to the basic items is improved.
• the providing of said visual effect may comprise making said visual effect appear according to a predetermined appearing rule.
• the appearing rule may comprise taking account to any of a group comprising: a measured temperature, a date, a time, a user interaction, an incoming message, an incoming advertisement, a rendered media item, a position, connection to additional device, communication with certain entity, and an incoming phone call.
• the additional items can be made to show up on particular occasions.
• the basic items may be any mix from the user interface component group comprising an icon, a list item, an avatar, a virtual puppet, a menu item, a file item, a symbol, a help function item, a scroll bar, a selection bar, a selection frame, and a status message item.
• the retrieving may comprise accessing a fashion indicator boutique.
• the fashion indicator boutique may be a web store.
• the accessing of said fashion indicator boutique may further comprise buying the fashion indicator, or buying fashion goods associated with the fashion indicator.
• the accessing of said fashion indicator boutique may further comprise getting said additional item as an advertisement from a fashion boutique.
• the method may comprise creating or editing said fashion indicator.
• the creating or editing said fashion indicator may comprise setting parameters for said visual effects.
• the method may further comprise transmitting said fashion indicator to another peer entity.
• the retrieving may further comprise receiving said fashion indicator from another peer entity.
• the additional item may illustrate any of a group comprising: an article of clothing, accessories, jewellery, footwear, headgear, items of equipment, and sports goods.
• the fashion indicator may be a visual fragrance. These examples are suited for "dressing-up" the basic items of the user interface.
• the method may further comprise enabling a user to re-fit the additional item on said basic item, or on another basic item.
• Changing to new additional item may be provided by presenting a plurality of alternative additional items to a user upon user interaction, wherein selection of an alternative additional item is enabled.
• Replacing the additional item may be provided by enabling a user to make individual items by selecting one or more additional items through a graphical user interface by browsing, clicking, marking, or navigating among potential additional items for replacement. As the additional item for replacement is selected, the user may access an archive, locally or remotely, to acquire the additional item, which is similar to the procedure for changing to a new additional item.
• Rearranging the additional item may comprise selecting the additional item to be rearranged in a similar way of selecting as has been demonstrated above, and then change size, location, and/or shape of the selected additional item.
• the additional item may be dynamically adjusted to the basic item upon user interaction, e.g. by changing size, location, and/or shape to fit to another basic item to which the user moves the additional item.
• the user interface when a basic item is browsed, clicked, marked, or navigated to, there may be an option item presented in the user interface enabling a user to change to new additional item on the basic item, replace the additional item, and/or rearrange the additional item on the basic item.
• a user interface comprising a display arranged to display a display view with a plurality of displayed items; and a theme handler arranged to arrange said display view according to a theme comprising a fashion indicator, wherein the arrangement of said display view comprises provision of a visual effect illustrating said fashion indicator.
• the items may be basic items, and the user interface may further comprise an accessing means arranged to retrieve an additional item, wherein said additional item comprises said fashion indicator, wherein said user interface is arranged to provide said visual effect comprising said additional item fitted to at least one of said basic items in said display view.
• the user interface may further comprise an theme handler for providing said visual effect as one or more effect layers among said basic items.
• the theme handler may be provided by processing means.
• the visual effect may be arranged to appear according to a predetermined appearing rule.
• the appearing rule may take account to any of a group comprising: a measured temperature, a date, a time, a user interaction, an incoming message, an incoming advertisement, a rendered media item, a position, connection to additional device, communication with certain entity, and an incoming phone call.
• the basic items of the user interface may be any mix from the user interface component group comprising an icon, a list item, an avatar, a virtual puppet, a menu item, a file item, a symbol, a help function item, a scroll bar, a selection bar, a selection frame, and a status message item.
• the accessing means may be arranged to retrieve said additional items from a fashion indicator boutique.
• the accessing means may comprise transaction means for securely accessing a web store of said fashion indicator boutique.
• the transaction means may enable buying said additional item.
• the accessing means may be arranged to retrieve said additional item as an advertisement from said fashion indicator boutique.
• the user interface may further comprise input means arranged to receive user input; and an editor arranged to generate said fashion indicator upon and based on said user input.
• the user input may comprise parameters for said visual effects.
• the user interface may be arranged to enable a user to transmit said fashion indicator to another peer entity.
• the accessing means may be arranged to retrieve said additional item by receiving said theme from another peer entity.
• the additional item may illustrate any of a group comprising: an article of clothing, accessories, jewellery, footwear, headgear, items of equipment, and sports goods.
• the fashion indicator may be a visual fragrance.
• an apparatus comprising a display arranged to display a display view with a plurality of displayed items; and a theme handler arranged to arrange said display view according to a theme comprising a fashion indicator, wherein the arrangement of said display view comprises provision of a visual effect illustrating said fashion indicator.
• the items may be basic items, and the apparatus may further comprise an accessing means arranged to retrieve an additional item, wherein said additional item comprises said fashion indicator, and said theme handler comprises a processor for controlling said display and accessing means, wherein said processor is arranged to provide control such that a visual effect comprising said additional item is fitted to at least one of said basic items in said display view.
• the processor may be arranged to provide said visual effect as one or more effect layers among said basic items.
• the processor may be arranged to provide said visual effect according to a predetermined appearing rule.
• the appearing rule may take account to any of a group comprising: a measured temperature, a date, a time, a user interaction, an incoming message, an incoming advertisement, a rendered media item, a position, connection to additional device, communication with certain entity, and an incoming phone call.
• the basic item may be any of the group comprising an icon, a list item, an avatar, a virtual puppet, a menu item, a file item, a symbol, a help function item, a scroll bar, a selection bar, a selection frame, and a status message item.
• the accessing means may be arranged to retrieve said additional items from a fashion indicator boutique.
• the accessing means may comprise transaction means for securely accessing a web store of said fashion indicator boutique.
• the transaction means may enable buying said additional item.
• the accessing means may be arranged to retrieve said additional item as an advertisement from said fashion indicator boutique.
• the apparatus may further comprise input means arranged to receive user input; and an editor arranged to generate said fashion indicator upon and based on said user input.
• the user input may comprise parameters for said visual effects.
• the apparatus may further comprise a transmitter for transmitting said fashion indicator to another peer entity.
• the accessing means may be arranged to retrieve said additional item by receiving said additional item from another peer entity.
• the additional item may illustrate any of a group comprising: an article of clothing, accessories, jewellery, footwear, headgear, items of equipment, and sports goods.
• the fashion indicator may be a visual fragrance.
• the apparatus may be a mobile communication apparatus, a portable digital assistant, a portable media player, a digital camera, or a cell phone.
• a computer-readable medium having computer-executable components comprising instructions for providing a plurality of items on in a display view; determining a theme comprising a fashion indicator; and providing a visual effect associated with said fashion indicator in said display view.
• the computer-readable _piedium may have computer-executable components comprising instructions for retrieving an additional item comprising said fashion indicator; and providing a visual effect wherein said additional item is fitted to at least one of said basic items in said display view.
• the computer-readable medium may further comprise instructions for providing one or more effect layers among said items when providing said visual effect.
• the computer-readable medium may further comprise instructions for making said visual effect appear according to a predetermined appearing rule.
• the computer-readable medium may further comprise instructions for applying said appearing rule upon an interrupt signal depending on a value of any of a group comprising: a measured temperature, a date, a time, a user interaction, an incoming message, an incoming advertisement, a rendered media item, a position, connection to additional device, communication with certain entity, and an incoming phone call.
• a system comprising an apparatus comprising a display arranged to display a display view with a plurality of displayed items; a theme receiver for receiving a theme comprising a fashion indicator; and a theme handler arranged to arrange said display view according to said theme, wherein the arrangement of said display view comprises provision of a visual effect illustrating said fashion indicator; and a fashion indicator server arranged to provide a theme comprising a fashion indicator, wherein said apparatus is arranged to receive said theme from said fashion indicator server.
• the items may be basic items, and the apparatus may further comprise an accessing means arranged to retrieve an additional item, wherein said additional item comprises a fashion indicator; and a processor for controlling said display and accessing means, wherein said theme handler is arranged to provide control such that said visual effect comprising said additional item fitted to at least one of said basic items in said display view.
• the apparatus may be arranged to buy said fashion indicator to receive said fashion indicator from said fashion indicator server.
• the fashion indicator, or the right to access the fashion indicator may be included when buying an associated fashion goods.
• the fashion indicator server may be arranged to provide said additional item as an advertisement to said apparatus.
• the system may be a mobile communication system, and said apparatus may be a mobile communication apparatus.
• Fig. 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method for a user interface
• Fig. 2 is a flow char illustrating provision of the visual effect according to an embodiment of the present invention
• FIG. 3 schematically illustrates functionalities of a user interface
• Fig. 4 schematically shows an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention
• Fig. 5 illustrates a system architecture for managing a system according to an embodiment of the present invention
• Fig. 6 is an exemplary display view
• Fig. 7 illustrates a further example of a display view.
• Fig. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method for a user interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• Fig. 9 is a flow chart illustrating provision of the visual effect according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• Fig. 10 schematically illustrates functionalities of a user interface according to an embodiment of the present invention
• FIG. 11 schematically shows an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention
• Fig. 12 illustrates a system architecture for managing a system according to an embodiment of the present invention
• Fig. 13 is an exemplary display view
• Fig. 14 illustrates a further example of a display view
• Fig. 15 is a flow chart illustrating a method for a user interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• Fig. 16 is a flow chart illustrating provision of the visual effect according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 17 schematically illustrates functionalities of a user interface according to an embodiment of the present invention
• 5 Fig. 18 schematically shows an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention
• Fig. 19 is another exemplary display view.
• Fig. 20 is a further exemplary display view. QDetailed description of preferred embodiments
• Fig. 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method for a user interface. Items, such as icons, short cuts, list items, etc., are provided 100 in a display view, as will be exemplified with reference to Fig. 6. A theme is also determined 102. Themes are here considered as a recurring contribution to the display view, which contribution is recurring although the display view is changed, e.g. during browsing a menu. Item provision 100 and theme determination 102 can be performed in any order, or in parallel. Then, a visual effect is provided 104 in said display view. The visual effect can be an illustration of a fragrance, as will be exemplified with reference to Figs 6 and 7.
• the theme is acquired 106, if not already present, to be able to determine parameters from the theme on the visual effects.
• the parameters can define images, add-ons to existing images, image effects, etc.
• the acquiring can be performed by buying the theme from a theme provider.
• the theme can be acquired upon buying a perfume, e.g. as a special offer, or be acquired as a commercial advertisement for a perfume.
• the theme can also be received from another peer entity, e.g. in a message.
• the theme can also be composed by a user.
• the theme can be sent 108 to a recipient, e.g. as an add-on feature to a message. This provides for sending a message that is an electronic equivalent to a scented letter.
• Fig. 2 is a flow char illustrating provision of the visual effect according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• the visual effect appears 200 on the display view, then it is displayed 202 for a predetermined time, and then, optionally, it disappears 204 from the display view.
• This can be controlled by the parameters for the theme, which can comprise rules for the effect on how the effect will appear in the display view, for how long time it is to be shown, and how the visual effect is to disappear, if it should, from the display view.
• the appearing 200 can be in form of a spraying, painting, drawing, fuming, exploding, burning, raining, snowing, growing, etc. effect, where e.g. an image representing a perfume package grows out of the background, and drops representing the perfume is applied with a spraying effect as drops on items in the display view, and the visual effect disappears after a while by the perfume package melts down into the background and the drops vaporises.
• Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a user interface Ul comprising a display 300 and a theme handler 302.
• the display 300 is arranged to display a display view.
• the theme handler 302 is arranged to provide additional visual effects to the display view according to a theme.
• the effects can be provided in a separate effect layer, which is provided over items presented in the display view, or in the background of the items.
• the term 'layer' should be construed broadly when considering a three-dimensional user interface, where the effect layer also can be three-dimensional.
• the theme handler 302 can optionally be arranged to acquire a theme, from which the theme handler 302 determines parameters on the visual effects.
• the user interface Ul can further comprise input means 304, such as a key pad, a touch screen, a rotatable dial, one or more navigation and soft keys, application specific keys, etc., arranged to enable a user to provide a user input.
• An optional theme composer 306 can be provided with user inputs from the input means 304 to enable a user to create a theme upon interaction with the user interface Ul.
• the user interface can be arranged to enable transmission of a theme to another peer entity (not shown).
• the peer entity can comprise a similar apparatus as the one holding the user interface Ul.
• Fig. 4 shows an apparatus 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• the apparatus 400 can comprise a user interface similar, to the one described with reference to Fig. 3.
• the apparatus 400 comprises a display 402, a theme handler 404, and a user input 406, and optionally a theme composer 408, a transmitter 410, and a receiver 412.
• the display 402 is arranged to display a display view with one or more items, such as normally occurring Ul components as icons, scroll bars, list items, etc.
• the theme handler 404 is arranged to provide additional visual effects to the display view according to a theme.
• the effects can be provided in a separate effect layer, which is provided over items presented in the display view, or in the background of the items, or the effects can be three- dimensional, i.e. present in any plane with regard to the items.
• the user input 406 can optionally be used for acquiring a user configured theme by the theme composer 408.
• the theme can optionally be received by the receiver 412.
• the theme can optionally also be transmitted by the transmitter 410 to another apparatus, such as directly to a peer entity, to a communication system component, or via a communication system component to a peer entity.
• a system architecture for managing a system 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 5.
• a Home Location Register (HLR) 502 contains a database (not shown) including relevant subscriber information for provision of telecommunication service.
• a CCITT specified network 504 interconnects the individual parts of the system 500.
• a fashion indicator (Fl) gateway 506 is a switching unit routing a message or a call to a mobile communication apparatus 508-512. The fashion indicator can be a visual fragrance.
• An Fl Service Center 514 (FISC) and the VF gateway 506 handles and routes the Fl's between the FISC 514 and the network 504.
• FISC Fl Service Center 514
• VF gateway 506 handles and routes the Fl's between the FISC 514 and the network 504.
• the Fl messages are routed to the mobile communication apparatuses 508-512 via a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) 516 to a Base Station Controller (BSC) 517 and a Base Transceiver Station (BTS) 520, 521 , or a Radio Network Controller (RNC) 518 and a Node B 522.
• MSC Mobile Switching Center
• BSC Base Station Controller
• BTS Base Transceiver Station
• RNC Radio Network Controller
• the Fl messages are routed to the mobile communication apparatuses 508-512 via a Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) 526, 528 to the BSC 517 and the BTS 520, 521 , or the RNC 518 and the Node B 522, respectively.
• the BTS 520, 521 or the Node B 522 establish the air connection to the mobile communication apparatuses 508-512.
• a network operator or other third party company handling a fashion indicator server 524 could offer a fashion indicator sharing function between persons not knowing each other.
• a network operator may have a fashion indicator server 524 supporting a feature where the user may send a fashion indicator request from his mobile communication apparatus 508-512 to the fashion indicator server 524 by using a special phone number.
• This fashion indicator server 524 automatically places people sending a similar request message to the fashion indicator server 524 into "fragrance groups" or "scent rooms”.
• the fashion indicator server 524 Whenever a user, being part of such a group, sends a message to the fashion indicator server 524, the fashion indicator server 524 adds the fragrance message 'on top 1 of the previous communication in the group and forwards the up-dated information in an VF message to all the other persons in the group.
• the fashion indicator server 524 is responsible for the distribution of the VF messages and the distribution lists.
• the system can also be used for advertising brands, wine makers, night club memberships etc. by providing fashion indicators.
• the fashion indicator can for example be a visual fragrance, where adverts or offers on virtual fragrances and/or corresponding perfumes are provided, e.g. by push messages.
• Fig. 6 is an exemplary display view 600 for illustrating provided effects of the present invention.
• status data such as signal strength, battery status, active options, time of day, etc.
• options associated with soft keys can be displayed.
• this is just illustrative examples not being vital for the present invention, but illustrated for giving an exemplary environment for the invention.
• an area 606 for presenting information to a user one or more items 608 are displayed.
• a menu header, nine menu items, and a scroll bar is presented.
• One of the menu items is surrounded by a marking indicating a navigation position, which can be controlled by input means of the user interface.
• the display view 600 further comprises a visual effect layer illustrating a visual fragrance in form of scent bubbles 610.
• Fig. 7 illustrates a further example of a display view 700 having similar display items as illustrated in Fig. 6, but with a visual effect layer illustrating the visual fragrance 702 vaporising.
• Fig. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method for a user interface.
• Items such as icons, short cuts, list items, etc.
• Items are provided 800 in a display view, as will be exemplified with reference to Fig. 13 an additional item is retrieved 802.
• Themes are here considered as a recurring contribution to the display view, which contribution is recurring although the display view is changed, e.g. during browsing a menu.
• Item provision 800 and retrieval 802 of additional item can be performed in any order, or in parallel.
• a visual effect is provided 804 in said display view.
• the visual effect can be an illustration of an article of clothing, accessories, jewellery, footwear, headgear, items of equipment, or sports goods, as will be exemplified with reference to Figs 13 and 14.
• the additional item is received 806, if not already present, to be able to determine parameters about the visual effects.
• the parameters can define images, add-ons to existing images, image effects, etc.
• the reception 806 can be performed by buying the additional item from a provider or additional items, such as a fashion boutique, which can be a web store providing additional items comprising fashion indicators.
• the additional item can be received upon buying e.g. an article of clothing, e.g. as a special offer, or be acquired as a commercial advertisement for the article of clothing.
• the additional item can also be received from another peer entity, e.g. in a message.
• the additional item can also be composed by a user.
• the additional item can be sent 808 to a recipient, e.g. as an add-on feature to a message.
• Fig. 9 is a flow chart illustrating provision of the visual effect according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• a rule for viewing the visual effect is to be satisfied 900, e.g. a certain date, time, temperature, position, connection to additional device, communication with certain entity, etc., and then the visual effect appear 902 on the display view.
• it is displayed for a predetermined time, and then, optionally, it disappears from the display view, or remains until a user decides to remove the effect by user interaction. All this can be controlled by the parameters for the additional item, which can comprise rules for when or how the effect will appear in the display view, for how long time it is to be shown, and how the visual effect is to disappear, if it should, from the display view.
• the appearing 902 can be in form of an animation, e.g. the basic items are getting dressed by the additional items, and the visual effect can disappear in form of an animation, e.g. the basic items are undressed.
• Fig. 10 schematically illustrates a user interface Ul comprising a display 1000 and an accessing means 1002.
• the display 1000 is arranged to display a display view.
• the accessing means 1002 is arranged retrieve additional items such that the user interface Ul can provide additional visual effects where the display view comprises basic items together with the additional items.
• the effects can be provided in one or more separate effect layers, which is provided over/under the basic items presented in the display view, i.e. in the background and the foreground, whichever is appropriate for the additional items, of the basic items.
• the term 'layer' should be construed broadly when considering a three-dimensional user interface, where the effect layers also can be three-dimensional.
• the user interface Ul can further comprise input means 1004, such as a key pad, a touch screen, a rotatable dial, one or more navigation and soft keys, application specific keys, etc., arranged to enable a user to provide a user input.
• input means 1004 such as a key pad, a touch screen, a rotatable dial, one or more navigation and soft keys, application specific keys, etc.
• An optional composer 1006 for additional items can be provided with user inputs from the input means 1004 to enable a user to create an additional item upon interaction with the user interface Ul.
• the user interface Ul can be arranged to enable transmission of an additional item to another peer entity (not shown).
• the peer entity can comprise a similar apparatus as the one holding the user interface Ul.
• An example is two mobile phones, wherein one of them sends an additional item to the other.
• the method can further comprise enabling a user to re-fit the additional item on said basic item, or on another basic item.
• Changing to new additional item can be provided by presenting a plurality of alternative additional items to a user upon user interaction, wherein selection of an alternative additional item is enabled.
• Replacing the additional item can be provided by enabling a user to make individual items by selecting one or more additional items through a graphical user interface of the user interface Ul by browsing, clicking, marking, or navigating among potential additional items for replacement.
• the user may access an archive, locally or remotely, to acquire the additional item, which is similar to the procedure for changing to a new additional item.
• Rearranging the additional item can comprise selecting the additional item to be rearranged in a similar way of selecting as has been demonstrated above, and then change size, location, and/or shape of the selected additional item.
• the additional item can be dynamically adjusted to the basic item upon user interaction, e.g. by changing size, location, and/or shape to fit to another basic item to which the user moves the additional item.
• Fig. 11 shows an apparatus 1100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• the apparatus 1100 can comprise a user interface similar to the one described with reference to Fig. 3.
• the apparatus 1100 comprises a display 1102, a processor 1103, and an accessing means 1104, and optionally a user input 1106, a theme composer 1108, a transmitter 1110, and a receiver 1112.
• the display 1102 is arranged to display a display view with one or more basic items, such as normally occurring Ul components as icons, scroll bars, list items, etc.
• the accessing means 1104 is arranged to retrieve additional visual effects to the display view, i.e. additional items comprising fashion indicators.
• the effects can be provided in one or more separate effect layers, which is provided over/under items presented in the display view, i.e. in the background and/or the foreground of the basic items, or the effects can be three-dimensional, i.e. present in any plane with regard to the basic items.
• the processor 1103 controls the display 1102 and the accessing means 1104 to provide the visual effects such that the additional item is fitted to at least one of the basic items in the display view.
• the processor 1103 preferably achieves this by executing a computer program, which will be further discussed below.
• the processor optionally controls the user input 1106, the item composer 1108, the transmitter 1110, and the receiver 1112.
• the user input 1106 can optionally be used for editing or creating a user configured additional item by the composer 1108 for additional items.
• the additional item can optionally be received by the receiver 1112.
• the additional item can optionally also be transmitted by the transmitter 1110 to another apparatus, such as directly to a peer entity, to a communication system component, or via a communication system component to a peer entity.
• a system architecture for managing a system 1200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 12.
• a Home Location Register (HLR) 1202 contains a database (not shown) including relevant subscriber information for provision of telecommunication service.
• a CCITT specified network 1204 interconnects the individual parts of the system 1200.
• a fashion indicator (Fl) gateway 1206 is a switching unit routing a message or a call to a mobile communication apparatus 1208-1212.
• the additional item comprising a fashion indicator can be an illustration of an article of clothing, accessories, jewellery, footwear, headgear, items of equipment, or sports goods. It can also be a visual fragrance.
• An Fl Service Centre 1214 (FISC) and the VF gateway 1206 handles and routes the Fl's between the FISC 1214 and the network 1204.
• the Fl messages are routed to the mobile communication apparatuses 1208-1212 via a Mobile Switching Centre (MSC) 1216 to a Base Station Controller (BSC) 1217 and a Base Transceiver Station (BTS) 1220, 1221 , or a Radio Network Controller (RNC) 1218 and a Node B 1222.
• MSC Mobile Switching Centre
• BSC Base Station Controller
• BTS Base Transceiver Station
• RNC Radio Network Controller
• the Fl messages are routed to the mobile communication apparatuses 1208-1212 via a Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) 1226, 1228 to the BSC 1217 and the BTS 1220, 1221 , or the RNC 1218 and the Node B 1222, respectively.
• SGSN Serving GPRS Support Node
• the BTS 1220, 1221 or the Node B 1222 establish the air connection to the mobile communication apparatuses 1208-1212.
• a network operator or other third party company handling a fashion indicator server 1224 could offer a fashion indicator sharing function between persons not knowing each other.
• a network operator may have a fashion indicator server 1224 supporting a feature where the user may send a fashion indicator request from his mobile communication apparatus 1208-1212 to the fashion indicator server 1224 by using a special phone number.
• This fashion indicator server 1224 automatically places people sending a similar request message to the fashion indicator server 1224 into "fashion indicator groups", "parfumeries", or "fitting cubicles”.
• the fashion indicator server 1224 adds the fashion indicator message 'on top' of the previous communication in the group and forwards the up-dated information in an VF message to all the other persons in the group.
• the fashion indicator server 1224 is responsible for the distribution of the VF messages and the distribution lists.
• the system can also be used for advertising brands, sports gear, night club memberships, sport teams, stars, etc. by providing fashion indicators.
• the fashion indicator can for example be illustration of a garment, where adverts or offers on additional items for use in a user interface and/or corresponding garment are provided, e.g. by push messages.
• a scenario can be the system detecting a user and its apparatus being in a certain position, which is associated to e.g. a boutique. Then, the system can communicate an alert to the apparatus, wherein the alert indicates to the user that a fashion indicator is available at the nearby boutique. Upon receiving the fashion indicator, the user may also see a piece of fashion goods in the boutique associated with the fashion indicator. Thus, a favourable way of advertising is provided by first promoting the fashion indicator, and then promoting the associated fashion goods.
• Fig. 13 is an exemplary display view 1300 for illustrating provided effects of the present invention. On top 1302 of the display view, status data, such as signal strength, battery status, active options, time of day, etc. can be displayed.
• buttons associated with soft keys can be displayed.
• this is just illustrative examples not being vital for the present invention, but illustrated for giving an exemplary environment for the invention.
• one or more basic items 1308 are displayed in an area 1306 for presenting information to a user.
• a menu header, and eight menu items are presented.
• One of the menu items is surrounded by a marking indicating a navigation position, which can be controlled by input means of the user interface.
• the display view 1300 further comprises a visual effect layer illustrating a additional items 1310, 1312 in form of a skirt 1310 fitted on one of the basic items, and a bow 1312 on another one of the basic items.
• both the additional fashion indicators hold a brand indicator 1314, which for example is suitable in the case of promoting the brand by advertising, or for indicating that even the items, here the icons, are wearing clothes with a fashionable brand.
• Fig. 14 illustrates a further example of a display view 1400 having similar display items as illustrated in Fig. 13, but with a visual effect layer illustrating the basic items dressed in knitwear 1402.
• Fig 15. is a flow chart illustrating a method for a user interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• Items such as icons, short cuts, list items, etc.
• a theme is also determined 1502. Themes are here considered as a recurring contribution to the display view, which contribution is recurring although the display view is changed, e.g. during browsing a menu.
• Item provision 1500 and theme determination 1502 can be performed in any order, or in parallel.
• a visual effect is provided 1504 in said display view.
• the visual effect can be an illustration of a fragrance, as will be exemplified with reference to Figs 19 and 20.
• the theme is acquired 1506, if not already present, to be able to determine parameters from the theme on the visual effects.
• the parameters can define images, add-ons to existing images, image effects, etc.
• the acquiring can be performed by buying the theme from a theme provider.
• the theme can be acquired upon buying a perfume, e.g. as a special offer, or be acquired as a commercial advertisement for a perfume.
• the theme can also be received from another peer entity, e.g. in a message.
• the theme can also be composed by a user.
• the theme can be sent 1508 to a recipient, e.g. as an addon feature to a message.
• a recipient e.g. as an addon feature to a message.
• This provides for sending a message that is an electronic equivalent to a scented letter.
• Fig. 16 is a flow chart illustrating provision of the visual effect according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• the visual effect appear 1600 on the display view, then it is displayed 1602 for a predetermined time, and then, optionally, it disappears 1604 from the display view.
• This can be controlled by the parameters for the theme, which can comprise rules for the effect on how the effect will appear in the display view, for how long time it is to be shown, and how the visual effect is to disappear, if it should, from the display view.
• the appearing 1600 can be in form of a spraying, painting, drawing, fuming, exploding, burning, raining, snowing, growing, etc. effect, where e.g.
• FIG. 17 schematically illustrates a user interface Ul comprising a display 1700 and a theme handler 1702.
• the display 1700 is arranged to display a display view.
• the theme handler 1702 is arranged to provide additional visual effects to the display view according to a theme. The effects can be provided in a separate effect layer, which is provided over items presented in the display view, or in the background of the items.
• the theme handler 1702 can optionally be arranged to acquire a theme, from which the theme handler 1702 determines parameters on the visual effects.
• the user interface Ul can further comprise input means 1704, such as a key pad, a touch screen, a rotatable dial, one or more navigation and soft keys, application specific keys, etc., arranged to enable a user to provide a user input.
• input means 1704 such as a key pad, a touch screen, a rotatable dial, one or more navigation and soft keys, application specific keys, etc.
• An optional theme composer 1706 can be provided with user inputs from the input means 1704 to enable a user to create a theme upon interaction with the user interface Ul.
• the user interface can be arranged to enable transmission of a theme to another peer entity (not shown).
• the peer entity can comprise a similar apparatus as the one holding the user interface Ul.
• Fig. 18 shows an apparatus 1800 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• the apparatus 1800 can comprise a user interface similar to the one described with reference to Fig. 10 or 17.
• the apparatus 1800 comprises a display 1802, a theme handler 1804, and a user input 1806, and optionally a theme composer 1808, a transmitter 1810, and a receiver 1812.
• the display 1802 is arranged to display a display view with one or more items, such as normally occurring Ul components as icons, scroll bars, list items, etc.
• the theme handler 1804 is arranged to provide additional visual effects to the display view according to a theme.
• the effects can be provided in a separate effect layer, which is provided over items presented in the display view, or in the background of the items, or the effects can be three-dimensional, i.e. present in any plane with regard to the items.
• the user input 1806 can optionally be used for acquiring a user configured theme by the theme composer 1808.
• the theme can optionally be received by the receiver 1812.
• the theme can optionally also be transmitted by the transmitter 1810 to another apparatus, such as directly to a peer entity, to a communication system component, or via a communication system component to a peer entity.

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• 2007
  • 2007-10-02 EP EP07825241A patent/EP2069896A2/en not_active Withdrawn
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  • 2007-10-02 WO PCT/IB2007/002897 patent/WO2008041096A2/en active Application Filing

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